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What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 141

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 141

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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 Reaction Videos Of Scary Movie 3 – After enjoying the original Scary Movie of 2000, I saw its 2001 sequel and left the cinema disappointed. Two years later, I saw Scary Movie 3 and it was an indeed an improvement over Scary Movie 2. What is very notable about Scary Movie 3 is the fact that the Wayans Brothers were no longer involved and it was directed by David Zucker of ZAZ (Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker). Scary Movie 3 is popular with YouTubers and already there are several reaction videos about it posted online. For your enjoyment, I posted below the reaction videos I found entertaining.

#2 Ranting For Vengeance Debunks Zealots Who Believe Anime Is Leftist – If you were fortunate enough to watch multiple anime productions dating back to the 1960s, you would be aware about the collective mindset of the creators, what the anime trends were and what the messages came with what was shown through the decades. Still, there are some zealots on social media who have this foolish belief that all anime is woke and leftist in nature. That said, Ranting for Vengeance recently posted another video debunking those zealots and his explanations have strong details. Watch his video now.

#3 The Enduring Story Behind Super Mario Bros. 2 – Back in the mid-1980s, Super Mario Bros. became a massive commercial success for Nintendo and it went on to make an impact not only on gamers but also on pop culture. Shigeru Miyamoto and his team worked hard to make Super Mario Bros. 2 which was released on the Family Disk System in Japan. Strangely, the Super Mario Bros. 2 released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in America was not the same game the Japanese gamers enjoyed. Confused? There is a lot of details in GTV Japan’s video below and they are all worth discovering. Go watch it and pay attention to the details closely.

#4 Wagyu For Breakfast In Japan – When was the last time you had Wagyu for a meal? Was there ever a time you experienced a luxurious breakfast while traveling overseas? Japan is where you can find them and you can discover where exactly they are and what other types of food is offered to customers in the Nippon TV video below. Watch, learn and enjoy!

#5 The Worst NBA Arenas – Considering how many teams there are in the National Basketball Association (NBA) representing different cities, America clearly has a lot of venues where the basketball games can be held at. Some stadiums have modern designs that can accommodate not only lots of people but also the high-spending spectators (those who can afford luxuries) while providing everyone convenience and comfort for game viewing. Meanwhile, there are places that are sub-par or even undesirable for watching basketball games. The video below explores and explains what the worst NBA arenas are.

#6 No Chances For A Remake Of Xenogears? – When it comes to Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) that were released on the PlayStation console in 1998, the one game I want to play again is Square Enix’s Xenogears. I played it on the PlayStation but I never got to finish it. While Square Enix managed to remaster Chrono Cross and released it on different platforms in recent years, the company has been very quiet about any remake or remastering of Xenogears. Apart from the fact that many of the people who worked on Xenogears under Square’s umbrella have left the company, there are other possible factors as to why remaking Xenogears is complicated in ways that have yet to be revealed to the public. To find out why, watch the in-depth video below.

#7 Ashleigh Burton Reacts To What Lies Beneath – In late-2000, I saw What Lies Beneath on a Friday night inside a packed cinema at Festival Mall. The film, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford as a couple, really made moviegoers around me stressed and scared. There were even some bouts of screaming as the movie unleashed its scary moments. Recently, I watched Ashleigh Burton’s reaction video of the movie and it is a must-see!

#8 Rhetorical Thrill Reacts To Dragonslayer – When it was released in the early 1980s, Dragonslayer was one of many fantasy movies that got released. On its own, Dragonslayer was dark, gritty, violent and even gruesome to see. The Walt Disney Company and Paramount Pictures banded together to co-produce the film and eventually it ended up as a commercial failure. Even though it failed, Dragonslayer managed to gain a following and people who want to watch dark and violent fantasy movies are attracted to it. To see how it impacts Rhetorical Thrill, go watch her reaction video below. It’s a must-see.

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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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

10.6 Million Foreign Tourists Visited Vietnam In January-May 2026 Period

10.6 Million Foreign Tourists Visited Vietnam In January-May 2026 Period

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Vietnam, a nation that was previously ravaged by war, continues to be a strong magnet of visitors as 10.6 million foreign tourists have visited in the first five months of this year, according to a news report by VnExpress. The reported figure is significant as Vietnam attracted over 21 million foreign tourists last year.

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

Vietnam received a record 10.6 million international visitors in the first five months of 2026, up 14.9% year-on-year.

Data released by the General Statistics Office shows there were 1.78 million arrivals in May alone, up 17%.

The 10 largest source of visitors during the period were mainland China, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Cambodia, the U.S., India, Japan, the Philippines and Australia.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism attributed the strong growth to the country’s reputation as a safe and stable destination amid global political uncertainty.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Vietnam will be able to attract as many as 25 million foreign tourists by the end of 2026? Do you plan to visit Vietnam someday?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Tags BYD, Alibaba, Baidu And Others For Involvement With Chinese Military

America Tags BYD, Alibaba, Baidu And Others For Involvement With Chinese Military

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Business giants Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and many other Chinese companies have officially been identified by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) as entities that were involved with the military of Communist China, according to a Kyodo News report.

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

The U.S. Defense Department said Monday it has added Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Baidu Inc., BYD Co. and other leading Chinese companies to a long list of entities it believes to be working with China’s military.

The expansion of the list comes after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to stabilize bilateral relations during talks in Beijing in mid-May, despite intense geopolitical rivalry and disputes over numerous issues.

In designating the companies, the U.S. department asserted that BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle maker, and internet titans Alibaba and Baidu contribute to the country’s defense industrial base as they are affiliated with its Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The Pentagon believes China’s “military-civil fusion” strategy has helped modernize the People’s Liberation Army. It is required by law to annually update and publish the list of so-called Chinese military companies operating directly or indirectly in the United States.

While appearing on the list does not lead immediately to legal steps by U.S. agencies, such as export controls or sanctions, the reputations of those named can be impacted. The department is also restricted from entering into contracts with designated entities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this development will influence other governments and corporations to avoid signing contracts with Chinese companies that have been working with China’s military? Do you think your local or regional government has signed deals with any of the Chinese companies that have been tagged by the US Department of Defense? Are you concerned that Chinese businesses have stolen technologies and other pieces of critical information from your nation’s government or the private sector?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Patient Transport Vehicle From PAGCOR Received By SBMA

Patient Transport Vehicle From PAGCOR Received By SBMA

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The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it recently received from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) a patient transport vehicle which will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) received a patient transport vehicle from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) during a turnover ceremony held at its head office in Pasay City on May 26, 2026.

PAGCOR President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Atty. Wilma T. Eisma turned over the patient transport vehicle to SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) Medical Services Division OIC, Dr. Arlene Gravina-Cesa.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to PAGCOR for the patient transport vehicle which will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in Subic Bay Freeport.

“My heartfelt thanks to PAGCOR, especially to Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco, for providing the Freeport with a patient transport vehicle. This unit will certainly enhance the services of our Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) during the scheduled, non-emergency transfer of clinically stable patients,” he said.

“Kay Mam Amy (Eisma), marami pong salamat at hindi pa rin kayo nakakalimot sa iyong dating tahanan, ang SBMA,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to Tengco, the donation is part of the agency’s broader efforts to make basic healthcare more accessible, ensuring that communities and sectors in need, are able to receive urgent medical attention through these new patient transport vehicles.

“More than simply meeting targets, it reflects a clear commitment: to support healthier, more resilient communities by investing in essential services people rely on when it matters most,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the SBMA has enough patient transport vehicles to ensure efficient medical service deliveries within the Freeport?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

American AI Companies Targeting IT-BPM Sector Of The Philippines

American AI Companies Targeting IT-BPM Sector Of The Philippines

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With a thriving information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector, the Philippines is attracting the attention of American artificial intelligence (AI) firms due to revenues generated and the existing large employment base, according to a Manila Bulletin news report citing the United States Commercial Service (USCS).

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

The Philippines’ information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector has emerged as the most viable investment destination for American artificial intelligence (AI) firms, according to the United States Commercial Service (USCS).

USCS Manila commercial specialist Easter Villanueva said the IT-BPM sector is a promising market for US-based AI companies given the revenues it generates and its large employment base.

“Given the size of this sector, AI could play an important role in modernization, productivity, and movement toward higher value services,” she said in a webinar organized by the USCS last week.

The IT-BPM sector generated more than $40 billion in revenues last year, up five percent from $38 billion in 2024, based on data from the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

IBPAP said the industry employed 1.9 million workers last year, four percent higher than the previous year’s 1.82 million employees.

This year, the IT-BPM industry is expected to generate $42 billion in revenues and create 1.97 million jobs.

As AI threatens to disrupt the industry, Villanueva said the sector is increasingly becoming more open to integrating AI into its operations, especially when it comes to voice-based services.

“I would think that they would be very much willing to explore [AI], since it is also important for workforce development,” said Villanueva.

“They want to also protect the jobs here in this market, [so] they would want to upskill their agents to be able to integrate their daily operations with AI,” she added.

Aside from the IT-BPM sector, other promising industries for American AI companies include digital transformation, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and the public sector.

Villanueva said there are also opportunities in cybersecurity, data governance, and responsible AI, especially as companies become more conscious of data privacy and security.

Based on USCS estimates, AI adoption in the country remains limited, with only about 14.9 percent of companies currently using AI tools.

“This is not yet a mature AI market, and many buyers are still learning what AI can do, what it cannot do, how much it will cost, and how results can be measured. For US companies, this means that the opportunity is not only to sell, but also to educate, build trust, and demonstrate practical value,” said Villanueva.

For AI companies looking to enter the market, she said it is critical to make their use case clear by helping address a specific problem with measurable outcomes while offering cost-effective solutions.

She also recommended that firms work with local partners for market access and implementation support, embed data privacy and AI governance measures early, and adopt a consultative approach with buyers.

“Buyers can be price-sensitive, and companies may face competition from lower-cost providers…So the opportunity is real, but it will require patience, education, and a clear business case,” Villanueva said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think several AI firms in the United States will proceed to tap the IT-BPM sector of the Philippines soon? What kind of business developments do you think will happen once American AI firms start investing in the Philippines’ IT-BPM sector? Do you think political scandals or government-related blunders of the Philippines might discourage American AI companies from investing?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Watch Out For Resident Evil Veronica

Watch Out For Resident Evil Veronica

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Welcome back Xbox fans, Resident Evil fans and fellow geeks!

This past weekend, Capcom unveiled Resident Evil Veronica which is a modern remake of Resident Evil – Code: Veronica. Already a lot of gamers and Resident Evil fans are talking about the remake which will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S some time in 2027.

For your excitement and curiosity, watch the official reveal trailer below.

Given Capcom’s record of making ambitious remakes of past Resident Evil games, Resident Evil Veronica has long been rumored to have been in development. Among the RE fans, Resident Evil – Code Veronica was memorable and yet it had certain elements that made it divisive (example: the annoying voice acting for Steve Burnside). As such, many viewed Code Veronica as the one game that really has to be remade and Capcom has only one chance to make a better and more definitive Code Veronica.

Originally released on the Sega Dreamcast way back in 2000, Resident Evil – Code Veronica was not just a follow-up to the popular Resident Evil 2…it was also a technological marvel as it had fully polygonal environments, more detailed polygonal characters and more immersive cinematic cutscenes. It was truly a next-generation RE experience for many gamers and I myself wanted a Dreamcast just to play it. The game also had Claire Redfield and her brother Chris as the playable major characters and both of them are still fan-favorites.

Going back to the trailer above, it is clear Capcom is making Resident Evil Veronica a darker, grittier and more horrific tale than the original game. The shots of Rockfort Island look very creepy, even nightmarish. While Claire Redfield has been revealed, Chris Redfield, Alfred Ashford, Steve Burnside and Alexa Ashford have not. Still, fans already pointed out that the masked man who grabbed Claire is Hunk (often identified with Resident Evil 2). Zombies were shown in a glimpse but the other monsters from the original game have yet to be shown. 

Claire Redfield is back and she has gone to Europe to search for her brother Cris.
This facility on Rockfort Island looks terrifying and very difficult to escape from.
Remember the guns that Steve Burnside used in a key part of the story in Resident Evil – Code: Veronica?
A key location remade to be creepy and claustrophobic. Are you ready to discover more about the Ashford family?

Capcom describes Resident Evil Veronica as follows:

Resident Evil Veronica is a remake of 2000’s Resident Evil Code: Veronica. This new title preserves the essence of the original game, while introducing modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics.

In 2027, madness and intrigue, love and hate all combine to create a chilling new entry in survival horror.

3 months have passed since the biological disaster in Raccoon City. Claire Redfield, having survived along with Leon S. Kennedy and Sherry Birkin, travels to France in search of her brother, Chris Redfield.

However, what awaits her is not a reunion with her brother, but the Umbrella special forces unit responsible for the incident. They capture Claire and transport her to a mysterious island.

Now Claire must make a desperate attempt to escape the remote Rockfort Island, which due to another biological disaster, has transformed into a living hellscape of survival horror.

Resident Evil Veronica is set for release on game consoles and PC in 2027. Capcom has yet to show actual gameplay.

If you are a newcomer here who wants to discover what Resident Evil – Code Veronica was all about, I encourage you to watch the two retrospective videos below.

Are you gamers feeling excited for Resident Evil Veronica? Do you feel confident that Capcom will deliver a great remake like 2019’s Resident Evil 2? Have you ever played Resident Evil – Code: Veronica?

For more information about Resident Evil Veronica, click  https://www.residentevil.com/veronica/en-asia/

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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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Food Cart Program In Las Piñas City Expanded To Include More Families

Food Cart Program In Las Piñas City Expanded To Include More Families

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Recently in Las Piñas City, the new food cart program was expanded to include more families so they could improve their livelihoods and be able to start small-sized businesses of their own, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Fifteen families in Las Piñas City have been given a fresh opportunity to improve their livelihoods after the city government distributed additional food carts under its ongoing assistance program.

Mayor April Aguilar announced that the food carts were awarded to selected beneficiaries to help them start small businesses and generate extra income for their households. This latest batch of recipients adds to the six families who received food carts on May 2.

Some of those earlier beneficiaries have already launched ventures this summer, selling refreshing “samalamig” drinks and popular street food favorites known as “tusok-tusok.”

These affordable snacks not only bring joy to local communities but also provide steady earnings for the families involved.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the food carts would help them meet their daily needs and give them a chance to build a more stable source of livelihood for their families.

The mayor said the local government remains committed to implementing programs that create jobs and livelihood opportunities for Las Piñeros as part of the city’s continuing efforts to improve the quality of life of its residents.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted to see more families getting included in the local food cart program under 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

Tourism’s Contribution To Philippines GDP The Lowest In 3 Years

Tourism’s Contribution To Philippines GDP The Lowest In 3 Years

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Given the fact that the Philippines has been having trouble attracting foreign tourists and their money, it has been confirmed that the tourism industry’s contribution to the national economy in 2025 fell down to a 3-year low, according to a news report by BusinessWorld. For insight, the Philippines attracted 5.94 million foreign tourists in 2025 while Indonesia attracted 15.39 million, Vietnam attracted a record-high 21.2 million and Thailand attracted almost 33 million.

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

THE TOURISM industry’s contribution to the Philippine economy fell to its lowest level in three years in 2025, weighed down by weaker tourism spending by foreign visitors, according to data from the statistics agency.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed tourism’s direct gross value added (TDGVA) accounted for 8.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, down from 8.7% of GDP in 2024.

This was tourism’s lowest contribution to the national output in at least three years or since 2022 when it contributed 6.3% to the country’s GDP.

The country’s TDGVA was estimated at P2.27 trillion last year, down by 1.4% from the revised P2.3 trillion in 2024.

The TDGVA measures the value generated from various tourism-related activities and is based on the results of the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts report, which the PSA compiles from the Department of Tourism.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines President James M. Montenegro said the drop reflected external pressures, structural constraints and a weaker recovery in international tourism relative to the rest of the Philippine economy.

“While domestic tourism remained resilient, inbound tourism weakened significantly in 2025, which pulled down overall tourism value creation,” Mr. Montenegro said in a Viber message.

He said a major factor was the slower-than-expected recovery of inbound tourism from key Asian markets such as China and India even after the Philippine government eased visa requirement for Chinese and Indian nationals.

Mr. Montenegro said another challenge is the Philippine tourism industry’s ability to remain competitive in attracting foreign tourists. He said the Philippines should prioritize making key destinations more accessible to major regional markets.

“Many neighboring countries accelerated aggressive tourism recovery programs, including visa-free access, expanded airline incentives, stronger destination marketing, and airport infrastructure improvements. The Philippines continued to face challenges in air connectivity, airport capacity, inter-island transport efficiency, and tourist friction points,” Mr. Montenegro said.

He said that while the Philippines’ tourism sector has one of the highest contributions to GDP in Southeast Asia, it continues to lag behind regional peers in attracting tourists.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the Philippines remained weak on attracting foreign tourists even though some reforms were implemented? Do you think the local tourism authorities should focus more on domestic tourism which itself remains strong and growing? What are the biggest hassles that tourists experience here in the Philippines when it comes to traveling by air, sea and land today?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Chinese National Arrested In Laguna For Posing As A Filipino

Chinese National Arrested In Laguna For Posing As A Filipino

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Here in the Philippines, illegal immigration in the form of foreigners pretending to be Filipino citizens is a growing problem. Recently in Laguna province, a Chinese national who pretended to be a Filipino was arrested by the authorities, according to a news report by GMA News.

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

A Chinese national allegedly posing as a Filipino was arrested in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, with authorities now investigating how he obtained a driver’s license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that was reportedly used in the deception.

According to a report on “24 Oras Weekend” by John Consulta, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) implemented a deportation order and served a warrant at a residence in a subdivision in Sta. Rosa.

However, the target was not immediately found, and only a woman was initially encountered at the house.

Authorities later tracked down the suspect within the subdivision, where he was reportedly cornered while jogging. He allegedly tried to evade arrest but was eventually subdued by operatives.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the Chinese national was arrested for allegedly using falsified documents identifying himself as Filipino, including a Philippine-issued driver’s license.

Authorities also recovered his Chinese passport, which remains valid until 2027, along with the LTO-issued driver’s license.

While the surname on both documents matched, the driver’s license reportedly carried a Filipino-sounding first and middle name and listed the holder’s nationality as Filipino.

LTO chief Asst. Sec. Markus Lacanilao said a review of records showed the foreign national applied for a driver’s license that was later used in assuming a false Filipino identity.

The agency clarified that the document was not a conversion of a foreign driver’s license.

“This is not a conversion of a license. A foreign-issued license converted into a Philippine license—that is not the case,” he said.

Records also showed that the suspect first applied for a driver’s license in 2010 and renewed it in 2018 in Bulacan, where his nationality was listed as Filipino.

“They use Filipino names. They try to hide by pretending to be Filipino-Chinese, but they are actually Chinese nationals posing as Filipinos,” Lacanilao said.

The arrested foreign national is currently detained at the Bureau of Immigration detention facility. He has yet to issue a statement and is reportedly filing an appeal before the Department of Justice.

Authorities said a deeper investigation is ongoing, including a review of other documents that may have been issued to the suspect, and the possible cancellation of his driver’s license.

“(Revocation) is automatic. We will cancel his driver’s license, and the places where it was issued must also be investigated,” he said.

Lacanilao also warned that such documents may be used for acquiring properties, vehicles, and other fraudulent activities. Matibag said this scheme also poses national security concerns.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be several thousands more Chinese nationals who are living in the Philippines with false identities as Filipinos? Do you think all government agencies should be prepared to spot false documents from foreigners who intend to gain false Filipino identities? What do you think is the main reason why some Chinese nationals exerted efforts to gain 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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines And Vietnam Agree To Strengthen Tourism Cooperation And Improve Air Connectivity

Philippines And Vietnam Agree To Strengthen Tourism Cooperation And Improve Air Connectivity

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Let’s be clear here. The Philippines has been a poor competitor on international tourism and it has been left behind by several of its Southeast Asian neighbors (for reference click here and here). When it comes to Vietnam, there are more Filipinos who visited that country while the Philippines could not attract an equal number of Vietnamese visitors. Filipino interest on visiting Vietnam is also very strong.

For the year 2025, the Philippines attracted only 5.94 million foreign tourists while Vietnam attracted a record-high 21.2 million foreign tourists.

During the recent state visit of Vietnam President To Lamb here in the Philippines hosted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., a key agreement was made between them to enhance tourism cooperation and improving air connectivity for the next three years, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation and improve air connectivity following the signing of a Tourism Cooperation Program covering 2026 to 2029.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said both countries would work to increase flight frequencies and facilitate greater tourism exchanges.

The move comes as Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Filipino travelers, while arrivals from Vietnam to the Philippines have also continued to rise.

“Building upon a strong performance in 2025, which saw nearly half a million Filipino travelers going to Vietnam and a rising number of Vietnamese tourists coming to our shores, we have agreed to work closely to enhance air connectivity and increase commercial flight frequencies,” Marcos said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new agreement made between the Philippines and Vietnam will lead to more foreign travelers benefitting both countries? Do you think that European travelers who transit through Vietnam’s international airports will eventually make their way to the Philippines in greater numbers? Do you believe that the Vietnamese have any great interest in visiting the Philippines?

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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