ANGUIB BEACH: THE PARADISE OF THE NORTH

When people talk about the magnificent beaches of the Philippines,  most often then not, they would refer only to the beaches of Boracay, Coron, or Palawan. Indeed, this beaches are great and world class –but wallowing in this beaches would require one to shell out some slabs of cash from the bank and to deal with the huge number of tourists that crowd them. Certainly, this beaches are not the best choice for those who want a relaxing vacation at the beach at a low cost. It is at this point that I want to introduce Anguib Beach dubbed as “The Boracay of the North”.

 Anguib Beach is found at the Municipality of Sta. Ana, Province of Cagayan. It is a (3) three hours ride from Tuguegarao City which is the Regional Center of Region II and a Fifteen (15) hours ride  if you will come from Metro Manila. It is also known as the Boracay of the North because of its powdery white sand, deep-blue seawater and clear blue sky -akin to what Boracay has. However, there is more to Anguib Beach that for me it is way better than the beach of Boracay and that the label “The Boracay of the North” is an understatement of the incomparable beauty that it has.

 Anguib Beach is surrounded by forested mountains which are part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. The surrounding forest are so dense that when you’re on top of the mountain it is as if you are floating in a green ocean. Thanks to the fact that the forest, including the beach itself, is “not yet” that exploited and subjugated by Cagayanos. Thus unlike the crowded and urbanized beach of Boracay, Anguib Beach is just pure nature experience. It is so serene, tranquil and cordial. Having said that, a day at the Anguib Beach is just like a day in Paradise. You are surrounded by a stunning beach, lushy green forest, calm sea, and a very peaceful ambiance. Thus, it is not just “The Boracay of the North. Anguib Beach is the “Paradise of the North”.

THINGS TO KNOW:

How to get there?

From Metro Manila, you could take a bus bound to Tuguegarao City. For those who have the budget –you could take a plane. It is a 10 to 12 hours travel by land and only 45 minutes travel by air. Once you are in Tuguegarao City, you could take a van or bus bound to Sta. Ana. It will be an additional 3 hours travel time before reaching Anguib Beach.

What to expect?

Anguib Beach is a total nature adventure. It has no hotels, restaurants, groceries, winery, and drug store. So be sure to bring everything you will need like food, water, medicines, cooking wares, etc.. However, the management offers camping tents which could be rented at Php600/night, there are clean comfort rooms, and also cottages for rent which come with tables and chairs

What are the things that you could do there?.

Well of course it is the perfect place to take Instagram worthy photos with the beauty nature. You could also swim in the clear seawater or just lay down in the powdery white sand and enjoy the sun. You could also enjoy jet skiing, banana boat riding or kayaking. For those who have extra budget, you could also go island hoping to the nearby historical and lovely islands of Sta. Ana. Don’t worry, rental fees at Anguib Beach are way cheaper than those collected at famous beaches like that of Boracay or Coron. And just in case you want to add more fun to your vacation, you could visit Suncity Casino in Barangay Tangatan or the Cagayan Special Economic Zone in  Barangay Casambalangan which host casinos and other gaming facilities.

Fun fact?

1. Anguib Beach is also known as the “Paradise for Kiteboarders and Windsurfers”. In 2015, the Philippine Windsurfing Association and the Philippine Kiteboarding Association organized a Kiteboarding and Windsurfing competition in Anguib Beach.

   

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2. In 2016,Beach Volleyball Republic hosts the third leg of the Nationwide On Tour in Anguib Beach. Beach volleybelles Charo Soriano, who is a native from Tuguegarao, and Filipino-American Alexa Micek won the third leg of the BVR On Tour.

   

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3. Cape Engaño Lighthouse/Cove at Sta. Ana was the filming area for USA Survivor 27and 28;

Other photos:

DECODING THE 2016 REVISED RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR SMALL CLAIMS CASES

On March 18, 2010, Administrative Matter No. 08-8-7-SC otherwise known as the Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases was promulgated and made effective to all first level courts nationwide. The Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases had been found by the Supreme Court to be an effective tool in providing a simplified and inexpensive recourse for litigants to assert and collect their monetary claims.

For years, the Rules had served its purpose effectively and efficiently just like how the Supreme Court of the Philippines had envisioned it to be. However, progress and development in all aspects of human life had been so swift in the recent years. The cost of living was catapulted to a record high level  as the value of peso vis-à-vis the value of dollar continues to decline. Now, the mode by which Filipinos execute and perfect their transactions, and the way by which they comply with the terms and conditions thereof had been greatly modified by the advent of internet-fueled e-commerce. Consequently, the Supreme Court had determined the need to revisit the Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases and brush it up in order to make it in keeping and still effective despite the changes that progress and development had brought to the contemporary lives of Filipinos.

On August 11, 2015, the Special Committee on Small Claims Cases was created under Memorandum Order No. 32-2015. The Committee was tasked to review the existing Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases in order to ensure that the Judiciary’s objectives of expediting trial and resolving cases effectively and efficiently will be continuously attained . Thus, the Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases was completed and made effective on February 01, 2016.

This written endeavor seeks to discuss the salient changes introduced by the Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases. Thus:

I. OBJECTIVES:

• To protect and advance the constitutional right of persons to a speedy disposition of their cases;
• To provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the disposition of small claims cases; and,
• To introduce innovations and best practices for the benefit of the underprivileged.

 II. SCOPE:

The Rule shall govern the procedure in actions before the Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTCs), Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCCs), Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs) and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTCs) for payment of money where the VALUE OF THE CLAIM does not exceed Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) exclusive of interest and costs.

NOTE: Under the old Rule, the amount of the claim should not exceed One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) exclusive of interest and cost.

III. APPLICABILITY:

The Rule shall apply in all actions that are purely civil in nature and where the claim or relief prayed for by the plaintiff is solely for payment or reimbursement of sum of money.

The CLAIM or DEMAND may be:

• For money owed under any of the following:
  • Contract of Lease;
  • Contract of Loan;
  • Contract of Services;
  • Contract of Sale; or
  • Contract of Mortgage;
• For liquidated damages arising from contracts;
• The enforcement of a barangay amicable settlement or an arbitration award involving a money claim covered by this Rule pursuant to Sec. 417 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as The Local Government Code of 1991

NOTE: Before, the Rules on Small Claim Cases could be applied only on the following cases:

1. Purely civil in nature where the claim or relief prayed for by the plaintiff is solely for payment or reimbursement of sum of money;

These claims or demands may be:

(a) For money owed under any of the following:

•  Contract of Lease;
• Contract of Loan;
• Contract of Services;
• Contract of Sale; or
• Contract of Mortgage;

(b) For damages arising from any of the following:

• Fault or negligence;
• Quasi-contract; or
• Contract;

 NOTE: The Revised Rules applies only to liquidated damages.

2. The enforcement of a barangay amicable settlement or an arbitration award involving a money claim covered by this Rule pursuant to Sec. 417

3. The civil aspect of criminal actions, either filed before the institution of the criminal action, or reserved upon the filing of the criminal action in court.

*NOTE: The Revised Rules did not include civil aspect of criminal actions in the enumeration of its  applicability.

IV. COMMENCEMENT OF SMALL CLAIMS ACTION

The new Rule requires that the plaintiff must state in the Statement of Claim if he/she/ is engaged in the business of lending, banking and similar activities, and the number of small claims cases filed within the calendar year regardless of judicial station. This was not required under the old Rule.

V. VENUE

The regular rules on venue shall apply. However, if the plaintiff is engaged in the business of lending, banking and similar activities, and has a branch within the municipality or city where the defendant resides, the Statement of Claim/s shall be filed where that branch is located.

It bears stressing that the old Rule did not expressly provide what rule on venue will be applied. Nevertheless, during its effectivity, courts had consistently applied the rules on venue for regular cases which is provided under the Rules of Court.

 

VI. PAYMENT OF FILING FEES:

 The plaintiff shall pay the docket and other legal fees prescribed under Rule 141 of the Revised Rules of Court, unless allowed to litigate as an indigent.

If more than five (5) small claims are filed by one party within the calendar year, regardless of the judicial station, an additional filing fee of 500.00 shall be paid for every claim filed after the fifth (5th) claim.

Additional 100.00 or a total of 600.00 for every claim filed after the tenth (10th) claim, and another 100.00 or a total of 700 for every claim filed after the fifteenth (15th) claim, progressively and cumulatively.

Exemption from the payment of filing fees shall be granted only by the Supreme Court.

NOTE: The old rule merely states that —The plaintiff shall pay the docket and other legal fees prescribed under Rule 141 of the Revised Rules of Court, unless allowed to litigate as an indigent.

VII. DISMISSAL OF THE CLAIM

The Court may from an examination of the allegations of the Statement of Claim/s and such evidence attached thereto, by itself, dismiss the case outright on any of the grounds for the dismissal of the case. The order of dismissal shall state if it is with or without prejudice.

If during the hearing, the court is able to determine that there exists a ground for dismissal of the Statement of Claim/s, the court may, by itself, dismiss the case even if such ground is not pleaded in the defendant’s Response.

If plaintiff misrepresents that he/she/ it is not engaged in the business of banking, lending or similar activities when in fact he/she/it is so engaged, the Statement of Claim/s shall be dismissed with prejudice and plaintiff shall be meted the appropriate sanctions, such as direct contempt.

However, if the case does not fall under this Rule, but falls under summary or regular procedure, the case shall NOT be dismissed. Instead, the case shall be RE-DOCKETED under the appropriate procedure, and RETURNED to the court where it was assigned, subject to payment of any deficiency in the applicable regular rate of filing fees. If a case is filed under the regular or summary procedure, but actually falls under this Rule, the case shall be referred to the Executive Judge for appropriate assignment.

 NOTE: Under the old rule, only the following was provided –The Court may, from an examination of the allegations of the Statement of Claim and such evidence attached thereto, by itself, dismiss the case outright on any of the grounds apparent from the Claim for the dismissal of a civil action.

VIII. SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF HEARING

 A Notice of Hearing shall accompany the Summons and shall contain:

1. the date of the hearing, which shall not be more than thirty (30) days from the filing of the Statement of Claim/s; and
2. the express prohibition against the filing of a motion to dismiss or any other motion under Section 16 of this Rule.

If Summons is returned without being served on any or all of the defendants, the court shall order the plaintiff to cause the service of summons and shall inform the court within thirty (30) days from notice if said summons was served or not; otherwise, the Statement of Claim/ s shall be dismissed without prejudice as to those who were not served with summons

NOTE: Under the old Rule, courts seems to have the entire discretion in setting the date of hearing. The old rule is silent as to when the initial hearing will be set unlike the new Rule which expressly provides that the  date of the hearing shall not be more than thirty (30) days from the filing of  the Statement of Claim.

IX. CERTIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS

All documents attached to the Statement of Claim/s or Response that are required to be certified, except public or official documents, shall be certified by the signature of the plaintiff or defendant concerned.

X. NON-APPLICABILITY OF JDR

 The rules on mediation/judicial dispute resolution shall not apply, inasmuch as the parties may enter into compromise at any stage of the proceedings.

XI. EFFECTIVITY

The Rule shall govern all cases filed after its effectivity, and also all pending proceedings, except to the extent that in the opinion of the court, their application would not be feasible or would work injustice, in which case the procedure under which the cases were filed shall govern.

CarCare: KEEPING YOUR CAR IN SHOWROOM CONDITION

April 09, 2017

Driving a clean and new-looking car around the city, regardless of the year model or price tag it has, gives you that pride of ownership every time people would stick their eyes on your car and show that wonder-struck facial expression. However, keeping your car in a fresh showroom look and condition is not easy. It requires time, money and lots of efforts. But then again, never forget that your car is an expensive slab of metal. Moreover, car repairs does not come cheap –it would robbed you of your hard earned money and the result it would give will never match the original.  Thus, you should always give your car that royal treatment that it deserves.

So here are the things that you should always consider to keep your car in a showroom condition :

1. WASH YOUR CAR REGULARLY

Washing your car removes any impurities and contaminants on its surface like birds’ poop or insects’ digestive juice which are harsh to your car’s paint. Also, washing reduces the risk of getting scratches on your paint work since dirt and dusts which could be intentionally or unintentionally rubbed on your car’s surface will be washed-off.

2. DON’T USE LAUNDRY DETERGENTS OR DISH-WASHING LIQUIDS IN WASHING YOUR CAR

                                                             

Detergents and dish-washing liquids are acidic and most especially, they contain “bleaching” chemicals. Clearly, these could destroy your car’s paint and could even promote corrosion. Your car’s paint should look deeper and vibrant –not faded or pale-looking. So use only certified car shampoo.

3. LIMIT YOUR VISIT TO CAR-WASH SHOPS

                                                            

As much as possible, wash your car personally. Almost all Car Wash Shops use dish-washing liquids, and dirty and abrasive cleaning kits. Equally important is the fact that almost all car wash boys are not trained on how to properly and carefully clean a car. They are always in a hurry and carefulness is just an option. They are more concerned about washing as many cars as they could so that they could earn bigger commissions.  Consequently, instead of getting your car pampered, you’ll just end up with more swirl marks and light scratches on it. However, if you have no other choice but to visit Car Wash Shops, perhaps because you have no time or a good space to clean your car, I suggest that you bring your own cleaning kit in visiting the car wash shop and supervise the car-wash boy in cleaning your car.

4. REDUCE SUN EXPOSURE

The scorching rays of the sun is the number one (1) enemy of your car’s exterior and interior works. Here in Tuguegarao City, temperature could go as high as 42.2 °C or 108.0 °F –hotter than a feverish child. This could cause oxidation, premature fading, and cracking or pealing-off of your car’s paint. Moreover, interior plastics and leathers of your car could also crack. So always look for a shaded parking space.

5. WAX YOUR CAR

Waxing is not only for aesthetic purpose. Aside from giving your car that showroom-shine, the wax also serves as your car’s first line of defense to all contaminants and environmental hazards. Specifically, the wax lays on top of the clear coat of your car’s paint giving it an extra layer of protection. Lastly, waxing your car helps in concealing existing swirl marks and light scratches on your paint.

6. INVEST IN QUALITY CAR CARE PRODUCTS

Buy your own high standard cleaning kits –car sponge, micro-fiber towels, extra-soft chamois, car shampoo, wax, and interior protecting agents. This will only cost you about one thousand five hundred (1,500) pesos but you could use it already for the entire year. Also, this is way cheaper than having your car repaired once damages already surfaced.

I hope you’ve been inspired to give that extra care to your car to keep it in a show room condition and maintain its sophistication. So start your engine, open your windows, play your favorite song and cruise to your heart’s content.