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FAQ.ph is where you can read interesting facts, answers and frequently asked questions about the Philippines, its places, events and people.

5 Benefits a Cloud Accounting System Can Deliver

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If you’ve been shopping around for an ERP (enterprise resource planning) or accounting system in the Philippines, you’ve probably encountered arguments for and against newer cloud-based systems that have become standard during the past decade. Not everyone is quite on board with the idea, though.

ERP and accounting systems can be tough to upgrade due to the potential cost of migrating data and the downtime that may happen when the organization readjusts to the new system. This can make many businesses resistant to the idea of upgrading. But upgrading to a newer cloud-based system is still recommended for most users for a number of reasons.

Here are some of the proven benefits of switching to a cloud-based ERP or accounting system.

1. Resilience to natural disasters

The Philippines is no stranger to earthquakes, floods, and typhoons. While these events are mercifully rare, when they do happen, data loss due to catastrophic hardware damage isn’t too uncommon. More common than losing hardware directly to these events however, is losing them due to power fluctuations caused by these disasters. In either case, having your data on the cloud ensures that it’s safe from any single catastrophe.

2. Reduced risk of cyberattacks

Counterintuitively, cloud-based accounting systems are safer from cyberattacks compared to traditional local area networks. Granted, if all your data is on one single offline computer, that would make it theoretically immune from cyberattacks. On the other hand, most organizations recognize the impracticality of still using physical media to transport data to a separate device in the 2020s.

Local area networks aren’t much safer either, as it’s known that the majority of cyberattacks tend to perpetuated by people within the organization. Outside attackers also tend to find older systems much easier to access compared to newer ones as well. With a modern cloud-based system, cybersecurity is a top priority, and the developer will likely be creating regular updates, which means outside hackers will find it harder to breach compared to an older system.

3. Scalability

An accounting system should be able to easily expand along with your company. Many older systems are limited in their ability to do this, being unable to offer the right kind of functionality to keep up with a growing organization’s needs. Cloud-based systems, on the other hand, are almost always conceptually designed from the ground up to be as scalable as you need them to be.

4. Flexibility

The main advertised benefit of cloud-based systems is their flexibility. Users can access the systems at home or on vacation, which allows the organization more options when it comes to employee arrangements. It can also save time as employees no longer need to be tied to any one physical location to be able to use or access the system.

5. Lower IT costs

The cost of maintaining local servers can be quite high. In the Philippine setting where IT teams usually have multiple responsibilities, maintaining these servers is often an unwelcome responsibility on top of everything else the team is meant to perform. This means necessary updates may not always be implemented on time and that system maintenance may cause disruptive downtime.

With a cloud-based system, it is the system developer’s team that is responsible for system maintenance. This usually creates far less downtime time as the developer will have more resources to dedicate to upkeep due to their higher specialization. This means the organization no longer has to dedicate any time or resources to server upgrades and maintenance and its IT team can focus on other more important tasks.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a cloud-based accounting system in the Philippines or learning more about the benefits of switching over to different kinds of ERP systems, the team at ANSI is ready to help with your questions.

8 Tips for Your Upcoming Skype Interview

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Skype interviews are now a standard part of many companies’ interview processes, especially within the startup world. While commonly used for initial and second interviews, it’s no longer unusual to hire someone solely based on how well they perform on Skype. 

Here are a few tips for maximizing your chances of at your next video chat interview.

1. Dress like you would for a face-to-face job interview

One might think that this would be obvious because the interviewer could actually see the applicant, but many HR professionals report that they often see applicants wear ultracasual attire or even house clothes on Skype interviews. This can look unprofessional and cause interviewers to see you as unprepared. Be sure to wear interview-appropriate tops as well as bottoms, in case you need to stand up to get something.

2. Make sure your surroundings are not distracting

Try to take the call in a quiet room at home. Secure any noisy or extra-affectionate pets and make sure that family members or housemates won’t be a problem. Try to make sure that there is nothing behind you that can reflect negatively on you in the interview.

3. Try to look at the camera, not the screen

Skype isn’t always as intimate as face-to-face conversations for a few reasons. One reason is most people stare at the screen, which removes eye contact. Usually, everyone tends to look like they’re looking at something behind their conversation partner, rather than at them — even if they are actually doing that from their perspective. Looking directly at the camera will help give the illusion of eye-contact with the interviewer and help humanize you, which can give you an edge in the interview.

4. Prepare a cheat sheet

Based on your prior research, you’ll want to have a list of questions you think will be asked as well what you feel will be the best responses. You may also want to list down a few questions of your own. While this could be on your computer, you may want to have it all on a separate notebook for easier access.

5. Close all distracting apps

Interviewers will sometimes be able to notice if you are browsing Facebook or playing games during the interview. Let’s just say you don’t want most of them finding out if you are. Make sure that you are committed to the interview by closing down all distracting and unimportant applications. 

6. Use a good pair of headphones, if possible

Headphones will allow you to listen to the interviewer more closely and help give you a little bit more privacy during the interview as well. A microphone would also be handy if you already have one lying around.

7. Use a professional username and profile picture

Your Skype profile pic and username are the first things the interviewer will notice about you. If you have a potentially embarrassing username or profile pic, try to update this before you even start sending out job applications.

8. Send a thank-you email

Stand out from all the other applicants by sending a short email thanking the interviewer for the opportunity. It only takes a few minutes to write but it can go a long way into helping your application be a lot more memorable.

Conclusion

While they certainly are more convenient, we shouldn’t necessarily think of video chat interviews as being less formal or important than their traditional face-to-face equivalents. Make sure to do your homework and follow out tips to get the best possible chance at landing that position you’re gunning for.

Ready to look for a new job? Philippines job search website, like Mynimo.com. Mynimo’s powerful but easy-to-understand localization features make it simple to find your next career in locations close to where you already live.

3 Tips for Playing Online Roulette

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One of the most popular casino games, whether in an actual casino or online, is roulette. It’s one of the easiest games to understand, since the primary mechanic is to simply choose a number to bet on and hope that the wheel stops on that number.

If you want to try your luck at playing roulette, a good way to test the waters is through online roulette. You can play at your convenience, without leaving the comfort of your home. This is ideal for first-timers who may feel intimidated by a live casino. Should you decide to play online roulette, one of the first things you have to do is find the best roulette sites in the Philippines. You can visit Roulettesites.org, for example, where they have a list of reputable online casinos.

Once you’ve made the choice, here are a few simple tips for playing online roulette.

Understand the Odds

Think of roulette as some kind of a raffle. The more numbers you bet on, the more chances you have at winning. However, note that when you split your bets on multiple numbers (you can even bet on the entire board), the payout becomes smaller. Conversely, if you bet on just one or two numbers, the chances of winning is low but the payout is bigger. New roulette players will tend to “hold on” to a couple of numbers, like a combination they always bet on in the lottery. However, it’s actually easier to win if you bet on a lot of numbers.

There are also roulette betting systems that you can follow. The oldest and perhaps the most popular one is the Martingale. This betting system used to be played only on outside bets. The lowest starting bet is the table minimum and you will double your previous bet if you lost, repeating the process until you win. This is said to give you a 1-1 payoff, covering everything you’d lost and also earn what you’d won on your first bet. Other betting systems include the anti-Martingale, the “three-to-two,” the Labouchere, and the D’Alembert. There are many more roulette betting strategies you can find online; just do your research to find out more about them. However, the key thing to remember is that even the mathematics-based betting systems don’t have any guarantees. They just give you a system to follow if you’re at a loss on what or how to bet.

Know the Version of Roulette You’re Playing

There are several versions of roulette. The European roulette is the most common, with a total of 37 numbers (0 to 36). The American roulette wheel, meanwhile, has the numbers 1 to 36, 0, and 00. The house edge in this version is significantly higher at 5.26%. There’s also no zero roulette (no zeroes on the board) and roulette royale (offering progressive jackpots). You can also play French roulette, which uses the European wheel but has a rule that says the players will get half of the even money bets that lose on the number zero. This rule reduces the house edge to 1.32%. Knowing the version of roulette you’re playing will help you determine how daring your bets can be. Conversely, the variant of roulette you want to play can be dependent on how much you’re willing to bet.

With online roulette, you also don’t have to worry about “biased” wheels that “allow” some numbers to win more often. Biased wheels appear in some live casinos, albeit rarely. Not online, however. That’s because online roulette doesn’t rely on physics to stop the wheel but rather a random number generator or RNG. This means that everything is truly random in online roulette, and you can’t use any tricks to influence its results.

Casinos Will Always “Win”

When you play roulette or any other casino games, the casinos are always the “winners.” You may win a huge amount and rack up millions, but the house will always have an edge. The house won’t win every bet, that’s for sure, but do know that there will always be more losers than winners. Keep this in mind when you increase your bets. After all, the casino (whether live or online) needs to have enough money for pay-outs and this won’t be possible if all the players win.

Of course, all casino players should remember not to bet more than they could afford to lose. Set a budget and stick to it, no matter how often you bet on the winning number. In the end, roulette is still a game of chance. Good luck!

4 Reasons Azimut-Benetti is the Leading Mega Yacht Builder Globally

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Established fifty years ago in 1969 by Italian student-turned-entrepreneur Paolo Vitelli, Azimut began as a humble sailing boat charter service before evolving into one of the world’s most renowned boat builders. In 1984, Vitelli acquired the illustrious Benetti brand, which was originally founded in 1873. Thus Azimut-Benetti, as it is known today, was born.

Atlantis 45

The Azimut-Benetti group strives to do one thing: to build beautiful, reliable, and innovative boats. Powerboat Philippines distributor Europa Yachts, the exclusive dealer of Azimut yachts in the country, believes it is high time for Filipino boaters to get to know this brand better.

To that end, here are four reasons that account for Azimut-Benetti’s supremacy in the yachting world, and why it is worth paying attention to its mega-sized ambitions.

They are a multi-awarded boat builder whose reputation continues to grow internationally

Azimut-Benetti possesses many plum distinctions in the yachting world; one need only to drop the company’s name, and it is likely to elicit approbation from yachtsmen who are in the know. One such distinction is Azimut-Benetti’s top ranking as a mega yacht builder in Boat International magazine’s Global Order Book—a position they have held for almost two decades.

At the recently concluded Cannes Yachting Festival of 2019, Azimut-Benetti also clinched the following awards: “Best Interior Design” for the Atlantis 45 (in the category of boats measuring between 45 and 64 feet); “Best Evolution Product” for the Azimut S8; and the enviable “Yacht of the Year” award for a 107-meter giga yacht, the Benetti FB277.

They are the yachting world’s specialists with regard to mega-sized yachts

To Azimut-Benetti, size matters—after all, size gives way to optimum passenger comfort, room to move around, stability at sea, and a sense of luxury that’s akin to staying in a holiday villa or driving one’s own supercar.

In December of 2018, Azimut-Benetti declared their involvement on 97 mega yacht projects, totaling 3,536 meters (or the length of thirty football fields combined). The company’s headquarters alone measures 100,000 square meters in size and can fit as many as 300 68-foot boats.

Like other Italian brands that are known for their craftsmanship, they invest in their art

Italy is a country already famous for its world-renowned companies that produce sought-after sports cars and fashionable clothing. That same brand of Italian artistry can be seen in the design and construction of Azimut-Benetti’s yachts. The company’s men and women place a high value on quality, attention to detail, and commitment to specialization—knowing that all of these are key ingredients in creating vessels of exceptionally high caliber.

They are the yachting industry’s chief innovators for specialty materials like carbon fiber

Lastly, one of Azimut-Benetti’s greatest strengths is its ability to capitalize on new boatbuilding technologies faster than everyone else. The company is now very much ahead of its competitors in working with carbon fiber, a lightweight but valuable material that’s improved the speed, weight distribution, and stability on their large powerboats.

Azimut-Benetti outdoes other boat builders in leveraging carbon fiber for spacious deck design, speedy boat travel, and above all, pleasurable riding. In fact, ten of Azimut-Benetti’s yachts measuring between 66 feet and 114 feet now incorporate honeycomb-patterned carbon fiber in their flybridges, hardtops, transoms, and other parts.

After earning numerous distinctions and earning worldwide revenues of upwards of USD 700 million, Azimut-Benetti is far from slowing down. Boating enthusiasts everywhere can expect the company to keep making waves on the world stage and to deliver that same award-winning experience to any new powerboat owner!

5 Family-friendly Activities You Can Do on Sepoc Island

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Sepoc Island
Image Credit: Pennyworthtravels.com

Sepoc Island is not exactly an island as its name suggests, but it might as well be one because it can only be reached by boat. This white-sand beach in Batangas is located on the western tip of Maricaban Island and is set between a rock outcrop called Sepoc Point and a hill that separates it from the rest of the island. This pristine spot of paradise is a haven for weekend warriors who need a short pause before going back to their daily routine. At the same time, Sepoc Island is also a perfect destination for families who want to spend an uninterrupted day or even just an afternoon in the presence of the people they value the most. The beach offers activities that family members of all ages will find appealing, including:

1. Beach games for the entire family

One of the most prominent features of Sepoc Island is its expansive white beach. The beach here is made up of tiny coral pieces made smooth by time and the ebb and flow of the sea. The beach can accommodate as many as 200 people, so it has plenty of room to spare for families or even a clan reunion. While you may not be able to build detailed sandcastles here, your family has all the space needed for activities that you can do together. You can just relax under the shade of the trees or in the nipa huts, play relay games and team sports, and keep your young ones entertained by digging in the sand. Make full use of this exclusive space while you’re here.

2. Trekking around the beach and sightseeing

This side of Maricaban Island features more than a lovely beach; it also has woodsy areas and slopes where you can stretch your legs for a few minutes. Follow the tree-lined path to the back of the beach to get a great view of the nearby Sombrero Island. You can also take a 15-minute trek to Sepoc Viewpoint where you can see and appreciate the entirety of Sepoc Beach. Along the way, you might get lucky and see local birds. There are also nearby caves that you can visit if you are so inclined.

3. Eating the freshest catch of the day

One of the draws of having a family holiday near the shore is having easy access to fresh seafood — something you can look forward to on your trip to Sepoc Beach. Eagle Point Resort, the resort that manages Sepoc Beach, offers packaged tours that include lunch, and the dishes they serve don’t disappoint. The quality of the food, the serene atmosphere, and the picturesque views will make for one memorable lunch that your family members will look back on with fondness.

4. Snorkeling and diving

A holiday on an uncrowded beach is the best opportunity to help your little ones develop an appreciation for water. The body of water around Maricaban Island is incredibly diverse, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see fish and other marine animals without straying far from the shore. Prepare your snorkeling gear and show your kids how a responsible visitor should interact with the critters that call the sea home.

5. Paddleboating and other water activities

If your little ones are a little bit nervous in the water, you can try out other water activities, like paddleboarding. It’s a new experience, and it’s a new activity that you can figure out together with a little bit of instruction from the staff. It’s also a great way to get a bit of exercise while you’re on a holiday with the family.

Wrapping Up

It may be a bit difficult to get phone signal on Sepoc Island, but this can be a boon to people who want to disconnect from the rest of the world if only for a few hours. This little piece of paradise is the ideal holiday destination for parents and kids who want to live in the moment, spend quality time together, and create happy memories amidst a scenic backdrop.

CNN Names Palawan One of the World’s Most Beautiful Islands

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Palawan, with its numerous white-sand beaches and cruise-worthy caves, was included in CNN Travel’s “10 of the world’s most beautiful islands“, a report released on Sep 24, 2019.

In the past decade, the idyllic island has enjoyed international attention from the foreign press, being named the Most Beautiful Island in the World by Huffington Post in 2014, by Conde Nast Traveler in 2016, and most recently taking second place in Travel+Leisure’s ranking of the World’s Best Islands earlier in the year.

Palawan is an island province in the MIMAROPA region, it is the biggest province in the Philippines in terms of total area of jurisdiction which extends from Mindoro to Borneo. It is made up of Palawan Island other surrounding islands including; the Calamianes Group of Islands (Busuanga Island, Coron Island and Culion Island), Durangan Island (Dulangan), Balabac Island, and Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. Its capital, Puerto Princesa City is also one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. While El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area is the biggest marine sanctuary in the country.

Other Islands which made it to the Top 10 are:

  1. Milos, Greece
  2. Bartolomé, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
  3. Fregate, Seychelles
  4. St. Lucia, Lesser Antilles
  5. Jura, Scotland
  6. Komodo, Indonesia
  7. Senja Island, Norway
  8. Mo’orea, French Polynesia
  9. Kaua’i, United States

AirAsia 70% OFF Promo! Book your flights from Manila, Cebu and Clark

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Catch our holiday deals with UP TO 70% OFF SALE when you fly with AirAsia from Manila, Cebu and Clark! Book your flights now to different destinations such as  Cebu, Iloilo, Caticlan, Cagayan De Oro, Tacloban, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Kalibo, Tagbilaran and more.

Book NOW here

Rates are exclusive of Domestic & International Passenger Service Charge, Web Admin Fee/Booking Processing Fee and Country Specific Charges/taxes. Terms and Conditions apply.

Booking Period: October 7 – 13, 2019
Travel Period: October 7, 2019 – April 29, 2020

How to book this AirAsia  Promo?

  • Before you book the promo, make sure to check the Sale Period and the Travel Period. Promo fares are subject to availability – it means that promo seats are LIMITED. If your desired destination and dates is not available, the website will show you the next lowest fare price or you might want to check other dates/destinations.
  • You can visit directly the AirAsia website at www.airasia.com and enter your travel details (flight type, destinations,departure, number of guests traveling. If you are going to choose roundtrip, you need to provide return flight date)
  • You can also call the AirAsia  hotline at +632 722 2742 from 6am – 11pm (GMT+8) Monday to Sunday. You can also  visit the travel agent near you

Celebrate World Tourism Day and fly to International Destinations for only 499!

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Seat Sale / Promos

Celebrate World Tourism Day and fly to Domestic and International Destinations for low price.

Quoted DOMESTIC one way base fares are inclusive of 7 kg hand carry baggage allowance, but exclusive of Web Admin Fee, 12% VAT, Terminal Fees and Fuel Surcharge.

Quoted INTERNATIONAL one way fares  are inclusive of 7 kg hand carry baggage allowance, but exclusive of Web Admin Fees for short haul and long haul flights, respectively and Php550 International Terminal Fee and Fuel Surcharge.

Hurry while seats last! Check the remaining number of seats on sale here!

Philippine Destinations

For as low as

P 99

Cagayan De Oro to Dumaguete.

Cebu to Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Calbayog, Camiguin, Clark, Coron (Busuanga), Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, or Zamboanga.

Clark to Bacolod, Bohol, Boracay (Caticlan), Davao, Iloilo, or Puerto Princesa.

For as low as

P 299

Cagayan De Oro to Bohol or Iloilo

Davao to Zamboanga

Iloilo to Puerto Princesa

For as low as

P 499

Davao to Bohol or Cagayan De Oro

Manila to Iloilo

Zamboanga to Cotabato or Tawi-Tawi

For as low as

P 599

Iloilo to General Santos

Manila to Bacolod, Bohol, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, or Tacloban

For as low as

P 699

Davao to Iloilo

Manila to Cauayan (Isabela), Kalibo, or Marinduque

For as low as

P 799

Davao to Bacolod

Manila to Cagayan De Oro, Davao, or Roxas

For as low as

P 899

Manila to Zamboanga

For as low as

P 999

Manila to Dumaguete, Legazpi, San Jose (Mindoro), or Tuguegarao

For as low as

P 1,099

Manila to Caticlan, Masbate, Naga, Romblon (Tablas), or Virac

For as low as

P 1,199

Manila to Dipolog, General Santos, or Ozamiz

For as low as

P 1,399

Manila to Cotabato or Pagadian

For as low as

P 1,499

Manila to Coron (Busuanga) or Butuan

For as low as

P 2,499

Manila to Basco or Siargao

SALE PERIOD: UP TO September 30, 2019 OR UNTIL SEATS LAST | TRAVEL PERIOD: January 01, 2020 – March 31, 2020

International Destinations

For as low as

P 332

Manila to Kota Kinabalu

For as low as

P 499

Manila to Guangzhou (Canton), Shanghai, or Xiamen

For as low as

P 799

Cebu to Macau

For as low as

P 864

Manila to Seoul (Incheon)

For as low as

P 899

Manila to Macau

For as low as

P 964

Cebu to Seoul (Incheon)

For as low as

P 999

Clark to Hong Kong or Macau

Manila to Bandar Seri Begawan, Fukuoka, Hong Kong, or Osaka

For as low as

P 1,032

Manila to Singapore

For as low as

P 1,199

Manila to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Taipei

For as low as

P 1,499

Cebu to Hong Kong

Clark to Tokyo (Narita)

Iloilo to Hong Kong

Manila to Bangkok

For as low as

P 1,532

Manila to Kuala Lumpur

For as low as

P 1,799

Manila to Jakarta

How to book this Cebu Pacific Promo:

  • Before you book the promo, make sure to check the Sale Period and the Travel Period. Promo fares are subject to availability – it means that promo seats are LIMITED. If your desired destination and dates are not available, the website will show you the next lowest fare price or you might want to check other dates/destinations.
  • You can visit directly the Cebu Pacific website at www.cebupacificair.com and enter your travel details (flight type, destinations, departure, number of guests traveling. If you are going to choose roundtrip, you need to provide return flight date)
  • NO PROMO CODE NEEDED for this promo. Cebu Pacific Promo Codes are only used usually for special sale for VISA or MASTER CARD Holder only. For regular promos, you don’t have to put promo codes.
  • You can also call the Cebu Pacific hotline at (02) 70-20-888 in Manila or (32) 230-8888 in Cebu or visit the travel agent near you.

Why Is Buying a Repossessed Car a Good Move?

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In the market for a car and looking to get the most value out of your hard-earned money? Most people tend to think that buying new is the best option, but you can save a good amount of cash by looking at pre-owned cars. If you do the research diligently and aren’t afraid of asking the seller some tough questions, you could get a relatively good deal on something perfectly respectable. Another way of saving on a car purchase is by looking at bank-repossessed cars—these are vehicles that have been taken back by banks because their owners can no longer afford the monthly payments, or cars that have been used as collateral for a different loan that a debtor is no longer able to repay. In any case, buying a repossessed car can be one of the smartest financial choices you’ll ever make. Let’s break down the reasons why:

Repossessed Cars Are Cheaper

Banks typically aren’t looking to turn a profit when they sell cars that have been repossessed. They still have to pay for storage and maintenance costs, and cars sitting idle in a lot are not only useless to them, they also tend to cost the bank extra for keeping them around. As a result of this, you can get a car in like-new or even practically brand-new condition at a discount of 20 to 40%: that can be up to 200,000 pesos or more in savings. The down payment for repossessed units is also much lower than when buying new; a car’s value begins to depreciate almost as soon as it leaves the dealership and will only go lower over time. You’ll still have to pay a down payment of 20 to 30%, but since the car is already cheaper, you won’t have to shell out as much.

Hassle-Free Payment Options

One of the most frustrating things about buying a new car is the sheer amount of paperwork involved before you can drive away with it. Banks know that they lose more money the longer it takes for a repossessed unit to sell, so they cut through the complications and typically offer you the choice of paying for one with cash up front, or enrolling it into an auto loan program. Going with cash means that you won’t have to pay interest over time, but it can be a huge chunk of money to put down all in one go. Auto loans take the pressure off by allowing you to make incremental monthly payments on the car instead, which can be easier on you. Whichever option fits your budget best, it’s nice to be able to take the vehicle home without having to read through too many documents. 

Safe and Secure Transactions

When buying a repossessed unit from a bank, you can rest easy knowing that the vehicle was not acquired illegally, and all of its papers and certifications are in good order. You’ll never have to worry about being defrauded, and you can be assured that your payments will always be safe.

Used but Not Abused

When a car seller puts his vehicle on the market, it’s usually because he’s already gotten himself a new one. Most vehicle owners tend to hold off on replacing their cars if they can continue to put up with its issues; the bottom line is that you never really know what condition the car is actually in until you’ve driven it for a while and discovered its problems, and by then it’s usually too late. On the other hand, repossessed cars go to the banks because their previous owners are no longer able to keep them, which means that most of them haven’t been ridden to death or neglected for too long. Of course, you should be a conscientious buyer and check for signs of flooding, accidental damage, or anything that might give you cause to believe that the vehicle is in poorer shape than advertised. Banks typically auction out newer models and have proof of the car’s mileage though, so you could get a car that’s in excellent shape and was released fairly recently for a fraction of the cost of buying from a dealer.

Summary

Buying a repossessed car isn’t without its risks, but if you know what to look for and are willing to put in the legwork, you could drive home with one that you can be proud of. Keep an open mind but arm yourself with as much information as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask questions before reaching for your wallet. Before long, you’ll be driving the car of your dreams.

The Ultimate List of Must-See Places in Metro Manila

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Touring the Philippines is not just about the beaches. Of course, these are wonderful places to visit, but there’s also something to be said about exploring the metro. What’s more, if you’re staying in cheap hotels near NAIA, you can maximize your vacation with all the places you can visit. Check out this list of must-see, bang-for-your-buck places when you visit Metro Manila in the Philippines

Yexel’s Toy Museum

South of Metro Manila, in the city of Las Pinas, you can find Yexel’s Toy Museum. The 4-story building is filled from front-to-back and top-to-bottom with a vast collection of toys, acquired through the years by the owner, Yexel Sebastian. From Disney characters to Barbie dolls, from anime and cartoon characters to comic book heroes, the museum features over 10,000 individual toys, busts, and figures.

One of the main attractions of Yexel’s Toy Museum is a collection of life-sized Iron Man suits, from Mark I to Mark XLII. There’s also a lot of Star Wars and Avengers collectibles to see, if you’re a fan of these franchises. You can also see an 18-foot bust of Optimus Prime, complete with light effects, in the museum. It’s considered the biggest in Asia, so you might want to check it out and take a photo.

Binondo

Binondo, the thriving Chinatown in the heart of the city of Manila, is the oldest Chinatown in the world. It’s been bustling with commerce even before the Spanish arrived on Philippine shores, although it was officially established in 1594. It was originally intended for Chinese immigrants who got baptized into Catholicism, but has since been transformed into a thriving business district.

You may not notice it due to the colorful establishments and busy streets, but Binondo is actually a hilly area. Its name is derived from “binondoc” which translates to “mountainous.” Binondo is most well-known as a haven for those looking for an authentic Chinese food experience. From holes in the wall to family-style restaurants, you certainly won’t leave this place hungry.

National Museum of Natural History

Opened in 2018, the National Museum of Natural History is the newest addition to the National Museum Complex located in the city of Manila. The “Tree of Life” elevator, the central feature of the atrium, is an attraction in and of itself. You’ll probably find flocks of tourists taking selfies at the foyer, where a replica of one the largest saltwater crocodile specimens ever discovered can be found. The rest of the museum comprises six floors with various galleries that showcase just how diverse the Philippines’ ecosystems and natural resources are.

The best thing about the National Museum of Natural History (aside from the wonderful exhibits)? Entrance is absolutely free! Locals, foreigners, students, senior citizens, children—absolutely everyone can enter the museum free of charge. Just make sure to follow the rules! While you’re in the area, you may also want to drop by the other establishments in the complex: the National Planetarium, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Museum of Anthropology. The Rizal Park is also nearby.

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park
Inside Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park’s largest attraction is the Oceanarium, which houses about 14,000 marine creatures found in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. A 25-meter section of the area is dedicated to a 220° curved walkway tunnel, where you can see hundreds of sea creatures swimming around. There’s also a bi-level viewing facility where you can see sharks and stingrays. An interesting fact about the Oceanarium is that the water in its displays comes from Manila Bay. Through a special process, the water is filtered and salinized to make sure it can sustain marine life.

Despite its name, Manila Ocean Park also has other attractions that feature birds, bunnies, hamsters, insects, spiders, and frogs, among others. There’s also a bird show and a sea lion show, as well as an augmented reality interaction and even fun neon-lit pedal cars. There’s also a fireworks and water show every night at 6:30 PM.

Intramuros

Intramuros Manila
The walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

The Walled City is one of the oldest districts in Manila, with Spanish-era influences clearly visible in the facades of buildings both old and new. Visiting Intramuros also puts you in the midst of various tourist spots, including Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, the San Agustin Church, and the Manila Cathedral. It will take you about 2 to 3 hours to see everything in Intramuros, so you may want to consider renting bamboo bikes from Bambike Ecotours. You can rent a bike on a per hour rate and explore on your own, or book a guided tour with Bambike so you can also learn more about the Walled City.

Bonifacio Global City + Mind Museum

Bonifacio Global City or BGC is located in the city of Taguig. It’s an urban enclave and business district in Metro Manila, with towering office and commercial buildings, tree-lined walkways, and various shopping and dining establishments. However, BGC is more than just a concrete jungle. It’s also a haven for art. Walk around and you’ll see large-scale installations, wall murals, and other works of art. Like in Intramuros, you can choose to tour on your own or book a guided tour.

Once you’re done with the outdoors, drop by the Mind Museum. It’s a non-profit project of the Bonifacio Art Foundation established as “world-class home for science.” Apart from galleries and exhibitions, the Mind Museum also features interactive workshops. There’s also an outdoor area called Science in the Park, as well as a botanical garden.

Tiendesitas + Greenhills Shopping Center

Greenhills Shopping Center

If you’re in need of some retail therapy, you may want to drop by Tiendesitas in Pasig and Greenhills in San Juan. You can find Philippine-made handicrafts, antique furniture, souvenirs, even plants and pet supplies in Tiendesitas. There are also some cultural shows during the weekends. Meanwhile, Greenhills Shopping Center is a favorite of bargain hunters. It’s also one of the best places to get genuine South Sea pearls in the country.

Maginhawa Street + Teachers Village

Up north in Quezon City lies Maginhawa Street and Teacher’s Village. These locales have been transformed over the years as food and art districts. If you’re looking for authentic Filipino food, you can find food parks and holes in the wall in these areas. There are also resto-bars and cafes that serve traditional and fusion-style food. For those who are looking for something more exotic, you can also try Pinoy street food like kwek kwek (hard-boiled quail eggs deep-fried in an orange batter), isaw (barbecued chicken intestines), betamax (barbecued congealed pork or chicken blood), and balut (boiled duck’s egg, around 14 to 20 days of age).

Aside from dining establishments and food carts, you can also find bookstores, souvenir shops, galleries, and other artistic hubs in the area. Another locale, Cubao Expo or Cubao X, is also located in Quezon City. This hub attracts artists, skaters, musicians, and foodies who enjoy a laid-back, vintage vibe. You can find locally made arts and crafts, apparel, instruments, and various other knickknacks both retro and modern.

Once you’re done sightseeing, drop by Manila Bay to witness the glorious sunset. It truly is a must-see! Afterwards, you can continue your explorations by finding the best bars, speakeasies, and clubs for a buzzing nightlife.

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FAQ.ph stands for Facts, Answers and Questions about the Philippines. It is an online place where you can read interesting facts, useful answers and frequently asked questions about our country, its places, events and people. Our mission is to share stories that will help Filipinos and the world gain knowledge about everything in the Philippines, including its beautiful spots, rich history, unique society, and solutions towards the nation's progress.

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