Blog – Page 213 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Oxford Economics says Philippine economic growth will slow down to 4.1% this year

February 28, 2023February 23, 2023carlocarrasco

For Oxford Economics, the economy of the Philippines will achieve continued growth in 2023 but with a notable slow down to 4.1%, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Oxford Economics mentioned in its statement factors like the global economy entering recession, inflation and the lack of impact from China’s reopening.

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

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC GROWTH is expected to slow to 4.1% this year, as external headwinds and elevated inflation are seen to dampen domestic demand, Oxford Economics said.

“After registering respectable growth of 7.6% in 2022, we expect the Philippines’ economy to slow to 4.1% amid global headwinds, elevated inflation, and a fading reopening boost. With monetary tightening set to continue, the economy could use a hand from the fiscal side, but chances are slim,” Makoto Tsuchiya, assistant economist at Oxford Economics, said in a research note released on Wednesday.

Oxford Economics’ gross domestic product (GDP) projection is well below the government’s 6-7% target.

It expects GDP to expand by 4.5% next year, still outside the 6.5-8% target set by the government.

“We expect GDP growth to slow materially amid softer external demand as the global economy enters a recession, led by weakness in major advanced economies. We don’t think China’s reopening will be enough to offset this weakness, with the recovery in private consumption there likely to be lackluster,” Mr. Tsuchiya said.

There is a widely anticipated global recession this year, with the World Bank projecting global growth to slow to 1.7%.

Rising inflation is also seen to “substantially” slow the Philippine economy, Mr. Tsuchiya said.

In January, inflation soared to a 14-year high of 8.7%, marking the 10th consecutive month inflation was above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2-4% target range.

The central bank also raised its average inflation forecast to 6.1% this year from 4.5% previously.

Oxford Economics said that the BSP will continue to hike rates to tame inflation and keep in step with the US Federal Reserve.

“Elevated inflation means policy makers will not be able to react by lowering interest rates. Indeed, we expect tightening to continue for at least the next two meetings, albeit at a slower pace — in contrast to other Asian central banks who can afford to pause,” Mr. Tsuchiya said.

Oxford Economics also cited the lack of policy support as a factor contributing to slower growth this year.

“We think significant support is unlikely given limited policy space on both the monetary and fiscal front. Ideally, fiscal policy would take over the burden of supporting growth. But debt accumulated during the pandemic era means the focus is instead on fiscal consolidation,” Mr. Tsuchiya said, noting that the Philippine government may adopt a more restrained approach in spending.

Oxford Economics expects the budget deficit will reach 2.7% of GDP by 2028, better than the 3% projection given by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

The government projects the fiscal deficit to hit 6.9% of GDP or around P1.5 trillion this year. In the 11 months to November, the budget deficit shrank by 7.2% to P1.24 trillion.

However, Oxford Economics said the debt-to-GDP ratio may remain elevated at 61.1% by 2025. This is higher than the 60% target set by the government in the same period.

The country ended last year with a debt stock at 60.9%, better than the 63.7% seen in end-September but still above the 60% threshold considered manageable by multilateral lenders for developing economies.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Oxford Economics’ prediction about 4.1% economic growth for the Philippines this year will turn out to be true? Do you think Oxford Economics made a strong case explaining why economic growth in 2023 will be smaller 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.

+++++

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

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

Back-to-back fire incidents in Muntinlupa cause Mayor to advise residents to be careful

February 28, 2023February 23, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon advised locals to be careful as the city had back-to-back incidents of fire which left many families homeless, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon advised residents to be careful in light of the successive fire incidents in the city that left more than 100 families homeless.

“From January up until this past week, we have seen more fire incidents even before we have reached March, which is Fire Prevention Month. “We want to remind all Muntinlupeños to be extra vigilant in practicing fire prevention because it is really hard to lose everything in a fire,” he said.

He told the public to “be careful and never leave open flames in the house, like stoves or candles. Let’s work together so we don’t have any more fires like this.”

In just nine days, three fires broke out in residential areas, affecting 112 families in Muntinlupa.

On Feb. 11, a fire engulfed six houses at Hacienda Rosario in Purok 2, Barangay Sucat, affecting 17 families or 53 individuals, according to a report by the Muntinlupa Social Services Department (SSD).

In Barangay Poblacion, a fire hit a residential area on Quezon Street on Feb. 17, razing 19 structures and leaving 49 families, or 181 individuals, homeless.

On Feb. 19, another fire razed 27 structures on Concepcion Road, Barangay Buli, affecting 26 families or 130 individuals.

Biazon called on all households and sectors, including the barangay councils, to work together to prevent or at least reduce the incidence of fire in the city.

The mayor voiced his concern to Muntinlupeños during his visit on Feb. 20 to the 46 families affected by the February 19 fire on Concepcion Road in Barangay Buli.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? As a local resident, do you think it is time for the local authorities to initiate information campaigns that can educate local residents to prevent fire from happening?

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

+++++

Metro Manila Council (MMC) to inspect NCR markets to ensure sellers are following DTI-issued suggested retail prices

February 27, 2023February 23, 2023carlocarrasco

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) – a special governing body composed of incumbent mayors of cities of Metropolitan Manila – will soon be inspecting markets within the National Capital Region (NCR) to see if the suggested retail prices (SRP) are being followed by the vendors, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. No less than new MMC president and incumbent San Juan mayor Francis Zamora said so.

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

San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora vowed to inspect other markets in the National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure that all sellers and vendors are following the suggested retail price (SRP) issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“Iikot kami ni Chairman (Romando) Artes sa iba’t ibang market para mag-inspect as the MMC Chairman. So far, all the mayors are supportive that all markets will follow the SRP (Chairman Artes and I will visit other markets in my capacity as the MMC Chairman. So far, all the mayors are supportive that all markets will follow the SRP),” Zamora said.

Zamora made the statement following the MMC’s inspection at the Agora Market in San Juan City on Feb. 21. The inspection was spearheaded by Zamora, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes, DTI Asec. Ann Claire Cabochan, and representatives from the Bantay Presyo of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Aside from checking the SRPs, the DTI also inspected the weighing scales being used by the vendors and were pleased to know that the scales carry the precise weight.

“Ginawa natin ito dahil ang gusto natin ay siguraduhin na tama ang presyo ng bilihin dito sapagkat kawawa ang mga mamamayan natin kung mataas ang presyo ng bilihin kaysa sa SRP (We are doing this because we want to ensure that the price of commodities being sold are correct and also to protect the consumers from those who are selling their produce well above the SRP),” he added.

During their inspection at the Agora Market, two vendors were found violating the SRP bulletin of the DTI.

Zamora said vendors found selling overpriced commodities will be penalized under City Ordinance 32, Series of 2008 or the Ordinance Creating the Local Price Control Coordinating Council. First-time violators will be fined P2,000, 2nd-time offenders will be fined P3,000, 3rd-time offenders will be fined P5,000 and their permits will be revoked.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that vendors in your local markets could have been violating SRP? Does this news development make you feel that you are being protected by the MMC?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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/.

BIR says half a trillion Pesos lost to tax evasion each year

February 27, 2023February 21, 2023carlocarrasco

Tax evasion remains a very serious problem in the Philippines. As far as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is concerned, the authorities lose around half a trillion Pesos each year due to tax evasion, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE GOVERNMENT loses around P500 billion annually to tax evasion, according to a top Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) official.

“There is a lot, especially if we include those involved in illicit trade. In cigarettes alone, there’s around P100 billion,” BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said, when asked about revenue losses from tax evasion.

“Leakages aren’t part of that yet, like petroleum or vape products that aren’t registered, as well as fake receipts. I think it won’t go below P500 billion if you add everything up,” he added.

Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will have an easier time achieving its collection targets if it addresses tax evasion.

Earlier this month, the BIR filed 74 tax evasion complaints worth P3.5 billion against several companies.

“We will tailor efforts to improve digital services so businesses will leave the shadow economy and join the tax net. We will now focus on enforcement activities against tax evaders, put emphasis on tapping uncollected taxes through illegal activities,” Mr. Lumagui said.

The BIR is currently monitoring and investigating a number of suspected tax evaders.

“The most important right now is the selling of fake receipts and we know who (they are). We are investigating so we can file a case against those involved,” Mr. Lumagui said.

The BIR is targeting to collect P2.6 trillion in revenues this year.

“With all our activities and efforts we are making, we will be able to achieve the tax collection target,” he said.

In 2022, the agency collected a total of P2.34 trillion, surpassing its P2.1-trillion target.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lumagui said the agency will also review its policies after the Supreme Court declared void its regulations that require firms to disclose the personal information of investors.

“We must respect the privacy (of these investors) but when it comes to the correct amount of taxes, the BIR has auditing power. There is still a need to pay taxes and the compliance of these businesses needs to be monitored. When it comes to determining the correct amount of taxes, we can investigate that,” he added.

The Supreme Court declared that the BIR Revenue Regulations No. 1-2014 and Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 5-2014 “void for being unconstitutional” as it violated the right to privacy.

The regulations require businesses to disclose investor information such as addresses, tax identification number (TIN), and birthdays, among others.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BIR will be able to collect P2.6 trillion this year even with tax evasion still going on? What do you think should be done to eradicate tax evasion all over 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.

+++++

You should visit Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center

February 24, 2023March 24, 2023carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official website of the subject business is also used. Take note that this is not a sponsored article at all. 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.

Let me start by confirming to you all that I just had the greatest foreign trip ever in my life…a pilgrimage tour in Israel with my local church (led by two of its designated pastors for the tour) hosted by its Israeli partner.

During a particular day of the tour, our group was in close proximity to the Sea of Galilee (also referred to as Lake Tiberias) when some of us – including myself – participated in water baptism at the Yardenit Baptismal Site. After that, our group went to a nearby store for organic goods and spices to shop. The problem was the store we visited was closed for some reason.

As an alternative, we went to the area of Kinneret (located in close proximity to the Sea of Galilee) and visited the Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center (also referred to as Tamar B’kfar Visitors Center). It turns out, the change was splendid.

*The front of the Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center.*

Upon entering the store, Tamar Bakfar’s people welcomed us very warmly and one of them oriented us about what they were selling, how wide their lineup of organic goods was, which products are healthy, why nature is emphasized a lot through their products, and the like. The store has a very nice interior design and the products were cleverly organized to be customer-friendly and even be attractive.

The lady representing the store gave our group an in-depth orientation about their business, what they have, what is good, why nature is emphasized a lot on many products and more. It was an enlightening experience to learn from her.

*Look at these energy bars made with natural ingredients.*

As I personally observed, Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center sells a lot of different types of products that can meet the needs or wants of customers. They have dates and date products (note: date spread, date honey, date conditioner, date syrup and so on), nuts, dried fruits, spices, honey (note: avocado honey, eucalyptus honey, and Galilee-sourced honey to name a few), olive oil, chocolates (note: chocolates come in many different forms), wine and other types of sweets.

*I bought from the store this snack of chocolate-covered coffee beans*. So enjoyable!

Anyone looking for self-care products should check out their cosmetics section where they have products that used natural ingredients such as age-away hydrating cream, avocado and rosemary soap, the black bamboo soap, cypress nurturing hand cream, honey hand-and-foot cream, and the lavender body wash to name some. If you are insistent on having self-care products that come with natural ingredients, then you will find something here.

If you are into kitchenware, Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center has a good production selection for you: lunch cubes, multipurpose kitchen scissors, thermos bottles, stainless steel pots, bamboo cups, espresso cups, barbeque grill pans and more.

In my experience, walking around the store and observing the products offered was a joyful thing. Just about every product I saw had that premium aesthetic which you will realize by visiting the place and seeing the products personally.

Conclusion

*Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center’s store is a must-visit! Ask your tourist guide to bring you there.* *The store’s personnel are very welcoming and professional.*

I can say that our visit at the Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center is a nice blessing from our Lord. Their store is huge and attractive. Their personnel are customer-friendly, helpful and professional. Also what they have in-store are very varied and plentiful. So many choices you can make based on what you need or want. More notably, their store offers the finest of the Galilee region’s harvest in the form of dried fruits, spices, ingredients and more. Galilee is blessed and this should not be surprising at all as our Lord and Savior Jesus spent a good amount of time in the region thousands of years ago. Refer to the holy scriptures below…

On the third day Jesus left there and continued his journey to Galilee, where he had been raised. Now Jesus knew that prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometown. Even so, as Jesus arrived in the province of Galilee, the people welcomed him with open arms. Many of them had been in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival and had witnessed firsthand the miracles he had performed.

Jesus entered the village of Cana of Galilee where he had transformed water into wine. He met there a governmental official from Capernaum whose son was very sick and dying. When he heard that Jesus had left Judea and was staying in Cana of Galilee, he decided to make the journey to Cana. When he found Jesus, he begged him, “You must come with me to Capernaum and heal my son!”

So Jesus said to him, “You never believe unless you see signs and wonders.”

But the man continued to plead, “Come with me to Capernaum before my little boy dies!”

Jesus looked him in the eyes and said, “Go back home now. I promise you, your son will live.”

The man believed in his heart the words of Jesus and set off for home. When he was still a distance from Capernaum, his servants met him on the road and told him the good news, “Your son is healed! He’s alive!”

Overjoyed, the father asked his servants, “When did my son begin to recover?”

“Yesterday,” they said, “at one in the afternoon. All at once his fever broke—and now he’s well!”

Then the father immediately realized that it was at that very same hour that Jesus spoke the words to him, “Your son will live.”

From that day forward, the man, his servants, and all his family believed. Healing the official’s son was Jesus’ second extraordinary miracle in Galilee after returning from Judea.

John 4:43-54 (TPT)

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

Luke 4:14-15 (NKJV)

If ever you are visiting Israel and will be spending time in the Galilee region, then I highly recommend visiting the Tamar Bakfar Vistors Center in Kinneret. Visit the company’s official website at https://tamarbakfar.co.il/ and follow them on Instagram.

Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel pieces here.

+++++

Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) unveils new email addresses for enhanced communication

February 24, 2023February 20, 2023carlocarrasco

In their latest effort to improve communications online, the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) officially announced a new set of email addresses covering varied topics (examples: vehicular stickers, construction matters, and billing to name a few).

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

With the end in mind to enhance and facilitate communications between you and the Admin Staff, the Village Manager, and the Board, we are happy to announce our following new contact email addresses. By using these dedicated email addresses, we hope you’ll be able to reach us faster and more directly than in the past.

The new email addresses of our Admin teams are as follows:

For billings, Statements of Account, and payments of association dues & water
ahvainc.billing@gmail.com

For vehicle sticker & village ID applications
ahvastickeridprocessing@gmail.com

For service requests, reservations and use of village facilities, and for general queries
ahvageneralservices@yahoo.com

For home repairs, renovations, and house construction permits & fees
ahvaconstructiondepartment@gmail.com

For downloadable forms & assistance on use of the AHVA website
alabanghills@yahoo.com

For matters that are for the Board’s and/or Village Manager’s attention
ahvainc08@yahoo.com

For inquiries about this new development, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call them at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village. If you are a non-resident motorist who needs a new car sticker from AHVA right now, you can apply online.

+++++

Several Parañaque City officials face graft complaints before Ombudsman

February 23, 2023February 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a certain resident from Barangay San Antonio filed graft complaints before the Ombudsman against several local officials, including new mayor Eric Olivarez according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report. The complaints are related to the contract of the new garbage hauler hired by the City Government this past December.

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

Several officials of the Parañaque City government, including first-term Mayor Eric Olivarez are facing graft complaints before the Ombudsman for approving an allegedly “railroaded” contract worth almost P415 million with a new garbage hauler last year.

Aside from the city mayor, also named in the complaint were bids and awards committee (BAC) chair Voltaire dela Cruz; BAC vice chair Johnson Ong; and BAC members Rosa Rebecca Viñas and Josephine Mary Centena.

Also named as respondents were members of the BAC technical working group: Mark Espinosa, Kristine Joy Teston; Francisco Agamata; Ivan Hortilano; Maan Shayne Pausanos; Ricardo Factor; Ronald Austria; Danilo Nopuente; and Leonard John Navata.

In his 25-page compliant filed on Feb. 16, Genaro Clemente, Jr., a resident of Barangay San Antonio, urged the Ombudsman to put Olivarez and his co-accused under preventive suspension “in order to avoid the destruction or manufacture of evidence and to prevent them from threatening and harassing employees of the local government of Parañaque.”

Olivarez awarded the contract to Metrowaste Solid Waste Management Corp. on Dec. 27, 2022, amounting to P414,803,520.

This was just 25 days after the BAC published its call for bidding at the PhilGEPS website on Dec. 2, 2022.

Clemente claimed that Metrowaste failed to acquire the necessary documentary requirements of the bid, which resulted in garbage piling up in the streets of Parañaque during the holidays.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you believe the allegation that the new garbage hauler failed to acquire the necessary documentary requirements of the bid?

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

+++++

BSP sees 6-7% economic growth in 2023 for Philippines

February 23, 2023February 20, 2023carlocarrasco

As far as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is concerned, the Philippine economy will grow between 6% to 7% this year, according to a news report by BusinessWorld. By comparison, HSBC and the World Bank forecast growth rates of 4.4% and 5.4% respectively.

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

THE “CONTINUED NORMALIZATION” of post-pandemic mobility will help the Philippine economy expand within the government’s 6-7% target this year, but slower growth is likely in 2024, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

“GDP (gross domestic product) growth is projected to settle within the DBCC’s (Development Budget Coordination Committee) target of 6-7% for 2023, but economic headwinds could result in slower GDP growth in 2024,” the BSP said in its latest Monetary Policy Report (MPR).

“The full-year growth forecast for 2023 was adjusted upward from the previous MPR. Meanwhile, the growth forecast for 2024 is lower compared to previous round, reflecting weaker global prospects and the impact of cumulative policy rate adjustments of the BSP,” it added.

While the central bank does not give its exact growth forecasts, the DBCC targets 6.5-8% GDP growth in 2024.

According to the central bank, the economy will be “driven by growth in the industry sector as manufacturers signal increased production plans as the economy reopens further.”

Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the service sector expanded by 9.8% in the fourth quarter last year, while the industry sector grew by 4.8%. Annually, services jumped by 9.2%, and industry expanded by 6.7%.

Better labor market conditions, higher demand for tourism, and greater economic activity due to the resumption of face-to-face classes are seen to boost growth in the services sector, the BSP said.

“Moreover, the implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act, and the second tranche of the reduction in personal income taxes could help further bolster the domestic outlook in 2023-2024,” it added.

Meanwhile, the overall balance of supply and demand conditions, as reflected by the output gap, is expected to “remain broadly neutral” in the near term.

“Estimates from the BSP’s Policy Analysis Model for the Philippines (PAMPh) indicate that the output gap is estimated to be slightly positive in early 2023, reflecting the sustained economic expansion in 2022,” the central bank said.

The economy grew by 7.6% in 2022, exceeding the government’s 6.5-7.5% target, and the fastest growth since 1975.

“Thereafter, the output gap is seen to remain in broadly neutral territory as the impact of policy interest rate adjustments takes hold on the economy. A projected slowdown in global growth owing in part to tightening monetary conditions across countries could likewise dampen aggregate demand,” the BSP said.

The Monetary Board last week increased the benchmark policy rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 6%, the highest in nearly 16 years. Rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also increased to 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively.

According to analysts, higher interest rates could drag economic growth slower this year.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines can achieve economic growth beyond 6% this year? Do you think the government should do more with post-pandemic living and economics in mind?

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

+++++

Tales of Symphonia Remastered now available on Xbox platforms

February 22, 2023February 18, 2023carlocarrasco

Anyone who loves Japanese role-playing games (Japanese RPG or JRPGs) will be delighted to now that Bandai Namco fulfilled their promise with Xbox gamers as Tales of Symphonia Remastered has officially been released for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One consoles this past February 17.

To begin with, watch the official Xbox launch trailer of Tales of Symphonia Remastered below. It’s something to get excited with…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement by Bandai Namco published through Xbox.com. Some parts in boldface…

Twenty years ago, we experienced the original story of Lloyd Irving and his journey to save the two worlds of Sylvarant and Tethe’alla with his friends. Filled with unforgettable characters and an emotionally charged storyline, it still resonates with longtime fans.

Today, it is our pleasure to bring Tales of Symphonia Remastered to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. As part of the excitement, our production team would like to share a few personal tips with newcomers and returning veterans to set you on the right path. We hope you will enjoy your journey in Sylvarant and Tethe’alla!

The adventures of Lloyd and his friends is a tale to remember. Guide the party by honing your swordsmanship and sorcery skills.

Arts and Techniques – Set up each character to use magic or techniques, which can be called a special technique. As character levels increase, each character will learn magic or techniques. When magic or techniques are used, the character will perform powerful attacks or enable recovery by consuming a character’s TP.

On the menu screen, you can set the magic techniques that the operating character activates with the left stick combination and the magic techniques that you want your companions to perform. For techniques, there are “beginner magic,” “intermediate magic,” and “advanced magic,” while for skills, there are “Lv1. Special Attacks,” “Lv2. Special Attacks,” and “Lv3. Special Attacks. However, not all techniques are earned from character levels. Some techniques can only be learned by using a lower-level technique 50 times.

EX Skills – Additional abilities can be added to your character. During the game, you may obtain EX Gems, which you can equip on your character to grant them EX Skills.

When certain EX skills are equipped on the same character, a compound EX skill can be learned at the end of a battle. For example, in the case of Colette, if the level 1 skills Defend and Accuracy are equipped, she can learn a compound EX skill called “Search Item”.

Character Types – EX skills have a function, which allows the character type to be changed. Type determines the arts and techniques a character learns, and the current type is indicated by a gauge on the status screen. This gauge changes with each battle, and the number of EX skill types set determines whether the character will grow into a T-Type or S-Type.

T-Type (Technical) – They learn techniques that have a large number of hits and area effect techniques capable of targeting multiple enemies or allies. For those who emphasize continuous techniques or like to specialize in magic, the T-type is recommended.

S-Type (Strike) – This type learns techniques that are focused on powerful single target damage. The S-Type is recommended for those who want to deliver a powerful blow. It is especially effective against single bosses.

Production Team Tip: For characters who use magic, it is recommended they grow into a T-Type and learn magic with a wide range of effects. For example, Indignation is a lightning type of skill with a large area effect and high power, which will give you the upper hand in battle!

For further information about the game, read the entire article by clicking https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/02/17/tales-of-symphonia-remastered-one-of-the-most-beloved-installments-of-the-series-is-now-available-on-xbox/

For the newcomers reading this, the original version of Tales of Symphonia was released on the Nintendo Gamecube way back in 2003 followed by the PlayStation 2 in 2004, PlayStation 3 in 2014 and Windows PC in 2016. The Remastered version’s release marked the first time ever the game – which was positively received critically and commercially – got released on Xbox platforms and it further adds to the Xbox ecosystem becoming a significant haven for gamers who love fantasy role-playing games (fantasy RPGs) in the years to come.

Of course, it remains to be seen how Tales of Symphonia Remastered how today’s JRPG enthusiasts and Xbox gamers in general will react to the game’s features and overall fun factor. Regardless, anyone who plays games on Xbox and enjoys RPGs from Japan should seriously consider this game and make the decision.

Watch out for Tales of Symphonia Remastered on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One right now.

In ending this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.

+++++

Buy-bust operation in Las Piñas City results in the arrest of a suspect and seizure of weapons and illegal drugs

February 22, 2023February 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the local police organized a buy-bust operation which led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man suspected of drug peddling, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Seized from him were illegal drugs and weapons.

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

Members of Las Piñas Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) seized illegal drugs, a grenade and a gun from a suspected drug peddler during a buy-bust operation on Friday, Feb. 17.

Col. Jaime Santos, city police chief, said the suspect, Roberto Aringo,30, alias Jon, reportedly known for his illegal drug trade, was nabbed at about 6:30 p.m. in Kawayanan Tambakan, Pulanglupa Uno, Las Piñas.

Santos said police operatives confiscated from the suspect three heat-sealed transparent sachets containing 12.2 grams of shabu worth P82,960.

The city police chief said that aside from shabu, the cops also seized from the suspect a hand grenade, .38-caliber revolver, and the P500 buy-bust money.

Santos said the confiscated shabu was turned over to the Southern Police District (SPD) Forensic Unit for chemical analysis.

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 concerned that loose firearms and illegal substances are affecting 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.

+++++

	Jo3 on Dimayuga and Tan Rule Under-15…
	#blogpost on Four Suspects Arrested In Para…
	AI Channel on Four Suspects Arrested In Para…
	#tumblr on Four Suspects Arrested In Para…
	#southies on Four Suspects Arrested In Para…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: