Tag: Alabang Town Center (ATC)

Have You Been To The New Starbucks With Drive-Thru In Filinvest City?

Have You Been To The New Starbucks With Drive-Thru In Filinvest City?

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When Starbucks Philippines opened its newest branch in Filinvest City right across the Filinvest City Central Park in late October, there was a lot of social media buzz as well as discussions within Alabang community members about it ranging from happiness to being concerned.

To be clear, the said Starbucks Filinvest City branch is in a standalone place (no other business establishments beside it as of now) and it is the first-ever Starbucks Drive-Thru in Alabang. Being across Filinvest City Central Park, the coffee shop is a short walk away from East Asia Drive establishments like Parque EspaƱa, Commercenter and The Mondrian Residences.

This is what the new standalone Starbucks in Filinvest City looks like.
A view within the 2nd floor. There is a lot more space off-camera.
The path leading to the drive-thru.

Although the new Starbucks branch was described as being located along Filinvest Avenue, its front (entrance and exit) is actually located along East Asia Drive as it faces Filinvest City Central Park. It also has its own parking area where motorized customers can park for free. For the Google Maps location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/MVohqcwfrzRdry9C9

For a clear view of the location of Starbucks Filinvest City, watch the video I recorded and posted below. It is my solo walk video from Commercenter to Starbucks.

The coffee shop operates Monday to Sunday, from 6AM to 11PM.

On November 1, I made my first visit at the place to see it personally. It has a nice interior and the typical Starbucks look on the menus, the counter and display of food and drinks. What caught my attention was how spacious the 2nd floor was in terms of seats and walking space. The large windows provided visitors nice views of the Filinvest City Central Park and Filinvest Avenue. On that day, I did not order anything as I went there to look and observe.

On November 4, I finally made my first order of coffee by means of drive-thru. Even though there were two vehicles ahead of me, the drive-thru experience at Starbucks near Filinvest City Central Park was pretty smooth lasting less than ten minutes. I had a hot white chocolate mocha.

The menu displayed during my drive-thru experience.
My cup of coffee from the drive-thru.

As mentioned earlier, there were some people online who expressed concern about how the newest Starbucks branch in Alabang would affect the ambience very near the park which is a popular weekend destination for both local residents and visitors who enjoy the fresh air and open space.

There were those who expressed concern about the anticipated increase of vehicles along East Asia Drive by the park, and the possibility that someday, a long line of cars could be formed in the event a lot of motorists decide to buy coffee via drive-thru. Some commented that more vehicles attracted by Starbucks might make East Asia Drive less friendly and even risky for those who enjoy jogging or biking on the said road.

A few commented that Alabang alone has lots of branches of Starbucks already and I can relate with that. There is a Starbucks Reserve inside Westgate. Alabang Town Center has one (two if you count there other one at Metro Alabang), Molito Lifestyle Complex has one, One Griffinstone building has one, Festival Mall has two, a few in Northgate Cyberzone, and so on.   

On the other hand, some people commented that having coffee at Starbucks will somehow boost their chances to visit Filinvest City Central Park which itself has special events during weekends depending on the season and weather conditions. The park has been a special place for Christmas activities (read my 2024 Christmas spectacle at the park by clicking here) and night-time music shows (recently held at The Nest, a special structure that provides a wide roof). For the Google Maps location of Filinvest City Central Park, click  https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzt8D9yLzRSVVhae9

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been to Starbucks near Filinvest City Central Park? If you have been there, what do you think about the design of the coffee shop? Have you tried their drive-thru?

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

Do you miss watching movies at Commercenter?

Do you miss watching movies at Commercenter?

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For those of you who have been missing out on developments here in Alabang, Commercenter officially closed down their cinemas (4 screens) on March 15, 2025 fulfilling their announcement (click here and here) They did, however, announce that something new will materialize but there are no details as to what that might be.

During one of my recent visits at the high-end shopping mall in Filinvest City, I noticed that the 2nd floor path leading to what used to be the cinemas was sealed shut which you can see in the video below.

For the newcomers reading this, Commercenterā€™s cinemas operated for a little over ten years starting in the 2nd half of 2014. The cinemas had 4 screens and each screen had a sitting capacity of over 100 seats. Outside of the screens, the ticket desk and the concessionaire were right beside each other. Having seen a lot of movies at Commercenter, I can say that watching films inside the cinemas was often comfortable, convenient and pleasant.

As many of us know, the COVID-19 pandemic really hit the cinemas industry of the nation very hard as other types of businesses also went down. The nationwide shutdown of movie theaters caused by government pandemic restrictions really hurt not only the cinema operators but also their employees. When the restrictions were eased, cinemas around the country gradually reopened and for a time moviegoers had to wear face masks when watching movies. When I saw The Batman in Commercenter in March 2022, me and others had to wear face masks because they were required.

A post-pandemic economic recovery happened here in the Philippines but it looks like the cinemas industry has yet to achieve the pre-pandemic numbers of moviegoers. That being said, I can only speculate that the rise of ticket prices, the preference of locals to watch new movies by streaming, and the rise of varied operating expenses probably contributed to the closure of cinemas not only in Commercenter but also those in Festival Mall.

With regards to inflation, the rise of ticket prices at Commercenter during the post-pandemic persion were noticeable. I paid P320 for The Batman in March 2022 and P380 for Sound of Freedom in September 2023 at Commercenter. Before the mall closed down its cinemas, foreign movie tickets were being sold at P400 each. Clearly, there were unfavorable economic forces that happened.

Without the cinemas, Commercenter lost entertainment value. I remember back in 2015 when a lot of people formed long lines to watch Jurassic World which also explained why the mallā€™s basement parking almost reached full capacity. There were also busy weekends for blockbusters films like Wonder Woman, Avengers: Endgame, Mission: Impossible ā€“ Fallout, Mad Max: Fury Road and others right there.

Before the closure of the cinemas happened, this movie poster of the 2025 Superman movie (directed by James Gunn) was displayed inside Commercenter. The film is set to open in cinemas worldwide this July and Commercenter’s cinemas have been closed since March 15. The display of this movie poster is pointless now.

Before the pandemic struck, Commercenter was a fun place for moviegoers and I personally know friends based outside of Muntinlupa City who came to the said mall for movies. That means Commercenter really had a unique attraction that made it competitive with Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall when it comes to attracting people who love movies. At the same time, the mall has nice places where visitors can have meals or coffee after watching a film.

Of course, the cinemas of Commercenter are no more and we can only remember the old days of fun-filled moviegoing at its cinemas through pictures, social media posts and collected movie tickets.  

In my honest opinion, watching movies in Alabang will never be the same.

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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

Better than Streaming: Amusement tax will not be imposed on Filipino films in Muntinlupa City for the next 3 years

Better than Streaming: Amusement tax will not be imposed on Filipino films in Muntinlupa City for the next 3 years

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Welcome back, fellow geeks and movie buffs!

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government approved an ordinance establishing a moratorium on the collection of the amusement tax on Filipino films (note: movies produced by Philippine companies/organizations) within the city for the next three years, as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

In short, local companies here in the Philippines whose films are shown in theaters within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City could earn more as the amusement tax wonā€™t be imposed for most of the year for the next three years while the cinema operators themselves can benefit along the way.

I say most of the year because the moratorium does not cover the time period of December 25 to January 7 which is precisely the time when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) happens.

To put things in perspective, read the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report posted below. Some parts in boldfaceā€¦

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon and the City Council approved an ordinance granting a three-year moratorium on the collection of amusement tax from Filipino films in the next three years.

The Muntinlupa City Council passed and Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2024-229 ā€œDeclaring Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in the City of Muntinlupa from January 08 to December 24 of every year for the next three (3) years.“

Under the existing Local Government Code, ā€œThe province may levy an amusement tax to be collected from the proprietors, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, boxing stadia, and other places of amusement at a rate of not more than ten percent (10%) of the gross receipts from the admissions fees.ā€

In February, the Metro Manila Council adopted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 24-11 ā€œDeclaring a Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in Metro Manila from January 08 to December 24 of Every Year for the Next Three Years.ā€

In the Muntinlupa ordinance, it was stated that the MMDA resolution ā€œwas adopted to recognize the importance of the local film industry in promoting cultural and economic development and in response to the appeal of the local filmmakers to boost the film industry after the impact of the COVID-i9 Pandemic on the production and exhibition of Filipino Films, and the dominance of foreign films.ā€

Under the ordinance, all cinemas in Muntinlupa can avail of the moratorium on the collection of amusement taxes for Filipino films from Jan. 8 to Dec. 24 of every year for the next three years.

When it comes to the state of cinemas within Muntinlupa City, Commercenter has four screens and I noticed over the past two months that only 2 or 3 were operating during my visits there. Over at Festival Mall, their 4-screen modern cinemas are fully operating but their original cinemas (located several feet away by foot on the same floor) are still dark and depressing as only 2 or 3 screens (out of ten screens) were operating almost all the time.

As for the cinemas in Alabang Town Center, they seem to be operating normally and continue to attract a steady amount of moviegoers.

Going back to the approved moratorium, it remains to be seen if it could lead to a potential reduction of ticket prices in relation to Filipino movies within Muntinlupa. Even if ticket prices get reduced, would it be enough to convince people to come to the Muntinlupa cinemas and buy tickets for the cinematic experience. There is also the factor of the quality of Filipino movies showing in Muntinlupa movie theaters plus the factor of foreign movies.

As a resident of Alabang who saw lots of movies in the local cinemas, I noticed that Muntinlupa City is lacking when it comes to hosting film festivals (note: the annual MMFF does NOT count). Special events about movies focusing on variety, quality and artistry being held in Muntinlupa can help cinema operators attract moviegoers as well as the enthusiastic film buffs.

Perhaps the City Government or barangays could someday organize a special event of short films made by Muntinlupa-based filmmakers and have such films screened in local cinemas. Organizing another film festival showcasing films by independent filmmakers from around the country and having them screened in theaters within the city could help too.

Still on the topic of Filipino movies, when will the time come when the major local movie producers will have premieres of their new movies held in cinemas here in Muntinlupa and give locals the chance to see their favorite movie stars in person?

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about the 3-year moratorium approved by the City Government of Muntinlupa? Do you think that cinemas in Muntinlupa are losing money? Do you think the newly approved moratorium could be disadvantageous to the City Government in terms of revenue?

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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

Remember how lively Festival Mall’s original cinemas used to be?

Remember how lively Festival Mall’s original cinemas used to be?

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For decades now, I have been living in Alabang and I witnessed how much Muntinlupa City modernized along the way. Bordering Barangay Ayala Alabang is Filinvest City (formerly called Filinvest Corporate City) which itself is home to several business or facilities such as the Filinvest Tent, Commercenter, Acacia Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel, Westgate and, of course, the wildly popular place to be in – Festival Mall.

For the newcomers reading this, Festival Mall opened in May 1998 with its initial name Festival Supermall. Way back then, out of pure curiosity, I entered the mall for the first-time ever during its soft opening on May 1, 1998 (Labor Day here in the Philippines) as I was already looking for a new place and new discoveries at a time when I got tired of Alabang Town Center (ATC).

Being very new back then, Festival Mall’s presence of retailers or tenants was not yet dynamic as there were still businesses inside that could not open in time for the mall’s opening. I do remember walking down seeing lots of vacant retail spots covered with signs such as “opening soon”, “coming soon” and the like. Back in those days, the Philippine economy and society itself were dampened by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

As the months passed by, more businesses opened and Festival Mall’s early attractions include the X-Site Amusement Center (which already had the indoor roller coaster) and, of course, the brand new cinemas which had several screens operating at a very spacious area on the top floor. I still remember seeing lots of people lining up for tickets and seats to watch Armageddon which ended up as the highest grossing movie of the world in 1998.

While I could no longer remember what was the first movie I saw at Festival Mall’s original cinemas (note: this is to differentiate it from the more modern cinemas of the mall located at the expanded area) back in the old days, I do remember watching several movies there through the years such as Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), The Blair Witch Project (1999), X-Men (2000), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), The Mummy Returns (2001), The Matrix (1999), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Mission: Impossible II (2000), X-Men: First Class (2011), and Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) to name some. I also saw some Tagalog films at Festival Mall’s old cinemas.

Indeed, for more than a decade, Festival Mall’s original cinemas became a favorite destination of mine to watch movies in Alabang and I definitely was not alone. I also remember the times when the said cinemas attracted a whole lot of moviegoers when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) opening day (every December 25) happened resulting in long lines. Watch the YouTube videos below…

As you can see in the above videos, Festival Mall’s original cinemas was a hot spot for moviegoers. It should be noted that the mall is strategically located in close proximity to the Alabang Viaduct and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) which ensures visibility to motorists and accessibility to commuters on a daily basis. The old cinemas were also a hot spot for a variety of small businesses selling different kinds of food and drinks to moviegoers and others who just passed by.

Festival Mall at 25

This past May, Festival Mall turned 25 and its anniversary was highlighted with special events as well and publicity through the media. There were these Festival Mall 25th anniversary feature articles that got published in different newspapers almost simultaneously. In the commemorative article that got published in the Manila Bulletin, President and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation Josephine Gotianun Yap was quoted which goes as follows in the excerpt below. Some parts in boldface…

“We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of our customers, merchants, suppliers, and employees who have journeyed with us through the years. It is humbling to think that when we first opened the mall, we only had 30 stores and no anchor supermarket. But thousands of visitors came on our first day, attracted by our amusement centers, cinemas, and food court. And now the mall has 800 tenants and eight leading anchor stores. We value our collaboration with major retailers, which has enabled us to bring together SaveMore, Ace Hardware, Robinson’s Department Store, Handyman, Shopwise, H&M, Decathlon, and Landmark all under one roof. As we build on its strong foundations for the future, we see Festival Mall continuing to serve as a place where time stops for making memories with family and friends,ā€

As seen above, the Filinvest Development Corporation executive clearly referred to the original cinemas which was one of the early attractions of Festival Mall way back in 1998. As mentioned earlier, Festival Mall today has more modern cinemas located at the expanded area on the same floor but several meters away from the original cinemas. So how does Festival Mall’s original cinemas look like nowadays? Watch the video below…

Yes, indeed the mall’s original cinemas have turned depressing. There are much less customers who pass by the area and many of the businesses that operated within have closed down! As I personally found out, Festival Mall is still using a few screens at the old cinemas for moviegoers while leaving the many others closed and left in the dark. If you think about it carefully, what does the mall management have in mind with regards to all of those cinema seats, sound systems, projectors, screens and other pieces of equipment inside each and every closed screen of the original cinemas?

A closed screen at one end of the original cinemas of Festival Mall. Just imagine what is left of all the hardware (examples: projectors and speakers) and seats inside.
This was a premium place to watch movies at. It had more comfortable seats and better equipment that made the cinematic experience more immersive. It was here where I saw 2001’s Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.
This is where I used to buy movie tickets for many years. For some time now, the selling of movie tickets here has stopped. To buy tickets, you have to go to the modern cinemas of the mall several meters away by foot at the same floor.

Apart from seeing more of the screens of the original cinemas closed down, the number of small-time businesses that sold different kinds of food and drinks are also gone which is depressing. Those businesses offered moviegoers different choices of what to eat or drink apart from the usual popcorn and drinks sold by the cinema’s concessionaires. I do remember a certain business joint that sold really good coffee (both hot and cold) that is also affordable.

There used to be different kinds of small business joints that sold a variety of food and drinks located on the floor spots at the original cinemas area. Those businesses have since closed down and left.
I remember the times I bought popcorn and drinks at this place before watching a movie. Now there are no food, no drinks and no people selling to customers anymore.

With the way things are right now, walking through the original cinemas area of Festival Mall is lonely and depressing to do. The area is almost lifeless and it easily is the saddest place inside the mall which itself has become a major attraction for shoppers and families. I can only wonder if Festival Mall’s management has any plan to revive the original cinemas area. Will they someday renovate at least a few of the screens and install brand new seats and other equipment to accommodate more moviegoers? Do they plan to attract new businesses to occupy the vacant commercial spaces and floor spaces near the old cinemas?

It would be nice to know if Festival Mall’s management or Filinvest itself has any plan to revive commerce at the original cinemas area which is now the saddest and loneliest part of the mall.

To be very clear with you all reading this, I never worked for a shopping mall nor have I ever worked in the movie theater business. I am a long-time resident of Alabang who often visits Festival Mall for purchasing needed items, dining and availing of services. Watching movies at Festival Mall used to be a big reason for me to spend time at the mall. I know for a fact that operating movie theaters is difficult and attracting people to watch movies on the big screen is tougher because of streaming. It does not help that the COVID-19 pandemic convinced people that watching new movies at home via streaming is the new standard which also made them think that movie theaters are unnecessary.

As a movie enthusiast, I can say out loud that watching a movie inside the cinema is still the best and most definitive way to enjoy watching. The movie theater experience can never be matched by streaming nor could the biggest HDTV at home could ever come close to the size and visual impact of a cinema screen. That being said, I can only hope that Festival Mall could someday revive the movie experience and commerce at their original cinemas area. They already have the modern cinemas at the expanded area but those are only 4 screens.

If you are living here in South Metro Manila and you have been to Festival Mall several times before, what do you think the mall management should do about their old cinemas? Is Festival Mall your favorite place to watch movies in? Do you think that hosting multiple film festivals – both foreign and domestic – each year would justify renovating the old cinemas of the mall?

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit theĀ Movie Fans WorldwideĀ Facebook group atĀ https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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

COVID-19 Crisis: Slight rise in Metro Manilaā€™s COVID-19 positivity rate was due to holiday frenzy according to OCTA Research

COVID-19 Crisis: Slight rise in Metro Manilaā€™s COVID-19 positivity rate was due to holiday frenzy according to OCTA Research

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As far as Metro Manila goes, the slight increase of the COVID-19 positivity rate was caused not by the media-magnified Omicron variant but by the holiday frenzy according to OCTA Research in an article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldfaceā€¦

The slight increase in Metro Manila’s Covid-19 positivity rate, average daily attack rate (ADAR), and reproduction rate was due to the holiday frenzy and not necessarily because of the Omicron variant, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said on Monday.

David said it is premature to say that the newest coronavirus variant had something to do with the spike in numbers.

Based on two-week growth rates (TWGR), David reported that the current reproduction number is at 0.85 percent while the ADAR in the National Capital Region (NCR) is at 0.82 percent.

The positivity rate slightly increased to 1.4 percent.

“So, hindi natin masasabi ngayon na Omicron-driven ito dahil nakita rin naman natin ito last year. Siguro doon sa pagtitipun-tipon ng mga kababayan natin kaya kailangan doble pag-iingat lang naman din ang kinakailangan natin (So we can’t really say that it is Omicron-driven because we have seen this last year. The gatherings might have caused this, so we just really need to be extra careful),” he said in a media briefing.

As of Monday, the country has 9,579 active Covid-19 cases, the 10th straight day that the tally was below 10,000.

Four cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed so far.

Just like last year, David noted that the Covid-19 testing slowed down as laboratories took a break and the recent onslaught of Typhoon Odette affected the operations of some testing centers.

He said a “clear picture” as to how the Covid-19 cases suddenly increased might be available until the first week of January next year.

“Ang nangyari naman noong January this year lang, noong January of 2021, iyong uptick ay bumalik na siya sa normal level. So bumaba ulit siya. Iyon iyong sanang gusto nating makita ngayon na after January, kapag na-resolve na iyong testing, iyong kakulangan natin sa testing at iyong mga closed laboratories ay bababa ulit sa normal levels ang bilang ng kaso. Iyan iyong gusto nating mangyari (So, in January this year, the uptick went back to its normal level. So it went down again. So, that’s what we want to see after January [next year], if we resolved our backlogs in testing and in our laboratories, then the cases will go back to normal levels. That’s what we want to happen),” David said.

David sees no need yet to increase restrictions or push for premature interventions.

“It could just be a holiday uptick, which means na after the holidays, possibly bababa din iyong number of cases and iyong positivity rate (it is possible that the number of cases and the positivity rate will go down),” he added.

As I personally observed, a lot of people and families have been moving around not only because of the Alert Level 2 status of Metro Manila but also because of Christmas-related activities like shopping, touring and dining inside restaurants. I myself saw lots of people moving inside and around Festival Mall and the Alabang Town Center here in Muntinlupa City in the days leading to Christmas. Also there were families who had Christmas parties or small gatherings with relatives. Not even the news about the Omicron variant being present here in the Philippines impacted them. Fortunately for Filipinos, Omicron cases in the country are very few and all of those were detected from passengers who arrived from overseas. As of this writing, the Omicron variant has not been detected in the local population.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this latest development? Do you believe OCTA Researchā€™s analysis about the holiday frenzy being the factor behind the slight rise of COVID-19 positivity? Do you personally know people who still remained unvaccinated to this day? Are you aware about Sputnik vaccines being more effective against the Omicron variant (read a related article by clicking here) and that Pfizerā€™s vaccines are less effective?

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City issues public warning about Omicron variant

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City issues public warning about Omicron variant

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The Omicron variant is still being feared a lot by people and government officials as it is often being reported in the news and the recent published results of two separate studies that found the said variant more infectious and resistant to the COVID-19 vaccine of Pfizer. The Omicron variant was recently detected here in the Philippines and in relation to that, the City Government of Muntinlupa issued a public warning, according to a recent Manila Bulletin report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldfaceā€¦

The Muntinlupa City government has reminded residents to strictly follow minimum public health standards after the detection of the first two Omicron variant cases in the country.

Dr. Juancho Bunyi, head of the Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO), said when the news about the detection of the Omicron variant cases came out, the CHO alerted all barangays and communities to be ready.

Muntinlupaā€™s Prevent, Detect, Isolation, Treat, Reintegration (PDITR) and the vaccination teams are on alert to ensure that the city is ready, Bunyi added.

He advised the strengthening of rescue units in barangays and the disaster risk reduction and management office due to the Omicron variant, and to strictly implement health protocols especially in malls and other closed areas, and crowded places.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), two Omicron variant cases were detected from 48 samples that were sequenced on Dec. 14.

One Omicron-positive case is a returning overseas Filipino (ROF) who arrived in the Philippines from Japan on Dec. 1 on Philippine Airlines flight number PR 0427. His sample was collected on Dec. 5 and he tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Dec. 7. The patient is in an isolation facility managed by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and is asymptomatic but had symptoms of colds and cough upon arrival, according to the DOH.

Prior to the reporting of the first Philippine cases of Omicron, a lot of people have been going out visiting places and coming to varied businesses (stores, food-and-beverage, cinemas, etc.) for their needs and wants. This is evident in Alabang which has many places that attract people like Festival Mall and Commercenter in Filinvest City, the Alabang Town Center (ATC) and Molito commercial complex located just outside Ayala Alabang Village, and more. Those said places are known to attract customers not only from around Muntinlupa but also from BF Homes, Las PiƱas City, Cavite province, Laguna province and more.

How the City Governmentā€™s public warning about the Omicron variant will affect local commerce remains to be seen.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? Have you done a lot of research about the Omicron variant already?

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

COVID-19 Crisis: ParaƱaque City Vice Mayorā€™s office certified safe to visit

COVID-19 Crisis: ParaƱaque City Vice Mayorā€™s office certified safe to visit

carlocarrasco

You heard about the Safety Seal that has been posted on offices and establishments that met the criteria for approval and certification? For the newcomers reading this, the Safety Seal is an indication that the establishment is compliant in terms of the standard safety protocols, including the use of StaySafe.ph app. In recent times, offices at Las PiƱas City Hall, the Alabang Town Center (ATC) in Muntinlupa and SM Southmall in Las PiƱas were certified safe and respectively each had Safety Seals posted. This is all related to the current pandemic caused by COVID-19.

Over at City Hall (specifically at the Legislative building) in ParaƱaque City, the Office of the Vice Mayor obtained the Safety Seal as revealed in the July 12, 2021 picture post of the official Facebook page titled Rico Golez. As seen in the picture below, Vice Mayor Rico Golez was present with officials of the local DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), the BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) when the Safety Seal was formally posted at the office. This means that it is safe for taxpayers, local residents, senior citizens and other guests to visit the Office of the Vice Mayor for their respective needs and appointments.

ParaƱaque City Vice Mayor Rico Golez (2nd from right) and officials of DILG, PNP and BFP show the Safety Seal posted at the front door of the Office of the Vice Mayor. (source – Rico Golez Facebook page)

The FB post has text addressed to readers written as follows:

Today, Dilg ParaƱaque BFP and PNP gave the office of the Vice Mayor a SAFETY SEALā€¦

This was obtained by the office for following all health protocolsā€¦

I was especially happy to learn that we were one of the first offices in the city hall to be awarded a SEALā€¦

Thank you very much and we will all stay safe.

As for the newly posted Safety Seal at the Office of the Vice Mayor, it is written as valid until January 5, 2022. The safety seal number is listed as NCR-2021-0001806.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: With this latest development, do you residents of ParaƱaque feel more confident about visiting the Vice Mayorā€™s office? If yes, how about visiting the other offices of City Hall that have the Safety Seal posted?

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: SM Southmall certified safe in Las PiƱas City

COVID-19 Crisis: SM Southmall certified safe in Las PiƱas City

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SM Southmall, a major shopping and lifestyle destination located along Alabang-Zapote Road in Las PiƱas City, recently received its Safety Seal and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery was present during the inauguration ceremony at the mall.

To put things into perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report published by the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldfaceā€¦

SM Southmall has been awarded with the safety seal. With Las PiƱas rolling out the safety seal inspection in the region, SM Southmall is the first mall city to receive the seal.

Present in the inauguration were the Vice Mayor of Las Pinas City, Hon. April T. Aguilar; Chief of the Business Permits and Licensing Office Mr. Willy Gaerlan; Bernice Baculi, AVP of Operations for SM Southmall and Sally Chandumal, Mall Manager of SM Southmall.

ā€œI am very pleased to be here in SM Southmall for the awarding of the safety seal certificate wherein SM Southmall is the first to pass the safety seal inspection conducted by our team,ā€ says BPLIO Head Willy Gaerlan, ā€œwe hope we will maintain the standard weā€™ve already received.ā€

SM Southmall continues to excel in its safety and sanitation protocols with temperature checks, one-way signs, social distancing rules, alfresco dining, safety protocol officers and constant hygiene maintenance to ensure the safety of its customers.

In my personal observation, SM Southmall and SM shopping malls, literally, went the extra mile in keeping their facilities sanitized, cleaned and orderly. As for what the Safety Seal is, it is the indication that the establishment is compliant in terms of the standard safety protocols and other related requirements. In nearby Muntinlupa City, the Alabang Town Center (ATC) was certified with the Safety Seal and other malls in the city applied for the seal.

Going back to Las PiƱas City, the Safety Seal continues to make its presence felt even more. Already offices in Las PiƱas City Hall got certified with the Safety Seal making them safe for people to visit. The City Government has a team dedicated on handling Safety Seal certifications.

For South Metro Manila residents reading this, SM Southmallā€™s safety certification is a big help not just to the mall itself and to its business partners, but also to anyone who needs to be at the mall for their respective needs, dining, and business transactions.

As for local COVID-19 matters, any Las PiƱas resident reading this who has yet to get registered for free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiƱasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you been visiting SM Southmall lately for your essential needs or dining? Are the mall personnel there working to ensure your safety from COVID-19? If you visit SM Southmall more than once a week, how much time do you spend there during each visit?

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: Major malls in Muntinlupa City granted Safety Seal Certifications, more establishments apply in LGU

COVID-19 Crisis: Major malls in Muntinlupa City granted Safety Seal Certifications, more establishments apply in LGU

carlocarrasco

Following the launching of Safety Seal Certification Program in Muntinlupa, the City Government has granted the seal to major malls and commercial establishments who are compliant with minimum public health standards (MPHS) set by the national government amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of June 22, the Business Permits and Licensing Office has approved 27 Safety Seal applications from commercial establishments including major malls such as Alabang Town Center (ATC), SM Center Muntinlupa, Ayala Malls South Park, and Starmall Alabang.

Besides the four malls, other private establishments which have been granted the Safety Seal by the City Government including: 8 Cuts Burger Blends (ATC), CafĆ© Mary Grace (ATC), Shiseido at SM Center Muntinlupa, Yabu: House of Katsu at ATC, KFC at SM Center Muntinlupa, Fitness First Platinum Alabang at Filinvest Alabang and South Park Corporate Center in Alabang, Three Inihaw Place Inc./Mang Inasal, Manny and Pie Calayan Clinic, Metro Alabang, La Senza Alabang Town Center, The Palms Country Club, Slimmerā€™s World, Cucinamia Hospitality, Aventus Medical Care, Bench Body Alabang Town Center, Pancake House Festival Mall, Made In Candy, Pound Alabang Town Center, Cotton On and California Advance Nail & Skincare.

To date, at least 267 private establishments in Muntinlupa have applied for Safety Seal. The City Government expects to receive more applications in the coming days.

The Safety Seal ensures the public that an establishment is strictly implementing MPHS in their stores and workplaces, such as proper wearing of face shields and face masks, and disinfection. The certification program also requires establishments to use the contact tracing system of StaySafe.ph.

Under JMC 21-01, Muntinlupa LGU can issue the Safety Seal to the following establishments: malls, wet market, other retail store, restaurant outside hotels/resorts, fast food, eateries, coffee shop, bank, money changer, remittance center, car wash, laundry service center, art gallery, library, museum, zoo, sports center, tutorial, testing and review center, gym, spa, cinema, arcade, and all other private establishments.

Private establishments in Muntinlupa may apply to the program through the cityā€™s website https://www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph. For printed application, a scanned copy should be emailed to muntinlupacitysafetyseal@gmail.com. Upon submission of application, the City Government will schedule an inspection to the concerned establishment.

Further, DILG Muntinlupa Field Office has started to inspect government offices starting with the departments in Muntinlupa City Hall. The local Inspection and Certification Team has recently granted the Safety Seal to Office of the City Mayor and other City Government offices.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encourages private business owners to apply for the safety certification as it helps assure the public that their establishments are compliant with health protocols and it will be vital for the safe reopening of the economy.

For more information, owners of business establishments in the city may send an email to muntinlupacitysafetyseal@gmail.com.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO.

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: Initial batch of Las PiƱas City Hall offices certified safe to visit

COVID-19 Crisis: Initial batch of Las PiƱas City Hall offices certified safe to visit

carlocarrasco

If you are planning to visit Las Pinas City Hall very soon, then you should be delighted to know that the first of many offices there have just been certified safe to visit as a result of the Safety Seals posted there. This is similar to what happened at Alabang Town Center (ATC) in nearby Muntinlupa City except that this one is about government offices.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the information from the City Governmentā€™s official Facebook page post (translated from Tagalog). Some parts in boldfaceā€¦

The initial awarding of the Safety Seal was held today (at) other offices within Las PiƱas City Hall that passed the standard from the Joint Memorandum of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Ā Among the offices awarded are the Mayorā€™s Office, City Planning Office, Business Permit and Licensing Office, Office of the City Treasurer and Human Resource Management Office. The DILG Inspection and Certification Team that awarded the safety is comprised of DILG City Director Mary Anne Planas, BFP City Director FSupt. Christopher Angot, LPC Asst. Chief of Police for Administration PLTCOL. Jose Anaz and LPC Chief of Police PLTCOL. Rodel Pastor.

Ā In the coming days, safety seals will continue to be awarded to offices that pass the standards of Joint Memorandum 21-01 Implementing Guidelines of the Safety Seal Certification Program.

The team installing the first of several Safety Seals at offices at City Hall that passed the tests, including the Office of the Mayor. (source – City of Las Pinas Facebook page)

Any Las PiƱas resident who has yet to get registered for free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiƱasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you more confident to visit City Hall now that the Safety Seals have been posted on its offices? When was the last time you visited any of the offices at City Hall?

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