Travel Philippines Show offers MEGA VACATION SALE to OFW’s and families

Travel  Philippines  Show  continues   to  offer  its  beneficiaries  education  support  through the  annual  event  on  Dec. 7, 8 & 9, 2012  in Megatrade  Halls  , SM Megamall.  On  its  3rd  year,  Travel  Philippines  show  offers  MEGA  VACATION  SALE  to  invited  OFWs, Balikbayans  and  their  families.  MEGA  Vacation SALE  is  the  showcase  exhibit participated in  by  different  hotels, travels  and  tours  as  well as airlines  and  transportation  who  are  providing   discounted  packages  to   over  6000 invited  OFW's , Balikbayans  and  families.

"Travel  Philippines  Show  is  already  providing  education  support  to  over  a  hundred  Dumagat  children  in  Antipolo  every  year. Under  the  " LAKBAY  'PINAS , SCHOOL SUPPORT TO  DUMAGATS, "  campaign, It  aims  to continuously  support the  education of   Dumagat  children, "  said  Ex-link  Events' Project  Director, Mitch  Ballesteros.

Travel  Philippines  Show  is  a  twin  event  of  the  grandest  OFW/ Balikbayans  event  in Megamall  during  Dec  which  is  on its  9th year  already - the  Mega  Balikbayan / OFW Balikbayans Expo (  MBOX). This is  in  celebration of  Christmas  vacation  of  most  OFW's  and  Balikbayan  in the  Philippines  to  celebrate  family  bonding  and  reunions.

Mega Balikbayan /OFW  Expo  also  features "  OFW  Business  Summit  "  which  aims  to  educate  OFW's  and  their  families  to  venture  into business  and  help  create  job  for  fellow  Filipinos  and  contribute  to Philippine  economic  growth  through  entrepreneurship.

Indian School in UAE Now Hiring Teachers and Staff: No Placement Fee

An Indian School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a member of Al Shirawi Group, is now looking for highly competitive Filipino teachers and admin staff. No placement fee will be asked to successful applicants plus good compensation package will also be given.

The school’s partner agency, Universal Staffing Services, Inc. (POEA license 050-LB-030911-R) is now accepting applicants for the following positions: 

5 Physical Education Teachers	Mandarin Teachers
24-30 years old	23-35 years old
3 years work experience	2 years work experience
Male or Female	Male or Female
5 Music Teachers	5 Department Secretaries
24-30 years old	23-35 years old
3 years work experience	2 years work experience
Male or Female	Male or Female

Continue reading Indian School in UAE Now Hiring Teachers and Staff: No Placement Fee

Metro Manila Job Fair Scheds: October and November 2012

Jobseekers benefit from attending a job fair because they get to search for job opportunities and submit their resumes to several companies in one place. Lucky ones even get a chance to be interviewed and get hired on the spot.

So for those who want to get a job in the coming months, we have provided this scheduleof job fairs in Metro Manila for October and November. The schedules below are taken from DOLE.gov.ph

Applicants in other areas can view the schedule of career fairs nearest them by going to the DOLE website. To check job fair schedules in other regions of the Philippines, please check out this link:http://www.phil-job.net/jfsched/jfdisplay.php

Reminder: Please note that the job fair schedule may change anytime without notice so one is advised to always confirm theschedulewith the organizer.

POEA Gives Guide on How to Avoid Job Scams

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has continuously receiving complaints against illegal recruiters based on the internet which lead them to finally give warnings to jobseekers on how to detect internet job scam. 

According to POEA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac more applicants use the internet to find jobs and with the popularity of internet-ready gadgets, and job search and social networking websites, they become easy victims of illegal recruiters and job scammers. 

He also added that to attract attention from applicants, illegal recruiter joins social networking sites and online forums. They also create bogus company websites, advertise in legitimate online companies and send mass emails. 

To avoid getting lured by illegal recruiters, Cacdac advised jobseekers to apply only in POEA-licensed recruitment agencies or send their resumes only to popular overseas recruitment websites. The POEA lists down tips on how to identify illegal recruiters: 

Continue reading POEA Gives Guide on How to Avoid Job Scams

Job Hunting is Now Easier for Pinoy Seaman

More than 300,00 Filipino seamen are deployed in different shipping companies all over the world. Maritime companies prefer the services of Filipino seafarers because they are known to be dedicated, hardworking and honest workers. The fact that Filipinos are proficient in the English language is also a plus factor.

As Filipino seamen are clearly in-demand worldwide, maritime employment procedures should be as easy and convenient as possible. Such is the idea behind the creation of a new career portal that is specifically designed for the job hunting and recruitment needs of Pinoy seaman and manning agencies- www.SeamanJobSite.com

There was a time when Filipino seamen would need to go from one manning agency to another just to submit resumes or to look for possible job opportunities. There was also that infamous spot in Luneta where hundreds of Filipino seamen would line up each day at the booths of some manning agencies. Both old methods would cost lots of time and resources.

But with the launching of SeamanJobSite.com, sea-based workers all over the Philippines can now search for maritime jobs.

They can also submit multiple job applications to the job openings of several shipping companies in one sitting. Jobseekers are also assured that they are dealing with an accredited agency because all job postings in SeamanJobSite.com are posted by manning agencies with a valid POEA license.

SeamanJobSite.com is created with the welfare of the Filipino seafarers in mind as it would surely make the job hunting process among seafarers a lot easier. Registration is free and would only need a valid email address.

So if you or someone you know is looking for maritime job opportunities; why not check out or referwww.SeamanJobSite.com.

Survey Says Pinoy Seaman Wrongly Labeled as Cheaters

Do seafarers who have to endure long and probably lonesome voyages have the tendency to cheat? Or is the "seamanloloko" label unfair because seamen are actually faithful to their partners?

A recent survey reveals that majority thinks Filipino seamen are faithful to their partners back home. In the said survey, 68.8% of the respondents answered “No” to the question:

Seafarers have a reputation of being unfaithful to their partners. Do you think this is true?

Only 31.2% answered “Yes” they believe that seafarers are unfaithful or cheaters. 

The informal survey was conducted among site visitors of SeamanJobSite.com from August 27 to September 13, 2012.

 When asked what drives seamen onboard to commit infidelity, 88% of the respondents cite loneliness as the main reason while 12% voted that it is due to the availability of sex workers.

Majority of the respondents, 57% are employed seafarers while 21.5% are unemployed seamen. Respondents that are employed but not pursuing sea careers make up 10.8% while 7.5% are non-seafarers and unemployed. Students or aspiring seafarers comprise 3.2%.

The survey respondents are dominated by males because while only 5.4% are female respondents, 94.6% are males.

Most respondents, 45.2% are between the ages of 30-39 while 23% are 40 to 49 years old. Those that are 21-29 year olds are 19.4% while 8.6% are between 50-59 years old. Only 2.2% are 20 years old and younger while only 1.1% is more than 60 years old.

Your Guide in Working in Kuwait

Your Guide in Working in Kuwait

Kuwait is one of the most popular destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). You may want to know how much you will earn and spend before leaving the country and sign your contract. Some expenses you need to consider is you accommodation, food, transportation, mobile loads and some relaxation time.

Before you sign your contract, aside from accommodation, food and transportation allowance, you must understand if your employer will shoulder your plane ticket, so you may have wild estimate if the salary offered is good for you to pursue your plan to work abroad.

According to OFWGuide Forum member, techspeak, food is not so expensive in Kuwait. If you are an average eater, you may allot at least 25KD monthly including your toiletries. There is also catering that offers a month food package cost 14KD, serendipitous2011 added.

Some employers offer free accommodation while some are not. If it happens that your employer do not offer a free accommodation, your budget for a sharing room is around 35-50kd monthly. Same thing with transportation, there are companies that offers free service to employees, so make sure that you can catch the shuttle schedule or else you will allot at least 15KD for your transpo.

Forumer serendipitous2011 also advice to bring your own clothes that to buy it in Kuwait since it is more expensive.

For your mobile load, you may allot 10KD monthly and Internet charge is around 9KD with 24 hours time usage.

Don’ts in Kuwait

Kuwait is a OFW-friendly country but still it is a Muslim kingdom and there are some things that are not pleasing for them that non-Muslims are sometimes practicing. Here are some things that you should avoid doing while working in Kuwait.

1.       PDA (Public Display of Affection)

2.       Wearing of shorts or tight-fitting clothes for women.

3.       Bringing of drugs, alcohol pork products and obscene materials.

4.       Driving while in the influence of liquor.

5.       Living with person that is not your wife of husband.

Before signing your contract you must know if you have:

1.       FREE two way tickets after your 2 years contract.

2.       30 days vacation leaves with pay annually.

If you are longing to more about working in Kuwait, we invite you to visit www.ofwguideforum.com or check this topic TO ALL OFW OF KUWAIT and destined to work here.

Original article was published here:  Things You Should Know Before Working in Kuwait

Passport Services Now Available in SM Megamall!

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) consular department now has a satellite office in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

The satellite office of the DFA in SM Megamall or the DFA-NCR East is now ready to offer the following services to Filipinos:

• New Passport Application
• Passport Renewal
• Replacement of lost passport
• Authentication Services

This development is part of the DFA’s effort to improve their services to the Filipino people. This satellite office can serve a total of 1000 applicants daily. The DFA satellite office can only accommodate applicants with scheduled appointments, PWDs (persons with disabilities), overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and senior citizens with valid proof of age.

Continue reading...

DFA Hopes to Get 200,000 More Overseas Absentee Voting Registrants

he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) needs 200,000 more registrants for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) to meet their one million target before the deadline on October 31.

A report from the DFA said that as of August 10, more than 800,000 Filipinos abroad have registered for the OAV 2013 Philippine elections. This means they are still 200,000 registrants away from their goal.

Please help us answer this short survey about OAV. 

To achieve their goal, the DFA is implementing promotional strategies via internet. They are now turning to websites, blogs and social networking sites to increase awareness about OAV among OFWs and get them to register before the October 31 deadline. The government agency is also making use of mobile phones to make OAV registration easier for Filipinos working and living overseas.

Continue reading...

Manning Agencies Wants to Ratify Maritime Labor Convention of 2006

To protect Filipino seamen from rampant sea piracy, manning agencies in the Philippines are calling for immediate ratification of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) of 2006. This is because the International Labor Organization (ILO) implemented a number of major changes to current international regulations that involves the security and protection of the ships crew.

According to the Joint Manning Group (JMG), ratifying the convention would greatly benefit the Philippines as we are the world’s leading supplier of seafarers. Filipino seamen are deployed in shipping companies that are based in countries where the MLC 2006 has been ratified.

The JMG said, “The ratification by the Philippines will be a major indication of the country’s serious efforts to comply with the latest international rules and regulations that will enhance the continued employment of the Filipino seafarers.”

The group of manning agencies said that the Philippines currently share 30% of the global seafaring supply and this number would even increase as the JMG predicts that more demand for Filipino seafarers in the next two years.

continue reading Manning Agencies Wants to Ratify Maritime Labor Convention of 2006

US Tourist Visa Application Fees Require Printed Deposit

The US Embassy Manila announced in their Facebook page that as of September 3, 2012, all nonimmigrant visa applicants now need to present a U.S. visa application deposit slip to be able to pay the machine-readable visa (MRV) application fee.

This means that visa applicants should first print the applicable U.S. visa application deposit slip before heading to the bank to pay for the visa application.

Continue reading...

Survey Says Pinoys Abroad Don’t Know How to Register for OAV

The Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) registration for the 2013 national elections started on November 02, 2011 and would end on October 31, 2012.

As the deadline nears, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Commission on Elections (Comelec) are urging Filipinos abroad to register so they can meet their target of one million registrants. As of September 10, stats from the DFA said that they still need more or less 150,000 registrants to meet this target.

What could be the reason why some Filipinos abroad fail to register for the OAV?  Could it be that many would like to exercise their right to participate in the national elections even when they are out of the country but just don’t know how or where to do it.

Survey Result:

Apparently many Filipinos abroad would like to register for the OAV but are hindered by lack of information about the registration process or venues. Another reason is because the registration is too far from their place.

This conclusion is based in an informal survey conducted among site visitors of OFWGuide.com and WorkAbroad.ph Facebook page from September 2 to September 11, 2012.

Of the respondents, only 12.2% have already registered for the OAV. This is in far contrast from the 87.8% who have not yet registered.

Why They Did Not Register

Of the survey respondents who are not yet registered, 34.7% said that they want to register but don’t know how or where. 29.6% said that the registration venue is too far from their location while 22.4% are clueless about the ongoing registration. Only 13.3% said that they don’t want to register and don’t intend to vote.

About the Respondents

Majority of the respondents (90.8%) are legal OFW. The remaining 6.1% are undocumented OFWs and 3.1% are Filipinos with permanent residency status in their host country.

To help Filipinos abroad who want to register here are some basic FAQs about the OAV:

(Taken from: http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/)

Who can register as Overseas Absentee Voters?

• All Filipino citizens abroad who are at least 18 years old on 14 May 2013, and who are not otherwise disqualified by law;

• Those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225 and other Filipino citizens with dual citizenship;

• Immigrants or permanent residents of other countries who are recognized as such in their host countries.

Where and how can one register for OAV? Is personal appearance at the PH Embassy required?

• A registrant needs to have their biometrics captured so personal appearance is required in the venue where the registration will be done, which can be at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General or any identified registration site.
  
  

What requirements should one present to be an Overseas Absentee Voter?

• Valid Philippine passport or a certificate from the DFA issued through the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General, declaring either of the following;

1. that one have submitted document that will warrant the issuance of a passport 
2. or one is a valid passport holder but unable to produce it for valid reasons.
• Accomplished OAV Form No. 1 that is available at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General or mobile registration site at the time of registration.

The form can also be downloaded in the following sites: 

COMELEC http:www.comelec.gov.ph

Department of Foreign Affairs  http://www.dfa.gov.ph)

Philippine Embassy / Consulate General http://www.philippineembassyusa.org/philippines-dc/oav-registration-dc

·         For seafarers, an additional requirement is a photocopy of their Seaman’s Book or any other document to prove that they are a seafarer.