Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Page 6

Indonesia Imposes 10-Year Ban on Australian Tourist for Committing Public Sex Act in Bali

September 28, 2026September 22, 2026carlocarrasco

Authorities in Indonesia imposed a 10-year-ban on an Australian tourist who was recently deported for a public sex act committed in Bali, according to a news article by VnExpress. The said sex act was caught on CCTV.

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

An Australian tourist arrested over a public indecency incident on Bali Island has been barred from entering Indonesia for 10 years.

The 28-year-old was deported last week on a Batik Air flight from Denpasar to Brisbane, about two weeks after his arrest at Ngurah Rai International Airport where he was due to board a flight to Brisbane, The Jakarta Post reported.

The deportation came as Indonesian immigration authorities stepped up efforts to maintain public order and security among foreign nationals living in or visiting Bali.

Indonesia’s Immigration Directorate General also imposed a 10-year entry ban on the tourist.

Police said he had engaged in sexual intercourse with an unidentified foreign woman in the yard of a Balinese house in Tibubeneng village, North Kuta district, Badung regency, on Aug. 22. The homeowner caught the pair in the act, Antara News Agency reported.

CCTV cameras at the house also recorded the incident.

The footage later went viral after the homeowner uploaded it to social media as a warning against behavior considered to bring negative energy, in accordance with Balinese Hindu beliefs.

The man could have faced imprisonment for the offense. However, police dropped the case after the homeowner forgave him and asked authorities to halt the legal proceedings.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you have been to Indonesia, did you witness unruly behavior committed by foreign tourists during your stay there? Do you think this development could cause a drop in the number of Australians visiting Indonesia?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Several Las Piñas Residents Join Government Service Caravan

September 27, 2026September 23, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas City, almost two thousand local residents availed of the free services and assistance offered by the Handog ng Pangulo caravan held at the Aguilar Sports Complex, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor April Aguilar and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Don Artes were present.

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

About 2,000 residents flocked to the Aguilar Sports Complex in Las Piñas City on Monday, Sept. 14, to avail of free government services and assistance offered during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s birthday celebration.

One of the crowd-drawing activities was the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) eco-TINGIndahan by Lola Daisy, where residents exchanged garbage and recyclable materials for grocery items.

The MMDA also deployed its Mobile Materials Recovery Facility to support the waste-for-groceries exchange.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes, representing Marcos at the event, encouraged residents to learn more about government programs that could help improve their families’ livelihood and future.

Mayor April Aguilar expressed her appreciation to the MMDA and other government agencies for bringing their programs and services to Las Piñas residents.

The service caravan, dubbed “Handog ng Pangulo, Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat,” featured assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Department of Migrant Workers and Department of Justice, in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you know anyone who attended the caravan?

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

BCDA Sees Investments Exceeding P100 Billion on Pax Silica

September 26, 2026September 22, 2026carlocarrasco

2026 has been a very disappointing year for the Philippines in terms of economic growth, foreign investments, inflation and foreign exchange. There is still hope, however, with the ambitious Pax Silica initiative. That said, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) sees investments worth over P100 billion on Pax Silica, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

INVESTMENT APPROVALS of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are expected to exceed P100 billion this year, fueled by growing investor interest in New Clark City and upcoming projects under the US-led Pax Silica initiative.

“If we count the whole year, we will breach P100 billion in investments,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said during a forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Monday.

“In a few years, we might be at the same level of the BoI (Board of Investments) in terms of investments generation,” he said.

The BCDA’s project pipeline includes the P25-million expansion of logistics apron and access roads, as well as the construction of a P155-million runway in Clark International Airport (CIA).

Also in its pipeline is the construction of a P1.4-billion apron to support logistics firms within CIA, along with a P10-billion runway and taxiway project.

“Last week, we approved the procurement for the construction of the apron. It will serve as the parking space for FedEx and UPS planes, and other logistics companies going to put up business in Clark,” Mr. Bingcang said.

Mr. Bingcang also noted that Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. is building a 106-hectare industrial park in New Clark City. Construction is expected to begin within the fourth quarter of this year.

BCDA also plans to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) to build economic housing units in New Clark City for workers based in the area.

He also said that the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has issued a no-objection letter for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).

“So, we’re seeing now the greenlight for this project to extend all the way to New Clark City,” Mr. Bingcang said.

The 147-kilometer NSCR will connect Malolos, Bulacan with Clark International Airport, and Tutuban, Manila with Calamba, Laguna.

The BCDA is also looking to bid four hectares of land near the Market! Market! commercial property in Taguig City by the first quarter of 2027.

“Only the mall was renewed by Ayala Land, Inc. The rest will be open for public bidding… that will be the site for the Mega Manila subway station in BGC (Bonifacio Global City),” Mr. Bingcang said, noting that about four Japanese developers are interested in the property.

Meanwhile, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the artificial intelligence (AI)-native industrial hub in New Clark City in Tarlac under the US’ Pax Silica bloc is one of several “nodes” that will build the “Philippine technology corridor” connecting the technology value chain across manufacturing, minerals, talent, and digital infrastructure.

“Viewed separately, they are projects, but viewed through the AI lens, they become an ecosystem that creates long-term competitive advantage,” Mr. Rodolfo said at the same event.

He said the technology corridor also includes the National Capital Region (integrated circuit design hub), Batangas (an AI compute hub), Bulacan (wafer fabrication facility) and Mindanao (minerals).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think potential huge investments on Pax Silica will be realized in the near future? Do you think a lot of people here in the Philippines lack a full understanding of Pax Silica?

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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Drug Suspect Arrested in Las Piñas City, Over P200 Million Shabu Seized

September 25, 2026September 20, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers apprehended a high-value drug suspect and seized illegal drugs worth over P200 million, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a high-value drug suspect and seized around 30 kilograms of suspected shabu worth PHP204 million in a buy-bust in Las Piñas City on Saturday.

The 40-year-old suspect alias “Girlie” of Lubao, Pampanga was arrested at BF International Village, the PNP said in a news release Sunday.

Recovered from her were more or less 30 kilograms of shabu with an estimated value of PHP204 million.

The seized drugs and other evidence will be turned over to the Forensic Group Southern Police District in Taguig City for laboratory examination and appropriate processing.

“We will sustain decisive law enforcement efforts against those who profit from the illegal drug trade,” the PNP said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you thankful to the local police for apprehending the suspect and seizing the huge amount of illegal drugs? Is drug addiction a serious problem in your local community?

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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Tourism Labor Shortage in Vietnam

September 24, 2026September 19, 2026carlocarrasco

As more foreign tourists keep arriving in Vietnam, some questions about the future of the nation’s tourism industry are being raised as a tourism labor shortage has been realized, according to a news article by VnExpress.

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

Vietnam’s tourism industry is racing ahead, with international arrivals hitting new highs, but the sector is facing a growing shortage of skilled workers, from hotel staff and chefs to foreign-language guides and senior managers.

The third most visited country in Southeast Asia after Malaysia and Thailand welcomed nearly 16 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, up 14.4% year-on-year, driving up demand across hotels, travel companies, transport, restaurants and tourist attractions.

A 2026 survey by Hoteljob.vn found that nearly 90% of tourism businesses planned to recruit.

In Ho Chi Minh City alone, 89.7% of businesses were hiring, while 71.8% said recruitment was difficult or very difficult. The biggest shortages were among frontline workers, particularly in housekeeping, engineering, food service, front-office operations, and kitchens.

The Politburo’s Resolution dated Aug. 22, along with the government’s action programme adopted on Sept. 7, set the target for tourism to directly contribute 10-12% of GDP by 2030, attracting 45-50 million international visitors and generate total revenue of US$80-90 billion.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are envisioned as major tourism growth hubs, while Phu Quoc emerges as a new hub. These targets will place greater demands on the tourism workforce, not only in terms of numbers but also skills, from frontline workers and foreign-language guides to managers, technology specialists and professionals delivering high-end services.

Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector, for example, is facing gaps in supervisory and management positions, as businesses seek staff capable of operating in an increasingly digitalized, international and competitive environment.

Foreign-language tour guides are another weak link. Demand is rising rapidly from markets such as Russia and India, while arrivals from Europe and the Middle East are also increasing. Yet training guides with the language skills and cultural knowledge needed to serve these markets can take years.

The labor crunch is even more acute in destinations far from major urban centers.

In Con Dao, hotels and resorts regularly struggle to recruit receptionists, housekeepers, chefs, and service staff, while travel companies face shortages of sales, marketing, and tour guide staff.

Higher salaries have done little to solve the problem. The island’s high cost of living and distance from the mainland make it difficult to attract and retain skilled workers, with many leaving after only a few months.

According to Hoteljob.vn, 79.5% of tourism businesses have raised salaries or improved benefits over the past year. Yet 59.2% cited lower incomes compared with other industries as a key reason young people leave the profession, while limited career prospects were another major factor.

Experts say Vietnam’s tourism labor shortage is not simply about training more people.

The bigger challenge is narrowing the gap between what schools teach and what employers need. Nearly 80% of businesses surveyed said fewer than 20% of young applicants could start work immediately, while more than 84% said new recruits needed at least a month before they could work independently.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Vietnam should open its doors and bring in trained tourism workers from overseas to solve their tourism labor shortage?

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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Immigrant from the Philippines Pleads Guilty to Illegally Voting in 2024 US Presidential Election

September 23, 2026September 22, 2026carlocarrasco

There definitely is such a thing as illegally voting in elections in the United States. Since Donald Trump returned as US President in 2025, the government has been unrelenting on pushing back against illegal immigration while restoring the integrity of American elections. That said, an immigrant from the Philippines pleaded guilty to voting illegally in the US Presidential election of 2024 and it happened just months after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under failed US President Joe Biden approved her for the green card, according to a news report by Breitbart.

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

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that 37-year-old Evelyn Miller of the Philippines, who resided in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to illegal voting.

On Monday, Breitbart News learned that Miller, who was approved for a green card by Biden’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in July 2024, registered to vote on October 9, 2024, and illegally voted in the presidential election on November 5, 2024.

“This alien from the Philippines pleaded guilty to illegally voting in the 2024 election in Pennsylvania,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement. “Thanks to the hard work of the men and women of HSI, as well as our partners at the Department of Justice, this alien will soon face justice for her efforts to subvert our elections. American elections are for Americans only.”

In the investigation, Miller confessed to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents that she registered to vote online ahead of the election and voted in person on Election Day.

For additional details from the DOJ regarding Evelyn Miller, click https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/lehigh-county-woman-pleads-guilty-illegal-voting

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Does this case of illegal voting convince you that there should be more restrictions to prevent green card holders from voting in any election? What do you think is the ideal punishment for green card holders who actually voted? Are you convinced that Democrats would do anything to allow illegal voting in order to gain power?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Thailand Eyes Over $600 Million in Additional Tourism Spending Through Domestic Stimulus

September 23, 2026September 17, 2026carlocarrasco

As the government of Thailand plans to spend money to support hotel stays and tourism-related expenses, the nation is targeting more than $600 million in additional tourism spending, according to a news article by VnExpress.

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

Thailand is targeting more than 20 billion baht (US$601 million) in additional tourism spending through a domestic travel stimulus.

The government plans to spend about 4 billion baht to subsidize hotel stays and other tourism expenses, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said as cited by Bloomberg.

The package, covering one million entitlements, is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet on Sept. 22, Bangkok Post reported.

The measure reflects Thailand’s growing reliance on domestic travelers to support tourism, a major source of jobs and foreign exchange for Thailand.

Thailand received 21.7 million foreign tourists through Sept. 12, down 3.4% from a year earlier. Their spending fell 1.9% to 1.06 trillion baht.

Domestic travel has performed better, with trips by Thais rising 2% to 142 million and spending increasing 1.9% to 824.6 billion baht.

Under the plan, the government will subsidize accommodation by up to 2,000 baht per entitlement. Travelers will also receive co-payment vouchers worth up to 2,000 baht for restaurants, spas, shops and tourism activities, with higher benefits available in secondary destinations. Each person can use up to five entitlements.

The subsidies are scheduled to run from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, pause during the peak New Year period, and resume on Jan. 16, 2027, through the end of February.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this development will improve Thailand’s tourism appeal? Do you think the government should be more involved with the tourism industry?

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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Russian Arrivals to Vietnam to Hit Record High This Year

September 22, 2026September 16, 2026carlocarrasco

If the current pace continues, the number of Russians arriving in Vietnam this year will result in a record-high, according to a news article by VnExpress. To be clear, Russia is already a very fast-growing market of tourists for Vietnam which has a booming tourism industry.

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

The number of Russian visitors to Vietnam is forecast to reach a historic record of 1.5 million this year, a senior official has said.

Russian news website news.ru quoted Nikita Kondratiev, Director of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects under Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, as saying that even during the pre-pandemic peak in 2018-2019, Russian arrivals to Vietnam stood at only around 700,000-800,000.

The figures show impressive growth in the tourism sector, he noted.

According to the official, key factors behind Vietnam’s growing appeal include the maintenance and expansion of direct air routes, as well as convenient payment options for Russian tourists through QR codes and MIR bank cards at some locations in Vietnam.

The strong interest from the Russian market is fully reflected in recently released statistics.

On Sept. 4, Travel Russian News cited figures from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism showing that Russian arrivals to Vietnam surpassed 1 million in the first eight months of 2026, representing a 165.7% increase year-on-year. This was the highest growth rate among Vietnam’s major international tourist markets.

With this result, Russia jumped from around seventh place in 2025 to become Vietnam’s third largest source market, behind China with 3.54 million visitors and South Korea 2.76 million.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Apart from what was reported, what do you think makes Vietnam such a very attractive place for Russians? Do you think other Southeast Asian nations are discreetly making plans of their own to attract Russian tourists away from Vietnam?

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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Armed Man Arrested in Parañaque City for Causing Trouble

September 22, 2026September 17, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, a man armed with an improvised firearm who caused trouble in a local community was arrested by police officers, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

A housekeeping worker was arrested after allegedly brandishing an improvised firearm and challenging residents to a fight in Parañaque City on Tuesday evening, Sept. 15.

The suspect, identified only as alias “Julius,” 31, a resident of Barangay Moonwalk, was arrested at around 6:20 p.m. on Saudi Arabia Street, Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City.

Police said a concerned citizen alerted officers conducting patrol in the area about a man who was allegedly intoxicated, causing a disturbance, and carrying a homemade firearm known as “sumpak”.

Responding officers reportedly saw Julius walking along the street while holding and brandishing the improvised firearm and shouting at nearby residents.

The officers ordered him several times to put down the weapon, but he allegedly resisted, prompting them to arrest him.

A search of the suspect reportedly yielded a heat-sealed sachet containing about 0.08 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated price of P544. Also recovered were the improvised firearm and two live ammunition.

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 violent crime will get worse in the next six months? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot for loose firearms and improvised weapons?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

American Companies Express Strong Interest to Invest in Luzon Economic Corridor

September 20, 2026September 15, 2026carlocarrasco

During the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum recently held at the Best Western Hotel inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, representatives of several American companies expressed strong interest to invest in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) revealed.

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

Representatives from approximately 50 U.S. companies have expressed strong interest in investing in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), a key economic zone recognized for its strategic role in the logistics sector.

Leading the delegation was Thomas R. Hardy, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), during the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum held at the Best Western Hotel, Subic Bay Freeport.

Joining the delegation consisting not only of American businesses, were representatives from international companies, development partners, and major financial institutions seeking to explore business opportunities within Subic Bay Freeport and the broader LEC region.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, together with other SBMA officials, warmly welcomed the delegates. They were joined by stakeholders from the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) and other freeport investors aiming to engage in productive Business-to-Business (B2B) engagements, addressing inquiries from the visiting foreign companies.

“As the host of the Subic leg of the LEC Investment Forum, this delegation has a unique opportunity to participate in meaningful B2B discussions, tour Subic Freeport, and explore avenues for deepening economic integration across the Luzon Economic Corridor. Participants are highly encouraged to explore investment opportunities, pathways to collaborate, and how they can positively impact the success of the LEC initiative,” said Chairman Aliño.

Sponsored by the USTDA, Aliño emphasized that this visit highlights Subic Bay Freeport’s vital role in the LEC’s foundational tripartite partnership among the Philippines, the United States, and Japan.

He further noted that the LEC project has since expanded to include partners from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. “This is excellent news for Subic Bay as a critical western maritime gateway and strategic logistics hub, connecting major centers such as Clark, Manila, and Batangas. It underscores our commitment to advancing infrastructure, enhancing supply chain resilience, and attracting technology investments within the corridor,” Aliño added.

In line with these developments, the USTDA reaffirmed its support for secure, robust, and resilient supply chains by facilitating the expansion of port infrastructure at Subic Bay.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that the American companies that attended the important forum will indeed push through with investing in the Luzon Economic Corridor in the near future? Do you think their investment plans will create a lot new job opportunities for Filipinos?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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