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Philippines secures at least $4 billion worth of investments from Germany

March 22, 2024March 13, 2024carlocarrasco

The Philippines has been on a roll lately when it comes to attracting investors and sealing agreements. Following the success of attracting investment from Australia, the Philippines secured from Germany investments worth at least $4 billion (over P220 billion) as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and his team went there recently, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The said amount is more than double than what the nation secured from Australia.

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

The Philippines has secured at least USD4 billion (PHP222 billion) worth of investments in various sectors during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s working visit in Germany.

“We have secured business deals worth USD4 billion in Germany, the EU’s economic powerhouse!” he said in a Facebook post Wednesday morning.

“Last year’s significant investments from Germany underscore their confidence in us as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific. We eagerly welcome further collaborations in climate action and energy transition.”

On Tuesday night (Manila time), Marcos became the first Philippine president to address German business leaders in 10 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Germany diplomatic relations.

The Philippines and Germany established their diplomatic relations on Oct. 8, 1954.

Marcos also witnessed during the business forum the presentation and exchange of various memoranda of agreement or understanding and letters of intent with different German businesses.

Marcos, in his speech, said Germany is one of the countries that the Philippines is looking forward to further fostering strong business partnerships and collaboration, being one of the biggest economies in the European Union.

He said Germany has the biggest economy both in Gross Domestic Product and population, and a global force in technology and innovation.

“Last year was a testament to the continuing confidence of Germany in the Philippines as a partner in the Asia-Pacific and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region by leading among the countries in terms of investments,” Marcos said.

The President also touted the policy reforms and key legislations made by his government to make the Philippines a reliable partner for foreign investors.

In 2022, Germany was the Philippines’ 12th largest trading partner, 10th export market, and 15th import supplier.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the confirmed investments from Germany will translate into new jobs and new opportunities for social and economic prosperity?

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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Implementation of ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on major roads of Metro Manila to take effect on April 15, 2024

March 21, 2024March 12, 2024carlocarrasco

It is finally happening with orderly travel and the safety of many others in mind. In relation to the resolution approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the ban on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) on the major roads of Metro Manila will take effect on April 15, 2024, and there will be deputized traffic enforcers to implement it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Starting April 15, Metro Manila traffic enforcers will start apprehending e-bikes and e-trikes that will be caught travelling along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday, March 11.

At least 19 major thoroughfares were already identified by the MMDA as off-limits to e-bikes and e-trikes but local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila can still add more roads based on the ordinances that they would approve.

The initial MMDA list are C1: Recto Avenue; C2: Pres. Quirino Avenue; C3: Araneta Avenue; C4: EDSA; C5: Katipunan/CP Garcia; C6: Southeast Metro Manila Expressway; R1: Roxas Boulevard; R2: Taft Avenue; R3: Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway); R4: Shaw Boulevard; R5: Ortigas Avenue; R6: Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd; R7: Quezon Ave./Commonwealth Ave; R8: A. Bonifacio Ave.; R9: Rizal Ave.; R10: Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway; Elliptical Road; Mindanao Avenue; and Marcos Highway.

These are the major thoroughfares that are under the jurisdiction of the MMDA.

MMDA chairman Don Artes said the April 15 date would be an ideal start of the enforcement as it would give them more time to conduct aggressive information dissemination drives, especially to e-bikes and e-trikes owners and users.

The enforcement against e-bikes and e-trikes is based on the Metro Manila Council (MMC) Resolution 2024-022 that was approved by all NCR mayors in a bid to regulate the e-vehicles amid mounting concerns on road safety.

“The IRR (implementing Rules and Regulations) of the MMC Resolution will be released before April 15, and before April 15 we want to have a minimum of 15 days before effectivity for information drive before we implement this,” said Artes.

He explained that the April 15 date is what was stipulated in the MMC Resolution as the start of the implementation.

The MMDA held on Monday a consultation with various stakeholders in connection with the MMC Resolution and it was during the dialogue that various considerations were raised by some stakeholders.

One of that considerations, according to Artes, is the classification of the e-bikes and e-trikes and the areas where they will still be allowed.

For instance, pedal-assist e-bikes will still be allowed on major thoroughfares provided that they stay on the designated bike lanes.

The MMC and the MMDA agreed to regulate e-bikes and e-trikes amid the rising cases of road accidents in the past few years.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that all drivers of e-bikes and e-trikes must be required to have licenses in order to drive? Do you want to see all e-bikes and e-trikes get registered with the local authorities before they could be used on the roads? Did you see any e-bike or e-trike driver driving recklessly over the past two weeks?

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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Bazaar, Mayor’s Gallery and other activities at Las Piñas City Hall set for March 25 and 26, 2024

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that special activities related to the dual celebrations of Las Piñas’ founding and cityhood anniversaries will take place at City Hall on March 25 and 26, 2024, according to the social media post of March 6, 2024.

On March 25, a cultural dance presentation will happen at City Hall at 7AM.

On March 25 and 26, a bazaar will take place at the City Hall Quadrangle starting 8AM up to 5PM. There will be a variety of goods that visitors will find.

On March 26 at 3PM, the unveiling of the Las Piñas City Mayor’s Gallery will take place at the lobby of the Mayor’s Office inside City Hall. At the quadrangle just outside, the Bayan ng Las Piñas one-act play will start at 5PM and last until 7PM. At 6PM, the launch of “Tahanan” will commence.

March 27 is a special non-working day as previously announced by Malacañang Palace recognizing the dual celebrations of the city’s founding and cityhood anniversaries.

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? Do you plan to attend the special activities at Las Piñas City Hall on March 25 and 26? What do you expect to see at the bazaar as well as at the Mayor’s Gallery?

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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A Look Back at Tomb Raider #2 (2000)

March 20, 2024March 19, 2024carlocarrasco

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, Tomb Raider fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to year 2000 to revisit the 2^nd issue of the Tomb Raider comic book series which was published through Image Comics.

In my previous retro review, the creative team smoothly and firmly established the iconic Lara Croft as an experienced treasure hunter and explorer who also knows how to negotiate with clients when it comes to high-risk tasks. In short, her debut in comics turned out very inspired by the video games and that made the Tomb Raider herself a fitting protagonist in the realm of comic books.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Tomb Raider #2, published in 2000 by Image Comics (production work by Top Cow) with a story written by Dan Jurgens and drawn by Andy Park.

Early story

The story begins with Lara Croft in trouble deep underwater as her oxygen line had been cut off while her yacht got badly damaged by a time bomb placed on it by unidentified operators. The wounded Lara is approached by two scuba divers responsible for the attack. As they search her for valuable items, Lara fights back against them strategically. After the two got attacked by the sharks separately, she avoids the sharks near her only to witness her yacht sink from above and on to the surface below.

Lara then begins to worry about her butler Compton…

Quality

*The interactions between Lara Croft and Compton remind me a lot about Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Alfred working together.*

This tale shows Lara aided by Compton (who turned out to be more than just dedicated butler) on a search not only for artifacts but also for answers and people. This is the result of the disruption caused by a gang led by Chase Carver as Lara conducted the dangerous underwater search in relation to her agreement with a dangerous client. If there is any symbolism here, it would be the unfortunate events confirming that the so-called industry on the search for artifacts is truly dangerous not only because of difficult locations to visit but also because there are powerful stakeholders who resort to violence to get ahead of other searchers. In short, the very rich Lara is destined to encounter danger as she personally engages in the searching.

Using flashbacks, Dan Jurgens inserted scenes showing readers what Lara was like when she was a young girl, who her parents are, and how involved Compton became as the family’s defender and butler. As a result, Compton here ended up looking and acting very much like Batman’s Alfred Pennyworth (butler and operator). This is not exactly problematic as having Compton allows the creators to have Lara someone to talk with and place her trust on. That being said, I can say that Lara-Compton is pretty much like Batman-Alfred.

More on the story, there is a focus on the violent competition within the world of the search for artifacts. The attack by Carver’s gang drastically altered the direction of Lara’s search which leads her and Compton to Nepal.

When it comes to spectacle, I noticed that the Jurgens-Park duo ramped up the action a lot and the violence was intensified making this tale look like an R-rated action movie. This opened a lot of opportunities for Park to draw more dynamic action shots complete with explosions. In my view, the ramped-up spectacle did not overwhelm the narrative and turned out a very generous pay-off to the build-up.

Conclusion

*There is plenty of action to enjoy in this comic book.*

Tomb Raider #1 (2000) is a fun read that moved the story forward while saving enough space for character exposition (the flashbacks) and spectacle. As Lara’s search for answers goes on, the suspense got built-up nicely and there were details that caught my curiosity. As of now, I am looking forward to finding out more and what would happen next.

Overall, Tomb Raider #2 (2000) is recommended.

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COMELEC wants credible 2025 National and Local Elections, will enforce law against those who commit poll sabotage

March 20, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Now that the P17.99 billion contract with new provider Miru Systems has been signed, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it aims to ensure the integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections and they will not hesitate to apply the full extent of the law against those who intend to commit irregularities and poll sabotage, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday warned it would not hesitate to apply the full extent of the law to those who are out to jeopardize the country’s electoral process.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia issued the warning during the signing of the contract for the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project with officials of South Korean firm Miru Systems Inc., headed by president Jinbok Chung, its service provider for the next polls.

Garcia said electoral sabotage is a non-bailable offense and can be meted with a penalty of life imprisonment under Republic Act 9369 or the Election Automation Law of 2007.

He also warned Miru and its Filipino partners against politicians and political parties who might approach them to rig the polls.

“Inemphasize ko sa kanila, kung kaya nyo gawin yan, huwag na huwag nyo gawin yan under the present leadership of this Commission. We want ang pinaka maayos na elections, credible, pinaka pinagkakatiwalaan election ng 2025. Sabi ko kung gusto nyo pa mag participate sa mga susunod na procurement ng Comelec, ayusin nyo 2025 elections (I emphasized to them ‘if you can do that, never do that under the present leadership of the commission. We want the 2025 elections to be most organized, credible and reliable. I told them, ‘if your want to participate in future procurements of the Comelec, make sure that the 2025 elections would be smooth),” he added on the sidelines of the signing rites.

The poll body chief also said Miru must prove to Filipinos that it deserves to bag the poll automation deal by establishing a highly credible and transparent system.

At the same time, Garcia acknowledged the support of the South Korean government for the poll automation project.

“We are pleased with the presence of the South Korean ambassador (Lee Sang-hwa) because it proves that he is supportive of this endeavor and we can trust the company that we have as partners simply because the government of Korea is very supportive of this endeavor,” he said.

Hackers – Garcia, meanwhile, said they are coordinating with law enforcement authorities against hackers who might manipulate the polls.

“Sumulat na kami sa National Bureau of Investigation asking for assistance para maaresto or mapigilan mga taong ito. So siguro napreempt na kanilang plano (We have sent a request to the NBI asking them to arrest or prevent these people from carrying out their illegal acts. I think their plans were preempted),” he said.

The poll body is looking to start the customization of the automated counting machines (ACMs) next month. Garcia said this customization process usually takes six months.

“If we can have it shortened, it would be better. But in our experience, it’s really six months. If we start by April, six months from April. We have two months for international certification and one month for source code review,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chung vowed they would comply with the rules set by the Philippine government.

“Our goal is also to build up our company and to expand and we’re looking towards the future. We will not do anything that will jeopardize our future and also the election process of the Philippines. We promise, we can guarantee that we will be transparent all throughout the process. We will abide by the rules of the Comelec, of this nation,” Chung said in Korean and was translated to English by Miru overseas sales representative Jason Lee.

Under the contract, the joint venture (JV) of Miru Systems Co Ltd, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. (MIRU-ICS-STCC-CPSTI) will provide 110,000 ACMs, ballot boxes; laptop and printer; and ballots.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will remain laser focused on doing its part in the contract and help the COMELEC preserve the integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections? Do you think Miru Systems will do a better and more efficient job than Smartmatic?

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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COMELEC and Miru Systems sign P17.99 billion contract for 2025 automated poll system

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Once the 2025 National and Local Elections here in the Philippines finally happen, expect to see some differences when voting as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and new provider Miru Systems Company Limited signed the P17.99 billion contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) related to the said polls, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections and South Korean company Miru Systems Company Limited on Monday signed the contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) for the 2025 national and local elections.

The P17.99-billion contract will cover around 110,000 machines and peripherals including ballot boxes, laptops, and other printing requirements for the 2025 elections.

Miru is joined by Integrated Computer Systems and St. Timothy Construction Corporation and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. in the joint venture for the Comelec procurement.

The signing was led by Comelec Chairman George Garcia, Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay, and Miru President Chung Jin Bok.

This came more than two weeks after Comelec announced that it awarded the contract to Miru, the lone bidder for the procurement.

Lawmakers, election watchdogs, and other groups earlier expressed concern and called on the Comelec to stay vigilant and review Miru’s track record.

But, Miru Systems said the allegations of election failures due to its technology were false.

For perspective about allegations of Miru Systems, click here. The company itself has stated that allegations against them related to elections in Iraq and Congo were false and you can read about that by clicking here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to the requirements of the contract and prove helpful in the 2025 National and Local Elections?

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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Ten people hurt as a result of water tank explosion in Parañaque City

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, ten people got hurt due to a water tank’s sudden explosion, according to a GMA Network news report. The explosion, which happened in Barangay Tambo, also caused some structural damage on a building.

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

Ten people were injured after a water tank on the roof deck of a building exploded in Parañaque City on Saturday night, according to a report on Super Radyo dzBB.

Portions of the building, located along Quirino Avenue in Barangay Tambo, were damaged due to the blast that happened past 9 p.m.

Witnesses said debris fell on the street and hit several vehicles, including a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and an e-trike, according to a report on Super Radyo dzBB. A power line was also affected.

According to Barangay Tambo Peace and Order officer-in-charge Denson Cano, he was in a nearby eatery when he heard an explosion, which he initially mistook as a bomb.

“Kumakain ako dito sa bulaluhan. ‘Yung putok, akala namin, akala ko may sumabog na bomba or something kasi malakas and then mga two to 10 seconds later, may second explosion which was itong, ‘yung ano, transformer,” he said Jhomer Apresto’s report on “24 Oras Weekend”

(I was eating, and we thought there was a bomb that exploded because it was powerful, and then two to 10 seconds later, there was a second explosion, which was the transformer.)

Among those injured was a 13-year-old identified as Sebseb, who was on an e-bike when the explosion happened. The rush of the water swept the e-trike away and caused him to fall into a nearby hole.

“Nakasakay po ako sa e-bike eh. Hindi ko po alam kung anong nangyari eh, basta may bumagsak po samin tapos basang basa po kami ng tubig talaga,” he said in the same report.

(I was riding an e-bike. I don’t know what happened, just that something fell on us, and we were wet.)

Also injured was a nearby shopkeeper who sustained a lump on the head after being hit by the debris that fell. Some streets had to be closed for clearing operations.

GMA Integrated News Bulletin reported that the building management has assured that it would cover the medical expenses of the injured victims.

Let me end this piece 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 more water tanks around the city that could explode somehow and cause damage?

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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FDA working with BIR to make medicine more affordable for senior citizens

March 18, 2024March 17, 2024carlocarrasco

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are working together to cut the prices of medicine for senior citizens by means of exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). It should be noted that previously President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., ordered the FDA to implement a 20 percent discount and VAT exemption for senior citizens under RA 9994 or Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

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

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to bring down prices of medicines for senior citizens through exemption from value-added tax (VAT).

FDA Director General Samuel Zacate said the exemption of VAT coverage will be through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) or Republic Act (RA) No. 11534.

“Basically, the exemption for VAT is through a law – iyong (the) CREATE Law. So, those medicines have been declared by the FDA, endorsed to the BIR para matanggal or mawala iyong kanilang (to remove) VAT,” Zacate said in a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday.

RA 11534 provides VAT exemption to certain medicines for hypertension, cancer, mental illnesses, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol, as well as Covid-19 drugs and medical devices.

Pursuant to the CREATE law, Zacate said the FDA is directed to identify and transmit the list of approved medicines for VAT exemption to other implementing agencies, such as the BIR.

“Basically…we only endorse it to the BIR kasi kami po iyong nagdi-determine kung ano, para saan talaga iyong gamot. So, FDA ang magsasabi, kung papaano iyong mekanismo, kung paano tatanggalin iyong gamot (because we are the ones who determine what, what your medicine is really for. So, FDA will say, how your mechanism, how to withdraw your drug). So, it’s a joint process po of the FDA and the BIR,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Are there lots of senior citizens in your local community who are aware of this development?

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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Over 700 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas

March 18, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred senior citizens got vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas, the City Government announced through social media on March 7, 2024.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…

The City Health Office of Las Piñas successfully conducted the final leg of its series of pneumonia vaccination drives for senior citizens at the Robinsons Place Las Piñas on Saturday, March 2nd.

The drive saw the vaccination of over 700 senior citizens, protecting their vulnerable population from pneumonia, a leading cause of morbidity among the elderly.

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? Were there many senior citizens in your local community who managed to get vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas? Are you hoping that the City Government will conduct another pneumonia vaccination drive?

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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Over 1.2 million international tourist arrivals in the Philippines counted (January 1 to March 5, 2024)

March 18, 2024March 7, 2024carlocarrasco

If the newest data about the 1.2 million international tourist arrivals released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the period of January 1 to March 5, 2024, is indeed true and accurate, then it looks like achieving the 7.7 million international tourist arrivals target for the Philippines for 2024 is doable. The DOT recently announced that that 1,227,815 international tourist arrivals (which includes both foreign tourists and Filipinos based overseas) were counted during the first 65 days of the year, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines is off to a good start in reaching its year-end arrival target after getting 1.2 million foreign visitors in the first two months of 2024 alone, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported Thursday.

As of March 5, international tourist arrivals to the Philippines have tallied 1,227,815.

Foreign tourist arrivals took the lion’s share with 1,160,129 or 94.49 percent while overseas Filipinos make up the remaining 67,686.

Speaking at the Philippine Pavilion at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) 2024 Convention in Germany, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said this is 22.86 percent higher than the 999,390 arrivals received by the country in the same period in 2023.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude first to all our Philippine sellers who continue to champion Philippine tourism. As of today (March 5), the Philippines has received over 1.2 million international visitors, a robust indication of the future of Philippine tourism. Cheers to all the reasons to celebrate and Love the Philippines,” she said.

South Korea remains the country’s top source market for visitors, with 349,956 or 28.50 percent of the total, followed by the United States with 195,603 (15.93 percent), China with 85,876 (6.99 percent), Japan with 73,159 (5.96 percent), and Canada landing in the fifth spot with 50,555 (4.12 percent).

Australia took the sixth spot with 50,488 (4.11 percent), Taiwan with 42,955 (3.50 percent), the United Kingdom with 30,507 (2.48 percent), Singapore with 25,253 (2.06 percent), and Germany with 20,816 (1.70 percent).

In January, the country’s visitor receipts also grew by 4.84 percent to USD652.26 million from the USD622.14 million recorded in the same month last year.

By doing the math, 1,227,815 international tourist arrivals divided by the first 65 days of 2024 is equivalent to 18,889.46 per day. Multiply that by 366 days for 2024 (a leap year), the total would be 6,913,542 which is several hundreds of thousands of international tourist arrivals short of the declared target. The DOT and the rest of tourism industry’s stakeholders still have lots of work to do to ensure that more than enough visitors from overseas will come into the country and add to the nation’s economy. It should be remembered that the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and China Banking Corp. found the nation’s Philippine tourism recovery still lacking.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development? Do you think the reforms and initiatives the Department of Tourism (DOT) executed last year are generating positive results right now? Did you notice the lack of Arab nations among the top markets of international visitors the DOT declared? Do you think there is enough momentum and time for the Philippines to be able to attract 7,700,000 international tourist arrivals by the end of the 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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