ChatGPT – Author Carlo Carrasco

DOT Expects Philippines Tourism Growth with Campaign Rebrand

September 14, 2026September 9, 2026carlocarrasco

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting tourism growth for the Philippines as it makes a serious brand adjustment with its “Love the Philippines” campaign, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

For insight, the Philippines counted 4.11 million foreign tourist arrivals for 2026 as of August. While the Philippines remains an international tourism weakling as well as an economic weakling among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), domestic tourism is actually thriving.

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

The Department of Tourism (DoT) said that changing its branding direction in its Love the Philippines campaign will help boost the country’s tourism growth.

“Upon entry into the office, the first mandate that I had carried out was to change the tone of voice of the Department of Tourism with regard to how it communicates to the public,” DoT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Armand Lorenze “Ren” Sapitan told lawmakers in a House Committee on Appropriations budget hearing.

“We didn’t have to change the members of branding and the marketing team,” he added. “The only thing that we adopted was a change in direction.”

Mr. Sapitan noted that the agency will shift how it approaches the Love the Philippines campaign instead of replacing it through its Discover More to Love program.

“We would not change this campaign because we recognize that the administration only has two years left,” he said. “What we are changing is how we approach the campaign.”

“The way we relate to the people, the way we promote, the way we market our tourism destinations,” he added.

The Discover More to Love program aims to highlight local destinations by partnering with companies, offering travel bundles and discounted offers.

“The Sun Group actually not only invests in marketing, but they also invest in the entire ecosystem,” Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay explained, citing the agency’s relationship with the private sector.

“The tourist attractions, from hotels, the accommodation, the entire village – that’s the kind of investment that is complete; it’s almost like a subsidy,” she added.

Filipino talents BINI and SB19 were also named as the country’s tourism ambassadors who will support the push for domestic travel.

The DoT earmarked a P4.03 billion budget under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), down 4.6% or P196 million from the approved P4.23 billion budget for 2026.

Of the proposed budget, P1 billion will fund branding campaigns, mostly for overseas marketing (60%) and domestic efforts (40%).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the Philippines will be able to attract more foreign tourists this year? Do you think the DOT’s recent moves will boost both domestic and international tourism for 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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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

Las Piñas City Emergency Responders Undergo Flood Safety Training

September 13, 2026September 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Several personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Las Piñas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LPCDRRMO) recently went through flood safety training in Batangas which lasted four days, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Las Piñas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LPCDRRMO) have stepped up preparations for flood emergencies through a four‑day training program for emergency responders.

Firefighters from the Las Piñas City Fire Station’s Special Rescue Force (SRF) and Operations Section participated in the Flood Incident Response and Safety Training (FIRST) 2026, conducted from Aug. 24 to 27 at Laiya Grande Beach Resort in Barangay Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas.

Responders underwent training focused on flood incident management, water‑related emergencies, rescue operations, and lifesaving techniques.

The activity aimed to improve the ability of BFP and city disaster responders to work together during emergencies, particularly when flooding requires immediate rescue and evacuation operations.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you think the training will help the local emergency responders work better in future flood incidents? How many members of your local community got affected by flood during the past few months?

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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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

Online Sellers of Fake and Unregulated Products in the Philippines Targeted by Police

September 12, 2026September 8, 2026carlocarrasco

If you have been purchasing a lot of products online here in the Philippines, was there a time when a seller cheated you or scammed you over a transaction? A lot of online sellers have been involved in the distribution of fake and unregulated products, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively searching for them, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Philippine National Police has strengthened its intelligence and enforcement efforts against online sellers and networks involved in the distribution of fake and unregulated products that may endanger consumers.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said they are now working with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other partner agencies to identify those behind the illegal trade and build cases for prosecution.

“The PNP backs efforts to strengthen the crackdown against counterfeit goods online. We will continue to coordinate with our partner agencies to identify those behind the illegal trade and ensure that appropriate charges are filed,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez ‘statement was issued amid a call from consumer advocacy group Malayang Konsyumer for an immediate and sustained government crackdown on counterfeit products being sold through e-commerce platforms.

The group warned that fake medicines, vitamins, health supplements and beauty products may contain toxic chemicals, while counterfeit clothing, footwear, toys and perfumes as products that could expose consumers to hidden health risks.

It also raised concerns over substandard electronics that may cause fires or electrocution and fake household adhesives, sealants and building materials that may pose structural and health hazards.

“We will not allow online platforms to become a safe haven for counterfeiters. The PNP will strengthen intelligence gathering and enforcement operations against individuals and networks engaged in the sale and distribution of fake and unregulated products,” Nartatez said.

“Counterfeit goods are not only an intellectual property concern. They are also health and safety matters in most cases that need immediate and aggressive law enforcement response,” he added.

The PNP’s planned action will build on its existing campaign against smuggling and other economic crimes.

From January to June 2026, police conducted 8,986 anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the arrest of 2,560 individuals and the seizure of about P8.6 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and equipment.

The campaign has also extended to other illegal goods as the PNP confiscated P628 million worth of smuggled goods, counterfeit products, and other illegal articles in nationwide operations in July.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Has any online seller released to you a counterfeit product? Do you believe that online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada have a lot of scammers and abusive online sellers?

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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Russia and the Philippines Emerge as Fast-Growing Tourist Markets for Vietnam

September 12, 2026September 10, 2026carlocarrasco

As Vietnam successfully attracted almost sixteen million foreign tourists during the first eight months of this year, Russia and the Philippines have emerged as the fast-growing tourist markets at 166% and 58% respectively, according to a VnExpress news report.

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

Tourist arrivals from Russia and the Philippines surged 166% and 58%, respectively, in the first eight months, as Vietnam recorded nearly 16 million international visitors, up more than 14% year-on-year.

The rise in Russian tourists has made Russia the largest European market and the third largest source of international arrivals to Vietnam this year, with around 1 million visitors, only after mainland China (3.5 million) and South Korea (2.8 million).

Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of AZA Travel, said: “Russian tourists enjoy swimming, sunbathing, eating seafood, and relaxing at resorts. Vietnam fully meets these needs, so it is understandable why they are visiting in large numbers,” Dat says.

Kristina Zagumennaya, director of a Russian travel agency, told the Russian news agency Sputnik in early August that Russian tourist flows are shifting between markets. While Turkey remains the top choice, Vietnam and China have recorded outstanding growth.

“Vietnam stands out as a popular choice this tourist season,” Zagumennaya said, noting that multiple charter flights are operating to destinations across the country to meet demand for both beach holidays and cultural tourism.

In addition to charter flights, Vietnam Airlines increased the frequency of its direct Hanoi-Moscow route from three to four flights per week starting in July.

Ranking behind Russia, the Philippines also showed notable growth, despite not being a prominent source market for Vietnamese tourism prior to 2025.

Filipino visitors have risen to nearly 470,000 this year, among the 10 largest group of foreign visitors to Vietnam.

Bui Thanh Tu, marketing director of BestPrice Travel, attributes this rise to more convenient flight routes, especially from Manila and Cebu, competitive costs, and tourism products that differ from the island destinations familiar to Filipinos.

He also cites the viral impact of TikTok and YouTube videos featuring Hanoi, Sa Pa, Da Nang, and Hoi An.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you find it surprising that Russia and the Philippines became the fastest growing tourist markets for Vietnam? Do you think it is only a matter of time before Vietnam could someday attract at least 30 million foreign tourists per year?

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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Xbox to Publish Hideo Kojima’s Physint, Expands Partnership with Kojima Productions

September 11, 2026September 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans and fellow geeks!

There is still a lot of buzz flowing online as a result of yesterday’s sudden and unexpected breakthrough that boosted Xbox as a video game entity and as an entertainment brand. I am talking about Team Xbox acquiring the right to publish Physint, an ambitious next-generation gaming project by the legendary game creator Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear, Policenauts, Death Stranding) and this is the result of PlayStation’s move to cancel that project internally.

To be clear, Physint started as a project of the PlayStation partnership with Kojima Productions a few years ago. Watch and learn from the official PlayStation video below.

Physint marks Hideo Kojima’s return to the action-espionage genre of gaming. As such, it is a loss on the part of PlayStation and now a significant gain for Xbox which itself has reset its gaming business with improvements in mind.

To put things in perspective about the expanded Xbox-Kojima partnership and Physint itself, posted below is an excerpt from the official Xbox announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Hideo Kojima has spent his career challenging conventions and expanding what games can be. Today, KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS announced the next chapter of its partnership with XBOX.

“Creators have choices about where and how they bring their ideas to life. We’re honored that Kojima-san has chosen XBOX to work with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS on PHYSINT. His ambition to challenge conventions reflects the kind of creativity we want to support at XBOX,” said Asha Sharma, XBOX CEO.

“This expands our relationship with XBOX beyond OD. As we move forward with the development of PHYSINT, we remain committed to redefining the action-espionage genre for players around the world,” said Hideo Kojima, Game Creator and Founder of KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS.

In addition to OD and PHYSINT, this relationship will also extend beyond games, with XBOX and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS collaborating across film and television to bring new stories to broader audiences.

Being a long-time Xbox fan myself and having played Kojima’s work in Metal Gear games long ago, I am very delighted and surprised by this sudden breakthrough. Kojima already has OD in its partnership with Team Xbox, and to see Physint added is both intriguing and exciting. Also notable is Xbox’s statement that it will collaborate with Kojima’s company across film and television in a serious attempt to entertain a wider audience.

Am I surprised to see PlayStation to step away from its collaboration with Kojima Productions on Physint? Not at all because PlayStation’s leadership has changed so dramatically, the Japanese perspective and interest on video gaming has faded away. There are PlayStation executives who want more live-service games instead of the single-player experiences that have long defined PlayStation’s gaming history and enduring success. PlayStation learned nothing from the multi-million Dollar failure of their exclusive game Concord. Worse, PlayStation itself has turned woke and that means it does not prioritize the interests of gamers anymore. Insomniac is the most blatant example of wokeness in PlayStation and their executives are fine with that. These are facts that many PlayStation fanboys and fangirls don’t want to acknowledge.

Let’s be very clear here…PlayStation betrayed Kojima over the Physint project and it paved the way for Team Xbox to save it and expand their strategic partnership even more. I can feel the PlayStation fanboys/fangirls expressing disappointment and embarrassment right now. I believe Physint will be in good hands under the Xbox leadership of Asha Sharma as she clearly values the partnership with Kojima.

This is truly the biggest video game surprise of the year and Xbox fans should get excited. Watch out for future updates about Physint and the growing Xbox-Kojima partnership!

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2 Men Arrested in Las Piñas City, Illegal Substances Worth P268,000 Seized

September 11, 2026September 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, local police officers successfully organized a buy-bust operation that resulted in the apprehension of two male suspects and the seizure of illegal substances worth P268,000, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Two men, both tagged as newly identified high-value individuals (HVIs), were arrested after police seized from them P268,000 worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation in Las Piñas City early Saturday, Sept. 5.

Las Piñas Police chief Col. Fermin Armendarez identified the suspects as alias Brad, 27, of Talon Singko, Las Piñas City, and Roholllah, 29, of Bacoor, Cavite.

The two were arrested at around 12:40 a.m. on Strawberry Street in Golden Acres, Barangay Talon Singko, following an entrapment operation carried out by members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU).

Armendarez said the operation was launched after police received information about the suspects’ alleged illegal drug activities in the area.

A police officer acting as a poseur-buyer successfully purchased suspected shabu from Brad, leading to the suspects’ arrest.

Police recovered four heat-sealed transparent sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 39.44 grams.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you thankful to the local police for arresting the suspects?

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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Vietnam Attracts Almost 16 Million Foreign Tourists in First 8 Months of 2026

September 10, 2026September 4, 2026carlocarrasco

The tourism boom in Vietnam continued strongly as the nation successfully attracted almost sixteen million foreign tourists during the first eight months of 2026, according to a news report by VnExpress.

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

Vietnam welcomed nearly 2 million international visitors in August, up 19.7% from July and 18.4% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

In the first eight months of this year, the country received nearly 16 million foreign visitors, an increase of 14.4% from the same period in 2025 and equivalent to 63.6% of the full-year target.

The August figure is notable as the month is usually considered part of the low season for international tourism.

The result shows that the country’s tourism market continued to maintain and expand its appeal. Air travel remained the main mode of entry, accounting for 83% of international arrivals, while arrivals by road continued to increase, particularly from neighboring countries.

By region, Asia was still Vietnam’s largest source market, with about 11.8 million visitors in the eight-month period, making up nearly 74% of the total and increasing 7.4% year-on-year.

Europe recorded the strongest growth among major regions, at 53.4%, with about 2.68 million visitors.

Arrivals from the Americas reached around 887,000, up 20.7%, while those from Oceania rose 23.3% to nearly 489,000. Africa sent about 45,000 visitors to Vietnam, up 25.1%.

The tourism authority said the figures show that Vietnam is expanding its reach beyond nearby Asian markets, with strong growth from long-haul markets, helping diversify the visitor base and reduce dependence on individual markets.

By country, China remained Vietnam’s largest source market, with 3.54 million visitors, accounting for about 22.3% of the total. South Korea ranked second with approximately 2.76 million visitors, or 17.3%. Together, the two markets provided more than 6.3 million visitors, nearly 40% of the country’s total.

Russia ranked third with more than 1 million visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of about 165.7%, the highest growth among major source markets.

Other key markets also posted strong growth. Visitors from the U.S. increased 20.4%, Cambodia 41.5%, Japan 9.2%, the Philippines 58.8% and Australia 23.3%.

European markets continued to perform well, with arrivals from the U.K. rising 9.8%, France 13.4%, Germany 15.1%, Sweden 25.1%, Switzerland 27%, Poland 51.2% and the Czech Republic 28.2%. In Southeast Asia, tourists from Malaysia grew 20.5%, Singapore 31.7%, and Indonesia 26.7%.

India was another fast-growing market. The number of Indian visitors rose from just 102,000 in 2019 to more than 612,000 in the first eight months of 2026.

The expansion of direct air services between major Indian cities and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang has helped make Vietnam more accessible to Indian travelers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Vietnam can attract at least 25 million foreign tourists by the end of this year? If you plan to visit Vietnam soon, what are your three main reasons for visiting?

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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I Love Israel: Manila-Tel Aviv Direct Flights to Launch in January 2027

September 10, 2026September 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Starting January 3, 2027, direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv will launch with Israeli airline Arkia in-charge of the service, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. For many Filipinos who desired to visit the Holy Land in Israel, this is a dream that will come true and the new route is the first non-stop air link between the two major cities.

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

Filipinos can soon fly directly to Israel without making a stopover, as Israeli airline Arkia prepares to launch the first nonstop flights between Manila and Tel Aviv in January 2027.

The new route will begin on Jan. 3, 2027, with an initial service of one flight a week and a travel time of about 11 hours, according to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh.

For years, travelers between the Philippines and Israel have had to take connecting flights, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi among the main stopover points, while other options include connections through New Delhi, Bangkok, Seoul, and other Asian cities.

The new service will therefore provide the first nonstop air link between Manila and Tel Aviv.

Kursh welcomed the development in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sept. 8, saying the route would bring the two countries closer after years without a direct connection.

“For the first time in many years, our two countries will be connected by a direct flight, bringing Israel and the Philippines closer than ever before,” she said.

The Israeli envoy said the new air link would go beyond making travel more convenient, as it could also open more opportunities for tourism, business, investment, and cultural exchanges.

“This is much more than a new flight route,” Kursh said.

“It is a bridge between our peoples, creating new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural exchange, while making it easier for Israelis and Filipinos to discover each other’s beautiful countries,” she added.

The Department of Transportation had earlier pushed for direct flights between the Philippines and Israel, with officials saying improved air connectivity would help strengthen bilateral ties.

Kursh said she looked forward to welcoming more Israeli visitors to the Philippines while encouraging more Filipinos to discover Israel.

“I look forward to welcoming many more Israeli visitors to the Philippines and to seeing even more Filipinos discovering the beauty, diversity and warmth of Israel,” she said.

To all my readers, I encourage you to thank the Lord for this breakthrough of cooperation between Israel and the Philippines. Ambassador Dana Kursh is absolutely right by stating that the direct Manila-Tel Aviv air link is the bridge between Filipinos and the Israelis who will benefit from the new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural exchange. For Filipinos who desire to visit the Holy Land to discover the holy sites, witness the Holy Bible come to life and deepen their faith in the Lord, the direct flights are absolutely golden.

I personally have a desire to return to Israel someday to spend quality with the Lord right there in the Holy Land. I love Israel and I believe strong in the biblical ties between Jews and Christians.

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord for this breakthrough to lead to more breakthroughs for both Filipinos and Israelis.

At the same time, I encourage you all to realize the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 153

September 9, 2026September 9, 2026carlocarrasco

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 The Transformers: The Movie – I can hardly believe it has been forty years since The Transformers: The Movie was first released. Following its disappointing theatrical run, the animated feature film became highly pursued by Transformers fans as soon as it was released on home video, and me and my friends enjoyed it a lot. It’s theatrical disappointment never stopped it from becoming a classic for Transformers fans and its importance in pop culture has been established solidly. By today’s standards, The Transformers: The Movie is a showcase of not only high-quality animation and a great lineup of characters, it also has the fine vocal performances of entertainment legends Orson Welles, Peter Cullen (who died recently), Leonard Nimoy, Scatman Crothers, Robert Stack, and Frank Welker. That said, it is not surprising that the 1986 animated film is featured in many movie reaction videos and I found the most entertaining ones for you to enjoy.

#2 Summer Bargains in Japan – Are there a lot of bargains offered by your local grocery or department stores during the summer season? In Japan, as captured by Nippon TV, a grocery store organized “all-you-can-stuff” events that offered customers the golden opportunities to accumulate as many fresh vegetables (sourced from the summer produce of local farms) as they can for a fixed rate per attempt. Watching this Nippon TV video is entertaining and informative. I encourage you all to watch it from start to finish.

#3 1978 Interview Clip of Ingrid Bergman – If you have seen the classic movie Casablanca, you would remember the radiant beauty of Ingrid Bergman and her on-screen romance with Humphrey Bogart’s character. A few years before she passed away, Bergman was interviewed on TV and I posted below a short video excerpt for you to see. Not only will you learn from Bergman a notable revelation about her co-star’s presence behind the scenes of Casablanca’s production, you will see how intellectual and insightful she was. Go watch the video below.

#4 The Indiana Jones Game Konami Was Never Allowed to Make – Time for retro gaming! Back in the 1980s, Konami was a very prolific producer of video games for both arcades and consoles. In 1987, Konami released Arumana no Kiseki for the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) disk system. What struck me when I first played the game was the many creative elements it shared with the 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The playable action hero was designed with close resemblance to Indiana Jones (complete with the fedora). The game even had locations that looked like they were ripped off from the 1984 movie. To learn more about Arumana no Kiseki, who created it and why it had lots of Indiana Jones-related elements in it, watch the video below.

#5 Roger Moore Technically Played James Bond in The Cannonball Run – Released in 1981, The Cannonball Run was an all-star comedy film with an emphasis on racing and stunts. It was heavily inspired by a real-life illegal cross-country motor race that happened in America in the 1970s and the movie had the very popular celebrities of the time like Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Farrah Fawcett and Roger Moore. Moore, who was already famous as the cinematic James Bond, technically played Agent 007 in The Cannonball Run. If you are curious and you want to know more, go watch Calvin Dyson’s retrospective of the movie and Moore’s presence.

#6 Jerusalem Walk Video – During the day-off of the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined in 2023, I took the rare opportunity to explore the city of Jerusalem on foot. I started the day at the Old City of Jerusalem where I visited the Temple Mount, the Western Wall and other holy sites before marching all the way to the modern part of Jerusalem going as far as the famous Mahane Yehuda market. This Jerusalem walk video brings back memories to me and if you love world travel, I encourage you to watch it.

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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

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Empties Mexico Border Shelters

September 9, 2026September 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Ever since US President Donald Trump returned to office, the immigration crackdown and tightening implemented by the current administration not only brought illegal crossings down and deported a lot of illegal immigrants/aliens but also made the migrant shelters along Mexico’s northern border getting emptied, according to a news report by Newsmax.

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

Migrant shelters along Mexico’s northern border are emptying as fewer migrants head to the United States following President Donald Trump’s tighter immigration enforcement and expanded deportation efforts.

For Salome Villena, an Ecuadorean migrant who once planned to cross into the U.S. with her husband and two children, aged 4 and 6, the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration policy helped change those plans. Instead, the family has decided to remain in Ciudad Juarez, where they are among the few people still staying at a local shelter.

“Our intention was to cross into the United States, but because of what Trump did, we couldn’t,” Villena said, referring to changes in U.S. immigration and asylum policies.

The family also considered paying a smuggler to take them across the border, but abandoned the idea after they said the man began stealing their money.

After returning to office, Trump ended one of the main pathways migrants had used to seek entry to the U.S., ending the CBP One app that allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at ports of entry. The change left thousands of migrants in border cities such as Ciudad Juarez and prompted Mexican authorities to prepare for a surge in deportees by opening emergency shelters.

Many of those facilities, however, remained largely empty as migrant arrivals fell and deportations were often carried out by air to southern Mexico or other countries.

The drop in migrant flows has been felt across Ciudad Juarez’s shelter network. Juan Fierro, who heads the city’s Good Samaritan shelter, said Trump’s policies had sharply reduced the number of new arrivals.

“It’s becoming increasingly complicated and difficult for people to reach Mexico’s northern border and cross into the United States,” he said.

The shift has altered the makeup of the city’s migrant population, said Dirvan Garcia of the state population council, Coespo.

“We are living something completely different,” Garcia said. “There are a large number of people who initially intended to cross the border but are now putting down roots in the city.“

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you pleased with the ongoing immigration crackdown in America under the Trump administration? Are there still a lot of illegal immigrants/aliens still living in your local community? Do you think the number of foreigners who planned to illegally enter the United States but ended up staying in Mexico will settle in Mexican towns/cities permanently?

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

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