Visa-Free Countries to Visit for Filipinos

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Philippine passport holders don’t need a visa to enter these countries around the world, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. 

It's more fun in the Philippines, that's true. But Filipinos always love to visit foreign countries - to visit their family, relatives, and friends, business matters, and travel to see famous or unique places, to explore the world.

Even with your own passport, it can be a hindrance to your travel processes - application for a visa via their respective embassies, very expensive and long and tiring process and there is no assurance of getting granted a visa.

Filipino travelers do not need a visa to visit at least 25 countries.

Here is the list of countries that don’t require visas:

Visa-free (no limits)

• Colombia - Visa-free

• Morocco - Visa-free

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Visa-free

• Suriname - Visa-free

Visa-free (limited number of days)

• Bolivia – Visa-free for 60 days

• Brunei - Visa-free for 14 days

• Cambodia - Visa-free for 21 days

• Costa Rica - Visa-free for 30 days

• Ecuador - Visa-free for 90 days

• Hong Kong - Visa-free for 14 days

• Indonesia - Visa-free for 30 days

• Laos - Visa-free for 30 days

• Malaysia - Visa-free for 30 days

• Peru - Visa-free for 60 days

• Singapore - Visa-free for 30 days

• Thailand - Visa-free for 30 days

• Vietnam - Visa-free for 21 days

Visa-free (limited number of days plus special conditions)

• Brazil - Visa-free for 90 days (for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports, visa-free for a. duration of tour of duty or b. 180 days for official business or tourism)

• India - Visa upon arrival valid for 30 days (limited only to New Delhi and Mumbai airports)

• Israel - Visa-free for tourists (number of days of stay will depend on Immigration); visa-free for holders of diplomatic and official passports; visa is required for business)

• Mozambique - Visa upon arrival valid for 30 days

• Palau - Visa-free for 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return/onward plane ticket)

• Sri Lanka - Visa-free for 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return/onward plane ticket)

• Tuvalu - Visa-free for 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return /onward plane ticket)

• Vanuatu - Visa-free for 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return / onward plane ticket)

• Zambia - Visa upon arrival; 3 months for tourism, 1 month for business

@Department of Foreign Affairs/GMA7News

A visual feast of color : TCL Sets New Standards For TV Display Capabilities

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New visual technologies and exquisite TVs build on TCL’s global momentum

TCL Multimedia, one of the leading players in the global TV industry, is engaged in the research and development, manufacturing and distribution of consumer electronic products.

TCL Multimedia has maintained its promise of providing superior and more interactive home entertainment experiences for consumers, with the introduction of new TV display technologies and overarching brand theme of ‘a visual feast of color’.

Successfully debuted at CES 2015, TCL’s Wide Color Gamut and industry-leading Quantum Dot technologies will feature on a host of exciting new product launches this year, including the Quantum Dot TV H9700, Curved 4K UHD TV H8800, and 4K UHD E6800, which will present an impressive new standard in visual display for the TV manufacturer.

The new Quantum Dot display technology, provided by TCL, is able to depict more of the RGB spectrum, from vivid colors to subtle tones. This provides a greatly enhanced picture experience for viewers, which is similar to OLED yet at a price that maintains a level of affordability. TCL’s developments in this area have been so impressive that under the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC), it has achieved 110% color gamut, which is currently the best in the world. 

Bringing its world-leading ingenuity onto the shelves, TCL has launched its first-ever Quantum Dot television - the 55” 4K UHD Quantum Dot TV (H9700). A leading innovation in the TV industry, Quantum Dot technology incorporates a film of tiny light-emitting crystals into regular liquid crystal displays (LCD), offering improved picture quality at a fraction of the price of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). Featuring an exquisite industrial design, the TV also features cutting-edge 30W Harman/Kardon speakers, which provide a full-bodied and immersive sound experience for viewers.

TCL is also introducing brand new Curved 4K UHD TVs (H8800) with size range 65” and 55’’. The series boast the largest curvature ever of 4000R, innovative wide color gamut technology for curved surfaces (WCG technology can enhance the color gamut up to 96% by utilizing the pure white backlight, which is better than normal LED panel), the leading 4K curved surface technology and S-level Harman/Kardon speakers to provide an unparalleled immersive experience in curvature, color, definition and sound. 

In addition to the H8800 series and sharing the same features and sizes apart from a curved screen, the versatile E6800 series will feature a 360-degree revolving stand, allowing viewers to move the picture to perfectly meet their eye line, without having to move the whole TV.

Additionally, TCL’s vertically integrated structure – its CSOT Panel Factory in Shenzhen is the biggest LCD panel factory in China - provides benefits for consumers. As the only manufacturer in China that can make its own panels, this ensures consumers get a high quality product for the best available price. 

“There’s a reason TCL has become known for producing market-leading televisions. As the only Chinese TV manufacturer with full supply chain penetration we are able to invest more in their development and save in their production,” said Kevin Wang, General Manager of TCL Multimedia Overseas Business Center. “What this means is the very latest technology, the finest picture quality, most impressive design, and greatest functionality are all presented to the consumer at a price that few can match.”

DepEd, educ partners kick off Brigada Eskwela nationwide

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In its mission to provide safe and clean learning spaces for Filipino learners, the Department of Education (DepEd) jumpstarted this year’s Brigada Eskwela at Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, simultaneous with all the public schools in the country. With the themeTayo Para sa Kalinisan, Kaligtasan at Kahandaan ng ating mga Paaralan, the week-long school maintenance practice aims to prepare schools for the coming school year and to promote volunteerism among the members of the community.

Secretary Br. Armin Luistro with Undersecretary Mario A. Deriquito joins the schools and communities of Siargao Island at the 2015 Brigada Eskwela Kick-off.

"The Philippines is the biggest country, if not, the only country in the world that gathers and prepares the schools for the coming school year." said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC to the volunteers of Numancia Central Elementary School (CES) in Siargao Island. He also said that the invitation to help out in schools is "extended to all volunteers who are willing to contribute their time, effort, and resources for the preparation of public schools."

Parents, teachers, students and all other education stakeholders are encouraged to volunteer from May 18 to 23 for the Brigada Eskwela. Now on its 12th year, the program ensures that all public school facilities are ready come School Year (SY) 2015-2016. During this week, all volunteers will aid in repainting classrooms, fixing damaged school furniture, repair broken windows, among others.

Undersecretary for Partnerships and External Linkages Mario Deriquito expressed his gratitude for those who were present during the kick-off at Numancia CES.

"Brigada Eskwela is for everyone." he said. Reminders for the week-long school maintenance were reiterated by Usec Deriquito to all the volunteers present in the National Kick-off.

After the initial start of the Brigada Eskwela at Numancia CES, various activities like tree planting, cement mixing, repainting of walls and fences, repairing of school chairs, and tilling of school grounds were held at Del Carmen National HS, Cancohoy ES, Katipunan ES, Mahayahay ES, ang Oguing Navarro Memorial NHS of which were participated in by Sec. Luistro and Usec. Deriquito along with the local government officials.

Some of the volunteers expressed their support in program and said, "Malaking tulong po ito para sa mga anak namin, kaya kami sumasama sa pag-aayos ng mga klasrum. (This is a big help for our children that is why we are volunteering in this program." Some of them even said, "Pumupunta po kami ditong mga magulang para makiisa sa pag-aayos ng mga paaralan. Kapag may libre kaming oras, pumupunta kami at kahit anong oras, kahit anong petsa man, kapag kailangan naming tumulong sa paaralan, tutulong kami. (We parents come here to be one with those who are volunteering to fix the schools. When we have free time, we go here and if we see that there are things that need our assistance, whichever date, whenever time that might be, we will be here to help.)"

Luistro also commended Siargao Island for having 22 schools which will offer Grade 11 come June 2016. He said, "Our target is to have one Senior High School per municipality but if we already have 22, that would already be a minimum of two SHS schools per municipality in Siargao.”

Luistro then encouraged everyone to register under the Abot-Alam Program, of which booths are in every school, for those out-of-school youth or for those who would want to finish high school.

Ultimately, the opening at Siargao Island gathered different volunteers – parents, students, teachers, local government employees and officials, individuals, and the private sector and are still expected to grow in number by the end of the week. The opening of classes will be on June 1 which will also see the introduction of the new curriculum for Grades 4 and 10.

"Extreme Series: Kaya Mo Ba To?" with DLSU Lady Spiker Michelle Gumabao Faces Extreme King Derek Ramsay

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DLSU Lady Spiker, volleyball star, Michelle Gumabao will go against Extreme King, Derek Ramsay on one of the her most physical and intensive ventures yet.

Watch as the King and the Archer take on the dirt and heat on this extreme downhill trike challenge. Will the Lady Archer outdo the king or burn out in the scorching asphalt? 

Will the Extreme King conquer or fall to the greatness of the archer? Or will they fall victim to the punishing downhill track?

Find out in the all-new season of "Extreme Series: Kaya Mo Ba To?" now on its’ new timeslot, airing every Saturday at 9PM on TV5.

Celia Rodriguez: #PowerLook personified

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Whenever she plays a contravida such as the evil “Valentina” in the “Darna” movie franchise, or as a richy-bitchy matron in her slew of telenovelas, it’s hard not to notice the uncanny knack for fashion of premier actress Celia Rodriguez. Known for setting fashion trends before they are even born, she is definitely the epitome of a woman who radiates with talent and looks, especially during awards nights where the media would anticipate her next fashion statement.

There is no doubt that her innate artistry, coupled with extraordinary hard work and dedication in perfecting her craft made her one of the most iconic actresses of her generation. Name any role and she’ll play it with much aplomb and gusto, whether as the villain or heroine, which she also portrays impeccably. This explains why Celia Rodriguez—“Manay Celia” to many—remains to be one of the most illustrious thespians around who can give much younger actresses a run for their money. She is like vintage wine—the more aged, the better tasting, and the more sought-after. 

Recently, Acer Philippines has chosen Manay Celia as one of the ambassadors for the global tech titans’ recently launched Acer Premium line. Acer Premium is a collection of mid to high-range devices that hallmark superior engineering, chic design, and manufacturing prowess. These tools are renowned for effectively combining both “Power” and “Looks,” which make them prime choices among discerning and astute individuals who wouldn’t settle for anything less.

This is why Manay Celia is truly a perfect fit for Acer Premium. With her trademark #PowerLook, which comes as naturally as her lifting an eyebrow, Manay Celia evokes emotion without uttering a single dialogue – similar to the products on the Acer Premium array - you know you’re getting powerful and great-looking devices at a glance.

For the Acer Premium line, Manay Celia took an exceptional liking to the Acer Liquid X1, Acer’s flagship smartphone model. Grand and powerful, the Liquid X1 is a smartphone built to astound. Boasting a cutting-edge octa-core processor and an ultra-fast LTE connectivity, this beast of a device is sure to blaze up your mobile experience. Its glorious 5.7-inch HD screen and incredible 13MP F1.8 camera make viewing and capturing moments always picture perfect and majestic.

“I’m not much of a techie, but I quickly fell in love with the Liquid X1, especially with the AcerRapid button where I can shoot photos or open the apps I love in a snap. It’s very useful especially for fans who love to take their photos with me on set or when I’m in the mall. That’s why I use my Liquid X1 instead of their phone, and of course I tell them to change their phones and buy the Liquid X1 so they can enjoy the same power features and excellent looks that I love,” Manay Celia says with a chuckle.

So what else has Celia Rodriguez not done? Well, she is still—and will always be—the best “Valentina” ever. But with Acer’s Liquid X1 in her hand, she is the perfect ambassador for Acer Premium. This legendary actress shows why today’s Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram generation should get their hands on Acer Premium products because like Manay Celia, everybody deserves only the best.

To know more about the Liquid X1 and other Acer Premium products, visit the Acer Philippines Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AcerPH), follow Acer via Twitter (twitter.com/acerphils), or go to www.acer.com.ph.