To lure younger investors, BPI Wealth to launch new mutual fund

To lure younger investors, BPI Wealth to launch new mutual fund

carlocarrasco

BPI Wealth – the wealth management arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – will establish a new mutual fund to lure in young and tech-savvy investors, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

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

Amid favorable conditions for long-term investments, the wealth-management arm of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will roll out before this year ends a new mutual fund eyeing young and tech-savvy investors.

BPI Wealth personal wealth head Irene Ang told a press briefing on Friday, October 18, that the forthcoming BPI Wealth Builder Multi-Asset Mutual Fund Inc. is expected to be approved “soon” by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which regulates mutual funds, for it to be sold to the public.

This first-of-its-kind balanced, global-based and peso-subscription and -redemption fund aims to convince millennials and the Gen X generation in the country to invest and prepare for their retirement, Ang said.

Among the innovative and unique features of this mutual fund include availability for a minimum of only P1,000; accessibility on BPI’s online platforms and accredited channels to conveniently open an investment account, monitor investments, and receive cumulative rewards and benefits at no extra cost; as well as an automated and automatic top-up system allowing additional investments of at least P100 monthly.

Ang is optimistic that up to P1-billion investments in their upcoming newest mutual fund would be “easy.”

BPI Wealth president and chief executive officer (CEO) Maria Theresa D. Marcial noted that among their investors, those who onboarded via digital channels continued to engage more regularly than branch-opened accounts.

“We should push more into digital initiatives,” said Marcial, who is spearheading BPI’s “Wealth Wellness Month” this October to promote financial inclusion and literacy as well as opportunities for small investors.

Marcial disclosed that as of end-September, BPI Wealth’s assets under management (AUM) rose to a new high of P1.4 trillion, from P1.2 trillion in end-2023.

On top of the earlier goal of 20-percent AUM increase for this year, Marcial said a further 15-percent growth next year will be “reasonable.”

BPI Wealth targets P3 trillion in AUM by 2026.

Marcial cited that while mutual funds and other assets experienced a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs during the past three years due to global financial conditions, the clarity in the ongoing monetary policy easing here and abroad this year has improved prospects.

“We’re seeing markets becoming more buoyant, and fund managers are becoming more constructive across asset classes,” she said.

“Bonds are expected to do better, as interest rates go lower. And because interest rates are lower… so [in] equity we’re seeing some renewed interest,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think BPI Wealth’s newest move makes a lot of sense with today’s economic environment? Do you think a lot of millennials are willing to engage in investments?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 38

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 38

carlocarrasco

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 Donald Trump’s decades-long journey to becoming US President  – No matter what your political views are, there is no denying that Donald Trump’s incredible 2016 election victory as President of the United States was the culmination of a very long journey that started since 1980s. As Trump kept doing lots of business, he observed what went wrong in America, what the nation lost to other countries with regards to trade or diplomacy, why many ordinary Americans became forgotten, and more. Watch Trump’s journey in the video below.

#2 A look back at Street Fighter II V (anime) – If you are a long-time gamer like me, chance are, you must have played one of the many games of Street Fighter II. If you have played the games, were you able to watch the short-lived anime series titled Street Fighter II V? Loosely based on Super Street Fighter II Turbo, the anime series started in 1995 and was directed by Gisaburō Sugii who was responsible for the anime movie of 1994. I found two YouTube videos revisiting Street Fighter II V posted below for your enjoyment.

#3 Fox News interview shows Kamala Fit is too dishonest and too out-of-touch to be US President  – If there is anything notable with the incumbent United States Vice President Kamala Harris – the one woke candidate the Democrats nominated after pushing Joe Biden out of the way – is that she has a very distorted view of reality and she is very unfit to become US President. Her recent interview with Fox News is the worst yet and the consequences are still being felt as I write this down. Watch the selected videos below to find out.

#4 A look back at Koudelka – During the late stage of the first PlayStation console’s life, Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) became really popular with gamers in Europe and America. Back in 1999, the role-playing game Koudelka was released on PlayStation in Japan and an international release followed in 2000. That game did not achieve critical acclaim and was never a big seller. As many old-time gamers have forgotten about its existence, Koudelka’s production history is rather intriguing and surprising to discover.

Koudelka was developed by Sacnoth which was founded by former Squaresoft employee Hiroki Kikuta (Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana, and Soukaigi). To find out why Koudelka had an unusual RPG concept and style of gameplay, I encourage you to watch the retro gaming video below.   

#5 More Iranians need Israel’s help – It is a fact that the Islamic regime of Iran has a long record of brutalizing Iranians who do not follow their evil moves. In short, the people of Iran are not their wicked government. That being said, the dissenting Iranians are reaching out to Israel for help in the form of military action against the evil regime. Watch the video of The 700 Club below. It includes statements from Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.

#6. George Romero was hired to make a Resident Evil motion picture – Back in the late 1990s when the Resident Evil game franchise really soared in popularity and became bankable for Capcom, a movie project was approved and the late George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow) was hired to write and direct it. It should be noted that Capcom hired Romero to make the Resident Evil 2 commercial which became very popular and contributed to the game’s big success. Eventually, Romero’s drafts of the script got rejected and Constantin Film replaced him with Paul W. S. Anderson resulting in the 2002 Resident Evil movie.  

If you are fascinated with Romero’s short-lived involvement with the Resident Evil movie project, you should watch the related videos posted below…

#7. China’s Bonnie and Clyde – Have you been following the YouTube channel Dark Asia with Megan? Every week, there is always a new episode about true crime stories that took place within Asia and the host Megan is often great with her presentation and she clearly does a lot of research. Recently an episode about China’s very own Bonnie and Clyde was released. I saw it and it is very intriguing to watch. For the newcomers reading this, Bonnie and Clyde refers to real-life American bandits and serial killers who caused a lot of trouble from 1931 to 1934. Hollywood even released a movie in 1967 glorifying them. As for who exactly were China’s Bonnie and Clyde, and what had they done, I encourage you to watch Dark Asia with Megan’s episode below.

#8. Kamala Harris supporter shouts at toddler – Going back to the 2024 US Presidential campaign, a supporter of Communist Kamala Harris (the US Vice President since 2021) was caught on camera yelling at and traumatizing a toddler. I know for a fact that liberals, Leftists, Marxists, socialists and woke Americans can be quite wild but the die-hard Kamala supporter who screamed at the toddler clearly has crossed the line. It makes me wonder if the Democrats ever oriented their supporters to be civil and in control. Watch the Sky News Australia Lefties Losing It video below.

#9. Kamala Harris got booed at her own campaign rally! – The presidential campaign of Commie Kamala Harris is clearly failing not only because the opinion polls – most of which are Left-leaning and oversampling Democrat voters – are showing her falling further behind Donald Trump but also because unfortunate events have been happening at her campaign rallies. The new embarrassment this time is Harris getting booed at her own campaign rally! Watch the videos below.

+++++

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

All 9 barangays in Muntinlupa City pass standards for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks

All 9 barangays in Muntinlupa City pass standards for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks

carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, all of the nine barangays successfully passed the standards for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks, 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…

All the nine barangays in Muntinlupa have passed the standards under the law for their VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) desks.

“Congratulations to all barangays of Muntinlupa for achieving 100% compliance with our VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) desk standards!” said Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Under the standards, he said, the functionality of each barangay was assessed based on policies, personnel, resources, planning and budgeting, implementation, good practices, and regular submission of reports.

“At talagang commendable ang bawat barangay for having met these standards (And each barangay is really commendable for having met these standards),” he said.

Under a memorandum circular issued in 2023 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), VAWC) is defined as “any act of or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against.a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.”

These acts include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and economic abuse. Biazon lamented the violence happens inside a household.

“Pero naririto ang City Government at mga barangay to ensure that women and children have somewhere to turn to for help. Tinitiyak natin na meron laging tutugon sa kababaihan at kabataang humihingi ng saklolo (But the City government and barangays are here to ensure that women and children have somewhere to turn to for help. We ensure that someone will respond to women and children who seek help),” the mayor 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 think having a VAWC desk in your barangay will be helpful? What is the first thing that comes to your mind whenever you think about the VAWC

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

LGBTQ member arrested in Las Piñas City for child abuse

LGBTQ member arrested in Las Piñas City for child abuse

carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a person identified with the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community over the charge of child abuse, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers carried a warrant of arrest issued by a certain branch of the Las Piñas City Family Court.

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

A member of the LGBTQ community was arrested by the Las Piñas City Police for child abuse on Wednesday, October 16, Las Piñas Police chief PCol. Sandro Tafalla said.

The suspect was identified as “Butchoko,” 42. He was arrested at around 4:45 p.m. in Barangay Talon Uno, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the suspect was tagged as Top 6 most wanted person under the station level for the month of October in violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Butchokoy was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez Balmaceda of the Las Piñas City Family Court Branch 2 on September 9, 2024, with a P200,000 recommended bail.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could be more children within the city who got abused? Are you concerned that child abuse incidents were not reported as crimes locally?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale 2024 set for November 15 to 17 at Madison Galeries

Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale 2024 set for November 15 to 17 at Madison Galeries

carlocarrasco

Madison Galeries announced that the 2024 edition of the Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale is all set to happen from November 15 to 17, 10AM to 8PM, at The Events Place at the 3rd floor of the mall in Barangay Cupang, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

For the newcomers reading this, Madison Galeries is located along Don Jesus Boulevard and it is a short drive away from Alabang Hills Village as well as the West Service Road.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Madison Galeries’ Facebook announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Exciting news, everyone! The ultimate Warehouse Sale is back and better than ever! Mark your calendars! Mardi Gras is coming on November 15-17, 2024, at The Madison Events Place.

This is the anticipated event of the year where you can score amazing deals with up to 80% off a wide range of items! Whether you’re hunting for unique finds, fresh stocks, or just looking to snag low prices, this sale is not to be missed.

Those who wish to receive updates about Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale via Viber can join the community by clicking https://tinyurl.com/MardiGrasViberComm

The accepted modes of payments at the sale are cash, GCash and credit cards. Like the previous years’ Mardi Gras sale/bazaar, there will be a wide range of items offered such as coffee mugs, utensils, kitchenware, clothes, toys, bags and more. Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale is also an opportunity for shoppers to buy items for Christmas gift-giving.

For more information, contact Madison Galeries by sending email at social@madisongaleries.com or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MadisonGaleries

+++++

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Destination of the Year award for 2023 goes to Subic Bay

Destination of the Year award for 2023 goes to Subic Bay

carlocarrasco

Recently the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) got recognized yet again in the field of sports tourism as it won the Destination of the Year award for 2023 during the 6th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, according to the social media announcement via the FUNtastic Subic Bay Facebook page.

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

We’re thrilled to announce that Subic Bay has once again been recognized as the 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 (for 2023) at the prestigious 6th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards!

From the post of FUNtastic Subic Bay on Facebook.

This marks our fourth win, following our previous victories in 2019 for Sports Tourism Destination Marketing of the Year, 2018 for Event of the Year (International), and 2017 for Destination of the Year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo L. Aliño, the SBMA Board of Directors, the SBMA working group, our partner organizers, and all our stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to making Subic Bay a premier sports tourism destination. This achievement is a testament to our collective efforts. Congratulations to all of us!

I personally have visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) from time to time since 1994. I have witnessed how much Subic Bay evolved as a tourism destination, a shopping destination as well as a special events destination. The tourism team of the SBMA has a long track record of sports tourism development and the hosting of many kinds of sports events. That being said, it is not surprising to me that the SBMA won another sports tourism award.

For the newcomers reading this, Subic Bay was the host venue of selected events of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). Each year, Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) organizes the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) there.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been touring Subic Bay recently? Did you ever attend a sports event held in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

A Look Back at RoboCop 2 #3 (1990)

A Look Back at RoboCop 2 #3 (1990)

carlocarrasco

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, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1990 to take a close look at the concluding chapter of the comic book adaptation of the movie RoboCop 2 (1990).

In my previous retro review, I found the 2nd issue of the 3-part comic book adaptation mini-series that it lacked the impact of issue #1. It was understood that the comic book team was limited by the source material they had and the movie’s comedic scenes showing RoboCop not being his normal self were adapted. Those scenes did not translate into humorous comic book moments. At the very least, the build-up achieved by the comic book creators in issue #2 (which includes several internal developments at Omni Consumer Products) sets the stage for the final issue.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at RoboCop 2 #3, published in 1990 by Marvel with a story written by Alan Grant and drawn by Mark Bagley based on the movie screenplay by Frank Miller and Walon Green.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins in Detroit where OCP executives press RoboCop (Officer Murphy) for answers about the spying he recently did on his ex-wife. It turns out that his wife was so traumatized over his death, there were therapists, hypnotists and other treatments involved to help her recover. As a result of the spying, his ex-wife now believes her husband is still alive. In response to questions, RoboCop gave answers that the OCP guys wanted – he is no longer a husband, no longer human, no longer Alex Murphy and he is simply a machine. The private meeting between him and his ex-wife did not go well.

Meanwhile, the City Government of Detroit organizes a telethon in an attempt to raise funds needed to pay off the $37,985,300 they owe OCP. The mayor receives a very important call from former associates of Cain (RoboCop 2).   

Shortly after, OCP realizes that the City Government could pay soon and if they fail to foreclose Detroit, their stock will plummet. With the approval from the corporation’s chief, Dr. Juliette Faxx proceeds to launch RoboCop 2 with the mind of Cain inside it…

Quality

The battle between RoboCop and his bigger rival (Cain) is action-packed and fun to read.

As it is clear that the imagery and plot developments of the movie screenplay were adapted by the comic book creators with their very own distinctive ways throughout the mini-series, this comic book succeeded in concluding its 3-part story. In fact, this is a huge pay-off to most of the build-up that took place in issues #1 and #2. The much-awaited big battle between RoboCop and the Cain-controlled RoboCop 2 lasted eight pages and it was indeed action-packed and satisfying. Before the said battle took place, RoboCop 2’s debut is short, stylishly obscured visually and yet vicious to see.

Considering the huge amount of details the movie screenplay had, the Grant-Bagley duo managed to adapt the most relevant content efficiently while also telling a literary tale that is cohesive enough.

This scene did not appear in the movie.

What I found very notable is the fact that this comic book opened with RoboCop getting berated by OCP executives for his spying on his ex-wife. The said scene actually happened very early in the movie itself and to have it as an opener of this comic book added depth to RoboCop’s character development in this adaptation.

When it comes to weaknesses, there were times when Mark Bagley’s drawing of RoboCop 2 were off. RoboCop 2 was visually huge and intimidating in the movie but in this comic book, the size and scale were clearly lacking particularly in the shot where he is standing near OCP’s chief. The lack of visual details on RoboCop 2’s body showed signs of rush by the artist.

Conclusion

Is your local government leader making secret deals with criminals in real life?

RoboCop 2 #3 (1990) is a nice pay-off to the build-up that preceded it and, more importantly, it was a satisfying mini-series conclusion. As a standalone comic book, it has a good amount of plot details, dialogue and action scenes that can delight RoboCop fans. As the conclusion of the 3-part adaptation of the 1990 movie, it has a stronger focus on RoboCop and the plot moved at a better pace than in issue #2. The storytelling is good and the spectacle was much improved.

Overall, RoboCop 2 #3 (1990) is recommended.

+++++

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Small groups from POGOs moving into residential areas

Small groups from POGOs moving into residential areas

carlocarrasco

The nationwide ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is arguably working. That being said, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated that the POGOs have been forming smaller groups which have moved into residential areas to secretly operate, 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…

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) appear to be trying to evade the authorities by forming smaller groups and setting up in residential areas, the National Bureau of Investigation said amid a raid on a group of alleged scammers.

In a report by John Consulta on 24 Oras on Tuesday, 17 foreigners were arrested in the raid on a residential unit in Makati City. They were caught at their workstations for alleged scamming activities, including love scams and crypto scams.

“Pag nakakuha sila ng pool of information, magko-conduct sila ng background investigation kung sino ang target nila. Pag nakita nila yung pattern, yung character, yung hobby, yung daily activities at the same time yung longings ng kanilang victims, ie-engage nila through social engineering,” said National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division Chief Jeremy Lotoc.

(When they get a pool of information, they will conduct a background investigation on their target. When they see the pattern, the character, the hobby, the daily activities, and at the same time the longings of their victims, they will engage through social engineering.)

“Merong hacker, merong buyer ng data. May nakita kaming program-coded script na pwede magamit to access other systems without the authority nor consent of the system owner we assume meron silang activity in terms of hacking,” Lotoc added.

(There is a hacker, and there is a buyer of data. We found a program-coded script that can be used to access other systems without the authority or consent of the system owner. We assume they have activity in terms of hacking.)

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said they are from big Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies.

“Yung malalaking POGO, nag-group sila into smaller group, nag-o-occupy ng residential units, apartments, para hindi mahalata na POGO, yun pa rin. To continue their scamming activities,” said NBI Director Jimmy Santiago.

(These big POGOs form smaller groups and occupy residential units so that they can’t be detected. Then they continue their scamming activities.)

The NBI is already examining the computers to obtain the details of their victims, while an inquest has already been conducted on those arrested and they are facing online fraud complaints and the violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be these small POGO-related units secretly operating within the residential communities near you? Has there been a raid in your local community in connection with POGOs, scamming and hacking?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Several Chinese nationals arrested in Camarines Norte for illegal construction of processing plant

Several Chinese nationals arrested in Camarines Norte for illegal construction of processing plant

carlocarrasco

Recently in the province of Camarines Norte, eleven Chinese nationals were arrested by local authorities for the illegal construction of a mineral processing plant, 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…

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) reported on Monday the arrest of 11 Chinese nationals involved in the illegal construction of a mineral processing plant in Camarines Norte on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said the arrest was conducted by personnel from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Purok 6, Barangay Tugos, Paracale, Camarines Norte.

Calubaquib identified the suspects as Liu Wei Xi, Chen Gui Hua, Chang Si Ci, Chen Chan Xia, Liu Wei Mang, Yu Yun Lai, Zhen Zi Yu, Li Chun, Jiu Zhong Ren, Lou Peng, and Sheng Yuan Fan.

“Their arrest was made under a mission order issued by the Bureau of Immigration against the Chinese nationals,” she said.

Calubaquib said the suspects were placed under the custody of the BI for further investigation and proper disposition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could still be a lot of Chinese nationals engaging in illegal activities in your local community? Does the involvement of Chinese nationals in local construction disturb you?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Office market shrinks in connection with nationwide POGO ban

Office market shrinks in connection with nationwide POGO ban

carlocarrasco

It has been months since the nationwide ban on POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) was declared and this resulted in the shrinking of the office market as demand for office spaces weakened, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

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

The total ban on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) contributed to a significant decrease in the demand for office spaces in the third quarter of the year, property brokerage firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said.

In a statement, LPC said office take-up from July to September dropped by 21 percent to only 215,000 square meters (sqm), with the POGO industry’s downsize and other tenants’ transfer to newer spaces contributing to an increase in vacancies.

The POGO industry was one of the main drivers of the residential and office markets at the time of the Duterte administration, until getting totally banned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this year amid their venture into illicit areas.

“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system and laws must stop. We need to stop them and their abuse to our country,” Marcos Jr. said.

Despite the decline in office take-ups this quarter, LPC said that the country is on track to surpass the one million sqm office demand registered last year.

“The year-to-date demand for office space has reached 900,000 sqm, marking an 11 percent increase over the first three quarters of 2023,” it said.

In terms of leasing pattern, LPC said tenants are now shifting from higher-quality buildings to offices that can offer better and larger spaces.

In terms of location, the bay area continues to be the top choice, with office take-up driven primarily by government agencies occupying 80,000 sqm in the first nine months of the year. Outside Metro Manila, Cebu remains the top provincial market with the higher take-up coming from the IT-BPM industry.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the shrinking of the office market is temporary at best and a recovery could begin before the end of the year? Do you favor the ban on POGOs?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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