Author Carlo Carrasco

DOTr postpones news rules and imposition of fines for motorists with no RFID to October 1, 2024

September 4, 2024August 28, 2024carlocarrasco

This is for motorists who have been traveling along the highways without radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or with insufficient load. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently announced that it has officially postponed to October 1, 2024 the implementation of new tollway guidelines and fines, according to a BusinessWorld news report. The implementation was supposed to have happened on August 31.

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

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) postponed the implementation of new tollway guidelines, which impose fines on motorists with no radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or insufficient funds on their accounts, to Oct. 1.

“We hope the concerned agencies and tollway operators would use the 30-day deferment to fine-tune expressway operations and further intensify the public information campaign to enable tollway users to comply with the new guidelines,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said in a statement on Tuesday.

The new rules, under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, were supposed to be enforced starting Aug. 31.

Under the rules, all motorists passing through expressways without RFID tags or having insufficient balance on their accounts will face penalties starting Aug. 31.

“These revised guidelines should significantly improve traffic along expressways through cashless or contactless toll plazas,” Mr. Bautista said.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said motorists entering an access highway without RFID tags or electronic toll collection (ETC) device will incur a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for subsequent offenses.

Motorists exiting toll expressways with insufficient account balance will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P2,500 for subsequent offenses.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been driving regularly on the highways without an RFID tag on your vehicle?

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

More than 400 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia in Barangay BF International-CAA, Las Piñas City

September 3, 2024August 26, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over four hundred senior citizens availed of the free pneumonia vaccines during the local vaccination program held at Barangay BF International-CAA, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The City Health Office, under the leadership of Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, successfully conducted a free pneumonia vaccination program for senior citizens at the CAA Events Place on Thursday, August 15 in Barangay BF International/CAA. The event saw the vaccination of over 400 senior citizens, demonstrating the city’s commitment to the health and well-being of its elderly residents.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event, offering her support and personally interacting with the senior citizens. The vaccination drive was part of the ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of the community from pneumonia, especially during the flu season.

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 hope the City Government will organize a vaccination program at your local community? Are many senior citizens of your local community seeking vaccines for pneumonia?

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

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

Robbery attempt in Parañaque City foiled, one suspect arrested

September 3, 2024August 24, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a security guard foiled a robbery attempt resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of the victim’s handbag, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened in Barangay Tambo and there are two other suspects still at large.

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

A security guard successfully arrested one of the three suspects who tried to rob a woman in Parañaque City on Wednesday, August 21.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect identified as “Armando,” 44, was arrested at around 3:00 p.m. along Roxas Boulevard corner Bradco Avenue in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Based on the police report, a 28-year-old woman had just got out from a taxi when she was approached by the suspects brandishing a handgun and forcibly took her handbag.

The security guard on-duty was then alerted by the victim’s shout and immediately responded leading to the arrest of Armando.

The hero guard recovered the victim’s handbag and a replica .45 caliber pistol from the suspect.

Meanwhile, his two other cohorts identified as “Kalapati” and “Norby” escaped. The police is now conducting a follow-up operation for the arrest of the two.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did you notice any members of your local community who got robbed lately?

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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Team Xbox commits blunder by announcing PS5 version of Indiana Jones and The Great Circle before even releasing the Xbox version

September 2, 2024August 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks and gamers!

In case you missed the news, Team Xbox recently had a presence during Gamescom in Germany and they made several announcements and previews of upcoming video games there.

During the first day of Gamescom, Team Xbox announced at last the release date of the much-awaited Indiana Jones and The Great Circle which is December 9, 2024 (for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass). At the same time, they committed a blunder that the MachineGames-developed first-person adventure game is coming to Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5) console sometime in 2025. That’s right, the Indiana Jones video game is no longer an Xbox-exclusive game. Watch the Gamescom trailer of the game below from start to finish…

As I mentioned earlier, Team Xbox committed a blunder by announcing a PS5 version of Indiana Jones and The Great Circle during Gamescom. It is a blunder in the sense that Team Xbox (which owns and controls Bethesda) could have delayed the PS5 version announcement and maximize efforts to sell as many copies of the game on Xbox and PC, sell as many Xbox consoles as possible, and convince many gamers out there to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass to play it.

Team Xbox could have waited until January or February 2025 to announce the Indiana Jones game for PS5. Instead, they shot themselves on the foot by blowing away the first-move advantage.

To put things in perspective, Microsoft/Xbox/Bethesda do not OWN the intellectual property of Indiana Jones which belongs to Disney-owned Lucasfilm. Considering the big financial problems Disney has as a corporation (note: the streaming service Disney+ continues to lose money since it first launched), I can speculate that they pushed Team Xbox and Bethesda to not only make a PS5 version of Indiana Jones and The Great Circle but also announce it very early to maximize sales potential and public awareness. Disney itself has a lot to benefit from collecting royalties if the game sells a lot on the two game consoles.

Going back to Xbox, we have to face the reality that we are witnessing the beginning of the end of Xbox as we know it. It is highly anticipated that in the near future, Xbox-exclusive games will no longer happen and the games of Xbox properties (examples: Halo, Forza Motorsport and Fable) will be released on Nintendo and PlayStation consoles. The Xbox brand itself will fade away and be replaced with something like “Microsoft Gaming” once Microsoft goes all-in as a multiplatform game publisher. It is also obvious that Microsoft wants a huge return for the combined $76 billion it spent on acquiring Bethesda and Activision.

I am still looking forward to playing the Indiana Jones game on my Xbox Series X console, but I can say that this latest development as well as the recent Game Pass adjustments brought my excitement down a bit.

For more details about Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, click https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/indiana-jones-and-the-great-circle

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24,000 automated counting machines of Miru Systems now in the Philippines

September 2, 2024September 1, 2024carlocarrasco

The initial batch of 24,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) from the contracted provider Miru Systems arrived here in the Philippines for use in the 2025 National and Local Elections, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Be reminded that Miru Systems previously declared that it would deliver 110,000 ACMs for the said polls.

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

Over 20,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) that will be used in the May 12, 2025 national and local elections are now in the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Saturday.

In a press briefing during a visit to a warehouse in Biñan, Laguna, Comelec Chair George Garcia reported that so far, 24,000 ACMs have been delivered by the joint venture of Miru Systems, service provider for next year’s polls.

Garcia showed 7,400 of the machines while there are still 7,000 to be released by the Bureau of Customs.

“Dapat ang commitment sa atin ng Miru para sa buwan ng August ay 20,000 lang so lumalabas sumobra sila sa kanilang commitment ng (Miru committed just 20,000 for August so they exceeded by) 4,000,” he said.

As for other electronic machines and items that will be also be used in polls, Garcia said the South Korean-based company has fulfilled its commitment 100 percent.

Among the items are consolidated canvassing system laptops and printers, cable ties, toners, test ballots, application servers and database servers, Garcia said.

A total of 110,000 ACMs are expected before the end of the year — 30,000 each in September and October and the rest by December.

Comelec officials visited the warehouse with election stakeholders such the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections and Legal Network for Truthful Elections.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to its obligations with regards to the P17.99 billion contract it signed with the government? Do you think the new automated counting machines will work efficiently in next year’s 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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Woman hit by car in Parañaque City, suspect driver a Pakistani national

September 2, 2024August 26, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a 49-year-old woman got hit by a car from behind resulting in very serious injuries, according to a GMA Network news report. The incident happened in Barangay Don Bosco and the suspect driver was described as a Pakistani national (click here and here). A video of the incident can be viewed by clicking here.

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

A 49-year-old woman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident while walking to work as a laundry woman in Don Bosco, Parañaque last week.

Victim Loida Faustino was seen in CCTV footage walking along Levitown Avenue last Friday morning, August 23, 2024, when she was hit by a red vehicle that fled the scene after the incident. She was immediately brought to a nearby hospital.

“Grabe po ‘yung nangyari sa kanya. Bali po ‘yung tuhod, kamay, katawan, ulo (What happened to her is severe. She had broken knees, hands, in the body, and in the head),” the victim’s brother Arnold Faustino said in a report by Nico Waje on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

The family is seeking justice for what happened, and for the suspect — only identified as a Pakistani — to take responsibility.

“May anak ‘yun. Hindi makakapagtrabaho ‘yun. Hindi puwedeng hindi siya managot sa nangyari na ‘yun, (She has a child and she will not be able to work. The suspect has to take responsibility for what happened)” the victim’s brother-in-law Samuel Celzo said in the same report.

According to Barangay Don Bosco Chairman Mar Jimenez, the suspect was immediately apprehended after the incident.

“Upon apprehension, medyo meron siyang alcohol breath so lumalabas na (Upon apprehension, his breath smelled slightly of alcohol. So it shows that he was) under the influence of liquor,” he said.

However, the local police said medical examinations and a breathalyzer analysis gave negative results.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, would you know if anyone from your local community witnessed any hit-and-run incidents that happened over the past six months?

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

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Several counts of money laundering filed against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others

September 1, 2024August 30, 2024carlocarrasco

Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo – who went overseas undetected by immigration authorities and remains out of reach – and others got charged for multiple counts of money laundering, according to a GMA Network news report. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) are the complainants.

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

A total of 87 counts of money laundering were filed against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and 35 others at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday about the raided POGO hubs in Bamban and Porac, Pampanga.

In a press conference, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Deputy Director Adrian Arpon said that the cases involved around P7 billion.

“We have included Alice Guo. Based on our findings, she is the principal in the money laundering committed in this case. She used several entities in transferring her money. It went to an entity,” Arpon said.

“Ultimately, it ended up with Baofu to pay, among others, electric bills,” he added.

The complainants are the AMLC, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Named respondents are Guo; Shiela Guo, the former mayor’s purported sister; Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of the Porac POGO hub; and former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, among others.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the government and its strategic partners overseas will be able to find Alice Guo very soon?

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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Are you nostalgic about Jaws 3-D (AKA Jaws 3) right now?

August 30, 2024August 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Way back in 1983, I had my first-ever 3D viewing experience inside the movie theater here in the Philippines. I saw the movie Jaws 3-D (AKA Jaws 3) on the big-screen using disposable 3D glasses and the theater was packed with lots of moviegoers who screamed from time to time.

If you are not familiar with movie history, Jaws 3-D was the 3^rd movie of the Jaws movie franchise which itself started with the classic 1975 movie directed by Steven Spielberg. While the 1978 sequel Jaws 2 did not come close to matching the commercial success of its predecessor, it still managed to gross over $200 million worldwide and arguably influenced Hollywood movie studios to invest in making sequels to achieve summer box office success. Jaws 2 also propelled the rise of movie-related merchandising which paved the way for deals between movie studios and business entities.

When the 2^nd Jaws sequel was proposed, producers David Brown and Richard Zanuck had the concept of spoof titled Jaws 3, People 0. National Lampoon writers were even commissioned to make the script. The Jaws 3 comedy project was shot down by Universal Pictures as a result of Steven Spielberg’s threat that he would never work with them again if they approved it.

Along the way, there were technological breakthroughs for cinematic 3D viewing which led to the short revival of showing movies in 3D in movie theaters. The Jaws 3 project was turned into a 3D-focused cinematic experience with a concept about an aquatic amusement park that falls into chaos as a result of a large great white shark that infiltrated it. Prolific production designer Joe Alves was hired as director and the cast includes Dennis Quaid, Bess Armstrong, Louis Gossett, Jr., Lea Thompson and Simon MacCorkindale. Even SeaWorld got involved and allowed the filmmakers to use their brand.

Jaws 3-D was released in cinemas on July 22, 1983 and had a franchise-best opening weekend with $13.4 million. Its global box office gross was around $88 million.

When I first saw Jaws 3-D inside the movie theater, I was a young boy and simply enjoyed it for what it was. I occasionally replayed the movie through the years on cable TV and home video, and I eventually realized that the film was indeed very flawed and clearly inferior to its predecessors with regards to quality and storytelling. Jaws 3-D was simply made to give moviegoers a thrill ride inside the cinema with 3D viewing in mind as the moviegoers followed the 3D viewing revival trend of the early 1980s. When it was released on cable TV and home video, the movie was re-titled as Jaws 3 to reflect the lack of 3D effects.

Even though it was inferior to the first two Jaws movies, Jaws 3-D remains a popular movie subject to explore and there are several videos on YouTube that reflect that. If you are interested in Jaws 3-D but you don’t want to spend precious time and money watching it entirely, then you should watch the movie reaction video by You, Me and the Movies below.

If you want to learn more about how the movie was made, how it all started and what kind of technologies were used to make the 3D effects happen, watch the two retrospective videos below from Oliver Harper and Layton Eversaul.

If you are into movie trivia, then Minty Comedic Arts’ video below is recommended.

By the way, you must have heard that Jaws 3-D is now available in 4K Blu-ray format. Before you make the decision to purchase it, be aware that Universal used artificial intelligence (AI) to make it. Depending on how you want your movies to appear in 4K resolution, the results could turn you off. Watch the videos below from Jeff Rauseo and MidLevelMedia.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you ever seen Jaws 3-D? If you did, were you able to watch it inside the cinema or at home? Did the movie inspire you to watch movies in 3D? Do you think that the current 4K Blu-ray of Jaws 3-D is not worth purchasing?

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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Las Piñas City Vice Mayor and others inspect location for new TESDA building

August 30, 2024August 23, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar and other officials organized a comprehensive inspection to assess the location for the new Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) building, the City Government announced via social media.

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

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, alongside City Engineer Rose Bantog, conducted a comprehensive site inspection on Thursday, August 8 to assess the location for the proposed new building at the TESDA Las Piñas campus. This new facility is intended to accommodate additional classrooms to support the growing number of students enrolled in various technical and vocational courses.

During the site visit, the officials discussed plans for the repair and repainting of existing facilities, ensuring that the campus remains conducive to learning. They also reviewed proposals for the fabrication of new classroom equipment and chairs, which will enhance the educational experience for students.

The proposed development underscores the city government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and improving infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.

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 many members of your local community taking courses with the local TESDA?

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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Local hero of Muntinlupa City commended by Mayor Biazon

August 29, 2024August 22, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a man who risked his life to save his young relatives during a fire that destroyed their home was commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended a man for his heroic act of saving his two nephews and a niece from their burning house in Barangay Buli.

A fire hit a residential area in Manatra in Barangay Buli, Muntinlupa on Aug. 19, razing houses and displacing families.

Biazon visited the Buli evacuation center where 58 families or more than 200 individuals are staying. During his visit, Biazon met Freddie whose arms are bandaged due to burns.

According to the mayor, Freddie suffered burns when he rescued his two nephews and a niece–Precious, Vhon and Kerth–from their burning house during the fire.

He said the three children were trapped inside the comfort room and could not get out.

Precious was attending her online class when the fire erupted and quickly spread. Some of the family members were able to get out of the burning house but Precious and her two cousins were left inside and quickly went to the comfort room.

According to Precious, because of the intense heat, she didn’t know what to do and she seemed to have accepted what would happen to them.

Suddenly, their uncle Freddie arrived and he pulled them out of the burning house. The fire was already big but they all tried to get out.

Precious and her two cousins were very thankful to their Uncle Freddie for saving them and getting out without any injury.

They called their uncle a “superhero” and they are wishing that his burns would heal soon.

“Hanga ako kay Freddie sa kanyang tapang at walang pag-aatubili na pagligtas sa kanyang mga pamangkin. Although may injury, mabuti nakaligtas siya at sina Precious, Vhon, at Kerth (I am truly amazed at Freddie for his bravery and no hesitation to rescue his nephews and niece. Although he has injury, it’s good that he and Precious, Vhon and Kerth safely escaped),” Biazon said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you find the local hero’s act of saving his young relatives inspiring?

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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