Author Carlo Carrasco

Finance Secretary confident with 6% Philippine economic growth this year

March 27, 2025March 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto expressed during an interview with Bloomberg TV that the Philippine economy will grow by at least 6% this year and mentioned factors like continued infrastructure spending, low unemployment, the cutting of interest rates and more, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said he is confident that Philippine economic growth would hit at least 6 percent this year.

In an interview with Bloomberg TV on Wednesday, Recto said he is banking on more interest rate cuts, infrastructure spending, and election-related spending to boost economic growth.

“We’re pretty confident that we would hit at least a 6 percent growth. The World Bank, the IMF (International Monetary Fund), and many other institutions are saying that we’re on track to 6 percent. Our macroeconomic fundamentals are very good,” said Recto.

“Unemployment is down. The middle class is growing. We’re investing more than 5 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) in infrastructure. We have elections also right now, and during elections, there’s more spending, so we’re pretty confident we hit at the very least 6 percent this year.

He said with inflation settling within the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target range, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has room to further reduce policy rates, which in turn, would boost consumer spending.

“Equally important, I suppose, is the reduction of interest rates. It would appear that, because inflation has been controlled in the Philippines and the inflation today is something like 2.5 percent, there is room for a rate cut in our next (meeting) so we’re in an easing cycle. It’s a high probability that we could do a rate cut also for in our next meeting,” he said.

The Monetary Board of the BSP has so far cut rates by 75 basis points last year. Recto said he is hoping that the BSP Monetary Board would deliver a 50 to 75 basis point cut this year.

“Hopefully, at the minimum 50 and probably 75 basis points, for the year that will help propel growth, consumption, and investments moving forward,” he said, adding that the rate cuts would boost economic growth by at least half a percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will grow by at least 6% by the end of this year? Do you think Recto’s interview will convince foreign investors to invest in the Philippines this year?

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

BSP says inflation could accelerate in the 2nd half of 2025

March 27, 2025March 18, 2025carlocarrasco

In its monetary report recently released, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) stated that inflation could exceed the 2% to 4% target in the 2^nd of half of this year mainly pointing to base effects from easing commodity price pressures, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) said inflation could overshoot the 2-4% target range in the second half of this year amid base effects.

In its latest Monetary Policy report, the central bank said annual inflation is likely to settle within the 2-4% target band from this year to 2026 amid declining rice prices.

“However, inflation could exceed the target range in the latter part of 2025, primarily due to base effects from easing commodity price pressures in the corresponding period of 2024,” it said.

“Inflation is then projected to move closer to the midpoint of the target range in 2026, supported by an expected moderation in global commodity prices,” it added.

The BSP’s baseline forecasts for inflation are at 3.5% for 2025 to 2026. Accounting for risks, inflation could reach 3.7% in 2026.

In February, the consumer price index (CPI) sharply slowed to 2.1%, bringing headline inflation to 2.5% in the first two months.

For this year, inflationary pressures could come from “higher global oil and non-oil prices, peso depreciation, and recent above-expectation inflation readings,” the BSP said.

However, inflation could breach the 2-4% target range if crude oil prices rise, it said.

BSP estimates show that if crude oil prices average above $100 per barrel, inflation could hit 4.1% this year and 4.8% next year.

Based on the latest Development Budget Coordination Committee macroeconomic assumptions, Dubai crude oil is seen to range from $60 to $80 per barrel this year.

However, the BSP reiterated that risks to the inflation outlook have remained “broadly balanced.”

“Upside risks include potential increases in electricity rates, transport charges, and pork prices,” it said.

According to the BSP’s risk matrix, there is a high probability for a rise in pork prices and a low probability for elevated transport and electricity costs.

“Conversely, the main downside risk stems from the spillover effects of lower tariffs on imported rice to domestic rice prices.”

Rice inflation further decreased to 4.9% in February from the 2.3% drop in January. This was the lowest rice inflation print since the 5.7% contraction in April 2020.

Rice prices are seen to decline further after the Agriculture department declared a food security emergency on rice, as well as lowered the maximum suggested retail price of 5% broken imported rice.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation in the Philippines will accelerate in the 2^nd half of this year? If you are running a business, how far can you go when it comes to maintaining the current prices of your good and services when inflation kicks in?

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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 66

March 26, 2025March 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Modern feminists’ survival weakness exposed – Are you surrounded by the so-called modern feminists who kept boasting they can excel in anything men can do? I was just browsing YouTube until I spotted a video by Christine Grace Smith who shared her own reaction to another video that examined a series of tests of survival for two separate groups – one group of men and the other group of women – on an uninhabited tropical island far away from each other. Smith’s video is a must-watch and I encourage you to pay attention to the details as you view it. Her video and thoughts can change the way you look at survival as well as women empowerment.

#2 The 1993 World Trade Center bombing examined – Fern recently released an in-depth explanatory video about the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center committed by Islamic terrorists. This is an important video to watch given the fact that the 1993 bombing is often forgotten since the WTC twin towers collapsed on September 11, 2001. It will give you some insight on the radicalized evil Islamists live with and how far they are willing to go to commit murder and destruction. The moral lesson here is that being an Islamist means being evil.

#3 Ashleigh Burton reacts to Weird Science – Are you fond of 1980s Hollywood teen comedies or do you prefer 1950s science fiction tales of Weird Science published by EC Comics? Back in 1985, there was a teen comedy and sci-fi film titled Weird Science directed by the late John Hughes. Its concept was actually inspired by the EC Comics-published “Made of the Future” tale from the Weird Science comic book series. YouTuber Ashleigh Burton’s reaction video of the film is enjoyable to watch and I encourage you to see it.

#4 PatmanQC examines Berzerk – I still the old days when I played Berzerk a lot on the Atari 2600 (read my retro gaming review by clicking here). Being so young back then, I was not even aware about the arcade version of Berzerk. That being said, it’s a good thing that YouTuber PatmanQC made a retrospective video about Berzerk. If you are interested to find out what inspired the concept of Berzerk and who exactly created the game, watch the retro gaming video below.

#5 You, Me and the Movies react to 1978’s Piranha –When Steven Spielberg’s Jaws achieved tremendous commercial success in the mid-1970s, there were a lot of creature feature movies approved for production as other producers wanted to cash in on the craze. Among those flicks was 1978’s Piranha directed by Joe Dante and produced by low-budget movie king Roger Corman. You, Me and the Movies’ reaction video of Piranha is a must-see.

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850 children of Barangay Talon Tres fed by Las Piñas City’s Auxiliary Feeding Program

March 26, 2025March 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, eight hundred and fifty children of Barangay Talon Tres were served with food when the local auxiliary feeding program (referred to as Kusina ng Las Piñas) took place in the local community, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the feeding.

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

The City of Las Piñas organized an auxiliary feeding program on Wednesday, March 5, at the Talampas Compound and Paramount Village in Talon Tres, benefiting 850 children. This initiative aimed to provide nutritious meals to residents in need as part of the city’s continuous public service efforts.

During the event, beneficiaries received Pork Picadillo rice toppings along with bottled water, prepared under the supervision of nutritionist-dietitians and Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The feeding program is part of the Kusina ng Las Piñas initiative, which ensures accessible and well-balanced meals for communities across the city.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar personally led the activity, engaging with the beneficiaries and emphasizing the city’s commitment to health and nutrition programs. The Las Piñas City Nutrition Office, headed by OIC City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Julio P. Javier II, facilitated the event in collaboration with barangay nutrition officers and workers.

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 there many children in your local community who wish that the feeding program of the City Government will arrive and serve them?

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

Man from Iloilo arrested in Parañaque City over rape charge

March 25, 2025March 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a man from Iloilo who is wanted for rape and has been hiding for some time, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The Parañaque police officers executed the arrest in coordination with the police station operatives of Maasin, Iloilo.

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

A rape suspect in Maasin, Iloilo who went into hiding for two years was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police during the conduct of manhunt operation against wanted person on Saturday, March 15.

The Southern Police District identified the suspect as alias “Joebert,” 47, a construction worker and a resident of Makati City. He was arrested at Roxas Boulevard (Service) Road, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

According to the police report, Joebert, who was listed as Top 4 most wanted person at the provincial level, was spotted by members of the Baclaran Police Substation, leading to his arrest in coordination with the Maasin Police Station Intelligence Operatives.

The police said Joebert was arrested by warrant of arrest issued by Judge Gemalyn Faunillo Tarol, of Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 76, Janiuay, Iloilo on September 26, 2023, with no bail recommended for two counts of Violation of Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.

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 concerned that there could be wanted persons from the provinces hiding in the city?

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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 65

March 24, 2025March 24, 2025carlocarrasco

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Popcorn in Bed reacts to The French Connection – The tribute to the late Gene Hackman continues. This time, however, it is the turn of Popcorn in Bed to do so by means of posting a reaction video of the classic film The French Connection. Hackman won the Academy Award for Best Actor as a result of playing Popeye Doyle in the film. If you have not seen The French Connection yet, watch it entirely first. Otherwise, watch Popcorn in Bed’s video.

#2 JFK Assassination records released – Recently the government of the United States officially released tens of thousands of pages of varied documents related to the 1963 assassination of US President John F. Kennedy. Unsurprisingly, the media and legal analysts are highlighting the records released and it is expected that new revelations could alter both public perception and historical recording of the tragedy of November 22, 1963. This development is one of the fulfilled promises of US President Donald Trump whose administration includes JFK’s nephew Robert Kennedy, Jr. Watch and learn from the selected videos below.

#3 Ashleigh Burton reacts to Unforgiven – When was the last time you saw Clint Eastwood in a Western? Eastwood’s last Western was 1992’s Unforgiven which he directed and won big in the Academy Awards in 1993. The movie also had the late Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman and the late Richard Harris. Recently, Asheligh Burton posted her reaction video of the movie and it is entertaining. The late Hackman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Eastwood’s movie. Given its high importance, Unforgiven has to been seen first before you (who have not seen it yet) watch the reaction video below.

#4 PatmanQC examines RoboCop versus The Terminator video games – Way back in 1992, I was excited to learn about the comic book crossover mini-series of RoboCop versus The Terminator (read my retro reviews by clicking here, here, here and here). In 1993, my excitement got reignited when the video games featuring the two sci-fi icons in another crossover got released. Unfortunately, I never got to play any of those games. In retrospect, the Terminator-RoboCop crossovers became important pieces of pop culture regardless of entertainment format, and if you want to learn about the history of the video games, watch PatmanQC’s in-depth RoboCop versus The Terminator video below.

#5 Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversies and the criticism against it – By the time you are reading this, Ubisoft’s highly controversial and condemned big-budget video game Assassin’s Creed Shadows is already available, and I have no intention to play it. I already played some games of the long-running Assassin’s Creed series but ultimately I never became a fan of it. For the newcomers reading this, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been controversial and criticized for some time now due to a variety of reasons such as the game developers’ lack of respect towards the Japanese, the false portrayal of Yasuke as a Samurai (note: the historical Yasuke NEVER became a Samurai), insertions of wokeness (the result of DEI in Ubisoft) and more.

I really don’t like it when Leftist activists working in game companies insert their delusions and toxic values into video games which has been going on for many years now. The Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversies clearly rocked Ubisoft and brought down its credibility a lot. Video games are supposed to be fun, not interactive pieces of Leftist, woke and LGBTQ propaganda. To learn more and find out why, watch the videos below.

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New multipurpose building in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City, inaugurated

March 24, 2025March 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a new multipurpose building in Barangay Talon Dos was inaugurated with the presence of Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Vice Mayor April Aguilar and other officials, the City Government announced via social media.

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

Las Piñas City officials led the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed Sta. Cecilia Village Multi-Purpose Building in Talon Dos on Monday, March 3. The facility will serve as a venue for various community programs and can also be utilized for emergency purposes, such as an evacuation center during calamities.

Mayor Mel Aguilar, Vice Mayor April Aguilar, and City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina were present at the event, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing public infrastructure for the welfare of residents. A priest officiated the blessing, followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

The multi-purpose building features spacious interiors designed to accommodate meetings, social gatherings, and essential public services, ensuring a safe and accessible space for both regular activities and emergency response efforts.

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? Did you notice any new buildings or facilities being constructed in your local community that just might be inaugurated by the City Government?

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 issues public warning about the rise of local rabies cases

March 23, 2025March 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued a warning to the public about the rise of animal rabies that happened locally in four different barangays, 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 a rise in animal rabies cases in the city.

“Bilang babala sa mga mamamayan ng Muntinlupa, ipinagbibigay alam na merong naitalang kaso ng Rabies sa hayop sa mga nasabing lugar (As a warning to the citizens of Muntinlupa, we are hereby informed that there have been recorded cases of Rabies in animals in the said areas),” the Office of the City Veterinarian Muntinlupa City posted on Facebook.

It said animal rabies cases were recorded in Purok 2 in Barangay Cupang; Katarungan Village in Barangay Poblacion; Southville 3 housing project, Barangay Poblacion; Lakeview in Barangay Putatan; and Villa Carolina I Subdivision in Barangay Tunasan.

“Bilang pagiingat, siguruhing bakunado ng Anti-Rabies ang inyong mga alagang aso at pusa at huwag hayaang pagala-gala sa kalsada o iba pang pampublikong lugar (As a precaution, make sure your pet dogs and cats are vaccinated against Rabies and do not let them roam the streets or other public areas),” the veterinarian’s office added.

The Department of Health said rabies “is a viral infection that is spread mainly through animal bites. It attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal; recovery is rare.”

In 2024, 426 rabies cases were recorded in the country and all of them died. It said 45 percent of the cases came from pets.

“It is caused by the rabies virus, which is spread almost always through infected saliva. This occurs most commonly through animal bites, but may also happen through scratches, abrasions and other similar circumstances that involve exposure to infected saliva (e.g. direct contact of eyes and the linings of the mouth and nose to infected saliva),” the DOH added.

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 any news about rabies happening 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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Michelin opens new office in Alabang

March 22, 2025March 20, 2025carlocarrasco

The French multinational tire manufacturing company Michelin very recently opened a new office in Filinvest City in Alabang to provide service and support to its customers, according to a GMA Network news report. This development added business credibility to the corporate city of Filinvest and Muntinlupa City in general. The Michelin Alabang office is in the Polaris Building.

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

Michelin on Thursday announced the opening of its new official office in the Philippines, which will focus on strengthening the brand in the Philippines, and invest in local talents moving forward.

The new office — located in the Polaris Building, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang in Muntinlupa City — will serve as a hub for enhanced customer engagement and support, to reflect its “dedication to the growing Filipino market.”

“We are excited to open our new office in the Philippines. We recognize the country’s strong market potential, and this move enables us to reinforce our partnerships, enhance customer support, and further establish Michelin as the preferred choice for mobility solutions in the region,” Michelin Asia Pacific (Singapore) Philippines Branch Office managing director Jonathan Khong said.

According to Michelin, the new office will strengthen collaboration with local partners, provide them with better resources, tools, and expertise to enhance their business operations, and boost the Michelin brand in the country.

The opening of the new office also “reflects Michelin’s continued dedication” to the Philippines, and will strengthen sales and after-sales services through support to partners, and investment in developing local talents.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa, do you feel confident that the presence of Michelin in Alabang will add a lot to the economic dynamism of the city? Do you know a lot of Michelin customers living in Muntinlupa and in nearby cities? Do you think Michelin’s presence in the city will convince other international businesses to set up new offices or service centers in Filinvest City in the near future?

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 64

March 21, 2025March 20, 2025carlocarrasco

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Popcorn in Bed reacts to Planet of the Apes sequel – Following its reaction video of the original Planet of the Apes which gathered over 136,000 views, YouTuber Popcorn in Bed posted its reaction to the sequel Beneath the Planet of the Apes, and it is entertaining watch. This could inspire you to watch the 1970 film eventually.

#2 The Democrats keep on getting more pathetic, desperate and unhinged – When Donald Trump first took office as US President in 2017, the hatred, dishonest and wickedness of the Democrats (and their supporters) got exposed. Now that Trump is back in the Oval Office, today’s Democrats have turned even worse as they have turned more evil and more reckless. Not only that, the Democrats themselves have failed the American people as seen through the four years of the pathetic Biden-Harris administration. Watch the videos below.

#3 VKunia reacts to Jaws – Recently, YouTuber VKunia posted her reaction video about Steven Spielberg’s classic film Jaws. While there are indeed a lot of Jaws reaction videos on YouTube, this new video manages to be entertaining to watch. As this is a classic film, it is advisable for you to watch Jaws if you still have not seen it. Otherwise, watch VKunia’s video below.

#4 Gene Hackman remembered – As of this writing, the late Gene Hackman is already being missed by not just his fans but also by film buffs. For those who missed the news, Hackman and his wife were found dead which was shocking. In memory of Hackman, posted below are some video clips and reaction videos about his contributions to cinema.

#5 PatmanQC examines the Terminator 2 arcade game – Back in 1993, there was a time when I played the Terminator 2 arcade shooter a lot. No matter how chaotic the visuals and gameplay were, I still went on to have fun with it. Thanks to YouTuber PatmanQC, the details behind the making of the arcade smash hit are revealed in detail in his video. Watch it now.

#6 Plant-based meat in America fails – When it comes to food, the natural meat sourced from animals will always remain the best not just for meat lovers but also for people who enjoy food for their taste, satisfaction and organic state. That being said, it is not surprising at all that the plant-based meat brands like Beyond Meat are failing and the consumers made their choices very clear. People have seen how pretentious, dishonest and manipulative the media partners-in-crime of the plant-based companies have been for years and the quality of those products (example: burger patties made from plants and lab-produced materials) are not good and also not worth paying for. Watch and learn from the video below.

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