PAL AND PAL EXPRESS OFFERS BOOK NOW FLY NOW SEAT SALE

Manila, Philippines - Philippine Airlines (PAL) and it's budget carrier PAL express have unveiled a new flight offering to the traveling public, dubbed "book now, fly now" flight offering.

  

Unlike other air carriers and budget airlines, wherein flight seats being offered are only enjoyed after six months & beyond, PAL & PAL Express "book now, fly now" flight offers, lets travelers fly within two weeks after availing the promotional flight seats.

As far as PAL is concerned, flights covered are to and from Manila, economy class:

To Kalibo: P688; To Cebu & Iloilo: P788; To Bacolod & Laoag: P988; To Tagbilaran: P1,788;

To Davao & General Santos: P1,788 and From General Santos to Iloilo: P1,188.

PAL Express, flights being offered from Manila are divided into two types, still economy class:

To Dumaguete, Kalibo, Roxas, Tacloban and Legazpi: P1,098

To Butuan, Cotabato and Dipolog: P1,098 .

Selling period will begin tomorrow, April 8 to 9, 2013 and traveling period will begin this coming April 28 to May 15, 2013.  Take note that above fares excludes taxes, fuel surcharge, service charge and terminal fees.

LAGUINDINGAN AIRPORT SET TO OPEN APRIL 30

Misamis Oriental, Philippines -  The Laguindingan International Airport have officially set April 30, as the opening date of its commercial operations.  Located at the Municipality of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, the airport will serve the passengers of Northern Mindanao, specifically Misamis Oriental, Lanao Del Sur, and Bukidnon.

The Laguindingan Airport will replace the outdated Lumbia Domestic Airport, which is currently used by domestic airlines.  In addition, travelers will be able to travel to their respective international destinations direct from Laguindingan, instead of going to Cebu.

According to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officials, the airport will initially adopt the visual flight rules in its maiden operations, wherein pilots will adopt landing maneuvers through a common practice known as "as far as your eyes can see".  CAAP officials assured that this practice have been proven to be "101 percent safe."

For the terminal fees, Laguindingan Airport will charge P200 and P700 for domestic & international flights, respectively.

OFFICIAL 2013 KAAMULAN FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon - The Province of Bukidnon is looking forward to celebrate its annual Kaamulan Festival, which will commence on February 18 and ends on March 10, 2013.  Kaamulan Festival is a gathering of Bukidnon's seven hill tribes in the capital City of Malaybalay.  

One of the highlights of the Kaamulan Festival is the Street Dancing competition, which was set on March 2.  In the street dancing competition, participating municipalities and cities will compete in two categories, street dancing and best float.

One of the major changes in the schedule of Kaamulan Festival is the commemoration of Bukidnon's foundation day, which was changed from March 10 to September 01, through an ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Below is the Official Schedule of Kaamulan Festival 2013:

Feb.18(Monday) -Soft Opening
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Capitol Grounds
7:00 pm. Malaybalay City Water District Band, Capitol Stage 

Feb. 19(Tuesday)
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Capitol Grounds
7:00 pm. Peace Maker Band, Capitol Stage

Feb. 20(Wednesday)
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Capitol Grounds
7:00 pm. Kaamulan Jam, Capitol Stage

Feb. 21(Thursday)
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Capitol Grounds
7:00 pm. Kaamulan Jam, Capitol Stage

Feb. 22(Friday) - Grand Opening
6:00 am Opening Ritual (Kaamulan ha Pangampu), Motorcade(Sponsors), School Band Parade
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
10:00 am. Ribbon Cutting/ROTARY PARK, Capitol Stage
10:30 am. School Bank Competition, Capitol Stage
7:00 pm. Kaamulan Jam, Capitol Stage

Feb. 23(Saturday)
6:00 am. Tree Growing/Planting & Climb, Mt. Kiamo II
8:00 am. Kaamulan Cultural Grand Opening (Kaamulan hu Pamukalag daw Panalawahig), Kaamulan Grounds

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
7:00 pm. Azura Band, Capitol Stage

Feb.24(Sunday)
6:00 am. Tree Growing/Planting & Climb, Mt. Kiamo II
8:00 am.- Tribal Convention(Bunsuda daw Bigula hu kag Dapita), Kaamulan Open Theater, Kaamulan grounds
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds

Feb.25(Monday)
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Flower Horn Fish Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am.- Tribal Convention(Bunsuda daw Bigula hu kag Dapita), Kaamulan Open Theater, Kaamulan grounds
7:00 pm. Kaamulan Jam, Capitol Stage

Feb.26(Tuesday)

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Flower Horn Fish Show, Capitol Grounds
6:00 pm. Kaamulan Ethno Cultural Festival, Capitol Stage


Feb.27(Wednesday)

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Flower Horn Fish Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Tribal Mass Wedding(Kaamulan Kagsalu Saluugana), Kaamulan Open Theater
6:00 pm. Kaamulan Ethno Cultural Festival, Capitol Stage

Feb.28(Thursday)

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Flower Horn Fish Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Ethnic Sports(Alu - alu), Capitol Grounds
6:00 pm. Kaamulan Ethno Cultural Festival, Capitol Stage 

March 1(Friday)
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Flower Horn Fish Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Ethnic Sports(Alu - alu), Capitol Grounds
7:00 pm. Piniliyapan hu Bukidnon, Kaamulan Open Theater

March 2- ETHNIC STREET DANCING
4:00 am. Pamuhat, Capitol Grounds & Pine Hills Hotel
7:00 am. Ethnic Street Dancing, Fortich St. to Capitol Grounds

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds

8:00 am. Flower Horn Fish Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
1:00 pm. Opening Kaamulan Rodeo, Grandstand
2:00 pm. Dance Clinic, Capitol Grounds
7:00 pm. Manila Band/Artists, Capitol Stage
7:00 pm. Province of Bukidnon Fireworks, Capitol Grounds
11:00 pm. Smart Fireworks, Capitol Grounds

March 3(Sunday)
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Wall Climb Competition, Kaamulan Grounds
8:00 am. Opening 3rd Gov. Alex P. Calingasan Moto Trail Challenge, Kaamulan Grounds
2:00 pm. Kaamulan Ethno Cultural Race, Capitol Stage
7:00 pm. Rodeo Night, Grand Stand
7:00 pm. D' Asian Hills Anniversary Night, Spongecola and Manila Guest, Capitol Stage

March 4(Monday)

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds

8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. 3rd Gov. Alex P. Calingasan Moto Trail Challenge, Kaamulan Grounds
1:00 pm. Tribal Music & Modern Kaamulan Tatoo Contest(Tuminduk Ha Kilagung lagung daw Kalibag e Indiga Hu Pamamatik), Kaamulan Open Theater
7:00 pm. Sponsors Night, Capitol Stage

March 5(Tuesday)

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Kaamulan Chess Tournament, Bukidnon State University
7:00 pm. Sponsors Night, Capitol Stage

March 6(Wednesday)
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Kaamulan Chess Tournament, Bukidnon State University
7:00 pm. Laga Ta Bukidnon, Talent Night, Kaamulan Open Theater

March 7(Thursday)
8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Kaamulan Chess Tournament, Bukidnon State University
7:00 pm. Sponsors Night, Capitol Stage

March 8(Friday)

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Kaamulan Chess Tournament, Bukidnon State University
8:00 am.Women's Summit, Kaamulan Open Theater
7:00 pm. Music Jam, Capitol Stage

March 9(Saturday) 

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Kaamulan Chess Tournament, Bukidnon State University
7:00 pm. Laga Ta Bukidnon, Coronation Night, Kaamulan Open Theater

March 10(Saturday)

8:00 am. Garden Show, Food Fest, Agri-Fair, Indigenous Bazaar, Kaamulan Bazaar, Livestock Show, Capitol Grounds
8:00 am. Photo Exhibit/Contest, Capitol Grounds
7:00 pm. SMB Nights & Fireworks, Capitol Grounds

March 14(Thursday)
8:00 am. Opening Motocross, Grandstand

March 15(Friday)
8:00 am. Motocross Final, Grandstand

SIAM BANK PLACED UNDER RECEIVERSHIP

Malaybalay City - Siam Bank Inc. with Head Office address at J.R. Borja St., Cagayan de Oro City and branches at Iligan City, Valencia City, Lugait and Villanueva, has been placed under receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).

In a statement released by PDIC, it stated that they took custody of the bank by virtue of a Resolution No. 1920.A dated November 22, 2012, approved by the Monetary Board .

PDIC said that upon takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. 

Valid depositors shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000 net of all obligations with the bank, PDIC said. 

It said that depositors with valid accounts with balances of P10,000 and below, who have no outstanding obligations with the bank and who have updated their addresses with the bank in the past year, need not file deposit insurance claims. 

PDIC said it will start mailing payments to these depositors to the last known addresses recorded in the bank by the end of October 2012.

Depositors whose accounts have balances of more than P10,000 and have outstanding obligations are advised to file their deposit insurance claims. 

The claims settlement operations will be conducted at the bank premises by within three months from the banks closure. 

The inclusive dates and schedule will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises and other public places as well as through the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph, newspapers and radios as soon as it is finalized.

MYPHONE A919 PHABLET NOW AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE

An official image of MyPhone A919 released by MyPhone

MyPhone A919, one of the latest Android devices is now available nationwide, to the delight of gadget lovers that looks forward to a smartphone that offers a value for money.  MyPhone, a Philippine based mobile company, takes aim on a highly competitive smartphone market dominated by high-end brands like Apple, Samsung, Lenovo and Sony.  

As far as specifications is concerned, the MyPhone A919 sports a 5-inch FWVGA (854X480) IPS display designed for protection against dirt and scratch, 1 GHz dual core MT6577 processor, 8 Megapixel back camera, with dual LED Flash 720p HD video playback and a front camera with VGA resolution.

In terms of its mobile OS, MyPhone A919 runs Android 4.04 Ice Cram Sandwich.  Other features of MyPhone 919 includes EDGE, GPRS, GPS, Bluetooth 3.0,WiFi Connectivity, GPS, USB 2.0 and 3G access(both HSDPA & HSUPA)

Recently, a teaser image of the MyPhone A919 appeared online and based on first impression MyPhone A919 can truly compete with the big boys that is already available in the market.

Speaking of price, the MyPhone A919 is priced at an affordable P 7,999, not bad for a phablet. MyPhone A919 can be bought at authorized distributors located at major malls and department stores.

MyPhone A919 complete specifications:

Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
5.0-inch FWVGA (854x480) IPS Capacitive Display Multi Touch
1GHz dual-core MediaTek MT6577 processor
PowerVR SGX531 GPU
512MB of RAM
4GB of internal storage (2.5GB User Accessible)
microSD up to 32GB
8.0 MP AF camera with dual LED flash
720p HD video recording
VGA front camera
WiFI 802.11 b/g/n, WiFi Direct, WiFi HotSpot
Bluetooth v3.0
GPS with A-GPS support
microUSB v2.0 / 3.5mm audio jack / TV-Out
Motion Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Environment Light Sensor
GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz SIM 1(3G) And SIM 2(2G)
HSDPA 900/2100MHz
Stand By Time up to 180 hours
Talk Time up to 5 hours
2,000mAh Lipolymer battery
147 x 76.5 x 9.7mm (Dimension)

Here is the some of the hands on images of MyPhone A919:

Image courtesy of tjsdaily.com

Image courtesy of tjsdaily.com

Image courtesy of tjsdaily.com

ELECTION FEVER HEATS UP IN BUKIDNON

Malaybalay City, Philippines - The filing of certificates of candidacy both for national and local posts have officially ended last October 5, Friday, at the Comelec office and there are new and familiar faces in the electoral landscape of Bukidnon.  One of the surprising outcome is the filing of candidacy by Allan Bigcas, a controversial personality from Baungon, for the post of Governor of Bukidnon, against current Vice-Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr.

In other political updates, voters in Bukidnon will elect an additional congressman for the 4th district of Bukidnon.

For other known and new faces in the Province's political landscape, see  the partial and unofficial list below:

Congressman:
1st District: Jess Paras

2nd District: Florencio Flores, Jr.

3rd District: Jose F. Zubiri III, Ruth Acosta

4th District: Rogelio Roque, Glen Peduche, Wenifredo Agripo

Dangcagan

1. Mayor:  Fruto Dandasan Jr., Roberto Cabunoc

Impasug-ong

1. Mayor:  Oliver Aldovino, Mario Okinlay

Kitatao

1. Mayor: Lorenzo Gawilan Jr,

Lantapan

1. Mayor: Teresito Labastilla, Godofredo Balansag

Libona

1. Mayor: Leonard Genesis T. Calingasan (No Opponent)

Malaybalay City

1. Mayor: Iñaki Zubiri, Victor Aldeguer, Estelito Marabe
2. Vice Mayor: Roland Deticio, Glorio Sajulga,

Malitbog

1. Mayor:  Osmundo dela Rosa

Manolo Fortich

1. Mayor:  Rogelio Quiño (No Opponent)

 Maramag
1. Mayor: Peter McNeil Acosta, Alice Resus
Pangantucan

1. Mayor:  Manolito Garces (No Opponent)

Quezon

1. Mayor: Juan Carlos Fortich, Gregorio Gue

San Fernando

1. Mayor: Levi Edma Sr., Datu Okit Onlas

Valencia City

1. Mayor: Leandro Catarata, Jose Galario, Arlyn Ayon, Cleofe Mabao
2. Vice Mayor: Almer Alfonso, Sonny Huervas

The list above will be updated as new information becomes available.

GUINNESS: GANGNAM STYLE MOST LIKED VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

London, England-  The Guinness Book of World Records have announced that Gangnam Style music video of Korean pop sensation PSY, a.k.a Park Jae-Sang have reached a record smashing 2.4 million likes on YouTube, surpassing music videos of LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" which has recorded 1.5 million likes.  Coming in third places is Justin Bieber's music video "Baby", with 1.2 million likes.

 

Gangnam Style music video's popularity maybe traced to the fact that its dance steps is easy to follow and the song is very lively.  In terms of the number of viewers, Gangnam Style music video have also generated at least 242 million audiences on YouTube, which quiet a feat for a Korean pop superstar with no international exposure prior to this hit music video.

SM LANANG SETS SEPTEMBER 28 OPENING

Davao City, Philippines-  SM have announced that their second mall in Davao, located in Lanang, will open its doors to the public this coming September 28.  The mall will be called SM Lanang Premier, owing to the fact that its facilities is at par with SM's high end malls such as SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa among others.

According to an officer in charge of SM Mall operations in Mindanao, SM Lanang Premier will bring the number of SM Malls to 46, making it the largest mall network in the country.  SM poured at least P 2 billion worth of investments for SM Lanang, with 4 stories of mall space, an SMX convention, and other upscale amenities.

SM Lanang also boasts of a dancing fountain, bowling alleys for bowlers, movie theaters and an IMAX theater.  SM Lanang's lessors now covers more than two thirds of the mall's releasable space.

APPLE: NEW IPHONE 5 ARRIVES

The long wait is finally over, after Apple introduced the latest model of its iPhone series, the new iPhone 5 at a recently concluded event in San Francisco.  The iPhone 5 or the new iPhone sports a new design that is completely different from iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S.  The iPhone 5 is much slimmer and taller compared with its older predecessors.

In terms of its screen size, the iPhone 5 have a 4-inch screen, a half inch larger than the existing iPhone. As far as screen resolution is concerned, the iPhone 5 have 640 x 1, 136 pixel-resolution, giving additional space for other apps. 

In addition, iPhone 5 screen is much more thinner and utilizes "in-cell" technology, thereby merging touch and display function.  With the increased screen size, Apple will be able to catch up with the competition, particularly Android smartphone's with screens of 4.3, 4.5 and 4.7 inches.

 

Apple also introduced a new dock connector, consisting of 8 pins, which makes the 30-pin connector, just a mere legacy.  With regards to connectivity, iPhone 5 will run under 4G LTE, following the lead of the new iPad, thereby extending battery life and faster download speed.

In terms of processor, the iPhone 5 have an A6 processor, which is faster compared with those embedded on the new iPad or iPhone 4S.  Finally, the iPhone 5 runs on the newest lineup of iOS, thus giving Apple fans familiarity in exploring the new iPhone.