Asia – Author Carlo Carrasco

Thailand Postpones $30 Departure Tax to Sustain Tourism Growth

October 31, 2026October 26, 2026carlocarrasco

With the intention to sustain the growth of its tourism sector, Thailand announced that it has postponed the planned imposition of a 1,000 Baht (US$30) departure tax on all air travelers, according to a news article by VnExpress. The nation, which attracted almost 33 million foreign tourists in 2025, also pointed to other factors behind their decision such as the higher cost of energy and the need to assess the economic outlook.

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

Thailand has postponed plans to impose a 1,000-baht (US$30) departure tax on all air travelers to sustain the tourism sector’s growth momentum amid economic uncertainty and rising energy costs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Thursday that the government would assess the economic outlook and the impact of higher energy prices before deciding whether to proceed with the measure, Khaosod English newspaper reported.

The government is seeking to sustain the country’s tourism recovery, particularly as rising fuel costs could put additional pressure on airlines and the wider tourism industry, Ekniti said.

The decision comes amid a positive international response to Thailand’s recent hosting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings, Nation Thailand reported.

The government expects tourism activity to remain strong in the fourth quarter of 2026 and wants to preserve the sector’s positive momentum.

Introducing an additional departure tax at this stage could increase costs for both the public and airlines, while also placing an extra financial burden on foreign tourists, Ekniti said.

Earlier this month, the Revenue Department invited public feedback on a draft bill proposing a 1,000-baht departure tax per trip for travelers of all nationalities flying out of Thailand. The proposed levy aims to optimize the use of existing government resources, uphold fiscal discipline and provide greater flexibility in responding to emergencies.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Was the planned imposition of a $30 departure tax on all air travelers in Thailand a huge turn-off for you? Have you visited Thailand over the past six months?

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

+++++

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

SBMA and Subic EnerZone Renew Power Distribution Partnership for Another 25 Years

October 31, 2026October 26, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that its power distribution partnership with Subic EnerZone has been renewed for another twenty-five years which ensures reliable electricity in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone that varied businesses and thousands of customers need. It should be noted that Subic Bay has economic and logistic roles in Pax Silica and the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

AboitizPower-led Subic EnerZone Corp. has renewed its power distribution partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), extending its management of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s distribution system for another 25 years.

Subic EnerZone has operated the Freeport’s power distribution system since October 2003.

As of Feb. 28, 2026, it served more than 3,750 customers, including industrial and commercial locators, residential customers, and streetlights. The utility also serves industrial locators under the Retail Electricity Supply program.

At the end of 2025, Subic EnerZone reported system losses of 4.37 percent, below the 5.50 percent ceiling set by the government for private distribution utilities.

“Subic has always been a place of possibility—a Freeport where businesses grow, industries connect, and communities build better lives. As Subic Bay Freeport moves into its next chapter, reliable electricity will remain essential to that progress. It supports the daily work of locators, the services people depend on, and the opportunities that continued investment can bring,” said Anton Mari G. Perdices, chief executive officer for distribution utilities at AboitizPower.

“For AboitizPower Distribution Utilities and Subic EnerZone, this partnership carries a clear responsibility: to plan alongside SBMA, strengthen the systems that serve the Freeport, and prepare for its changing needs. That work calls for practical planning, close coordination, and a long-term view of reliability and growth,” he added.

Jay Navarro, Subic EnerZone’s officer-in-charge president and general manager, said the utility plans to pursue system upgrades and reliability improvements to support SBMA’s vision of a modern, resilient, and future-ready economic hub.

“Looking ahead, we are ready for Subic’s growth. Our demand and capacity forecasts project a steady rise in power needs. With Subic’s position as the Global Gateway of the Luzon Economic Corridor, these forecasts will change significantly, and we are prepared for it,” Navarro said.

At the renewal ceremony, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño outlined the agency’s strategic direction and upcoming development plans. He said reliable energy infrastructure is essential to strengthening investor confidence and sustaining economic growth in the Subic Bay Freeport.

“Today, we renew our commitment to a partnership that has served Subic Bay well—SBMA and Subic EnerZone working together to modernize our infrastructure, keep the power on, and build a more sustainable Freeport,” Aliño said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the increase of incoming shipments of electric vehicles at the Subic Bay port will somehow create new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs as well as customers?

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

+++++

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

Japanese Municipalities Step Up Measures Against Halloween Disruptions

October 30, 2026October 29, 2026carlocarrasco

Let me start by saying that Halloween should never be celebrated as it is inherently evil and it makes the participating celebrants vulnerable to evil forces. Apart from the evil that comes with it, the celebration of Halloween also causes major disruptions such as overcrowding, littering, trespassing, bumping, noise pollution, theft, physical violence and more. Over there in Japan, Halloween is not a traditional festivity but rather an urban event that attracted a lot of people as participants. Because each Halloween celebration there resulted in many incidents, the Japanese municipalities have ramped up a series of measures against disruptions, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

With Halloween approaching, Japanese municipalities are stepping up measures against disruptive celebrations in major entertainment districts as larger crowds are expected this year with the event falling on a Saturday.

Halloween is not a traditional festivity in Japan, but has evolved into a major urban event in recent years, particularly in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, where revelers in costumes gather for street celebrations.

The festivities have increasingly become associated with public disorder, with revelers drinking on the streets, littering and causing disturbances. Concerns intensified after crowds overturned a small truck in Shibuya during Halloween celebrations in 2018.

Shibuya, which has introduced restrictions on street drinking and imposed a 2,000 yen ($13) fine for littering, also plans to deploy additional patrols. Elsewhere, Tokyo’s Shinjuku district as well as Nagoya and Fukuoka are also tightening restrictions such as on alcohol consumption or access to crowded areas.

The peak crowd around Shibuya Center-Gai, a popular shopping area near Shibuya Station and one of the main gathering spots for revelers, on Halloween fell from about 20,000 in 2024 to about 4,500 in 2025, partly also due to rain.

“I hope Shibuya’s Halloween fever is gradually dying down. This year is an important turning point,” Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe said.

Nagoya has blocked access to parts of a downtown commercial complex at night since 2021 after fights and thefts were reported there during Halloween celebrations. The city plans to implement similar measures this year.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the celebration of Halloween should be banned all over Japan? What do you think caused Halloween to gain a lot of popularity among the Japanese over the past several years? Do you think Halloween participants in Japan even know what exactly are they celebrating? If you have children, have you ever thought them to reject Halloween?

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

+++++

Modest Christmas Sales Boost for Retailers Could Happen as Local Shoppers Seek Value

October 29, 2026October 27, 2026carlocarrasco

2026 has been a disappointing economic year for the Philippines as the gross domestic product (GDP) growth has been weaker than last year, inflation this year has been higher and local businesses are struggling in a variety of ways. There is still a glimmer of hope for local retailers as a modest sales boost could happen this coming Christmas season as more shoppers seek value, according to a news article by BusinessWorld.

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

PHILIPPINE RETAILERS may see a modest boost in sales during the holiday season, although consumers are likely to be more price conscious and seek better value for money amid persistent inflation and tighter household budgets, analysts said.

Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc. Head of Sales Trading Toby Allan C. Arce said he expects retail sales to recover in the fourth quarter, but this may be affected by rising prices.

“I expect Philippine retail sales to strengthen in the fourth quarter compared with the preceding quarter, supported by the traditional Christmas spending season, remittances, year-end bonuses and holiday-related purchases. However, I expect the recovery to be uneven, particularly with inflation accelerating to 7.2% in September,” he said in a Viber message.

Headline inflation quickened to an over three-year high to 7.2% in September from 6.1% in August and 1.7% a year ago, as prices of food, transport and utilities surged.

“Higher food, transportation and utility costs are putting renewed pressure on household purchasing power, which could limit the usual holiday spending boost. Consumers may still spend more during the Christmas season, but I expect them to become increasingly selective about where and how much they spend,” Mr. Arce said.

Fuel retailers raised pump price for three straight weeks in September as global oil prices surged amid the reescalation of the Middle East war.

COL Financial Group Research Analyst Denise Joaquin said consumer spending in the fourth quarter will be supported by seasonable holiday spending and “some lift in disposable income from recently mandated minimum wage hikes.”

A P60 wage increase in the National Capital Region took effect on Sept. 26, raising the minimum wage for nonagricultural workers to P755 from P695.

“But given the pressure on household budgets, we expect the quarter to be marked by cautious, value-driven spending rather than a broad-based holiday boost,” Ms. Joaquin said.

Mr. Arce said consumers are likely to be more price conscious, comparing prices in physical stores and online platforms before making purchases.

“Value-for-money products, promotional bundles, private-label offerings and affordable discretionary purchases should attract stronger demand,” he said.

Ms. Joaquin expects food and beverage businesses, and grocery retailers to hold up relatively well in the last few months.

“In a tight consumer environment, spending on essentials like food tends to stay steady even as shoppers cut back on other areas. The holiday season should also help, since higher store traffic and seasonal spending typically lift sales in the last quarter,” she added.

BDO Securities said consumer demand will likely be resilient in the “seasonally strong” fourth-quarter period, but high inflation and slower remittances may dampen discretionary spending.

“While consumers are becoming more price conscious, holiday spending should remain supported by strong seasonal demand,” it said.

BDO Securities said consumers are likely to favor “value-for-money” categories, which will benefit retailers like Puregold Price Club, Inc. and SM Retail.

“Retailers with compelling value propositions and sustained promotional activity are best positioned to capture and defend market share,” it said. “We also see opportunities in convenience retail, where accessibility and smaller-ticket purchases should support foot traffic.”

Mr. Arce said Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. may also be relatively resilient because its chain of supermarkets, drugstores and convenience stores cater to regular household needs.

“These formats should remain relatively defensive because they serve recurring consumer needs, although margins could still face pressure from higher operating costs and promotional activity,” he said.

Mr. Arce said demand for discretionary goods may vary for the rest of the year.

“Affordable apparel, beauty products, personal care and holiday gifting could benefit from seasonal demand, while higher-ticket purchases such as furniture, home improvement and certain premium products may remain more sensitive to household budgets,” he said.

Mr. Arce said he expects strong performances from retailers “with exposure to essential consumption, competitive pricing, efficient inventory management and healthy balance sheets.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Filipino customers will spend enough to create a modest sales boost for retailers this coming Christmas season? Do you think online shopping portals and independent online sellers pose a serious threat to Filipino-owned physical stores when it comes to the Christmas shopping season? How often do you shop at bazaars or at shopping malls during the Christmas season?

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

+++++

Foreign Visitors’ 2026 Spending in Japan reaches $45 Billion During First 9 Months

October 29, 2026October 22, 2026carlocarrasco

Japan, which attracted over 42 million foreign tourists in 2025, counted 7.06 trillion Yen (US$45 billion) spent by foreign visitors during the first nine months of 2026, according to a recent news report by Kyodo News. The number of foreign visitors during the same time period has reached 30.73 million.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Spending by foreign visitors to Japan hit a record 7.06 trillion yen ($45 billion) in the nine months through September, the Japan Tourism Agency said Wednesday.

The spending, which includes shopping and accommodation costs, rose 1.9 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Spending from July through September increased 3.2 percent from a year earlier to 2.2 trillion yen. By country and region, Taiwan topped the list with 382 billion yen, followed by China with 358 billion yen.

For the three months through September, average spending per visitor was 233,677 yen, up 6.1 percent.

The number of foreign visitors during the nine months, meanwhile, fell 2.9 percent to 30.73 million, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. It was the first decline for the January-September period since 2021, during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Visitors from China dropped 55.5 percent amid strained relations with Japan following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks in November suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a response by the Self-Defense Forces in support of the United States.

South Korea topped the list with 8.3 million visitors, up 21.6 percent during the three quarters from January, followed by Taiwan with 6 million, up 19.1 percent, China with 3.3 million, the United States with 2.5 million, up 5.2 percent, and Hong Kong with 2 million, up 7.7 percent.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan could attract at least 43 million foreign visitors by the end of the year? What do you think explains the higher spending of foreign visitors in Japan this year?

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

+++++

America Proposes New Defense Cooperation Framework with ASEAN

October 29, 2026October 28, 2026carlocarrasco

During the ASEAN-United States Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting held here in the Philippines yesterday, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth proposed a new US-ASEAN defense cooperation framework to guide regional partnerships for the next several years, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It should be noted that next year marks the 50^th anniversary of the relations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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

The United States on Wednesday, Oct. 28, proposed developing a new framework for defense cooperation with Southeast Asian nations as Washington seeks to strengthen military partnerships and maintain regional stability amid security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the proposal during the ASEAN-United States Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, held on the sidelines of the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN (chairmanship).

“Next year marks the 50th anniversary formally of US-ASEAN relations, an important milestone, and in recognition of this milestone, we propose that we work together to develop a US-ASEAN framework for defense cooperation, a practical framework that guides our cooperation over the next several years,” Hegseth said.

Details of the said defense frameworks have yet to be specifically discussed by ASEAN defense leaders and Hegseth although he said Washington was ready to begin work on the proposal with Singapore as it prepares to assume the ADMM-Plus chairmanship from the Philippines.

Hegseth described the US approach to regional security as “strong, quiet, and clear,” saying Washington wanted to deter aggression without provoking unnecessary escalation.

“Strong enough to deter coercion and aggression, quiet enough to avoid needless escalation or public theatrics, and to let our actions speak for themselves, but are clear enough that our friends, our partners, and potential adversaries understand precisely where the United States stands and that we will defend our interests and the interests of our allies and partners,” he said.

He said the approach was based on “peace through strength” and emphasized that the United States was willing to work with ASEAN members according to their circumstances, priorities and shared interests.

Hegseth identified maritime domain awareness, interoperability and cooperation among navies as key areas for practical collaboration.

“These are not symbolic things. They are concrete demonstrations of what serious partners do,” he said, adding that joint training and planning could build the confidence and competence needed to prevent conflict.

He also cited cooperation to sustain the ceasefire along the Cambodia-Thailand border as an example of regional coordination, saying ASEAN’s leadership had demonstrated what the bloc could achieve when it acted with purpose and resolve.

Valuable ally – Meanwhile, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the US engagement, saying a sustained American presence was necessary for peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.

“We value the United States’ sustained engagement with the defense establishments of ASEAN as a robust US presence is necessary for peace and stability in Southeast Asia and in the broader Indo-Pacific region,” Teodoro said.

The DND chief also thanked Washington for supporting ASEAN centrality and participating in ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ADMM-Plus, which brings together ASEAN defense ministers and their eight dialogue partners.

Teodoro cited the second ASEAN-US maritime exercise, in which the Philippine Navy participated in Indonesia in December 2025, and Washington’s support for the Philippines and Japan as co-chairs of the current ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security.

He also welcomed the participation of the US Navy and Air Force in a joint cooperative activity hosted by the Philippines in Subic last month. Teodoro said Manila hopes to build on these initiatives as he stressed the importance of freedom of navigation to regional security and prosperity.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you believe that the proposed new defense cooperation with ASEAN will lead to breakthroughs pertaining to regional stability and freedom of movement at sea? Do you think Communist China will feel the heat of America’s cooperation with ASEAN? What do you think US President Donald Trump will announce about regional cooperation when he attends the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines?

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

+++++

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

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 160

October 28, 2026October 28, 2026carlocarrasco

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 videos I found.

#1 Gone Girl reaction videos – When Gone Girl was released in local cinemas back in 2014, I never bothered to see it. Along the way, buzz about the movie spread like wildfire through North American entertainment websites and social media with assorted topics like toxic marriage, manipulation, dishonesty, defamation and betrayal discussed. I eventually saw Gone Girl via streaming just a few years ago and I can say it was a very intriguing movie to watch. That said, it is not surprising that a lot of movie reaction videos featuring it were posted on YouTube. Posted below are the more engaging reaction videos selected for you all.

#2 Why Manga Keeps on Triggering the Internet – It is a very sad fact that there are a lot of fake fans and phony intellectuals out there who seriously believe they are experts on entertainment. This explains why there are so many video essays or so-called analysis focused on established entertainment franchises and entertainment media. That said, there are a lot of fake fans, pretenders, larpers and online tourists who posted their distorted views about manga (Japanese comics) and misinterpret what the original creators did. To learn exactly why, go watch Ranting for Vengeance’s video below. Pay attention to the details.

#3 Maximum Carnage video game remembered – Back in the 1990s, I read the comic books of the Maximum Carnage crossover storyline but I never played the video game adaptation. Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage had a very ambitious marketing campaign that captivated many gamers, Spider-Man fans and comic book readers. There was this movie-like build-up that easily kept people thinking about the video game. When it was officially released, there were gamers who expressed disappointment after playing it. To examine what the video game’s quality and impact, go watch the video below.

#4 The Pizzerias in the Mountains of Japan – There is absolutely nothing like exploring the countryside and other nature spots of Japan. Deep in the mountains of Tokyo and Saitama are pizzerias that offer visitors food with unique flavors, homemade ingredients and the immersive closeness to the natural environment. I personally want to visit these food joints the next time I visit Japan. Watch and learn from the Nippon TV video below.

#5 Totally Whatever reacts to Fast Times at Ridgemont High – It has been over forty years since Fast Times at Ridgemont High was first released in cinemas. To this day, a lot of film buffs considered it as one of the most defining movies Hollywood released in the 1980s, and also one of the most memorable American teen movies ever. Not only that, Fast Times at Ridgemont High was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The old movie continues to impress first-time viewers and you should see how it impacts Totally Whatever in their reaction video below.

#6 Castlevania games revisited – This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the original Castlevania video game released on the Famicom Disk System in Japan. The classic horror-themed, 2D side-scrolling adventure game produced by Konami made a huge impact on gamers who enjoyed 2D adventure games and the success it achieved led to the release of many sequels and spin-offs across different platforms. There is a lot of creativity and inspiration behind the production of the original game. To learn more about the original Castlevania and how it grew into an enduring game franchise, watch the video below.

#7 Ashleigh Burton reacts to Teen Wolf – When it comes to the 1980s, Michael J. Fox is often remembered for playing the teenager Marty McFly in Back to the Future and Back to the Future Part II. Speaking of teenagers, Fox was the star in the 1985 coming-of-age fantasy comedy movie Teen Wolf where he played a high school student who could turn into a werewolf. As it was released after Back to the Future, Teen Wolf emerged as a surprise commercial success grossing more than $80 million worldwide. This old movie was featured in several reaction videos on YouTube and Ashleigh Burton’s reaction is fun to watch. Watch the video below.

+++++

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

Man and Live-in Partner Arrested in Parañaque City over Illegal Firearms and Obstruction of Justice

October 27, 2026October 21, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, police officers conducted a raid against illegal firearms which resulted in the apprehension of a man for firearms and his live-in partner for interfering with the operation 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…

A police raid against illegal firearms in Parañaque City led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man and his live-in partner, who allegedly tried to block officers from taking him into custody on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The suspects, identified as alias “Bogie,” 35, and alias “Erica,” 27, were arrested during the implementation of a search warrant in Creekside Area 1 Extension, Sitio Libjo, Barangay Sto. Niño, around 3:05 p.m.

Police said Erica interfered with the operation, prompting her arrest for obstruction of justice, while Bogie was nabbed for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The Sto. Niño Police Sub Station, backed by the SWAT team and Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit, carried out the raid under a warrant issued by the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court.

Police recovered a .38-caliber revolver without a serial number and four rounds of ammunition, which will serve as evidence against Bogie.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more loose firearms within the city? Has there been any gun-related incidents that happened in your local community over the past six months?

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

+++++

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

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

Economist Says Philippines Has Crossed into Stagflation

October 27, 2026October 22, 2026carlocarrasco

As far as one economist is concerned, the Philippines has crossed into stagflation pointing to factors like domestic government spending reductions, soaring costs of food, high price of oil and more, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Philippines has crossed the line from a standard cyclical slowdown into genuine stagflation, driven by global energy price shocks, domestic government spending cuts, and soaring food costs, according to a regional economist.

Speaking at “CFME Talks Macro Outlook: Global, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines” briefing hosted by Center for Financial and Monetary Economics (CFME) on Wednesday, Oct. 21, David G. Fernandez, senior fellow at CFME and visiting professor at Philippine Center for Economic Development (PCED), warned that consensus growth forecasts for 2026 have plummeted from more than five percent to around 3.2 percent.

When asked what markers signal the shift to genuine stagflation, Fernandez said: “Well, I think that we’ve crossed the line. The revisions indicate that that’s what markets are expecting.”

He added that near-term growth could fall below already lowered forecasts while inflation could exceed expectations, emphasizing that this outlook “has to do with—not [the] fault of the Philippines—but the oil prices and potentially significantly higher food prices.”

“Growth could even be below the lowered forecasts and that inflation could be even higher than the higher forecasts that people have,” Fernandez added. “I worry about is that the optimism or the consensus forecast that we get back to five percent growth and you see inflation come down could be too optimistic themselves.”

Stagflation is generally understood as the simultaneous occurrence of elevated inflation, stagnant economic growth, and high unemployment, although economists do not have universally accepted numerical thresholds for determining when an economy has entered such a period.

In his presentation, Fernandez said inflation projections have shifted sharply upward, from an initial 2.6 percent toward six percent, with headline consumer price index (CPI) inflation already reaching 7.2 percent.

He described the country’s near-term trajectory as an extreme stagflation story, with forecast revisions becoming increasingly severe and the Philippines remaining firmly “under the radar” for international investors.

The economic slowdown was reflected in second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth, which fell to a post-pandemic low of 2.3 percent.

Fernandez cautioned that growth was cushioned by inventory stockpiling and a doubling of government fuel subsidies even as underlying domestic demand weakened.

He said public investment plunged by nearly 14 percent following public sector retrenchment linked to the flood control scandal, while private consumption growth dropped below three percent as family incomes were eroded by rising transport and food costs.

Fernandez said it remained very difficult to build a narrative for a strong recovery. While growth may have reached its floor, he projected that any subsequent rebound would remain shallow and well below the economy’s six-percent potential trend growth.

Compounding the energy crisis, he said, is a rapid acceleration of second-round effects, with businesses passing higher input costs on to consumers faster than in previous shock cycles.

Headline inflation reached 7.2 percent in both April and September, with Fernandez pointing to rice prices surging by more than 20 percent and transport costs climbing nearly 15 percent.

He also flagged the possibility of a “Godzilla El Niño” pushing food prices even higher, warning that consumers and policymakers may have to endure headline inflation hovering around seven percent for an extended period.

Meanwhile, Fernandez said the widening economic fallout has pushed the Philippines’ current account deficit forecast to more than four percent of GDP, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to imported energy shocks.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economist is correct that the Philippines has crossed over into stagflation? Do you think there is nothing the national government can do to lower the prices of oil, fuel and other things that are essential for Filipinos? Do you think the national economy will fall into a recession by early 2028?

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

+++++

Vietnam wins 2026 Asia’s Best Cruise Destination award

October 26, 2026October 24, 2026carlocarrasco

Have you been on a nice cruise within Asia over the past six months? During the recent 2026 World Cruise Awards, Vietnam won the Asia’s Best Cruise Destination award and ended the 2-year reign of Hong Kong, according to a news article by VnExpress. Vietnam also won another prestigious award.

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

Vietnam has won Asia’s Best Cruise Destination at the 2026 World Cruise Awards for the first time, ending Hong Kong’s two-year reign.

Vietnam beat nine other nominees, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, according to the results announced at the sixth annual ceremony in Jamaica on Oct. 12.

Since the category began in 2021, Singapore has won twice, followed by the Philippines in 2023 and Hong Kong in 2024 and 2025.

Vietnam’s cruising experiences range from journeys through limestone islands in the north to river voyages through the Mekong Delta in the south.

In Ha Long Bay, passengers can spend the day sailing between limestone formations before anchoring overnight and waking up to views of the surrounding islands.

Itineraries often combine time aboard with kayaking and cave visits, while onboard activities can include cooking classes and squid fishing, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism’s official website.

Mekong Delta cruises offer a closer look at life along the waterways, the tourism authority says.

Boats pass palm-lined riverbanks and villages, with shore excursions allowing passengers to explore local markets and towns or sample tropical fruit.

Vietnam also won the World’s Best River Cruise Destination at this year’s awards. Ha Long Cruise Port was named Asia’s Best Cruise Terminal.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you were able to join a cruise in Vietnam, how was the experience and what are the things you enjoyed the most about it? Did you get a lot of value in return to what you paid for during the Vietnam cruise?

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

+++++

	FediBoard Travel on Foreign Visitors’ 2026 Spendin…
	FediBoard Travel on Vietnam wins 2026 Asia’s Best…
	FediBoard Travel on Japan Selected as World’s 2nd…
	FediBoard Travel on Portuguese Woman Apprehended i…
	willma on SPECIAL GUEST POST – Why…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: