Golden Haven Memorial Park Wins 2 Awards This 2021

This year seems a good one especially for the folks at Golden Haven. Recently, they have been awarded by Q Asia's Quality Excellence Awards and the Philippine Top Choice Awards fro Excellence and Outstanding Achievers. This comes as no surprise because they've been doing this since 1984, providing final resting place for your loved ones in different price points, made with finely crafted themes and landscapes anyone would love. Their mission of having a themed memorial park in every hometown seems not to be far fetched, which is part of the vast expansion they plan in the next few years.

Right now they have over 30 memorial parks and over 34 other developments in cities across the Philippines and the rate of projects ramp up to almost 4 every fiscal year. They also put up colombariums like the one in Sanctuario de San Ezekiel Moreno in C5, Pulang Lupa Las Pinas and more memorial chapels in the same city and in Pampanga. They've been given recognition or 2020 and 2021 for Best Landscape Design for a Memorial Park. This is something they've pioneered and won't be stopping in the next few years because at the end of the day, they want you to have new and long lasting memories when you visit your dearly departed loved ones in their parks.

Ceremonies happened at Casa Ibarra Hotel lasst June and to accept the award, Ms. Analyn Anero of their Luzon Division and Ms. Iris Guanzon of the Las Pinas Cluster accepted the award in behalf of their company. The other one was given at the New Coast Hotel Manila last December 17, and they have given the proceeds of that event to benefit families affected by the pandemic. They dedicate these awards to the men and women behind Golden Have and to their customers, which they have been so proud to serve all these years.

Congratulations Golden Haven! You deserve these accolades for the services you rendered.

St. Peter Group Launches St. Peter eStore

As they say in business, you have to adapt in order to survive, innovate if you want to stand out. Well, that's exactly what's happening with St. Peter Life Plan and Chapels as they now are launching the St. Peter eStore.

They've been the pioneers in death care services in the country, one of which is the e-Burol that has benefited countless families who have not been able to visit a loved one's wake. Today, the stpeter.com.ph changes the way that you get traditional and cremation services from them. Now they made it all available to purchase directly from their website and the ability to compare things. It's something that wasn't available before but these days, it's one of the most convenient things people should have access to especially in pre-need death care and memorial services. They are also offering some of it with a 10% discount if you purchase them via spot cash. It's something to consider too if you want to plan ahead, it's also easy to navigate and gives you options to make sure services provided are what you want, what you need today.

 

 

SVP and COO Jonathan Vitangcol says "The St. Peter eStore is a place where you can see your options, check your billing and purchasing plans. You just need to register, check products on the Our Products plan and see under Traditional Plans some pre-need plans you can choose. What you buy now, it's the same thing you'll get in the future. It's also available in easy installment plans. Choose your plan by clicking on Buy Now, you'lll see benefits and features, then add to cart, then check out. That's where you can also put your details, your beneficiaries, health declarations and referal codes if a St. Peter agent has referred you. Confirm and pay for it with different payment options we have on the site. Now we're making it hassle free for all our customers. You can also see numbers, email addresses all in one place. We make sure we treat them like family. St. Peter group lives to serve our clients with integrity, and compassion."

All you need to do is register and get one today on the main St Peter website by logging on via stpeter.com.ph. It's easy, convenient, and accessible via desktop and mobile. Go plan ahead!

Have You Ever Thought of Investing in Memorial Lots?

I actually asked myself that question a couple of times because in the past, I got to actually earn a little from selling lots that I purchased a long time ago. These days, I've seen OFW's even do it on a regular basis while they are abroad and working to make ends meet. Yes, it is possible to actually invest in memorial lots and in the Philippines, it is actually a good business model if you think about it.

With about 2.2 million OFWs around the world (in 2019), that accounts for a huge amount of money being sent home to the country. As Filipinos, we often just do it to help family and friends, or in some instances, just put it in the bank and forget about it. These days, we should be thinking about growing our investments if you think about it, I've never even heard of real estate being on a slump these days. I reckon it's even pandemic proof. Take for example real estate developers like Golden Haven Memorial Park. Currently, they are in about 30 cities in the Philippines, and as of recent, they got memorial lots gaining close to 20% annual value appreciation. Imagine what that would mean to an OFW who invest in these properties for a couple of years. This is why about 10 percent of them are actual OFW's and the developer is encouraging it. They also have different schemes so it would be easier to pay via special plans made for beginning investors. This also includes easier processes for immigrants and residents from other countries so they could own lots in Golden Haven. They also have plans that include long term maintenance for the lots so they always are in tiptop shape. Then after payment has been done in full, they have ownership over the lot perpetually... that's a good thing.

 

 As the COO of Golden Haven Red Rosales puts this, he says "It would be wise to invest in properties like these as the country continues to recover from the economic effects of the pandemic. There has been a steady and healthy appreciation of value over the years and OFW's should definitely take advantage of it."

For those who don't know, Golden Haven is a subsidiary of publicly listed Golden Bria Holdings. They've been doing really good in the real estate market in the last few years and it would be nice if everyone would have the opportunity they are having. 

 

It's a good thing!

Dad

Dear Dad,

I miss you a lot, I do.

It’s been a while since I’ve last heard you snore, or was that me? I miss you making fun of yourself with all the Dad jokes you can think of, I miss the times you go with Mom to church, when we eat out and you throw a fit when you don’t like the temperature of the water, or the glass itself.

I miss you try and eat a lot when I am and the times you wake up so late, not eat because you would rather watch Eat Bulaga and Showtime - finish both shows - at the same time. 

I miss you being morbid, at times when I have to tell you NO that’s not gonna happen. I miss every single one of your obnoxious songs, songs you put on repeat til the wee hours of the morning.

I miss you playing Angry Birds Friends and how you manage being number one in the standings, I deleted that app just now because the old iPad is wonky. I miss you every day, I feel a lot guilty when I don’t get to visit you at the columbary every week, or put flowers in your place. The same when going to church, but it reminds me so much of you, so I try to.

Mom just fixed your altar at home and put stuff away because the toys wouldn’t fit anymore in your space downstairs. Too much toys I guess, but it’s all clean now, she still takes care of the house every day.

You being gone is not really fair, I cried so many times but yours was just difficult. I do not even see myself moving on at all, we just don’t, they were right, the pain never really goes away... you just become numb with time. 

I’ll try to take care of Mom the best way I can, we all miss you still. I really do.

John

Thank You

My Dad passed away this Tuesday, April 3, he was 70.


I know am still hurting, not fully recovered yet. I don't know what will happen after this but I am optimistic things (even though will not be the same) hopefully will be better for us. We are taking care of Mom, as we always have been doing.

I am just writing this post to thank everyone who have in their own way, showed their condolences while we are still grieving. It may have not been less stressful, less heavy, but know that we are extremely thankful to everyone who have helped us during this time. Please do know that I have read all the comments, private messages, but I'm still contemplating how to answer most of them because the old people are telling me not to say "thank you" even if I really am thankful.

Kidding aside, my heartfelt thanks to all the bloggers and PR Executives who went to the wake of my Dad. It really kept me on top of my toes to see you just being there. You know who you are.

For those who sent flowers, who sent help and even tons of food, THANK YOU

Batch 68 Ramon Magsaysay Cubao HS

ABSCBN Corp Comm
Evelyn Bueno, Alain and Ryan
Batch 95 TCQC
Jessah Marie Lopez
Tita Tootsie, Daisy & Bjomar, Duvhie, Aiko and Emem
BAM Asia
Comco Southeast Asia
Vivo Philippines
Oppo Philippines
Ripple 8
Direk Perci Intalan and Direk Jun Lana
Senator Gregorio Honasan and his Family
Oishi
Grupo Agatep
MediaXChange
M2.0Communications
Officers and staff of SYKES asia
Honorable Senator Gregorio and Mrs. Honasan
Regine Boo District AIA Singapore, Evelyn, Alain and Ryan
Valles Family
Comco Southeast Asia
Jessah Marie Lopez and family
Ms Annie, everyone at Bridges

Oishi

PerkComm inc.

Former TV5 PR peeps

All my relatives who put aside their differences and went to see my Dad

My neighbors

Thank you so much for helping us during our most trying times. I know this isn’t enough, but know that everything you have done for me and my family is much appreciated. Again, THANK YOU.

For those who I may have forgotten to mention in this post, my apologies, but know that I do treasure each minute you spared and spent with us and my family. Maraming maraming salamat, my Dad would have been happy to see this all happen. Again, thank you!

KUMAGCOW
Fresh Blogs Fast!

St. Peter Celebrates Death Care Week and Partnership with Breakout Philippines

St. Peter Death care week was launched 11 years ago and it coincides with St. Peter Life Plan's anniversary which is celebrated every October 27. This year, they are partnering with Breakout Philippines from October 1 to November 6. There will be several rooms in Breakout Philippines branches that will be themed together with St. Peter Life Plans. Aside from that, they will also have trick or treat activities in their head office, plus nationwide pink tricycles that would provide FREE transportation from October 30 to November 2 in selected memorial parks, communities to serve as a treat for people who are visiting their loved ones. They will also have displays in major malls to get to their audience, they deem the Filipino public deserve better services and they know they can provide that. During Halloween season, they will have displays and activations happening in Trinoma, SM Megamall and Glorietta and the theme would include some similarities to Anabelle the movie. You can purchase life and death care plans for you and your loved ones right at the venue too so if you don't have one yet, now is the right time to do it. They'll be increasing premium in the next few months so they advise everyone to get one before it happens, especially if you want to be prepared and not want to bother your loved ones when the time comes. You know that happens.

The lowest package they have is Php 625, which is very affordable by any standards. I've witnessed how my family became very stress free because their people took care of things especially when we were at our very stressful moments. I think they ought to be lauded of the exemplary things they've done all these years. This partnership they have with BREAKOUT PHILIPPINES will get people to experience some of their themed escape rooms mixed in with St. Peter elements especially for their employees, Sales Agents and plan holders. You can take off Php 100 off the actual price you pay from October 1 to November 6 in these selected rooms. These will be Boogeyman and Sleep No More at SM North Edsa, the Corpse Bride at Greenbelt 5, the Clownhouse at Katipunan, and Hide and Seek at Paragon Plaza. 

During their first blog conference, we got to talk to Dr. Mildred Vitangcol, St. Peter Life Plans Chairman. She says "We want a lighter approach, because people think of death as sad and morbid topic to talk about. It's not standard for chapels but there are requests that we do entertain. We don't want it to be gloomy and make it feel like a lighter event. We went through discussions, we interviewed them and a lot agreed on pink. Death care week is our way of celebrating our anniversary, and since it's timed with all saints day, we made it our CSR effort to help more people in return." 

"We want them to know it's not gonna be a heavy feeling, or heavy on the pocket and tell them to get and plan ahead. People were shocked initially, but now they sometimes look forward to see the pink casket. We want our customers to understand our products, so we don't have to hardsell because we build on relationships and trust on our people."

She adds "We have intelligent buyers and professionals understand this when something happens to their family, they are prepared, and not be bothered by it when the time comes. They should know it is something they should put as a priority. When we introduced our programs in the early 2000's, our company has stayed number 1 even if the pre-need industry isn't good. We also have served that viral old man who begged for money just so he can pay for his death benefits. We contributed from our own pockets and paid for it in full. Aside from that, we are also helping a lot of people in Marawi, as part of our CSR efforts, we give them their needs because we are not just in this business for money, we go deeper than that, because we ultimately want to serve these families."

When I asked about how they still make their business successful she said "The secret is DISCIPLINE, you really have to save up for the business because they have strict policies about it especially in our trust funds. It's heavily regulated, and we abide by that. We also have ethics, and that got is where we are today. Our priority are our plan holders but we still accomodate if they need our services."

It actually feels so nice that a private corporation would go the mile and do this for the community. They dedicate time, money, effort to go over and beyond the services that they provide because they know it's the right thing to do. I'm not surprised people are actually waiting for their events during these days of reflecting, prayer and solemnity. They don't forget to also give their plan holders and the general public a hand, then entertain them too.

Congratulations to everyone behind St. Peter Life Plans.  Cheers to more partnerships in the future!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Enchong Dee and Kiray Celis for I Love You To Death

I've already seen the first trailer and I'm excited. The Comedy Princess Kiray Celis (of which she welcomed to be called) was also happy about the reaction of those who've seen it online. She's going to appear in this film with good looking premier ABSCBN actor Enchong Dee in this Horror Comedy flick entitled "I LOVE YOU TO DEATH". It looks like the plot is simple, the lady asks for a man who would fall in love with her, but worded it kinda wrong for a literal wish. She got her wish, but the guy unfortunately is deadly in love with her, literally too.

Kiray adds "The pressure will really just come out later on but making this film is fun! I think the trailer just shows a few of the scenes, you'll get jump scares, you'll think this is just comedy but that's just 10 percent in the trailer."

"There are a lot of things being compared to my past movie, but the feeling of being confused is what they wanted to do in the first trailer. The second trailer just came out and that will present a more detailed description of the characters. I think the Marosa film isn't our competition, we're tagalog movies so we're in the same team. I would ban hollywood films if possible and support only those being made by Filipinos. I believe in that. Am I so nice in saying that?! 

Whatever you watched also in ASAP, we're like that! He's way wilder than Derek, I felt easy though because Enchong said he's going to lead in the kissing scene. I don't really say no and do as much as I can. I want it to be real, this is experimental and something new. I told Mother Lily that Enchong will be the one to chase me."

Enchong was actually digging what Kiray was doing while making the film. They might not have worked in films in the past but there are several shows in ABSCBN where they've met already so it was pretty much easy to work with her in this project. Enchong also adds "We're like this off cam, we're just putting this on stage and mall shows because that's how it is. We built this relationship while making this film and when we're there, we just show something real. Kiray felt awkward (during love scenes), I felt that plus a few bullies even made it worse (he looked at the other cast members)."

He's been traveling a lot these days and he also took time to concentrate on business. He quips "I don't want to reach a point where I'd burn out, that's why I produced my own album and concert. I ask my friends, my supporters, I want people to look at me that I'm not jaded, this business where there are a lot of people that want to be in, I do my best and prepare myself for what's coming. I'm happy, I'm contented, I'm excited, I'm focused. I did a lot of things in my business, the other things that I'm doing besides showbiz. I'm preparing for the future. I want the younger stars to be inspired, not like when I was before when I've experienced some senior actors that didn't treat me well."

Here's a video of the blogcon that happened a few days ago

I LOVE YOU TO DEATH will be shown on theaters nationwide starting on July 6! This also stars Janice De Belen, Betong Sumaya, Devon Seron, Trina Legaspi, Michelle Vito, Shine Kuk, Paolo Gumabao, Christian Bables, Nico Nicolas and Dino Pastrano. That's only a few days from now. Make sure you take your friends, family along so you could laugh, get hope, maybe even find love when it comes. This is produced by Regal Films!

KUMAGCOW
Fresh Blogs Fast!

New Movie BINHI (The Seed) On Theaters May 20!

We saw this movie a few days ago in Glorietta Cinemas upon invitation of Viva Entertainment Inc. It's called Binhi (The Seed) which stars Joem Bascon, Mercedes Cabral, Kariz Espinosa and Roxanne Barcelo. This is a horror film, very old school, stemming from a family's journey to find work, independence and old friendships from the charming Baguio City where this story is set. This is also directed by Pedring Lopez, a synnergy I guess by Troy Montero's post production company WeLovePost, BlackOps, MFT Group, Haunted Tower and Viva Films.

Joem and Mercedes plays husband and wife who got hooked up renting an enormous house that they got for cheap in a far flung place in Baguio City. Mercedes is also pregnant at that time and needed to take refuge here than in Manila for a simpler and quiet life. Things turn out to be a bit creepy when they started living there. She remained optimistic all throughout until they got to see a ghostly kid popping around the house, their dreams, their everyday lives. 

You have to watch this film and make sure you bring your friends, loved ones and see how old school executed pinoy horror flicks are done slightly with cool computer based effects. I must say, I thought I was going to be bored watching another Filipino film but no, this has really good content, story and will make you think about it in the end. I don't want to spoil it for you. Make sure you watch it on theaters come May 20, 2015. The kids were so creepy they even visited us during the premier night LOL!

If you're a little creeped out and if the photos at least sparked your interest, watch the film. It's okay to be frightened every once in a while, good for the heart. 

Ciao!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast

For more information about their artists:

Binhi

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://binhimovie.com/

Charice Pempengco's Father Stabbed to Death in Laguna

This just in. We just got news through ANC that Charice Pempengco's Father was stabbed to death in Laguna.

Born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco, this young girl was dubbed by Oprah as the most talented girl in the world. Some feud over the use of her surname early on her International career prompted her to just use CHARICE as a screen name (as her Dad and her biological Dad's family refuse to use it for their last name). In video biographies, her Dad was portrayed "violent" early on and this started the rift between them and her father. Not to be stopped she still pursued a career in the US; received high acclaim too. The Father on the other hand stayed to be never seen for a long time. The last time was when she was 3 years old. Now that this news has come up, what would her reaction be?

As of now, the cause of death is still under investigation. But it has been confirmed that he is dead. My condolences to Charice and her family. No matter how good or bad he was, he's still Charice's father.

For more information, please follow @ANCALERTS on Twitter!

Awesome Citizen Services and Fast Five Movie Night

When you need something from NSO, DFA or POEA in the past you have to brave the throng of people lining up these public offices and suffer under the sweltering heat of them before you can get the document you need. I've been witness to several horror stories because obviously they can't handle the number of people going there and if you talk about the number of people they employ the cost outweighs what they were able to do. Today there's a remarkable improvement on their system because everything can be done online. Have you been to http://www.citizenservices.com.ph ? It's where you can get these same documents or schedule your appointments without going through those long lines you used to go to in the past years. There has been a lot of improvements as far as logistics go but if you compare it to what was happening before IT'S A WHOLE LOT BETTER!

National Statistics Office

For your certified true copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and certificates of no marriage (CENOMAR) you don't have to go to your local registrar or the NSO office anymore. Just pick up the phone and call them and you'll get your certificates delivered to your doorstep in just 3-4 days. There are various payment options available like credit card, bancnet or local bank facilities. Pay them and when confirmed you just have to wait at home or the office; and you'll get it sooner than you think.

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

For Overseas Filipino Workers that need the Overseas Exit Clearance (OEC) which you have to secure through POEA this is great news! You can still continue to enjoy your needed vacation rather than do the whole brouhaha at POEA. Just go to the site and apply for one. Fill up the forms and get it delivered right through your doorstep. Fill up the OFW Information Sheet online and place in a signed brown envelope. Drop at any Aboitiz offices and pay the necessary fees then you'll get it after processing. It's way easier right?

Department of Foreign Affairs

The dreadful lines and waiting time just for a passport and a simple digital photo would remind you that you are in the Philippines. Honestly I don't like doing that and you have to spend the whole day just for it. Today, there's an appointment scheduling facility on the site where you can simply fill up information sheets and indicate what time or day you can go. If there are slots available for the specific date you indicated, just go and line up with your forms, get your photo and biometrics captured then pay for the postage fees and wait in the comfort of your home for your passports. You do not need to go back to DFA just for that!

For all these things you can simply call these numbers!

Or simply go to http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/ for other support channels. They even have friendly agents through CHAT to assist you! There's no excuse to make life easy!

============================================

I attended the Fast Five Movie Night Event that the good people from Pilipinas Teleserv Inc. hosted. They are the people behind the http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/ website. Yes, my idol Vin Diesel is back in another great installment of Fast and the Furious called Fast Five. It was the best movie ever! I didn't know it was THIS GOOD! I was in a few words I was so OVERWHELMED! I want to watch that movie again and pay for it a couple of times because it is indeed action packed and the people added up to the cast was by far the greatest thing that you could ever see. I have seen the previous one but they have outdone themselves! It was also a great time to bond with other bloggers. I even won a DVD Player! Hell for what it's worth I never won anything in raffles like these so this is one great thing to break that curse LOL!

Check out these photos from last night!

Bloggers!







The good people from Pilipinas Teleserv Inc.



The Raffle Promo Winners!




The DVD Player that I won!

I want to take this bit to thank each and everyone who made this movie night possible! Thank you I had so much fun!

=================================================

Like them on Facebook!

Citizen Services

Or visit their website

• http://www.teleserv.ph
• http://www.citizenservices.com.ph
• http://www.friendster.com/teleserv
• http://www.twitter.com/teleserv_ph
• http://www.facebook.com/citizenservices