ASEAN Professional Basketball Challenge at Singapore Indoor Stadium

A Singapore Slingers game is much more than just a game of basketball - its full-on entertainment, offering amazing athletic entertainment, showcasing professional basketball at its best. Basketball is a game of skill, emotion, passion and excitement. The Slingers bring you the TOTAL GAME!!!

Secure your tickets now for the 2010/11 ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). Tickets @ $8 to $18 available at SISTIC. Season tickets, Courtside tickets and VIP Hospitality Boxes are also available.

The Slingers compete against quality professional teams from Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei. All home games are played in the air conditioned comfort of the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The Slingers are a true Singaporean team with a strong core of Singapore’s best players complemented by carefully selected imports. Come out and support your team!

 

Category -Sports, Entertainment

Date and Time - From 3-Oct-2010, Sun To 9-Jan-2011, Sun

Ticketing Detail - $8 to $18 per ticket.

• Group discounts.
• Ticket discounts for SAFRA,
• Season Ticket Packages
• VIP Hospitality Boxes
• Premier Courtside Seating

For more information please call the Slingers on 6346 1004 or email info@singaporeslingers.com

Beware of molesters posing as cops

I thought these things happen only in the Philippines (in 3rd world countries)….

BE WARY of people coming up to you claiming to be Singapore police officers - they may be molesters in disguise.

Police on Wednesday said they had noted several reports of outrage of modesty committed by culprits posing as police officers.

In these cases, the culprits would claim to be a police officer and use different reasons - such as checking for drugs, or underage smoking - to conduct a check on the victim, taking the opportunity to outrage their modesty in the process.

Members of the public are advised to check for proof of a police officer's identity through their warrant cards. A genuine warrant card will carry identification features such as the police crest, the officer's photograph, his name and NRIC number.

If in doubt of an officer's identity, members of the public should call 999 for help.

Impersonating a public servant is a serious offence which carries a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.

 

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

• When alone, always stay alert and be attentive to the surroundings. If you suspect that you are being followed, remain calm and proceed to a more crowded area or call the Police to seek help
• When approached by someone who claims to be from any government ministry / statutory board, always request to see their identification cards and verify their identity
• Do not enter the lift with a stranger. Let the stranger take the lift and wait for the next one; and
• When coming home late at night, get someone to meet up with you at a planned location like the bus stop, car park or void deck to escort you home.

source: Straits Times

What is an OEC and what are the requirements for the issuance of an OEC

What is an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?

An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), is a requirement under POEA Rules and Regulations to help ensure that Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) are properly documented and protected.

Only OFWs are required to get an OEC. In this case, OFWs would include: work permit holders such as domestic helpers, etc. as well as S-pass and E-pass holders. PRs, EPEC holders and OJTs are not required to get OECs.

Used OEC, whether regular or multiple, is a requirement to be submitted to the Department of Tourism to avail travel tax reduction for OFW dependents.

What are the requirements for Issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?

Household Service Workers

• Accomplished application form
• Valid Employment Contract (processed by POEA or the Philippine Embassy – if there is no valid authenticated employment contract, please proceed to OEC for domestic worker for the checklist of requirements)
• Work Permit Card
• Passport
• Two-way ticket or Itinerary issued by travel agency
• Proof of OWWA valid membership (i.e. official receipt, certificate of coverage); worth S$42.00 renewable every 2  years.

Others Applicants

• Accomplished application form
• Employment Card, S Pass, Work Permit Card
• Passport
• Two-way ticket or Itinerary issued by travel agency
• Proof of OWWA valid membership (i.e. official receipt, certificate of coverage);  worth S$43.00 renewable every 2  years

Where and when to file an OEC?

OEC applications can be filed at Window 2 of the Philippine Embassy (Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. / Mondays to Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

 

How long will it take to process an OEC?

During ordinary days (not peak season) 5 to 10 minutes, provided the documentary requirements are complete.

Can a household service worker apply directly with the embassy to secure an OEC, without passing thru Singapore agent (SinAgent)?

Yes, provided she has a valid employment contract processed by the Philippine Embassy, in addition to other documentary requirements stated above.

How much is the processing fee for OEC?

S$5.50 payable in cash only.

 

Multiple OEC

An OFW who will travel to the Philippines twice or more in a year may apply for and will be issued multiple OECs. The copy of the multiple travel exit clearance (OEC) shall be validated on the date of departure by the POEA Labor Assistance Center at the appropriate international airport and copies of the same shall be submitted by the OFW/s to the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to avail of the exemptions from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fee pursuant to Sec. 35, R.A. 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995).

 

What are the requirements for the application of a multiple OEC?

The issuance of “Multiple Travel Exit Clearances’ (Multiple OECs) is governed by POEA MC No. 12 (2005) which allows OFWs provided with short contract durations and frequent vacations to avail of the same with one year validity upon submission of the following:

• Valid Passport (Original)
• Valid  Work visa
• Proof of Current Employment (Contract for Domestic Workers/EP/S-pass , etc.) with more than a year’s validity; and
• Proof of OWWA membership (Official Receipt or Certificate of Membership Coverage) with more than a year’s validity.

Tips when shopping in Singapore

 

Before hitting the stores, do equip yourself with information on local practices and conditions. The shopping tips provided below will help make your shopping experience in Singapore a pleasant one. It is also a good idea to check with your hotel concierge or visit any Singapore Visitor Centre for assistance, upon arrival.

Consumer Advisory

1. Always compare prices to get the best deals
   Prices can vary widely between shops because distributors are not obliged to follow each product’s Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ask your retailer if the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies; note that purchases above S$100 (in a single receipt) entitle you to GST refunds if you leave Singapore by air.
2. Be aware that purchases made are usually final
   Once payment is made, retailers generally enforce strict return, exchange or refund policies. To play safe, always ask your retailer about those policies before you make payment.
3. Check receipts/invoices for accuracy
   Ask for a receipt or invoice whenever you buy anything. Keep them for reference. Check that prices and item descriptions are correct to ensure that you do not pay more than what is required; gifts, where applicable, should be indicated as such.
4. Verify what your “international warranty” covers
   International warranties are not standardized. Ask and verify that your warranty is valid in your home country. Ensure both your invoice and warranty card bear your retailer’s stamp and signature; in the case of electronic goods, note the product’s serial number as well.
   • There are no international warranties for mobile phones.
   • A “worldwide local warranty” means the warranty is available only in the country of purchase; “worldwide” here refers to the availability of the product, not the warranty.
   • Parallel imported items have no warranty, and retailers do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges.
5. Check before leaving the store
   Before you make payment, ask to test the item you wish to buy and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are in the package and work like they should.

Shopping Hours

A good number of department stores and some smaller shops are open daily from 1000 hrs to about 2100 hrs, or even 2200 hrs. Singapore is one of the few countries in the world it is reasonably safe out in the streets even late at night. As long as basic precautions are taken, you can shop in peace.

Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day, everyday!

Prices and Bargains

The local newspapers are usually a good bet on the most current sales and promotions. You may wish to take time to browse and compare prices before purchasing.

In department stores, all items price-tagged and prices are fixed. Many small retailers also practice price tagging but are often flexible when approached for a discount. Ask the retailer for his "best price" and then counter-offer with realistic prices until both of you reach an agreement.

Credit/Charge Cards

Almost all stores accept major international credit and charge cards. Should you come across a shop insisting on adding a surcharge, do contact the local office of the card company so that corrective action can be taken.

Money

For travellers’ cheques and other financial matters, approach the banks which generally operate from 0930 hrs to 1530 hrs, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs on Saturdays. For greater convenience, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at banks and most shopping centres and are open round-the-clock. Keep a lookout for these machines displaying Plus and Cirrus signs.

You can exchange currency at all banks, hotels, and wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed.

 

Receipts and Return Policies

All department stores and smaller retail shops provide either cash slips or receipts upon purchase. Feel free to ask for one if this step is omitted and be sure that details shown on the receipt are accurate.

Larger shops and department stores will exchange goods if they are returned in good, original condition. However, returns are usually accepted only within a specified number of days (usually three) from the purchase date, and upon presentation of the receipt. Smaller shops may not be so accommodating, so always check goods carefully as well as the shop’s return policy before making a purchase.

If you're undecided about a purchase in a department store and would like to take some time to consider, just ask the sales assistant to put it aside for you. Items can usually be reserved for a maximum of three days.

Philippine Bureau of Immigration bars 4 OFWs disguised as tourists from leaving

Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport barred from leaving the country four prospective overseas Filipino workers disguised as tourists after they presented bogus documents in an attempt to convince authorities that they were financially capable to go on a foreign holiday.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma said the suspected “tourist workers” were intercepted at the departure area of the NAIA 2 terminal last Oct. 6 as they were about to board a Philippine Airlines flight to Bangkok. Ledesma said the female passengers were offloaded after they were subjected to secondary inspection by immigration officers who doubted their purpose in traveling abroad.

The BI chief declined to divulge the names of the women, saying “they are victims of illegal recruitment whose identities need not be publicized.”

He added that the incident should serve as a warning to others who want to work abroad that they should not deal with illegal recruiters.

“The law requires that all Filipino migrant workers must secure proper documentation and clearances from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to ensure that they are protected while working abroad,” Ledesma stressed.

According to Atty. Arvin Santos, BI airport operations chief, the women when interviewed presented counterfeit credit cards and other questionable documents to prove that they are legitimate tourists.

The passengers also had US$300 each in pocket money and hotel bookings in their port of destination.

“They readily admitted that the credit cards are fake and they bought the same in Bacolod City for P200 each,” Santos said.

He added that the women claimed to be sales representatives of a company called Prince Motor Corp. but could not answer when asked to name the products they were supposedly selling.

A quick Google search yielded no result about this company but there is a similarly named company called Prince Motor Company which was a Japanese automobile manufacturer from 1952 until its merger with Nissan in 1966.

NTUC LINK 3-on-3 Basketball Challenge

Block out your calendar on November 27 and 28 for the annual 3-on-3 Singapore Basketball organized by U Sports! Get your teams ready for U16, U21, Men's & Women's Open.

Attractive prizes of over $8,000 to be won.

1. Details of event
Date: 27 and 28 November 2010, Saturday & Sunday
Time: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Venue: National Library Building, Event Plaza (Victoria Street)

2. Categories

nEbO Categories -> U16 Boys & Girls, U21 Boys & Girls

General Categories -> Men's & Women's Open

*All players will receive a Goodie Bag and Event Jersey each. Each team can register up to 4 players.

3. Prizes

Champion - $500 cash + Team Trophy + Individual Medals + Sports products
1st Runners up -  $300 cash + Team Trophy + Individual Medals + Sports products
2nd Runners up - $200 cash + Team Trophy + Individual Medals + Sports products
3rd Runners up -  Individual Medals + Sports products

4. Registration Fees

Price Chart for nEbO categories.

Click HERE for the Price Chart for General categories. 

 

5. Registration & Payment Outlets

• Click HERE to download the registration form and make payment. Fax the form to 6581-3326 / scan & email to carrie_soo@ntucclub.com.sg and send a crossed cheque to NTUC Club, U Sports 1 Pasir Ris Close Singapore 519 599 (state the team name at back of cheque)
• iHelp counter at Downtown East @ 1 Pasir Ris Close Singapore 519 599
• Basketball Association of Singapore @ 601 Aljunied Crescent #01- 04 Singapore 389 862 (Beside Geylang Swimming Complex)

6. Team Captain's Briefing

The date for Team Captain's Briefing will be announced to all Team Captains at a further date. All Team Captains are required to attend the session. Goodie bags and Event Jerseys will be given out during the Briefing.

Requirements for Filipinos Travelling Abroad

Courtesy of Wikipedia

According to Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Filipinos Travelling abroad only need to present the following documents:

• Valid passport – at least 6 months
• Valid Original visa for port of entry( when required); and
• For tourists, a return ticket. (Memorandum Order No. MCL – 07 -019 issued on October 24, 2007)

Some Restrictions On The Right To Travel

I. Minority- for the travel of unaccompanied minors, a Travel Clearance must be issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and presented to the Immigration Officer prior to departure.

A travel clearance is required and shall be secured from the DSWD by the following Filipino citizens:

1. A minor traveling alone to a foreign country
2. A minor traveling to a foreign country accompanied by a person other than his/her parents.
3. A minor who is the subject of ongoing custody battle between parents will not be issued a travel clearance unless a Court Order is issued to allow the child to travel abroad with either one of his/her parents or authorized guardian.

II. A Hold Departure Order (HDO) issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC). (Circular No. 39-97).

III. A Watch List Order issued by the Secretary of Justice in cases pending Preliminary Investigation or Motion for Reconsideration/Pending Review before the Department of Justice (DOJ) including application for “Not The Same Person (NTSP). (Section 1 and 3 of Department Circular no.18 dated April 23, 2007).

IV.    Contract workers :
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s), before departure, he/she must present a POEA Overseas Employment Certificate at the concerned immigration counter. Otherwise, they shall not be cleared for departure. (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. ADD – 02 – 019 dated 15 April 2002).

EXCEPTIONS:
Under POEA Memorandum Circular  No. 18 series of 1997).

• The Licensing and Regulation Office (LRO), specifically the Employment Regulation Branch, shall remain the focal office, in evaluating employment and/or travel documents of individuals whose nature of travel falls under special cases and shall issue an exit clearance, if necessary.

Special cases shall include:

• Regular employees of local companies assigned or posted abroad to their subsidiaries/mother/sister companies on secondment arrangement for a limited period and are in possession of employment or intra-company transferee visa;
• Vacationing OFWs leaving on personal travel;
• Former OFWs/Individuals with CW passport travelling to foreign countries with no visa to ascertain the purpose of travel; and
• Religious missionaries who will be assigned temporarily abroad and are travelling on employment visa.

• Individuals who are travelling on visas other than employment such as training, foreign residence, visit, spouse/fiancee/ dependent, student, and business, need not secure exit clearance from POEA. However, in view of the peculiarities obtaining in the Korean labor market, trainee bound for korea must obtain an exit clearance or the appropriate Overseas Employment Certificate through their respective recruitment agencies, as the case may be. The POEA Regional Centers and Regional Extension Units may issue special exit clearance herein mentioned, as may be applicable.

V.    Requirements for Filipino emigrants as required by the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO).

• They are required to register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
• They are required to attend in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) to prepare them for settlement overseas.
• The children of emigrants aged 12 years old and below are exempt from attending the PDOS but must be registered even by proxy.
• The children of emigrants aged 13 and above are required to attend the Peer Counseling Program to help facilitate their adjustment to a new environment.

In these seminars, various topics are discussed such as:

• Travel regulations
• Immigration procedures
• Cultural differences
  Settlement concerns
• Employment and social security concerns; and
• Rights and obligations of Filipino migrants. For further details, please visit the website of the Commission on Filipino Overseas at http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pdos.htm.

VI.    Government officials :

The following persons are required to secure a travel authority to travel abroad from the Office of the President:

1. Members of the Cabinet and officials of equivalent rank;
2. Heads of the Government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC’s) and the Government Financing Institutions (GFI’s) under or attached to the Office of the President for authority to travel abroad; and
3. Heads of agencies under or attached to the Office of the President. (Section 1 of Executive Order No. 459 issued on September 1, 2005).

VII.    For Dual Citizenship

Only the following shall be considered as substantial proof of Philippine citizenship:

1. Genuine and valid Philippine passport; and
2. Original Identification Certificate issued by this Bureau.

source: Bureau of Immigration

National Serviceman pleads guilty to having sex with underage girl

A 20-year-old full-time Singapore National Serviceman has pleaded guilty to having sex with his underage girlfriend whom he had met in September last year through social networking website Facebook.

The Singapore Armed Forces Lance Corporal cannot be named to protect the 14-year-old student's identity.

The tanned, slim, young man had consensual sex with the girl in her flat when she was just 13, last November.

She later told her father about the incident and the police were notified.

Community Court Judge Soh Tze Bian has called for a pre-sentence report and the man will be back in court on November 23.

For having sex with the underage girl, he can be jailed up to five years and fined a maximum of amount of S$10,000.

Philippine Embassy – Report of New Birth and First-Time Passport Applicant

Report of birth and passport application forms must be accomplished by either of the Filipino parents or guardian.  The infant/child need to be personally brought to the embassy.

(For infants/children born in Singapore of Filipino parent/s)

Basic Requirements

• Duly accomplished passport application form
• Original and five (5) photocopies of the following documents
• • Birth Certificate issued by the Singapore Registration of Births
  • Report of Birth
  • Passports of parents (data pages only)
  • Marriage contract of parents (if applicable)
• Cash payment of S$187.00 (passport and notarization fees)

Additional Requirements (for newly born baby whose parents are not legally married)

• Affidavit of Acknowledgement to be executed by both parents
• Affidavit by the father consenting the use of his surname
• Cash payment of S$229.50 (passport and notarization fees)

Bureau of Immigration to re-activate mobile phone jammers at NAIA

The Bureau of Immigration will re-activate its mobile telephone jammers at the immigration zones of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of the government’s intensified campaign against human trafficking.

Immigration Officer-In-Charge Ronaldo Ledesma said he directed the bureau’s property section to immediately seek the necessary permit from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to again operate the NAIA cellular phone jammers.

He said similar jammers will be installed in all immigration areas in the country’s international airports as soon as the bureau gets the budget to procure them.

“These cellphone jammers will definitely go a long way in bolstering our fight against human traffickers,” Ledesma said, adding that human trafficking syndicates use mobile phones in communicating with their cohorts and victims at the airport.

According to BI property section chief John Tugade, the BI’s four jammers and its server remain intact at the NAIA departure area and can be used anytime. He said he has applied for a permit from the NTC to re-operate them as soon as possible.

The equipment, which cost more than P400,000, were bought during the previous administration but the bureau stopped using them reportedly due to protests from airline companies and other airport stakeholders.

Reactivating the jammers is one of several measures that the BI and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) initiated to boost the government’s drive against human trafficking.

The IACAT is headed by Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, who is also the undersecretary-in-charge of the BI.

Three weeks ago, Ledesma announced the adoption of the “S-line” queuing system for all arriving and departing passengers at the NAIA and other airports to prevent collusion among human traffickers and rogue immigration personnel.

The “S-line” aims to prevent international passengers from choosing which immigration counter to line up to process their travel documents.

Airport immigration officers are also strictly prohibited from using their mobile phones while on duty.

Charlie’s Kitchen – Filipino and Western Cuisine in the heart of Singapore’s financial district

Charlie's Kitchen is the latest place in town. Offering the best of Filipino and Western Cuisine in the heart of Singapore's financial district.

A place to relax, a place to chat, eat and drink.

Description:

Filipino and Western Cuisine in the heart of Singapore's financial district. Located within Once Upon a Bar at 25 Church St, Capital Square Three, #01-01, Singapore 049482

- located across The Chamber, opposite bullandbear

- opens Monday to Friday and Saturday evenings

Contact Details:

Tel: 9759 7221/9099 4058
International: +65 9759 7221/9099 4058

View Larger Map

Catch the Singapore Slingers vs. defending champion Philippine Patriots this weekend!

Catch the Singapore Slingers in action as they take on the defending champion, Philippine Patriots this weekend!

Be there for a chance to Shoot & Win $10,000 in Cash or take a shot at the "Air Asia mini basketball game - Free Throw for Free Seats" to win a pair of return flights to any of its 11 destinations departing from Singapore.

All these happening at the ASEAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE this Sunday at the Singapore Indoor stadium.

Game: Singapore Slingers vs. Philippine Patriots (Defending Champion)

Date: 14 November 2010 (Sunday)

Time: 4.00 pm

Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium

Fee: $6 ticket (Category 4)
(+$1 SISTIC booking fee) at the Gallery General Admission
Normal ticket price @ $15 (view seats)

$12 ticket (Category 3)
(+$1 SISTIC booking fee) at the Premium reserved Seating
Normal ticket price @ $19 (view seats)

Philippine Embassy Closure this November

Got this info from Philippine Embassy rep:

Please be advised that the Embassy will be closed on:

• November 17, Wednesday (Hari Raya) and
• November 29, Monday (Bonifacio Day).

A duty officer will be available to answer phone calls from 9AM to 5PM (6737-3977 for consular matters and 6734-7609 for labor matters).

For emergencies, please call the hp# 9072-2797.

--
Nathalie A. Fajardo
Cultural Assistant
Philippine Embassy
Singapore

49 year-old man arrested for shoplifting at multiple supermarket

Image via Wikipedia

Singapore Police have arrested a 49 year-old man who is believed to be responsible for a series of shop thefts at retail pharmacies and supermarkets island-wide.

Between August and October 2010, several cases of shop thefts were reported at retail pharmacies and supermarkets at Woodlands, Chua Chu Kang and Pasir Ris. Items stolen included medication, health supplements and tonics. A task force comprising officers from Woodlands and Pasir Ris NPC were formed to investigate the cases. The officers worked closely with the various retail pharmacies and viewed all the relevant CCTV footage. Their efforts paid off when they managed to establish the identity of the suspect from one of the CCTV recordings. With this crucial lead, the officers mounted several operations to apprehend the suspect but he remained elusive. Nonetheless, security officers at retail outlets and supermarkets were also alerted to look out for the suspect.

On 26 Oct 2010, Police received a tip off that the suspect was spotted at Woodlands Plaza. Officers from the task force immediately responded and managed to apprehend the suspect at about 8.30pm .

The suspect will be charged in Court No. 26 of the Subordinate Court on 28 Oct 2010 for Shop Theft under Section 380 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. If convicted, he may be sentenced to an imprisonment for a term which may extend to 7 years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Philippine Embassy (Singapore) Passport Renewal Process

As a passport with at least six months’ validity is a standard requirement for international travel, applicants are advised to renew their passports early to avoid inconvenience.

 

It takes six weeks to process the Philippine passport. In order to prevent overcrowding and in compliance with Singapore safety and welfare regulations, the Philippine Embassy institutes a cut-off of 80 – 100 applicants a day during periods of high consular traffic.

Applicants are advised to schedule their visits during weekdays to avoid long queues.

Basic Requirements

• Personal appearance of the applicant
• Duly accomplished passport application form
• Original and photocopy of passport (for renewals)
• Cash payment will be S$102.00 for the new ePassport (effective 28 June 2010).
• Passport Photos are no longer required, but applicants are required to wear the following:
  • For men: decent shirt, with collar
  • For women: decent attire, with or without collar (no sleeveless / no plunging neckline)

Additional Requirements

For Singapore Permanent Residents / Employment Pass / S-Pass / Dependant’s Pass / Long Term Pass & Work Permit holders (excluding household service workers)

• Original and photocopy of identity / employment card

For Household Service Workers

• Valid employment contract authenticated by the Philippine Embassy

For Seamen

• Seaman’s book
• Crew list
• Letter from the master of the vessel / authorized agency

For Married Women Who Wish to use the Surname of their Husband (holding machine-readable passports)

Married in Singapore

• Original and photocopy of Report of Marriage filed at the Philippine Embassy
• Original and photocopy of marriage certificate issued by Singapore Registry of Marriages (ROM)
• Photocopy of the data pages of passports of both husband and wife

Married in Philippines

• Original and photocopy of marriage contract issued by NSO and duly authenticated by DFA
• Photocopy of the data pages of passports of both husband and wife

Married in Abroad

• Original and photocopy of NSO-issued marriage certificate and duly authenticated by DFA
• Photocopy of the data pages of passports of both husband and wife

Important Notes

1. Collection of passports / travel documents may be delegated provided there is a proper letter of authorization.
2. Please take note of important embassy schedules for the processing and collection of passports / travel documents.

Company Policy: Being A Smart Worker

I got this in my email. I am not sure if this is true, just want to share it since I found it funny..

Does it sound familiar?

Does your company have similar policy?

Why not share your experience….

48 year-old Singaporean arrested for serial rental scam

Singapore Police arrested a 48 year-old Singaporean man who is believed to responsible for at least 3 cases of rental scams where victims were cheated of about $9,000/- in total.

A 43 year-old PRC national reported to the Police that he had been cheated of a sum of $2,800/- by a male suspect who agreed to rent him his flat but disappeared after collecting the money. Upon receipt of the report, officers from Clementi Police Division conducted extensive enquiries and investigations and managed to ascertain the identity of the suspect. This led to the arrest of the suspect 5 days later on 28 Oct 2010 when he turned up at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) to collect his passport.

Preliminary investigations revealed that since 15 Sep 2010, the suspect had advertised his flat for rent on the Internet. Unsuspecting victims who were mainly foreigners responded to the advertisement and paid the suspect advance rental payments and deposits. The suspect would then become uncontactable after receiving the money.

The suspect will be charged in Court for the offence of Cheating. The offence carries punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall be liable to fine.

source: Singapore Police

Power bill to fall 3.3% cheaper from October to December

 

Singapore households will pay 3.3 per cent less for their electricity bill from October to December - thanks to falling oil prices.

SP Services on Thursday said the average electricity tariffs will be reduced by 0.79 cent per kWh to 23.34 cents per kWh in the next quarter, in line with the lower fuel price price which has fallen to $95.41 per barrel over the last three months.

With the lower tariffs, families in four-room Housing Board flats flats will pay about $3 less a month, on average.

The breakdown of the electricity tariff into its four components is as follows:

• Energy Cost  paid to the power generation companies: Reduced  by  0.79
  cents per kWh to 18.14 cents per kWh. This component, which  includes fuel
  and non-fuel components, is adjusted quarterly to reflect change in the cost of
  power generation.
• Network Cost paid to SP PowerAssets: Unchanged at 4.92 cents/kWh. This
  fee is reviewed every year and has been reduced by 10% since Oct 2008.
• Market Support Services Fee paid to SP Services: Unchanged at 0.22 cents
  per kWh.   This fee is reviewed every year and has been reduced by 21%
  since July 2009.
• Market Administration and Power System Operation Fee  paid to the
  Energy Market Company and the  Power System Operator:  Unchanged at
  0.06 cents per kWh.  This fee is reviewed every year  to recover the costs of
  operating the electricity wholesale market and power system.

SP Services reviews the electricity tariffs quarterly based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the latest tariffs.

These new tariffs have been approved by the Energy Market Authority, the electricity industry regulator.

source: SP Services

Philippine Bureau of Immigration mulls new Arrival/Departure card system

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is considering a new system to capture and store information from the arrival/departure cards being filled up by international travelers in the country’s ports of entry.

The front of a disembarkation form issued by the Bureau of Immigration of the Government of the Philippines. The form bears the statement: "WARNING: DEATH TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS UNDER PHILIPPINE LAW (RA 7659)".

 

Immigration officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma said he instructed Jollybert Galleon, BI computer section chief, to undertake the study and submit his recommendation as soon as possible. Ledesma said the bureau needs to come up with a more economical and efficient mode of retrieving and encoding the data in the cards without entering into contracts with private companies that only tend to create controversies and problems for the bureau.

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the cancellation of the BI’s contract with e.Xtend Inc., the company that produces the cards being distributed by the bureau to travelers who enter and leave the country.

The contract was ordered revoked due to the controversies generated by the picture of dermatologist Vicky Belo on the card in an advertisement for the services of the latter’s beauty clinic.

Earlier, President Aquino ordered the BI to remove his picture from the card when he saw it during his recent trip to the United States.

Under its contract with the BI, e.Xtend, Inc. also provides the equipment that scans and retrieves information written in the cards.

Charice Pempengco brought to a hospital in Singapore due to food poisoning

MANILA, Philippines - Hours before her performance in a concert, international singing sensation Charice Pempengco was brought to a hospital in Singapore on Saturday morning due to food poisoning.

The culprit was a sushi meal she had in the morning with international singers David Foster, Natalie Cole, and other artists who are in the city state for another leg of their Asian concert tour.

Pempengco was rushed to the hospital hours before the concert because she was vomiting this morning, her mom, Raquel, told ABS-CBN News in a phone interview.

Nakakain po siya ng [sushi] sa Green Dome. Actually po hindi naman po si Charice lang, halos lahat po sila. Yung iba po kagabi po nagpa-check up na. Yung iba, ngayon kasama niya nagpapa-check up,” Raquel said.

Mrs. Pempengco said Charice is now okay and her fans have nothing to worry about anymore.

“Sabi niya po sa akin kanina nung tumawag po sa akin, ‘Mommy okay naman po ako. Pakisabi na lang po sa mga Chasters na ‘wag po silang mag-alala dahil yung nakain ko lang po yung hindi nakabuti sa tiyan ko kaya po ako dinala sa ospital’,” she shared.

According to Charice’s mom, her daughter has been feeling better already and will proceed with her performance at the concert scheduled tonight at the Esplanade Theatre.

“Ok na po siya ngayon. Wala na po siyang nararamdaman kasi naka-intake na po siya ng medicine niya. Nagme-make up na po siya ngayon kasi tuloy na tuloy po iyong show nila ngayong gabi,” Mrs. Pempengco said.

Pacquiao vs. Margarito fight to be shown at Starhub’s Super Sports (CH202)

We finally got a confirmation from Starhub, they will be showing live broadcast of the fight…. hopefully no interruption this time.

 

 

Thank you for your email.

We wish to inform you that the boxing match between Manny Pacquiao vs
Antonio Margarito will be showing on 14 November 2010 at 10:00am on
Super Sports (channel 202).

 

If you have any questions on our services, please email us at this
address or fax in to +65 6720 5000.

Yours sincerely

Tracy Thong
Customer Affairs

National Library ''People, Places & Recollections'' Photo Contest

Send in a photo that best captures your feelings for the people, places, events or activities in the Serangoon estate in North East Singapore and stand a chance to win attractive prizes!

Your work could also be featured in the upcoming Serangoon Public Library (opening in March 2011)!

To participate, submit your photo along with a title, caption and description of why the people / place / event in the photo is special to you.

Entries will be judged based on creativity, adherence to theme as well as the caption and description.

Closing date of Submission is Friday, 3 December 2010.

Prizes
1st Prize: Digital SLR Camera (worth $1,000) + $100 book voucher
2nd Prize: Digital Camera (worth $500) + $100 book voucher
3rd Prize: Digital Camera (worth $250) + $100 book voucher
5 Consolation Prizes of Book Vouchers of $100 book voucher each

Terms & Conditions

1. The contest is open to all residents in Singapore. Employees of the National Library Board (NLB) and their families are not eligible to take part.
2. Photographs submitted must reflect the people, places, events or activities related to Serangoon estate in North East Singapore. Examples of areas within Serangoon include: Serangoon Central, Serangoon Gardens, Upper Serangoon, Serangoon North. The photographs must be free of all or any copyright and intellectual property restrictions; the need to pay license fees by NLB and in compliance with the laws of the Republic of Singapore
3. Each participant may submit as many entries as he/she likes. However, each winner will only be awarded one prize in this contest.
4. Entries (soft copy only) should be emailed to: photocontest@nlb.gov.sg

   Note:

   • Subject of the email must include: "Serangoon"
   • Resolution of the entries must be at least 1200 X 800 pixels and 300 dpi respectively.
   • All photography works must be original and unpublished. The participant must also be the original author and sole owner of his/her own entries.
   • Entries must include title and a caption of the photo, with a description of why the people/ place/ event in the photo is special to them.
   • To include your full name (as in your NRIC), NRIC Number, correspondence address, telephone (home and mobile) and email address with your submission.
5. Entries with incomplete information shall be rejected.
6. All participants must ensure that permission has been obtained from the people featured to allow their photos to be displayed publicly.
7. The closing date for all entries is Friday, 3 December 2010. Entries received after the deadline will not be accepted.
8. All winners will be notified by Wednesday, 15 December 2010. The NLB judges’ decision is final and no correspondence shall be entertained.
9. NLB reserves the right to publish or display the selected entries with the name of the winner of this contest for advertising, publicity and exhibition purposes, without payment of any fee nor the need for written consent from any parties.

Beach Softball Mini Games@Sentosa

This is a modified Beach Softball catered to all who wants to pick up the game quickly.

Here are some of the differences from the actual Beach Softball:

1. Ball - size is bigger than a normal softball (about circumference between 24 and 25 inches. made up of foam with a thin plastic shell). Dodge Ball will be used in this event.
2. Bat - rubber bat
3. Glove not required as players can catch with bare hands
4. Bases & home plate are present. So some running of bases required
5. Batter & pitcher are from the same team
6. Runner only need to step on 3 points (i.e. 1st Base, 2nd Base & Home Plate) to score a run instead of 4 points.

Top 3 teams will be awarded medals after the round robin games. Full details on the Rules & Regulations will be announced shortly.

Once you have registered your team, you'll be requested to fill in an official registration form to include your team mates particulars.

Date: 14 Nov 2010
Sports Type: Softball
Interest Group: Softball
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa

 

Registration Fees :

• $30 per team of 6 (NTUC/nEbO members). At least 2 members in the team to be eligible for the rate.
• $36 per team of 6 (non-NTUC members)

Each player gets an exclusive goody bag worth $10. All playing equipment will be provided. Just come with your favourite beach outfit and have loads of fun at the Sentosa!

For more information and registration, please contact janet_ng@ntucclub.com.sg

Two Youths Arrested For Armed Robbery At Jurong Central Park

Police have arrested 2 male youths who are believed to have robbed a 48 year-old man at Jurong Central Park 2 days ago.

At 6.15 am, the victim, a 48-year-old man, was cycling along Jurong Central Park when an unknown youth shouted at him to stop. When he stopped, two other youths suddenly appeared and assaulted him. The trio asked for his wallet and took away cash of $40/-. One of the youths also rode his bicycle away. The victim sustained a minor scratch on his forehead and abrasion on his left hand as a result of the incident.

Following the report, officers from Jurong Police Division conducted extensive ground enquiries, intelligence probes and intensified patrols in the vicinity of Jurong West and Jurong Central Park. On 28 Oct 2010 at about 4 am, officers sighted three youths along Boon Lay Way fitting the description of the suspects. The youths fled upon seeing Police but the officers managed to detain two of them after a short chase. A 14-cm bread knife was also seized from the possession of one of the suspects.

The two suspects will be charged in Court on for the offence of Robbery with Hurt under Section 394 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. If convicted, they can be sentenced to a imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 12 strokes.

Sending items to the Philippines via Cargo Companies

It’s ‘ber month again, just a few months and it will be Christmas. A lot of us are now thinking of what to send home as pasalubong, as they say its part of the pinoy culture.

If you intend to carry bulky items, one suggestion is to send it via any of the Door-To-Door Cargo companies. It is more comfortable to travel with less baggage, less worry.

It would help to get the dimension of the items you're sending or if it fits the standard boxes so that they can give you a quote.

As far as I know, you can request for a box from any of the cargo companies and have it delivered in your flat. After you have pack all items and sealed the box, you may call the cargo company for collection. From there, they can estimate the time when the box will arrive in its destination in the Philippines. The delivery time will depend on how far the destination is from Manila.

Some Tips:

1. You can use old clothes to support the items in the box.
2. You can request for used boxes in NTUC if you need smaller container or to support the items you're sending.
3. The top of shampoos, lotions and other plastic bottles should be secured with
   adhesive tape. There's a possibility that the contents will burst out of packging if it is not properly packed.
4. Write the address a) on top of the box; b) on two adjacent sides of the box.
   This will help the cargo company and their staffs.

Three knife wielding robbers in Upper East Coast Road arrested

Singapore Police have arrested three men, aged 21-22 who are believed to be responsible for a case of armed robbery at a house off Upper East Coast Road two days ago.

On 24 October 2010 at about 11:10pm, three men wearing helmets and surgical masks armed with knives entered a house off Upper East Coast Road and robbed the 3 male occupants therein of their valuables at knifepoint. The suspects then fled on a motorcycle with cash amounting to about $150/-, four handphones with a combined value of about $1400/-, a wallet containing personal documents and a laptop valued at about $2000/-.

Following extensive investigations, officers from Bedok Police Division managed to ascertain the identities of the suspects. Two of the suspects, aged 21 and 22, were arrested along Rivervale Drive on 27 October 2010 at about 12.30am . A third suspect, aged 22 years, was tracked down and arrested at Sengkang West Avenue at about 5.15am the same day. One NRIC and two handphones belonging to the victims were also recovered from the suspects. A fourth suspect believed to be involved in the case is still at large. Investigations are ongoing to locate him.

The 3 suspects will be charged in Court on 28 October 2010 for an offence of Armed Robbery which is punishable with imprisonment of not less than 3 years and not more than 14 years, and caning of not less than 12 strokes.

source: Singapore Police

Vietnamese woman arrested for bribing Criminal Investigation Department Officers

Image via Wikipedia

Police have arrested a 35-year-old Vietnamese woman who offered a SGD $330 bribe to two CID officers on 25 October 2010 .

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were conducting anti-vice operations at Lorong 12 Geylang when they came across a Vietnamese woman who was with a man in a room. Suspecting that the woman may be involved in vice-related activities, Senior Staff Sergeant Azman Hasim and Sergeant Tan Yi Li proceeded to conduct further interviews with the woman.

During the interview, the woman pleaded with the CID officers not to take action against her. She then took out a stack of SGD $10 notes from her purse and offered it to the two officers. As the officers were about to arrest her for offering the bribe, the woman added another three pieces of SGD $50 notes to the original stack of notes and made a second offer of bribe to the CID officers.

Without hesitation, the CID officers placed the woman under arrest for bribery. Cash amounting to SGD $330 which was offered as bribe was also seized. The case has since been referred to the Corrupt Practices Investigations Bureau (CPIB) for follow-up investigations.

source: Singapore Police Force

Per$onal Finance Camp for Kid$ and Teen$! at Spring Singapore

Give your kids and teens a head$tart! Thi$ will be your be$t inve$tment….ever!

Date: November 6, 13, 20 (9:00am-12:30pm) - 1/2 Day Camp for Kid$ (9-12 yrs)
Usual Rate: $119
Special Rate: $69

Date: November 20 (9:00am-5:00pm - lunch included ) - 1 Day Camp for Teen$ (14-16 yrs)
Usual Rate: $189
Special Rate: $129

Some of the topics that will be covered over the 1/2 day and 1 day camp includes:

• Budgeting - Why it's important
• Money Management basics - Dollars vs Sense
• Investing - Risk vs Reward
• Insurance Planning - The cornerstone of financial planning
• Retirement Planning - Whats the cost of waiting?
• Stock Markets - Gambling den or investment tool?
• and many more...

The participants will learn in a highly interactive setting via games,
activities and videos. Sign up here!

Cebu Pacific's soaring IPO - the biggest ever in the Philippines in dollar terms

Cebu Pacific airlines cabin crew perform a safety demonstration routine during a ceremony inside a trading floor of the stock exchange in Makati's financial district of Manila. PHOTO: REUTERS

 

MANILA - BUDGET airline Cebu Air Inc gained more than 6 per cent in its Philippine stock market debut on Tuesday after raising at least US$539 million (S$698 million) from an initial public offering - the biggest ever for a low cost carrier.

Philippine Stock Exchange Chairman Hans Sicat said he hoped the listing - also the biggest ever in the Philippines in dollar terms - would spur growth in the country's tourism and aviation industries, which still lag behind its Southeast Asian neighbours.

The airline recently made headlines with a YouTube video of flight attendants dancing to music by Lady Gaga to keep passengers from snoozing through in-flight safety demonstration. The attendants danced again on Tuesday on the floor of the stock exchange before trading opened.

Cebu Pacific, as the airline is known, sold 186.6 million shares in its IPO at 125 pesos (S$3.75) each. Some 28 million overallotment shares are also expected to be sold, which will raise the total proceeds.

The shares closed on Tuesday up 6.4 per cent at 133 pesos.

Cebu Pacific President Lance Gokongwei said his company aims to increase the number of passengers from 10.7 million this year to 20 million by 2014 with the delivery of 24 new Airbus aircraft over the next four years.