Vonj Tingson shared a firsthand experience where a customer, attempting to sign a receipt for a transaction involving a card with red markings, was not the card owner. Tingson observed the interaction during a busy lunchtime at the store.

“The girl ahead of me has a transaction that requires to sign a receipt. I’m not sure if it is because of a PWD or discount card, but definitely I saw a card with red markings. It wasn’t the customer’s card but her companions,” Tingson wrote in his Facebook post.

The cashier, identified as Jenny, politely but firmly requested the card owner’s signature. Despite the customer’s assertive response, Jenny insisted on adhering to the policy, explaining the necessity of the owner’s signature. The cashier maintained her stance, stating, “Hindi po talaga pwede.” The customer complied by following the cashier and calling the card owner.

In his post, Tingson expressed admiration for Jenny’s professionalism and called for more individuals to follow her example. He highlighted the incident as a reminder to respect store policies and refrain from pressuring cashiers into compromising situations.

“Imagine how many like this are happening every day in any store. We need more of Jenny (the cashier). And stop bullying cashiers, pls if you are on the wrong side,” he noted, emphasizing the lesson learned from the situation.

The post concluded with a plea to cease bullying cashiers and emphasized the importance of supporting those who uphold fair and secure transactions.

Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/dunkin_ph/

Source: https://www.facebook.com/vonj.tingson

Introduced officially by MUPHQC, Jocelyn Cubales embodies resilience and wisdom, aiming to impart life experiences and grit to the younger generation. The beauty pageant, scheduled for January 31, 2024, promises a celebration of diversity and empowerment.

MUPHQC shared the inspiring announcement on their Facebook page, stating, “Meet Jocelyn Cubales. At 69 years old, she believes that the younger generation can learn a lot from her life experiences, most especially grit. See her give light to the universe!”

This historic move follows the Miss Universe organization’s decision in September 2023 to eliminate age restrictions, marking a significant shift from its more than 70-year tradition. The organization had previously limited candidates to women aged between 18 to 28. Jocelyn Cubales, now the first and only senior citizen beauty queen in any of the Miss Universe Philippines’ local pageants, embodies the spirit of breaking stereotypes.

The Miss Universe 2023 event gained widespread acclaim for promoting inclusivity by welcoming transgender candidates, those with children, and plus-sized individuals. Jocelyn Cubales’s participation further reflects the evolving landscape of beauty pageants, emphasizing that beauty knows no age.

As coronation night approaches, all eyes are on Jocelyn Cubales as she shatters age-related barriers, leaving an indelible mark on the Miss Universe Philippines-Quezon City stage.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/muphqc, https://www.facebook.com/codey.senior, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1181039465724089, https://www.facebook.com/missosology

Source: https://www.facebook.com/muphqc

The post quickly circulated on social media, sparking various reactions. Dongiapon acknowledged his wife’s significant role, stating, “I owe to my wife everything, our life, our daughters, our family. My simple gift for your sacrifices. Salamat kaayo lang. Shopping na.”

In addition to the money bouquet, Dongiapon also presented real flowers to Cassandra, recognizing the challenges she faced during pregnancy and childbirth. The couple welcomed their second child, named ‘Zelena Dy,’ at the Davao Oriental Medical Center.

Dongiapon clarified that he had reserved a private room for Cassandra’s comfort during delivery, expressing confidence in the Mati Provincial Hospital. The heartwarming post has garnered 24k reactions, 94k shares, and 643 comments as of this writing.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/rhamymark.dongiapon

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/rhamymark.dongiapon

Conceptualized by young artist Donna Angelique Bihasa, it parallels the process of healing to origami, the Japanese art of traditional paper folding.

Established in 2004 by sterling Filipino construction industry-based businessman Jorge Consunji, the annual interschool contest serves as a platform for collegiate innovators to highlight their skills and showcase their talents to industry professionals, contractors, and practitioners.

The tilt challenged students to create multifunctional and efficient environments for a 28.8-square-meter (sqm) container van clinic and 24.5-sqm healthcare infirmary. This will be used as protection units for abuse survivors on their path to recovery.

Entries must include consultation, physical examination, waiting, and comfort rooms, as well as play areas for kids.

“Similarly, in rehabilitation, every small step, every moment of progress, contributes to the transformation of the individual’s well-being,” Bihasa shared. “It is not a procedure that can be rushed, just as you cannot fast-track the creation of a beautiful piece.”

To provide a calm and soothing atmosphere and grant a sense of balance and peace of mind, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Interior Design student likewise used soft, tranquil, and warm neutral colors.

She incorporated fun and modular furniture – folding tables, chairs – that offer flexibility and freedom for individuals to embrace change. Bihasa integrated canvases, bookshelves, storage solutions, toys, and a television to encourage the users to find relaxation and to unleash their creativity, and express their true selves.

She was mentored by Benildean educator IDr. Candice Arboleda. Arboleda highlighted that this opportunity allowed learners to immerse themselves in an experience close to actual practice.

“Being out there and presenting their works to a bigger audience, the conversation becomes larger with their works being discussed as more than just concepts and theories,” she furthered.

EDV granted P150,000 cash prize for Bihasa’s winning entry. They likewise hailed Carl Valdez from the University of the Philippines (UP) as the First Runner-Up and Clarisse Abrera from the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) as the Second Runner-Up. They received P75,000 and P40,000 cash prizes, respectively.

Seven semi-finalists, on the other hand, were also commended for their initiative and took home P10,000 cash prizes each.

The works of the Top 3 winners will be donated to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, and Ospital ng Makati for their renovation projects.

With skills training provided by several government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the couple who owns the Mylan’s bakeshop in Pias Sur, Currimao, Ilocos Norte, is now being patronized by local coffee shops and satisfied customers.

The bakeshop is known for its special and trendy home-baked breads like alcapone cheese rolls, Korean garlic bread, banana cake, oatmeal cookies and cheesy ensaymada, among others.

It is among the more than 120 exhibitors of the ongoing trade fair at MMSU in Batac City, which will run until the end of this month.

“We are so thankful for being part of the trade fair to promote our home-baked goodies,” Alladin told the Philippine News Agency in an interview Tuesday.

With an initial capital of around PHP100,000, the home-based bakeshop initially offered pandesal, a staple bread roll in the Philippines, and then other breads until they switched to “special and trendy breads” for coffee shops.

Some of their products are also on display in malls as they get to participate in regular trade fairs like the “Partuat ti Kailokuan Trade Fair” organized by the DTI at the Robinsons Ilocos Mall.

“The impact of joining food fairs like Partuat helped us reach potential customers who might not have encountered our bakeshop before,” Mylene said in one of her Facebook posts, while sharing her excitement about future partnerships with coffee shop owners in Ilocos Norte and in nearby Ilocos Sur province.

In between farming and taking care of their two growing children, the Galano couple enjoys their bond in the bakeshop, sharing a recipe of happiness to their new and repeat customers. (PNA)

Just in time during the fight for the jeepney phaseout in the country, board passer and now electrical engineer Daniela Narito Par penned a message to her father for being a role model for them and providing for their family as a jeepney driver.

In the said post, Daniela shared a little story about how the presence of a jeepney became a huge part of their lives, even during her journey to become an electrical engineer.

As shared by Daniela, her father was already a jeepney driver back when she was in elementary. She remembered her memories with her siblings, wherein they would have a mini competition on who would be with their father until the end of his jeepney trip within the day.

Daniela and her family also gave a name to their jeepney, “limo,” to showcase how their vehicle not only provided help with their daily expenses but also created a stronger bond with their family.

“Madami na din sakripisyo si papa kay limo. Minsan inaabot siya ng gabi maayos lang transmission ni limo hindi yan kakain hangga’t hindi nya na tatapos. Marami na naisakay at na ihatid si limo at si papa. Madami na din nalibre ng pamasahe,” Daniela said.

With this, Daniela highlighted how she was proud to be the daughter of a jeepney driver, knowing that her father did everything that he could to raise her and her siblings, not just in life but also in education.

“Napa-graduate at naging engineer na din ako sa tulong ni limo at ni papa. Proud ako na anak ako ng isang jeepney driver,” she said.

Many Filipinos were touched by Daniela’s journey, saying that it became an inspiration for them to pursue more of their goals to give back to their parents. Moreover, more audiences were given the urge to fight for the rights of jeepney riders, noting that not only Daniela has the same case wherein their parents are jeepney drivers.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/danielapar12

“These will be of great help to me,” she said in the vernacular, proudly showing her Grade 2 notebooks and pad papers, which would be her ally in her reading and writing journey.

For years, Portugal has diligently made the five-kilometer pilgrimage to the Katutubo Village Elementary School (KVES) in Barangay Bakal in Paracale, Camarines Norte.

It was in 2020 when Allan Terrazula, school principal, urged Portugal’s family to move near the premises of KVES so they could have better access to education.

As the day gradually descends towards dusk, Portugal trades her shovel and shears, which she uses to tend a calamansi farm, for pencils and papers in pursuit of her lifelong dream.

“I just want to learn so I will not get lost when I travel because I can read the signboards,” she said, a soft and knowing smile playing on her lips.

Portugal is 60 years old.

Education for all

Three years ago, Portugal decided to attend formal education despite the odds.

As a member of the Manide tribe, an indigenous community found mostly in the Camarines Norte province in Southern Luzon, Portugal admits lack of access to education and her fear of being with non-indigenous people (IP) hindered her from attending school during her younger years.

But now that she has the opportunity, she wouldn’t let anything — not even her age — get in the way of her dream.

Portugal is just one of the 184 IPs enrolled in KVES.

Managed by the Department of Education with the support of the provincial and municipal governments of Camarines Norte, the three-room edifice serves as a literacy hub for the Manide tribe, offering primary education to those who want to learn regardless of age.

Terrazula said of the 184 IPs who attend school, 98 are children and 86 are adults.

KVES combines mainstream and modular education for both children and adult learners. They also have night classes to cater to IPs who work during the day.

The school is staffed by seven competent teachers, providing basic education that is sensitive to the Manide tribe’s cultural heritage but at the same time, responsive to the changing educational landscape.

Beyond imparting academic skills, KVES serves as an incubator for dreams, endowing IPs with the gift of possibility by empowering them to go beyond their perceived limits and embrace the infinite potential of what could be.

“We want to make them feel that the law is equal to all and that nothing is impossible. We love them, and we believe they have the right to equal access to education,” Terrazula said.

Fight against illiteracy

Every day, KVES teachers walk for more than two kilometers just to reach the school, unmindful of the challenging terrain that lies ahead.

Portugal recalled that during the early years, IP children would hide behind their mothers for fear of going to school.

“But now, it is usual to see mothers sitting side by side with their young children as they read together,” Portugal said.

It is this symbolic display of determination that fuels Terrazula and the rest of his team to combat illiteracy among the Manide tribe.

Despite the many challenges, he said their passion and commitment enable them to overcome the many barriers that come their way.

“Whenever I see Melody, I feel motivated to pursue our mission,” the principal said.

In this remote village in Bakal, Paracale town, a humble school keeps the flame of education alive for IPs eager to overcome the legacy of discrimination and oppression that has previously hindered their learning opportunities.

And Melody Portugal, all of 60 years, becomes a living testament that it is never too late to aspire for and achieve one’s loftiest dreams.

Time might have weathered her body, but her soul defies the limitations of age.

“As long as my eyes can see clearly, I will study how to read and write,” the sprightly grandmother cheerfully said. (PNA)

“These will be of great help to me,” she said in the vernacular, proudly showing her Grade 2 notebooks and pad papers, which would be her ally in her reading and writing journey.

For years, Portugal has diligently made the five-kilometer pilgrimage to the Katutubo Village Elementary School (KVES) in Barangay Bakal in Paracale, Camarines Norte.

It was in 2020 when Allan Terrazula, school principal, urged Portugal’s family to move near the premises of KVES so they could have better access to education.

As the day gradually descends towards dusk, Portugal trades her shovel and shears, which she uses to tend a calamansi farm, for pencils and papers in pursuit of her lifelong dream.

“I just want to learn so I will not get lost when I travel because I can read the signboards,” she said, a soft and knowing smile playing on her lips.

Portugal is 60 years old.

Education for all

Three years ago, Portugal decided to attend formal education despite the odds.

As a member of the Manide tribe, an indigenous community found mostly in the Camarines Norte province in Southern Luzon, Portugal admits lack of access to education and her fear of being with non-indigenous people (IP) hindered her from attending school during her younger years.

But now that she has the opportunity, she wouldn’t let anything — not even her age — get in the way of her dream.

Portugal is just one of the 184 IPs enrolled in KVES.

Managed by the Department of Education with the support of the provincial and municipal governments of Camarines Norte, the three-room edifice serves as a literacy hub for the Manide tribe, offering primary education to those who want to learn regardless of age.

Terrazula said of the 184 IPs who attend school, 98 are children and 86 are adults.

KVES combines mainstream and modular education for both children and adult learners. They also have night classes to cater to IPs who work during the day.

The school is staffed by seven competent teachers, providing basic education that is sensitive to the Manide tribe’s cultural heritage but at the same time, responsive to the changing educational landscape.

Beyond imparting academic skills, KVES serves as an incubator for dreams, endowing IPs with the gift of possibility by empowering them to go beyond their perceived limits and embrace the infinite potential of what could be.

“We want to make them feel that the law is equal to all and that nothing is impossible. We love them, and we believe they have the right to equal access to education,” Terrazula said.

Fight against illiteracy

Every day, KVES teachers walk for more than two kilometers just to reach the school, unmindful of the challenging terrain that lies ahead.

Portugal recalled that during the early years, IP children would hide behind their mothers for fear of going to school.

“But now, it is usual to see mothers sitting side by side with their young children as they read together,” Portugal said.

It is this symbolic display of determination that fuels Terrazula and the rest of his team to combat illiteracy among the Manide tribe.

Despite the many challenges, he said their passion and commitment enable them to overcome the many barriers that come their way.

“Whenever I see Melody, I feel motivated to pursue our mission,” the principal said.

In this remote village in Bakal, Paracale town, a humble school keeps the flame of education alive for IPs eager to overcome the legacy of discrimination and oppression that has previously hindered their learning opportunities.

And Melody Portugal, all of 60 years, becomes a living testament that it is never too late to aspire for and achieve one’s loftiest dreams.

Time might have weathered her body, but her soul defies the limitations of age.

“As long as my eyes can see clearly, I will study how to read and write,” the sprightly grandmother cheerfully said. (PNA)

On December 3, Tomboc narrated the obstacles that he faced as he reviewed for the board and shared how he conditioned himself to strive for the best in topping the examination.

According to the top notcher, he allotted eight to 12 hours each day to study so he could digest the topics for the exam. “I adhered to a strict daily study schedule, mindful of every hour. I often remind my friends that if I’m working hard, there’s someone out there working even harder, so I must strive to work the hardest,” he said.

Aside from being strict with his schedule, Tomboc also prepared himself by answering 20,000 to 30,000 questions related to the exams and memorizing over 8,000 nursing flashcards to help him enhance his long-term memory about the terms.

Seeing his name as the top contender for the nursing licensure exam has delivered mixed emotions to him, hence giving a flashback to all the hard work that he experienced to achieve his goal of leading the board exam.

“I was overwhelmed with joy, relief, gratitude, pride, and disbelief. I cried uncontrollably as I shared this moment with my family. I didn’t care about anything else. I felt like I had won the lottery. I felt like I had conquered the world. I felt like I had earned this moment,” he said.

With the achievement that he got, Tomboc expressed his gratitude to his support system as he is on the journey of becoming a licensed nurse. As expressed by the top notcher, he shared that it is very important to surround yourself with a good support system for you to achieve your dream.

“This was not just a personal achievement, but a collective one. I wouldn’t have done this alone without the wonderful people who have stood by me since day one,” he said.

The said board examination was done from November 11 to 12 and had its exam passers announced during the first week of December. Out of its more than 32,000 examinees, the Professional Regulation Commission verified that 25,761 examinees passed.

Photo credit:
https://www.facebook.com/vinztomboc

On November 20, Arqam shared some snippets with his cat Gibby as they went on a hike at Luzon’s highest peak, Mount Pulag. In the shared photos, the owner showed how his cat bravely conquered their hiking session.

Freely exploring the top of the mountain, other hikers also shared their snaps and videos on Gibby, as well as moments with the pet as they enjoyed the view at the peak of the mountain.

Gibby became an instant superstar during their hike, as numerous photos circulated on social media. Some netizens compared their cats to Gibby, while others also shared their hiking moments, encouraging them to have a hike together soon.

“Wowwwww! One of the best pictures ever made on Mt. Pulag. Congrats Mingg! “A netizen commented.

Conquering Mount Pulag was not the first hike for Gibby, as they also accomplished reaching the summit of Mount Ulap on November 13.

This has shown that when you love and care for your pet, you can always tag them along with you and enjoy the things that you love, which also makes them feel special as you treat them not as an animal but just like a human.

Photo credit:
https://www.facebook.com/arqamtheman