Asia – Page 11 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Japan To Release Oil Reserves As Early As March 16

March 13, 2026March 12, 2026carlocarrasco

As many countries around the world are already struggling with the economic disruptions and the spike in oil prices as a result of the ongoing chaos in the Middle East, Japan has decided to release its own oil reserves and it could happen as early as Monday (March 16), according to a news report by Kyodo News.

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

Japan will begin drawing down its oil reserves as early as next Monday to deal with a possible sharp rise in gasoline and other petroleum product prices amid the Middle East conflict, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

Takaichi told reporters on Wednesday that Japan will release 15 days’ worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month’s worth of government-held oil without waiting for a decision coordinated by the International Energy Agency.

It will be the first time Japan has released its government oil reserves individually, not in an internationally coordinated way, since the stockpiling of oil began in 1978.

Japan’s dependency on the Middle East for crude oil is “prominently high” compared with other countries and imports are expected to “significantly drop late this month or later,” necessitating measures to prevent a disruption to the supply of gasoline and other petroleum items, Takaichi said.

Citing the possibility that the average price of domestic retail gasoline could surpass 200 yen ($1.26) per liter, Takaichi also said she aims to keep the price at around 170 yen by utilizing a government fund.

The price of gasoline hit as low as 154.70 yen in mid-January but rose to 161.80 yen per liter as of Monday, according to industry ministry data.

“We will flexibly review the support measures to ensure continuous relief for the public even if the (Middle Eastern) situation is prolonged,” Takaichi said.

Japan imports more than 90 percent of its oil from the Middle East, making it highly vulnerable to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has prevented the transportation of oil and gas from suppliers in the Persian Gulf, after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran late last month.

As of the end of December, Japan had 470 million barrels of oil reserves equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption, of which 146 days’ worth were government-owned, 101 days held by the private sector, and the remainder jointly stored with oil-producing countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan made the right decision to release its oil reserves good for fifteen days? Do you think Japan will be able to find new and alternative sources of oil so that it can cut its reliance on Middle East oil?

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

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

Cases Of Foreign Tourists Getting Overcharged In Vietnam Increase

March 12, 2026March 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Having traveled to many destinations around the world, I am always mindful about how much money I carry, how much do products and services cost, and what exactly should I pay for. Vietnam, which attracted a record 21.2 million foreign tourists last year, has a disturbing trend of foreign tourists getting overcharged for services and products, according to a VnExpress news article.

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

Gouging tourists is giving Vietnam a bad name despite its sustained promotional efforts, insiders warn.

They want the authorities to hike fines manifold and deploy technology-based monitoring systems to prevent the insidious practice.

Chi Mai, 35, a Hanoi-based tour guide whose family has lived in the capital for three generations, says incidents of overcharging have become so common that they no longer surprise locals.

“Even residents buying 200 grams of pickled fruit in the Old Quarter without first checking the price can be charged double. It’s not surprising that foreign tourists are asked to pay four or five times.”

The repeated reports of such instances leave her disheartened, she says.

“If authorities fail to tackle this issue in a decisive manner, Vietnam’s international tourism promotion efforts will prove ineffective.”

On Feb. 24 an American tourist was charged VND1 million (US$38) for a seven-kilometer trip, 14 times the usual fare, by a motorbike-taxi driver in Hanoi. The driver admitted to the violation, apologized to the tourist and promised not to repeat the act.

Earlier cases also drew attention. In January Hanoi authorities fined a street vendor for charging two foreign tourists nearly four times the normal price of a conical hat.

In July 2025 a group of Filipino tourists were charged VND1.4 million ($53) for a taxi ride of less than 1 km, 50 times the normal fare.

Two months later an Australian family reportedly paid VND1.2 million for a cyclo trip, three times the regulated rate.

Overcharging and aggressive solicitation are not confined to Hanoi and have been reported across other tourist hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of Hanoi-based tour operator AZA Travel, says overcharging tends to occur more frequently in destinations with large numbers of international visitors.

He recounts a personal experience in Da Nang where a taxi driver took a longer route from the airport while Dat was on a phone call. Only after he protested strongly did the driver adjust the fare.

“Even veteran tourism professionals such as tour guides and travel agency executives can fall victim to such practices, and international visitors are even more exposed,” Mai says, adding she has frequently intervened to help tourists resolve pricing disputes.

Tran Trung Hieu, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, acknowledges that gouging remains an issue, particularly in areas such as the Old Quarter and during major festivals.

Failure to publicly display prices and forcing customers to make purchases are fraudulent practices, he says.

The department has established a tourist hotline and increased security presence on pedestrian streets during weekends, he says.

“Price gouging, at worst, discourages visitors from returning.“

In Da Nang, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has formed a rapid response team to address complaints and conducts regular inspections of tourism service providers.

There are task forces to monitor commercial fraud, counterfeit goods and non-compliance with pricing regulations.

Authorities on Phu Quoc Island recently established a tourism rapid response team to protect visitors and address service-related concerns amid a tourism boom.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you were able to travel overseas over the past twelve months, were you excessively charged for a service or for a product you purchased? Does the trend of overcharging tourists in Vietnam discourage you from visiting the country? Do you think the authorities in Vietnam will be able to solve the problems?

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

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Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Drugs Worth P442,000

March 12, 2026March 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police officers successfully conducted a buy-bust operation the resulted in the two suspects arrested and the seizure of illegal substances worth P442,000, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Police arrested two drug suspects, including a newly identified high-value individual (HVI), during a drug operation and seized P442,000 worth of shabu in Parañaque on March 6.

Parañaque City Police Chief Col. Nicolas Pinon identified the suspects as Jero, 21, a newly identified HVI, and DJ, 22, a street-level individual (SLI). Both are residents of Taguig City. They were arrested around 1:40 a.m. along Sitio Pag-Asa, Barangay Sun Valley, Parañaque City.

Police said members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) conducted the buy-bust operation as part of their continuing campaign against illegal drugs.

The suspects were arrested after an undercover police officer, posing as a buyer, was able to purchase a sachet of shabu from them.

Operatives recovered from the suspects an additional three plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 65 grams with an estimated street value of P442,000. Also seized were a silver-colored iPhone, a block coin purse, a driver’s license, P850 in buy-bust money, and a red Honda PCX motorcycle.

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 thankful to the local police for the successful buy-bust operation? Do you think Parañaque will not become a drug-free city anytime soon?

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

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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

Japan Moves With Establishing Pre-Entry Immigration Checks And Higher Residency Fees

March 12, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

The establishment of online pre-entry immigration checks and much higher residency fees could become a reality as the Japanese government approved a bill to amend the immigration control law, according to a Kyodo News report.

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

The Japanese government on Tuesday approved a bill to amend the immigration control law to establish an online pre-entry screening system for overseas arrivals and significantly increase residence status application fees for foreigners.

The Cabinet-endorsed bill will be submitted to the current Diet session, and if enacted, the government aims to implement the entry eligibility screening system called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, in fiscal 2028.

The amendment includes raising the upper limit for visa application and renewal fees from 10,000 yen ($63) to 300,000 yen, marking the first increase since 1982.

The introduction of JESTA aims to prevent terrorism and illegal employment, according to the Immigration Services Agency. It would target the current 74 countries and regions whose citizens are exempt from obtaining short-stay visas.

Several days before traveling to Japan, applicants would be required to provide information online, including their name, the purpose of their stay, and the locations they intend to visit. Those suspected of traveling for illegal employment or other violations would be denied boarding on aircraft and ships.

Fees are currently set at 10,000 yen for application for permanent residency and 6,000 yen for residence period renewals.

It has been pointed out that these fees, which cover only actual costs and are also allocated to coexistence measures, are significantly lower than those in Western countries.

The number of foreign residents in Japan at the end of 2025 stood at approximately 4.13 million, a record high.

The government would aim to use the increased cap to cover system costs for efficient visa screening and the establishment of consultation services.

The amendment sets the cap at 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications and 100,000 yen for visa extensions and similar procedures.

The limits have been set in anticipation of future inflation. Going forward, the specific amounts for each fee would be determined by government ordinance with the aim of applying them within fiscal 2026.

According to sources, the permanent residency application fee is being considered at around 200,000 yen, while other fees would range from 10,000 yen to 70,000 yen depending on the intended period of stay.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the proposed changes will make a tremendous impact on immigration in Japan? Do you expect the bill to be approved this year? How far do you think Japan should go with reforming their immigration system?

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

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Las Piñas City Government Shifts To Compressed Work Week

March 11, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and much higher prices of fuel already in effect, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that it has started implementing the compressed work week schedule to specifically cut down on energy consumption in government offices. Workers of certain departments, however, will resume their regular operations to ensure uninterrupted services.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The Office of the Mayor released Memo No. 2026-001 implementing the Compressed Workweek Schedule in the City Government of Las Piñas, in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 114 of the national government that aims to reduce energy consumption in government offices.

Under the new schedule, city employees will go to work Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The move aims to support energy conservation, make government operations more efficient, and ensure service delivery to citizens continues.

Offices that provide essential services such as the City Health Office, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Engineering Office, City Environmental and Natural Resources Office, and Traffic and Parking Management Office will resume their regular operations to ensure public service is not interrupted.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you have a lot of transactions to complete at City Hall? Do you know anyone who works as a City Government employee?

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

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Philippines Economic Growth May Slow Down To 4.2% This Year

March 10, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

In the view of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), the growth of the economy of the Philippines may slow down a bit further this year to 4.2%, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC growth may likely be even slower this year, amid uncertainty over a “meaningful” recovery, the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said.

In its February The Market Call, UA&P cut its full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 4.2% from the “above 5%” forecast previously.

If realized, this will be even slower than the post-pandemic low of 4.4% GDP growth in 2025 when the flood control scandal dampened government spending and investments.

However, UA&P expects first-quarter GDP growth to pick up to 3.3% from 3% in the fourth quarter of 2025. If realized, it will be slower than 5.4% in the first quarter of 2025.

“More indicators revealed the impact of the flood control scandal, hurting economic growth in 2025 as sentiment points to a ‘muddling through’ scenario for 2026,” it said. UA&P said the government needs to ramp up spending to drive faster growth this year.

“While uncertainty over a meaningful economic recovery remains, we see some bits of light emerging,” it said.

“With inflation remaining in the lowest quarter of BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) target range, policy and interest rates declining, and the peso depreciating, consumer spending, residential property sales, car sales, equipment leasing and other interest-sensitive spending should provide better consumption expenditures in Q1,” it added.

Headline inflation picked up to 2% in January from 1.8% in December and 2.9% in the same month last year.

“A more optimistic PMI in January, along with expected increases in exports and remittances from overseas Filipinos, should be supported by the peso’s depreciation,” UA&P said.

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to a nine-month high of 52.9 in January due to fresh export orders.

Last year, merchandise exports reached $84.4 billion, reflecting a 15.2% increase amid “holiday demand, US agricultural exemptions, and a weaker peso.”

Cash remittances coursed through banks hit an all-time high in December at $3.5 billion, bringing the full-year tally to a record $35.6 billion.

Meanwhile, the UA&P said that it expects further weakening of the peso after the BSP cut its policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) in February.

The Monetary Board lowered the target reverse repurchase rate by 25 bps to 4.25%, the lowest in over three years. This brought the BSP’s total reductions to 225 bps since it began monetary policy easing in August 2024.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you find the latest economic outlook of UA&P believable and precise? Do you think the fallout from the flood control corruption scandal still is dragging down the economic growth of the nation? Do you think the national government will be able to increase its spending 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.

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Philippines Coconut Oil Exporters See Golden Opportunities In America

March 10, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Since US President Donald J. Trump returned in 2025, there were significant revisions in America’s health standards with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) serving as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. One of the revisions tackled the dietary health guidelines which in turn created new opportunities in America that coconut oil exporters of the Philippines can capitalize on, according to a news report by the Philippine Star.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Philippine Star. Some parts in boldface…

Coconut oil exporters are upbeat that demand for the prized commodity in the US will increase after Washington revised its dietary health guidelines, promoting the consumption of healthy fats.

United Coconut Association of the Philippines (UCAP) said the latest 2025-2030 US Dietary Guidelines reflects a “symbolic” shift in Americans’ diet as it represents an “inverted” food pyramid, putting fats at the top.

Prior to the change, saturated fats, including coconut oil, have been demonized based on the prevailing Lipid Heart Theory claiming that saturated fats and cholesterol are the root causes of heart disease, said UCAP chairman Marco Reyes.

He pointed out that previous dietary guidelines, particularly the 2020-2025 edition, had explicit warnings on the consumption of fats, including coconut oil and recommended consumers to shift to vegetable oil instead.

But in the latest guidelines, such an explicit warning has been removed with the only discouraging factor to coconut oil remaining is the limit stated on the consumption of saturated fat, Reyes said.

The latest dietary guidelines emphasized that saturated fat consumption must not exceed 10 percent of total daily calories. Furthermore, consumers are advised to eat healthy fats which it noted are plenty in whole foods like meats, eggs, among others.

However, coconut oil is not categorically stated as part of the healthy fats. Despite this, Reyes noted that demand for the commodity will still increase since there are no more explicit warnings against coconut oil.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the latest health guidelines of America will actually lead to stronger demand for coconut oil from 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.

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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 127

March 9, 2026March 4, 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 A Notable, Dark Scene In The Godfather – Early this year, the lost world the legendary actor Robert Duvall who passed away at age 95. He truly was one of the greatest actors ever not only in Hollywood but in global cinema. I best remember Duvall as Tom Hagen in The Godfather and it just so happens that the film has a very notable deleted scene and if you read the novel focused on Jack Woltz, you will realize the darkness behind it. For your viewing, posted below is a video focused on Tom Hagen and Jack Woltz, and the deleted scene itself.

#2 The History Of Raccoon City And The Resident Evil Events –This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the best-selling Resident Evil game franchise. Having played the first three Resident Evil games on PlayStation, Raccoon City was the hot spot of misadventures, zombie outbreaks, and criminal science. As more RE games got released, Capcom expanded the lore with background tales, audio recordings, artworks and more. If you want to dive deeply into the fictional history of Raccoon City and why its legacy is tied with the Umbrella corporation, go watch the video below.

#3 The Wholesome Hotel In Las Vegas – The first time I ever visited Las Vegas was in 1989. I was only 13-years-old back then and our family stayed in Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Even though the hotel had gambling joints within, I still noticed how family-friendly the place was as it had an indoor circus venue, circus games, makeshift museums and a video arcade (where I played many classic arcade games). If there were any significant changes that happened through the decades, it would be the presence of an indoor amusement park with rides which reflects the hotel’s focus on attracting families and tourists who have limited budgets. Here’s another close look at Circus Circus in Las Vegas.

#4 Rushed And Incomplete RPGs – If there is any way to quickly describe a role-playing game (RPG) in video game format, it would be the fact that it was made to be lengthy and have a lot of content created for it. Like what happened in movies, productions of RPGs face similar problems with regards to lacking time and/or money which in turn would force the game makers to cut down their designs just to complete it. In the history of video games, the first PlayStation console was rich with RPGs in the late 1990s. Some of them turned out to be rushed and incomplete. To find out which ones, watch the retro gaming video below.

#5 Looking For “Luxury” Buffets In Japan? – With the Japanese Yen hovering about 150 per one American Dollar, a lot of foreigners find Japan a more affordable place to explore and experience. In certain places, tourists can find buffets that they consider “luxurious”. But what exactly makes a food joint luxurious and what would a traveler hope or want to eat there? Watch and learn from the Nippon TV video below.

#6 Eraser Revisited – Almost 30 years ago, the action movie Eraser (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) was released in cinemas and I had a fun time watching it. When it comes to action film roles of Schwarzenegger, the US Marshal John Kruger was very unique to watch. It should be noted that James Cromwell had another schemer-type of role in the film. To discover more about the 1996 movie, watch the videos below.

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Las Piñas City Government Receives New Training Equipment From TESDA

March 9, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government (specifically the Las Piñas City Manpower Training Center) received from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) new training tools, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor April Aguilar led the ceremonial signing of the deed with TESDA officials.

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

The Las Piñas City Manpower Training Center (LPCMTC) received new tools and equipment following the signing of a Deed of Donation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)–NCR and the TESDA Muntinlupa District.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar led the ceremonial signing with TESDA-NCR Regional Director Angelina Carreon, TESDA MuntiParLas Tapat District Director, TESDA-NCR Assistant Regional Director Gerardo Mercado, and LPCMTC head Engineer Noel Cuevas.

Aguilar said the event marked another milestone in strengthening the city’s technical and vocational training programs.

She said that various tool kits and equipment were awarded for use in LPCMTC’s training courses. These include equipment for assembling electronic products, solar night and post lamps, automotive servicing, cookery, bread making, and servicing consumer and industrial electronics modules and systems.

The mayor added that additional tools for preparing hot and cold meals were also provided.

Aguilar said that with improved training facilities and complete equipment, Las Piñeros are now better equipped to gain employment or start their own livelihoods.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted that TESDA released new training tools to the City Government? Do you know anyone who took training courses with TESDA in the city?

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

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Chinese National Arrested In Batangas For Posing As A Filipino

March 8, 2026March 2, 2026carlocarrasco

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended in Batangas a Chinese national who posed as a Filipino citizen, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The suspect has a history of acquiring Philippine passports and a driver’s license in the country.

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

A foreigner has been arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Batangas for posing as a Filipino and for “fraudulently acquiring” Philippine documents.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado presented before the media on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the arrested foreigner who was identified as Chinese national Zhi Ling Guan. He said that Zhi admitted he is not a Filipino.

Viado said that Zhi also uses the aliases Shis Nengyuan and Mike Sy. The “fake” Filipino was arrested last Feb. 20 at the Batangas port, he also said.

Viado said that the Chinese national was using fraudulently his acquired Philippine passports and driver’s license using the name Mark Sy.

“Philippine citizenship is not a commodity that can be fabricated or acquired through deception,” Viado declared.

He warned: “Any foreign national who falsely claims to be Filipino and manipulates our systems to secure official documents will face arrest, detention, and deportation.”

He said the BI acted on the information it received from the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) which sought the verification of the identity of the person.

“Biometric checks and inter-agency verification established that the fingerprints appearing in identification documents under the name ‘Mike Sy’ matched those of Zhi Ling Guan, a Chinese national,” he also said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think is the main reason the suspect used a fake identity and pretend to be a Filipino? Do you think the government should come up with stronger measures to prevent fraud committed by foreigners?

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

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