Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially started distributing free school supplies and shoes to public school students – early education to senior high school – in preparation for the new school year of 2025-2026, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government has started the distribution of free Balik Eskwela packages to public school students.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited schools to distribute the free school supplies and shoes, which will benefit nearly 100,000 public school students from early education to senior high school.
Each Balik Eskwela package contains backpacks, notebooks, pad papers, pens and pencils, pencil case and black leather shoes.
This is the third year that the Biazon administration will give free school supplies to public school students in Muntinlupa.
“Ginagawa natin ang lahat para masuportahan ang kinabukasan ng kabataang Muntinlupeño. Kaya yearly din ang distribution natin ng Balik Eskwela packages bilang tulong sa mga gastusin ng mga pamilya at paghahanda ng mga estudyante sa panibagong school year (We are doing everything we can to support the future of Muntinlupeño youth. That is why we also distribute Balik Eskwela packages annually to help families with their expenses and prepare students for the new school year),” Biazon posted on Facebook.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you find the City Government’s release of school supplies for public school students helpful to local society?
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
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a local lady reached her 100th birthday and received a gift from the City Government in the form of a P100,000 check, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Under Republic Act Number 10868 and City Ordinance 2018-147, all Muntinlupa residents who reach the age of 100 years will receive a cash gift of P100,000.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
A mother who turned 100 received a P100,000 birthday cash gift from the Muntinlupa City government.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited Maxima “Ximang” Entila to celebrate her 100th birthday and give her the P100,000 check.
All Muntinlupa residents who reach 100 years old will receive the P100,000 cash gift incentive under City Ordinance 2018-147 and Republic Act 10868 (Centenarians Act of 2016).
“Nakakabilib si Nanay Maxima “Ximang” Entila—100 years old na, pero ang kwento, energy, at sense of humor niya, parang hindi tumatanda! (Mother Maxima “Ximang” Entila is amazing—she is 100 years old, but her stories, energy, and sense of humor never seem to age!),” the mayor posted on Facebook.
According to Biazon, Entila’s life experience included selling vegetables in Divisoria and establishing her own school.
“Ang dami niyang napagdaanan sa buhay, at bawat isa, may kasamang tawa at aral. Mula sa pagtitinda ng gulay sa Divisoria hanggang sa pagtatayo ng sarili niyang paaralan—hindi siya nagpadaig sa hirap. Pinagtapos niya ang lima niyang anak gamit ang kita mula sa eskwelahang itinayo niya (She has been through so much in her life, and each one has its share of laughter and lessons. From selling vegetables in Divisoria to building her own school—she never gave up on hardship. She sent her five children to college using the income from the school she built).”
When Biazon asked her about her secret to long life, she said it was being happy.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, would you know if there are elderly members of your local community who might be qualified for the P100,000 cash gift for local centenarians? How many centenarians and incoming centenarians are living in your local community right now?
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
Recently the incoming Parañaque District 2 Representative Brian Yamsuan confirmed that he is banking on twin livelihood and employment programs to improve the financial literacy of his constituents, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Parañaque City 2nd district representative-elect Brian Raymund Yamsuan is eyeing a “culture of financial literacy” for his constituents through his twin livelihood and employment programs.
Yamsuan, who served as Bicol Saro Party-list representative in the 19th Congress, said he will make financial literacy a key component of the training received by livelihood program beneficiaries in a bid to them make informed and responsible decisions about the funds they have received from the government.
These include recipients of Yamsuan’s “Bigay Negosyo” and “Dagdag Puhunan Para sa Kabuhayan” programs, which he has been implementing in his home district in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), respectively.
“Ang layunin natin ay maging ‘wais’ ang bawat Parañaqueño sa paghawak ng kanilang pera, simula dito sa distrito dos (Our goal is to make every Parañaqueno handle their money wisely, starting here in district two),” he said.
“Many people think that financial literacy is a daunting, complex idea. We will partner with private sector groups to simplify and explain financial concepts so that they would be easy to understand and put into practice,” Yamsuan noted.
“Kasama na sa financial literacy program ang pagtuturo sa kanila kung paano mag-budget, mag-ipon, mag-invest, humiram ng karagdagang pondo at magkaroon ng kaalaman tungkol sa mga financial products and services na maari nilang gamitin para mapalago ang kanilang maliit na negosyo,” explained the former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary.
(Included in the financial literacy program is teaching them how to budget, save, invest and borrow additional funds and other knowledge about financial products and services that they can use to expand their small businesses.)
“Developing a culture of financial literacy should be our first step towards financial inclusion where every Filipino, regardless of his economic status, has easy and affordable access to financial services,” he added.
Yamsuan said he is also planning to include “ayuda” or cash aid beneficiaries in his financial literacy program.
“The government allocates billions of pesos each year under the national budget to fund livelihood programs and provide ‘ayuda’ to our low-income countrymen. Financial literacy will not only help recipients of these support programs make rational decisions about the money they receive, but will also mean less ‘ayuda’ and other forms of social protection going to waste due to poor financial decisions,” he said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think Congressman-elect Yamsuan’s twin programs will succeed in making his constituents more knowledgeable about financial literacy? Do you think a more financial literate population is the key to cutting down people’s dependence on ayuda or assistance from the government? How many members of your local community became dependent on ayuda since the COVID-19 pandemic?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, incumbent Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect April Aguilar was the guest of honor during the General Membership Assembly of the Senior Citizens Association of Talon Singko Chapter in Barangay Talon Singko, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
Over a thousand senior citizens from Cluster 3 of Talon Singko gathered on Thursday, June 5, at the Talon Singko Covered Court for their General Membership Assembly, organized by the Senior Citizens Association of Talon Singko Chapter.
Mayor-elect April Aguilar was warmly welcomed as the guest of honor and delivered a heartfelt message to the attendees. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of caring for the elderly and acknowledged their essential role in shaping the city’s future. She highlighted the city government’s continuing efforts to support the needs of senior citizens through programs such as the Green Card health program, free medical missions, financial assistance, and livelihood training designed to support their well-being.
Incumbent Las Piñas Vice Mayor and incoming Mayor April Aguilar greeted the members during the general assembly in Barangay Talon Singko. (photo source – Las Piñas City PIO)
Mayor-elect April Aguilar also assured the attendees that her administration will continue to promote policies that protect and uplift the elderly sector, ensuring that they remain active, supported, and involved in the life of the community.
Among those present at the event were Dr. Esther H. Oliveros, Head of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Las Piñas, Ms. Teresita Sanchez, President of the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Las Piñas (FSCALP), and Bro. Demetrio F. Ablir, President of the SCA-Talon 5 Chapter.
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? What do you hope the incoming Mayor will do for the members of your local community once she takes office? What kind of service do you want to see from the City Government over the next three years?
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
While a lot of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) have closed down as a result of the nationwide ban on them, there still over nine thousand illegal aliens – who used to be POGO employees – on the loose nationwide, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It was also revealed that some of the illegal aliens are carrying infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
At least 9,000 undocumented foreign nationals who previously worked for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs)–including those with infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis–remain on the loose.
This was according to Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz, who reported during the House quad-committee (quad-comm) hearing on Monday, June 9, that the agency was facing detention and deportation challenges regarding individuals linked to POGOs.
Cruz said that about 600 foreign nationals were already crammed within the PAOCC detention in Pasay City. What’s worse is that they cannot be deported because they have lost their passports.
“[We have] a monthly expenditure of millions for food and healthcare. Medical needs are [also] rising with detainees diagnosed with illness such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, respiratory infection, and even cases of HIV,” he said.
“Actually sir dito po kami nanlulumo, three weeks ago nagpa-cremate po tayo ng isang HIV [patient] (Actually, we were saddened by the fact that we had to cremate three weeks ago an HIV patient),” he added.
The agency official said PAOCC’s detention facility was already overcrowded, as such “enforcement actions against an estimated 9,000 illegal foreign workers have been temporarily suspended”.
PAOCC said those on the loose pose risk to the society.
“‘Yung mga POGO workers, noong pumunta dito hindi naman healthy lahat yan. ‘Yung iba dyan may sakit na (Those POGO workers, when they went here, they weren’t really healthy. Some of them were already sick), that’s why we have cases of tuberculosis, HIV,” Cruz told lawmakers.
“Kapag pakalat kalat ‘yan sir, hindi natin alam kung sino pa ang kinontak o nagkaroon pa ng physical contact ‘yan (If they’re on the loose, we don’t know with whom they are having physical contact with),” he added.
Quezon 2nd district Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez also raised concern about illegal aliens who remain at large. He said they have become engaged in criminal activities, such as kidnapping and torture.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be former POGO employees among the foreigners living in your local community? Are you concerned that the sick illegal aliens on the loose could be spreading disease all over the Philippines?
Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming enthusiasts and other gamers!
I finally did it! I finally played the arcade version of the classic game Smash T.V. as I recently purchased Midway Arcade Origins (Xbox 360) on the Xbox store. Thanks to backward compatibility, Midway Arcade Origins operated smoothly on my Xbox Series X and it comes with more than thirty arcade games owned or published by Midway Games from the early 1980s to the early 1990s.
My history of playing Smash T.V. is awkward. The very first time I played the game was not in the arcade but with the Smash T.V. port released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
The classic game debuted in arcades in 1990 and during that precise point of time, I rarely visited arcades here in the Philippines. I started visiting arcades more starting in 1992 as the fighting game craze started luring new gamers driven by the popularity of Street Fighter II. To the best of my memory, I saw very few arcade machines of Smash T.V. and never got to play the game. In fact, there were very few arcade machines that had the dual joystick control set-up which was exactly required to play Smash T.V.
The 2D sprite activity and action can get pretty wild and intense on-screen during battle. Expect lots of waves of enemies coming in before you proceed to the next room.
To make things clear, arcade games were already popular here in the Philippines and there were lots of local arcades particularly in shopping malls. As for playing Smash T.V. on the SNES, it was fun but the SNES control pad was not ideal for the immense in-game shooting.
Going back to Midway Arcade Origins, I played Defender first and had some bouts of fun with it. After that, I went back to the main selection and scrolled through the many other games offered until I saw Smash T.V. and selected it. As soon as I started playing, I was immediately engaged as the fun kept growing as I played.
Apart from dealing with dangerous enemies, you will also encounter in-game hazards such as this room releasing snakes a lot.
Firstly, the game made fine use of the two analog sticks of the Xbox controller which was the closest thing to matching the dual joysticks set-up of the original arcade game. The left analog stick was for movement while the right analog stick allowed me to shoot in different directions. The severe limitations on shooting on the controller of the SNES were completely gone, and as I played the game more on Xbox, I found myself moving around enemies and obstacles while being able to fire at directions where shooting was needed.
Secondly, Smash T.V. on Midway Arcade Origins is the genuine arcade experience from the controls to the functionality, gameplay, the visual design and 2D sprites that dominated the screen. For those who don’t have the original arcade machine, this is the closest thing to enjoying the arcade fun of Smash T.V. in the comfort of home. I can also say that the game ran smoothly on my Xbox Series X and not a single case of slowdown nor any cases of visual distortions ever happened!
To really defeat an end-of-level boss like this one, you need to use whatever special weapons or power-ups that appeared during battle. Be mindful of the enemy’s powerful defense and attacks.
This face particular end-of-level boss deteriorates further as I kept on attacking him with special weapons.
More on the gameplay, it is undeniably challenging as many enemies enter and their different abilities to attack you ensures lots of intense moments of action and struggle to survive. The on-screen action is often intense and still the gameplay did not grow tiresome to me. More on the combat, there are always huge and powerful enemies (end-of-level boss) at the conclusion of each level and defeating them will push you to use special weapons as soon as they pop up.
Lastly, there is also the prize aspect of the game (which has a dystopian TV concept inspired by the 1987 film The Running Man starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) which allows you to collect prizes (in cash or prize items) while playing. The prizes can add a lot to your score and even your potential entry into the online leaderboards (see below).
There is nothing like collecting prizes in the game! It is as thrilling as the action.
Between the levels are the bonus segments in which the value of the prizes you collected will be added to your overall score (technically in-game money earned).
Thirdly, I really like the online leaderboards and score attack mode that came with Midway Arcade Origins. For Smash T.V., the score attack challenge is to score as many points as you could using only one turn (which comes with the initial six in-game lives). Score attack does not allow any continues (that is for free play mode) and this was enough to make me focus on my skills, moves and timing when it comes to fighting waves of several enemies that entered the in-game arenas.
I was able to make my presence felt online as the servers for the leaderboards are still functioning and recording in-real time the scores achieved.
Every time you encounter new enemies, you have to observe how they move, attack and behave.
Smash T.V. is a classic not only because of its immense fun gameplay, entertainment impact and timeless game design, but also because it was a creative wonder from significant game creators such as Eugene Jarvis (Defender, Robotron 2084), John Tobias (Mortal Kombat) and Mark Turmell to name a few. The game borrowed elements from The Running Man and the creators made their own concept that mixed well with the game design they came up with. The result is a highly playable, challenging and ultimately enjoyable video game. To learn more about the creation and history of Smash T.V., watch the in-depth videos of PatmanQC and Slope’s Game Room below.
“Big money! Big prizes! I love it!”
Smash T.V. is a lot of fun and its gameplay never gets old. It is currently my favorite of all the games in Midway Arcade Origins and it is an excellent addition to my retro gaming experience on my Xbox Series X.
Recently in the City of Parañaque, ten men were arrested by the police after they were caught cutting the underground cables of a telecommunications firm in Barangay Don Bosco, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recovered from the suspects were 600 pairs of cut underground copper cable (around 106 meters each), a claw bar, an improvised hook and a closed van to name some.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Authorities from the Paranaque City Police arrested 10 men who were caught in the act of cutting underground cables of a telecommunications provider in violation of Republic Act No. 10515 or the Anti-Cable Theft Law.
The suspects were identified as “Jayson,” 33; “Cris,” 32; “Roger,” 32; “John,” 29; “Calixto,” 26; “Mark,” 23; “John,” 22; “Marlo,” 21; “Jiric,” 21; and “Rogelio,” 19, all residents of Tondo, Manila. Two other suspects evaded arrest.
The police said the suspects were arrested at around 3:30 a.m. in front of the TCL Authorized Service Center located along France St., Barangay Don Bosco, Paranaque City, by members of the Paranaque City Police Don Bosco Substation.
Operatives from Paranaque City Police Don Bosco Substation were reportedly conducting routine patrol when they noticed a suspicious closed van and, upon their approach, the group of men cutting cable wires tried to flee but were prevented with the assistance of Barangay Don Bosco officials.
The police said coordination with the telecommunications providers showed that there was no authorized repair or maintenance work in the area, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think crime will only get worse over the next three years? Do you think there will still be people out there who will organize illegal operations that look like maintenance work?
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
Recently in the City of Parañaque, a successful buy-bust operation by the police resulted in the apprehension of three drug suspects in Barangay Tambo, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Three drug suspects who were tagged by the police as street-level individuals (SLI), were arrested during the conduct of a buy-bust operation by the Paranaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) on June 4.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as Jhelne, 28; Jeffrey, 42; and Jayson, 39. They were arrested at around 12:10 a.m. at the Puyat Compound, Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City.
The SPD said the SDEU conducted an anti-illegal drugs operation targeting a certain Jhelyn who was reported to be hooked on drugs.
The SDEU was able to confiscate from the suspects about 25 grams of shabu worth P170,000, the P500 marked money used in the buy-bust operation, and a black cellular phone.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, have illegal drugs been smuggled into your local community over the past six months?
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
Once again, inflation in the Philippines went down as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently confirmed that the headline inflation landed at 1.3% for the month of May 2025, according to a news article by Philippine News Agency (PNA). The said inflation result is the lowest since November of 2019.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Headline inflation further slowed to 1.3 percent in May this year from 1.4 percent in April, the lowest recorded since the 1.2 percent in November 2019, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday.
In a briefing, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said this brought the year-to-date average inflation to 1.9 percent which is at the lower end of the government’s 2 to 4 percent target range.
Mapa said the downtrend was primarily brought about by the slower increase in the index of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 2.3 percent from 2.9 percent in April. Restaurant and accommodation services also recorded a slower inflation of 2 percent from 2.3 percent in April.
Mapa said the faster annual decline was likewise recorded in the transport index, at 2.4 percent in May from 2.1 percent in the previous month. Food inflation meanwhile remained at 0.7 percent. Mapa, however, said rice inflation was at -12.8 percent from -10.9 percent in April.
According to Mapa, the rollout of the PHP20 per kilogram rice program in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” helped lower rice prices.
In May, the average price of regular milled rice declined to PHP43.19 per kg from PHP51.11 in May 2024. The average price of well-milled rice likewise fell to PHP49.45 per kg from PHP56.06 per kg while special rice also declined to PHP59.80 from last year’s PHP64.41 per kg.
The bottom 30 percent income households experienced zero percent inflation in May 2025, a sharp decline from 5.3 percent in the same month last year.
The National Capital Region also posted a slower inflation rate of 1.7 percent in May, down from 2.4 percent the previous month while other regions maintained a low average inflation rate of 1.2 percent.
More stable cost of living – In a separate statement, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the continued decline in the country’s headline inflation shows progress toward easing price pressures and achieving a more stable cost of living for Filipinos.
“We are encouraged by this development. It reflects the success of our sustained efforts to protect the purchasing power of Filipinos and ensure a more affordable cost of living,” said DEPDev officer in charge and Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie Edillon.
To sustain this downward trend, DEPDev said the Marcos administration is committed to implementing targeted policies aimed at mitigating inflationary pressures and safeguarding the purchasing power of Filipino families.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are strengthening their collaboration to ensure the availability of safe and effective animal vaccines amid ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian influenza outbreaks.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is possible for Philippines inflation to fall below 1% by the end of the year?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, incumbent Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect April Aguilar led the release of relief assistance to several fire victims in Barangay Almanza Uno, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
The City Government of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, continued its relief operations on Tuesday morning, June 3, for families affected by the fire that struck the Samatierra Compound in Almanza Uno.
Vice Mayor Aguilar personally returned to the evacuation center at the covered court of Almanza Uno to oversee the distribution of essential items to the 260 displaced individuals. Sleeping kits, hygiene kits, and food packs were provided to ensure the basic needs of evacuees are met while they remain in temporary shelters.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office, in coordination with the barangay and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, facilitated the orderly delivery of assistance. Modular tents were also set up to provide each family with privacy and comfort during their stay at the evacuation center.
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? When was the last time a huge fire hit your local community and left several families homeless?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 