Paranaque, No Classes on September 2, 2024

No classes in all levels for both public and private schools in Paranaque City as announced by the Paranaque City Information Office.

Keep safe and stay dry everyone!

Old Town (White Coffee) Now Open at SM Bicutan!

We heard from a friend that "Old Town" is now open at SM Bicutan. Old Town (White Coffee) was one of the cafes we frequented in Singapore and Malaysia. We usually went to the branch in Kallang Mall (just beside the stadium). In Malaysia, I would usually hang out at the KLIA branch while waiting for my flight. I usually also got a box or two of their coffee and milk tea. Eventually though it was available in groceries, getting the beverage at the store was still much better. 

Anyway, we visited the branch at SM Bicutan. The crew said it was just their 4th day of soft opening. It was quite obvious since service took a long time and the shop still smelled very new (a.k.a. construction fumes). We were excited though and ordered some breakfast food. We certainly missed the peanut butter on steamed buns and the soft boiled egg. They serve light soy sauce though, but you can request for dark soy sauce which they will indulge. 

I'm happy they have an extensive menu for this branch. Here's a glimpse of their menu:

They said they will soon be available on Grab/FoodPanda. We hope they'll also eventually sell their beverage packets (good for rainy days when you can't go out!). 

What's New at SM City Bicutan Building C (Tower)

SM City Bicutan or SMB as we Paranaquenos fondly call it opened the doors of it's new building on the last weekend of July. We found out about it from friends, so we immediately planned a visit to find out what's new. 

The new building now has 4 levels. The lower ground level is dedicated for service shops. The upper ground level will have restaurants, coffee shops, a place for your pets, a sports shop etc. The second level is where the Cyberzone is located together with the cinema and a couple of snack shops. Level 3 will eventually have a couple more restaurants and a sky garden.

Here's a list of shops what are already open and will be opening soon:

If you're planning to visit, you can park in the new building (building C) or park in building B. The area is easily accessible through level 2 of either building A or B. We'll write more about our experience in the coming days :)

Paranaque City's New Garbage Pick-up Schedule

The Paranaque City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) announced the new garbage pick-up schedule on their FB page today, August 2, 2024. Below is the schedule posted by the office:

For inquiries, please contact CENRO through the following:

Telephone: 8826-6147  

Email: cenro@paranaquecity.gov.ph 

Facebook: CENRO Parañaque 

Source: CENRO FB

Wendy’s Soon To Open Its Newest Branch In Paranaque City

Wendy’s, the international fast-food chain known for its tasty hamburgers and sandwiches, frosty desserts, and refreshing iced teas, is opening its newest branch in Dona Soledad, Paranaque City. This marks another exciting milestone for the brand as it continues to expand its presence and cater to the growing demand for quality fast food in the Philippines.

finishing touches currently being made in preparation for its grand opening

The new Wendy's Dona Soledad branch will be the fourth to open in Paranaque City. In addition to its current stores in Phoenix, Sucat, PITX, and Phoenix Airport Road, Wendy's Dona Soledad is conveniently located along Dona Soledad Ave., near the intersection of France St. in Better Living, Paranaque City. Up to eight full-size vehicles can park in front of the store, with the possibility of a motorcycle parking as well. We hope to see the full range of Wendy's iconic menu items all day and night, as the store plans to be open 24/7.

According to the Wendy's Philippines website, there are 70 Wendy's stores scattered around the Philippines, with 48 of them within Metro Manila. For Paranaquenos, this is actually a "welcome back" greeting for Wendy's along Dona Soledad, as there used to be a Wendy's branch at SM Bicutan several years ago. The addition of this new Wendy's fast-food store in Paranaque City will provide local residents with more variety and options for in-person dining, takeout, and delivery. 

signs along Dona Soledad promoting Wendy's

As early as June 2023, the first sign of Wendy's coming soon in this location was put up here. And now that the store is opening very soon, we look forward to Wendy's becoming a beloved part of the neighborhood.

About Wendy’s

Wendy’s was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Today, Wendy’s Company is one of the world’s largest restaurant companies, with thousands of restaurants worldwide. 

Visit other Wendy's branches here: 

Wendy's - Phoenix Sucat
2345 Dr. Arcadio Santos Avenue, San Antonio, Paranaque City, Parañaque, 1707

Wendy's - PITX
Level 1 Level 1 143-145 Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Parañaque, 1701

Wendy's - Phoenix Airport Road
Kabihasnan Ninoy Aquino Ave, Parañaque, 1709

 

Google maps photo of Wendy's undergoing construction in April 2024.

SM Bicutan Christmas Hours

Rushing to prepare for Christmas? Here's the Christmas hours of SM Bicutan :)

Mall Hours

December 1 to 23 and 25 to 30 - 10 am to 10pm

December 24 and 31 - 9am to 7pm

January 1 - 12 noon to 10pm

SM Hypermarket

December 1 to 21 and 26 to 28 - 9am to 10pm

December 22 to 23 and 29 to 30 - 9am to 11pm

December 24 and 31 - 7am to 7pm

December 25 and January 1 - 12 noon to 11pm

For inquiries you may call (02) 8776-3061

 

How to Apply for a PWD ID in Paranaque City

It took us more than half a year before I finally got my PWD ID. Normal process requires you to get a clearance from your barangay health center. The doctor in ours was always out and it was frustrating to get hold of her, so we decided to go to the PDAO (PWD Affairs Office) at the Paranaque City Hall. They said my guardian could apply for me as long as I have an ID with my Paranaque address on it.

Here's the normal process:

1. Bring a photocopy of the medical certificate. Make sure your doctor indicates your type of disability in the medical certificate.

2. See the barangay health center doctor at the Barangay Health Center to assess and determine type of disability. Do call to check for availability (we were told our barangay doctor only stays until 10 a.m. and they have a limit on how many they accommodate per day).

3. Go to the barangay admin to get certificate for PWD. 

4. Secure a Social Service PWD form.  

5. Prepare 4 1x1 photos. 

6. Go to Paranaque City Hall and bring all forms and requirements. 

7. City Hall will issue a PWD ID. 

8. Give 1 xerox copy of PWD ID to your barangay's Social Services (DSWD) for records.

Requirements:

Medical certificate with type of disability indicated (make sure your certificate is stamped by the doctor)

Four 1 x 1 photo with your name and signature at the back of the photo

PWD ID form

ID with your address on it 

*Photocopy everything

Since we couldn't get hold of our barangay health center doctor, we went straight to the PDAO at the City Hall. They processed my application since my Voter's ID had my address on it. They also advised to use my passport with my address written on the emergency contact page (last page of the passport). I had to ask my doctor to indicate my type of disability on the medical certificate and the PDAO accepted it. 

The process has been arduous, but as long as you're really qualified and have all the requirements you should be able to apply easily.