Author Carlo Carrasco

Major property developers unfazed by national ban on POGOs

August 21, 2024August 13, 2024carlocarrasco

As far as the major property developers are concerned, the national ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) will not have a significant effect on their and residential businesses, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

LOCAL PROPERTY DEVELOPERS are unfazed by the government’s ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), saying that it has minimum or no effect on their office and residential businesses.

“Our direct exposure to POGO is rather limited. Only 1% of our office portfolio is occupied by POGOs,” she said.

“We were never a big POGO locator. It has even gone down over the years. Now, we’re down to 1%. In terms of our sales, we have very little sales to Chinese buyers in general, whether POGO or not,” she added.

Ms. Dy said that ALI conducted checks across its residential buildings following the announcement of the ban and found that only less than 5% are occupied by POGOs or probable POGO employees.

“Our products are not that exposed to the POGO market, either directly in the office or indirectly as tenants for our residential buildings,” she said.

Sy-led conglomerate SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) said the POGO ban also has no impact on their property business. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. develops residential and commercial properties through SM Development Corp.

“Fortunately, (the POGO ban) has no impact to us,” SMIC President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said in a mobile phone message after being asked for comment.

In a recent disclosure, Gotianun-led Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) said that it is not affected by the POGO ban. The company is the real estate investment trust (REIT) of Filinvest Land, Inc.

“FILRT has no POGO exposure and has been free of POGOs since the second quarter of 2022,” it said.

“The company has been deliberately diversifying its tenant mix, with the addition of traditional tenants and coworking locators,” it added.

Luxury property developer Shang Properties, Inc. recently said that the POGO ban will have no effect on the company’s residential business.

“The profile of our buyers is mostly Filipinos. We have a healthy mix of foreign buyers which are not China-based, so we’re not as affected,” Shang Properties Executive Vice-President for Commercial Maria Rochelle S. Diaz said at a recent media briefing.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the nationwide ban on POGOs will not harm the office and residential businesses of all property developers?

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

Muntinlupa City Government issues warning about quality of air in relation to Taal volcanic smog

August 20, 2024August 19, 2024carlocarrasco

In response to the smog from Taal Volcano that reached the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued a warning about the unhealthy air quality, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government warned the public of unhealthy air quality on Aug. 18 as volcanic smog, or vog, from Taal Volcano had reached the city.

Residents woke up to hazy weather. Mayor Ruffy Biazon held a live broadcast on Facebook to warn residents to be careful when going out and advised them to wear masks for protection.

“While we were sleeping, the volcanic smog from Taal Volcano reached us,” he said, adding that he observed “hazy air.”

Biazon said children who are already in schools should stay in classrooms as the city government will continue to monitor air quality. If needed, the mayor said he will suspend afternoon classes. He also said it’s up to parents to decide.

“Tandaan ninyo, kung kayo ay hindi komportable na palabasin ang anak ninyo, huwag ninyo na palabasin (Remember, if you are not comfortable letting your child go out, don’t let them go out),” said Biazon.

The Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management said the current air quality in Muntinlupa is “unhealthy.”

It explained that volcanic smog consists of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas and other volcanic gasses that mixes with atmospheric oxygen, moisture, dust and sunlight.

“As a reminder, vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2 which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure. People who may be particularly sensitive to vog are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” according to a past advisory from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

According to the IQAir website, Muntinlupa has an air quality index (AQI) of 154 or unhealthy level. The PM2.5 concentration in Muntinlupa is 60 µg/m3, based on IQAir data.

“PM2.5 concentration in Muntinlupa is currently 12 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. PM2.5 is measured by micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). According to the U.S. EPA NAAQS, any measurement greater than 9.0 μg/m3 (US AQI 50) can be dangerous to human health,” according to the website.

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, did you notice the changes of the quality of the air 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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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

3 suspects – including BuCor officer – arrested in Parañaque City, P68 million worth of shabu seized

August 20, 2024August 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three suspects – including one Bureau of Correction (BuCor) officer – were arrested by law enforcers and P68 million worth of shabu were seized as a result of a successful buy-bust operation, 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…

Government anti-narcotics authorities seized P68 million worth of shabu following the arrest of a Bureau of Correction (BuCor) personnel and two others during a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday, August 12.

The PDEA stated that Paul Patrick Toledo, 27, a BuCOR Correction Officer 1, truck driver Romeo Guerrero, 34, and security guard Reynold Teodoro, 27, were arrested on August 9 during an entrapment operation in Skate Park, Bulungan.

During the operation, the PDEA Special Enforcement Service (SES) and Regional Office-National Capital Region (RO-NCR), together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Drug Enforcement Group-Intelligence and Foreign Liaison Division (IFLD), and Parañaque City Police Station Sub-Station 3 seized 10 kilograms of shabu, two vehicles, a pistol loaded with live ammunition and mobile phones.

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 the trafficking of illegal drugs within the city will keep on 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.

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DPWH approves use of plastic waste to extend asphalt pavements lifespan

August 20, 2024August 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced its approval of the use of plastic waste to extend the lifetime of asphalt pavements, 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…

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allowed the use of plastic waste to extend the lifespan of asphalt pavements and mitigate plastic pollution, which contributes to flooding in urban areas.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has issued a directive mandating all DPWH regional offices, district engineering offices, and Unified Project Management Office clusters to incorporate shredded plastic in road construction projects.

The directive, outlined in Department Order 139, series of 2024, sets a new standard for the use of recycled materials, specifically low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags, in bituminous concrete surface courses.

Bonoan said the latest policy not only promotes recycling efforts but also improves asphalt’s resistance to deformation.

“This development is in line with the continuing efforts of the Department to support sustainable engineering and upgrade construction technology through the adoption of successful research studies,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this move by the DPWH will lead to breakthroughs in the years to come with regards to asphalt pavements and the mitigation of plastic pollution?

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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The Nazis and the Arabs of Palestine video is a must-see

August 19, 2024August 9, 2024carlocarrasco

As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the topic at hand…

In recent times, YouTuber travelingisrael.com published a compelling, explanatory video titled The Nazis and the Arabs of Palestine: the Untold (yet Documented) connection which you can watch below.

Decades before Bill Clinton forged an evil union with Yasser Arafat in the 1990s, the people of Palestine were allied with Adolf Hitler and the Nazis as both of them shared a powerful hatred towards the Jewish people. This is a chapter of world history that does not get discussed too much, nor has it been significantly taught in academies around the world.

Travelingisrael.com’s video and explanations are backed with facts, archived photos and videos, and solid references of historical information. You might be surprised to realize that there were indeed Muslims who served with the SS, that the leader of the Arabs of Palestine Amin al-Husseini lived in Berlin for a number of years and met with the murderous Adolf Hitler (who views Arabs as an inferior race but still became fond of Islam which has similarities with Nazi ideology). All these and more historical details and facts await you in the video below.

Always pray to the Lord in support of Israel, its government, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and its stakeholders. Pray to Him so that the evil axis of Iran-Hamas-Hezbollah and the pro-Palestine extremists will be stopped significantly. Learn to love and bless the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

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Shabu worth P1 million seized in Parañaque City, 2 suspects arrested

August 19, 2024August 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, P1 million worth of the illegal substance shabu was recovered by local police officers as they arrested two suspects, 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…

Members of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) recovered P1 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation on Sunday, August 11.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as “Marvin,” 28, and tagged by the police as a high value individual (HVI), and “Eduard,” 20. The two were arrested at around 11:40 a.m. in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

The duo yielded 150 grams of shabu worth P1,020,000, P500 used as buy-bust money, black sling bag, and a green coin purse.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you thankful to the local police for conducting the successful buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrests of the suspects and the seizure of the shabu?

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

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A Look Back at What If #19 (1980)

August 16, 2024August 2, 2024carlocarrasco

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

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1980 to examine an alternate story of the Marvel Comics shared universe chronicled through the What If monthly series.

Spider-Man is clearly Marvel Comics’ greatest icon. He is the one Marvel superhero who is easily recognized around the world through the many comic books published, the animated TV shows and the big-budget Hollywood movies released. Given Spider-Man’s real-life fame as a pop culture and American icon, one has to wonder what would it be like had the webslinger decided to have a career in showbiz instead of fighting bad guys. How can Spidey realize that with great power comes great responsibility if he is so focused on being an entertainer?

With those details laid down, here is a look back at What If #19, published in 1980 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter Gillis and drawn by Pat Broderick.

Early story

The story begins far into Spider-Man’s past when he started as an entertainer. Spider-Man sees a police man chasing a thief down the hallway (note: this was a key moment in the life of Peter Parker who went to become a crime fighter as Spider-Man). Instead of letting the thief get away, Spidey uses his web to stop him which enabled the police officer to apprehend him.

The next day, the Daily Globe published a front page story showing Spider-Man (described as a TV star) stopped the crook which established him as a heroic entertainer. The story bothered J. Jonah Jameson (The Daily Bugle) so much not only because the rival newspaper reported it but also because he perceived it as a glorification of so-called superheroes.

Elsewhere, Spider-Man and a famous film producer talk about making a movie about him that can really entertain a lot of people…

Quality

*As Spider-Man makes waves on television as an entertainer and endorser, J. Jonah Jameson tells the media the difference between real heroes and the costumed ones with super powers.*

Considering the history of Spider-Man, it is both difficult and risky to come up with a new reality that diverged from the key moment of the icon’s past (letting a crook get away from the chasing cop) resulting in a completely new version of him – Spider-Man as an entertainer. The good news here is that Peter Gillis’ script is solid and its scenes were nicely arranged to make this new version of the icon believable.

As shown on the cover of this comic book, the tale shows Spider-Man as a celebrity who found success and wealth in showbiz. Along the way, the classic Peter Parker gradually transforms into a new version who is not only focused on entertaining people but also engaging in publicity wars without ever becoming journalist. Since Marvel’s most famous icon does not fight crime, you will see him as an entertainment entrepreneur, a fighter through publicity, and as someone who enjoys the high life that most Americans don’t have.

In relation to the concept of the story, J. Jonah Jameson and Daredevil became the next important players to Spider-Man. Jameson is the rival of the webslinger but not necessarily the villain. Through Jameson, you will not only witness how he misuses his power at The Daily Bugle but also his interactions with criminal elements as he searches for ways to deal with Spidey. When it comes to Daredevil’s role, I encourage you to read the comic book to find out.

The story by Gillis moved at a medium-to-fast pace and for each build-up done, pay-offs were satisfying to read. When it comes to the scope of the story, this alternate reality is actually captivating to follow from start to finish.

Conclusion

*Can you just imagine how different superhero comics would have been in real life had Marvel actually depicted Spider-Man as a showbiz figure?*

What If #19 (1980) is a very solid and captivating comic book to read. The creative duo of Peter Gillis and Pat Broderick succeeded in selling the concept of what would happen had Spider-Man became an entertainer instead of fighting evil figures that hound society. Apart from showing a drastically different version of Spidey, the story will compel you to think about the relevance of superheroes in society, why becoming a major player in showbiz is chaotic, and how could Peter Parker be responsible with the power (related to showbiz) he has without combating evil.

Overall, What If #19 (1980) is recommended.

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NBI arrests 12 Chinese nationals who were caught in the act of scamming and for previously detaining and harming a man who refused to work as a scammer

August 16, 2024August 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Every day here in the Philippines, either someone got scammed or someone is secretly organizing a scam to steal money from others. Recently in the City of Manila, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended twelve Chinese nationals who were caught in the act of scamming and also for illegally detaining and assaulting a man who refused to work as a scammer, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The National Bureau of Investigation-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) has arrested 12 Chinese nationals for alleged online scamming and assaulting and detaining an individual who refused to work as a scammer, it said Friday.

In a statement, the NBI said the victim filed a complaint for alleged violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, serious physical injuries, and serious illegal detention.

The complainant said he was forced to work as an online scammer in a building in Manila and was beaten and assaulted when he refused.

He said the suspects then demanded him to pay the P500,000 ransom, but he was only able to give P300,000. After this, he was released and threatened to be killed if he will report the incident to authorities.

This led the NBI-STF, in coordination with the Manila Police District, to conduct an operation on August 6.

They arrested 12 Chinese nationals caught in the act of committing online scamming activities. Four of them were positively identified by the complainant as the ones who assaulted him.

The suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for violation of 4(b)(2) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and Article 263 and 267 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be a lot more Chinese nationals committing crime and harming people here in the Philippines? Have you been scammed before? Do you think the Chinese nationals currently living in your local community could be secretly scamming others online?

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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BIR files tax evasion charges against dismissed mayor Alice Guo and two others

August 15, 2024August 14, 2024carlocarrasco

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) formally filed tax evasion charges against former Bamban mayor Alice Guo and two other suspects, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA). For the newcomers reading this, this development is related to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac province.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday filed tax evasion charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two others before the Department of Justice.

Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. filed the charges against Guo, and Jack L. Uy and Rachelle Carreon of Baofu Land Development, Inc., which arose from Guo’s admission that she transferred her shares in Baofu to Uy.

“Upon investigation, the BIR discovered that no capital gains tax (CGT) and documentary stamp tax (DST) returns were filed and paid in relation to this transfer,” the BIR said in its statement.

The three were charged with “attempt to evade or defeat tax, failure to file CGT and DST returns, and failure to file/ supply certain information.”

Lumagui noted that while the parties to the transfer are Guo and Uy, Carreon, as the corporate secretary of Baofu, would also be charged with the same criminal case for tax evasion due to her “deliberate failure to report” the non-payment and non-filing of CGT and DST returns to the BIR.

“She even verified under oath the General Information Sheet reflecting the transfer even if no taxes were paid and no returns were filed,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this development will compel Alice Guo to escape abroad from the authorities?

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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Muntinlupa City centenarian receives P100,000 cash gift from City Government

August 15, 2024August 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, an elderly woman received a P100,000 cash gift from the City Government as she turned 100-years-old and Mayor Ruffy Biazon paid a visit, 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…

Mom Teodula Pesigan celebrated her 100th birthday with a P100,000 cash gift from the Muntinlupa City government.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon personally visited Pesigan at her house in Barangay Putatan to hand over the P100,000 gift, a program of the city government through its Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs.

“At her age, very sharp pa ang kanyang isip (At her age, her mind is still very sharp),” said Biazon.

When he asked about her secret to long life, her family responded that she likes to eat lechon and liempo.

“It was a great and fun experience na makilala at makausap si Nanay Dulay (It was a great and fun experience to meet and talk to Nanay Dulay),” the mayor added.

All centenarian residents of Muntinlupa get P100,000 cash gift under City Ordinance No. 2018-147.

Under Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, all Filipinos aged 100 and above will be given cash gifts to recognize their contribution to the country, added Biazon.

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, are you delighted to learn about the existence of the local ordinance that ensures cash gifts to centenarians? Is anyone in your local community about to reach the age of 100?

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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