Commander Travis Zettel of the submarine USS Bremerton was relieved of duty last August 2018. Newly released documents credit the dismissal to his ordering prostitutes while in Subic Bay. They cite it as a sanction of “inappropriate personal conduct.”

The alleged events took place in March 2018 while docked at Subic Bay. A tip was made to the Department of Defense Inspector General’s hotline that Zetell “requested/ordered ten girls to arrive at the hotel.” The commander had apparently told this tipper and another fellow sailor of his plans. It was then confirmed when this same anonymous tipper witnessed Zettel with 10 “provocatively dressed” women at the front of the hotel.

When formally questioned by NCIS on the matter Zettel admitted to the act. The official documents record him as having “admitted culpability in the payment of female accompaniment.”As a result, he was demoted from his command and reassigned to the administrative staff of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor-based Submarine Squadron 19.

This was reported on the basis of a federal Freedom of Information Act request for documents on the issue.

Do you think the commander’s situation was dealt with fairly?

Source: BusinessInsider

The post US Navy Commander dismissed for reportedly hiring 10 Filipino prostitutes in Subic Bay appeared first on When In Manila.

Earlier this month, the Sexbomb dancers announced that they were looking for new members. However, if you’re more of a Spice Girl than a Sexbomb dancer, you might want to consider this open call instead: the Spice Girls are currently looking for back-up dancers to join them on their Spice World UK Stadium Tour, which is set to start later this year and will be taking place in Dublin, Cardiff, Manchester, Coventry, Sunderland, Edinburgh, Bristol, and London.

Four of the original Spice Girls – Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, and Melanie Chisholm (Victoria Beckham sadly won’t be there) – will be part of the tour, and they are looking for talented male and female back-up dancers who are self-expressive, strong, unique, diverse and intelligent to help them spice up their routines.

If you want to be a part of this unforgettable Spice Girls tour, email your headshots and performance resume to auditions@­paulroberts.co

If chosen, you will be invited to audition on January 21 (for women) and January 22 (for men). Callbacks will be scheduled for January 23 until the final decisions are made. If chosen, expect to be busy from April to June. Good luck!

The post The Spice Girls are Looking for Back-up Dancers for Their 2019 Tour appeared first on When In Manila.

With 16.6 million followers on Facebook, Boo the Pomeranian could be called one of the most well-known pups in the world. He is considered by media and people alike to be the world’s cutest dog. Unfortunately, this adorable social media icon has passed away due to heart complications.

Boo’s humans write in their announcement:

Dearest friends of Boo,

With deepest sadness I wanted to share that Boo passed away in his sleep early this morning and has left us to join his best friend, Buddy. Our family is heartbroken, but we find comfort knowing that he is no longer in any pain or discomfort. We know that Buddy was the first to greet him on the other side of that rainbow bridge, and this is likely the most excited either of them have been in a long time.

Since starting Boo’s FB page, I’ve received so many notes over the years from people sharing stories of how Boo brightened their days and helped bring a little light to their lives during difficult times. And that was really the purpose of all this…Boo brought joy to people all over the world. Boo is the happiest dog I’ve ever met. He was so easy going that we never had to bother with training. He made the manliest of men squeal with delight over his cuteness and made everyone laugh with his quirky, tail wagging personality.

Over the years Boo met some super cool people, a lot of crazy talented people, but most of all so many kind people…friends who gave him endless love, people who prioritized his comfort over getting that perfect picture, partners who understood that Buddy ALWAYS had to be included, and last but definitely not least, the amazing doctors, therapists, and staff at Adobe Animal Hospital and Sage Veterinary Centers for the countless hours of care and dedication they poured into Buddy and Boo.

I brought Boo home in the spring of 2006 and so started the greatest, most heartwarming friendship of all time. Shortly after Buddy died, Boo showed signs of heart issues. We think his heart literally broke when Buddy left us. He hung on and gave us over a year. But it looks like it was his time, and I’m sure it was a most joyous moment for them when they saw each other in heaven.

Boo, we love you with all our hearts and will miss you until the day we meet again. Have fun running around with Buddy and creating adorable mischief wherever you guys go.

Thank you to all of you for following along on their silly adventures over the past 10 years. They sure had a LOT of fun.

With love and our deepest gratitude,
Boo’s humans

His humans believe that Boo gave up on his will to keep fighting when his best friend, Buddy, passed away the year before. Boo passed away at the age of 12 human years, which is quite the feat for dogs. I think it can be said he lived a full and happy life.

(WATCH: This video looks back on 2018 through the best dog videos)

Have you gone through the heartbreak of losing a pup? Share with us how you got through it! 

The post Boo, the ‘World’s Cutest Dog’, just passed away from heartbreak appeared first on When In Manila.

The P.J. Lhuillier Group of Companies is composed of various companies from pawn brokering to local and international remittance and even to real estate. They recently announced that a data breach affecting 900,000 clients was discovered. This breach targeted their email server, resulting in details like birthdays, addresses and sources of income to become vulnerable.

An official statement on the data breach was released by the P.J. Lhuillier Group of Companies:

We recently discovered a data breach which affected our email server that is used for marketing purposes. Information of around 900,000 clients was affected. Some of these information included birthdays, addresses, and source of income.

Transaction details or information were not compromises. The company’s main servers remain safe and protected.

Upon discovery, we immediately coordinated with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to investigate the matter, and already implemented safety measures to protect the personal data of our clients. We also notified all affected clients and provided them guidance on how to further protect their personal information.

We are committed to ensuring the data privacy of our clients and adhere to strict security protocols in protecting our interests.

We will provide additional information regarding the incident as soon as it becomes available.

The company has also sent emails to all of its clients informing them of the data breach.

Do you have anything to add to this story? 

The post LOOK: PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies releases statement on data breach appeared first on When In Manila.

The topic of cheating on partners has always been a controversial one. People are so divided over forgiveness and cutting ties — or something in-between. It’s obvious that this man understood that to be able to hope for forgiveness, he would need to make a grand gesture. That gesture? Permanently branding himself. His tattoo reads:

“I, Jose L. Torres am getting a tattoo voluntarily on January 2, 2019 so that I can earn my wife’s trust back for the pain and suffering I have caused in our marriage:

I am a:

– Liar

– Cheater

– Deciever

– Whore/prostitute lover

– Dishonest and disrespectul”

The caption clarifies that the tattoo artist wasn’t aware that the words “deciever” and “disrespectul” were misspelled until after some comments pointed it out. The tattoo artist also follows with: “I did try to ask the client if he was really sure about his decision. I asked him several times. But the only response I got from him was that he was sure because he messed up and he wanted to prove he would change. Even before I started tattooing, I asked him again.”

View this post on Instagram

Nothing like some nice lettering to start the year. @snake___pit ( just to clarify i didnt know the tattoo was mispelled until they started talking about it)

A post shared by Tattoos By Jorge (@sickcat_13) on Jan 2, 2019 at 5:31pm PST

(ALSO READ: We Asked: “If a partner cheats, do they deserve a second chance?” and Wow, People Have FEELINGS)

As expected, people online are conflicted over whether the act would be enough for his wife. Some of the users feel the act is tokenistic:

“How is that tat supposed to gain her trust back?!? Does imprinting it on your skin mean you’re not all of these things anymore all of a sudden?!?”

“What an idiot!!! Do you think his wife would enjoy SEX with him? This tattoo will be a CONSTANT REMINDER OF WHAT HE IS …LIAR, CHEATER….”

While others contend that it at least earns him a chance at forgiveness:

“He says he is genuinely sorry. Is that for anyone else to judge? Time will tell between him and his missus.”

“At least he owned up to his mistake. It’s up to his wife to see how much that counts for.”

Where do you stand on this issue? Do you think this man’s wife should take him back?

The post LOOK: This Man Gets a Tattoo to Apologize for Cheating on His Wife appeared first on When In Manila.

Ever wanted to start a business, but didn’t know what kind of business to start? Well, some people on Amazon seem to have come up with the perfect business: selling plastic tabos for much, much more than they’re worth. I think the most expensive tabo I’ve seen in person cost about 50 pesos; but on Amazon, some people are selling them for $8 to $10 – that’s around 10 times the actual price of one!

The most incredibly part about it all is that people are actually buying them! When I checked out this particular one yesterday, it was still available at $10. Now, it is no longer available. The pink one pictured above only has one left in stock. Amazing!

Don’t you wish you had thought of this first?

The post LOOK: Plastic Tabos are for Sale on Amazon for 400 to 600 Pesos appeared first on When In Manila.

The internet recently blew up when they heard that a part of Marie Kondo’s lifestyle philosophy was to have a maximum of 30 books. This philosophy, also known as the KonMari method, essentially advocates for a clean and organized life. Part of that life would be the removal of things that no longer “spark joy”.

In an episode of “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”, she mentioned that she personally believes in only owning 30 books. It was said as advice to a client in the midst of decluttering their bookshelves. Of course, this led to a lot of book-lovers panicking. Especially because a lot of these bibliophiles were also KonMari fans.

Wait Marie Kondo is telling people to toss their books? THEIR BOOKS? pic.twitter.com/QQxAXwk3Sq

— Joanna Robinson (@jowrotethis) January 4, 2019

People basically thought she was telling them to strictly limit themselves to 30 books. There was huge backlash on Twitter, with people denouncing her as a cleaning guru or swearing off her show. Some people even started attacking her philosophy. Numerous editorials discussing the value of her method and minimalism (and sometimes confusing the two) came out.

Of course, it was all just a misunderstanding. Marie Kondo was simply explaining her own ideal and not setting up a magic standard for everyone to follow. It’s only that she doesn’t see a need for her own home to have any more than 30 books, but the number for each person is up to them to define. It all goes back to her philosophy of discerning which items spark joy, and if those items are books then that’s your choice.

WHAT MARIE KONDO SAYS: Think about getting rid of books you aren't going to read or reread.

WHAT TWITTER HEARS: Let's burn all books and slay the writers! Let the streets run red with their blood as our literary pyre's smoke blocks out the sun! FUCK BOOKS.

— Kevin Church (@Kevin_Church) January 5, 2019

In an interview with IndieWire she clarifies:

The most important part of this process of tidying is to always think about what you have and about the discovery of your sense of value, what you value that is important. So it’s not so much what I personally think about books. The question you should be asking is what do you think about books. If the image of someone getting rid of books or having only a few books makes you angry, that should tell you how passionate you are about books, what’s clearly so important in your life. If that riles you up, that tells you something you about that. That in itself is a very important benefit of this process.

Just in case anyone has confused what they ought to do with books they’re getting rid off, she adds:

I do think there is a misunderstanding of the process, that I’m recommending that we throw away books in the trash or burn them or something. I always recommend donating them, so if that’s part of the misunderstanding, then that’s certainly being mixed up.

(Also Read: Why I Became a Minimalist and How You Could Be One, Too)

Have you tried the KonMari method? Tell us about your experience! 

The post Tidying Up star Marie Kondo doesn’t actually think you need a limit on how many books you own appeared first on When In Manila.

With the summer heat already starting to roll in, the mountainous ranges of the North are looking more and more appealing. Sagada, in particular, has always been a popular tourist spot. The Sagada Tourism Office actually records more than a hundred thousand visits per year.

This might seem like a great thing at first, but everything has its downsides. While the high volume of tourists has been beneficial for commercial businesses and job creation within Sagada, it’s also hugely harmed their environment and people alike. In some cases, it has even harmed the tourists themselves.

In line with this was the effort to craft new guidelines. These guidelines identify new rules being applied, as well as instituting reminders on conduct and safety. The shift in perspective of tourism can be credited to Mr. Steve Rogers of Sagada and Ms. Tracey Santiago of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The first thing you should know if you plan on making a trip to Sagada is that there is a Php 50 environment fee being applied. This is the usual practice in areas that suffer from the influx of tourists. 

Other guidelines which respond to the environment is the need to conserve water. Since water is obviously necessary to sustain the rice terraces, it is the lifeline of the town as a whole. Some ways tourists can be mindful of this is being efficient in washing up and being careful to keep from wasting.

Maintaining the air quality in the area is another priority. The guidelines remind tourists that “walking is an essential part of the Sagada experience.” Since everything is so close to each other, and traffic is worsening even there, walking is truly the best alternative.  

These guidelines aren’t just for themselves. They’re to limit the danger and accidents that tourists already get into. It strongly suggests using guides in tours and having contingency plans in case of emergencies.

The next set of guidelines generally talk about treating Sagada with respect. This respect should cover its people and culture. It seeks to remind us that “the I-Sagada are not exhibits in a museum or zoo”, meaning the locals are not displays to be ogled at or treated as objects.

Actual elements of their culture, like burial sites or religious ceremonies, should not be treated as sightseeing. Should tourists wish to ‘experience’ the culture, they can do so at a distance which isn’t intrusive and without the presence of cameras. 

We asked Inandako’s BnB for their perspective as locals. According to them, the acts listed in the guidelines are quite prevalent which explains the firmness of the guidelines. They explain that these guidelines “stem from the fact that there have been instances of tourists asking these questions which locals find ignorant and offensive. Igorots have been portrayed in some online material as well as Dep-Ed approved textbooks in the past as people living in trees as well as people who have ‘tails’ due to our indigenous wear.” 

They also say that most people don’t know the full story when they come to visit Sagada: “Us Igorots no longer wear our indigenous wear as it is no longer practical […] It is not just for show or pictures which we see is being done in other places such as Baguio and Banaue. These acts are contrary to the values we try to advocate. Our advocacy also applies to several other aspects of heritage, whether tangible or intangible such as dances and rituals; these are not mere performances for the benefit of tourists.”

(IN PHOTOS: Sagada’s Breathtaking Views)

The locals do “try to understand tourists as it may not be their fault so these guidelines are there to break stereotypes and ask for any tourist to be more responsible when they travel to their neighbors, near or far. ”

Do you think tourism in Sagada is becoming a problem? Let us know your side in the comments! 

The post Sagada’s new tourist guidelines reminds visitors to be respectful, above all else appeared first on When In Manila.

A Facebook post about what appears to be a group of Chinese tourists recently went viral. The photo shows a woman standing over a child as she ‘goes potty’ on the public street. Facebook users assume the pair to be mother-daughter although this is unconfirmed. Regardless of their relationship, it’s pretty clear what the child is doing.

Bj Carreon, who took the photo, said he believed the two to be part of a tour group. His caption (loosely translated to English) reads:

The filthiness of some Chinese tourists (they were in a tour group I think and they were all shouting to each other in their own language) here at MOA seaside… haaay. There were guards around, but they didn’t care. How annoying, if only I wasn’t taking care of my grandmother, I would have approached them to tell them off.

And to other Filipinos who are just as dirty, how does it feel when other nationalities are the ones littering and making a mess in the country?”

We talked to Bj to get the full story behind the photo. According to him, this took place at Mall of Asia seaside, near the area with a fountain and food stalls. It seemed obvious they were a group of Chinese tourists since they were all shouting to each other in a language that sounded like Chinese, he says. It’s possible that the woman cleaned up after the child or threw any mess that was left, but he wasn’t around to see it, if so.

(WATCH: Chinese Lady Goes On an Epic Rant About Unruly Chinese Tourists)

Reddit users have also been arguing if there is anything wrong with the act. Some say it is cultural, since in China parents are still used to letting their children use the streets as bathrooms. It might be that they weren’t aware of social norms here in the Philippines. Others also argue that we can’t expect these tourists to behave strictly when even Filipinos tend to pee in public places.

Do you think we should be condemning the people in the photo? Share your side with us in the comments! 

The post We got the story behind the viral photo of Chinese tourists using the street as a public bathroom appeared first on When In Manila.

It seems that after the Netflix show “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” took off, more and more people have been using her method to remove the excess from their lives. So much so that the donations which result from people ‘tidying up’ their lives has gone overboard. It’s actually becoming too much for certain charities to take in.

The charity in question, Lifeline, spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Commission on the issue. It is believed that a combination of Christmas cleaning and the popularity of Marie Kondo has led to massive amounts of donations across Australia. While this might seem like a wonderful problem for a charity to have, the reality is that they are underequipped to deal with it.

How Lifeline works in Australia is that several donation bins are situated across the country and are sorted through and emptied out by employees periodically. What’s happened is that these bins have started filling up much faster than usual but can’t be attended to as quickly. The charity simply doesn’t have enough funds to hire the number of employees it would take to complete the work on time.

And that’s not even the whole problem. People aren’t letting an overflowing bin stop them — they’re simply continuing to pile the clothes on top of or around the bin. The donated items then become unusable because charities are forced to classify these as ‘contaminated’. In turn, they end up spending even more to have these unusable donations sent as landfill.

(Also Read: 5 Ways to Declutter (The Japanese Way))

People are being urged to direct their donations towards other charities instead, even if they may not be as convenient or accessible as Lifeline.

Do you think there’s another way to solve the problem of over-donating? 

Source: ABC

The post Charities say the KonMari method is causing too many donations for them to handle appeared first on When In Manila.

If you’re stuck in a slump and just don’t seem to be making any interesting matches (on whatever dating app you use), then consider this profile make-over. Sure, putting your most attractive foot forward is the safest way to go but sometimes you just need a little bit more. And this Tinder user confirms that his “extra” efforts worked better than he expected.

What Vann does is break who he is down into 6 slides (5, if you don’t count the ‘title’ slide). The first photo in your profile should just be an introduction. It should explain why your profile looks this way, and why they should continue clicking on.

The second slide is all about ‘the benefits’. These are the reasons someone would ‘swipe right’ or date you! Personally, the standouts on this profile for me are “Has a Shakey’s Supercard” and “Lasallian so very rich (in animo spirit)”. Everyone looks for humor and food perks in a potential partner!

Vann’s third photo lists everything that he drinks. Obviously, this profile doesn’t have to be followed exactly. The point of this one is just to showcase something you feel is a big part of your life. And something you can play around with to make cute and funny. Maybe a chart of your favorite dog breeds or ranking of certain food.

Bravely, the fourth photo is a list of flaws. Just like a job interview, though, the flaws should always be endearing or actually hint towards a benefit. The great thing about an honesty slide is that it shows how genuine you are.

Of course, because you can’t be fully trusted to talk about yourself it’s good to get recommendations from others. People will never know whether others actually said those things or not, but at the very least it could be a good laugh.

The last photo has to be the clincher. You’ve shown them your benefits, your personality — the only thing left is to seal the deal and prove they can’t let you get away. A great example is: “Will put as much effort on you as I did on this presentation.”

(Related: 8 Ways to Get More Matches on Tinder)

At the end of the day, this isn’t a strict guide. The point is to just think outside of the box and come up with your own kind of profile that perfectly represents you. Do whatever you feel is right.

Would you swipe right on a profile like this? Why or why not? 

The post This Tinder profile shows you just what you need to up your dating app game! appeared first on When In Manila.

The House of Representatives just passed  House Bill (HB) 8794 or the “Safe Street, Public and Online Spaces Act”. The Senate previously approved a version of this bill last October 2018. All that’s left is for the two houses to meet in a bicameral conference before the bill goes to the President for final approval.

The “Safe Street, Public, and Online Spaces Act” basically penalizes all forms of sexual harassment. Its purpose is to “define gender-based street and public harassment, providing protective measures and prescribing penalties.” It protects against “any unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person that result or will likely result [to] an invasion of the victim’s sense of personal safety, regardless of the motive for committing such action or remarks.”

What this basically means is that it penalizes harassment done on the basis of any gender. It also intervenes depending on the damage that the action creates rather than the motive. So it doesn’t matter if someone is “just” catcalling for fun, or saying a rape joke to be “funny”, as long as the victim feels that their personal safety was harmed.

The specific acts which the bill responds to include but are not limited to the following: catcalling; leering and intrusive gazing; unwanted invitations; misogynistic and sexist slurs; relentless requests for one’s personal details; the use of words, gestures, or actions that ridicule on the basis of sex, gender or sexual orientation, identity, and expression; the persistent telling of sexual jokes; use of sexual names, comments, and demands. These are penalized by:

• 1st offense: P10,000 fine or 12-hours community service, with mandatory attendance in a gender sensitivity seminar
• 2nd offense: 1 day to 10 days in prison or P20,000 fine
• 3rd offense: 11 to 20 days in prison or P30,000 fine

An individual forcibly exposing their private parts to others (flashing, public masturbation, etc.), forcibly groping others, or making offensive body gestures will incur the following penalties:

• 1st offense: P30,000 fine and 12-hours community service with mandatory attendance in a gender sensitivity seminar
• 2nd offense: 11 to 20 days in prison or P40,000 fine
• 3rd offense: 4 to 6 months in prison or P50,000 fine

Stalking and forms of physical sexual harassment will be penalized through:

• 1st offense: 11 to 20 days in prison or P100,00 fine, and mandatory attendance in a gender sensitivity seminar
• 2nd offense: 2 to 4 months in prison or P150,000 fine
• 3rd offense: 4 to 6 months in prison or P200,000 fine

Lastly, Gender-based online sexual harassment will be penalized according to the discretion of the court. The punishment will range from 24 months to 50 months in prison or P100,000 to P500,000 fine.

(Also Read: This is why we have to let people come out with their sexual harassment stories online)

Do you think the Philippines needs this bill? Share with us your stories of being catcalled or sexually harassed in public

Sources: House Bill (HB) 8794, Rappler

The post Catcalling, Stalking, and Online Sexual Harassment might soon be criminalized in the Philippines appeared first on When In Manila.

I think we all already know that Filipinos love bidets. We consider it as one of the essential features in any bathroom and actively go out of our way to use bathrooms with bidets. Before, that search for a bidet would take a lot of effort but this amazing age of technology is finally giving the people what they want — an app that locates bidets for you.

San Bidet, a free mobile application, stores the location of public bathrooms that have bidets and helps you find them in a style similar to Waze or Google Maps. The app opens up to a map with pinned locations that indicate bidets. There’s also a feature that helps you find the nearest bidet to you (in case of emergencies).

Of course, since the app is still in progress it isn’t able to list absolutely every bidet in the country. It is, however, constantly updating and adding new bidets every day. You can even help out and submit any locations that are missing! Just send a message to their Facebook page or drop a location through their google forms.

(Related: 8 Restrooms in Ateneo For Your “No. 2” Needs)

San Bidet was created by Lawrence Velasco, who was able to develop it in under 3 weeks! You can download it through Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store.

Do you have any tips for features that app should have? 

The post LOOK: This app helps you find the nearest bathroom with a bidet! appeared first on When In Manila.

Everyone knows the joke about how to get one government-issued ID in the Philippines, you’ll need one other ID to support your application, which in turn also requires an ID. It becomes a cycle of applications to get the complete set of necessary IDs. Thankfully, that problem seems to be one nearly solved with the rolling out of Philippine National ID cards.

But what are the ID cards in the first place? Well, they’re essentially a single identification card. They will function as IDs for all aspects like SSS, BIR, PhilHealth, etc.

These ID cards have actually been in use since December 2018 already. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) had a trial run with the 1 million individuals under the Unconditional Transfer Program. Once this trial run is completed and deemed successful, the application for everyone else will begin. The PSA projects a full roll-out by September 2019.

Before we get to use them though, there are a few things that have to be tackled. The first is eligibility and this is an easy one. All Filipino citizens, regardless of where you are living, are eligible for an ID. Foreign residents of the Philippines are likewise able to apply for an ID.

The ID can be availed of (once operational) in the regional branches of the following offices:

• Regional and provincial offices of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• Civil Registry Office (LCRO) in each city or municipality
• Any Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) branch
• Any Social Security System (SSS) branch
• Any Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) branch
• Any Pag-IBIG or Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) branch
• Commission on Elections (COMELEC) local or provincial office
• Any Postal office (under PHL Post or Philippine Postal Corporation)
• Other government agencies or GOCCs as may be assigned by the PSA
• For OFWs or citizens abroad: any Philippine Embassy or Philippine Foreign Service post, or other registration centers designated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and PSA

The requirements to avail of an ID are as follows:

• Original copy of Birth Certificate issued by PSA (formerly NSO), plus one government-issued ID which contains the applicant’s full name, photo, and signature or thumb mark; or
• Valid Philippine passport; or
• Unified Multi-purpose Identification or UMID card issued by SSS or GSIS; or
• Other equivalent documents approved by the PSA
• For Foreign Residents: Alien Certificate of Registration or ACR ID

Then, we have the steps of the application:

1. Submit a duly accomplished PhilSys Registration Form (Form No. 1) and all documents at a registration center.
2. Register your biometric information (front-facing photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan) and demographic information at the registration center.
3. If both the biometric and demographic information are found to be uniqe a PhilSys Number (PSN) will be generated. If not, further verification will be needed.
4. The ID will be issued once the PSN is given and the application is completed.

Lastly, these are the uses of the card:

• Social welfare and benefits granted by the government
• passports, driver’s license
• tax-related transactions
• admission in schools/government hospitals
• the opening of bank accounts
• registration and voting purposes
• transactions for employment purposes
• cardholder’s criminal records and clearances

(Related: The Struggles of Getting Valid IDs in the Philippines)

It’s important to take note that the application for these IDs has not yet opened. However, there is an expectation it will begin once the trial run has ended. So keep posted for more details on the matter!

Do you think the National ID Cards are more convenient or dangerous for our privacy? 

Source: Phillippine Statistics Authority

The post The Philippine National ID Cards will soon be in use and this is how you can get one appeared first on When In Manila.

Remember how when we were kids, our Yakult (or Chamito!) bottles would come with that small, thin straw to poke through the foil? Well apparently, they were only recently phased out in Singapore as an environmental move. Because of this, people started selling the straws as “vintage collectibles” on Carousell.

The few lucky people who happened to still have some straws on-hand saw their opportunity and took it. They marketed the straws as ‘sentimental items’ or soon-to-be rare collectibles. One seller was even bold enough to price the straws at S$1,750 which converts to roughly around ₱67,000.

The seller writes:

In the late 2018, straws had been refrained by many companies to promote their solidarity for the care of the environment. On January 2019, Yakult stopped marketing their straw. The Yakult straw will be a great piece of historical artefact for your collections in the future to come. An iconic packaging worth remembering!

A more ‘reasonable’ listing prices the straws at S$199, which is about ₱7,600. The seller justifies the price by saying: “$199 sounds silly now, but surely, this a collectible worth investing to share stories for generations to come. ”

Some have even unearthed limited edition Yakult straws, like this extendable straw. This one goes for S$100 or ₱3,850. I wouldn’t buy it, but I have to admit that even I’m a little intrigued by this one.

(Also Read: Fine Collectibles and Rarities in the Eyes of a Millenial)

Finally, the best listing has to be this shameless seller who put up their stock of straws for bidding. The bravery behind the post assumes that the selling price will rocket enough to benefit him.

What crazy item do you think will next become a valuable collectible? 

The post Yakult straws are now being sold for up to Php 60,000 online! appeared first on When In Manila.

A Sunday afternoon in San Juan, La Union is typically busy; but I was surprised to see the streets and the shore of the surf town empty. I found out that today, Manny Pacquiao fought Adrien Broner at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Nevada.

My friends and I watched the fight’s live stream at Surfer’s Point Deck where I was amused not only by how great Pacquiao’s performance was, but also by people’s reactions every time he hit Broner. I couldn’t help but capture their reactions, especially when Pacquiao defended his secondary welterweight title by unanimous decision and Broner exclaimed, “Everyone out there know I beat him!

Here’s a compilation of people’s reactions during the Pacquiao-Broner fight:

When Manny  Pacquiao came out firing, charging at Broner again and again with jabs and flurries

When Broner bounced back and successfully landed punches

Don’t worry, guys. Our champ has got this. See how great he was?

Now here’s when, as expected, Manny Pacquiao’s win was announced

Someone’s really happy about this win. I wonder why.

This is why! Someone made good money from her friends!

Just when everyone was about to leave, Broner was interviewed and when people heard him say “Everyone out there know I beat him!”, this is how we all reacted

The whole place sounded like a there was a pack of wolves howling because of how ridiculous he sounded. We were all, like, “Everyone??? U sure???” and we’re pretty sure you guys reacted the same! Didn’t you?

Post a photo of your reaction on the comments below to tell us how you felt!

The post Pacquiao vs. Broner: People’s Reactions When Broner Said “Everyone out there know I beat him” appeared first on When In Manila.

The hit Broadway Musical Hamilton is a story of diversity. It celebrates the idea that America is a nation built on the back of immigrants. To practice what it preaches, the Hamilton characters have always been cast to reflect this history of mixed cultures and races. So while there have been Hispanic and African-American Alexander Hamilton’s, there’s never been an Asian American one. Until now.

Marc dela Cruz, a Japanese-Filipino actor, made his debut as the first Asian Hamilton last weekend. He first joined the cast back in December, becoming the third Filipino-American on the Broadway cast along with Karla Puno Garcia and Christina Glur. Before playing Alexander Hamilton he alternated on various roles like John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, and King George.

His Instagram post marking his Hamilton debut reads:

Today I made my debut in Hamilton on Broadway. The love and support from this company is enormous and they have welcomed me with open arms. I’d like to say thank you to all of the extraordinary, hardworking people who make this show happen […]  I am FILLED WITH GRATITUDE for the creators and originators of Hamilton. It’s an honor to help share this astoundingly crafted and important piece of theater.

View this post on Instagram

I think this video adequately represents my experience these past few weeks. Today I made my debut in Hamilton on Broadway. The love and support from this company is enormous and they have welcomed me with open arms. I’d like to say thank you to all of the extraordinary, hardworking people who make this show happen, to everyone at the Richard Rodgers Theatre who warmly welcomed me into the family, my incredible managers @davidmkrasner and @terryjsaperstein, the wonderful team at Telsey and an especially big thank you to the passionate and patient souls who taught me the show and got me ready. I am FILLED WITH GRATITUDE for the creators and originators of Hamilton. It’s an honor to help share this astoundingly crafted and important piece of theater. Special thank you to @jmiglehart for his words and @carvenslissaint for capturing the moment. #hamiltonbroadway #hamfam #isthisreallyhappening #wholiveswhodieswhotellsyourstory #linmanuelmiranda

A post shared by Marc delaCruz (@marc_delacruz) on Dec 1, 2018 at 10:01pm PST

In an interview with The FilAm, he tells them about his Filipino heritage. He is Pinoy through his father, Roy dela Cruz, who immigrated to America after the Second World War. Roy was actually a soldier at the time of the war and a survivor of the Bataan death march. His mother, Rochelle, is of mixed-race and was born in Hawaii. She was the one who first introduced him to the theatre. He says that “my mother felt it was important to expose her children to as much culture and art as possible.”

(Yep, “Hamilton” Is Heading to the Big Screen!)

Though there are no clips of him as Hamilton just yet, you watch his performance of “Paradise” from Allegiance (the same musical Lea Salonga starred in!)

Who would you like to see next as part of the Hamilton cast? 

The post The first Asian to play Alexander Hamilton on Broadway…is Pinoy! appeared first on When In Manila.

The House of Representatives will soon finalize their stance on the age of criminal liability. They are expected to push in support of House Bill No. 505, which lowers the age of criminal liability from 15 years old to 9 years old. The House of Representatives Justice Panel just approved the bill. The Senate has yet to tackle this issue but is allegedly set to hold discussions on the bill this week.

What the bill specifically dictates is that “those above 9 years of age but under 18 years old shall be exempted from criminal liability unless he/she acted with discernment.”

There are still some steps that it has to pass through before this amendment to the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006 is either accepted or refused. This time is being used by some to either attack or defend the bill. For those undecided, it could also be a good time to form an opinion on it.

The Pro’s

Politicians who support this amendment justify it by parallelizing it with other countries that have a low criminal age. Several federal states in America operate on the common law age of 7. The United Kingdom and Indonesia prosecute criminally from the age of 8, while Asian countries like India and Singapore do so from the age of 7.

They also cite curbing crimes as a benefit. Individuals are starting to involve themselves in crimes and deviant behaviors at a younger age today. There are even children who commit rape, murder, and/or homicide. Some say it is the act and the gravity of harm that should be judged, and the not the age of the perpetrator.

This is in line with the fact that the bill punishes on the basis of intent. A crime committed by those above 9 but under 18 will only be prosecuted if proven to be premeditated. This means that the crime had to be clearly planned or deliberate to be an offense.

The con’s

Those against it say that the proper implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act should be enough to address the problem of youth criminality. If their concern is crime syndicates using children to commit the crime, then the status quo also enforces intervention and protection of that child. The problem becomes the weak implementation of current laws, which weakens the separate justice system for children that ought to exist.

Jackielou Bagadiong, a Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) policy and research officer, even argues that it’s more likely for children to become criminals should they be put in jail. This is because jails in the Philippines are considered ‘schools of crime’. She says that “if a child enters jail, one can be assured that when he or she comes out, she will have had a network of criminals that can assist him or her later on.”

While psychologists offer the logic that children of that age simply aren’t developed enough to hold accountable. Dr. Liane Peña Alampay, a developmental psychologist and member of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), explains that the higher-order thinking capacities are those which take the longest to develop. This governs “the ability to plan, make long-term decisions, control impulses, regulate behaviors, and all those capacities that make a person mature, responsible, and accountable.”

(Also Read: Catcalling, Stalking, and Online Sexual Harassment might soon be criminalized in the Philippines)

Conclusion

Clearly, both sides have their reasons for taking their respective stance. Only you can decide for yourself which one you should take if any at all.

Do you think the age of criminal liability should be lowered? Share your side with us in the comments! 

Sources: Rappler, YouthPolicy.Org, PLCPD Foundation

The post Bill lowering the age of criminal liability to 9 is widely supported by politicians appeared first on When In Manila.

We often get so caught up in our own lives and problems that we block out the people around us. A side-effect of that is being unaware of how we treat those people in our periphery. We might not be doing any harm, but we also forget how easy it is to do some good.

A simple smile towards the strangers you encounter could easily brighten up their day. Holding the door open for someone, or sharing your umbrella could mean the world to someone. But we probably won’t do it. This tricycle driver from Tayabas City reminds us that we just have to take a step away from our own heads to remember others.

This was originally posted on Reddit to praise the Tricycle driver for the small acts of kindness he goes out of his way to perform. Whoever he is, we can guess he might not have the most but he still finds a way to give back to others. On his tricycle, he has a hanging jar of candy for “happy passengers” and free mineral water for anyone thirsty.

He also has a sign to say that your ride is free if one of the following applies: (1) It’s your birthday, (2) You are 7-9 months pregnant, (3) You have your Electric Bill with you, (4) You are a hospital patient, (5) Your slippers are green, (6) You have no teeth, and (7) You don’t have money to pay.

Several commenters worried that passengers would abuse this generosity and that’s valid. But I hope that an act of kindness like this is more likely to incite other acts of kindness. He also has a sign posted with a quote of Oprah Winfrey stating: “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.”

We always compare ourselves to those who have more and forget that we still have the capacity to help others. It only takes a little effort to think about someone else. Hopefully, the passengers who encounter this man or even see this story is inspired to take this same mindset.

(INSPIRING: Filipino Harvard law graduate dedicates his career to pro-bono legal work for the poor)

Do you have your own inspiring stories to tell? Share them with us in the comments! 

The post INSPIRING: This tricycle driver reminds us of how easy it is to be kind appeared first on When In Manila.

There are a lot of long weekends lined up this 2019. If you are looking to enjoy a chic city staycation, visit Savoy Hotel Manila, Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) newest hotel for savvy travelers. For only Php3,500, you can make the most of 2019’s long weekend holidays with an overnight stay in an Essential Room with free buffet breakfast for two and a host of other benefits.

If you avail of Savoy’s Staycation Weekends promo, you will get 20% discount vouchers to select RWM shows, as well. If you book during qualified February dates, will also get two free passes to the ICE interactive snow room at Lumina in Newport Mall. All guests also get free access to Savoy’s swimming pool and fitness center.

The 684-room Savoy also features function rooms, three dining outlets, and Squares – a common lounge area with spaces for guests to work, relax, or mingle. The free Newport City shuttle also gives guests easy access to the many thrills at RWM.

If you are coming from the airport or have an upcoming flight, you can also avail of complimentary rides to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2, and 3 aboard the RWM 24/7 hourly airport shuttle. If you are going through NAIA Terminal 3, you may  appreciate the Savoy’s proximity to Runway Manila, an air-conditioned elevated pedestrian bridge which directly connects the terminal with Newport City and RWM.

The Savoy Hotel Manila Staycation Weekends rate is valid for the entire month of January, February 1-10, February 23-March 3, April 5-22, August 23-31, October 31-November 10, and December 21 up to New Year’s Day 2020. Book this incredible deal directly on Savoy Hotel’s website with the promo code YOURSPACE.

Avail of free RWM membership and download the RWM Mobile App to receive updates and special coupons to RWM events and promotions. Visit www.rwmanila.com for more information on RWM hotels and offers or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (02) 908.8833 for inquiries.

Savoy Hotel Manila

317 2869

reservation@­thesavoyhotels.com

Website: http://www.thesavoyhotelmanila.com.ph

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