Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, more than forty local rice retailers received cash assistance from the national government, 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…
A total of 44 rice retailers received cash assistance or “ayuda” from the national government in Muntinlupa following the imposition by President Marcos of a rice price cap on regular milled and well-milled rice.
The Muntinlupa City government headed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon assisted in the distribution of the cash assistance of P15,000 for each of the 44 rice retailers, or a total of P660,000.
The cash assistance is part of the President’s program to help rice retailers affected by his Executive Order No. 39, which imposed a price ceiling of P41 for regular milled rice and P45 for well-milled rice starting on Sept. 5.
“Ang ginawa ng Pangulo ay nagpadala ng assistance sa mga retailers para makabawi sila sa losses nila dulot ng Executive Order 39. Patuloy ang coordination natin sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng DTI, DA at DSWD. Hopefully matapos na ang problema natin sa nalalapit na panahon (What the President did was to send assistance to the retailers so they can offset the losses caused by Executive Order 39. Our coordination with government agencies like DTI, DA and DSWD continues. Hopefully we can end the problem soon),” said Biazon.
The cash assistance was distributed by the Department of Social Work and Development, together with the verification teams from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Local Economic Investment and Promotion Office (LEIPO), and Business Processing and Licensing Office (BPLO), which submitted the list of micro rice retailers.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you know anyone who sells rice for a living struggling right now? Do you think the current problem of rice grain pricing will continue to last over the next six to twelve months? How much did your household spend on rice grain over the last two months?
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
Starfield, the epic sci-fi role-playing game (sci-fi RPG) from Bethesda Game Studios (Oblivion, Skyrim and Fallout 4), tremendously boosted the sales of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S (including the newer version) in the United Kingdom (UK) shortly after its very strong launch there, according to a report published by GamesIndustry.biz. Also available on Windows PC and Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass (XGP), it is not surprising to see many gamers making decisions to buy the game brand new which helped it top the UK software sales chart.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GamesIndustry.biz report. Some parts in boldface…
The launch of Starfield and a new version of the Xbox Series S significantly boosted sales of Microsoft consoles.
GfK data reveals that Xbox Series S and X sales jumped 76% week-on-week for the seven days ending September 2nd.
GfK games boss Dorian Bloch says that the week is the biggest this year (so far) for Xbox Series S and X hardware sales in the UK. Meanwhile, the week ending September 9th is currently the second best week.
This was partially due to the launch of the new Xbox Series S 1TB edition, which accounted for 24% of all Xbox consoles sold during that week. The new version of Xbox Series S is roughly £50 more expensive than the standard Series S model.
Starfield is filled with a lot of quests, activities, exploration and sci-fi action that really engaged millions of people worldwide as I write this. The scope of the game is very immense.
But the jump in Xbox console sales was also due to the launch of Starfield. The Bethesda game officially launched on September 6th, but it was available on September 1st to those who were willing to pay for the Premium Edition. As a result, the standard Xbox Series X console posted a 46% increase in sales for the week ending September 2nd in the UK.
“It is currently the best week this year for Series X,” Bloch says. “And the following week [ending September 9th] is the fourth best for X. In-between is week one and week six, which were early year blips.”
Bloch says that the Xbox consoles overall had a decent showing for the week ending September 9th, with the new Series S 1TB model accounting for 20% of sales.
As mentioned earlier, Starfield is also a software sales success in the UK which GamesIndustry.biz also reported separately. Check out the excerpt below…
Starfield has topped the UK physical charts this week.GfK’s report showed that the space-action RPG sold more physical copies on Xbox than it did on PC.
Sarah Morgan is one of the key characters in Starfield. Interacting with her added a lot to the gameplay and engagement. Take note that Morgan is just one of the Constellation characters you will interact with.
Starfield’s premium upgrade (a box with a code that provided early access to the digital version) has fallen to No.34 after debuting at No.7 last week. This version experienced a 71% decrease in sales due to the game’s wider release on September 6.
As confirmed by the news above, the Xbox-exclusive Starfield succeeded big-time at retail in the UK and as Bethesda’s biggest launch of all-time (on a worldwide scale). Think deeply about those huge achievements that were realized without PlayStation at all. While lots of gamers in the UK spent a lot of money on the sci-fi RPG and Xbox Series consoles, there are also many Starfield players enjoying it on Xbox Game Pass. In fact, a lot of XGP subscribers paid for the early access to the game and that only showed how heavily anticipated Starfield really is as Bethesda’s newest intellectual property (IP). Apart from that, there is still a long way to go before the month of September 2023 ends.
The way the Xbox-exclusive game is succeeding as I write this, it is very likely that Starfield will grow into a franchise of in-depth RPGs in the years to come. Like Halo and the Forza Motorsport, Starfield will be an Xbox-exclusive franchise of games that fans and RPG-loving gamers can look forward to.
Even without PlayStation, Starfield became a massive success at launch in terms of software sales, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and Xbox hardware sales.
On my part, I have been playing Starfield on my Xbox Series X for more than a week now and the more I played it, the more enjoyable and even intriguing the gameplay experience turned out to be. There is just so much to have fun with this sci-fi RPG and by now, I have gotten myself more oriented with the user interface and the functions laid out.
With regards to the shooting (specifically with on-foot activities), the precision and response here are comparable with those in Fallout 4. Flying spaceships and using the controls for flight and weapons are really good and responsive enough.
While I won’t be spoiling plot details here, I can say that the gameplay experience has been pretty varied when I do the main quests, side quests, activities and when I freely explore the many in-game environments from one planet to another across different star systems. Check out the images and their descriptions below…
There is nothing like spotting Ecliptic mercenaries marching together in the middle of nowhere followed by my character and companion taking them out by surprise. If you encounter a random situation like this, engage with it.
I love the high-level of visual details as well as the impressive physics Bethesda prepared for space battles.
After defeating several armed bad guys and some dangerous turrets at a very discreet location, I got myself a brand new space ship! I now have four space ships as of this writing!
There is nothing like being able to board an enemy space ship, defeating all the bad guys and taking the valuables (including the opportunity to claim the ship as your own if your pilot skill is high enough). Starfield allows such opportunities to happen during space ship battles. Don’t just focus on destroying the enemy ship entirely as you will miss out on the opportunity to board it.
Starfield is very enjoyable and I believe that it still has a lot more to offer. I finished several side quests and activities, and still there is a lot more to discover and engage with! Of all the Xbox-exclusive games released in this current console generation, Starfield is already the most engaging one I have been playing, even more so than Halo Infinite.
Recently in Las Piñas City, the City Government released cash aid to the local rice retailers to support them in coping with the rising costs in their line of business, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The distribution was led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar led the distribution of cash assistance to 139 rice retailers at Las Piñas City Café in the City Hall grounds on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
The mayor said the City Agriculture Office (CAO), in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), distributed P15,000 cash assistance to each of the beneficiaries.
Aguilar took a decisive stance in response to the rising prices of rice to safeguard the city’s small-scale rice retailers, traders, and vendors.
The cash assistance is just the beginning of the city government’s initiatives to help its small rice business owners, said Aguilar, showing her commitment to aiding local businesses and prioritizing community welfare.
The mayor also revealed that the city government is in the process of developing a more comprehensive plan to support local rice traders and vendors.
The cash assistance aims to provide immediate relief to small businesses in the city, empower them to continue their operations and contribute to stabilizing rice supplies in the community since the livelihoods of rice retailers are under severe strain due to the surging price of rice.
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 struggling to buy rice grain for your family now? Do you think this newest action by the City Government will benefit consumers as well? Are the local rice retailers in your community been struggling a lot lately?
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
Over a decade has passed since the life of Antonio P. Antonio (also referred to as Tonton and APA) came to an end which impacted the lives of the surviving members of his family as well as the BF Homes community where he once served as the federation president.
For the newcomers reading this, Antonio died tragically on September 11, 2013 after he got shot several times by a family member at their home (Villa Antonio). Specifically, he passed away at Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City. He was 63-years-old and he left behind a thriving family business, a very notable record as an entrepreneur and a legacy of serving the BF Homes residents diligently.
Recently, the surviving members of the family as well as several guests converged together at the Antonio Mausoleum in Everest Hills Memorial Park in Susana Heights, Muntinlupa City for the 10th death anniversary of APA.
Xialen, a daughter of the late APA, delivered a touching speech to the many people who attended.
Pastor Jonas Bernales led the prayer and reminded the attendees of the goodness of God as they remember the legacy of APA.
I personally attended the gathering which was truly commemorative and unifying. There were several old friends of Antonio P. Antonio who shared their respective memories of him which gave viewers a clear view of what he was like, how he supported those who badly needed help and how insightful he was when it comes to achieving goals with his partners. There were also family members who shared their memories of APA as a very dedicated family man.
Xialen, a daughter of the late APA, shared how drastically their lives changed after his departure. She revealed that even before the tragedy of September 11, 2013, an incident occurred at their family home that involved armed invaders who tried but failed to eliminate Antonio. Still, she recalled the love, the care and passion that they received from him.
“I cannot help but relive the last days we spent with our father. The laughter, the wisdom, the love he showed upon us…they were etched in our hearts and minds,” Xialen recalled.
She stressed that the family still remembers the pain of APA’s demise from 2013 as their lives fell into chaos subsequently. Gradually they recovered as adjusted to life and managed the businesses Antonio left behind.
“In the midst of our sorrow, we found strength and resilience. We learned from the lessons he taught us and we carried the love and values he gave us that kept our family together,” Xialen stated to the many guests watching. “We hope that justice, elusive as it may be, will soon happen.”
Vladimir Antonio delivered the closing remarks and thanked those who came to pay respect to the late Antonio P. Antonio.
For about five years now, the Antonio family has been pursuing justice for APA and you can find the details in my 2020 article about Antonio P. Antonio. That same article contains details about how the suspect was found and brought back to the country.
At this stage, it remains to be seen how the pursuit for justice for the late Antonio will turn out in the regional trial court (RTC) in Parañaque City.
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
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) revealed that show cause orders for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) candidates over election offenses have surpassed three hundred nationwide, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The BSKE will have an official campaign period before the voting happens on October 30, 2023.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A total of 304 candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) have been issued show cause orders for various violations as of Tuesday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia said.
Aside from the 102 issued last week and 122 on Monday, another 80 were sent to candidates on Tuesday, Garcia said in a Viber message.
Garcia said the complaints were about the distribution of breads and noodles with imprinted faces of the candidates on the packaging; door-to-door distribution of maintenance medicine kits for senior citizens; cakes for birthday celebrators; and smart televisions, fans and sacks of rice as raffle prizes.
Comelec data show that Cebu, Quezon City, Pampanga, Bukidnon, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Manila, Batangas, Bataan, Cotabato and Rizal have a high number of premature campaigning violation reports.
Violations were also recorded in some areas in Caloocan, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Taguig, Sorsogon, Tarlac, Camarines Sur, Leyte, Albay and Negros Oriental, among others.
“Expect the number to increase as complaints come in and the show cause orders roll out,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in another Viber message Monday night.
Comelec gives BSKE candidates three days upon receipt of the show cause order to respond.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the rising number of show cause orders will somehow soften the rising number of alleged election rules offenses? Were there lots of instances of premature campaigning in your local barangay? How can you tell if the local candidates are committing premature campaigning? Do you think local community bingo events involving the presence of BSKE candidates should be counted as premature campaigning?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a member of the City Council wants a solution to the potential traffic problem that could happen in connection to the Skyway’s off-ramp project in Alabang, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Previously a local committee wanted to halt the said project.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A Muntinlupa councilor wants to open a village road in Alabang as a solution to the impending traffic problem that will be created by the Skyway off-ramp widening project on the West Service Road.
Councilor Francis Ian Bagatsing, chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Engineering, Public Works and Infrastructure, had earlier recommended to stop the Skyway off-ram widening project due to lack of permits.
Skyway complied with the requirements and was given a permit by the Office of the City Building Official.
Bagatsing, in the committee report, said the Skyway project will narrow a portion of the West Service Road and will cause heavy traffic.
The committee said the “narrowing of the West Service Road south bound towards Filinvest Northgate is due to the additional exit tollbooth being constructed by the Skyway management.”
It said the portion of the West Service Road affected by the project will lose about 1.2 to 2 meters of “carriage way because of the said expansion.”
“Residents, establishments, and some stakeholders along West service road are not amenable to the said Skyway exit tollbooth expansion since this will result to a ‘funneling’ and traffic jam,” according to the report.
The City Council’s Committee on Land Use and Zoning held a hearing on Sept. 11 with Filinvest and recommended to having a portion reclaimed at the easement of the company’s fire station and water treatment facility.
Bagatsing said he is proposing to open Rizal Village in Alabang from the West Service Road leading to the main road in the Northgate portion of Filinvest as an alternate route for motorists.
He said the opening of the village road will be done through an ordinance.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Muntinlupa resident, do you think the Skyway off-ramp project will cause more traffic problems than improvements on the flow of traffic?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) had a ceremonial topping-off at one of the key buildings of the Belize Oasis Alabang community, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Belize Oasis Alabang is the company’s resort-inspired, mid-rise residential community accessible by the East Service Road within Muntinlupa.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
LISTED property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) recently topped off the first building in its Belize Oasis community in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
FLI said in a statement that the Building Azul is a low-density tower with only 25 units per floor. It is part of Belize Oasis, the company’s first mid-rise development in Muntinlupa City under the Aspire by Filinvest brand.
FLI said Building Azul has a “Venti-lite” design that incorporates sky gardens, allowing natural light and ventilation to the hallways.
“Soon, the future residents of Belize Oasis will have the privilege of enjoying the attractive features that this project has to offer. Nestled in a highly accessible area, Belize Oasis can be easily reached through major thoroughfares such as C5, South Luzon Expressway, and the Skyway,” FLI First Vice-President for Brand/Product and Regional Project Head for Medium-Rise Buildings Aven D. Valderrama said.
Belize Oasis is only a few minutes away from Filinvest City, FLI’s 244-hectare township in Alabang.
“Belize Oasis presents a golden opportunity to invest in a prime location with a ready rental market. Alabang has long been coveted due to its strategic positioning, excellent connectivity, and thriving commercial and business districts,” the company said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Muntinlupa resident, do you think Belize Oasis Alabang will attract a lot of new residents and add significantly to the economic dynamism of Alabang?
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
With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) gradually approaching, the police officers of Las Piñas City vowed there will be fairness and order in the city as the related activities and holding of the said polls happen, 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 Las Piñas City police assured the holding of fair and orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October in the city as it issued contact information for any election-related concerns.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the police advisory is part of the city’s commitment to ensure a secure, fair, and orderly conduct of the BSKE for the future leaders of the community.
Aguilar said the police contact information are the following:
She said the SK elections serve as a platform for the youth to engage in governance and public service. The mayor said it also offers an opportunity for young individuals to be part of decision-making at the local level.
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 think there will be little or no trouble in the city once the election campaign period and election day happen?
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
Recently in Parañaque City, a Chinese national was arrested for bringing a gun with live ammunition as well as illegal drugs that were hidden in his bag, 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…
A Chinese national was arrested for possession of firearms and drugs upon entering a hotel and casino hub in Parañaque City on Sunday, September 10.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Wan Liang, 40, was arrested at around 3:00 p.m. at the Pearl Entry of Okada Manila, Entertainment City in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
The police said security personnel noticed suspicious items inside Liang’s bag during the routine bag screening before entering the hotel and casino hub. The security immediately prevented Lang from entering the establishment.
Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol with one magazine loaded with seven live ammunitions, a zip-locked sachet containing 1.77 grams of shabu worth P12,036 and two alleged ecstasy tablets worth P3,400, along with assorted IDs and P710.00 cash inside the bag.
The suspect was immediately turned over to the Tambo police substation by Jaafar after the discovery of the illegal items.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be Chinese nationals moving around Parañaque secretly carrying guns and illegal drugs with them?
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
While the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are still several weeks away from happening, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued show cause orders to almost one hundred candidates due to possible election offenses, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
At least 91 candidates for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) were issued with show cause orders due to alleged election offenses such as premature campaigning, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Sunday.
Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the candidates were given three days from the receipt of the show cause orders to explain their sides regarding the accusations.
“‘Yan po, walang formal na complaints. ‘Yan pong mga ‘yan ay resulta ng mga nakita na natin o nai-report sa atin. Ang ginawa ng Comelec, motu proprio [investigation]. Sariling initiative ito ng Commission on Elections,” he said.
(There were no formal complaints. These were only the results of what we have seen or reported to us. What the Comelec did is motu proprio [investigation]. This is the Comelec’s own initiative.)
The poll body has repeatedly warned against premature campaigning as the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.
Garcia said the Comelec has the power to investigate and file its own complaints against candidates who commit election offenses.
Even putting up posters and promoting themselves on social media before the campaign period starts may be considered as premature campaigning.
“’Yung sinabi kong 91, simula pa lang ‘yun. Madami pa po. Susunod-sunurin natin, at aaraw-arawin,” the poll chairman added.
(The filing of show cause orders against 91 BSKE bets was just the beginning. There will be many more. We will do that daily.)
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the COMELEC did the right thing to ensure the credibility of the BSKE? Are the barangay or SK candidates in your local community very persistent with the use of social media?
Author Carlo Carrasco 