MANILA (Department of Foreign Affairs) — The Philippines has been issuing machine readable passports since July 17, 2007.
All green passports — non-machine readable passports — will be valid until the stated date of expiry.
This advisory is issued to reiterate the department’s previous statement on the validity of green passports and to allay confusion caused by recent erroneous information.
Keep your Asiana boarding pass
(Asiana Airlines) — Asiana Airlines President & COO Young-Doo Yoon has announced the launching of the Magic Boarding Pass program which enables Asiana’s passengers to get up to 50 percent discounts at partner companies such as tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.
Passengers who travel with Asiana Airlines can get a 10-50 percent discount on products at Asiana’s partners companies by showing their original boarding pass and personal identification within seven days of their flight.
For example, Asiana’s passengers can get a 15 percent discount on passes to Everland, a 23 percent discount on the entrance fee to Jeju Teddy Bear Museum, and a discount of up to 50 percent at Best Western Hotels depending on the branch.
Until now, boarding passes have had limited usage and with Asiana’s Magic Boarding Pass program boarding passes will become more functional especially for passengers.
Asiana expects customers who fly to Korea from overseas to use the Asiana’s Magic Boarding Pass program and get discounts at Asiana partner companies located throughout Korea.
Asiana Airlines will continue to increase partners in order to enhance customers’ benefits and create similar benefits for customers who fly from Korea to overseas by entering into partnerships with foreign companies located in abroad.
PDI receives award for Rota charter flights
(PDI) — Each year Kinki Nippon Tourist schedules its regular worldwide meeting with its companies from abroad, from New York to Spain to the Pacific.
Studies are made and ideas are shared. Awards are also presented to group planners providing services beyond their call.
This year’s awards were presented to two destinations — Spain and the CNMI.
Among the 400 participants, Pacific Development Inc. shared the stage with Spain and KNT Japan group package planners for succeeding in providing professional care to guests traveling abroad.
Pacific Development Inc. was recognized for its effort in bringing together the community, the private sector and government offices, such as the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Rota municipality, in ensuring the success of the Rota charter flights.
PDI’s Gordon I. Marciano and Masanori Takahashi said they never thought their company would be one of the recipient for such an award.
PDI’s goal, they said, is always about ensuring the most successful and memorable tours for KNT guests.
Marciano extended appreciation to all, saying that the award would have not been possible if it weren’t for all those involved with PDI.
PDI dedicated the award to the KNT group planners, the Cape Air team on Rota for handling the ground services, the Marianas Visitors Authority and the community of Rota.
‘Cupid ball’
KAGMAN High School Yearbook Class ’09 will hold “Cupid’s Ball” on Feb. 21, Saturday, at the Saipan World Resort from 6 pm. to 10 p.m.
The dress code is formal attire with the theme gold, red and black.
Each ticket, which includes dinner buffet, costs $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
The MHS Production Photo Booth will be available — $2 for one 5×7 photo and $2 for two wallet size photos.
You have to pay on the spot — no checks or credit.
Entertainment will be provided by Power 99 DJ Niana Dela Cruz.
The ball will also feature KagHS Mr. & Ms. Cupid and a fashion show.
(MHS) — The Marianas High School Community Council is hosting a Mini-Health and Wellness Fair today, Feb. 11, on campus from 4 to 6 p.m. during the first quarter report card day for parents, teachers, students and staff to learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Free tasting of Foremost Yo’ Most Yogurt, Subway sandwiches and Glaceau Vitamin Water as well as free MHS Wellness T-Shirts!
Tinian sobriety checkpoints
(DPS) — The Tinian Department of Public Safety would like to inform the general public that the traffic section will be conducting car seat and seatbelt checkpoints this weekend:
• Feb. 11 — The first setup will be held on Broadway Road, next to the Tinian Youth Center. It will commence at 7 a.m., last approximately 75 minutes and terminate at 8:15 a.m.
The second setup will be by Marpo Valley Road, near the Hofschneider warehouse. The checkpoint will start at 4:30 p.m., last about 75 minutes and terminate at 5:45 p.m.
• Feb. 13 — The first setup will be held across the Baseball field. The checkpoint will start at 7 a.m., last about 75 minutes at terminate at 8:15 a.m.
The second setup will be along Broadway Road by Star Plaza. It will start at 5 p.m., last about 75 minutes and terminate at 6:15 p.m.
• Feb. 14 — The first setup will be by the former Tinian Center. It will start at 7 a.m., last about 75 minutes and terminate at 8:15 a.m.
The second setup will be by the baseball field. The checkpoint will commence at 4 p.m., last about 75 minutes and terminate at 5:15 p.m.
All checkpoints are subject to be terminated if it begins to rain. In addition to the checkpoints, officers will be conducting highway criminal interdictions and laser activities.
