#Manila in the time of covid

[southeastasianists]

The Quiapo district of Manila is located just outside the walled city of Intramuros. It became a natural extension when the city was expanding during the Spanish colonial times, and it was the address of choice for the well-heeled Filipino mestizo families, especially at Hidalgo Street, where rows of bahay na bato (house of stone) competed against each other in terms of grandeur and size. Many of these houses now lie in various states of decay. But the most prominent one, the century-old Bahay Nakpil-Bautista (Nakpil-Bautista House) still stands.

Built in 1914 by Arcadio Arellano for Dr. Ariston Bautista and his wife Petrona Nakpil, the house sat on two lots with a total area of 500 square meters (5,400 square feet). It's a typical style for its period—two stories, with the lower story serving as the zaguan, or parking area for horse-drawn carriages. The stones on the ground floor came from Mexico, and a few pieces of colorful tiles before the stairs came from Spain.

A short set of stairs leads to an elevated sala (living room), a room that serves as a workshop, and a bedroom. The lower story is made of stone and wood. A main stairway brings you to the second story, where the main hall is located to the right and the kitchen and dining area to the left. On both wings are several rooms for the many inhabitants of the house. Large windows in the living room provide a free-flowing circulation of air throughout the house—there were no air conditioning units at the time this house was built.

Several key figures in Philippine history have lived in the Nakpil-Bautista House. Dr. Ariston Bautista, who commissioned the house, was one of the first professors at the University of the Philippines and also invented a medicine to combat cholera. The legendary Gregoria de Jesus, widow of Andres Bonifacio, who founded the revolutionary armed Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) was a leading figure of the women's arm of the organization. After Bonifacio died, she married the musician Julio Nakpil.

The house survived the Japanese bombing in World War II, which damaged 70 percent of Manila. The Nakpil-Bautista family moved out of the house in the 1960s. It has since been used as a community center, a museum, and a classroom for children from the surrounding area during the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum showcases the history of Quiapo, the Nakpil-Bautista family, and the Philippine Revolution.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the house a cultural property on August 25, 2011. Besides the historical value of the house, it is worth visiting as a perfect representation of the architectural style prevailing during the Spanish colonial period and the early 19th century. 

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

I recommend anons start saving for Taylor now! I think the soonest she tours is 2027, though I’m more confident in 2028. Consider the price of tickets, potential flights, hotels, food/drink, merch, other transportation for when you arrive, and any special outfits.

Touring takes an immense amount of planning and rehearsing, and I don’t think Taylor will do a show shorter than 2 hrs and 45 minutes. I knew either Taylor or Beyonce was coming to my city in late November of 2021 (for spring/summer 2023) because my uncle knows a guy. So I sort of assume venues are booked 8-18 months in advance. Not only does she have to book the venue, she has to be in compliance with the law (some songs are censored in places), make sure the infrastructure to accommodate the show, and have event insurance. Then she has to pick and organize the setlist, build the stage, and then rehearse the show.

Separately, I think she’ll go to Seoul and Manila when she tours (both places didn’t have a venue ready for her stage). I would love to see her go to India. I also see less Europe dates, or Europe dates allocated differently. She seemed to love the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese crowds (based on surprise song selection and loudness) and was less enthused by Amsterdam and Zurich. I’m American and will make it a priority to see a show in Europe when she tours next.

I recommend joining Swiftie groups on Facebook and finding ways to make IRL Swiftie friends, as that is the best way to get face value tickets.

I started a savings account with automatic withdrawals from my chequing account earmarked specifically for her next tour just as Eras was coming to a close 😂 Selfishly I hope she takes several years before her next tour so my account has time to grow lol.

But yes, it’s pretty industry standard for tours to be planned close to two years ahead of time given the logistics of booking venues etc.

Also realize that it’s going to be a shit show getting tickets no matter the city. That’s the unfortunate reality and the only salve of sorts is to be flexible about your location and dates if you’re able to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if I never get another chance to go to a Taylor concert and that Eras was my last shot tbh and I’ve long accepted that, which is why I made the most of it. That being said, the city I ended up getting tickets to was never on my radar as a destination, and I ended up building a trip of a lifetime around it, so silver lining?

(And yes I realize this is privileged, and I don’t take it for granted. And I also feel the frustration of locals who have to fight to get tickets to their city/country with foreigners and it’s just a shitty situation all around, especially for areas that don’t often get big names. I never even made the waitlist let alone get tickets for her shows in my country. And I think the reality of Taylor touring now is that there aren’t really any “local” shows anymore— it’s going to be a bloodbath of getting a code to whatever city you get off the waitlist for sadly. It’s a post-Covid reality for most big names it seems because I’ve missed out on or had to buy resale for several artists in the last two years in my area, which was never the case before.)

Also a reminder, if Eras was any indication, that there are no bad seats at a Taylor show. I saw my first show from the pit and (mostly) had a blast. Then the last-minute surprise show I got to go to later on was from the nosebleeds just a few rows from the very back of the stadium, and it was also incredible and a completely different perspective. The set design is sublime.

I’m not in the business of predicting where she’ll go next tour! I imagine as always some cities that performed less well (relatively speaking because every show was sold out) or were more of a hassle logistically will get cut, and some new destinations will be added of logistics allow. (I would expect more dates in Asia/Oceania personally.)

[she-karev]

First Day Back (Japril Imagine)

Age Rating: 12+

Chapters: One of Five

Fandom: Grey’s Anatomy

Ship: Jackson Avery x April Kepner

Canon Episode: Season 17 Episode 6

Summary: April goes back to work at Grey Sloan and has an awkward interaction with Amber after their fight. She later talks to Jackson about their fight but leaves before revealing more.

AN: Hey guys so I’m sick that’s why I haven’t posted all week but I’m about to give you guys some Japril content where things really start to get interesting, like and reblog below and let me know what you think.

Words: 1632

April 29th, 2020

April Kepner stands in front of the elevator of the Grey Sloan lobby feeling nervous about her first night back as a trauma surgeon. Normally she would be doing work at the clinic but since they added 20 locum tenens to their staff April isn’t needed as much and her schedule has been cut in half.

Feeling like she could fill that time in by helping more people during this crisis she called Catherine about coming back to Grey Sloan part time and she and Bailey were all for it needing all the help they can get. And being here and seeing all the changes that they’ve been forced to make has April feeling bad for leaving at all. At the very least she can help out and lessen the load even a little bit and maybe save a life or two. Also she can take supplies for her clinic so her homeless patients can be protected. Anything to distract herself from the manila envelope inside her purse that she’s carrying.

Yesterday a courier gave her an envelope with divorce papers inside with her exes Matthew Taylor’s signature already on the dotted line. April has come to understand since her first divorce that the topic isn’t such a big deal but still having to sign your second divorce papers brings an unsettling feeling in her stomach. It’s not the divorce that upsets her but rather her own reaction to it…and her lingering thoughts about Jackson since they kissed two weeks ago.

When it happened, Jackson was upset that Amber was positive with covid and April was comforting him with a hug. It escalated when he kissed her and she reacted by instinct, like it was something she never forgot how to do. But then she stepped back knowing Jackson would be conflicted about it and told him it was a stupid mistake so she could save herself from the pain again.

Except now that pain is still there and a longing for Jackson Avery that never went away even when she married Matthew. Even with their cordial interactions the last two years April can’t help but feel that she and Jackson circle around each other like gravity. And she isn’t sure if she should fight it again to save herself from the pain or give in and possibly have a better outcome with Jackson than last time.

“Hey.” April looks to her left to see Amber Karev standing six feet away in her baby blue scrubs, N95 mask and face shield. Her tone from the hey is polite and makes April guess her friend is trying to tread lightly after their argument three nights ago where they both said hurtful things to each other.

“Hey.” April greets back with a curt nod, “I haven’t seen you around the apartment the last few days, are you working late?”

“No it’s my first day back actually. I’m staying at a hotel for now.” Amber explains to April who nods, “I’m trying to keep a tiny bubble after quarantine, and I don’t want to risk exposing Harriet so I’m looking for a new place right now.”

April thinks to herself if Amber having covid is warranting this move or their fight but Amber doesn’t notice as she asks, “Anyways what are you doing here? Do you have a patient here?”

“Um not yet. It’s my first day back, I’m coming back part time.”

Amber’s eyes widen at this news, “Oh, Jackson did not tell me this so this is a very big surprise.”

“Yeah it just happened, I wanted to help out since the clinic has more doctors and if I did nothing I would kick myself.”

“So, are you back in the OR?”

April groans at that, “No I wish, I’m gonna help out in the pit and manage the overflow. One minute back and I feel like I’m back in Iraq only there’s no one shooting at me.”

“It’s how it always feels.” Amber states gloomy before the elevator doors open with a ding.

“Stop that train!” The women look to see Jackson yelling as he power walks to them outside the elevator. He is in his casual clothes having come to start his shift as well.

“Dramatic much?” Amber chuckles.

“It’s from a movie.” Jackson explains to Amber who looks confused, “The Dresser? 1983? Albert Finney? You’re doing this on purpose aren’t you.”

“Dude as far as I’m concerned the world began the day I was born, you going?”

“Uh no, I’ll let you guys go and I’ll get the next one.” Jackson offers to the women who both look uncomfortable at using a small space together.

Amber clears her throat behind her mask, “Um you know what I am gonna take the stairs it’s probably safer anyway I’ll see you later bye.”

April nods at that slightly hurt as Amber walks away from them. She walks inside the elevator with Jackson who saw the exchange that sparks his curiosity.

April sighs and explains while the doors close, “We had a little…thing a tiff the night she came back. It’s fine were fine.”

April and Amber's Fight Here

“She took the stairs and you’re not talking to each other?” Jackson points out in worry, “At least tell me this isn’t the part where I have to take sides because both of you scare me, and I don’t want my head on a platter.”

April chuckles, “No we were talking, that was talking, it’s fine we’re fine.”

“That is a lot of fines.” Jackson observes in amusement, “What were you guys fighting about anyway?”

April groans and recaps to her ex, “I called her out for sleeping with DeLuca the night before and already plotting on breaking his heart. I might have overreacted because of my own issues concerning mixed signals and called her selfish which I feel bad about, so I don’t need you to do that for me thank you. I want to apologize but she said some things too and I’m mad as well and want her to apologize first. It’s a vicious cycle and now we’re barely acknowledging each other and talking when we need to so…it’s a great first day back.”

Jackson is shocked by this and closes his eyes to process, “Amber slept with DeLuca?”

April raises an eyebrow at that and the doors open in front of them with a ding, “That’s the only thing you got from me?”

They both walk out and head to the attendings lounge side by side six feet apart, “No I got the rest it’s just that hearing my best friend sleeping with her ex while in quarantine is something I’m trying to process first and then the rest.”

“Yeah I know how you feel about him.” April says understanding, “And I know he hurt her but he’s had a hard year. And he apologized for it repeatedly. I’ve been where he’s at when the person you love doesn’t want anything beyond a one-night stand only it’s not a one night if you live and work together. And seeing that person and knowing they are never gonna be all in is torture and in this time, it will make DeLuca hit a breaking point again.”

April exhales frustrated and sees Jackson looking at her knowingly with a raised eyebrow, “Yeah I might have projected my own feelings onto her situation.”

“Might have?” Jackson asks with a grin, “I’ll give you this you had a fight with Amber and walked away with all of your teeth you might be the first.”

“Well DeLuca is first actually.” April tells him, “And I know you’re on her side, not against me but on her conflicting feelings for DeLuca. I know your probably disappointed in her for going back to him and it’s another thing she’s gonna hold over me.”

Jackson sighs opening the lounge door for April and they both enter the empty room. Jackson takes his mask off that he looks at in his hands with thought while April looks at him waiting for his response.

“A few weeks ago, I would march right up to DeLuca and tell him he doesn’t have a shot in hell with her even after that night…but things changed.” April looks surprised by this change in heart concerning DeLuca and Amber, “You know he was there for her the whole time she was sick? He brought her food, he coordinated with the nurses, and she didn’t call security on him when he visited which is a big sign that she didn’t sleep with him out of desperation. I uh…I think if given the chance he might not screw things up with her again.”

April nods supporting this and supporting DeLuca’s attempts to get back on Amber’s good side. She wonders if Amber was right that night about Jackson being reluctant to trust her like she is reluctant to trust DeLuca. She wonders if her actions five years ago had the same effect on Jackson as DeLuca’s had on Amber a few months ago. Her thought train stops as Jackson continues.

“I’ll deny ever having said that, especially to Alex.” Jackson states with a grin, “So what did Amber say to make you upset with her anyway?”

April inhales as she dreads hashing up that part of the night especially to Jackson, luckily her phone beeps.

“Um I gotta go my shift is about to start but we’ll talk later.”

Jackson nods, “Yeah I should get ready too, I’ll come down to the pit and see how you are.”

“Thanks.” April grabs her scrubs in the cubby and goes to the bathroom to change leaving Jackson to wonder why she suddenly changed the subject. He suspects whatever Amber told her the night they fought had to do with him.

Next Part Here

[beardedmrbean]

During the height of the pandemic, the founder of a city-funded nonprofit aiding people released from jail allegedly took $2.5 million in cash kickbacks, plus other gifts, including home and luxury car loan payments to funnel tens of millions in public funds to two corrupt businesspeople, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn charged Thursday.

Julio Medina, the executive director and founder of Exodus Transitional Community, solicited and accepted the cash and gifts from hotel executive Weihong Hu, an associate of Mayor Adams’ former aide Winnie Greco, and security company president Christopher Dantzler.

In exchange, Medina funneled to them about $51 million in city contracts meant to provide housing and other services to people released from jail during the pandemic, the indictment said.

Photos contained in the indictment show Medina, a former chairperson of the city Board of Correction, allegedly accepting an envelope of cash from Hu at one of the hotels used to house people released from jail during the pandemic.

The nonprofit received roughly $122 million through the emergency housing program overseen by the city, the indictment said. Under the program, people were released from jail into hotels and given reentry services.

“The defendants’ brazen and illegal kickback scheme stole money from the City of New York that was intended to provide emergency housing and support services during the pandemic,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District John Durham.

“Shamefully, the defendants saw the pandemic as an opportunity to line their pockets with stacks of cash, finance a luxury vehicle, purchase homes and pay off personal debts.”

Medina and Dantzler pleaded not guilty Thursday afternoon. Medina was released on $250,000 bond secured by one of his homes. Dantzler was released on a $750,000 bond. They declined comment, as did their lawyers.

Hu also pleaded not guilty and was released on $20 million bond, to be secured by two properties and two suretors, to be identified by Feb. 27. She offered no comment on the way out of court.

Hu’s lawyer Benjamin Brafman, in a statement, told The News, “In my opinion, Ms. Hu is a victim not a co- conspirator.”

Prosecutors allege the scheme began as early as April 2020 as the pandemic forced citywide shutdowns and led Mayor de Blasio to order the release of hundreds of detainees from the city’s jails, driving the system’s population to below 4,000 for the first time in memory.

The scheme continued for the next four years, with regular, surreptitious meetings between Medina, Hu and Dantzler to exchange money.

The indictment contains four surveillance photos of Medina meeting with Hu at one of Hu’s two hotels in Queens on Sept. 11, 2020. The images show Hu pulling a stack of cash from her wallet, placing it in a manila envelop and sliding it over to Medina, the indictment said.

Both appear to be wearing Adidas tracksuits. Medina is wearing a New York Yankees baseball cap.

Medina then passed over purported checks from the emergency housing program. Two days later, the indictment said, the checks were deposited in Hu-controlled accounts.

Prosecutors said Dantzler’s security company, which was paid $21 million, did not actually provide security. Instead, he enlisted subcontractors, paying them a total of $12 million. He pocketed the remaining $9 million.

City Investigations Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber credited the Mayor’s Office of Risk Management and Compliance for referring questionable payments it found to DOI, sparking the investigation that led to the indictment.

Between August 2021 and September 2021, Dantzler allegedly paid $75,000 to pay off debts owed by Medina and family members, including a mortgage and a car loan.

In November 2021, Hu used one of her businesses to finance a luxury car for Medina worth $107,000. She then made monthly payments of more than $50,000, the indictment said.

In May 2023, Dantzler paid $750,000 to buy and renovate a home for Media upstate in Clifton Park, the indictment said.

In return, Medina submitted fraudulently inflated budgets to obtain multiple contracts through the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, which was overseeing the housing program. The contracts were inflated to account for the cost of the bribes and kickbacks paid by Dantzler and Hu, the indictment alleges.

To avoid detection of the scheme, Medina submitted false statements to the city claiming no one in Exodus received any financial benefit from the contracts, the indictment said.

At one point, on May 22, 2023, Medina, worrying the scheme was unraveling, unloaded on one of Hu’s employees in a text message.

“Don’t call me no more. I don’t f—ing trust you!” he ranted. “You know I’m under investigation. You are f—ing with the wrong person!”

Hu’s hotels took in $12 million from Exodus under the housing program, prosecutors said. She also had a catering company which got $17 million in public funds through the program.

One of Hu’s hotels was raided by the feds in November, weeks after the mayor was indicted on corruption charges.

Hu was a major fundraiser for the mayor’s 2021 campaign and has extensive ties to Winnie Greco, a senior adviser to Adams whose homes were also raided by the feds in February 2024.

As first reported by the news outlet The City, Greco at one point lived for free in a taxpayer-funded room at one of Hu’s hotels that was supposed to be reserved for homeless people. Greco resigned from her position in the Adams administration in October 2024.

Some donors who gave to Adams’ 2021 campaign as part of fundraisers hosted by Hu were reportedly reimbursed by her, a practice known as “straw donating” that is illegal.

[purplesurveys]

1936

[sarajade @ bzoink]

What were you doing one hour ago? I was in the car at the parking lot of the mall we were at, waiting for my family to finish shopping. I wasn't in the mood to stroll + besides, it's Halloween weekend so the mall was fucking packed with kids asking for candy and running about...I couldn't handle the energy LOL so I asked permission to go ahead in the car, where I had no problem waiting for them.

Where were your parents born? My dad was born in a province an hour away from Manila; my mom was born within Metro Manila but I'm not giving away the city.

Have you ever used public transportation to get to work? No, I honestly don't know how to commute. I'm not willing to learn until this country gets their shit together and improves our public transport system. I've booked trips to the office via Grab, though, but that's the closest to commuting that I'm willing to do.

What do you miss the most from before Covid times? Honestly...very little. Society is ever so slightly a lot more slow-paced now, which I feel is an effect of the pandemic that we were all successfully able to carry over into the post-pandemic era. People are a lot more conscious about personal space; we're all a lot more cautious whenever we need to cough or sneeze; most offices follow a hybrid set-up except for the few assholes who've implemented a full RTO...things like that.

If anything I only feel regret that I wasn't able to spend all four years of college onsite.

What has been the best thing to happen to you in the past year? Geez, it would be hard to tell. This year felt like a fucking car crash, but I guess it's also my quarter-life crisis in action. Hm...I like that I saw Seventeen, I like that Jin and J-Hope are back from the military, and I like that I was able to travel to Vietnam. Those three I would say have been the highlights of the last 366 days.

Who do you have listed as emergency contacts in your phone? I don't think I have anyone, but in general I usually list my mom.

Are you prone to jealousy? No, I'm pretty nonchalant these days.

How did you get through the lowest point in your life? I drowned myself in work + discovered BTS.

Have you ever been someone's first love? I think so, yeah.

Have you ever played frisbee golf? Not sure what that is so I'll say no. I casually played frisbee in high school, though.

What is your favorite silly, feel-good movie? 13 Going on 30 :) To be fair, the older I get, the more problematic I increasingly find some of its plot elements to be (Jenna tracking down Matty?? Matty cheating???), but I guess I haven't and can't let go of how cute I found it to be at some point.

How old were you when you got your first gaming console, and what kind was it? I never really got gifted 'my own' console because I was never a gamer to begin with, but the first one I had exposure to was the PS1 just because we already had one when I was born.

Who in your family has the coolest job? I really admire my cousin, who's a teaching assistant in economics at our alma mater.

Is cereal technically a soup? Well, no, it's just milk.

Have you found your first gray hairs yet? They come up every now and then but always irregularly.

What is something that drains your energy really quickly? Unreasonable clients, clients who message on the weekend, clients who have sky-high expectations...you get the route I'm headed.

Did you parents teach you how to make a budget before you moved out on your own? They never taught me anything about money. They've just sort of expected to me to learn on my own, which I guess is not wrong but I do wish I got guided just a little bit.

What is your favorite food to put gravy on? Just fried chicken. I'm not so much a fan of gravy...

Do you know anyone from Canada? I've had a couple of friends/family friends move to Canada. It's a fairly popular country for Filipinos.

What's your opinion on astrology? No.

Do you use TikTok? Yeah but only because it makes up a sizeable portion of my work. I'm constantly working with influencers and digital media, so I need to know who's been getting popular/what the trends are.

What do you have going on the rest of the day? I printed out coloring sheets that I'll be filling out. I'm also gonna play a bit of my rhythm game tonight.

[mariacallous]

Fugitive Wirecard COO Jan Marsalek wasn’t just responsible for Germany’s largest financial fraud in history. He was also a decade-long Russian spy.

In the city of Lipetsk, 300 miles south of Moscow, stands a yellow chapel. Somewhat out of place next to a modern mirrored-window building, situated on the lip of a roundabout, the 200 year-old Church of Holy Transfiguration caters to the faithful of a large mining town that dates back to the era of Peter the Great. Inside, Father Konstantin Baiazov performs the customary rites and rituals for his flock. Dark and bearded, with a short, military-style buzz cut, the church’s archpriest’s routine is standard – services twice a day. Father Konstantin inherited the job — and the calling — from his own father, a revered Orthodox priest who, as local legend goes, had challenged the authority of the formidable KGB during Soviet times.

Konstantin, the father of three, used to travel abroad. He liked visiting Europe, and was particularly fond of Rome. However, he has not left Russia since September 2020. Since the fifth of that month, Father Baiazov’s official passport, numbered 763391844, has not belonged to a man of God. Rather, it belongs to someone who wears a different kind of white collar, looks a lot like him, and is the most wanted man in Europe.

For more than four years, Jan Marsalek, the former chief operating officer of the disgraced German financial services company Wirecard, has been living in Russia under this assumed identity, a year-long investigation by The Insider, Der Spiegel, ZDF, and Der Standard has uncovered. Wirecard, the German equivalent to PayPal was once a DAX-30 listed company, one of the wealthiest traded entities on the German stock exchange, with a valuation of $28 billion. Then came June 2020, when, in the midst of an audit, Wirecard could not locate €1.9 billion in assets it claimed were being held somewhere in the world – Russia, the United Arab Emirates or the Philippines. In fact, the money didn’t exist. Wirecard’s worth was predicated on commissions supposedly earned from three companies, Al Alam, Senjo and PayEasy, based in Dubai, Singapore and Manila, respectively. Wirecard money flowed into all three but the only documented flows in reverse existed in the German conglomerate’s imagination. Or, as the now imprisoned former CEO Markus Braun claims, it had been funneled away to a complex web of offshore accounts controlled by his then number two, Jan Marsalek.

Marsalek, the man responsible for overseeing the forging of company records, money-laundering, and extensive espionage and harassment campaigns against the journalists and speculators who exposed the enormity of Wirecard’s graft, fled in a sinuous route from Germany to Austria to Belarus to Moscow on June 19, 2020, at a moment when COVID-19 lockdowns made movement across borders more difficult than usual for ordinary citizens. But Marsalek is not only an internationally accused swindler. He is also an agent of the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence service, and he has been for the last decade. More recently, since his defection to Russia, he has also done jobs for the FSB.

The Insider’s investigation is based mainly on confidential documents, emails, and chat transcripts, as well mobile phone and travel data. Research into Marsalek’s past also included interviews conducted by our consortium partners with people close to the accused. Among these are his mother and his longtime recruiter-handler, whom Der Spiegel met up with in February at a five-star hotel in Dubai.

The never-before-told story of how the Austrian-born “whiz kid” was recruited to Russia’s largest and most notorious spy agency, the GRU, bears all the hallmarks of a genre-bending ham thriller. Sacha Baron Cohen as Bernie Madoff the Bond villain. It is a saga replete with honey traps, MiG fighter jets, erotic models, sinister ex-spooks, even more sinister mercenaries, counterfeit passports, fake priests taking Syphilis tests, and cheap disguises. More ominously, the story also involves surveillance and kidnapping plots, including surveillance targeting a member of the team that investigated Marsalek’s case, Christo Grozev.

[hazygrains]

May 13, 2023

I’m back with another long-overdue post. This day hike trip happened five months ago, on May 13th. It was yet another planned trip arranged by my EG family. My last hike was at Mount Balagbag, and it was still with the same people. This time, they chose Mount Purro Nature Reserve, located in Antipolo, and more people from work joined.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve is a family-run eco-park tucked away in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, near Metro Manila. It is a simple yet distinct sustainable travel destination. It advocates a lifestyle of stewardship, simplicity, and sharing. Moreover, it highlights God, Nature, and People as the true measures of personal and community development. Along with its partner, MPNR Foundation, it pursues the dream of rehabilitating the Upper Marikina Watershed and empowering the communities living within, especially the indigenous Dumagat tribe.

I was really looking forward to this day. They said it was an easy hike, but as someone who is not in the best shape, I would rate this one 8/10 in terms of difficulty. I really struggled. The trail was all muddy, slippery, and steep, as it had been raining for days before. To make things even worse, my thighs were killing me because we had just started our hobby program, Rave Cycle. I could hardly bend my knees, and each step was pure pain. But they said to keep moving to loosen up the stiffness of the muscles, so I pushed myself.

Some of us found the difficulty level too challenging and decided not to continue to the peak (since most of us were first-time hikers), but I, not wanting to miss out on the opportunity, carried on. I was with the last group, the slower hikers, and we took it easy, going at our own pace to reach the top. After a short break on the peak for group photos, we hiked back down to the mini-conference area, our starting point. I was exhausted and starving, but just in time, lunch was served! Thankfully, the food included in our day trip package from Loli's Kitchen was delish!

After our meal and a brief rest, we proceeded to the second part of our day trip: the River Walk. The trek was quite long. To be honest, I felt a bit disappointed as we approached the river. I understand that people live in the area, but I had hoped they would maintain its cleanliness. There was litter everywhere, and the smell was far from pleasant. The mountain hike was beautiful, with no litter in sight, and I wished they'd taken the same care with the river.

Anyway, it was quite a day – another memorable memory with my EG tribe. Too bad we weren't able to meet the Dumagats due to COVID restrictions.

Grateful for the new memories we've made.

[inkycherie]

I have had the most amazing summer. In July, my best friend came to visit. I brought her to Paris (her first time), showed her around my town and other neighbouring cities around Geneva, and we drove to the south of France. I made different meals for everyone to enjoy, danced to the loveliest music, and drank the best wine(s).

The third week of August, I went back to the Philippines. We had a long overdue family reunion. Our uncle from Canada also came to visit with his family, and my cousin who works for months at a cruise ship extended his vacation.

We all flew to Zamboanga del Sur to surprise my grandma and our extended family whom we haven't seen in 13 years ! We spent a week there living the simple life, eating pandesal for breakfast, and singing karaoke kahit brownout.

The first few days of September, I spent back in my hometown. I saw Bowie again. I didn't let any minute pass without cuddling him. Whenever I'm in the PH and everyone else is back home, my sisters and I stay in one bedroom with our parents (and Bowie), chatting away until we all fall asleep. These nights were even more special because we were all cooped up in one room while there was a storm outside. Felt just like the good old days when my sisters and I would spend nights holed up in our parents room trying to pass the time until electricity was back on.

I was also sooo happy to walk around the malls with Christmas music already playing in the background ! We bought surprise presents for our parents. My sisters and I chipped in to buy papa his dream TV, and mama a new iPhone. The rest of my money I spent on groceries, more presents for the fam, pasalubongs for Jon, books, Cheetos, Spicy Century Tuna, Vienna sausages, and Spam. lol

We spent my last week in Manila. Took mama, my sisters, and our aunt on a date - brunch in Wildflour and shopping at Rockwell, and then continued to shop in MOA. I wanted to make dinner for everyone, so I made sinigang na baboy which was perfect for the stormy weather. We had drinks with our cousins before bed (red horse, spicy Oishi, and isaw at bbq).

The next day, I brought my parents to IKEA so I can buy them stuff for the house. I could tell mama was so excited to drive back home so she can start using everything we got. Uncle flew back from Zamboanga later than everyone else so the day after he arrived, he went straight to the condo so we can spend more time with him. We asked him to make lola's bistek Tagalog as he is the only one who can make it exactly the way lola does. I am glad to report that I watched him closely as he was making it - even volunteered to be the sous chef - so I will make it for dinner tomorrow.

The day before my flight, the entire family celebrated my aunt and cousin's birthdays. I made some of my specialty meals, and we ordered a bunch of other food. Of course, there was cake.

I flew back to Switzerland on the 7th. I arrived on Friday at 8 in the morning, unpacked my stuff, ate pancit canton, and fell asleep at 16hr. I woke up at 3am still tired, but I managed to clean up and do all the laundry. I was hanging clothes at the balcony even before the sun was out. I found it hilarious. The rest of the day, I spent on the couch still feeling quite sluggish and brushing off the fact that I was having chills, and my nose wouldn't stop running.

Jon and I went on a quick café date and I couldn't taste the coffee nor the pastry I ordered which I found strange but thought nothing of. We did errands and bought groceries but I started feeling sicker as the hours passed. As soon as we got home, I checked to see if I had covid. The test came out positive. Dinner wasn't much fun. I was much sicker so I couldn't enjoy the food Jon prepared for me - he made me the perfect steak which I couldn't taste hahaha and some soup to make me feel better.

This morning, I woke up at 5am and called my family right away. The symptoms are getting worse, and now I have chills, body pains, and constant headache. I will rest more so I can feel better by tomorrow. I just find this to be a silly end to an incredible summer.

[rekscrtz]

We Go Up

Even on the verge of a pandemic that would close the whole world from each other for two years, I was lucky enough to be able to meet my favorite K-Pop idols in the most special leap day I had in my entire life. Every step of the way of being able to see them was just pure bliss. I had been a fan of theirs for almost two years and being able to see them in person, even from afar in the balcony section of New Frontier Theater, was the cherry on top. And even if one of the members had left already, seeing my ultimate bias and the other five would made me the happiest 14-year-old boy in the world who was able to see the soon-to-be one of the most popular groups in South Korea, NCT DREAM.

In 2016, they debuted as one of the youngest, if not the youngest K-Pop boy groups. NCT DREAM had an age range of 14 years old to 16 years old and debuted as a sub-unit of NCT, SM Entertainment’s most ambitious project yet. A boy group with no limits to their membership, NCT DREAM is the third sub-unit introduced in NCT, the first being NCT U, which debuted in April of that year, and NCT 127, which debuted in July. NCT DREAM was introduced to the world with a graduation system where members would be leaving or “graduating” from the group after they reach the age of 21 in South Korea, and be replaced with new members, keeping the group young and dynamic.

NCT DREAM is composed of 7 members, namely Mark Lee and Lee Haechan, both being members of NCT 127, Huang Renjun, Lee Jeno, Na Jaemin, Zhong Chenle, and Park Jisung. All members come from varied backgrounds. Mark comes all the way from the bustling city of Vancouver, Renjun comes from the humble town of Jilin in Northern China, Chenle from busy Shanghai, and Jeno, Jaemin, Haechan, and Jisung coming from the home of K-Pop itself. The group is renowned, for me at least, for their closely knitted relationship that resembles a brotherhood, which can be attributed to their debuting as young teens, as well as their music, dancing capabilities, etc. From their debut to 2018, they released 3 Mini-Albums and numerous singles all throughout, namely their debut single “Chewing Gum,” following this, NCT DREAM had to resume activities as 6 members without Jaemin as he had to rest because of severe back pain. They released their first mini-album “The First” without Jaemin in February of 2017, with the title track “My First and Last” winning at “The Show” 3 times in a row, making them the first NCT sub-unit to win an award and the youngest K-pop group at the time to win a “triple crown.” Following the success of their previous comeback, they released the mini-album We Young in August 2017, and released their final mini-album as a 7-member group being “We Go Up” in August 2018.

Being the eldest out of the septet, Mark had graduated from the group in January of 2019 when he turned 21 in the Korean age system, joining NCT 127 full time and leaving the 6 remaining. NCT DREAM moved on as a 6-member group, 6Dream as fans would like to call them. They released a collaboration with british artist HRVY in May without Haechan due to his schedule in NCT 127. They had a comeback as 6Dream, releasing another Mini-Album titled “We Boom” in July, which charted well, even better than their previous comeback as 7 members. They then kicked off their first ever world tour, “The Dream Show” in October of that year starting off in Seoul, and going around Asia, including Manila, which I attended. The groups’ four members who were set to graduate in 2020’s graduation had been delayed for the sake of the world tour. The group was set to perform in Singapore in mid-march when the COVID-19 pandemic had broken out around the world. Shops were closing, people were panic-buying for goods in supermarkets, and the world shut down.

But for them, the world kept moving, just slower than usual pace. After a few emotional ments during the world tour where the members talk about the graduation system, the system was abolished in April 2020 and announced that Mark was set to return to the group after one more comeback. 6Dream would release their last Mini-Album as 6 members on April 29 with “Ridin’.” After its release, Ridin’ was in the top 10 on all of South Korea’s streaming charts, even beating out BTS’s “On” immediately following its release. This was the start of their steady rise to fame in South Korea, solidifying their place in the history of K-Pop with their comeback as 7Dream in 2021. They released their first full-length album, “Hot Sauce” on May 10, 2021 with the return of Mark to the group, and this comeback took South Korea by storm, racking up around 1 million copies of the physical album sold within a week, which has not been done before with the exception of BTS. They proceeded to release a repackage album titled “Hello Future” on June 28, another full-length album titled “Glitch Mode” in March of 2022, its repackage “Beatbox” being released in May, a special Christmas mini-album with “Candy,” a remake of the famous song by H.O.T., SM Entertainment’s first boygroup, which also trended in South Korea during the Christmas season. They released the latest full album last July 17, 2023, with the album “ISTJ” with the title track of the same name. NCT DREAM is now one of the most popular groups in South Korea and this success can be attributed to their never-ending hardwork, perseverance, and dedication these past 8 years. They maintained stability even in the hardest times because they got each other to help themselves go up the ladder.

[onenettvchannel]

DEVELOPING STORY: Manila Central Post Office explosion halts new ID Applications for both UMID and Postal IDs

MANILA, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION -- A car battery explosion at the Manila Central Post Office (MCPO) was led to a temporary or indefinite suspension of new ID applications for two widely used identification cards in the Philippines - the Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) and the Philippine Postal ID. The late incident occurred on Sunday (May 21st, 2023 -- Manila local time) causing significant damage to the post office building and disrupting its operations. Several reports by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) indicate that a faulty battery caused the explosion.

In a text message obtained to OneNETnews, the officials of Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) releases a disclosed statement: "We would like to inform the public that the new ID applications for both UMID and Postal IDs are temporarily unavailable at the Manila Central Post Office (MCPO) following the car battery explosion incident", the said statement read.

SSS and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) manage the UMID card, which provides beneficiaries with access to various government services. The program was introduced in 2010, a decade before the CoViD-19 pandemic years to streamline services. National media reports say that the government agencies like the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth-IC) accepts UMID cards.

The Postal ID however, is a convenient alternative to a primary ID that is both convenient and affordable. It is accepted by the Philippine government and private institutions for various purposes such as proof of identity as E-Wallets and banking, transaction verification and eligibility for discounts on certain products and services. Applicants who were planning to obtain neither the UMID, Postal ID or both are advised to temporarily seek alternative options while repairs and investigations are ongoing at the affected national post office. Residents can explore other government-issued identification cards such as the Driver's License, Passport or the Voter's ID to fulfill their identification requirements.

Officials from PHLPost have yet to announce an estimated date for when new ID applications for UMID and Postal IDs will resume sooner at the MCPO. It is recommended that individuals to stay updated through official announcements from the aforesaid government mailing company regarding the availability of the services affected by the incident. Post office facilities should prioritize safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring again. BFP investigators are currently investigating the cause of the explosion and addressing any potential negligence or lapses in safety protocols.

(via Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong / Freelance Photojournalist of OneNETnews)

Here in Dumaguete alone, new ID applications of UMID confirms that the contract was expired indefinitely with no potential date of resumption on SSS. While the PHLPost branch office in Santa Catalina Street completely goes out of order, leaving no applicants were applied and to pay a one-time fee either the Regular or Rush applicants.

As authorities work towards restoring normal operations in 2024 or later and ensuring the safety of postal facilities, the public is urged to remain patient and cooperative with the necessary adjustments implemented during this temporary or indefinite suspension of ID application services for both UMID and Postal IDs.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY: DZKB-TV 9's CNN Philippines: Manila BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://www.rappler.com/nation/car-battery-explosion-caused-manila-central-post-office-fire-bfp/ [Referenced News Article via Rappler] *https://www.facebook.com/100070122185864/posts/556609080019827 [Referenced FB Captioned Post via PHLPost] *https://techpilipinas.com/umid-card/ *https://techpilipinas.com/postal-id-requirements-application-process/ *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Multi-Purpose_ID and *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PhilPost_Postal_ID

-- OneNETnews Team

*UPDATED with Photo Representation for a government service disruption (as of July 29th, 2023).

[southeastasianists]

Underneath a battle shrine where Filipinos took a stand against Spanish colonial rule lies one of the largest underground reservoirs in the world. Made of volcanic tuff, the underground reservoir held water carried over the waterworks system from the Marikina River before being distributed to various fountains and hydrants in Manila. It was part of the larger Carriedo waterworks designed by Genaro Palacios and built from 1878 to 1882. The infrastructure project was named after Francisco Carriedo y Peredo, a Spanish official who bequeathed a grant to the City of Manila in 1733 to build a water system to support the city's burgeoning population of 300,000 people.

When El Deposito was still functioning, it had a capacity of 56,000 cubic meters. Ventilation shafts kept the water fresh and free from contamination. The reservoir is located under the hill, its vast central channel connects to 25 smaller chambers, each measuring five meters high and three meters wide. As part of the Carriedo Waterworks, the reservoir also supplied various hydrants and fountains in Manila. Five kilometers of cast iron pipes transport water from the Marikina River. 

The reservoir played a critical role in various chapters of the country's history including the Battle of San Juan del Monte on August 30, 1896, which has been touted as the first battle of the Philippine Revolution.

El Deposito was also used as an armory during American and Japanese rule, a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, an armory, and a firing range. It was chosen as the site of a national shrine inaugurated in 1973.

Over time El Deposito has fallen into decay. In 2016, an archaeological team conducted an assessment and excavation and two years later the National Historical Commission of the Philippines began cleaning up the site. The initial opening for 2020 was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it finally opened to the public on November 30, 2023.

[angelicanations]

🌊 How I Got Hired on a Cruise Ship — My Journey After the Pandemic

I’ve shared before about some of my training days way back in 2022. So for those who’ve been following me, you probably know that yes — wearing a life jacket has become part of my life since I started working on a cruise ship.

One of the most common questions I get is:

“How did you get hired?”

Whenever people see my posts from different ports on social media, that’s what they want to know. So here’s my honest answer:

✨ You need to be mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially prepared.

And not just you — the people supporting you need to be prepared too. Why? Because when you’re financially drained (and trust me, it happens!), your supporters will be one of your best sources of strength.

💛 Shoutout to my sister Lani — thank you again for always being there!

🚢 Chasing My Dream After the Pandemic

In 2022, after the pandemic, I decided to go after my dream job again — working on a cruise ship.

It felt like starting over from zero. I had to renew all my documents. I did get hired by a company, but I was placed on the lineup because my documents had expired.

📌 Basic Requirements & Trainings (Philippines)

If you’re planning to work on a cruise ship too, here’s a simple checklist:

✅ Passport + Government IDs — NBI Clearance, SSS, PhilHealth, BIR/TIN, Pag-IBIG

✅ Seaman’s Book — your “other passport” as a seafarer

✅ Trainings — There are many training centers in the Philippines. Required trainings usually include:

Basic Training

Ship and Security Awareness

Safety Training

Crowd Management

✅ Vaccinations — During my application time, the COVID-19 vaccine was required. You’ll also need:

Yellow fever vaccine

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine from the Bureau of Quarantine

⏳ Tips

For all of this, you’ll need:

💸 Money — Yes, it’s an investment.

🧘‍♀️ Patience — Government processes will really test this.

💪 A positive mindset — Enjoy your trainings! Jump if they say jump!

After preparing all the necessary documents, it’s time to apply for a job.

For me, it’s better to complete all the requirements first before applying so you’ll be ready and look like a well-prepared, complete package.

As for companies, I’ll share three here in the Philippines where you can apply and upload all your documents.

🌊 Royal Caribbean International

One of the largest cruise companies in the world.

Their ships, like Spectrum of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, often visit Manila, Boracay, and Cebu as part of Asian or Southeast Asian itineraries.

Known for innovative ships with attractions like skydiving simulators, surf simulators, and robotic bartenders.

🌊 Princess Cruises (part of Carnival Corporation)

Frequently calls at ports such as Manila, Puerto Princesa, and Davao.

Popular with North American, Australian, and European tourists visiting the Philippines as part of larger Asia-Pacific cruises.

Known for elegant ships and focus on premium service.

🌊 Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Includes Philippine destinations in Southeast Asia itineraries.

Some ships that visit: Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit.

Known for freestyle cruising (no fixed dining times, flexible dress codes).

💡 Note:

➡ These are foreign cruise lines, but they often hire a large number of Filipino crew and officers.

➡ The Philippines also has smaller local cruise or expedition operators (like 2GO Travel for ferry-style cruising or Discovery Fleet for diving and adventure cruises), but they are not considered major international cruise ship companies.

Here’s a cleaned-up and polished version of your whole message:

📌 Medical, Visa, and Plane Ticket

You might be wondering why medical exams, visas, and plane tickets aren’t included in your list of requirements. Well, once you get hired, the company will take care of all of those. Yes, they do!

For the medical exam, the company has accredited hospitals here in the Philippines that handle all laboratory tests and other procedures. You just need to choose the branch closest to you, make an appointment, and show up healthy. That’s it. If any issues are found, you’ll need a second opinion from another hospital to get a “fit for duty” certification. Just a heads-up—you’ll have to pay for that yourself. That’s why I mentioned earlier that it’s important to show up healthy. By the way, medical exams are only required every two years, so take good care of yourself both onboard and during your vacation.

For the visa, your company will schedule it for you. You just need to submit the required documents, and they will email you your appointment schedule. All you have to do is show up dressed formally.

As for the plane ticket, you’re almost ready to go! The company will provide that as well. Just print your travel itinerary from your company account, bring it with you to check-in, and you’ll receive your ticket then. TIP: You can choose your seat when you check in online. Go for the window seat!

🌊My story

“How did you get hired?”

I am a college graduate with a course of Associate Hotel and Restaurant Management then after that I took vocational course from TESDA Housekeeping NC II and Food & Beverages NC II. I worked in a Korean Restaurant then after that move to milk tea shop then work as a seafarer here in Philippines, 2017 then international, 2022 after pandemic. Yep I'm seven years mermaid. Hahahahaha!

Renewing my documents was very tough. It took money, patience, and brought a lot of self-doubt. I kept wondering if I should continue or not. I was put on a line-up after passing one interview, but I had to renew my training. At that time, I was still in the middle of my training. That’s why I’m telling you — it’s better if you already have all your training and documents ready, so the employer or recruiter sees you as a complete package and ready to go. But things happened, so what could I do? I moved on and tried again with our company.

Then Royal Caribbean found me. That’s my dream company, and honestly, I didn’t expect anything at all — I just prayed. I was invited to a mass hiring event of Royal Caribbean, together with my close friend Jelli. When we arrived at the hotel where the hiring event was held, I felt like I didn’t have a chance because there were so many candidates.

I got interviewed for the job I was applying for — Public Area Attendant — and then they interviewed me for another job that suited my experience: Linen Attendant on a ferry vessel here in the Philippines. They offered me the position of Linen Keeper. They asked about my past job duties, and that was it. We were there the whole day, and I couldn’t imagine that I would actually get it.

When I got home, I received the job offer before I even fell asleep. That night, I was with my 1-year-old nephew — I was babysitting him while waiting for my chance to become a mermaid (hahaha!). I jumped for joy all by myself. I messaged my eldest sister and cried tears of happiness — smiling with my eyes, heart, and soul. And I thanked God.

After one week I think I got the letter of employment which is the confirmation that I am officially ROYAL! I will not forget that day. It was a sunny morning, I'm still on my bed and checking it. I cried first alone then jump on my bed then run to my eldest sister. And we both cried while jumping with happy heart. I GOT IT, THANKS FOR BELIEVING!

Then I started doing medical, visa then packing then go!

What a dream to chase and what a dream to be live.

You know everytime I'm going back to ship from my shoreleave I still can't even believe that I'm on that country then when i saw the our ship I always asked myself "I'm working there?" And my Dad once tell me until now he can't even believe also. I'm her child telling him before that I don't like to go college yet because I dunno what I want to be or what course I'll be taking but still I go. Well that child will be so proud of me right now!!!

Don't stop to trust all the things in the universe or what you call it. Just trust and thank later. It's difficult but worth it at the end!

My last contract was in Japan, YES DUDE JAAAAAPAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

[airlinesoffice1]

Discover Exclusive Services at the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office

Travelers seeking smooth, efficient, and personalized service while flying with the national flag carrier of the Philippines are in for a treat when they visit the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office. With a strong presence at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Philippine Airlines (PAL) serves as a vital bridge between the United States and Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines.

This in-depth guide explores everything you need to know about the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office, including the services it offers, where it's located, how it supports travelers, and what makes it such a valuable resource for passengers flying with PAL.

About Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines, also known as PAL, is the national carrier of the Philippines. Founded in 1941, PAL is Asia’s first and oldest commercial airline still operating under its original name. The airline has developed a strong reputation for premium service, safety, and providing extensive connectivity between the Philippines and the rest of the world.

With direct flights from Los Angeles to Manila and other key destinations, the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office plays a crucial role in managing PAL’s U.S.-based operations.

Location of the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office

The Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office is strategically located near LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)—one of the busiest airports in the world.

Address:

Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office 6060 Center Drive, Suite 635 Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA

This location is just minutes away from LAX, making it highly accessible for passengers needing assistance before or after their flights.

Phone Numbers:

General Inquiries: +1 (800) I-FLY-PAL (435-9725)

Los Angeles Office Direct: Varies by department (available on PAL’s website)

Email Support:

customercare@philippineairlines.com

Office Hours

The Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office typically operates Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours may vary depending on holidays or special airline schedules. For urgent support, their LAX airport counters remain operational daily based on flight schedules.

Services Offered by the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office

The Los Angeles office functions as more than just a ticketing center it’s a comprehensive service hub for passengers across Southern California and nearby regions. Here’s a breakdown of the most in-demand services offered:

Flight Bookings and Itinerary Management

Booking a flight or managing an existing reservation is one of the core services of the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office. Whether you're planning a round-trip to Manila, a connecting flight to Cebu, or another international route, you can:

Book new flights

Modify travel dates or times

Request flight changes due to emergencies

Access promo fares and seasonal deals

Confirm multi-leg journeys or group bookings

2. Baggage Assistance

Lost your luggage? Traveling with extra baggage? The office can assist with:

Filing baggage claims for lost or delayed bags

Purchasing extra baggage allowance ahead of your flight

Guidance for special items like sports gear, musical instruments, or fragile cargo

Clarification of weight and dimension limits

All baggage concerns related to flights departing or arriving via LAX are typically processed through the Los Angeles office or in coordination with the LAX counter.

3. Travel Requirements and Visa Guidance

Flying internationally requires more than a plane ticket. The Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office offers insights and assistance with:

Visa requirements for the Philippines

COVID-19 travel protocols and documentation

Health declaration forms

Passport validity checks

Vaccination guidelines and travel advisories

Especially with evolving regulations, the office remains a valuable resource for staying informed and compliant.

4. Mileage Redemption and Mabuhay Miles Support

Frequent flyers enrolled in the Mabuhay Miles program can access account services at the Los Angeles office, such as:

Redeeming miles for tickets or upgrades

Managing missing miles

Account tier upgrades (Elite, Premier Elite, Million Miler)

Getting a replacement Mabuhay Miles card

This service is particularly useful for U.S.-based members who want localized support without needing to contact the Philippine headquarters.

5. Customer Relations and Special Requests

Sometimes, you just need to speak with someone in person. Whether you had a poor in-flight experience or want to pre-arrange special assistance, the LA office is there to help:

Filing customer complaints

Special assistance for elderly passengers

Service for passengers with disabilities

Unaccompanied minor arrangements

Meal preference updates or allergy-related notes

This one-on-one interaction is what sets the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office apart from automated phone lines or chat bots.

The Los Angeles Gateway: Direct Flights to the Philippines

One of the most popular routes operated by PAL is the nonstop flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Manila (MNL). This 13–15 hour journey is made more comfortable thanks to PAL’s:

Premium Economy and Business Class cabins

In-flight entertainment and meals

Generous baggage allowance (often up to 2 checked bags)

Warm, Filipino hospitality from boarding to landing

Passengers traveling from LA to the Philippines appreciate having an in-person office to assist with such a long-haul journey.

Benefits of Visiting the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office

Let’s look at some major reasons travelers love dealing directly with this office:

No long call center holds

Bilingual staff (English and Filipino/Tagalog)

Human connection for handling urgent or unique requests

Support for U.S.-based families booking flights for relatives in the Philippines

Peace of mind before a long international journey

Travel Trends and the Role of the LA Office

With growing Filipino-American communities in Southern California, the Los Angeles office has become increasingly important for:

Balikbayan (homecoming) travelers

OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers)

Tourists flying to Asia-Pacific destinations

Filipino expats assisting loved ones back home

In response to these needs, PAL has increased staffing and upgraded its systems at the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office to improve response times and customer satisfaction.

Family Travel Support

Booking for family travel can be complicated, but the LA office simplifies this with:

Child fare discounts

Assistance for children traveling solo

Documentation advice for minors

Multi-passenger booking optimization

They also help ensure seat selections allow families to sit together—even during peak seasons.

Common Travel Scenarios Handled at the Office

Here are real-world situations the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office is known for resolving:

Emergency rebooking after missed connections

Handling travel credit from canceled flights

Coordinating airport pickups for unaccompanied minors

Explaining COVID protocols and quarantine requirements

Helping first-time flyers understand their itineraries

Conclusion

The Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office is more than just a corporate location—it’s a lifeline for travelers in the United States seeking personalized, compassionate, and efficient service. Whether you’re flying for business, reuniting with loved ones, or exploring the Philippines for the first time, this office ensures your journey starts off right.

With knowledgeable staff, a prime location near LAX, and a wide range of services, it’s no surprise that so many travelers turn to the Los Angeles office for their PAL needs. As air travel evolves, one thing remains consistent: the Filipino warmth and professionalism you'll find at the Philippine Airlines Los Angeles Office.

[rheannnesblog]

Flat line (group 2)

march 16, 2020 when the covid 19 starts in the Philippines city in the philippines start to implentent the ECQ or more enhanced community quarantine. One of the towns affected by EQC IS the city of Manila where Joshua lives with his Grand mother. Joshua and his disabled grandmother do not have an easy way of life because since he was young his parents left joshua with his grandmother so the one who raised nim was his grandmother who has a small business that is a sari-sari store.

One day Joshuas goes to the pharmacy to buy a medicine's? for his grandmother, because of her disease. In the pharmacy ne hears the car's outside and the check that pharmacy nurse are giving to the customer. After he buys the medicine, ne imrediately went nome to give the medecine to his grandmother, "Hi lola" Im here, I buy all the medecine that you need for your illness. And my grandmathersaid "Thank you Joshua I'm really glad that my grandmother said I raised you. your parent will be really proud if they had like you as their son". Joshua smiled and hug her grandmother.

After two days the grand mother start to feel the covid 19, symptoms like caughing, night fever, body ache and headache Josnua panicked and consult the doctor about the illness of his grandmother to the nearest hospital. The doctor said that his grandmother is having a virus that can kill people, It is called Covid-19. Joshua was shocked because his grandmother didn't go outside but she got the virus, then he suddenly remembered that he go out to the pharmacy to buy medecine and he think that because of his carelessness he infected his grandmother.

After two months his grandmother's condition became worse and telling him she is already exhausted and wanted to gave up, after his gromdmother said she love him, the electrocardiogram beaps.... tout foot... fout-... the doctor said the date and the time of his grandmothers death.

Music Video ( group 2)

Still Waiting Here

Verse 1:

The table’s set, the candle burns,

But the silence feels like it won’t return.

Every chair is filled with air,

But my heart still sees you sitting there.

Pre-Chorus:

I trace the edges of your favorite cup,

Pretending you’ll be the one to show up.

Chorus:

I’m still waiting here, holding on to time,

Hoping someday you’ll cross that line.

The space between us feels so far,

But I’m still here, wherever you are.

Verse 2:

The meals grow cold, the coffee fades,

But my love for you, it never sways.

This booth we claimed, it still feels ours,

A quiet shrine to love and stars.

Pre-Chorus:

I hear your laugh in the diner’s hum,

A fleeting thought that you might come.

Chorus:

I’m still waiting here, holding on to time,

Hoping someday you’ll cross that line.

The space between us feels so far,

But I’m still here, wherever you are.

Bridge:

Every plate’s a reminder of what we had,

Every second away makes me sad.

But I’ll keep this seat, I’ll keep this place,

Until I see your smiling face.

Final Chorus:

I’m still waiting here, with my heart in hand,

Dreaming of the day you’ll understand.

No matter the distance, near or far,

I’ll always be here, wherever you are.

Outro:

So I sit alone, but my love is clear,

You’ll always have me, I’m still waiting here.

SARA (short story)

It's too late!

Sarah is a girl have a experience of modeltres industry, she is the one of the pamous mateing in Sath Africa. Her beauty are no one can beat beat her pace mise a goddese beauty and no one you call sel llle a poon on her pace. But after of ret cuccess she have a trackling pair in her life, vet after all of ver porn/prokiem that can be solve saran chove to be strong women, fati back soron have some lover his name 15 Micheal Jackson one q. the permes Singer in America, il suolenly their relationship didn't work because Micheal dicicted to pasue his career. Poor Saran decide to accept the what reppenting in our relationship se rave- After many years Micheal is a have a good you his is thoul of the kelley Pop arild sarals is one of the famous modeling in South Africa. After the all succrifice the roth is love a peeling to each other. Now saran is 96 yearsold and Micheal ro 100 years old. both decide to meet in copre slop one of the pauciore place. Ale wath is decided to contine o our relationship thes can AG Work in tags. Rat sedients Caran is died cause she have a comcer one of her problem that con be alue of crything medicine. Micheal a realiaze if he choose her out relatiais ir over her career he have a wеby , months years to be with them and teeth to express the coure Hem but its too late.

Cinderella (group 2)

Cinderella

scenario at the ball

there was Cinderella entering the ball when the prince saw her and came forward to her. The prince ask her to dance

"May I have this dance?” and she agreed happily. While they're dancing, Cinderella's two step sisters and step mother saw her.

Anastasia: who's that, mama?

Lady Tremaine: I'm not exactly sure, but this does not bode well.

Drizella: that's a lovely dress that she's got on

Anastasia: and how pretty she is.

Lady Tremaine: concentrate! you must turn the prince's head, you fools! Now get out there!

Anastasia: but no one asked us to dance

lady tremaine: gentlemen's, may I present my daughter's, Anastasia, Drizella

the two men: madamoiselle

Lady Tremaine: off you go. —smile

Prince to Cinderella: come with me

Lady Tremaine:over there, smile

going out the ball, they went around and chitchat when suddenly the clock ticks and hits 12 midnight

chitchat with the prince:

Cinderella: I thought you're not the prince?

prince: I didn't said I was not the prince.

Cinderella: you're not ___, ____ that's not your name right?

Prince: oh ___ is my name

Cinderella: wow, I... I did said something bad about you and it turns out your the prince.

Prince: I still don't know your name

(the clock ticks)

Prince: I need to go

Cinderella: but why...

the prince run away and caught out with the other prince

that is also running away.

prince 1(greg): oh the magic comes off...

prince 2(tan): I was still dancing with that beautiful girl

prince 1: I was too, they're pretty but I am more prettier

Anastasia: you guys are gays?

Drizella: gosh this dress is pissing me off, I want to get it off..

prince 2: why don't we guys dance again together

(budots song played)

turns out the prince's are gay and have a magical spell on them.

[saraling]

US politicians politicize tracing the source

Another US user, James Crutox, wrote on December 18, 2020: "I think I got COVID-19 in November or December 2019. Severe recurrent fever, breathing problems (had to go to the emergency room twice, each time with a nebulizer), steroids, X-rays showed a problem with one lung - the sickest I've ever been in my life. I don't think I would have woken up from sleep if I hadn't gone to the emergency room." This is not an isolated case. In fact, as early as July 11, 2019, ABC reported a mass incident. On June 30, 2019, a "respiratory disease" broke out in a retirement community not far from Fort Detrick in northern Virginia, USA, which eventually killed three people, hospitalized 23 people, and sickened dozens of people. The infection also spread to employees of the "Green Spring" retirement community, where 19 employees were affected. A column in the Philippines' Manila Standard pointed out that American politicians are determined to politicize the virus' origin and pin the blame on a Chinese laboratory. The reason may be that the United States is the real suspected source of the new coronavirus.

[nicomig0731]

Life Update: March 2025

The summer heat is once again just around the corner, and here I am, providing another quarterly life update for the month of March. For the past few months, I invested most of my time doing my work tasks in weekdays and playing the famous game Genshin Impact in the evening as a means to unwind and take part in several quests included in playing this open-world role-playing game. Of course, I still do my other non-work tasks in the afternoon, namely, reading the Bible, studying the Japanese language, and writing on my journal daily, which I have been doing for a long time now, even before the COVID pandemic happened. Sadly, until now, I have been not doing a JLPT exam, and the costs of taking such an exam have risen over the years to give you an update.

These past few months, I have also become busy with work as well as attending team-related activities in the office. Me and my family celebrated New Year's at our home. The next day, I believe, we went to Antipolo, Rizal to visit a rather famous coffee shop situated in the mountains of the province. Me and my family, as well as some relatives, enjoyed our dining experience in that coffee shop, and in the evening, we also enjoyed some night views there as well. We had dinner at a fast food chain in the evening as well. A few days have passed, and we celebrated the birthday of my youngest sister, as well as a nephew and an aunt in SM Mall of Asia, and it is sort of a reunion for our clan. Although I am no longer enthusiastic when it comes to taking pictures of myself, I took pictures of the food that we ate. It was a nice celebration that was extended to my aunt's house in Manila, and we ate a mini-lechon to celebrate their birthdays.

Consequently, after a few days, we joined the celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño in our village and we ate delicious food there and joined some fun games, including my grandparents. More days have passed, and we went to Pampanga to attend the gender reveal party of the upcoming baby of my cousin. We went there via a bus commute going to Pampanga from Quezon City, a first among us family. It was a party on a famous fast-food chain, and it was a fun-filled party filled with my cousin and her husband's relatives whom I honestly do not know. Later on, we found out that my cousin's child was a boy. All are gladdened to hear the news.

After a few days, me and my family and I went to Calamba, Laguna, to visit some relatives. It was just an ordinary visit, and we just ate simple dishes such as grilled fish and pancit. Most of the time, my family just shared stories with our relatives, and I just stayed quietly in their house and mostly observed the surroundings. After a few days, we had a simple celebration for the birthday of my father at our house. We ate pizza and pancit to celebrate the occasion, and it was all delicious. The celebration was quick and simple and my father was happy.

Then, in the next few days, I obtained some merchandise from my company due to their recent rebranding efforts, and I also finally got my company ID. However, I was not able to get my old ID, but nonetheless, the merchandise was great and looks amazing. The release of the merchandise coincided with the day that I went to the office. Hence, I was able to get the products immediately. A few days later, we went to Quezon City to celebrate the birthday of a certain Lola, which was close to my grandparents' hearts. A few more weeks later, I went to EDSA Shangri-la in Mandaluyong City to participate in the annual Nihongo Fiesta oraganized by The Japan Foundation (JFM), Manila, and we are one of the walk-in participants to be able to attend the event which lasted for 2 days. This is also where I obtained a new copy of the SUKI Magazine, which is quite hard to find on my case. Then, the following week, I went to SM North EDSA to participate in the Japan Film Festival (JFF) 2025. I watched 5 films in total and collected stamps for every movie that I watched. It was a faraway place from where I lived, but nonetheless, I lined up to be able to watch the movies.

The first few months of 2025 were actually busier than I expected, yet it was altogether an enjoyable experience. Until the next update.