Maniolas

MANILA, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) has disbursed P1.72 billion in salary loans to members hit by a string of calamities. Conceived in 2013, the relief assistance program has already benefited more than 92,000 members adversely affected by the Zamboanga armed conflict, Bohol earthquake, and typhoons in 2013 and 2014. The SSS likewise advanced more than P332 million in pensions to more than 21,000 pensioners affected by the calamities. The state pension fund started receiving applications from members affected by Typhoon Ruby last Dec. 15. Qualified members can avail of salary and housing loans, or get in advance their three-months worth of pensions, said SSS vice president and officer in charge for lending and asset management division May Catherine C. Ciriaco. Only active members and regular pensioners living or working in areas that had been declared under a state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) can apply under the program. These areas at present include San Pablo City, Laguna; Batangas; Albay; Camarines Sur; Catanduanes; Masbate; Naga City; Sorsogon City; municipalities of Juban, Gubat, Magallanes in Sorsogon; Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “SSS members who are facing short-term cash needs can apply for salary loans with waived service fee. If they have existing loans, they can renew it under the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP) as long as they are eligible in terms of contributions based on our regular loan guidelines,” Ciriaco said. In Read More …

popular . Mayweather: I’m a ‘rich coward’; Pacquiao is financially troubled 3 Sandiganbayan justices quit cases vs Jinggoy Estrada Aquino announces increase in soldiers’ subsistence allowance The year of the youngbloods 4 cops charged over summary killings Cosco sets P1-billion share buyback Pemberton shows up for first time How Mika Lagdameo prepares her children for success videos Simbang Gabi at the Gesu (Day 5 – Dec. 19, 2014) 8 children killed in home in northern Australia Hack attack vs Sony Pictures spurs call for more North Korea sanctions Laude family wants Pemberton in local jail during trial Simbang Gabi at the Gesu (Day 4 – Dec. 18, 2014) INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—Petron has announced a price rollback on its fuel prices effective December 21. The following price cuts would take effect 12:01 a.m. this Sunday: 10 per liter for gasoline 35 per liter for diesel 40 per liter for kerosene On December 11, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board slashed the minimum fare of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) from P8.50 to P7.50 due to the price rollbacks of fuels products. RELATED STORIES Jeepney fare rolled back LTFRB approves P1 provisional jeepney fare rollback in NCR Tags: fuel News oil prices Petron roll back Related Stories: Australia investigates ‘paedophile’ father in Thai baby scandal Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Read More …

There is still no discussion—at least officially—at this time on who will replace Sixto Brillantes Jr., who is due to retire as Commission on Elections chairman in February, Malacañang said Saturday. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda downplayed reports that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is being eyed as a potential replacement for Brillantes. “Wala akong narinig na official diyan. We cannot confim that. There’s no discussion yet as to who will be recommended as the next Comelec chair,” he said on government-run dzRB radio. Besides, he said anyone who will be named will have to go through the confirmation process. So far, he said the Palace has no nominee for the post. “The President has not informed us of his choice,” he said. Brillantes, along with Commissioners Elias Yusoph and Lucenito Tagle, are to retire in February 2015. On Friday, Brillantes dressed up as Santa Claus in what could be his last Christmas as Comelec chairman. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News

Abenson managing director Winston Lim MANILA, Philippines–The Abenson brand has long been attached to everything that has to do with appliances. Recently, the 45-year-old Abenson chain opened its flagship store beside Ascott Hotel, Bonifacio Global City. Abenson managing director Winston Lim shares here his thoughts on appliance retailing and the company’s mission to bring the ‘good life’ to Filipinos. Q: Retailing appliances has many pain points as customers go through a process of information search, face-to-face inquiry, product demo, delivery and after-sales. How does Abenson address customer irritants and annoyances? A: At Abenson, our mission is to bring the ‘good life’ to every Filipino home. In our 45-year history, we have seen how our customers’ priorities have changed, both at the level of sophistication of the products that they buy and their expectation of what the “good life” is. Appliance and gadget shoppers want to bring home the best products that fit their lifestyles in the fastest, easiest and safest way possible. Our newest channel on the Internet—www.abenson.com.ph—offers the same products and services nationwide to those who now prefer to shop online with their credit cards or choose the convenience of cash-on-delivery. Our network of over 80 stores is the leading appliance store chain and is still expanding nationwide. A product’s journey from our store to your home is also guaranteed safe by people who have been screened and accredited to provide honest and professional service. Abenson “Para Sigurado” was our tagline many years ago, and it still rings true Read More …

For more than eight years now, Magic 89.9 DJs Slick Rick (Eric Virata), Tony Toni (Anthony James Bueno) and Sam YG (Samir Gogna) have been entertaining listeners with their radio program, Boys Night Out. They’ve become well-known for their naughtiness, frankness and wackiness in addressing relationship issues shared by their callers. The boys have even coined words that describe certain relationship stages that a man and woman find themselves in, such as “MOMOL” which means “Make-Out-Make-Out Lang” and “HOHOL” for “Hang-Out-Hang-Out-Lang.” So what’s new? The trio is ending 2014 with a book called I Need Space, the first release of ICON, a label of Viva PSICOM Publication Corp., which publishes works of famous personalities. A compilation of the hottest topics they have talked about on their show, the book aims to help single men analyze their solitary state. What have they done or what are they doing to remain single? You don’t have to be single to enjoy the book. Buy a copy (availabe in bookstores since Dec. 15) and find out for yourselves. Let’s try to pick the brains of the trio. How can you tell if, courting a girl, may pag-asa ka, nagpapa-hard-to-get lang ang girl or talagang walang gusto sa’yo? Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Any tips for guys not gifted with looks on how to win the affection of girls with to-die-for looks? Will money help? How would you discourage jilted guys from taking anything drastic (like jumping from the top of Read More …