CSC announces 2019 civil service exam schedule, application period
MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced recently the schedule and application period for the civil service examinations to be conducted in 2019 via the Pen and Paper mode.
The CSC, through its regional offices nationwide, will administer these types of eligibility examinations with the following schedule:
The commission will also administer these non-eligibility examinations:
Calendar of civil service examinations through pen and paper test for CY 2019:
DETAILS OF EXAMINATIONS
Filing of application is now open for CSE-FSO. Administered in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the CSE-FSO is both an eligibility examination for government service and a qualifying test for the five-part Foreign Service Officer Examination (FSOE) of the DFA for which the CSE-FSO forms the first part.
Applications for CSE-FSO may be filed at the DFA-Board of Foreign Service Examinations, Pasay City, until Dec. 6; or at Consular Offices within and outside Metro Manila, or at Philippine Embassies and Consulates or Missions abroad, until Nov. 29 only.
Interested parties are strongly advised to access and read thoroughly the corresponding examination announcement through the DFA website www.dfa.gov.ph, or through the link www.dfa.gov.ph/images/2018/BFSE/Oct/2019-FSO-Announcement.pdf for details on testing centers, qualifications, application requirements and procedures, and other relevant information.
Passers of CSE-FSO will be conferred the Career Foreign Service Officer Eligibility that is comparable to the Career Service Professional Eligibility and, at the same time, qualifies an individual to the second stage (preliminary interview) of the FSOE.
The CSE-PPT for Professional and Subprofessional levels are open to Filipino citizens, regardless of educational attainment, who are at least 18 years old at the time of filing of application, and have not taken the same level of examination within three months before the date of examination. For the CSE-PPT scheduled on March 17, 2019, applicants must not take the same level of the examination from Dec. 17, 2018 to March 16, 2019. This rule, though, do not apply to applicants who would be taking the other level of the examination different from the examination level last taken, the CSC clarified.
The CSC said there is no limit in taking the Career Service examinations, citing that an individual may continuously take the exams regardless of the number of times failed.
Applications for the March 17, 2019 CSE-PPT may be filed starting Dec. 17 this year until Jan. 16 next year at the CSC Regional Office (CSC RO), or any of the concerned CSC RO’s Field Offices where the applicant intends to take the examination. The CSC will issue, and post on its website, an examination announcement for details on testing centers, documentary requirements, and other information regarding the CSE-PPT. Examination fee for CSE-PPT is Php500.
The career service exams would result in the conferment of either Professional or Subprofessional eligibility appropriate for appointment to corresponding positions in the government.
The BCLTE and the ICLTE are part of the Standardized Examination and Assessment for Local Treasury Service (SEAL) Program of the Department of Finance (DOF). The BCLTE aims to establish a Register of Eligibles for Local Treasurer and Assistant Local Treasurer positions, and to positions under the Financial Services in the civil service, except those requiring practice of profession or are covered by Bar/Board and special laws.
The ICLTE forms part of the assessment of the DOF in the selection, appointment, designation, and promotion to higher positions in the local treasury service that also do not require practice of profession and are not covered by Bar/Board and special laws.
Passing the BCLTE would result in the conferment of the Local Treasurer Eligibility which, in turn, is a pre-requisite to qualify to take the ICLTE.
As to the Pre-Employment Test, Promotional Test, and EOPT, the CSC said these are all institutionalized examinations that serve as human resource tools or mechanisms that government agencies may choose to adopt as part of their internal rules on recruitment and placement. In particular, these tests intend to initially filter applicants for employment and promotion.
EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Individual examination announcements shall be issued at least one (1) week before the start of the application period, containing detailed information on the following areas:
UPDATES
Stay tuned here for full details of 2019 examination especially for CSE-PPT. You may also refer to the official website of CSC for more information.
— The Summit Express
The CSC, through its regional offices nationwide, will administer these types of eligibility examinations with the following schedule:
- Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO) – January 27
- Career Service Examination, Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) for Professional and Subprofessional levels– March 17 and August 4
- Basic Competency on Local Treasury Examination (BCLTE) – June 23
The commission will also administer these non-eligibility examinations:
- Intermediate Competency on Local Treasury Examination (ICLTE) – October 13
- Pre-Employment Test, Promotional Test, and Ethics Oriented Personality Test (EOPT) – June 23 and October 13
| Title of Examination | Date of Examination | Application Period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | To | ||
| Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO) | January 27, 2019 | October 8, 2018 | December 6, 2018 |
| CSE-Professional Level | March 17, 2018 | December 17, 2018 | January 16, 2019 |
| August 4, 2019 | May 6, 2019 | June 5, 2019 | |
| CSE-SubProfessional Level | March 17, 2018 | December 17, 2018 | January 16, 2019 |
| August 4, 2019 | May 6, 2019 | June 5, 2019 | |
| Basic Competency on Local Treasury Examination (BCLTE) | June 23, 2019 | April 2, 2019 | May 2, 2019 |
| Pre-Employment Test | June 23, 2019 October 13, 2019 | April 2, 2019 July 23, 2019 | May 2, 2019 August 22, 2019 |
| Promotional Test | |||
| Ethics Oriented Personality Test (EOPT) | |||
| Intermediate Competency on Local Treasury Examination (ICLTE) | October 13, 2019 | July 23, 2019 | August 22, 2019 |
DETAILS OF EXAMINATIONS
Filing of application is now open for CSE-FSO. Administered in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the CSE-FSO is both an eligibility examination for government service and a qualifying test for the five-part Foreign Service Officer Examination (FSOE) of the DFA for which the CSE-FSO forms the first part.
Applications for CSE-FSO may be filed at the DFA-Board of Foreign Service Examinations, Pasay City, until Dec. 6; or at Consular Offices within and outside Metro Manila, or at Philippine Embassies and Consulates or Missions abroad, until Nov. 29 only.
Interested parties are strongly advised to access and read thoroughly the corresponding examination announcement through the DFA website www.dfa.gov.ph, or through the link www.dfa.gov.ph/images/2018/BFSE/Oct/2019-FSO-Announcement.pdf for details on testing centers, qualifications, application requirements and procedures, and other relevant information.
Passers of CSE-FSO will be conferred the Career Foreign Service Officer Eligibility that is comparable to the Career Service Professional Eligibility and, at the same time, qualifies an individual to the second stage (preliminary interview) of the FSOE.
The CSE-PPT for Professional and Subprofessional levels are open to Filipino citizens, regardless of educational attainment, who are at least 18 years old at the time of filing of application, and have not taken the same level of examination within three months before the date of examination. For the CSE-PPT scheduled on March 17, 2019, applicants must not take the same level of the examination from Dec. 17, 2018 to March 16, 2019. This rule, though, do not apply to applicants who would be taking the other level of the examination different from the examination level last taken, the CSC clarified.
The CSC said there is no limit in taking the Career Service examinations, citing that an individual may continuously take the exams regardless of the number of times failed.
Applications for the March 17, 2019 CSE-PPT may be filed starting Dec. 17 this year until Jan. 16 next year at the CSC Regional Office (CSC RO), or any of the concerned CSC RO’s Field Offices where the applicant intends to take the examination. The CSC will issue, and post on its website, an examination announcement for details on testing centers, documentary requirements, and other information regarding the CSE-PPT. Examination fee for CSE-PPT is Php500.
The career service exams would result in the conferment of either Professional or Subprofessional eligibility appropriate for appointment to corresponding positions in the government.
The BCLTE and the ICLTE are part of the Standardized Examination and Assessment for Local Treasury Service (SEAL) Program of the Department of Finance (DOF). The BCLTE aims to establish a Register of Eligibles for Local Treasurer and Assistant Local Treasurer positions, and to positions under the Financial Services in the civil service, except those requiring practice of profession or are covered by Bar/Board and special laws.
The ICLTE forms part of the assessment of the DOF in the selection, appointment, designation, and promotion to higher positions in the local treasury service that also do not require practice of profession and are not covered by Bar/Board and special laws.
Passing the BCLTE would result in the conferment of the Local Treasurer Eligibility which, in turn, is a pre-requisite to qualify to take the ICLTE.
As to the Pre-Employment Test, Promotional Test, and EOPT, the CSC said these are all institutionalized examinations that serve as human resource tools or mechanisms that government agencies may choose to adopt as part of their internal rules on recruitment and placement. In particular, these tests intend to initially filter applicants for employment and promotion.
EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Individual examination announcements shall be issued at least one (1) week before the start of the application period, containing detailed information on the following areas:
- testing centers
- qualification/admission requirements
- application requirements
- where to get and file application forms
- testing venue (information on school assignment)
- things to bring on exam day
- scope of examination/time limit
- passing grade and release of test result
- issuance of certification of eligibility
UPDATES
Stay tuned here for full details of 2019 examination especially for CSE-PPT. You may also refer to the official website of CSC for more information.
— The Summit Express
LIST: 2019 Holidays, Long Weekends in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – MalacaƱang Palace has released the official list of regular holidays and special (non-working) days for the year 2019.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 555, which declares 19 regular and non-working holidays in 2019.
This includes November 2 (Saturday) and December 24 (Tuesday) as two additional non-working days throughout the country.
The two dates have been added “to strengthen family ties by providing more time for the traditional All Saint’s Day, All Soul’s Day and Christmas Day commemorative activities, and will promote domestic tourism as well”.
Note that December 8 special holiday was added in the list to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, based on Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10966.
FULL LIST OF HOLIDAYS IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR 2019
REGULAR HOLIDAYS
SPECIAL NON-WORKING DAYS
ADDITIONAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAYS
PLAN AHEAD: 9 long weekends in 2019. This list covers only holidays that fall on a Monday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday (with one vacation leave in between), making the long weekend possible.
1. December 29, 2018 to January 1, 2019 (Rizal Day and New Year weekend)
2. February 2 to 5, 2019 (Chinese New Year weekend)
3. February 23 to 25, 2019 (EDSA Anniversary weekend)
4. April 6 to 9, 2019 (Araw ng Kagitingan weekend)
5. April 18 to 21, 2019 (Holy Week)
6. August 24 to 26, 2019 (National Heroes' Day weekend)
7. November 1 to 3, 2019 (All Saints/Souls' Day weekend)
8. December 21 to 25, 2019 (Christmas weekend)
9. December 28, 2019 to January 1, 2020 (Rizal Day and New Year weekend)
The proclamation declaring national holidays for the observance of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha, two major feasts of Islam, will be issued after the dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra).
“To this end, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President of the actual dates on which these holidays shall respectively fall,” the proclamation stated.
Based on labor laws, employees who work on holidays will be paid more than overtime rate on regular days. On top of their regular hourly rate, they will receive an additional 25% of their regular hourly rate.
On the other hand, employees who work on regular holidays will receive at least 200% of the sum of their daily rate and cost of living allowance.
Those who work on special non-working days will receive at least 130% of the sum their daily rate and cost of living allowance.
Duterte has ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to publicize the implementing guidelines for the proclamation.
— The Summit Express
President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 555, which declares 19 regular and non-working holidays in 2019.
This includes November 2 (Saturday) and December 24 (Tuesday) as two additional non-working days throughout the country.
The two dates have been added “to strengthen family ties by providing more time for the traditional All Saint’s Day, All Soul’s Day and Christmas Day commemorative activities, and will promote domestic tourism as well”.
Note that December 8 special holiday was added in the list to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, based on Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10966.
FULL LIST OF HOLIDAYS IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR 2019
REGULAR HOLIDAYS
- January 1 (Tuesday) – New Year’s Day
- April 9 (Tuesday) – Araw ng Kagitingan
- April 18 – Maunday Thursday
- April 19 – Good Friday
- May 1 (Wednesday) – Labor Day
- June 12 (Wednesday) – Independence Day
- August 26 (last Monday of August) – National Heroes Day
- November 30 (Saturday) – Bonifacio Day
- December 25 (Wednesday) – Christmas Day
- December 30 (Monday) – Rizal Day
SPECIAL NON-WORKING DAYS
- February 5 (Tuesday) – Chinese New Year
- February 25 (Monday) – EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary
- April 20 – Black Saturday
- August 21 (Wednesday) – Ninoy Aquino Day
- November 1 (Friday) – All Saint’s Day
- December 8 (Sunday) – Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
- December 31 (Tuesday) – Last Day of the Year
ADDITIONAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAYS
- November 2 (Saturday) – All Souls Day
- December 24 (Tuesday) – Christmas Eve
PLAN AHEAD: 9 long weekends in 2019. This list covers only holidays that fall on a Monday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday (with one vacation leave in between), making the long weekend possible.
1. December 29, 2018 to January 1, 2019 (Rizal Day and New Year weekend)
2. February 2 to 5, 2019 (Chinese New Year weekend)
3. February 23 to 25, 2019 (EDSA Anniversary weekend)
4. April 6 to 9, 2019 (Araw ng Kagitingan weekend)
5. April 18 to 21, 2019 (Holy Week)
6. August 24 to 26, 2019 (National Heroes' Day weekend)
7. November 1 to 3, 2019 (All Saints/Souls' Day weekend)
8. December 21 to 25, 2019 (Christmas weekend)
9. December 28, 2019 to January 1, 2020 (Rizal Day and New Year weekend)
 |
| 2019 LONG WEEKENDS. Infographic courtesy of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). |
The proclamation declaring national holidays for the observance of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha, two major feasts of Islam, will be issued after the dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra).
“To this end, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President of the actual dates on which these holidays shall respectively fall,” the proclamation stated.
Based on labor laws, employees who work on holidays will be paid more than overtime rate on regular days. On top of their regular hourly rate, they will receive an additional 25% of their regular hourly rate.
On the other hand, employees who work on regular holidays will receive at least 200% of the sum of their daily rate and cost of living allowance.
Those who work on special non-working days will receive at least 130% of the sum their daily rate and cost of living allowance.
Duterte has ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to publicize the implementing guidelines for the proclamation.
— The Summit Express
ABS-CBN reveals Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) OTSO: release date, housemates, updates
MANILA, Philippines – ABS-CBN officially announced on Saturday, October 20 the return of the country's longest-running and most successful reality show, the Pinoy Big Brother with the 14th edition and Season 8 dubbed as "PBB OTSO."
"PBB OTSO" is expected to kick-off this November 2018. "Ngayong Nobyembre, humanda na ang mga Star Dreamers na pwedeng maging housemate ni Kuya." The news was also confirmed by PBB director Laurenti Dyogi in his YouTube post.
Teaser for "PBB OTSO" features Big Brother's voice saying "Did you miss my voice?" It also featured the highlights of previous editions and winning moments of all the Big Winners.
After the recap of all logos used in the show, official logo for Season 8 was revealed. It features a flat, simple and minimalist design. The font changed subtly and the word "otso" which means "eight" in Filipino language was highlighted. The eye was also changed to symbolize patriotism with the elements of the Philippine flag.
PBB OTSO List of Housemates
Housemates for Pinoy Big Brother Otso will come from the general casting process of ABS-CBN called Star Hunt. Auditions were held in various locations nationwide from April this year.
The list of housemates will be posted on this page as announced in the upcoming weeks.
The PBB House
Dyogi revealed in his vlog that massive renovation of the PBB House is ongoing in preparation for the Season 8. It would be the first time since Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up that the series would have a total reconstruction of the house's interior layout. Fans should watch out for the new confession room and transformations of living and bed rooms.
Host
Toni Gonzaga who appeared in the teaser video is expected to reprise her role as the main host of the show. ABS-CBN is yet to announce if Mariel Rodriguez, Bianca Gonzalez, and Robi Domingo would also join for the hosting duties.
Updates
Don't miss updates on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) by following our social media channels. You may also visit the official website of PBB OTSO (https://entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/shows/pbbotso).
— The Summit Express
"PBB OTSO" is expected to kick-off this November 2018. "Ngayong Nobyembre, humanda na ang mga Star Dreamers na pwedeng maging housemate ni Kuya." The news was also confirmed by PBB director Laurenti Dyogi in his YouTube post.
The phenomenon. The most successful. The longest-running reality show. One of the strongest brand in the world. The most famous house in the Philippines will open it’s doors once more. This November 2018, the new season of Pinoy Big Brother: OTSO š #PBBOtso #PinoyBigBrother pic.twitter.com/9JCkELy9Jz— Pinoy Big Brother Otso (@PBBOTSOabscbn) October 20, 2018
Teaser for "PBB OTSO" features Big Brother's voice saying "Did you miss my voice?" It also featured the highlights of previous editions and winning moments of all the Big Winners.
After the recap of all logos used in the show, official logo for Season 8 was revealed. It features a flat, simple and minimalist design. The font changed subtly and the word "otso" which means "eight" in Filipino language was highlighted. The eye was also changed to symbolize patriotism with the elements of the Philippine flag.
 |
| Pinoy Big Brother PBB OTSO official logo. |
PBB OTSO List of Housemates
Housemates for Pinoy Big Brother Otso will come from the general casting process of ABS-CBN called Star Hunt. Auditions were held in various locations nationwide from April this year.
TRIVIA: Did you know that some official housemates in PBB Otso are actually shown in Star Hunt: The Kapamilya Grand Audition Show? Recap the past episodes of Star Hunt and those Star dreamers whose dream is to enter PBB house are actually one of the housemates of #PBBOtso— Pinoy Big Brother Otso (@PBBOTSOabscbn) October 20, 2018
The list of housemates will be posted on this page as announced in the upcoming weeks.
The PBB House
Dyogi revealed in his vlog that massive renovation of the PBB House is ongoing in preparation for the Season 8. It would be the first time since Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up that the series would have a total reconstruction of the house's interior layout. Fans should watch out for the new confession room and transformations of living and bed rooms.
Host
Toni Gonzaga who appeared in the teaser video is expected to reprise her role as the main host of the show. ABS-CBN is yet to announce if Mariel Rodriguez, Bianca Gonzalez, and Robi Domingo would also join for the hosting duties.
Updates
Don't miss updates on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) by following our social media channels. You may also visit the official website of PBB OTSO (https://entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/shows/pbbotso).
— The Summit Express
Mysterious baby footprints appearing at Balanga malls scare netizens
Halloween time is fast approaching and netizens are once again sharing the spookiest stories they have heard, including popular urban legends. Recently, however, the spookiest urban legend has surfaced in Balanga, Bataan after someone tweeted photos of mysterious baby footprints that have been appearing at various malls in the city.
Twitter user @kyuriiie posted the urban legend, claiming that dirty baby footprints had been appearing in malls at Balanga, particularly at Galleria, Ocampo's, Centre Plaza Mall (CPM), and Vista Mall.
According to the tweet, the mysterious baby footprints had allegedly been appearing in these malls for many years now, with the location changing each day as the child appears to ‘play’ at different stalls in these malls.
In the series of tweets, @kyuriiie further added that the mysterious footprint often appears as just one footprint but its pair reportedly appears when the stall owners or workers try to wipe the first one. At times, the baby footprint would be accompanied by an adult print but like the small one, this would also come as just one foot.
At times, it was claimed that the footprints appear even at day time when the malls are open. The workers would just notice that a fresh print appears at their stall yet no grimy barefoot child could be seen.
The plot thickens as other netizens pitched in their stories and also shared photos of their experience with the mysterious footprints.
Someone shared that the same thing also happens at their office while another narrated that a mall she worked in also had similar baby footprints but these were on the walls and appeared to be crawling upwards.
The spooky stories continued, with someone also sharing photos of the baby footprints but these were too far apart to be made by ‘regular’ babies. Creepy.
But not everyone is afraid of the mysterious baby footprints. A mall worker appeared to appreciate the prints when these recently appeared at their store, saying that they thought they were lucky because the baby had been playing at their stall that night.
Others are calling for the malls to review the CCTV footage at the areas where the footprints were found, just to check whether some baby did pass unnoticed through that area. But others suggested to just leave this be as the mysterious baby footprints might be handiwork of some restless spirits…
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
Twitter user @kyuriiie posted the urban legend, claiming that dirty baby footprints had been appearing in malls at Balanga, particularly at Galleria, Ocampo's, Centre Plaza Mall (CPM), and Vista Mall.
According to the tweet, the mysterious baby footprints had allegedly been appearing in these malls for many years now, with the location changing each day as the child appears to ‘play’ at different stalls in these malls.
 |
| Photo credit: Twitter / @kyuriiie |
In the series of tweets, @kyuriiie further added that the mysterious footprint often appears as just one footprint but its pair reportedly appears when the stall owners or workers try to wipe the first one. At times, the baby footprint would be accompanied by an adult print but like the small one, this would also come as just one foot.
At times, it was claimed that the footprints appear even at day time when the malls are open. The workers would just notice that a fresh print appears at their stall yet no grimy barefoot child could be seen.
The plot thickens as other netizens pitched in their stories and also shared photos of their experience with the mysterious footprints.
 |
| Photo credit: Twitter / @kyuriiie |
Someone shared that the same thing also happens at their office while another narrated that a mall she worked in also had similar baby footprints but these were on the walls and appeared to be crawling upwards.
The spooky stories continued, with someone also sharing photos of the baby footprints but these were too far apart to be made by ‘regular’ babies. Creepy.
But not everyone is afraid of the mysterious baby footprints. A mall worker appeared to appreciate the prints when these recently appeared at their store, saying that they thought they were lucky because the baby had been playing at their stall that night.
 |
| Photo credit: Twitter / @kyuriiie |
Others are calling for the malls to review the CCTV footage at the areas where the footprints were found, just to check whether some baby did pass unnoticed through that area. But others suggested to just leave this be as the mysterious baby footprints might be handiwork of some restless spirits…
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
WATCH: Team Karylle and Jhong's musical wins Magpasikat 2018
MANILA, Philippines – Team Jhong Hilario and Karylle Yuzon's original musical play, which is a sequel to their Magpasikat performance last year, won the title of Magpasikat 2018 grand champion.
The winners of Magpasikat Week, as part of It's Showtime's ninth (9th) anniversary celebration, were announced on Saturday, October 20.
Team Jhong and Karylle's performance tells the story of a cockroach and a caterpillar tackling self-acceptance and gender equality.
The team got 9.4 points from the judges composed of Empoy Marquez, Shalani Soledad-Romulo, Rey "PJ" Abellana, celebrity couple Ronnie and Maris Ricketts and Gus Abelgas as the "punong hurado."
Ricketts admitted they almost lost their words because they were so captivated. Ronnie said, “Para akong nasa New York, nanonood ng Broadway show. Saludo ako sa inyo.”
Marquez said that the team impressed him so much. He went on to praise the comedic timing of the team members and called their performance a “laughternoon.”
RELATED STORIES
As the "Magpasikat Week" champions, Jhong and Karylle, along with Hashtags Ronnie Alonte, Jimboy Martin, Rayt Carreon and Girltrends Chienna Filomeno and Jessica Marasigan, won P300,000 for their chosen charity.
Placing second (9.2 points) and third (9.0 points) were the team of Vice Ganda and Amy Perez; and the team of Anne Curtis and Mariel Rodriguez, taking home P200,000 and P100,000 for their chosen charities, respectively.
The two remaining teams -- Vhong Navarro and Ryan Bang and Teddy Corpuz and Jugs Jugueta -- received consolation prize of P50,000 for their chosen charities.
What do you think of the results of this year's Magpasikat? Did your bet win?
— The Summit Express
 |
| Team Karylle and Jhong mesmerizes in super all original insect musical | Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Entertainment |
The winners of Magpasikat Week, as part of It's Showtime's ninth (9th) anniversary celebration, were announced on Saturday, October 20.
Team Jhong and Karylle's performance tells the story of a cockroach and a caterpillar tackling self-acceptance and gender equality.
The team got 9.4 points from the judges composed of Empoy Marquez, Shalani Soledad-Romulo, Rey "PJ" Abellana, celebrity couple Ronnie and Maris Ricketts and Gus Abelgas as the "punong hurado."
Ricketts admitted they almost lost their words because they were so captivated. Ronnie said, “Para akong nasa New York, nanonood ng Broadway show. Saludo ako sa inyo.”
Marquez said that the team impressed him so much. He went on to praise the comedic timing of the team members and called their performance a “laughternoon.”
RELATED STORIES
- VIDEO: Team Vhong-Ryan takes a stand against bullying in Magpasikat 2018
- VIDEO: Team Anne-Mariel stuns with aerial acts, acrobats in Magpasikat 2018
- Magpasikat 2018: Team Vice Ganda inspires everyone to reach for their dreams
- Magpasikat 2018: Team Jugs and Teddy recreates TV shows, tugs at madlang peoples’ hearts
As the "Magpasikat Week" champions, Jhong and Karylle, along with Hashtags Ronnie Alonte, Jimboy Martin, Rayt Carreon and Girltrends Chienna Filomeno and Jessica Marasigan, won P300,000 for their chosen charity.
Placing second (9.2 points) and third (9.0 points) were the team of Vice Ganda and Amy Perez; and the team of Anne Curtis and Mariel Rodriguez, taking home P200,000 and P100,000 for their chosen charities, respectively.
 |
| Team Vice and Amy shows the power of dreams in full color | Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Entertainment |
The two remaining teams -- Vhong Navarro and Ryan Bang and Teddy Corpuz and Jugs Jugueta -- received consolation prize of P50,000 for their chosen charities.
 |
| Team Jugs and Teddy touches hearts wit father and son's love live on TV | Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Entertainment |
What do you think of the results of this year's Magpasikat? Did your bet win?
— The Summit Express
LOOK: Legislative process on how Senate Bill No. 2073 can abolish CPD law
MANILA, Philippines – When Senator Ralph Recto filed Senate Bill No. 2073 seeking to abolish Republic Act 10912, or the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Law, majority of the local professionals rejoiced and became hopeful.
But the clamor of the majority of the 3.2 million registered professionals to abolish CPD Law remains to be seen with the passing of Recto's bill. The question remains, how and when will the CPD Law be abolished? Is it really possible for the CPD Law to be abolished?
Let's take a quick look at how laws are being repealed in the Philippines.
What is CPD Law?
The Republic Act 10912, or the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an act which requires registered professionals to earn a number of CPD units for the renewal of their Professional Identification Card.
It is a requisite in ASEAN integration and to help make Filipino professionals become globally competitive.
Why are professionals calling for the repeal of the CPD Law?
An online petition initiated by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) party list addressed to the Philippine House of Representatives and the Senate called for the repeal of the CPD Law saying that it is an “unnecessary law.”
The petition stated that the CPD made the renewal of their licenses “very costly, more bureaucratic and unnecessary regulative.”
What is the legislative procedure for the Senate Bill 2073 to become a law and formally repeal CPD Law?
Now that the Senate Bill 2073 had been filed in the Senate, it will now have to be assigned to appropriate committees for debates and discussion.
Depending on the presiding officer, the bill may be assigned to more than one committee. In the case of Senate bill 2073, it may fall under Senate committee on labor, employment, and human resources development with Senator Joel Villanueva as chairman.
It can be recalled that Senator Joel Villanueva issued a statement that he strongly supports the amending of the CPD Law. He even went on to say that he will work in extending the validity of PRC license to up to 5 years.
Another committee that possibly may hear the bill is the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as chairman. Trillanes, the main author of the CPD law earlier expressed that he understands the sentiments against CPD but insists that it is necessary for professional development.
After the committee hearings and findings and suggestions are made, the bill will still have to pass the second and third readings before being submitted to the Lower chamber (House of Representatives). The Congress will look if they have a similar measure to the Senate bill and in this case, they do have. The House Bill No. 7171 submitted by Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party-List also seeks to abolish CPD Law.
The bicameral committee will now work together for alignment of the two versions. Once they come up with a version approved by both Houses, the final version will be printed and sent to MalacaƱang for the President’s signature turning it into a law.
How long does a bill become a law?
There is no definite time frame on how long a bill becomes a law since “Senate debate is unlimited unless cloture is invoked”.
In the case of the CPD Law, it became a law on July 21, 2016 and took effect in less than one month on August 16, 2016. It’s implementation was not until a year after on March 15, 2017, upon the effectivity of Resolution No. 1032 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. No. 10912.
If we are going to look into repealing an existing law, we can take an example on RA # 10655 or the repeal of the crime of premature marriage under RA 251. The timeframe for this begins on July 30, 2014 for the approval of Senate Bill but it took almost 5 months on December 17, 2014 until the House of Representatives approved their version. Then-President Benigno S. Aquino III approved it three more months after on March 13, 2015 to officially make it a law and repeal the existing law on premature marriage.
What happened to House Bill No. 7171 by Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party-List?
The House Bill No. 717 filed by Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party-List in the House of Representatives also seeks the abolition of the CPD Law back in February 2018.
The House bill was submitted to committee on civil service and professional regulation with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as chair. Last September, the Alliance of Professionals for the Repeal of CPD Law attended the public hearing on the CPD Law. According to the group, “We have registered our position but again, there was no substantial response from the committee chair to address our concerns.”
RELATED STORIES
— The Summit Express
But the clamor of the majority of the 3.2 million registered professionals to abolish CPD Law remains to be seen with the passing of Recto's bill. The question remains, how and when will the CPD Law be abolished? Is it really possible for the CPD Law to be abolished?
Let's take a quick look at how laws are being repealed in the Philippines.
What is CPD Law?
The Republic Act 10912, or the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an act which requires registered professionals to earn a number of CPD units for the renewal of their Professional Identification Card.
It is a requisite in ASEAN integration and to help make Filipino professionals become globally competitive.
Why are professionals calling for the repeal of the CPD Law?
An online petition initiated by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) party list addressed to the Philippine House of Representatives and the Senate called for the repeal of the CPD Law saying that it is an “unnecessary law.”
The petition stated that the CPD made the renewal of their licenses “very costly, more bureaucratic and unnecessary regulative.”
What is the legislative procedure for the Senate Bill 2073 to become a law and formally repeal CPD Law?
Now that the Senate Bill 2073 had been filed in the Senate, it will now have to be assigned to appropriate committees for debates and discussion.
Depending on the presiding officer, the bill may be assigned to more than one committee. In the case of Senate bill 2073, it may fall under Senate committee on labor, employment, and human resources development with Senator Joel Villanueva as chairman.
It can be recalled that Senator Joel Villanueva issued a statement that he strongly supports the amending of the CPD Law. He even went on to say that he will work in extending the validity of PRC license to up to 5 years.
Another committee that possibly may hear the bill is the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as chairman. Trillanes, the main author of the CPD law earlier expressed that he understands the sentiments against CPD but insists that it is necessary for professional development.
After the committee hearings and findings and suggestions are made, the bill will still have to pass the second and third readings before being submitted to the Lower chamber (House of Representatives). The Congress will look if they have a similar measure to the Senate bill and in this case, they do have. The House Bill No. 7171 submitted by Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party-List also seeks to abolish CPD Law.
The bicameral committee will now work together for alignment of the two versions. Once they come up with a version approved by both Houses, the final version will be printed and sent to MalacaƱang for the President’s signature turning it into a law.
How long does a bill become a law?
There is no definite time frame on how long a bill becomes a law since “Senate debate is unlimited unless cloture is invoked”.
In the case of the CPD Law, it became a law on July 21, 2016 and took effect in less than one month on August 16, 2016. It’s implementation was not until a year after on March 15, 2017, upon the effectivity of Resolution No. 1032 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. No. 10912.
If we are going to look into repealing an existing law, we can take an example on RA # 10655 or the repeal of the crime of premature marriage under RA 251. The timeframe for this begins on July 30, 2014 for the approval of Senate Bill but it took almost 5 months on December 17, 2014 until the House of Representatives approved their version. Then-President Benigno S. Aquino III approved it three more months after on March 13, 2015 to officially make it a law and repeal the existing law on premature marriage.
What happened to House Bill No. 7171 by Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party-List?
The House Bill No. 717 filed by Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party-List in the House of Representatives also seeks the abolition of the CPD Law back in February 2018.
The House bill was submitted to committee on civil service and professional regulation with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as chair. Last September, the Alliance of Professionals for the Repeal of CPD Law attended the public hearing on the CPD Law. According to the group, “We have registered our position but again, there was no substantial response from the committee chair to address our concerns.”
RELATED STORIES
- Lawmakers formally file a bill to repeal CPD Law
- Villanueva aims to amend CPD law, extend PRC license validity to 5 years
- Trillanes says he sympathizes with professionals on CPD law
— The Summit Express
LOOK: PhilPop 2018 reveals Top 10 Finalists
MANILA, Philippines – PhilPop, the premier songwriting competition in the country, revealed the Top 10 finalists during the late primetime spot of the Pinoy Playlist Festival on October 17, 2018 at the Sunlife Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
From 30 semi-finalists, PhilPop narrowed the selection according to the following criteria: 50% judges choice, 25% online streaming, and 25% Smart's People Choice through SMS and Twitter's conversational ad.
In no particular order, the top 10 finalists are:
This year's finalists offer a diverse crop of entries that represent different musical styles, ranging from contemporary hit music to folk, latin-flavored pop to R&B/soul, rock to easy listening music.
The top 10 finalists, together with the interpreters, will showcase their original songs on December 2, 2018 in the PhilPop Festival Finals Night that will be held at Capitol Commons in Pasig City. Votes are still ongoing. Log on to www.philpop.com.ph for the complete instruction on how to vote for your favorite songs via SMS or Twitter.
Championing Filipino music through PhilPop
PhilPop takes pride in its advocacy to provide a sustainable platform for Filipino music acts to develop their skills through a world-class mentorship program, as well as introduce them to standard music industry practices and strategies that would harness their potential in the long run.
PhilPop 2018 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan.
— The Summit Express
From 30 semi-finalists, PhilPop narrowed the selection according to the following criteria: 50% judges choice, 25% online streaming, and 25% Smart's People Choice through SMS and Twitter's conversational ad.
In no particular order, the top 10 finalists are:
- "Laon Ako," composed by Elmar BolaƱo and Donel Trasporto Tigbauan and interpreted by Kakai Bautista
- "Pilipit," composed by Sean Gabriel Cedro and John Ray Reodique and interpreted by Julian Trono
- "Loco De Amor!," composed by Ed Miraflor Jr. and interpreted by BennyBunnyBand
- "Tama Na," composed by Michael Rodriguez and Jeanne Columbine Rodriguez and interpreted by Katrina Velarde
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| From left to right: Kakai Bautista, Julian Trono, BennyBunnyBand and Katrina Velarde. |
- "Nanay Tatay," composed by Chud Festejo and interpreted by Chud Festejo
- "Di Ko Man," composed by Ferdinand Aragon and interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon himself
- "Isang Gabing Pag-Ibig," composed by Carlo Angelo David and interpreted by Jex De Castro
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| From left to right: Chud Festejo, Ferdinand Aragon and Jex De Castro |
- "Ako Ako," composed by Jeriko Buenafe and interpreted by Feel Day feat. Hans Dimayuga
- "Kariton," composed by Philip Arvin Jarilla and interpreted by Acapellago
- "Yun Tayo," composed by Donnalyn Onilongo and interpreted by Gracenote
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| Feel Day feat. Hans Dimayuga named finalist in PhilPop 2018. |
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| Acapellago joins Top 10 finalists in PhilPop 2018. |
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| Gracenote enters PhilPop 2018 Finals. |
This year's finalists offer a diverse crop of entries that represent different musical styles, ranging from contemporary hit music to folk, latin-flavored pop to R&B/soul, rock to easy listening music.
The top 10 finalists, together with the interpreters, will showcase their original songs on December 2, 2018 in the PhilPop Festival Finals Night that will be held at Capitol Commons in Pasig City. Votes are still ongoing. Log on to www.philpop.com.ph for the complete instruction on how to vote for your favorite songs via SMS or Twitter.
Championing Filipino music through PhilPop
PhilPop takes pride in its advocacy to provide a sustainable platform for Filipino music acts to develop their skills through a world-class mentorship program, as well as introduce them to standard music industry practices and strategies that would harness their potential in the long run.
PhilPop 2018 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan.
— The Summit Express
Earth might soon have a second moon as China plans to launch a new one
MANILA, Philippines – The moon has been the Earth’s sole natural satellite since it formed around 4.51 billion years ago, just shortly after the Earth formed some 4.54 billion years ago.
But while the moon holds control over the Earth’s tides and reflects the sun’s light at night, the light it provides the Earth could never rival that of the sun. In fact, the illumination is not enough to light up the ground the same way that the sun or man-made streetlights could.
Because powering street lights can be costly, one city in China hopes to launch a second moon up in the sky so that the city will be illuminated at night.
Wu Chunfeng leads Chengdu Aerospace Science and Technology Microelectronics System Research Institute Co. Ltd. (CASC), the primary contractor of the project. The Chinese program aims to illuminate Chengdu with the second ‘moon’ that would be eight times brighter than the Earth’s natural satellite.
Because the artificial moon is going to be so bright and could light up an area of around 80km in diameter, Chengdu will no longer need streetlights. But though this new ‘moon’ would rival that of the real one in terms of brightness, as the team claims, it won’t ever replace the moon and could actually just light up Chengdu.
However, the artificial moon will be visible all over China and several neighboring regions.
This sparked concerns over the effects of this ‘second moon’ over a number of things, including how it would affect wildlife and interfere in astronomical observations.
The concern was addressed by the director of the Institute of Optics of the Harbin Institute of Technology in China, Kang Weimin, who claimed that though this artificial moon will be equivalent to 5 full moons, it would only be able to provide a dusk-like glow.
To date, details regarding the ‘second moon’ are still top secret; though Chengdu officials are hoping this would be launched as planned in 2020. The company has not also released how it intends to launch the artificial moon into the sky or how it would keep it into geostationary orbit and focused only on Chengdu.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
But while the moon holds control over the Earth’s tides and reflects the sun’s light at night, the light it provides the Earth could never rival that of the sun. In fact, the illumination is not enough to light up the ground the same way that the sun or man-made streetlights could.
Because powering street lights can be costly, one city in China hopes to launch a second moon up in the sky so that the city will be illuminated at night.
Wu Chunfeng leads Chengdu Aerospace Science and Technology Microelectronics System Research Institute Co. Ltd. (CASC), the primary contractor of the project. The Chinese program aims to illuminate Chengdu with the second ‘moon’ that would be eight times brighter than the Earth’s natural satellite.
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| Photo credit: By Jessie Eastland [CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons |
Because the artificial moon is going to be so bright and could light up an area of around 80km in diameter, Chengdu will no longer need streetlights. But though this new ‘moon’ would rival that of the real one in terms of brightness, as the team claims, it won’t ever replace the moon and could actually just light up Chengdu.
However, the artificial moon will be visible all over China and several neighboring regions.
 |
| Photo credit: China Plus |
This sparked concerns over the effects of this ‘second moon’ over a number of things, including how it would affect wildlife and interfere in astronomical observations.
The concern was addressed by the director of the Institute of Optics of the Harbin Institute of Technology in China, Kang Weimin, who claimed that though this artificial moon will be equivalent to 5 full moons, it would only be able to provide a dusk-like glow.
To date, details regarding the ‘second moon’ are still top secret; though Chengdu officials are hoping this would be launched as planned in 2020. The company has not also released how it intends to launch the artificial moon into the sky or how it would keep it into geostationary orbit and focused only on Chengdu.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
