Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that free school supplies and sneakers will be given to around 100,000 students (from daycare to Grade 12) in accordance to the ongoing local program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that public school students from daycare to Grade 12 will receive free school supplies and sneakers under the Balik Eskwela Package program in time for the opening of classes in July.
The free school supplies and shoes will benefit 98,000 students in Early Childhood Education (ECED), Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6, and junior and senior high school in Muntinlupa.
“We are committed to supporting our students and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. By providing these high-quality sneakers and school supplies, we aim to ease the financial burden on families and boost student morale,” said Biazon.
For ECED students, they will receive a backpack, two notebooks, crayons, tumbler, two pencils and pad paper.
For Kindergarten, each will get a backpack, jumbo crayons, pencil sharpener, two jumbo pencils, pad paper, eight notebooks and a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes.
Students in Grades 1 to 6 will each receive a backpack, eight notebooks, three ballpens, pad paper, crayons and a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes.
Those in Grades 7 to 12 will get a backpack, spiral notebooks (eight in junior high school and 10 in senior high school), a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes and three ballpens.
Last school year, the Muntinlupa city government provided students with black leather shoes and school supplies.
Biazon explained that the switch to sneakers this year was made because many students still have usable leather shoes from last year and parents requested rubber shoes that may be used for physical education classes.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you find the new batch of free supplies for students sensible and useful?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the city health office stated that there are no cases of the new variants of COVID-19, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City Health Office said there are no cases of the new variants of Covid-19 in the city amid the start of screening for arrivals at the country’s points of entry.
Dr. Juancho Bunyi, CHO head, said as of May 28, there are only four active Covid-19 cases with mild and moderate symptoms in the city confined at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang.
“No new variants reported as per DOH [Department of Health],” said Bunyi.
The country’s Bureau of Quarantine ordered the screening at points of entry on all arrivals from countries where Covid-19 FLiRT cases have been reported.
The DOH said based on the update by the World Health Organization (WHO), the three new variants of Covid-19 being monitored are JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3, which are “descendants of JN.1.”
It said KP.2 and KP.3 are known as the “FLiRT” variants, “a nickname coined by some researchers to describe amino acid changes in the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein, specifically from phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 456, and from arginine (R) to threonine (T) at position 346.”
WHO observed that “there are currently no reported laboratory or epidemiological reports indicating any association between VOIs/VUMs and increased disease severity.”
In the Philippines, the DOH reported that from May 7 to 13, a total of 877 new Covid-19 cases were recorded with an average of 125 reported cases per day.
It said that while there is an increase of Covid-19 cases in the country recently, it is small and lower compared to previous observed increases.
Of the 877, seven had severe or critical disease and five people died, which occurred from April 30 to May 13.
“All Philippine regions remain to be at low risk for COVID-19. There is no scientific basis for travel restrictions to any country because of an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Department remains to be in close coordination with international health authorities, and its Bureau of Quarantine is keeping watch over points of entry nationwide. The voluntary use of face masks should be done properly, along with standard precautions like hand washing, avoiding crowds, and choosing good airflow,” the DOH said.
As of May 12, only 11 percent (119/1,117) of dedicated Covid-19 ICU (intensive care unit) beds were occupied and only 13 percent (1,238/9,571) of dedicated Covid-19 non-ICU beds were occupied, the DOH added.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned FLiRT variants of COVID-19 could be detected in the city soon?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, an incident took place inside Ayala Alabang Village which eventually led to the discovery that two members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) turned out to be working as bodyguards for Chinese nationals and drew a reaction from Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon expressed disgust against some police officers who moonlight as bodyguards for Chinese nationals amid the controversy over their presence in the country.
Biazon reacted to the arrest of two members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who engaged in a fistfight in the posh Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa.
They were identified by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) as Police Corporal George Rojo Mabuti, 30, and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez, 30, who were arrested by Muntinlupa Police on May 18.
The NCRPO said the two provided VIP security to a Chinese national involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Biazon commended the Muntinlupa Police for their immediate action.
“I commend the Muntinlupa Police which immediately responded to the scene and faithfully performed their duty in arresting the culprits,” he said.
However, the mayor said that some police officers work as bodyguards for Chinese nationals.
“It is sad that in the light of the controversy surrounding the presence of Chinese nationals in the country, personnel from the PNP engage in illegal moonlighting as bodyguards. I expect the PNP leadership to do what is right and what is called for by law,” said Biazon.
According to the NCRPO, at about 3:15 p.m. on May 18, a security guard of Ayala Alabang Village who was on patrol saw a fistfight between the two and sought the help from the Ayala-Alabang Police Sub-Station 5 (SS5).
Mabuti fled and sought refuge in one of residences in the village which caused panic and alarm among the residents of the house.
Personnel from the Ayala-Alabang Police SS5 arrested and brought the two to the Muntinlupa City Police Station.
Operatives from the Muntinlupa Police discovered that the two SAF personnel were based in Mindanao.
Mabuti is presently assigned at the 52nd Special Action Company Zamboanga and Valdez is assigned at the 55th Special Action Company Zamboanga.
The police said they were moonlighting as VIP security to a POGO personality. The two police officers said they are not rendering their official duties with their respective units, the NCRPO said.
Lieutenant Riza Soledad of the Muntinlupa Police said Mabuti and Valdez are currently under their custody and underwent inquest proceedings before the prosecutor’s office for the complaint of alarms and scandals.
They will also face administrative penalties for neglect of duty and misconduct for moonlighting and unauthorized provision of VIP security, the NCRPO added.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned that there could be more police officers or even barangay tanods who could be secretly working as bodyguards of Chinese nationals or POGOs?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The City Government of Muntinlupa recently won a prestigious award (Gawad Edukampyon) in the field of education among highly urbanized cities (HUC), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, Gawad Edukampyon is a nationwide program launched by REX Education in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of the Interior, and Local Government and Early Childhood Care and Development Council.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government won the Gawad Edukampyon award in the highly urbanized city category for its efforts in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).
Muntinlupa won the award for its Supplementary Programs on Early Stimulation and Promotion of Proper Health and Nutrition. This involved a wide range of initiatives, including feeding program, health services, sports activities, educational support, and social services for families.
The city also caters to the needs of parents through the Family Support Program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and Parent Congress.
“Patuloy ang City Government of Muntinlupa sa pagsulong ng mahusay na childhood care services para sa mga kabataang Muntinlupeño. Gusto natin lahat ng mga bata sa Muntinlupa ay malusog, nakakapag-aral at may mabuting asal (The City Government of Muntinlupa continues to advocate great childcare services for our young Muntinlupeño. We want all children in Muntinlupa to be healthy, go to school and have good manners),” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
He added, “Maraming salamat sa ECED Muntinlupa, led by Ms. Jenny Mercado, sa pangunguna sa ating mga programa for childhood development (Thank you to ECED Muntinlupa, led by Ms. Jenny Mercado, for leading our programs for childhood development).”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you happy with the Gawad Edukampyon award the city government won?
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
If you crave for burgers and fries, and if you are searching for a unique burger experience here in Alabang, then you should try visiting the brand new Zark’s Burgersbranch inside Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa.
This is what Zark’s Burgers looks like inside Festival Mall at the ground floor.
Zark’s Burgers had its grand opening inside the said mall on May 10, 2024. Specifically speaking, the burger joint’s newest branch is located at the ground floor right beside Dairy Queen (DQ) and it is just steps away from Festival Mall’s food court in close proximity to National Bookstore. The new branch is easy to spot as the burger joint has its eye-catching sign composed of red and white colors.
For the newcomers reading this, Zark’s Burgers started in 2009 as an 18-seater hole-in-the-wall and they had a 3-man crew. As time passed by, the business gradually expanded as more customers flocked to them for burgers which they found tasty and even unique.
See anything interesting on Zark’s menu?
Already featured in the media and in blogs, Zark’s Burgers has an established reputation of being creative with the way they cooked their burgers which in turn delighted not only mainstream customers but also food enthusiasts who have specific expectations about how burgers should be presented and how tasty they should be. Of course, the business is not just selling burgers as they also offer hotdog sandwiches, rice meals, fried chicken, boneless fried chicken sandwiches and more.
Now that Zark’s Burgers’ Festival Mall branch is already operating, it will be interesting to see how they will keep up with the competition inside the said mall which already has lots of places where burgers and fries are being sold. In fact, a few steps away from Zark’s is a branch of Wendy’s which consistently attracts customers.
Zark’s Burgers Festival Mall branch is just steps away from the food court and right beside Dairy Queen (DQ).
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you excited to visit Zark’s Burgers branch inside Festival Mall? Do you think Zark’s Burgers has what it takes to keep up with the competition as the mall already has lots of food joints that sell burgers?
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
If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City who must have noticed members of your local community being able to find jobs within the city, it is most likely because of the online job portal launched recently by the City Government as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The job portal can be accessed at https://jobportal.muntinlupacitygov.com/
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government launched an online portal to connect employers and job seekers.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the launch of the 1Munti Job Portal, a collaboration between the city government and partner private institutions led by the Lingkod Muntinlupa Foundation and 1Munti Party.
“The 1Munti Job Portal is an innovation that helps break down barriers of unemployment. For companies and employers, as part of our City’s mission to be a business-friendly hub, this Portal is free, and you can gain exposure to a diverse range of candidates tailored to your company’s specific needs and requirements,” said Biazon.
For job seekers, they need to visit the website, create an account, and search for employment opportunities, the mayor said.
Biazon also revealed the upcoming Dress for Success Program which aims to equip job seekers through a series of capacity-building training on the basics of job-hunting and employment, writing good resume, and presenting oneself well in an interview.
Once they finish the short modules, they can claim their set of business attires that will hopefully help boost their confidence in their job seeking journey.
Biazon also said the portal is still part of the city government’s effort to attain “Smart City” status, describing 1Munti Job Portal as “created at the nexus of leadership and technological innovation” to solve human issues.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you know anyone who applied for a local job through the 1Munti Job Portal?Have you visited the job portal already?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The City Government of Muntinlupa formally sets the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise by means of passing a local ordinance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Tricycle drivers or operators who violate the ordinance will be fined P1,000.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government passed an ordinance setting the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise.
Ordinance No. 2024-171 increased the minimum tricycle fare to P12 from P10 based on the request of the Muntinlupa Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Inc. (FEDMUNTODAI).
The Tricycle Regulatory Unit (TRU) of the city government is mandated to recommend fares and it recommended to the City Council to approve the increase.
“Kinikilala ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ang tungkulin ng mga Traysikel bilang isa sa mga pangunahing pamamaraan ng pampublikong transportasyon (The Muntinlupa City government recognizes the duty of tricycles as one of the main means of public transportation),” according to the ordinance. The ordinance covers all tricycles with franchise.
Under the ordinance, all tricycles are mandated to give 20 percent discount to senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities (PWD).
All tricycles in Muntinlupa are required to post a Uniform Fare Matrix (UFM) of each tricycle operators and drivers’ association (TODA) at their terminal and inside each tricycle to inform passengers.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you always ride a tricycle to go around the city? Did you encounter any abusive tricycle driver lately?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.
#1X-Men (2000) movie reaction videos plus trivia and retrospective – When it comes to superheroes, I am fan of the X-Men and most of the engaging stories I read were comic books written by Chris Claremont who is also responsible with defining many key characters. The first-ever live-action X-Men movie was released in 2000 and I saw it on opening day here in the Philippines inside a cinema of Festival Mall and it was not even half-full. Today, a brand new live-action X-Men movie under Marvel Studios has yet to be released and now is a good time to look back at the first movie through the varied movie reaction videos, trivia video and retrospective video below…
#2 Flavors of NCR 2024 videos – If you love food and enjoy food bazaars or food festivals, then you should read my article about the 2024 edition of Flavors of NCRwhich I attended recently. Flavors of NCR is an annual food festival supported by the local governments of the National Capital Region (NCR) here in the Philippines which gives visitors opportunities to try the food and beverage products offered by different small businesses from each local government. This year’s Flavors of NCR was hosted by Muntinlupa City and Filinvest City Central Park was the venue. Watch and enjoy my videos below…
#3 The Leftists love terrorism, murder, destruction and genocide – On more serious matters, the Islamo-Leftist believers (people who hate Israel and support Iran, the Palestinian terrorists and other evil forces of the world) have turned more chaotic with their protesting and they don’t even care about the safety and concerns of the public. Here are the facts: Leftists/socialists/Marxists/Communists/liberals are consumed by evil and they took sides with the terrorists not realizing they are supporting evil forces. It is also a fact that many pro-Palestine believers don’t even have full knowledge of what they are campaigning for and their ignorance was exposed! Many pro-Palestine believers want to commit genocide against the Jewish people even as they blatantly blame Israel for genocide (a big lie). Observe the evil, the ignorance and recklessness of the people who hate Israel in the videos below. They are clearly very lost people who constantly fail to realize the evil of their ways.
#4 Wicked Iran failed to destroy Israel and got hit strategically – Iran is the heart of evil in this world we live in. Iran – which has a very wicked and unholy regime since 1979 – is Satan’s tool for spreading death, chaos and genocide through the form of terrorism. Iran’s massive attack on Israel turned out a major failure as their missiles (plus some from their terrorist proxies) were deflected by a rate of 99% by Israel’s defenses and assistance from its allies (including Saudi Arabia). Iran was humiliated not only because of the failed massive attack (which cost them many billions of Dollars) on Israel but also because a new coalition of Western and Arab nation was formed to defend Israel.
Shortly after that, Iran suffered from a strategic attack which was not even massive in terms of explosives but was more than enough to rattle Iranian systems. The attack on Iran happened the same day their supreme leader turned 85 and their evil regime got very humiliated. Watch and learn from the videos below…
#5 The Jessica Alfaro Story (1995) full movie – Here in the Philippines, the Vizconde Massacre case is one of the most controversial and most sensationalized cases ever. This is about the 1991 tragedy of three family members – mother, adult daughter and little daughter – who were found dead with multiple stab wounds in their home in BF Homes, Parañaque. In 1995, Jessica Alfaro emerged as the so-called star witness claiming she knew the suspects, was at the Vizconde home when the murders happened, and pointed to several suspects who happened to be members of prominent families. Conviction of the suspects happened in January 2000 followed by further legal disputes through the following years. In December 2010, seven of the nine accused were acquitted as a result of the Supreme Court reversing the earlier judgment of the lower court and the Court of Appeals.
Going back to 1995, believe it or not, a live-action movie dramatizing the life and times of Jessica Alfaro was actually released shortly after the star witness first emerged. The movie was The Jessica Alfaro Story (1995) which starred Alice Dixson which you can watch entirely (note: Tagalog language and several minutes of the film was muted on YouTube due to use of copyrighted music) below.
Take note that due to legal reasons, the Vizconde name was not used in the film which resulted in the use of an alternative name (examples: Vizconde massacre is called Ilagan massacre, Carmella Vizconde is referred to as Lorraine Ilagan), and do not expect to hear Hubert Webb’s name in the film. This goes the same with the other real-life suspects. The Vizconde Massacre case officially started in 1995 and the 2010 Supreme Court decision made The Jessica Alfaro Story’s overall value questionable by today’s standards. However, the movie should still appeal to people who love Alice Dixson, as well as film buffs who are interested to see how Filipino filmmakers dramatize reality and controversial cases.
#6 Elevator Action retrospective – Decades ago, I enjoyed playing Elevator Action games on console and at the local arcade. Specifically, I played the original Elevator Action game on the Family Computer (Nintendo Entertainment System in America) as a young boy. A decade later, I played the sequel Elevator Action Returns which was very fun and immersive arcade game! To learn more about the history of Elevator Action, watch the video of PatmanQC below…
#7 Stargate reaction videos – Before Independence Day (1996) and the atrocious Hollywood Godzilla (1998) were released, the creative duo of producer Dean Devlin and director Roland Emmerich made Stargate (1994). This is the very movie that served as the foundation of the eventual Stargate SG-1 TV series which itself was a sequel. To learn more about the Stargate movie, watch the selected reaction videos below…
Recently the New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – announced through social media that it has provided assistance and relief to fire victims in the cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the April 15, 2024 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldface…
On March 13, we visited four evacuation centers in Las Pinas in response to fire incidents. In addition to providing seven weeks of consecutive feeding for victims of the Pilar fire, we revisited the San Isidro – Manuyo Dos Evacuation Center.
We also extended assistance to those affected by the recent fire disaster on April 11 in Greenhills, Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque, where approximately 180 individuals were affected. We were met with hopeful eyes and grateful smiles as they shared stories of how high school students donated their lunch boxes to the community.
We are grateful for your support and invite you to partner with us in aiding our fellow Filipinos who have been displaced.
For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here, here, here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has a history of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.
NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…
If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:
For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.
In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true.
The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.
Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.
Proverbs 19:17 (AMPC)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently Muntinlupa City hosted the 2024 edition of the Flavors of NCR food festival at the Filinvest City Central Park in Alabang and I personally witnessed the formal opening ceremony which involved many high-level officials and special guests. A lot of people visited the food festival on April 19 and 20 which added to the credibility of Filinvest City Central Park as a suitable open-air venue for special events.
For the newcomers reading this, Flavors of NCR is a special event presented by the Association of Tourism Officers – NCR which collaborated with the City Government of Muntinlupa for this year’s event. It is a showcase of unique cuisine found in the sixteen cities and one municipality of the National Capital Region (NCR). The local government units (LGUs) that participated include: Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and the Municipality of Pateros.
Event launch
The ribbon cutting led by high officials that include Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano (3rd from left), Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon (3rd from right) and Department of Tourism-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin (2nd from left) to name a few.
The opening ceremony of Flavors of NCR 2024 was attended by Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, Department of Tourism-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Association of Tourism Officers-NCR headed by Manila City Tourism chief Charlie Dungo, and Pasay City chief of staff Peter Eric Pardo. Also present were Muntinlupa Vice Mayor Temy Simundac and Muntinlupa City Council Raul Corro.
“We are delighted to host the Flavors of NCR,” Mayor Biazon stated during his welcome remarks to all the guests. “(We acknowledge) the presence of other cities here so that their products will be showcased and we are proud to have you here.”
Biazon stressed that hosting the Flavors of NCR opens up opportunities for Metro Manila’s LGUs and their respective food-and-beverage stakeholders access to the Calabarzon region composed of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon with a collective population of over sixteen million people.
It should be noted that the Alabang area of Muntinlupa is a popular destination for Calabarzon residents as well as those from nearby cities who enjoy shopping and recreational activities during the weekend. That being said, Flavors of NCR fits nicely with the weekend vibe at Filinvest City.
After the formal ribbon-cutting was done, Flavors of NCR 2024 officially opened and a lot of people and photographers followed Biazon and the guests visit the different food booths of each city.
Each LGU and their best
I visited and explored the designated areas (also referred to as “booths”) of each LGU during the food festival. Each area had a different style of interiors and layouts of food, drinks and other products being offered to visitors. There were also chairs and tables present for those who need to seat down and eat. Check out my raw YouTube videos plus pictures below…
Native delicacies on display for sale at the Las Piñas City booth.
Burger patties being cooked at the Mandaluyong City area.
Delicious halo-halo from Aling Consuelo Halo-Halo sa Ugbo. This was sold at P100 each.
Marikina City had four sellers that attracted customers during the food festival.
Drinks, dessert and other stuff offered to customers at the Las Piñas City booth.
As expected, the variety of food and drinks were really great. Offered to customers were chicken, beef, pork, siomai, barbeque, puto, bibingka, pansit, siopao, fried chicken, roasted pig, pastries, cakes, halo-halo and ice cream to name some. There were also non-food products being sold such as bags and accessories in some booths.
The Muntinlupa City area.
Sea food and other food items being sold at the Parañaque City booth.
Fried chicken being prepared for customers.
The best of Muntinlupa City offered to customers.
Food and bags for sale inside the booth of Malabon City.
It was really nice to see these small businesses represent their locality and offered their best products to visitors at Filinvest City Central Park. Adding zest to the food festival were some performances by different bands from the cities of NCR. There also was a modern dance activity that drew in lots of visitors which added to the customers at the food festival.
Conclusion
The 2024 edition of Flavors of NCR at Filinvest City Central Park was indeed a nice showcase of what each LGU had to offer for those who love food and drinks. In addition, this festival really emphasized unity between the local governments of NCR and it also promoted local tourism. The festival also attracted some residents of Filinvest City’s residential towers (plus others from Ayala Alabang, Palms Pointe Village and other residential communities) and some employees (who worked at offices near the park) whose shifts ended.
In the perspective of tourism, this event really boosted Filinvest City Central Park’s status as a venue for special events or activities. To date, the said park continues to be an attraction for visitors and already it has been used by organizers of sports events and musical events.
This was taken during Saturday night.
The successful staging of Flavors of NCR could inspire food festival organizers to have their events held within Filinvest City in the future.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: Were you able to attend Flavors of NCR at the central park in Filinvest City? If you did, how was your experience? Do you wish to see another food festival to be held at Filinvest City Central Park soon?
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Author Carlo Carrasco 