Monthly Archives: | July, 2015

15 07 2015

Pass the harsh laws in Greek Parliament or else….

With the deal done, Greece is now racing for Parliament to pass 7 Greek laws by Wednesday before midnight sweeping huge changes in labour laws, pensions, VAT and other taxes
-Ratifying eurozone summit statement
-VAT changes: Top rate of 23% to extend to processed food, restaurants, 13% to cover fresh food, energy bills, water and hotel stays, 6% for medicines and books
-VAT discount of 30% to be abolished on islands, but remotest islands to keep discount until next year
-Corporation tax raised from 26-29% for small companies
-Luxury tax for big cars, boats and swimming pools up from 10-13%; farmers’ tax up from 13-26%
-Early retirement to end (phased in by 2022); retirement age raised to 67
-Greek statistics authority Elstat to have full legal independence
Only then will the 18 other eurozone leaders will start negotiations over what Greece is to get in return: a three-year bailout worth up to 86 billion euros ($96 billion), its third rescue programme in five years. 
If the agreement fails, Greece could be forced to leave the eurozone. Let’s wait until this evening…clock is now ticking fast!

6 07 2015

Jana & Ionel’s Zandberghoeve reception

 

DZIQ 990 AM4th of July 2015, Saturday’s 37’C sunny wedding of my dear friend and classmate Jana Iguiron to Romanian Ionel Pisarov went perfectly well. Close friends and family members from the Philippines and other European countries attended the 10 am civil ceremony in the stadhuis (city hall) of Knokke-Heist followed by the 2 pm church wedding in Saint Antonius Kerk in Knokke-aan-zee.

The Zandberghoeve reception in Oedelem was joyous and colorful where I served as emcee for the nuptial official program composed of film showing of the couple’s recent trips and activities and receiving messages from friends and family who missed to attend the big day.