The City Government of Muntinlupa announced today that it has donated P2,000,000 to the Batanes Provincial Government for Itbayat’s rehabilitation after being struck by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake this past July. The donation was done through the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).
City Councilor members Marissa Rongavilla, Alexson Diaz, Katy Boncayao, and DRRMO chief Erwin Alfonso represented Mayor Jaime Fresnedi in the official turn-over ceremony of the financial assistance to Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco on August 17.
The City Government claims that the financial aid to the Municipality of Itbayat, Batanes will be used to implement development projects in the town and construction of a housing project for the 268 affected families. Governor Cayco extended her utmost thanks to the City Government of Muntinlupa and Mayor Fresnedi for the assistance.
It is recalled that on July 27, a series of strong earthquakes jolted Itbayat town which caused damage to structures and leaving eight (8) people dead and dozens injured.
According to bulletins from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the town was hit by magnitudes 5.4, 5.9, 5.8 within hours of each other and several aftershocks. No tsunami alerts were issued.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said that this initiative is the city’s share in helping our kababayans who are in need.
“In the spirit of bayanihan, the local government of Muntinlupa will continue to lend its hand to towns in the country needing assistance,” Fresnedi added.
This time it is the City Government of Muntinlupa doing its part to curb dengue cases. Through a press release issued today by their Public Information Office, it was announced that Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi ordered the City Health Office to purchase P10 million worth of spraying materials for fogging activities and space spraying as measures to curb dengue cases in the city.
“The local government will intensify its campaign and strategies against dengue including the 4 o’clock habit which encourages the public to clean, search, and destroy possible mosquito breeding places,” Fresnedi said.
It was mentioned that the Muntinlupa CHO has been coordinating with the city’s nine barangays and public and private schools for the conduct of daily clean-up and information drives on how to prevent dengue.
City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao advised parents to send their children to local health centers upon manifestation of symptoms such as high fever for three or more consecutive days, severe headache, rashes, and among others.
Residents were urged by the City Government to keep their houses and surroundings clean to lower the risk of dengue. The public was reminded to regularly clean and monitor containers than can hold unnecessary stagnant water which may become breeding sites of mosquitoes such as bottle cap, dish dryer, plant axil, gutter, trash can, and old rubber tires.
As of August 3, 2019, DOH recorded 11,247 dengue cases in NCR with 45 deaths. In Muntinlupa, the number of dengue cases peaked at 315 from 185 cases in 2018.
Burgers have long been popular here in the Philippines and they can be bought from several makers like the fast food joints which are quite numerous.
At the expanded area of Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Union Jack Tavern has been selling and serving burgers to customers. Just open the menu when you visit them and then you will find the UJT Burger.
The UJT Burger served to me in open sandwich fashion.
Sold for less than P300 as of this writing, the UJT Burger comes with a large plate filled with fries (which are thicker and less greasy compared to the fries sold by others) and the open sandwich with one half of the bun with the vegetables on top and the other half with the onions and beef covered with melted cheese.
In my recent stop at Union Jack Tavern, I had the UJT Burger and I started first with the fries which are quite filling and I like the fact that they are not too greasy to handle.
With the burger itself, considering the size, I took me a little effort to put the two buns (with their respective toppings) on top of each other to form the burger.
Then I took a bite on what parts are suitable for biting because this one is not the usual burger. The burger patty itself is quite thick and certainly not flat. After biting down the bread with the vegetables, I finally got to bite the cheese-covered burger patty. The result? The burger patty was quite tasty on its own and definitely worth going for. Then there is also that nice taste when biting the bread, the burger patty, the cheese and the vegetables altogether.
The UJT Burger in its full form.
It may not be too visible for those who like burgers but failed to check Union Jack Tavern’s menu, but there is no doubt that the UJT Burger is a delicious and filling burger meal just waiting to be discovered.
The UJT Burger is highly recommended and I encourage you visit Union Jack Tavern at Festival Mall.
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 Havenoris 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
The many heads of the barangays in the meeting spearheaded by Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar (facing them from the background). (photo credit: Shawnette Ramos)
Recently the City of Las Piñas made waves in the national news. This was because Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar issued a warning to the leaders of twenty barangays of extreme consequence if they fail to clear the respective areas of obstructions and structures that are illegal.
During a meeting held on August 1, the mayor met with the barangay chairpersons from the city’s two districts and laid down the City Government’s plan action to rid all roads and sidewalks of illegal vendors, illegally parked vehicles and overlapping structures, including those unfinished excavations by various service utilities.
“You will be accountable to me if you fail to implement the rules that endanger the lives of our fellow Las Piñero,” Mayor Aguilar told the barangay leaders.
Along with the other Metro Manila city mayors, Mayor Aguilar committed to the 60-day period given by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año to clear the metro roads of obstructions.
But prior to the DILG directive, the mayor already convened Task Force Kaayusan last month which immediately conducted clearing operations in the city to address concerns on traffic and road hazards. The task force is composed of the Estate Management and Development Office (EMDO), City Engineering Office, the local Philippine National Police, the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), and spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office.
“These obstructions must be permanently rid from our main road, which is the Alabang-Zapote Road, as well as the inner roads must likewise be cleared of any obstacles. Let us give back the sidewalks to the pedestrians and the roads to motorists,” the mayor said.
She also requested the City Council, through Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (the mayor’s daughter), to review the existing ordinances on obstruction and public order and safety.
Yet another coffee shop of Starbucks opened in the Alabang area in Muntinlupa City very recently. Specifically, this is about the one that opened at the ground floor of One Griffinstone located along Commerce Avenue corner Spectrum Midway in Filinvest City.
Very recently, out of curiosity, I visited to take a close look.
From inside facing Commerce Avenue.
Like the other new Starbucks coffee shops I visited recently, the One Griffinstone branch has a nice interior and more notably, it’s got views of the immediate surroundings.
When it comes to seating capacity, I counted fifty-one seats, including the stools. For the use of the common rest room, a code is required to be able to use it. The code is printed on the receipt of the Starbucks drink/food customers buy. If you need to use the toilet during your time at Starbucks One Griffinstone, do not throw away the receipt fast.
The counter.Many places to sit and enjoy.
After receiving my drink, I sat down facing one side of the place looking at the Festival Mall in the distance. Then I realizing something…Commerce Avenue literally connects with four different Starbucks branches in Alabang.
Facing the far end of Commerce Avenue heading towards the direction of Festival Mall (hidden by the trees).
Along Commerce Avenue (note: distances between the coffeeshops and the said road) are the Alabang Town Center branch, the One Griffinstone branch and Starbucks Reserve (part of Westgate) branch.
In a way, Commerce Avenue leads to the old Starbucks branch at Festival Mall. Coming from the direction of Ayala Alabang, one can drive to the said branch by reaching the end of the road entering the area of mall, turn right on a short road going to the open-air parking area (where the old Starbucks and Robinsons department store are).
Are these enough Starbucks branches in the Alabang area as a whole? That’s hard to figure out at this point in time but what is clear is that Alabang is a hot spot for the world’s largest coffee chain. Previously I visited another new Alabang branch of the coffee chain at Madison Galeries.
Check out and visit the Starbucks One Griffinstone branch if you have time.
The Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) in Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City announced that more village stickers for specific people will be released very soon.
Firstly, the 2019 edition of the vehicular stickers for Alabang Hills residents will be released on August 5, 2019. Each sticker will cost as follows (according to the AHVA’s Secretary’s Certificate dated July 6, 2017):
First four cars – P100 per vehicle
Next three cars – P300 per vehicle
Next three cars – P600 per vehicle
11 or more cars – P1,200 per vehicle
For the commercial vehicles, the stickers will be released on August 12, 2019. The stickers will cost P1,500 per vehicle (four wheels) and P2,250 per vehicle (six wheels).
Last but not least, stickers for motorcycles and bicycles will be released on August 12, 2019. The rates for resident motorcycles and bicycles are P100 each, while non-resident motorcycles and bicycles will cost P225 per sticker.
Pay close attention to the details displayed.
The same AHVA Secretary’s Certificate shows that the replacement sticker rates are at P50 for residents and P100 for non-residents.
AHVA clubhouse update
Meanwhile, the AHVA announced on July 18 that the repair of the village clubhouse locate along Don Jesus Boulevard will be completed next month although no specific date was mentioned. The association announced that its Board of Directors made a decision to allot spaces to service providers that should benefit the residents.
The association officially invited interested parties for the following types of service (with space):
Coffee shop (90 square meters)
Beauty Salon and Barber Shop (70 square meters)
Convenience store (33 square meters)
“The renovated AHV Clubhouse promises an enticing site to relax, socialize and hangout apart from providing security, clinical health and business services,” AHVA president Benjamin Y. Munasque, Jr. wrote.
For the service providers, letters of intent (LOI) with a brief business description are to be submitted to AHVA Village Manager Lanie Rosas BEFORE 5PM of July 31.
For clarifications and inquiries, it is best for you to call the association at phone numbers 850-8254, 850-9631 and fax number 850-7685. They can be reached by email at ahvainc08@yahoo.com
Applicants inside the clubhouse along Narra street waiting to be called.
The Ayala Alabang Village Association (AAVA) recently released the 2019 edition of their vehicular stickers and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for both residents and non-residents. Already they are receiving and processing applications at the clubhouse (Neighborhood Center) along Narra street in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City. The following details were from the tarpaulins of AAVA and the non-resident application form itself.
To apply, fill-up the form as well as the members (referring to AAVA members) registration update (CERD). Apart from filling up the application form, a valid contract of lease (for lessee), the TCT (for owner) and the official receipt and certificate of registration (OR and CR) or the sales invoice for new applications must be submitted.
The AAVA’s rates of fees (note: not for non-residents) for the new sticker and RFID tag are as follows:
1-5 cars – P200 per vehicle
6-10 cars – P2,000 per vehicle
11-15 cars – P4,000 per vehicle
16 or more cars – P6,000 per vehicle
AUVs (above 10-seating capacity) – P5,000 per vehicle
Motorcycles – P200 per vehicle
Meanwhile, the sticker and RFID tag rate fornon-resident private motorists (or “visitor/guest with AAVA ID”) is P2,700. The rate is the same for Alabang Country Club members. For motorcyclists, the rate is P500.
P5,200 is the rate for AUVs (with more than 10 seating capacity w/o decal), accredited school bus service (maximum 18 passengers), trucks (food delivery/catering), Elf, Canter and all types of vehicles with company decals. Accredited school bus service with 19 or more passengers is at P7,200. For the accredited school bus service described as “full/big bus”, the rate is P10,200.
P3,200 is the rate for passenger-type jeeps, multicabs and taxis (resident owned). For tricycles that ply inside the village, it is P1,200.
Other requirements for non-residents and the like: Company certification authorizing the applicant to use the vehicle (specifically company-owned vehicle) and the Car Rental Agreement (for rent-a-car).
Once the application has been approved and the fees have been paid, applicants must be ready to get into their vehicles, drive and have it lined-up for the installation of the sticker and RFID tag (which will be done off Narra street).
The installation of the sticker and RFID tag REQUIRES the physical presence of the vehicle. In other words, make sure you bring your car to the AAVA clubhouse to have the association’s personnel install the sticker and the RFID tag.
The installation of the RFID tag and the new sticker takes a short time to complete.
Schedule of processing
Monday – Districts 1 and 2
Tuesday – Districts 3 and 4
Wednesday – District 5
Thursday – District 7
Friday – Schools and non-residents
Saturday – All districts of Ayala Alabang Village.
Cut-off time is 8AM to 4PM Monday to Friday, and 8AM to 11AM on Saturday.
For more information, visit the AAVA or call them at landline 809-2282 and 842-4411. Send them email at admin@aava.com.ph
RFID defined
RFID is the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object. The said tag can be read from up to several feet away and does not need to be within the direct line of sight of the reader to be tracked.
With regards to vehicular use, a car will be detected electronically as each entry into or each exit from the village will be registered into the database. Since RFID stickers are issued to motorists whose applications were accepted, it is obvious that the vehicle’s information (including the name of the owner, model of the vehicle and others) can be verified by the village quickly. With regards to non-residents entering and leaving the village with their vehicles, they can be monitored more efficiently than compared to the old, non-RFID system.
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 Havenoris 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 Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Popeyes restaurant at Alabang Town Center, specifically located right beside Krispy Kreme.
On July 19 at a commercial space (right beside Krispy Kreme and steps away from Fully Booked) at the area of Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City, the newest branch of Popeyes Philippines opened and right from the start it drew a long line of curious and hungry customers.
I personally witnessed many people waiting in line seated as many chairs were provided for their comfort. Once inside, they joined the line at the counters to make their orders and then wait to be served.
As there were so many people, I decided to skip the weekend and try one of Popeyes’ meals on a weekday. Fortunately, yesterday, I found an opportunity to visit the Popeyes ATC branch and the line outside was much shorter. When I sat in line, there were less than ten people ahead of me.
The wait on line at the counters inside the restaurant took longer. I noticed that the Popeyes personnel receiving orders had to answer the many questions asked by the customers who had their turns. During that time, I carefully examined the meals, side dishes and drinks displayed. By the time I got my chance to order at the counter, I quickly ordered a 2-piece fried chicken meal with single rice (and drink included) and their Cajun Fries.
So here is my meal.
2-piece fried chicken with rice (still wrapped) and the Cajun Fries.
To make things clear, I did NOT use any condiments as I really wanted to determine if the food cooked by Popeyes were really tasty on their own.
When I started with the fried chicken, I opened the meat to see if it was well cooked. They did their job.
The fried chicken cut open.
The result? For the fried chicken, they were tasty on their own. While Popeyes constantly emphasized their “Louisiana taste” a lot, I did not find the flavor of their fried chicken special. When it comes to taste, Popeyes fried chicken is tasty enough to enjoy without any condiments. However, if I may compare, I find the fried chicken of Mini-Stop (under their Uncle John’s sub-brand) clearly tastier than Popeyes. At the same time, I noticed Popeyes fried chicken pieces were slightly smaller compared to what was served at Mini-Stop, 7-Eleven, Jollibee, SNR and FamilyMart. Lastly, I noticed Popeyes’ fried chicken is not too greasy and that’s a good thing.
For what I paid (P167 or more than US$3), the 2-piece fried chicken meal at Popeyes Alabang was filling enough but it could have been better. If you want fried chicken meals that are more flavorful and more filling for less cost, you are better off with Mini-Stop, 7-Eleven and others.
Popeyes Cajun Fries.
As for the Cajun Fries, they are tasty enough to be enjoyed without condiments. The texture and taste remind me somewhat of McDonald’s twisted fries I tasted long ago. In a way, the Cajun Fries are more enjoyable than the standalone fries of other fast food restaurants that need condiments to be flavorful. The medium-sized Cajun Fries cost me P57.
I don’t know when to return to Popeyes at ATC but if I revisit, perhaps I’ll try out one of their burger meals.
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 Havenoris 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 Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (4th from left) congratulates Muntinlupa winners in the 2019 National Science and Technology Week by DOST during the city’s flag raising ceremony last July 22. The mayor lauded Dielles Apiary and Meadery Inc. and Muntinlupa Southville 3 Homebased Producers Association Inc. for winning Best Packaging and Labelling Innovation, Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program and Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology Program categories in the 2019 NSTW. Also present were: (L-R) DOST MuntiParLas Cluster Director Kim Atienza, Muntinlupa City Technical Institute Director Francisco Santella, Muntinlupa SHBPAI president Nympha Palafox and Councilor Raul Corro. (source – City Government of Muntinlupa)
The City of Muntinlupa made waves in the field of science and technology recently as Muntinlupa-based wine maker Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. and Southville 3 Homebased Producers Association Inc. (SHBPAI) snagged three major awards in the recently held 2019 National Science and Technology Week (2019 NSTW) by Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
As a result, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi formally congratulated Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. and SHBPAI whose officials were presented before City Government officials at the grounds of City Hall during the July 22 flag raising ceremony.
To put things in perspective, the 2019 NSTW showcased the latest innovations in technologies, products, and research that contribute to national development. During that particular showcase, Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. won the Best Packaging and Labelling Innovation in the regional and national level. Further, it also represented NCR as the regional winner in the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program national category.
For its part, SHBPAI emerged as the winner in the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology or CEST Program in NCR and became the finalist in the national category.
Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. and Muntinlupa SHBPAI received S&T assistance such as package development, training, laboratory and consultancy services from DOST to improve their operations and boost their productivity and competitiveness.
Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. owner Luke Deogracias Macabbabad, also a beneficiary of the City Government’s zero-interest loan assistance, expressed his thanks to the City Government for its assistance to local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Also present during the same ceremony SHBPAI president Nympha Palafox and DOST MuntiParLas Cluster Director Kim Atienza.
In line with the DOST’s thrust, Muntinlupa City supports budding entrepreneurs and MSMEs to scale up their businesses through various programs, having the Tulong Negosyo zero-interest loan assistance as the flagship project which provide financial assistance from 2,000 up to 150,000 pesos depending on business capital ceiling and payment record.
The DOST and the City Government continuously work towards providing innovative solutions for the communities. DOST MuntiParLas Cluster Office is located at Muntinlupa City Technical Institue in San Guillermo St., Barangay Putatan.
Muntinlupa City Government Praised for Business Friendliness
During a consultation meeting and presentation of local medium and long-term development plans held at Vivere Hotel, Filinvest City, Alabang in Muntinlupa City, the members of the business community lauded the local initiatives of City Government of Muntinlupa.
IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines Executive Director for External Affairs and Investor Relations Nicki Agcaoili praised Muntinlupa LGU for facilitating a “business-friendly environment” in the city.
“Among other LGUs in the region, Muntinlupa City is the easiest to transact with,” Agcaoili said during the July 12 event.
Agcaoili also noted how they have achieved and exceeded targets after locating in the city.
Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi expressed his thanks to business executives who attended the consultation meeting and vowed to strengthen partnership with them. This was affirmed by City Councilor Raul Corro who expressed the City Council’s commitment to address the business sector’s needs through local legislation.
For their part, City Government officials presented the projects to be implemented over next three years. Private sector execs expressed their feedback in a focus group discussion.
The consultation meeting was facilitated by the Business Permits and Licensing Office and the Local Economic and Investments Promotions Office.
In 2017 and 2018, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry hailed Muntinlupa City as the Most Business-Friendly LGU in the country. This established the city as the standout city for business in South Metro Manila.
A pioneer in the EODB Act, the City of Muntinlupa is the first local government unit (LGU) to introduce the Single Window Transaction – Modified Business One-Stop Shop, a single-interface business-registration process in which a business permit registration application can be finished in up to 15 minutes only.
MSME development is also a priority in the city through the Tulong Negosyo program (formerly Dagdag Puhunan program) which offers zero-percent interest loan assistance from 2,000 to 150,000 pesos.
On top of financial assistance, the local government provides coaching and mentoring sessions to budding entrepreneurs which include business legal management, accounting for non-accountants, and financial management, among others.
The City Government organizes business forums to determine the business sector’s inputs and feedback on development agendas. This in turn helps the City Government address their needs.
Author Carlo Carrasco 