Deportations by ICE exceed 483,000 in fiscal 2026

Deportations by ICE exceed 483,000 in fiscal 2026

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Even though the Democrats – who love illegal immigrants/aliens and have no intention to ensure border security and election integrity – are making noise about taking over the next US Congress, the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to move forward and already they deported more than 483,000 illegal immigration in fiscal year 2026, according to a news report by Newsmax. The said figure exceeded the previous high under the Trump administration by over nine percent.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Newsmax report. Some parts in boldface…

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported a record 483,200 illegal immigrants in fiscal year 2026, surpassing the previous high as President Donald Trump’s administration intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration.

The figure, obtained by CBS News from the Department of Homeland Security, marks the highest annual deportation total in ICE history, surpassing the previous record of 442,640 set in fiscal 2025.

ICE also reported more than 491,000 immigration arrests during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, including nearly 475,000 administrative arrests, setting another agency record.

The deportation total was nearly 78% higher than the 271,484 recorded in fiscal 2024, the final full fiscal year of former President Joe Biden’s administration.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the brave men and women of ICE, who just broke more historic records,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told CBS News.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, ICE has been unleashed to target and remove illegal aliens so that we can save American lives.“

The administration highlighted deportations involving dangerous criminals, including Raul Genesis Ortiz Moran, a Mexican national charged with second-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection with the death of a 2-year-old girl in Virginia.

DHS also cited the deportation of Soili Xiomara Aparicio-Santos, a Honduran national convicted of attempting to murder her newborn son in New York. ICE’s aggressive enforcement continued throughout the summer, with 50,925 arrests in August and more than 48,000 in September.

CBS News reported, however, that many immigrants arrested by ICE had no criminal convictions or pending charges in the United States.

An analysis by Syracuse University found that formal removals accounted for 63% of reported deportations in July and August, while the remaining 37% were classified as voluntary departures or returns.

The record figures come as Trump acknowledges that some of his administration’s immigration enforcement measures may have gone too far.

“I think it was too tough,” Trump told CBS’ “60 Minutes,” referring to deportations of longtime immigrants who worked and paid taxes.

Trump gave his administration an “A+ for closing up the border” but acknowledged criticism over the deportation of otherwise law-abiding workers.

Exit polls found that 58% of voters believed the administration’s immigration enforcement had gone too far.

Despite those concerns and Republicans’ midterm election losses, the administration is expected to continue its immigration enforcement efforts.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think there will be some adjustments on the immigration crackdown in connection with what US President Trump said during the 60 Minutes interview? Has the number of illegal immigrants/aliens living in your local community gone down over the past twelve months? Are you thankful to ICE for working hard during the crackdown on illegal immigrants/aliens and foreign criminals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Chinese National Arrested Over Fake Filipino Identity and Link to 2022 Parañaque City Double Murder

Chinese National Arrested Over Fake Filipino Identity and Link to 2022 Parañaque City Double Murder

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Recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a Chinese national was arrested upon arrival by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) over the use of a fraudulent Filipino identity and connection with a double murder case that took place in Parañaque City in 2022, according to a GMA News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese national on Sunday for allegedly acquiring and using a fraudulent Filipino identity, in a case linked by intelligence reports to the 2022 killing of two Chinese nationals in Parañaque City.

In a press release issued Monday, the BI said the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Yao Shucheng, was arrested early Sunday upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on a flight from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Yao reportedly used the Filipino alias “Lee, King Agbulos” and declared his birth date as March 20, 1992, instead of his actual birth date of March 20, 1990.

The BI said Yao had obtained an authentic Philippine passport using a birth certificate fraudulently acquired under his assumed Filipino identity.

“The case follows a series of similar cases involving foreign nationals suspected of using fraudulent Filipino identities that the Bureau has pursued in recent years,” the BI said.

Yao arrived in Manila at 6:40 a.m. on Nov. 8 aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR596 from Hanoi. BI records showed that he last departed the Philippines on Feb. 21, 2025, and had been out of the country for nearly 21 months.

According to intelligence reports, authorities also uncovered links between Yao and a 2022 double murder in Parañaque City in which two Chinese nationals were gunned down. The BI said the reported connection would be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for further investigation.

Yao remains in BI custody pending immigration proceedings. The bureau said it would seek his deportation and permanent blacklisting, subject to any criminal charges or ongoing investigations.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the bureau would continue to pursue foreign nationals exploiting fraudulent Filipino identities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more Chinese nationals living in the city’s local communities using fake Filipino identities? Do you think the Bureau of Immigration still has a lot of work to do to arrest all the foreign criminals who used fraudulent Filipino identities?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Recognized During 2026 NCR SubayBAYANI Awards

Las Piñas City Recognized During 2026 NCR SubayBAYANI Awards

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Recently the City Government of Las Piñas was cited with two prestigious honors and also got nominated for a grand award during the 2026 National Capital Region (NCR) SubayBAYANI Awards, the LGU announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the announcement of the City Government (translated from Tagalog into English). Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City Government was recognized as a “Top Performing City” and a “Top Performing Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC)” at the 2026 National Capital Region (NCR) SubayBAYANI Awards, in recognition of its excellence in implementing infrastructure projects and strengthening the mechanisms used to monitor them.

Mayor April Aguilar personally attended the awarding ceremony, accompanied by City Engineer Michael Aguilar and City Planning and Development Officer Engr. Leonida Lagrisola.

In addition to these two honors, Las Piñas was also named a finalist for the Regional SubayBAYANI Grand Awards under the “Most Significant Change (MSC)” category.

The SubayBAYANI Awards aim to recognize local government units that demonstrate good governance, as well as effective implementation and monitoring of development projects.

These awards reflect the Las Piñas City Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that city-funded projects are properly executed, ultimately delivering long-term benefits to the people of Las Piñas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you delighted with the honors the City Government got during the SubayBAYANI Awards for the National Capital Region (NCR)? Are you satisfied with the way public services have been done by the City Government?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #27 (1995)

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #27 (1995)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1995 to explore a part of the Marvel Comics shared universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 monthly series.

Following the events of the dramatic Spider-Man 2099 #25, Miguel O’Hara knows that his father is none other than Tyler Stone (his superior at Alchemax) and this only adds more tension to his already troubled life and also to his fragile family. In issue #26, as Miguel struggles to live with the shocking truth about his heritage, Tyler frees Kasey Nash fulfilling Conchata O’Hara’s request.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #27, published in 1995 by Marvel Comics with a story written by the late Peter David and drawn by Joe St. Pierre. 

Comic book cover featuring Spider-Man swinging upside down above the bold title "When the Night Falls," with a cityscape and crashing debris below.
The cover.

Early story

The story begins with Miguel O’Hara and his ex-girlfriend Xina Kwan traveling far away from New York to have a vacation together. Their destination is Nightshade, an independent research community that is free from corporate influence. Miguel feels uneasy as Xina drives the car very fast. Suddenly, a hologram of Lyla (Miguel’s AI assistant) appears in front of them as the car moves on, surprising Miguel. Lyla informs him that he has received a message from his brother Gabriel. Being uninterested, Miguel tells Lyle to erase it.

Meanwhile at a talent search facility of Alchemax, an internal meeting of Tyler Stone’s “big guns” starts, and their agenda is about Nightshade…

Quality

Comic book page showing cars crashing through a building, falling debris, a distressed character, and a silhouetted figure climbing beside Spider-Man and a long-haired companion.
As trouble strikes Nightshade, Miguel O’Hara discreetly changes into Spider-Man 2099.

If there is anything I could describe about this particular tale of the futuristic Spider-Man, it is a blend of a road trip with corporate intrigue. Considering how short the main story is as this comic book contains a short story, this tale is clearly a build-up for something big set to happen that will eventually test Spider-Man soon.

This story has Miguel O’Hara spending quality time with an old flame on an out-of-town trip and together, they have a nice reunion with Angela Daskalakis who was their headmaster when they were very young. Given his status as an employee of Alchemax, Miguel is unsurprisingly restricted from entering Nightshade’s research and development facilities. The new setting and reunion allow the creative team to develop Spider-Man in unique ways which is welcome move.

The conflict really begins when the Corporate Raiders (a strike team deployed by Alchemax) organizes a corporate warfare strike at Nightshade triggering the independent place’s defenses. That said, Miguel is in a tough situation as he has to take on the armed raiders as Spider-Man while somehow ensuring that his ex-GF and their former headmaster are safe.

With regards to the shortness of the main story, the short story here took place several years in the past showing Miguel and Xina during their childhood. Kron Stone, the one who would later kill Punisher 2099’s family members and become Venom 2099 (click here, here and here), is also present as a youngling who got into conflict with Miguel. This short story also shows Miguel getting humiliated at an early age and has to decide between standing up for himself or allowing himself to be a victim for the rest of his life. This one is an OK read.

Conclusion

Comic book panel showing a group of suited men gathered around a model city, with speech bubbles outlining an agenda and identifying them as aggressive and powerful targets.
Alchemax’s enforcers.

Considering the shortness of the main story, Spider-Man 2099 #27 (1995) lacks substance and engagement but that does not mean the creative team did not give their best. The concept of Miguel O’Hara going all the way to a new destination which itself became the target of his company’s enforcers is itself fresh and intriguing. I just wish it had more content and the short story felt more like filler with some foreshadowing.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #27 (1995) is satisfactory.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines 2026 3rd Quarter GDP Growth Lands at 2.1% (Year-on-Year)

Philippines 2026 3rd Quarter GDP Growth Lands at 2.1% (Year-on-Year)

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As the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Summit, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the nation slowed down to 2.1% year-on-year in the 3rd quarter of this year, according to a news report by BusinessWorld. This new development makes the Philippines the economic weakling of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2026.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine economy expanded by 2.1% year on year in the third quarter, unexpectedly slowing from a year ago as agricultural output declined amid El Niño, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Monday.

Gross domestic product (GDP) growth sharply slowed from the 4% expansion in the same period last year and the revised 2.4% recorded in the second quarter. The third-quarter growth was well-below the 2.7% median forecast in a BusinessWorld poll last week.

This also marked the economy’s weakest performance since the 3.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic. Excluding the pandemic years, this was the slowest growth in over 16 years, or since the 1.8% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Agricultural production contracted by 4.8% in the third quarter, from 2.9% growth a year ago, amid bad weather. Industry slipped by 0.003% (from 0.7%), while services growth slowed to 3.7% (from 5.5%).

In the first nine months, the economy expanded by 2.5%, slower than the 4.9% growth recorded in the same period last year.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will eventual fall into an economic recession in 2027? Do you think the current government has been too focused on the ASEAN Summit and foreign affairs while being negligent on the national economy? Do you think the government’s GDP growth target range of 3.5%-4.5% will still be achieved this year? Do you think there are many foreign investors out there who are staying away from the Philippines? Are you convinced that the Philippines is now in the state of stagflation?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

APEC 2027 Could Impact Tourism in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

APEC 2027 Could Impact Tourism in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

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In the history of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Vietnam hosted the inter-governmental economic forum twice. The 2027 edition of the APEC set for November next year will be hosted by Vietnam in Phu Quoc Island which itself has gained tremendous popularity with tourists. That said, it is anticipated that APEC 2027 could impact Phu Quoc’s tourism industry dramatically in a variety of ways, according to a news article by Asia News Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article of Asia News Network. Some parts in boldface…

APEC 2027 could transform Phú Quốc Island’s tourism industry by improving international connectivity, attracting business events and accelerating the shift towards higher-value, year-round tourism.

With major investments in aviation, transport and conference facilities, the island is preparing not only to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week in November 2027 but also to strengthen its position as an international destination for leisure, business and investment.

The Government has identified 21 major projects associated with preparations for the event, with preliminary investment estimated at VNĐ137 trillion (US$5.4 billion).

The programme covers transport infrastructure, conference facilities, accommodation, water supply, environmental services and urban development.

However, the real test will come after the summit.

Phú Quốc, Việt Nam’s largest island in the southern province of An Giang, must convert international attention into sustained visitor demand, maintain new air connections, attract recurring international events and ensure that investment benefits businesses and communities across the island.

For the hospitality sector, including La Festa Phú Quốc, Curio Collection by Hilton, APEC offers an opportunity to strengthen the island’s appeal as a premium tourism destination while demonstrating how distinctive experiences can complement infrastructure-led growth.

New connections –Improved connectivity will be central to Phú Quốc’s ambition to attract more international visitors and compete with established destinations across Asia.

The expansion of Phú Quốc International Airport and the development of conference facilities are intended to improve the island’s capacity to accommodate larger numbers of visitors and international gatherings.

Associated projects include roads, an urban railway and supporting infrastructure designed to improve transport links between the airport, conference complex and tourism areas.

The additional airport capacity could encourage airlines to introduce direct services, increase frequencies and accommodate larger aircraft. Better connections would reduce travel time for international visitors and improve the island’s appeal to travellers combining business with leisure.

Nevertheless, additional airport capacity does not automatically guarantee commercially viable routes.

Airlines need consistent demand, competitive fares and sufficient passenger numbers in both directions. Maintaining services after APEC will therefore be as important as launching new routes ahead of the event.

Economist Võ Trí Thành has argued that the summit should be viewed as an opportunity to establish a new development platform rather than a short-lived event.

“The greatest value of APEC does not lie in the few days when the conference takes place, but in the development foundations that Phú Quốc will possess for decades to come.”

His assessment highlights a central question for the island’s tourism industry: whether new infrastructure can generate a continuous flow of visitors and investment after international delegations leave. The benefits could extend beyond conventional beach holidays.

Direct flights and improved ground transport would support corporate groups, international conference delegates and travellers seeking shorter, more convenient stays.

They could also encourage visitors to combine Phú Quốc with other destinations in Việt Nam and the wider region. However, infrastructure alone will not determine the island’s competitiveness.

Destination management, environmental protection, workforce development and the quality of visitor experiences will also influence whether new demand can be sustained.

Beyond leisure – The development of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, collectively known as MICE, could become one of the most significant long-term opportunities arising from APEC.

Unlike conventional leisure travel, MICE tourism generates demand across a range of services, including accommodation, meeting facilities, catering, transport, technical support and organised activities.

Corporate groups may also spend on gala dinners, entertainment and excursions, creating business opportunities beyond room revenue.

Tourism expert Phạm Trung Lương, former deputy director of the Việt Nam Tourism Development Research Institute, said APEC 2027 was significantly increasing Phú Quốc’s capacity to serve as an international destination.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think next year’s APEC will impact Phu Quoc’s tourism more positively than negatively? If you have been to Phu Quoc over the past six months, what can you say about the quality of the infrastructure, the services at the island’s airport and the natural environment of the island? Do you think Phu Quoc is ready to become a hot spot of international tourists and modern economic activities?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Filinvest REIT’s Profit Jumps to P1.3 Billion during January-September 2026 period

Filinvest REIT’s Profit Jumps to P1.3 Billion during January-September 2026 period

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Real estate investment trust Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) saw its profit jump 28% to P1.3 billion during the January-September 2026 period and the figure includes revenues from the full-year ownership of Festival Mall (main mall) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, according to a business news report by The Manila Times.

FILRT’s portfolio consists of seventeen office buildings, one shopping mall and one resort lot, with a combined gross leasable area of more than 450,000 square meters. The entity is also one the top taxpayers in Muntinlupa City.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the report of The Manila Times. Some parts in boldface…

FILINVEST REIT Corp. (FILRT) posted a 28-percent increase in net income to P1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026, supported by higher revenues following the full-year contribution of Festival Main Mall to its property portfolio.

The real estate investment trust on Wednesday reported revenues of P3 billion from January to September, up 18 percent from P2.54 billion in the same period last year.

The latest earnings performance builds on the 15-percent growth in net income FILRT recorded in the first nine months of 2025, when profit reached P1.02 billion from P893 million in the previous year.

The company attributed its revenue growth mainly to the full-year contribution of Festival Main Mall, which was added to its portfolio in May 2025.

Costs and expenses increased by a slower 4 percent to P986 million, while other charges declined 1 percent to P279 million during the nine-month period.

FILRT’s average portfolio occupancy remained at 86 percent in the first three quarters, unchanged from the same period last year.

Its office portfolio recorded an average occupancy rate of 79 percent, with multinational business process outsourcing companies accounting for 83 percent of office tenants. Traditional tenants accounted for 14 percent, while coworking, wellness and educational institutions made up the remainder.

During the third quarter, FILRT secured 5,651 square meters of new leases from incoming tenants and existing occupants expanding their leased spaces at Northgate Cyberzone in Alabang. This brought its year-to-date new leases to 11,714 square meters.

The company also renewed all 20,689 square meters of leases expiring this year, bringing the portfolio’s weighted average lease expiry at 13.95 years as of end-September.

With the improved earnings, FILRT’s board approved a quarterly cash dividend of P0.06 per outstanding common share, covering income earned from July to September. Shareholders on record as of Nov. 24 will receive the dividend on Dec. 2.

The latest declaration brings FILRT’s total dividends declared for 2026 to P0.24 per share, equivalent to an annualized yield of 8.5 percent based on its closing share price of P2.84 on Oct. 30.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think of this development? Do you think FILRT has a bright future of growth even though the economy of the Philippines continues to get weaker? Do you think FILRT will continue to contribute a lot to the economy of Muntinlupa City over the next five years?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 162

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 162

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Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching.

Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 English-dubbed Super Dimension Fortress Macross episodes – As some of you are already aware, I am a Macross fan when it comes to anime. I saw lots of anime since I was little but it was the Super Dimension Fortress Macross anime TV series that I found very compelling and engaging to watch. A few years ago, I view all of the original SDF Macross TV episodes subtitled in English. Recently, I found this YouTube channel called MacrossMan and it featured all 36 SDF Macross episodes dubbed in English (the dub was done in 2006 by ADV Films). Apart from having a really good cast of voice actors, original Macross singer and voice actress Mari Iijima returned as Lynn Minmay complete with English dialogue! For your viewing pleasure, posted below are three videos covering the first 18 episodes of Super Dimension Fortress Macross.

#2 Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest revisited – The original Castlevania console game of 1986 is still widely remembered by long-time fans and retro gamers not only because it started successfully and paved the way for a long-running game franchise, but also because it was an inspired work that captured the popular elements of horror connected with pop culture. I noticed there are gamers who still replay the original Castlevania on different platforms to this day. Strangely enough, not too many Castlevania fans and retro gamers talk about the 1987 sequel Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest. I myself played and finished that game and it was loaded with gameplay features that made it play and feel different from its predecessor in many ways. To learn more about Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, watch the retrospective video below.

#3 Japan’s effort to protect the future of food – Food is undeniably essential. Without food, people would not survive and nations will collapse. In Japan, there are these gene banks that store a few hundred thousand genetic resources. Those gene banks were designed to preserve varied food genes such as the rare heirloom vegetables, fruit varieties from around the world and more. These gene banks reflect Japan’s focus on ensuring food security as well as the survival of different types of food on the genetic level. Watch and learn from the Nippon TV video below.

#4 The House of the Dead remembered – Remember the sudden rise in popularity of zombies and horrific monsters in video games back in the mid-1990s? Apart from the success of the original Resident Evil video game, Sega made its presence felt in horror-themed gaming with the release of The House of the Dead in 1996. Powered by Sega’s Model 2 arcade hardware, The House of the Dead is a light gun arcade game that had players facing off with zombies and other horrific creatures. The game was a tremendous arcade success with sales of more than 8,500 cabinets globally and it led to the production of ports and sequels in the years that followed. If you are wondering who created The House of the Dead, what specific audience Sega targeted and what controversies did the game generate, watch the video of the late PatmanQC below.

#5 The 1989-90 Phoenix Suns remembered – Before Charles Barkley joined the Phoenix Suns and led them to the 1993 NBA Finals, the team’s strong formation and rise happened in the late-1980s. Entering the 1989-90 season, the Suns had the high-scoring Tom Chambers and the action-packed point guard Kevin Johnson who were already among the elite players. That said, the Suns made quite an impact on the Western conference during the 1990s NBA playoffs. To find out what the 1989-90 Suns achieved and why they were a solid team, watch the retrospective basketball video below.

#6 You, Me and The Movies reacts to The Return of Godzilla – Way back in 1984, Toho revived the Godzilla movie franchise with grittiness, darkness and the Cold War mixed in. They achieved that with The Return of Godzilla and it truly was a return to form for Japan’s iconic cinematic monster. To make things clear, this is NOT Godzilla 1985 which was a butchered low-budget Western version that had Raymund Burr. Recently, You, Me and the Movies posted their reaction video of The Return of Godzilla and it is entertaining to watch.

#7 Moxy Swim 2026 Miami Swim Week fashion show – Are you familiar with Moxy Swim? Moxy Swim is a popular, creator-designed brand of swimwear. During this year’s edition of Miami Swim Week, Moxy Swim had a flashy fashion show showcasing many beautiful women and the latest swimwear of the company. Watch and enjoy the video below.

#8 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers reaction videos – In early 2003, I saw The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers in a local cinema with many other moviegoers. It is truly a great fantasy movie and the cinematic experience was captivating despite the long runtime. There are even a few film buffs who considered it the best of the LOTR film trilogy. To see how much of an impact The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has on YouTubers, watch the videos below.

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Domestic Tourism in the Philippines Dampened by High Fuel Costs

Domestic Tourism in the Philippines Dampened by High Fuel Costs

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Domestic tourism, which has been one of the few economic bright spots for the Philippines this year (click here and here), has officially been dampened by high fuel costs and the Department of Tourism (DOT) itself confirmed it lately, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

DOMESTIC TOURISM has been dampened by high fuel costs stemming from the fighting in the Middle East, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said.

Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Ryan R. Carlos said in a webinar on Monday that higher fuel prices have pushed airfares higher.

“We cannot deny that inflation is also one of the factors,” Mr. Carlos said, pointing to soaring prices of air travel, accommodations, and various tourism-related expenditures.

Inflation accelerated to 7.2% in September from 6.1% in August, bringing the nine-month average to 5.4%.

The Civil Aeronautics Board set the passenger fuel surcharge at Level 16 for Oct. 16-31, down one notch from the first half of the month.

Under Level 16, airlines may collect fuel surcharges ranging from P525 to P1,535 for domestic flights and between P1,733.76 and P12,891.29 for international flights, depending on distance.

To address rising costs, Mr. Ryan said the DoT has been partnering with various travel associations to help bring down the costs of tourism-related goods and services. He said the department has also asked its regional offices to develop affordable itineraries.

Domestic tourism propped up the industry last year, according to the Key Indicators of the Household Survey on Domestic Visitors report.

Of the 84.38 million individuals aged 15 years and over, 74.5% took at least one domestic trip in 2025. Female domestic travelers accounted for 50.5% of the total, compared with 31.11 million, or 49.5%, for males.

“By age group, domestic travelers are much more concentrated in the younger age group, particularly in the range of 13 to 54 years,” Assistant National Statistician Genelyn Ma. F. Sarte said, adding that the highest percentage of travelers belonged to the 25 to 29 age group.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think domestic tourism numbers by the end of this year will end up being lower than in 2025? If you were able to go out of town for vacation here in the Philippines over the past six months, how much did you spend on travel? Do you think 2027 will be a tougher year for domestic tourism?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Vietnam sets 2027 targets of at least 10% GDP growth and $6,100 per capita GDP

Vietnam sets 2027 targets of at least 10% GDP growth and $6,100 per capita GDP

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With its booming economy, robust manufacturing and exports, and a thriving tourism industry, Vietnam is aiming high to achieve at least 10% GDP growth and $6,100 per capita GDP in 2027, according to a news report by VnExpress. Vietnam is already one of the outstanding economies in all of Southeast Asia today and it will host the prestigious Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) next year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam’s National Assembly has set a target of at least 10% economic growth in 2027, with GDP per capita expected to reach approximately US$6,100.

The legislature passed a resolution on the country’s 2027 socio-economic development plan on Saturday, with more than 93.4% of lawmakers voting in favor.

Under the resolution, Vietnam aims to achieve economic growth of at least 10% next year while keeping inflation at around 4.5%.

The resolution calls on the government to continue prioritizing growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation and ensuring major economic balances.

The government is also tasked with making breakthroughs in mobilizing and efficiently allocating resources for development. Measures include increasing state budget revenue, cutting expenditure, particularly recurrent spending, issuing various types of bonds and securing official development assistance (ODA) loans.

It must also promptly implement policies to raise foreign ownership limits in industries and sectors that do not affect national security.

The National Assembly urged the government to manage interest and exchange rates in line with domestic and international conditions, lower lending rates and direct credit toward production, business activities and priority sectors.

The government is also expected to introduce effective measures to address trade deficit, develop a healthy and sustainable real estate market, and resolve long-standing stalled projects.

To ensure energy security, the resolution requires the government to guarantee sufficient supplies of electricity and petroleum products under all circumstances.

On infrastructure, the government is tasked with completing the expressway network in line with approved plans, particularly the eastern and western sections of the North-South Expressway and East-West transport corridors.

It must also accelerate major national railway projects, including the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway, the North-South high-speed railway, international rail connections and urban railway networks.

The resolution calls for faster progress on two major airport projects: Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai, about 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City, and Gia Binh International Airport in Bac Ninh Province, 40 km east of central Hanoi.

Long Thanh is being developed to ease pressure on HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport and eventually handle 100 million passengers annually. Gia Binh is planned as a major aviation gateway for northern Vietnam, serving passenger and cargo transport, international transit and aircraft maintenance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering the strong economic momentum Vietnam has been enjoying recently, do you think they can achieve GDP growth of at least 10% next year? Do you think inflation won’t reach 5% anytime soon? How long do you think Vietnam’s thriving manufacturing and exports will last?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco