Tag: ABS-CBN

Las Piñas City Congressman-elect Mark Santos hopes his victory will inspire future leaders who were never given a chance before

Las Piñas City Congressman-elect Mark Santos hopes his victory will inspire future leaders who were never given a chance before

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As some of you may already be aware, long-time City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos pulled off a major upset over Senator Cynthia Villar in the recent local elections and has since been proclaimed as the next Congressional Representative of the city. The Congressman-elect was interviewed by ABS-CBN through their ANC Headstart program and he hopes to inspire future leaders who previously were not given chances to serve.

For historical context, different members of the influential Villar family represented Las Piñas in the House of Representatives since 1992, and there were also members who went on to get elected as Philippine Senators. Senator Cynthia Villar was first elected to the Senate in 2013 and her 2nd 6-year term is ending soon. Before she entered the Senate, she was also the city’s Congressional Representative. In the past election, Santos was the teammate of Mayor-elect April Aguilar. To get to know Santos better, check out his Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/KonsMark2022

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

Mark Antony Santos, the newly-elected congressional representative of Las Piñas, said Thursday it was “not in my wildest dreams” to challenge the Villar family’s decades-long hold in the post.

“Not in my wildest dream talaga na tumakbo and to fight against a well-entrenched family in Las Piñas,” he told ANC’s Headstart.

Santos was proclaimed Las Piñas congressman-elect after defeating Sen. Cynthia Villar. As of Thursday’s partial and unofficial count, Santos had obtained 108,206 votes while Villar only had 78,526 votes.

It was one of the most stunning upsets in the 2025 midterm polls considering that the Villars had occupied the said congressional post since 1992.

If you can imagine pinakamayaman, number 1 sa Forbes list… It’s a historical record sa Las Piñas, since 1992 nasa Villar ang mga congress representatives namin dito,” Santos said.

But Santos said he remained “grounded” and gave in to the public clamor for change.

“Kasi grounded tayo, nagkaroon tayo ng consultation. Siguro public clamor na rin ito for a change,” he said.

Santos was long-time councilor in the city, and aligned with the Aguilars, a family who is also related to the Villars.

The new congressman denied that his victory was only a result of the alleged infighting between the 2 political families, adding that he was an “independent” candidate.

Santos said his advocacy in the upcoming Congress is to push for socialized housing.

He said he hoped that his win could be an inspiration for leaders who were “never given a chance” due to the country’s political landscape.

“Maraming qualified na magagaling na tao. Pero dahil sa situation, political landscape, talagang wala eh, never given a chance. I hope sa susunod na eleksyon, pero alam mo, ano to kumbaga nagising na mga tao,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you hope that the incoming Congressman Santos will initiate reforms to make new projects and improve the quality of service to the people of Las Piñas?

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 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

SUV hits and runs over elderly street sweeper in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City; driver arrested

SUV hits and runs over elderly street sweeper in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City; driver arrested

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This past weekend, a very tragic event happened inside BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City when a 63-year-old street sweeper got hit and ran over by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) at the corner of Elizalde street and Aguirre Avenue. The tragedy was captured entirely by CCTV camera and the footage has since turned viral online. Already, the major daily newspapers Philippine Daily Inquirer and the Philippine Star reported about the tragedy although they differed on the name of the apprehended driver responsible.

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

A 63-year-old female street sweeper suffered severe injuries as she was hit by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Parañaque on Saturday, according to a report from the Parañaque City Police Station.

The woman was sweeping the street when an SUV hit, dragged, and ran over her at the corner of Elizalde Avenue (and) Aguirre Avenue in Barangay BF Homes.

This incident was caught on camera, with CCTV footage showing the driver hitting and running over the street sweeper even though she was on the side of the road.

The woman was immediately brought to the Ospital ng Paranaque and was later transferred to the Philippine General Hospital.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Raymond Maraña, was arrested and taken to the Traffic Vehicular Investigation Unit for investigation.

Police are now preparing a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injury against Maraña.

For more insight, posted below is the excerpt from the report of the Philippine Star. Some parts in boldface…

Police arrested a motorist who ran over and abandoned a street sweeper in Parañaque City yesterday, in an incident that was caught on video that has gone viral on social media.

The victim, 63-year-old Doreen Bacus, was collecting trash at the corner of Elizalde and Aguirre avenues in barangay BF Homes when she was hit by a white Mitsubishi Pajero sport utility vehicle (SUV) at around 7:30 a.m., Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft said in a message on Viber.

Kraft identified the suspect as Raymond Zaparain, 42, a resident of Las Piñas City, who was arrested by policemen after the incident

Surveillance camera footage of the incident shared by a netizen showed Bacus was unaware of the oncoming SUV as she had her back to the vehicle.

Instead of stopping, Zaparain ran over the victim and fled the scene.

Concerned citizens rushed Bacus to the Ospital ng Parañaque. She was later transferred to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila for further treatment.

One of the witnesses, David Gamboa, confronted Zaparain about the incident.

“Ito lang sinabi niya (this was all he said), ‘I wasn’t aware,’” Gamboa said in a post on Facebook.

On the Barangay BF Homes Official Facebook group, Barangay BF Homes captain Paolo Marquez issued a statement and confirmed he personally knew the victim. Posted below is an excerpt and some parts are in boldface…

A street sweeper (CENRO) by the name of Doreen Bacus from Masville (i personally know and observe her at times na nagpapangabot kami sa kalye as masiyahin and super sipag) was a victim of hit and run by a male driver on a mitsubishi AUV. Fortunately there were witnesses that saw the accident, reported and chased the speeding vehicle towards lopez gate. The driver was apprehended by responding police, tanods and security guards and is currently detained at the Parañaque Traffic Management Bureau for investigation. We hope the driver is punished by the full extent of the law as this will set an example to others not to take the roads for granted. We don’t want any similar reckless incidents happening in our peaceful community.

We are very saddened by this incident. Nanay Doreen 63 years old is a regular street sweeper in our Barangay. She’s currently at PGH in critical conditon and being treated for major injuries sustained during the accident.

For those who wish to send their personal help, you may contact her daughter thru this number 09558524279 (Jade Bacus).

Finally, posted below is a Tagalog ABS-CBN news video about the incident. Watch and listen closely to the details.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this the tragedy that happened inside BF Homes? Are hit-and-run incidents common in your 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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Man accused of groping a lady in Las Piñas City arrested by police officers

Man accused of groping a lady in Las Piñas City arrested by police officers

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This past weekend in the city of Las Piñas, man who allegedly groped a lady who was on her way to school got arrested by local authorities and it turned out he was armed, according to a news report by ABS-CBN.

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

Police cuffed a 26-year-old man for allegedly groping a student on Saturday morning in Las Piñas City.

According to the Las Piñas PNP, the 25-year-old victim was heading to school when the suspect allegedly grabbed her breast before fleeing on board a motorcycle.

The student immediately sought assistance from a roving guard of BF Resort Village (BFRV), who accompanied her to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Talon Sub-Station. Cops swiftly responded and successfully apprehended the suspect.

Upon arrest, authorities were able to confiscate from the suspect a gun loaded with 3 ammunitions.

According to PCol Jaime Santos, Las Piñas Chief of Police, they suspect the assailant is behind the series of sexual harassment complaints filed by victims of similar nature.

“Target nyan mga nagja jogging sa BF, kunwari magtatanong pero biglang manghihipo sabay takbo,” said Santos.

The victim said the incident was already the second time. The suspect first harassed her last August 25.

The above story ended stating that police in Las Piñas said nine victims have expressed intention to file a complaint against the suspect.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, how do you feel about this recent development? Does the suspect sound familiar to you based on the details described in the news report? Has anyone in your local community got sexually harassed recently? Are sexual predators currently present 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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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

3 Chinese nationals killed, 2 others rescued in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City

3 Chinese nationals killed, 2 others rescued in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City

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It seems that Parañaque City is still a hot spot for criminal activities that involve Chinese nationals as something happened in Barangay BF Homes that saw the deaths of three Chinese nationals as crime suspects and two others as kidnap victims who got rescued, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Three Chinese nationals, who allegedly kidnapped two fellow citizens, were killed during a police rescue operation in Parañaque City on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 27.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Southern Police District (SPD) director, said the suspects were killed in a shootout with members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group, Pasay and Paranaque police at about 5:50 p.m. on Vicente Recto St. at Barangay BF Homes, Paranaque City.

Macaraeg said that prior to the encounter, a suspect identified as Lorriel Lozano, 22, admitted his involvement in the kidnapping-for-ransom of one Ling Qang Chang, 43, in Pasay City.

The SPD chief said the joint team launched a rescue operation after learning that two foreigners identified as Zhou Xiang Kin, 42, and Li Ci You, 33, were also kidnapped and being detained inside a dog cage on the second floor of the suspects’ house.

Macaraeg said the operatives were fired upon by the suspects upon arrival in the area. The cops retaliated, wounding the three Chinese kidnappers.

The police rushed the suspects to the Medical Center Paranaque, but they were declared dead on arrival.

The SPD chief said they could not yet release the names of the slain suspects because the PNP is still conducting investigation on the kidnapping incidents involving Chinese nationals.

Macaraeg said the operatives recovered at the crime scene a 12-gauge shotgun, a .45-caliber pistol, one .9mm Uzi, a .9mm pistol, one black Toyota Innova, a white Kymco motorcycle, assorted military and police uniforms, ammunitions, cartridge cases, bullet vests, and gun parts.

For added insight, watch the related ABS-CBN and GMA Network news videos below…

The above news story that took place within Barangay BF Homes is pretty disturbing not just because it took place within a residential area, but also because the suspects accumulated deadly weapons and lots of military and police uniforms. It seems the suspects are working for some powerful people who have yet to be identified. Having that much guns, ammunition and clothing resembling local authorities is very disturbing to say the least. We can only hope that the police will be able to find out who the superiors and financiers of the suspects are.

The kidnapping of Chinese nationals committed by their fellow citizens here in the Philippines is not unusual. More on Parañaque itself, there was a gang composed of almost all Chinese nationals that got arrested for attempting to kidnap another Chinese citizen. With regards to foreigners causing disturbance within Parañaque with other forms of criminal activities, there was even an illegal online gaming operation involving several Chinese and Filipino citizens in Barangay Tambo. As for the cyber sex den in Parañaque that got stopped by the NBI, that illegal operation also involved a Chinese citizen.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, do you believe that Chinese nationals are causing trouble in your local community? Are you concerned that a house in your local community occupied by Chinese nationals could be used for illegal activities like kidnapping, hacking, cybersex, prostitution, torture, smuggling, and imprisonment of other people?

If ever you spot an act of kidnapping happening, are you willing to report the incident to the local police?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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/

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

Skyway Stage 3 adjustments related to toll collection snags

Skyway Stage 3 adjustments related to toll collection snags

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Were you among the many motorists who got stuck in traffic along the Skyway as a result of snags related to toll collection payments (formally started on July 12, 2021), lack of load for payments and lack of radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers on the vehicles?

Well, you definitely are not alone and the Skyway system operator issued a press statement very recently and they will work harder to make things more convenient for those traveling along Skyway Stage 3. To put things in perspective, posted below is the statement published through the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Some parts in boldface…

Skyway O&M, operator of the Skyway system and a unit under San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) SMC Infrastructure, expects more seamless movement along the new Skyway Stage 3 with the implementation of new measures to avoid congestion on access and exit points following the first day of toll collection on the elevated expressway.

These measures resulted in faster throughput of vehicles even at high-volume toll plazas just a day later.

“It’s unfortunate that many motorists were caught in traffic last Monday. We apologize for the inconvenience. While this was not totally unexpected on the first day of toll collection, for our part, we know we have to do better. Hopefully, with the measures we put in place, traffic conditions will continue to improve and normalize,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said in a statement Wednesday.

Ang said that traffic throughput at toll plazas slowed down Monday primarily due to vehicles with insufficient load, as well as those availing of free radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker installation and re-loading onsite.

“Our Skyway teams are always on the ground, and we monitor our expressways via cameras 24/7. If there’s any issue, we can respond and make corrective measures very quickly,” he added.

Among the measures Skyway has since implemented are: deployment of more personnel for traffic management, toll collection, and Autosweep RFID sticker installation; opening of more lanes for Autosweep RFID installation and reloading; and installation of more signs to guide motorists who are unfamiliar with the expressway, its toll plazas, and the start of toll collection.

Motorists with no RFID stickers, who insist on paying in cash, or have insufficient balance are asked to exit the toll booth and park on the side so as not to inconvenience existing ETC users. They are given the option to have RFID tags installed or reloaded, or pay in cash.

Vehicles with no RFID or have insufficient balance are directed to Del Monte Toll Plaza B coming from Balintawak where they can have their RFID tags installed or reloaded.

Skyway O&M reported that traffic throughput at toll plazas was significantly better starting Tuesday, or the second day of toll collection.

For instance, traffic queues at the Buendia southbound exit, which only has two lanes and where there was significant buildup Monday, was considerably shorter at only up to 200 meters. This was observed only during rush hour starting at 8 am.

While the vast majority of motorists utilized electronic toll collection, a small percentage, or 4 percent, consisting of cash-paying motorists and users with insufficient load, slowed down transaction times at toll plazas.

The additional measures implemented have since addressed these issues, bringing about a smoother traffic flow.

Skyway 3 was soft-opened last December and has provided the public free unlimited use for nearly seven months, with SMC’s foregone revenues reaching PHP3 billion.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) had just recently issued a notice to start collecting toll to Skyway 3.

“Before, if you were stuck on NLEX or Quezon City and you were headed to Alabang or Makati, or vice-versa, motorists simply had no choice but to endure two to three hours of traffic. Today, with Skyway Stage 3, motorists can opt to use it for convenience and faster travel times. With more vehicles diverted to Skyway 3, there will be less congestion on Edsa, C-5, and other major thoroughfares, resulting in improved travel on our public roads,” Ang said.

SMC and TRB worked together to arrive at toll rates that are much lower than the original toll fee matrix, particularly for vehicles traveling shorter distances.

Apart from foregoing revenues for seven months, SMC had also deferred recovery of a significant portion of the right-of-way costs for the project in consideration of the economic impacts of the pandemic.

With Skyway Stage 3 now operating 24/7, SMC said that Autosweep sites along the elevated expressway are also open 24/7.

“I would like to request our motorists who have not yet availed of their free RFID stickers to please do so, and make sure they are activated with sufficient credit. This measure, which was pushed by (the) government last year, is for everybody’s safety and also for your convenience,” Ang said.

He said using RFID will ensure they have better, safer, and faster trips on the expressways.

“Also, as a reminder, please be conscious of which toll lanes you are using. Do not use ETC- only lanes if you have insufficient balance, as there are penalties that come with this. If you have insufficient balance, please use the assigned lanes for RFID installation or reloading. Most of all, please always show courtesy towards fellow motorists and tollways workers,” he added.

Site locations that offer RFID installation and reloading are from the south, Zobel northbound (After Entry), Quirino northbound exit, Nagtahan northbound exit, Quezon Ave. northbound entry, and Del Monte northbound toll plaza; and from the north, Del Monte southbound toll plaza, Quezon Ave. southbound entry and Plaza Dilao southbound entry.

And here are related news videos from rival networks GMA and ABS-CBN…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehI8ebnEEkM

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you satisfied with what the Skyway operator stated and the adjustments they made? When it comes to traveling from south of Metro Manila to the north, are you willing to endure the heavy traffic along EDSA just to save money now that toll collections are in effect on Skyway Stage 3? What was it like to drive from South Metro Manila all the way to the NLEX via Skyway Stage 3 during toll collection?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

PDEA and partners apprehend suspect and confiscate P3.4 million worth of illegal drugs in Parañaque City

PDEA and partners apprehend suspect and confiscate P3.4 million worth of illegal drugs in Parañaque City

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The crime wave involving illegal substances continued in Parañaque City (for past reports click here, here, here, here and here) as the Manila Bulletin recently reported the successful buy-bust operation of the local police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) which resulted the confiscation of more than P3 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of one suspect.

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

A drug suspect was arrested in possession of P3.4 million worth of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) during a buy-bust operation by combined operatives from the Parañaque police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Saturday.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg commended the operatives for the arrest of suspect Nabel Sarip, 23, a resident of Parañaque.

Macaraeg said the suspect was arrested at about 3:10 p.m. in front of Raf Mansion Hotel on Service Road, Roxas Boulevard in Baclaran.

Sarip was placed under surveillance by the police after receiving several complaints on the illegal activities of the suspect.

A policeman who acted as a poseur-buyer was able to buy shabu from the suspect leading to his arrest.

Police were able to confiscate from the suspect about 500 grams of shabu placed inside two plastic bags and estimated to be worth P3.4 million.

Macaraeg said the confiscated shabu was brought to the SPD Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis.

Police filed charges of violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, before the Parañaque Prosecutor’s Office against Sarip, who is now detained at the police custodial facility.

Below is a related news video by ABS-CBN…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are resident of Parañaque City, are you tired about your city being a hot spot for crimes related to illegal drugs? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive place for drug pushers/smugglers/mules/traders?

Do you believe it is time for the City Government of Parañaque to become more active in making the city free of illegal drugs?

When you hear the words Parañaque Renaissance, does crime become the first thing to enter in your mind?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Residents who get vaccinated in Las Piñas City can win goods, motorcycles and a brand-new house-and-lot through special incentive program

COVID-19 Crisis: Residents who get vaccinated in Las Piñas City can win goods, motorcycles and a brand-new house-and-lot through special incentive program

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Good news for all those based in Las Piñas City! It has been reported through the media recently that Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar launched a special program designed to entice city residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and get chances to win a new house-and-lot plus consumable goods and motorcycles. There are certain requirements to qualify for the program and in order to get vaccinated, unvaccinated residents are welcome to register via the City Government’s online system at bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

To start knowing the details, watch the interview of Congresswoman Villar in the news video below…

And below is an excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

Residents of Las Piñas who have received COVID-19 vaccine could get a brand new house and lot as well as groceries and motorcycles.

The incentive program “May Bahay sa Bakuna: Bakunado Ka Na, May Bahay ka Pa” is open to all residents of the city who already received a single dose of any COVID-19 vaccine brand.

It was initiated by Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar to convince her constituents to get vaccinated.

“We want to reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated for people, their families, and the community. It will not only protect people but help our economy slowly recover,” Villar said in a press release.

“Through this effort, we also have a chance to increase awareness and confidence in vaccines,” she added.

Residents must be at least 18 years old to be able to join the program. Raffle tickets are available in all barangay halls for those who have already been vaccinated and in vaccination centers for those newly-inoculated.

The tickets may be dropped in barangay halls as well as in AllHome and AllDay supermarket branches in Las Piñas City.

Monthly draws will be held starting July 15 wherein 50 winners will be given “pangkabuhayan showcase” worth P5,000.

On the other hand, the grand draw will be on December 24 wherein the winner will get two motorcycles and a house and lot from Bria Homes.

Wow! Congresswoman Villar’s program sure has very attractive incentives! The economy has dampened a lot since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020 and so many people lost their jobs and income. The opportunities to gain house-and-lots and other goods through the program are not only valuable but will also prove to be helpful not only to the eventual winners but also helpful to the local society. Incentives aside, it is high time for people to overcome their fears and hesitation on vaccines.

From the Facebook page of Representative Camille Villar.

More on Las Piñas City, new and comfortable vaccination sites recently opened in cooperation with SM Southmall and SM Center LP. The City Government already announced that more vaccination sites will open soon.

For the newcomers reading this, get to know the ways to get registered by clicking right here. There are details and images with instructions included.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are an unvaccinated Las Piñas resident, does Congresswoman Villar’s incentive program convince you to come out, get registered and line up for the free COVID-19 vaccine in your city? Are the house, consumable goods and motorcycles offered through raffle very enticing to you personally? How many people in your local community are aware of Villar’s incentive program?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

A man shot dead in Parañaque City

A man shot dead in Parañaque City

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If you are living in Parañaque City, did you notice something wrong or suspicious near you recently? Did you sense you were being stalked by someone? Did you witness any gun-related violence in your local community? The reason why I asked is because the Manila Bulletin reported a tragedy:  a local was shot dead by an unidentified attacker while he was on his way home in Barangay Tambo along MIA Road. The victim died just days before his approaching birthday.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s report…

A man was shot dead by an unknown assailant while on his way home Monday night in Parañaque City just days before his birthday.

Police said the victim, identified as Darvin Baldovino, and a resident of Paranaque City, suffered several gunshot wounds in the body and died on the spot.

Baldovino was supposed to celebrate his 39th birthday on Saturday (May 8).

Investigation showed the incident happened at 8:35 p.m. along MIA Road in front of 711 Global Plaza, Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City.

According to a witness, Baldovino was walking when an unidentified suspect suddenly appeared and shot him several times in the body.

Baldovino’s wife, Janice, told the police that prior to the incident, her husband asked for her permission to go out of the house to buy a cellphone and failed to return home.

Janice also said that she learned from Rose Diestro, a desk clerk at Barangay Tambo, that her husband came from the barangay before the incident.

Diestro told Janice that a man filed a complaint against her husband in the barangay and that Baldovino had a confrontation with the complainant, walked out, and left.

The report ended that the police are exploring the possibility that the motive behind the killing could be connected with the complaint (filed against the victim).

But there is more! Watch these related YouTube news videos by GMA Network and ABS-CBN. The GMA Network news video even has certain details not found in Manila Bulletin’s report.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Manila Bulletin’s crime news report? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City? Are the local police and barangay tanods doing enough to secure your local community from criminals?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

Darna project starring Jane de Leon now an upcoming TV series

Darna project starring Jane de Leon now an upcoming TV series

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It’s been quite a long time since there has been any official news released about the much-delayed Darna project that currently has Jane de Leon as its star. It is true that the current pandemic set much of the whole world back and that is very true with businesses, governments and entertainment to name a few. Making a production of television or movies is more challenging than before which probably explains why the Darna project with De Leon has been turned into a TV series.

That’s right! The Darna project that was conceived to be a movie that had Liza Soberano as its original star (before De Leon replaced her) will be remade for television audiences here in the Philippines. The new series should debut in 2021.

Jane de Leon is still the star of the Darna project which is now an upcoming TV series set for 2021. (photo a property of ABS-CBN)

In an article at ABS-CBN.com, the hard adjustment of the Darna project was announced on December 5, 2020 during the special contract signing event titled Star Magic Shines On. ABS-CBN’s chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes said that the Darna TV series has been approved and will indeed push through with its broadcasting sometime next year. It was also made clear that Jane de Leon is still the star in portraying the Philippine superhero icon.

Below are excerpts from the article:

“I’m overwhelmed by the happiness I feel. I am so excited for the next chapters of my life,” Jane said.

“It’s another dream come true. I have so much gratitude for our bosses because until now, they still entrust me with Darna’s stone,” she added.

Those were the details as of this writing. It remains to be seen who else will star in the Darna TV series and what characters as well as what villains will be featured. How many episodes will be made, what costume design of Darna for Jane de Leon will be used, and what the frequency of the series will be have yet to be revealed.

The way I look at it, the pandemic made ABS-CBN rethink its current strategy on selling entertainment. For many months now, most movie theaters here in the Philippines have been closed which makes a Darna movie not feasible.

This not the first time that stories of Darna will be broadcast to many households nationwide. ABS-CBN’s rival GMA Network produced a Darna series starring the famous Angel Locsin, and another series starring Marian Rivera. Both Darna TV series were released just a few years apart from each other. By the time ABS-CBN’s own series of the superhero icon finally starts broadcasting, it will be the first time in over a decade Filipinos saw new Darna stories on their TV sets.

In ending this article, I want to ask you my readers: What do you think of this latest move by ABS-CBN? Do you still want to see a Darna movie starring Jane de Leon? To answer, please comment below. Thank you and come back here for future updates about Darna.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

What’s The Best Darna Costume Design for Jane De Leon?

What’s The Best Darna Costume Design for Jane De Leon?

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It has been several months since ABS-CBN formally announced it hired actress Jane de Leon as the new cinematic Darna for their ongoing movie project. Since that time, there has not been much details about the Darna movie. To put things in perspective here, De Leon came in as a replacement for Liza Soberano.

Darna2020
A Darna figure I photographed on the left, Jane de Leon on the right. (Jane de Leon picture from Belomed.com)

Apart from the news that De Leon met with TV Darna star Marian Rivera (who works for a rival TV network), took physical training consistently, confirmed filming will happen this year and responded to those who bashed her for just being a pretty face who cannot act, the filmmakers have so far kept details of the Darna movie secret.

Are they revising the script to accommodate De Leon’s talent? Are they rendering the visual effects with computers ahead of time? Is the production team having trouble scheduling filming with the many actors they hired? Are the filmmakers consulting with local comic book artists and writers to find ways to make the Darna movie fun and engaging?

So far, nothing could be confirmed. And this leads me to the next point – what will be the best Darna costume design for Jane de Leon?

In this ABS-CBN news video posted on November 27, 2019, De Leon confirmed that she has been working out for the role, read the script and stated the costume was being arranged. No details about the design of the costume were revealed.

For starters, it is easy to imagine De Leon wear the traditional Darna costume which has always been a two-piece swimsuit with a head dress (in recent times, a helmet), superhero boots, arm braces and a frontal cloth. Check out the photo I took of a Darna statuette during the 2019 Toycon below.

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I took this during last year’s Toycon.

If the filmmakers prefer to show the cinematic Darna with a new look of much less skin exposed while still maintaining the feminine figure, the lady’s armor design could be a useful alternative. Take a look at the armor of Faora in Man of Steel.

Faora
The armored Faora in Man of Steel. (photo sourced from IMDB.com)

An armored Darna just might work in modernizing the look of the Philippine superhero icon with the 21st century in mind. While it can cover a lot of De Leon’s skin, it could use a little less metallic parts (compared to Faora’s armor in Man of Steel) to show more of the actress’ figure. Having the armor painted red with some parts in gold can help maintain the Darna look.

As of this writing, we don’t know yet what the filmmakers have in mind with the Darna costume for Jane de Leon. But once new updates about the costume and the film itself have been released, I’ll share and discuss them right here.

For the meantime, visit the Darna (2020) movie page right here.

For those of you who read this, what do you think is the best Darna costume design for Jane de Leon? How should it look? Feel free to post your answers with the comment tool below.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com