Runaway Lorry Thief Nabbed after an hour long chase in AYE towards Tuas

Police have swiftly arrested a 37-year-old male lorry thief following a dramatic vehicular pursuit in the eastern part of Singapore earlier today.

About 11:05 am, Police received a call informing of a lorry which was reported to have been stolen from Ubi Road 3. Officers on the ground were immediately alerted to keep a lookout for the said lorry. Within minutes, officers from Bedok Police Division spotted the said lorry travelling along Upper Changi Road North towards the direction of Changi Prison. Officers immediately gave chase in their vehicles and attempted to get the lorry to stop. Traffic Police officers also joined in the chase but despite the officers’ repeated attempts, the lorry driver refused to stop.

At about 11.50am, the chase ended when the lorry was involved in an accident with several other vehicles along the AYE towards Tuas, near the Alexandra Road exit. The lorry driver was arrested for Theft of Motor Vehicle and conveyed to Changi General Hospital for treatment. No other persons were injured during the incident.

source: Singapore Police

Job seekers in financial services enjoy bull market

Are you working in any of these industries - banking, accounting, financial services and sales and marketing? Well, good luck and good times ahead….

Central Business District and Boat Quay, Singapore

IT'S still a bull market for those seeking mid- to higher-level executive positions in banking, accounting, financial services and sales and marketing in Singapore.

Despite lingering global economic uncertainty, employers are raising salaries by up to 15 per cent on average as the economy in Singapore and the region continues to recover and hiring activity picks up amid a shortage of such talent here, according to specialist recruitment firm Ambition Singapore.

Financial services and banking institutions struggle with hiring locally for vice-president levels and above because Singapore is a relatively young market, Ambition said in a third- quarter assessment of local hiring trends released yesterday.

'But that will change over the next five years as local candidates accumulate more years of banking experience and can step into those positions,' it said.

Compared with Australia, Europe and the US, Singapore also has a smaller pool of talent for digital online media, online advertising and content, online broadcast networking and Internet banking, forcing recruiters here to look overseas, it said.

With job numbers climbing by an average of 67 per cent year on year to their highest level since 2007, attrition rates have risen as more job seekers are now looking for career growth opportunities instead of being motivated by the fears of pending layoffs a year ago, it said.

'We've gone back to a market that's candidate- short,' said Paul Endacott, Ambition's managing director. 'But we're not reverting to the 30 per cent plus salary increments, as pre the global financial crisis.'

That's because companies don't feel they have to offer 'the bells and whistles' to attract foreign talent given that challenging job markets in the US and Europe have driven overseas applications to Singapore up by about 30 per cent this year from a year ago.

'Employers aren't throwing money at candidates to get them on board. Post-crisis, there is a lot more scrutiny in terms of cost controls. They want to hire the right people that will add value from Day One, which means the hiring process has gotten longer and more rigorous,' he said.

On average, banks are offering increments of between 12 and 15 per cent, while within commercial sector organizations, employers are offering increments of between 8 and 12 per cent, he said.

'A lot of expat pay packages have moved to localized packages,' Mr Endacott said.

Many banks, especially those with global headquarters in the US or Europe, are still averse to offering sign-on bonuses and hiring is expected to cool off in Singapore in the second half as they await results before investing further in recruitment. That means positions at those levels will be increasingly difficult to hire for in the fourth quarter.

source: The Business Times

Alert Neighbour Foils Housebreaking Attempt in Clementi West

Police have arrested 49 year-old man who attempted to break into a flat this morning after a vigilant neighbour sounded the alert.

On 14 September 2010 at about 8:50 am, Madam Mazni noticed a man behaving suspiciously outside a neighbour's unit at Block 612 Clementi West Street 1. Suspecting that something was amiss, she called the Police and continued to keep watch from her own unit.

Due to her timely alert, fast responding officers from Clementi Police Division were able to catch the suspect red-handed as he was attempting to break into the said unit. Two handphones and two EZ link cards which are believed to be stolen properties were also recovered from the suspect upon his arrest.

The suspect will be charged in Subordinate Court No. 26 on 15 September 2010 for Attempted Housebreaking by Day, which carries an imprisonment term which may extend to 2 years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Melvin Yong, commended Madam Mazni for her public-spiritedness. He said, “This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of Police-community partnership in fighting crime together”.

Celebrate Children’s Day at Jurong Bird Park with Go, Glow, Grow Challenge

To celebrate Children’s Day, Jurong Bird Park will conduct a special GO, GLOW, GROW, Challenge for pre-schoolers and primary school students. The two-hour programme will teach the little ones the different diets of birds at various locations within the Park. Jurong Bird Park is also proud to present the amusing "Sweetheart the Clown Show" featuring magic and ventriloquism with a larger than life bird puppet every day at the Pools Amphitheatre to tickle your little ones¹ funny bones.

Go, Glow, Grow Challenge

Date: 1 October 2010 (Fri)
Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm
Price: Free (park admission charges apply)

To take part, register at the education booth located at the Park’s main entrance.

The challenge is also opened for pre-school and primary school bookings for the period 27 September – 1 October 2010.

For more information and bookings, email amberly at birdpark.com.sg or jieying at birdpark.com.sg.

Magic Show with Sweetheart the Clown

Date: 27 September – 1 October 2010
Time: 10.30am (20 mins)
Venue: Pools Amphitheatre
Price: Free (park admission charges apply)

Beware: Several cases of theft by “Bogus Electrician”

Since June this year, there have been several cases of theft in dwelling at various housing estates in Jalan Kukoh, Selegie House, Everton Park, Sims Drive, Chin Swee Road, and Jurong West committed by a male perpetrator posing as an electrician.

Modus Operandi

In most of these cases, the perpetrator would pose as an electrician/technician and gain entry into the victim's unit on the pretext of checking/repairing the electrical supply. The perpetrator was known to converse with the victims in either Malay or Hokkien and in most cases, would ask the victim to hold a bamboo pole against the light bulb in the kitchen toilet to facilitate his checks. The perpetrator would then make use of the opportunity to steal from the victim while he/she was distracted and make away with cash and/or jewellery. To date, cash about S$33,640/-; 3 handphones and jewellery worth more than $36,000/- have been stolen in these cases.

The victims targeted were mostly elderly persons who were alone at home and the perpetrator usually struck during the late morning to mid afternoon period.

Crime Prevention Advisory

Members of the public are advised to be aware of and vigilant against such perpetrators. Police would also like to advise residents to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

• Always keep the grille gates locked and never open the doors to strangers
• Do not allow anyone who claims to be a government official or repairman to enter your house without verifying his identity
• If in doubt, verify with the relevant authorities, or contact your family members or Police for assistance
• Never hand over any deposit to strangers for services which you did not engage; and
• Do not keep large sums of money or valuables in the house. Keep the money in a safe or deposit it in the bank.

source: Singapore Police

ICA Anti-Smuggling Team netted 2,500 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes on board a white passenger vessel off Jurong Island

Officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) were conducting their usual rounds of checks on vessels within Singapore waters when a call from the Police Coast Guard (PCG) broke the momentum. Immediately, the ICA Anti-Smuggling Team (AST) responded to the call and sped off towards the direction of Jurong Island.

• Within a short span of ten minutes, the ICA AST officers had joined our PCG colleagues on board a white passenger vessel which had been stopped at sea off Jurong Island. The vessel was empty except for two Indonesian crew members.
  
  Sea voyage ends
  
• As the ICA officers conducted a check in the passenger cabin, they noticed a piece of the floor mat protruding and taped to the floor. When asked to remove the floor mat which was covering a manhole, the two men hesitated. Nevertheless, the ICA AST officers once more firmly requested them to open up the manhole for checks. As soon as it was opened, some packages of contraband cigarettes wrapped in black plastic bags were detected.
  
  No tough feat for our well-trained officers
  
• In all, a total of 2,500 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes was found stashed within the manhole. The total value of the contraband cigarettes is about $240,900 while the potential customs duty and GST payable for the cigarettes amounted to about $197,000 and $16,800 respectively.
  
  Total exhibits uncovered
  
• Preliminary investigation by the ICA officers revealed that the 43-year-old master, Abdul Rahman had been told to receive the contraband cigarettes from a speedboat off Pulau Sudong and thereafter he was to unload the consignment at the northern Tuas Basin. He had been promised a sum of S$5 for every carton of cigarettes smuggled in his vessel while the other 28-year-old crew member, Syahrizal, had been promised S$1 for each carton. Both men were charged in Court on 20 August and sentenced to 33 months imprisonment each. The vessel used in the commission of the offence has also been detained and is liable for forfeiture. Once again, the collaborative efforts by ICA and PCG officers have been successful in foiling another smuggling attempt at sea.
  
• Upon conviction by the court, first time offenders can be fined up to 20 times the amount of duty evaded and liable to a jail term not exceeding three years. For second or subsequent convictions, offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty evaded and jailed for up to six years. The offenders also face further fines based on the amount of GST evaded.
  

source: ICA

Singapore Police arrested four people on alleged Facebook scams

Four people connected to a series of Facebook scams have been arrested, including a 31-year-old man who is believed to be the mastermind.

Between June and July this year, police received several complaints that a Facebook user, by the name of "Nicole Tay", allegedly cheated at least 16 men of more than S$10,000.

The suspect was believed to have used a fictitious Facebook account, claiming that "she" could not afford to pay rent and was in urgent need of money.
After receiving payment, "Nicole" would disappear.

On August 30, the police mounted an operation around Commonwealth Crescent and arrested two male teenagers aged 16 and 17.

Early investigations found that they had assisted in the crime by allowing their bank accounts to be used in the scam.

A 31-year-old man, believed to be the mastermind, was arrested in Jurong West on September 8. His 24-year-old female accomplice was also arrested.

The alleged mastermind has been charged with cheating. If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to ten years and a possible fine.

source: Channel News Asia

Singapore Police Force (SPF) cease issuing Certificates of No Criminal Conviction (CNCC) to non-Singapore citizens

Image via Wikipedia

The Philippine Embassy wishes to inform all Filipinos in Singapore that the Singapore Police Force (SPF) will cease issuing Certificates of No Criminal Conviction (CNCC) to non-Singapore citizens effective 18 October 2010.

Certificate of No Criminal Conviction also known as CNCC is issued by the Criminal Investigation Department to certify that a person has no criminal conviction in Singapore within a stipulated period of time. It is issued for immigration related purposes only.

According to the Singapore Police Force, the issuance of a CNCC does not form part of its core function, and that the change in policy is in line with the recent differentiation approach of the Singapore government between citizens and non-citizens in terms of benefits in the healthcare, medical, and education sectors.

For non-Singapore citizens requiring CNCC, there are alternative means, such as applying for a Statutory Declaration through the Commissioners of Oath or qualified legal practitioners. A list of appointed Commissioners for Oaths may be found on the Singapore Academy of Law website at www.sal.org.sg.

Further information on this new policy can be obtained at the SPF website at www.spf.gov.sg. The public may also send further inquiries on the matter to SPF at their email address.

Singapore to tighten rule for PR application

FEWER applications for Singapore permanent residency (PR) will be approved this year, said Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng in Parliament yesterday.

In his response to a question by Nominated MP Paulin Tay Straughan on the number of PR applications in 2009 and this year, Mr Wong said the number "will be noticeably less than that in 2009".

He added that 132,200 applications were received by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority last year.

Of these, 115,900 applications were processed. Only 51 per cent - or 59,500 - were successful.

Most of these were from professionals who qualified under the Professional, Technical and Skilled Workers Scheme, said Mr Wong, who is also the Minister for Home Affairs.

This scheme requires potential PRs to work in Singapore under an Employment Pass. It assesses their tertiary and professional qualifications.

Others who were granted PR were their dependants or dependants of Singapore citizens.

He said: "We will continue to be stringent in our requirements for PR. PR will be granted to those of suitable quality, (who) are able to contribute to Singapore and integrate well into our society."

Mr Wong also noted the worries of Singaporeans, which he said can be heard "every day" through the news, dialogue sessions and at the grassroots level.

He added that the Government would "ensure that the number of PRs is not going to be significantly large and overwhelm the Singapore citizen population".

Still, Mr Wong emphasised the need to welcome immigrants in order to tackle Singapore's low birth rate.

"Unless there is a significant shift in attitudes towards marriage and parenthood, and we see improved birth rates, we will continue to need immigrants for Singapore to remain a vibrant and competitive economy," he said.

source: AsiaOne News

“Balangay” from the Philippines to dock at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

This September 18, three traditional wooden watercraft from the Philippines known as “balangay” will be docking at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. The three boats—Masawa Hong Butuan, Diwata ng Lahi, and Sama Tawi-Tawi, manned by 38 crewmembers, will be visiting the Lion State for a few days as part of the Voyage of the Balangay. The Voyage is a project of the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation, the same people behind the successful scaling of Mt. Everest by an expedition team from the Philippines in 2006. It aims to retrace the migration of ancient Filipinos across the oceans using the native balangay, faithfully reconstructed according to tradition, and relying on navigation methods used by the earliest mariners.

Voyage of the Balangay

The first balangay set sail from the Manila Yacht Club Marina in July 2009 for the first leg of the Voyage, which was meant to cover, by the end of the year, 2,108 nautical miles and 62 ports all over the Philippine archipelago. In spite of some delays due to technical issues and the elements, the navigation of the Philippine islands was completed by mid-August 2010, and the balangay then moved on to international waters, making its first foreign stop in Malaysia, followed by Brunei, and now, Singapore.

From here, it will be departing for Indonesian waters to complete its Southeast Asian journey. After this, the team, which includes representatives from the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, as well as master boat-makers and mariners from the Badjao ethnic group from the Southern Philippines, aims to sail to Madagascar to the west and Polynesia to the east, since historical records indicate that ancient Filipinos also traveled to these outposts using the balangay.

The balangay are said to be the earliest wooden watercraft excavated in the Southeast Asian region. Those interested to glimpse the present-day replicas of the 4th-century boats may visit the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club on the viewing dates to be announced on the Philippine Embassy website. Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy is also organizing a series of activities for the balangay’s crew members, including interaction with Singapore officials as well as visits to the city-state’s cultural and tourism highlights.

The crew is headed by Mr. Arturo T. Valdez, a former Undersecretary of the Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communications and past President of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, who also led the first Philippine Mt. Everest expedition.

Invasion of the DIVASONATORS from Manila

For the Pinoy expats in Singapore... 3 funny voice impersonators from the Philippines -

• Jay MC
• Noel Diva
• The Majestic Champ Tekla

will impersonate Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Jaya, Sharon Cuneta, Vina Morales, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ka Freddie Aguilar, Janno Gibbs, ATBP...

plus ang "Kamao Ng Bayan" Manny Pacquiao! A multitude of DIVAS for the price of 3!

What: Invasion of the DIVASONATORS

Where: Movida, St. James Power Station

When: September 26, 2010

Time: 07:30PM

Ticket price at S$30 inclusive of one (1) free drink

 

SCDF Annual Sounding of Public Warning System (PWS)

The Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) tested the Public Warning System (PWS) as part of Civil Defense Day.

The Public Warning System (PWS) is a network of sirens that the SCDF has placed at strategic points throughout the island. The purpose of this system is to warn the public of imminent threats that could endanger lives and property.

The Public Warning System will be used to warn of attacks from the air, land or sea, as well as natural and other man-made disasters.

 

Singapore Civil Defence Force, Headquarters, main office tower.

 

Picture of a Public Warning System siren in Singapore

Medical Check-up for LTSVP Requirements

According to ICA Medical Info for Long-Term Immigration:

The medical examination requirement will be extended to foreigners who applied and obtained in-principle approval for employment passes of six months' duration or more, long-term immigration passes (refer to the Professional Visit Pass, Dependant's Pass, Student's Pass and Long-Term Social Visit Pass of six months duration or more) and Permanent Residence (PR).

Those who are found to have active Tuberculosis or HIV infection will not be granted employment passes, long-term immigration passes or PR. This health requirement will further strengthen the control of communicable diseases like HIV infection and Tuberculosis in Singapore.

All applicants who have been granted in-principle approval will be informed and given a copy of the medical examination form. They are required to bring along the medical examination forms when they visit a registered general practitioner in Singapore for the medical examination.

It's a very simple exam process that involves a 3 minute General Health Check-up from a General Practitioner Doctor, a blood test (HIV), and a chest X-Ray.

What you need to do is:

• Download the Medical Report form from the ICA website.
• Bring the form along with your passport to any medical clinic (you often find one in a HDB development block). Give them the medical form to complete.
• Get examined (General Check-up) by the Doc
• They will take a blood sample for HIV test
• Go to an X-Ray clinic (the medical clinic will usually be partnered with one, so follow their direction).
• Then a couple days later, you can then pick-up the completed medical form once they inform you.
• Make an e-Appointment online ahead of time to ICA.
• Take the result along with the required documents to the ICA when you apply for the LTSVP formality.

Raffles Hospital is always recommended as they have a fast and efficient service. Blood test and X-ray done at same place and no appointment necessary. Just walk in and you'll get the results back in 2 or 3 days.

StarHub giving 15 lucky winners a pair of tickets to watch Rivermaya ‘LIVE’ at the East Coast Park

StarHub is giving 15 lucky winners a pair of tickets to watch Rivermaya ‘LIVE’ at the East Coast Park on the 3rd October 2010! Winners will also receive an exclusive picture card of the band!

Don’t miss the chance to catch the band that brought you hits such as “You’ll Be Safe Here” and “Liwanag sa Dilim”. Just dial 9380 0000 and download any 2 Rivermaya Call Tones from now till the 19th September 2010 and you could be a winner!

3 ways to download:

1. SMS <shortcode> to 2277 to purchase the Call Tones directly.
2. Dial 9380 0000
3. Go to: Starhub Music

SHORTCODE	CALLTONE TITLE
RM1	Kisapmata
RM2	Elesi
RM3	Hinahanap-Hanap Kita
RM4	If
RM5	Luha
RM6	Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo
RM7	214
RM8	Awit Ng Kabataan
RM9	Bring Me Down
RM10	Panahon Na Naman

 

For non Call Tones subscribers: Key *138# and SEND for quick activation.

Concert Details:
Venue:	East Coast Park, beside Big Splash
Date:	3rd October 2010
Time:	4pm

To purchase tickets:

Call ticketing hotline 9102 9222 to purchase Rivermaya’s Concert tickets. Tickets are priced at $29 each. For more information and other enquiries, call MVP hotline at 9102 9333.

Terms and Conditions

1. This promotion is applicable to both StarHub Postpaid and Prepaid mobile customers.
2. Every 2 Rivermaya Call Tones purchased entitles each customer a chance in the lucky draw.
3. Each winner will receive a pair of Rivermaya concert ticket and a picture card of the band.
4. The draw will be conducted on the 23th September 2010 and winners will be notified via the winning mobile number.
5. Collection details will be announced to the winners via phone.
6. Usual terms and conditions under Call Tones apply.

New deployment scheme used by some POEA-licensed agencies exposed in Singapore

A new deployment scheme used by some POEA-licensed agencies was exposed in Singapore last week when 16 documented overseas Filipino workers were prevented from boarding their connecting flights to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for using unconfirmed e-tickets.

Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Minda Calaguian-Cruz disclosed that 16 documented workers who arrived in Singapore in two separate flights of JetStar Airways en route to various destinations in Middle East were assisted by the Embassy’s labor attaché at the Changi Airport after they were not allowed to board their planes due to unconfirmed bookings.  The Cathay Pacific Airways and Qatar Airlines had required them to present at the check-in counter, the credit card used to purchase the tickets or its holder, which the workers failed to do.

The stranded workers were

• Angelita Miraflor
• Mercy Vailoses
• Joan Erispi
• Angelito Bueno
• Florentina Bangonon
• Tissel Joy Basco
• Lailanie Bohol
• Ledialyn Parriso
• Anelyn Chatto de los Santos
• Nor Inn Saraudin Mamarenta
• Arnisa Abara Abdul
• Nenita Padilla Resurrecion
• Imelda Bris Leopardas
• Tang Aisa Kamal
• Fatima Joy Camagay
• Abdul Kindo Sandigan.

Based on the statements of the workers, their employment papers were processed by the POEA and their agencies gave them two separate tickets for their flights to Singapore and their connecting flights to the Middle East.  They were given photocopies of a credit card to be shown at the airline check-in counter and were not aware that their onward flights were unconfirmed.

The stranded workers were sheltered at the Embassy’s Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC) for 3 days.  They departed for their respective overseas destinations after the Embassy negotiated their airline tickets with their deploying agencies.

“The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration should investigate the case and punish those responsible for allowing their deployed overseas workers to leave the country with unconfirmed bookings.  Workers should personally check with airline companies if their bookings are confirmed, otherwise, their security and safety would be compromised before they can even start to work overseas”, Ambassador Cruz stressed.

source: Philippine Embassy

Viewing and downloading P*rn online not a punishable offense in Singapore - MDA.

According to a recent article in CNNGo regarding Asia's pornography laws, viewing and downloading pornography online in Singapore would not appear to be a punishable offense.

From Singapore's Media Development Authority's (MDA) website:

"The MDA does not monitor or track users' access to any sites on the Internet and does not interfere with what individuals access in the privacy of their homes. We are primarily concerned with the purveyors and distributors of pornography. Unless you engage in such activities, the mere act of visiting such sites is not an offence." 

For those travelling to Singapore with computers, Singapore's Film Act laws make it clear it is not a good idea to enter the country with any questionable material saved on a computer.

"(2) Any person who imports any obscene film knowing or having reasonable cause to believe the film to be obscene shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction -- (a) to a fine of not less than SNG$1,000 for each such film imported (but not to exceed in the aggregate SNG$40,000) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both; and (b) in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine of not less than SNG$2,000 for each such film imported (but not to exceed in the aggregate SNG$100,000) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both."

Read more: CNNGo.com

Rivermaya Beach Party at East Coast

A one day all-weather event with Rivermaya. This will be a free standing or you can bring your own mat. Children aged 3 and below are not allowed.

MVP Promotions proudly presents one of Southeast Asia's most illustrious award-winning acts – Rivermaya of the Philippines.

Catch their spectacular full-length daytime concert, featuring their latest, and classic hits outdoors by the sea. A breathtaking beach party for true blue Rivermaya fans! Bring your friends and family to enjoy the fun under a COVERED ROOF. An all-weather event. MVP Promotions guarantees the use of a professional sound system for the best concert experience.

There’ll be food and drink stalls while you listen to the music from the most celebrated band of the Philippines.

Rivermaya has gained regional and international success since the 1990s, dominating the music scene in their country and beyond, through evolution in their music and member line-ups over the years.

Manila-based Rivermaya features founding member Mark Escueta (drums), along with Jayson Fernandez (vocals), Japs Sergio (bass) and Mike Elgar (guitar).

For tickets, call the Ticket Hotline: 91029222,
or enquire at:

• Metro Remittance, Lucky Plaza #03-30
• Pentravel & Tours, Lucky Plaza #04-39
• 7107 Flavours, Marina Square #02-02
• SAMA (Association of Mapua Alumni Singapore) 96195450
• Batangas Varsitarian International

For general enquiries, call the MVP Hotline: 91029333

Ticket price $29 inclusive of 1 drink.

What: Rivermaya Beach Party
When: Sunday, October 3, 2010
Time: 4:00pm - 11:30pm
Where: East Coast Beach by Playground at Big Splash

PsalmiDeo Chorale, a Singapore-based Filipino voice choir, invites you to Manila, ManiLAH!

PSALMIDEO CHORALE invites you to join them on a music-filled journey in their major concert entitled “Manila, ManiLAH!” on 10 October 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Singapore Conference Hall.

PsalmiDeo Chorale is a Singapore-based Filipino voice choir, brought together by the passion to sing and the desire to share their love for music to everyone. The choir is currently under the musical direction of Mr. Kiko Dimalanta. Founded in late 2002, with Mr. Ike Abrera as their conductor, they originally served as one of the choirs at the Good Shepherd Cathedral. They have since evolved into a dynamic performing choir singing in various events in Singapore.

The chorale’s concert credits include "Celebrate Christmas" in 2009, and a guest performance at the Christmas concert of Filipino artists Babes Conde and Robert Sunga in 2008, both at the Esplanade Open Amphitheatre. They recently performed in June at the Spanish festival, "Noche de Estrellas", in collaboration with Dance Circle Studios at Villa Frangipani, Gillman Village. The group has also performed at the Singapore Arts House for their first concert "Seasons in Song", Kallang Theatre, Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore Arts Museum, Asian Civilizations Museum, and at various official functions organised by the Philippine Embassy.

The all-Filipino chorale will perform songs depicting the richness and diversity of Philippine culture through a repertoire of ethnic, traditional, religious, folk, contemporary and original Filipino music, including Freddie Aguilar’s world-famous hit, “Anak”. Fans of international music will hear how PsalmiDeo lends its distinct Filipino flavour to pop songs ranging from movie anthems to chart-topping hits.

Check their sample hits here.

Event Type: Concert
Venue: Singapore Conference Hall, SCO Concert Hall
Date: October 10, 2010
Time: 07:30PM

Duration: 105 mins
Interval: 15 mins
Minimum Age for Entry: No infant in arms
Tickets (Assigned Seating): $23.00
Tickets (Free Seating): $19.00

Ticket Booking: www.tdc.sg

[*All prices excludes booking fee]
Please add $2 Booking Fee for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee for tickets $20 and below.

Cebu Pacific Offers 50% Off Systemwide Sale

There is no reason not to take this opportunity, a sample round trip ticket travelling on October 1–9  to the Philippines only cost S$164.

Cebu Pacific has every reason to celebrate as we maintain our significant lead over other airlines when it comes to number of guests carried within the Philippines in the 1st half of 2010.

Because of this, we are announcing a 50% off seat sale to all our destinations - that's half the price in 16 international destinations and 33 destinations within the Philippines.  Seat sale starts now up to September 5, 2010, or until seats last, for travel from October 1 to November 30, 2010.

A Forum on What You Can Do to Change a Nation!

Got this invite in my mail, sharing it for the Philippine forward….

Contact Margo Encarnacion (margoencarnacion at yahoo.com) if you are interested.

With the advent of a new administration and new Philippines, many of us have wondered how we can help and do our part.

My brother, Vincent Lazatin (executive director of an NGO called TAN - or Transparency and Accountability Network will be in Singapore, to talk to us about exactly what role we can play in taking ownership of our country and making things work this time around.  There are many things we can do - even from Singapore.

Proposed agenda:

1. Presentation on the current situation (20mins)
2. Suggested Areas of Engagement (10mins)
3. Open Discussion/Q&A (open-ended)
4. Planning (open-ended)

Kindly let me know if you're interested in attending on September 12th. AND please pass on this invite to others you may know who would like to join and please ask them to drop me a line.

Date: Sunday, September 12th, 3-5pm 
Venue : Glentrees Condo function room, 11 Mount Sinai Lane

 

Margo Encarnacion
margoencarnacion at yahoo.com

Tiger Airways now Flying to Manila via Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Tiger Airways has been awarded rights to serve Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Singapore. This is in addition to Tiger’s current 9 weekly flights to Clark’s Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

While both airports serve the metropolis of Manila, NAIA also serves as a major gateway to the rest of the Philippines.

Rosalynn Tay, Managing Director of Tiger Airways Singapore, said, “We are excited to be able to serve Manila in addition to Clark. With these two important destinations, our low, low fares are now more accessible to the whole of the Philippines. We look forward to working closely with TripleStar Travel and Tours, our newly-appointed General Sales Agent for the Philippines.

The new Singapore-Manila route will begin flying on 31 October 2010 with daily flights. An additional 5 flights per week will begin from 1 December 2010*. Seats are on sale now for travel from 31 October 2010 to 31 July 2011. To celebrate the introduction of this new destination, Tiger Airways is offering promotional fares from S$55 plus taxes, from now till 25 August 2010.

Filipino Dragons' Paddles Up! Bottoms Up! at DXO Esplanade

The Filipino Dragons (Singapore) is inviting everyone to join them in this year's Paddles Up! Bottoms Up! (PUBU) to be held on September 4 at DXO Esplanade.

Those interested may contact Mr Christian (Abu) Abulencia, FDS External Affairs Representative at +65 9002 7937.

Can’t get enough of last year’s PUBU?

Lets gear up for another round this year!

Party all you can with the awesome and stronger Filipino Dragons

Enjoy a night of fun and free flow drinks from the bar and groove your booty to the music of MASP and Lupa and the Superstars

When: 4th of September 2010

Where: DXO Esplanade

Party starts at: 7:00 pm

Tickets are sold at $30.00 each for a two-hour free flow of beer and house pours.

RSVP to Barbs (90705832) or Mau (96753464) to reserve your tickets

Planning to Bring an Item to Singapore? Check First If they are Classified in the Dutiable, Controlled & Prohibited Goods

Under Singapore laws, certain types of items are subject to the payment of duty before you can bring them into the country.

Dutiable Goods

Generally, there are 4 types of dutiable goods in Singapore as follows.  

• Intoxicating liquors, including spirits, wine, beer, ale and stout;
• Tobacco, including cigarettes and cigars;
• Motor spirit; and
• Motor cars and motorcycles/motor scooters

You can approach an ICA officer at the Red Channel for payment of duty and GST if you have dutiable goods which exceed the GST relief or duty-free concession. It is an offence to proceed to the Green Channel for clearance if you have items that are subject to payment of duty/GST. See the GST relief and duty-free concession.

To avoid committing customs offences, travelers and members of the public need to comply with Customs rules and regulations. Those found committing customs offences may be offered the following composition amounts.

Check the complete list of dutiable goods here.

Controlled Goods

Certain goods are controlled and allowed entry into Singapore only when you produce the IN permit or authorization from the relevant authorities.

1. Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore
   • Animals, birds and their by-products
   • Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
   • Meat and meat products
   • Fish and seafood products
   • Fruits and vegetables
2. Singapore Police Force
   • Arms and explosives
   • Bullet-proof clothing
   • Toy guns, pistols and revolvers
   • Weapons, kris, spears and swords
3. Media Development Authority
   • Films, video and video games
   • Publications and audio records
4. Health Sciences Authority
   • Pharmaceuticals
   • Medicines - If you need to bring in medicines for your physical well-being while traveling, you must possess a physician's prescription certifying so.
   • Poisons
5. The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
   • Telecommunication and Radio Communication Equipment
   • Toy walkie-talkies

If you wish to know more about these items, please click here.

 

Prohibited Goods

The following items are NOT allowed to be imported into Singapore:

• Chewing gum (except oral dental and medicated gum)
• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products
• Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
• Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
• Firecrackers
• Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software
• Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes
• Seditious and treasonable materials

It is an offence if you attempt to bring any of the items listed above into Singapore.

Source: Singapore Customs