The View from Penang Hill

Almost all the prizes were already given away when we left from the venue of the Hard Rock to Rock Run event. By 9:30 in the morning, we were on our way home to recharge our batteries. But we ended up swimming when we arrived. LOL. I just couldn't resist the sun and their inviting pool. I really enjoyed the splash while my friend did me underwater shots. Here's one for you:

2011 Hard Rock To Rock Run Event at Penang

"I missed my runs."

Feeling athletic lang. lels

Seriously, I had my runs last 2010 and it was really cool to join such event together with my siblings. Well, it's not just about fun but being healthy. Like what experts say, we should have at least 150 minutes a week of exercises because this helps in reducing heart risk while it adds years to life.

I wasn't able to follow any events for the year 2011 since I was adjusting to my new environment. Not until my friend told me there will be an upcoming running event in their place. I was like asking her questions nonstop and finally I decided to join. She immediately registered me for the event.

This was my main reason why I went to Penang besides getting some fresh air. So as I've said earlier on my first day, we had hiking at Taman Negara for our preparation. Now, it's time to run.

Hiking at Taman Negara

Just before the year 2012 started, I was able to visit another island from Malaysia comparable to Singapore -- Penang Island.

My friend fetched me at Sungai Nibong Terminal, shortly as I arrived 7:40 in the morning. I had a few sleep around 10-hours travel via bus from Singapore to Penang but soon as we got to her place, I was with high spirits that I just wanted to go out and start the great weekend. We began touring her place which I eventually fell in love with.

in the pool

Its More Fun in The Philippines and Best Tourism Slogans

The latest slogan for DOT is really more fun. That is because of the overflowing support I have seen in social networking sites. The slogan has been lauded in Twitter with the hash tag #itsmorefuninthephilippines and take note not only in the Philippines that it has trended but Worldwide. And as for my Facebook wall, I got this to share..

"Since we have already the It's more fun in the Philippines, maybe we can also have some of these Philippines domestic tourism slogans:

- Boracay, You Sexy Beach!
- Haller, Baler!
- Bohol: Go To Hill!
- Be Cool, Bicol!
- Thank you, Camiguin!
- Maliit Navotas, Lumalaki!
- We Fly High In Capiz!
- Go Gaga In Naga!
- Kaibigan, Punta Na Sa Vigan!
- Virac, You Rock!
- Kamuning Get Me!
- Better Leyte Than Never!
- Whee! Tawi-Tawi!
- Walang Aayaw Sa Apayao!
- Maraming Gig Sa Taguig!
- Bongga Ka Day, Sa Norzagaray!
- I wanna dance with Zambales, I wanna feel the heat with Zambales!"

Ipalaganap ang Turismo!!!

Online OEC for Balik Manggagawa

I got so excited for my holiday vacay in the Philippines that I totally forgot my OEC. Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC is what every OFW need to show to the immigration officer when they leave the country as proof of their employment overseas.

I only remembered it when I was having my Christmas dinner with friends and asked if I can get the OEC at the airport but I learned that if I will be exceeding for 5 days stay in the Philippines, I would be left with no choice but to get it from POEA. I only had less than two weeks, so I left my hometown for a day earlier just to process the requirement. My first time there and my first work to do for the year.

So I was there at 8:30 in the morning. As I entered the gate, I saw our kababayans piled up to this guy who gives the Balik-Manggagawa forms. After getting my own form, I entered the lobby of the Blas F. Ople Building and I was surprised with the huge crowd - busy with their own businesses. I did not want to panic. I went to see a table where I can fill up my form. I asked the assistance officer with things I am not cleared of. There were security guards who assisted us to the entrance of the hall where to process the OEC. While there was another one who announces the queue number so I went to ask him how the queueing works, he pointed the number marked on top of the form in my hand. I was in #907. They were still calling for #700 and below.

While I was waiting in the lobby, I was able to visit the Pagibig Center to ask if I would be required of such payments and if so, should I be able to process it from there. (Actually, the Pagibig forms are given together with the Balik-Manggagawa forms). The lady told me, I should have at least a month payment and if I wanted to pay it from there, this payment would just be deducted from the total payment when I get the OEC inside the hall. So I did.

When I finished, I went straight to the security guard and asked what number is being called already. Finally, I was able to enter the hall only to see another big crowd, waiting for their numbers to be shown on the screen. I was telling myself, 'I am gonna be stuck in here for a long time, seriously.' The place was like Divisoria. I heard a lot of our kababayans complain, that the current process is not that good compared to the previous. They were saying that before, there was only one queue in getting the OEC and less hours of processing. As for me, good thing, I was able to connect to their wifi while waiting for my turn.

The first process is Verification. There are about 17 windows upfront but some are closed, who supposedly are making sure the forms are filled up correctly with OFW supporting documents. The second process is to go to OWWA window for Assessment. This is where they compute how much you will pay. And lastly, is Payment. I paid for total amount of Php 1,200 for more than 4 hours of processing.

NOTE TO SELF: I should have never forgotten my OEC that I got from the embassy.

And so when I heard the news that the new chief of POEA is eyeing for an Online OEC Processing, my reaction was parang WOW lang kagaya neto >> BIG WORD. I mean, seriously, processing of documents for more than four hours is not getting any way better. This Online OEC for Balik Manggagawa would really be of great help and this better be good.