Author: carlocarrasco

IMF sees stronger economic growth for the Philippines in 2026 but warns about risks related to external developments

IMF sees stronger economic growth for the Philippines in 2026 but warns about risks related to external developments

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Recently the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that it expects the economic growth of the Philippines to get stronger in 2026 but it issue a warning that external developments could prevent it from happening, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY will continue to accelerate from this year to 2026 as domestic demand remains robust, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said, but warned risks are tilted to the downside due to possible external shocks.

At the same time, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that the Philippines likely failed to hit its 6-6.5% growth goal for 2024, amid typhoons.

“If it hits 6% in the fourth quarter, I’ll be happy with that. I don’t think it will hit 6% for 2024, but I think it will surpass 6% in 2025,” Mr. Recto told reporters on Jan. 16.

For the first nine months of 2024, Philippine growth averaged 5.8%, the same as the IMF’s projection for the full year. Preliminary fourth-quarter and full-year gross domestic product (GDP) data will be released on Jan. 30.

In its latest World Economic Outlook  update, the IMF kept its GDP forecasts for the Philippines at 6.1% this year and 6.3% for 2026, the same as its projections in October.

These would fall within the government’s 6-8% GDP target for 2025 and 2026.

“Growth for 2025-2026 is projected to be primarily driven by domestic demand, namely consumption and investment,” an IMF spokesperson said in an e-mail.

“Consumption growth will be supported by lower food prices and gradual monetary policy easing,” it added.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed household consumption, which accounts for over three-fourths of the economy, jumped by 5.1% in the third quarter from 4.7% a quarter ago.

“Investment growth is expected to pick up on the back of a sustained public investment push, gradually declining borrowing costs and acceleration in the implementation of public-private partnership projects and foreign direct investments (FDI), following recent legislative reforms,” the IMF said.

Gross capital formation, the investment component of the economy, expanded by 13.1% in the third quarter, a turnaround from the 0.3% dip a year ago.

However, the IMF said that the balance of risks to the growth outlook is tilted to the downside, citing external risks.

“Some of the main downside risks include recurrent commodity price volatility, and new supply shocks, which may necessitate tighter monetary policy to anchor inflation expectations,” it said.

The IMF also cited shocks such as geopolitical tensions which could disrupt trade and other financial flows.

“Higher for longer policy rates in advanced economies (could cause) capital outflows, and tighter financial conditions,” it added.

The multilateral institution also cited climate shocks and extreme weather events which would lead to economic losses.

“There are also upside risks to the outlook, including from higher-than-expected growth in private investment through public-private partnerships, higher inward FDI following a faster-than-expected global recovery, or stronger reform momentum,” it added.

INFLATION – Meanwhile, the IMF said it expects inflation to remain within the central bank’s 2-4% target range in the near to medium term. It projects headline inflation to average 2.8% this year and 3% in 2026.

“However, risks are tilted to the upside, as rising geopolitical tensions, extreme climate events, and recurrent commodity price volatility continue to pose upside risks to inflation,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the IMF is correct with its current analysis of the details and economic forecast for the Philippines? Do you think the national government should focus more on attracting new foreign investors and bringing inflation down to build up the economic momentum?

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  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Israel restaurant updates and news for foodies (January 2025)

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Israel Foodie News January 2025

If you are traveling to Israel very soon and if you love unique, tasty and high-quality meals, I encourage you to read this blog post by Debbest Israel. I would love to visit some of the restaurants (listed in the blog post) upon returning to Israel in the near future.

Having been to Israel myself, I can say that you will find a lot of great or dynamic places to eat in. There is always something for the food enthusiast or tourist with different tastes or preferences.

A Look Back at Superman #350 (1980)

A Look Back at Superman #350 (1980)

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

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 20th century pop culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1980 to take a close look at one of the many tales published through the original Superman monthly series (first launched in 1939).

Before Crisis on Infinite Earths happened, the DC Comics multiverse had a lot of superhero stories that had outlandish fantasy elements. For example, Action Comics #454 showed Superman eating tons of food in order to survive. In Action Comics #456, the battles between Superman and The Shark had lots of outlandish looking forms of action. In short, the old multiverse and its tropes are looking fun to revisit.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Superman , published in 1980 by DC Comics with a story written by Gerry Conway and drawn by Curt Swan.  

The cover.

Early story

The story begins when Superman makes his move to prevent a punctured hot air balloon transport from crashing. It turns out the balloon was part of the promotion of a reunion event at Metropolis University and Superman really went there to attend it in his civilian identity as Clark Kent. Also attending the event is his long-time friend and colleague Lana Lang.

As the old professor Lemuel B. Tolkein – former superior of Clark and his classmates – speaks during the reunion, several attendees – including people Clark personally knew – begin to disappear into thin air. The remaining attendees and guests begin to panic…

Quality

Superman uses his special abilities to solve problems here.

I really like this story. Without spoiling the plot, I can say that this tale written by Conway is actually a mystery that happens to take place during Clark Kent’s reunion with many people from his past. As there is no good-versus-evil concept, the story is solidly focused on mysterious happenings that challenge Superman’s ability to solve problems. Even though he already has many super powers, the Man of Steel still got challenged a lot by the disappearances of people and things.

Apart from the story, I also enjoyed Conway’s approach on developing Clark Kent/Superman, Lana Lang and Lois Lane. Seeing Clark reconnecting with people from his past at Metropolis University was a refreshing portrayal and it also sheds light on how he handled himself during his collegiate years. As for Lois Lane, she was portrayed to be hostile towards Clark with regards to journalistic competition between them, and yet she still has tenderness towards Superman deep inside.

Conclusion

Superman quickly changes into his Clark Kent identity to attend the reunion.

Superman (1980) is enjoyable and the elements of the pre-Crisis multiverse of DC Comics added depth to it. The story is relaxing to follow and it managed to surprise me and keep me engaged until the very end. I am convinced to follow the next issue.

Overall, Superman (1980) is recommended.

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

Remolino and Alcoseba successfully defend titles in 2025 National Age Group Triathlon Subic Bay race

Remolino and Alcoseba successfully defend titles in 2025 National Age Group Triathlon Subic Bay race

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Cebu-based SEA Games medalists Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba successfully defended their respective titles in the elite category of the 2025 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) opening leg at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Freeport Boardwalk in Zambales yesterday.

Remolino finished the 750 Meter swim – 20 Kilometer bike – 5 Km run race in 56 minutes and 46 seconds to beat teammate Matthew Justine Hermosa (56:47) and Joshua Alexander Ramos of Baguio City (57:23) in the men’s division.

“Halos sabay-sabay lang kami nina Matthew, [Iñaki Emil] Lorbes, Joshua at Dayshaun Karl [Ramos] after ng swim until sa bike transition. Nag-breakaway kami ni Matthew pag-start ng run, then nag-sprint na kami sa last 150 meters,” explained the 23-year-old Remolino, a 2nd year marketing student at University of San Carlos.

In the women’s division, Alcoseba clocked 1:05:19 to claim her fourth straight title in the event organized by the Triathlon Philipines headed by Tom Carrasco.

Erika Nicole Burgos of Tanauan, Batangas (1:06:56) and Katrina Salazar of Mandaluyong City (1:08:53) placed second and third, respectively.

“I had a good training. It’s nice to win again,” said Alcoseba, fourth year civil engineering student at De La Salle University. She won one gold (4x200m freestyle relay), two silver (400m Individual Medley and 800m freestyle) and one bronze (400m freestyle relay) medals in the UAAP Season 87 swimming competition.

In the Junior Elite category, the top three finishers in the men’s division were Dayshaun Karl Ramos (57:17), Darell Johnson Bada (59:38) and Euan Arrow Ramos (59:40) while in the women’s division were Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy (1:09:54), Maria Celinda (1:14:50) and Candace Marie (1:15:12).

In the age group sprint, which also covered 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km, the winners in the men’s division were Christopher Adrian Te of TDN Con-Steel Builders (16-19), Daniel Nazarro of Baguio Benguet Triathlon (20-29), Norman Resurrecion of FITPH (30-39), Raffy Dolor of Artemis Victory (40-49), Joey Veloso of Paynet Amigo Tri (50-59), and Michiel Van Der Auwera of Westgrove (60 and over).

Champions in the women’s division were Aira Danara Soguilon Gregorio of DentalWay-HTC-GTT (16-19), Edellaine Mae Digos of Olongapo Junior Trackers Multisports (20-29), Rhia Mae Alexandra Stawicki of Triclark Triathlon Team (30-39), Franchesca Carpo of Polotri Team (40-49), Bic Ferreria of Amigo Tri (50 and over).

In the Para Triathlon, the winners were Jake Lacaba (men’s PTS2), Raul Angoluan (men’s PTS3),

Alex Niño Silverio (men’s PTS4), and Joshua Nelmida and Bernard Matthew Cruz (men’s PTSVI)

The NAGT is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Milo, Standard Insurance, LeGarde, Gatorade, Asia Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc. and Fitbar with support from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, RaceYa, Stat Med and MTiming. 

For local triathlon updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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Note: The above content was sourced from a press release issued by TriPhil. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Did many undocumented Filipinos leave America before Donald Trump’s return as US President?

Did many undocumented Filipinos leave America before Donald Trump’s return as US President?

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By the time you are reading this, it has been days since Donald Trump formally returned as President of the United States. That being said, it has been months since Filipinos staying illegally in America have been advised to not wait to be deported by Trump’s new administration which itself has made clear it new immigration policy. In fact, the search, apprehension and deporting of illegal immigrants in America are already in effect (click here and here). In a recent report by GMA Network, the Philippine embassy in the United States is not certain how many undocumented Filipins left America to avoid the mass deportation.

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

The Philippine Embassy in Washington has yet to determine if many undocumented Filipinos have already left the United States ahead of the anticipated mass deportation under the Trump administration, an envoy said on Monday.

“We are not sure whether many of those that are undocumented na ating mga kababayan have left,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez told Unang Balita in an interview.

Romualdez said the embassy has advised undocumented Filipinos to leave the US as deported individuals will not be allowed to come back.

“Yun nga ang advice namin sa kanila. Kung wala talaga silang legal path, it is better they go na muna para makabalik sila dito at some point in time. Kasi kapag ma-deport ka, talagang hindi ka na makakabalik,” he said.

(That’s our advice to them. If they really don’t have a legal path, it’s better they go already so they can come back here at some point in time. Because once you get deported, you really can’t come back.)

According to Romualdez, the US government said those who have criminal records as well as the 1.3 million immigrants who are already processed will be prioritized for deportation.

In November last year, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it would assist over 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US who could possibly be deported.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that there are an estimated 370,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants in the US.

“The DMW is prepared to assist our OFWs, whether they are documented or undocumented OFWs. Under the directives of our President, a whole-of-government team is here to provide support to possible deportees,” Cacdac said.

During Trump’s first term in the White House from 2017 to 2020, over 3,500 Filipinos were deported with the highest being recorded in 2018 with 503.

In his victory speech, Trump reiterated that he would close borders in the United States and would impose stricter laws against illegal aliens.

“We gonna have to seal up those borders, we are gonna have to let people come into our country. We want people to come back in, but they have to come in legally… We are gonna start by putting America first,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think many illegal Filipinos have left the United States before Trump formally returned as US President? Have members in your local community turned too sympathetic to illegal immigrants and perceived them as refugees? Do you realize that there are violent criminals and terrorists among the many millions of foreigners who illegally entered the United States under the failed Biden-Harris administration?

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  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Dimayuga and Tan top Under-15 category of 2025 National Age Group Triathlon Subic Bay race

Dimayuga and Tan top Under-15 category of 2025 National Age Group Triathlon Subic Bay race

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Diego Jose Dimayuga and Lauren Lee Tan dominated the Under-15 (Youth) category in the 2025 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Freeport Boardwalk in Zambales yesterday.

Dimayuga of Get Coach’D Academy, finished the 500 meter swim – 10 kilometer bike – 2 kilometer race 30 minutes and 55 seconds to beat teammate Pio Mishael Latonio (31:34) and David Mora of TNST/Sante Barley TriTeam, who clocked 31:39, in the boys division of the event organized by the Triathlon Philippines headed by Tom Carrasco.

Tan of Ormoc Aquatic Edge bagged the girls title with a time of 34:07, beating Christy Ann Perez of TLTG Go for Gold PH (34:27) and Alaina Bouffaut of Get Coach’D Academy (35:04).

Meanwhile, Pele Matteo Latonio (Get Coach’D Academy) and Elise Salas (Olongapo Junior Trackers) ruled Super Kids 11-12 category (400m swim-8km bike-2km run) in the tournament sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Milo, Standard Insurance, LeGarde, Gatorade, Asia Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc. and Fitbar.

Latonio registered 32:02 followed by Chris Donovan Lacuna of Olongapo Junior Trackers Multisport (32:19) and Oliver Kurt Alingarog of DLSZ Tri Team (32:34) in the boys division.

Salas, on the other hand, clocked 33:06 to prevail over Naomi Rosalie Dimayuga of Get Coach’D Academy (33:50) and Saffi Vanicka Son of TLTG Go for Gold PH (33:08) in the girls division.

In the 9-10 category (200m swim-6km bike-1km), Gabriel Tapuro of Team Megawide (24:02) secured the gold medal over Nathaniel Rafael Macasaet of Golden Flippers Swim Club (24:30) and John Luigi Remolino of TLTG Go for Gold PH (24:50) in the boys division, while Pia Gienne Meiko Gito of Sante Barley Tri Team (23:22) captured the girls title over Juriel Brooke Julian of Olongapo Junior Trackers Multisport (24:35) and Angeli May Casera of GAS Coaching (24:45).

In the 7-8 category (100m swim-2km bike-800m run), Eli Julian Dela Cruz of Team Megawide (13:43) placed first followed by Theodore Caleb of TLTG Go for Gold PH (14:27) and Jiro Tamayo of TriVatan (14:46) in the boys division, while the top three finishers in the girls division were Abigail Bouffaut of Get Coach’D Academy (16:02), Stacey Ailia Aisha Escala of Olongapo Junior Trackers Multisport (16:35) and Zia Angel Da Silva of TLTG Go for Gold PH (17:14).

Ruan Azriel Santos and Jan Christel Culanag of Olongapo Junior Trackers Multisport topped the 6 and under category (50m swim-1km bike-400m run) of the event supported by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, RaceYa, Stat Med and MTiming.

The second day of the tournament features Elite/Junior men and women; Para Triathlon men; Sprint Age Group men and women (16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59) and 60 and over for men only; Sprint Age Group men and women (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49); 50 and over (women); 50-54, 55-59 and 60 and over (men); and Standard Team Relay (men, women and mixed) categories.

The race distances are Sprint Elite, Junior Elite, Para, and Age Group (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run)) and Standard Age Group/Team Relay (1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run).

For local triathlon updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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Note: The above content was sourced from a press release issued by TriPhil. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Las Piñas City a recipient of multiple awards

Las Piñas City a recipient of multiple awards

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government revealed during the flag ceremony that it has received multiple awards and one of them is from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the LGU revealed through social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, held its weekly flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning, January 20 at the City Hall grounds, highlighting the city’s recent accomplishments.

During the ceremony, Las Piñas City was presented with multiple awards, including a Plaque of Appreciation from the National Youth Commission for the Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and a Certificate of Recognition from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as the Top 2 Best Performing Local Government Unit in Metro Manila for solid waste management in 2024. These recognitions underscore the city’s dedication to youth empowerment and environmental sustainability.

City officials and employees joined the ceremony to celebrate these achievements, reinforcing the local government’s commitment to providing excellent public service and implementing effective programs for 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 with the latest awards the City Government received?

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  @HavenorFantasy 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

Donkey Kong Country at 30

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Donkey Kong Country: RARE’s Gorilla Turns 30

When Donkey Kong Country (DKC) was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1994, a lot of gamers were blown away by the visuals and its enjoyable game design. The game also made the character Donkey Kong – who was originally a villain in the 1981 arcade game – very popular. Donkey Kong Country was developed by the European game studio Rare. To find out more about DKC, read Old School Gamer Magazine’s retro gaming article.

Lunar Remastered Collection scheduled for release on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 18, 2025

Lunar Remastered Collection scheduled for release on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 18, 2025

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Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming enthusiasts, RPG enthusiasts and gamers!

GungHo Online recently announced the release date of the anticipated retro Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) collection Lunar Remastered Collection which is April 18, 2025.

For the newcomers reading this, the said collection contains the two memorable fantasy role-playing games (fantasy RPGs) which are Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete (enhanced version of Lunar: The Silver Star) and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete (enhanced version of Lunar: Eternal Blue). Since the releases of the original versions in the 1990s, the Lunar RPGs have been released on a variety of consoles such as Sega CD, PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

Lunar Remastered Collection will be the first-time the Lunar RPGs will be released on Xbox consoles. It will launch on April 18, 2025.

For the JRPG-loving Xbox fans, the said Lunar Remastered Collection is indeed coming to Xbox Series X|S and the aging Xbox One. Strangely enough, as of this writing, the said collection has yet to appear on the Xbox online store.

While GungHo confirmed there will be physical copies of Lunar Remastered Collection coming out, it is uncertain if such copies of the Xbox version will be released. The press release mentioned that physical editions “will be available exclusively through Amazon for $54.99 USD” for the North American market. As for the European market, only the PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Nintendo Switch will have physical copies through Clear River Games.

If you are an Xbox fan who loves Lunar and JRPGs in general, are you discouraged about the potential lack of physical copies of Lunar Remastered Collection? If you really want it badly, better express your opinions and questions directly to Team Xbox and GungHo via Twitter, or by email.

For updates about Lunar Remastered Collection, visit https://www.lunarremastered.com/

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

Ten foreign nationals arrested in Parañaque City village for alleged scamming activities

Ten foreign nationals arrested in Parañaque City village for alleged scamming activities

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Very recently in Parañaque City, ten foreign nations were arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged online scamming, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension took place inside a village.

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

Ten foreigners have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a subdivision in Paranaque City where they were found allegedly conducting online scamming activities.

In a statement, the NBI said the 10 foreigners were arrested by operatives of the NBI National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) at a residence in Multinational Village in Paranaque City.

It said all the 10 foreigners face charges of violating Republic Act (RA) 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

The NBI identified seven of the foreigners as Vietnamese nationals Phan Viet Ngan, Do Anh  Tuan, Nguyen Duc Anh, Phan Kim Sang, Vo Hong Sy, Nguyen Van Khanh, and Doan Van Dung.

The other foreigners were identified as Chinese nationals Zhang Ming Yi, Xin Yao Huang and Himen Chen.

The NBI said that during the operation, seized from the suspects were computers and transcripts with Chinese characters.

“Based on the seized translated transcripts, Subjects are indeed engaged in phishing and scamming activities,” it said.

“In addition, Operating System Triage conducted on the seized computer units revealed the illegal activities of the Subjects like romance scam, fictitious messaging accounts, fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and fake investment solicitations,” it added.

 The NBI said the operation was conducted after NBI-NCR received “an intelligence report that groups of foreign nationals are engaged in Investment Fraud, Crypto Asset or Crypto Currency Scam, Artificial Intelligence scam and High Yield Investment Program (HYIP), Romance scam and identity theft through the use of social engineering scheme and digital communication systems.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that there could still be a lot more illegal operations secretly happening in residential communities with foreigners doing the work? When was the last time an online scamming operation was discovered in your local community?

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  @HavenorFantasy 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