She generously showed one of their special projects called the Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cage which is publicly accessible to anyone who wants to dispose of their respective used plastic bottles.
“This project serves as a container where people can place used plastic bottles. All the collected materials will be sold to the local junk shops and the money we raise from the transactions enable us to buy rice grain for the local youth,” Barangay Baclaran SK chairwoman Garcia explained.
Visually the Eco-Friendly is a cage with a creative, fun-oriented touch. On top of the cage is a makeshift basketball board with a small rim that is supposed to encourage people to shoot their plastic bottles and watch it fall into the cage. This is the meaning behind the line “Shoot for a Change” written on the board.
The Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cage from another angle.Once filled up, all of these plastic materials will be sold to local junk shops by the Barangay Baclaran SK. The money raised will be used to purchase rice grain for the benefit of the local youth.
One clear advantage of the Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cage is that it can compel people to refrain from throwing their plastic bottles into other trash containers (which contain other forms of waste like paper, plastic bags, etc.).
This is why if ever you (with your plastic bottle at hand) pass by one of those Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cages of the Baclaran SK during your next trip in Barangay Baclaran, take time out to put your plastic bottle into the cage.
Speaking of being eco-friendly, the Barangay Baclaran SK has been active with not only protecting the natural environment but also with participating in clean-up drive activities.
For more information, visit the Barangay Baclaran SK’s FB page here.
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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com
Press releases/statements and photo releases are also accepted.
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We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
While this old comic book may not be the best-selling Superman story of the 1990s, it is for me the most significant one as well as creator Dan Jurgens’ best work ever on the Man of Steel. I’m talking about Superman #100.
The cover.
Released in 1995 by DC Comics, Superman #100 came out with a special cover that highlighted the title “The Death of Clark Kent”. It was released with a hefty cover price of $3.95 for the United States and was pretty thick. It was written and illustrated by Dan Jurgens, the same man who worked on the best-selling Superman #75 (The Death of Superman climax).
Early story
The story begins with Clark Kent carrying a deformed Superman object (with makeshift glasses and a knife “stabbing” the letter S) and just feet behind him was his officemate Jimmy Olsen. Hidden mostly from Olsen’s view, the object signifies that someone knows that Clark Kent and Superman are one and the same person. Carefully, Clark hides it away and starts chatting with Jimmy who is very concerned of him.
Clark recently has been struggling over the fact that someone knows his secret identity. After carefully dismissing Jimmy, he moves out as Superman to take of business before the madman (who knows his identity) makes his next move.
Superman visits his parents Jonathan and Martha Kent at their home in Smallville. He expresses to Jonathan that he believes that the madman is someone he knew from his past: Kenny Braverman (Conduit).
Quality
If there is anything that defines this comic book, it is the in-depth storytelling done by Dan Jurgens complete with intense character development as well as exploration of people from his past (all connected to Smallville).
The plot structure is quite simple. Conduit knows Superman/Clark Kent personally and is always at least a step ahead of the superhero complete with strategies mess with him personally. Superman, who came back from the dead and has been struggling to fit in with the times, finds himself at his most vulnerable state not as a super-powered guy but as a human being. To analyze things here, Superman is about to get suffer and lose a lot again but not with the temporary death he got from fighting Doomsday, but rather the demise of his personality as Clark Kent.
Truly one of the best Superman dialogue and characterizations ever thanks to Dan Jurgens.
Think about it. As Clark, Superman has a career, a social life, grew up the American way, intends to spend his life with Lois Lane and has ambitions of simple living that mean more to him than being with the Justice League America (note: writing the next great American novel).
The great thing here is that writer-artist Dan Jurgens humanized Superman a whole lot in this comic book and his work is excellent. Superman #100 opens up the discussion about what life would be like for the Man of Steel once his identity as Clark Kent gets ruined. The story also connects with Superman’s past (within the post-Crisis universe of DC Comics) and sheds light on his relationships with not only his parents but also with Pete Ross and Lana Lang (Clark’s ex-GF). When it comes to putting Superman in danger, Conduit’s approach is more convincing than Doomsday’s unstoppable power of destruction.
By the time I got immersed with Dan Jurgen’s storytelling and character development, the action scenes involving Superman felt justified. More importantly, this comic book shows the famous superhero being pushed to the limits in terms of personality tolerance and determination.
Conclusion
We live in an age in which established entertainment franchises get ruined by sequels or spin-offs or reboots which were mishandled by creators who tried to reinvent stuff only to fail and disappoint the fans.
Look at Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. Director Rian Johnson had complete creative control on telling an engaging and fun Star Wars tale but ended up deforming it (disregarding Star Wars’ most defining elements), focused mainly on subverting people’s expectations and left many long-time fans disappointed and angry.
Superman going after Conduit.
Going back to Superman #100, Dan Jurgens succeeded in redefining the American icon while maintaining respect of the established past of the character and kept the elements that defined Superman. His story about the demise of Superman’s secret identity was a very fresh concept and, for a time, it paved the way for opportunities to take the Man of Steel into new creative directions without disappointing fans.
Personally, I would love to see Warner Bros. produce a new standalone Superman movie with Henry Cavill as the superhero and adapt the core elements of Jurgens’ work in Superman #100 into the screenplay. Cavill already proved he could portray Superman/Clark very humanly in Man of Steel.
Overall, Superman #100 is highly recommended.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Rather, it’s about crime turning rampant within the jurisdiction of Parañaque, more specifically the high number of crimes involving Chinese nationals.
According to a December 27, 2019 Philippine Star report, Parañaque has the 3rd highest number of crimes involving Chinese nationals among the southern cities of Metro Manila. The number is 140 crime incidents recorded as per the statistics of the Southern Police District (SPD) as of December 25, 2019. Ahead of Parañaque were Pasay City (201 crime incidents) and Makati City (163 crime incidents).
Specifically on South Metro Manila, Las Piñas City had 54 crime incidents while Muntinlupa City had 19 crime incidents. Combine those numbers with Parañaque’s 140 crime incidents, then that’s a total of 213 crime incidents for South Metro Manila.
You must be wondering why is it that the city that is home to a significant portion of BF Homes subdivision attracted a great majority of of the 213 crime incidents involving Chinese nationals for South Metro Manila?
For one thing, there is a high number of Chinese nationals who took residence in Parañaque and got involved in the local commerce. Speaking of commerce, a lot of these POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) opened up and operated within the city. The City Government recently considered filing charges against the owners of buildings housing Chinese nationals who are working at these POGOs. The housing of many Chinese nationals caused a social disruption in the community of Multinational Village for the past two years. This caused Multinational residents to write letters of complaints regarding diminishing water supply, power transformer blowouts, eroded roads and rising security risks that allegedly were connected with the Chinese nationals residing in their local community as well as the construction of new POGO housing facilities.
By the way, there are casinos and hotels operating in the Entertainment City which is within the jurisdiction of Parañaque. Those facilities are known to attract a lot of Chinese nationals along with other foreigners.
Here’s an excerpt from the CNN Philippines report:
The raid in Diamond Tower in Baclaran also led to the arrest of 13 alleged den maintainers or recruiters of sex workers, nine of whom are male and four who are women, plus 18 male Chinese customers.
The Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) rescued a Chinese national and arrested two kidnapping suspects during a police operation in Parañaque City.
PNP-AKG Director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo identified the victim as tourist Wang Hong, alias Lee, 29, married, native of Chongqing, China, and who is temporarily residing at Strata Gold Condominium, Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila.
The suspects, on the other hand, were identified as Wan Rehong, 32, native of Qingshanhu District, Nanchang City, China, and Wan Liang, 36, native of Jiangxi, China. Both suspects are tourists.
Estomo said that in the sworn statement of Wang, the victim went to Solaire Resort and Casino on December 4 and gambled. When he lost all his money, a group of Chinese men offered him a loan of P1 million, which he accepted.
The group lent him another P1 million as capital, but he lost again, prompting the group to take the key of the car that he borrowed from a friend and asked him to go with the suspects.
The two suspects took him to Okada Hotel and Casino, and while inside a room, they forced him to make a letter stating that he borrowed from them P2 million and forced him to sign the letter.
On December 8, at around 2 p.m., Wang and the two suspects boarded a taxi wherein he managed to send a message to a friend that they are billeted at Room 505 of Baymont Hotel in Parañaque City.
While inside the room, the kidnappers instructed him to ask money from his family or friends for him to pay the P2 million because, if not, “they will kill him and be thrown at cemetery.”
The victim’s friend notified the PNP-AKG about the incident that prompted operatives to launch a rescue operation which resulted in the arrest the two suspects.
As mentioned earlier, Parañaque City is a hot spot of crime incidents involving Chinese nationals and clearly this is bad. Nobody wants to live in a city with rampant crime (kidnapping, extortion, prostitution and the like) nor does anyone want to see their community turn bad because a lot of foreigners from China working in POGOs were allowed to take residence.
The hot questions to ask here:
1) Is the City Government really tough against crime in general?
2) Are POGOs and other businesses that target Chinese nationals as employees and consumers too tempting for the City Government to reject and were allowed to be part of the local economy and communities?
3) Were the business permit applications of those POGOs and businesses targeting Chinese nationals carefully reviewed by the Parañaque Business Permit & Licensing Office (BPLO) before being approved?
4) Are there any police officers in Parañaque who accepted bribes from Chinese nationals and the POGOs to look the other way and let them do their illegal activities?
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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
A lot of Barangay BF Homes residents lined up for the release of Christmas gifts from former barangay chairwoman and former city councilor Beng Amurao on December 23 at Parañaque City Hall.
On the afternoon of December 23, hundreds of residents of Barangay BF Homes went home from Parañaque City Hall happy and thankful after receiving Christmas gifts in the form of consumable goods from former Barangay BF Homes chairwoman and former City Councilor Florencia “Beng” Amurao.
Specifically, Amurao confirmed to me that there were more than four hundred (400+) recipients of goods who each got bags of goods. The said bags (which contained fiesta ham, condensed milk, canned meat and others) were carefully distributed by her staff in coordination with the City Government.
This is not the first time Beng Amurao gave back to the residents of her barangay many of which have known her personally since her days as a kagawad (councilor) and as captain. For many years, I personally witnessed her Amurao’s annual Christmas gift-giving. There were times the gift-giving was done at a family-controlled property along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision and, these past few years, was done at the grounds of City Hall just steps outside the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) office at the ground floor.
File photo of Florencia “Beng” Amurao, who is clearly one of the most notable personalities of Barangay BF Homes. (photo sourced from SK- Team Beng Amurao Facebook page)Another look at the line of recipients.
From what I observed, I can say clearly that Beng Amurao has a heart of compassion, service and care for the people of Barangay BF Homes and her extensive track record of public service through the decades (which include legislation approved, projects fulfilled and much more) prove it. Even though she served for three consecutive terms as a City Councilor (2007-2016) serving a lot more people around the city, Amurao never forgot her community. Since leaving the City Council, she has been assisting the mayor’s office on projects related to her barangay.
Will she run again for public office in the near future? Nobody knows yet but what is clear is that the year 2022 will have the next local elections (specifically the city-level) as well as the next barangay elections.
For more BF Homes community plus South Metro Manila news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com
You can check out my varied marketing services (including Twitter boosting) right here.
We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the City Government aims to have zero firecracker-related casualty when city residents welcome the New Year as it beefs up the implementation of Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign.
Navarro said the City Health Office recorded a significant decrease in casualties from 13 cases in 2016 to six in 2017, and reduced to two in 2018 upon the implementation of the ban. Local hospitals including Ospital ng Muntinlupa are on standby and have installed fast lanes to provide emergency medical assistance to victims of firecracker blasts.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi ordered the local Peace and Order Council to intensify inspections on marketplaces to confiscate illegal firecrackers and apprehend violators.
On December 23, the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau and personnel of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) led an operation in Alabang Viaduct to apprehend vendors selling firecrackers and conducted an information drive.
Ordinance No. 14-092 was passed by the City Council effectively prohibiting the display and distribution of firecrackers within Muntinlupa’s legal jurisdiction as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.
Apprehended individuals using firecrackers will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000 penalty. While commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance. Further, mall owners or similar establishments may organize fireworks displays in designated areas upon securing a permit from Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.
The City Government is also set to organize a motorcade on December 30 to launch its Iwas Paputok awareness campaign. During the motorcade, local officials will distribute alternative noisemaking devices (torotot) in District 1 and 2 barangays. The motorcade will begin at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle and will conclude in South Station, Alabang with a boodle fight event.
While alternative noise-making activities are encouraged, MTMB warned motorists that the use of aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise causing disturbances in is prohibited as per City Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code.
The City Government has coordinated with Philippine National Police (PNP) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) to put up checkpoints and conduct monitoring surveillance on major thoroughfares, including secondary roads, for the apprehension of revelers with open-mufflers.
Mayor Fresnedi urged residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers. He also encouraged them to celebrate the New Year’s Eve safely.
Muntinlupa residents are also encouraged to report violators to authorities. Locals may contact the following offices: MTMB (831-9884), PNP Muntinlupa (862-2611 / 09083770084), BFP Muntinlupa (842-2201), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (925-4351), and Ospital ng Muntinlupa (771-0457).
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
This past Christmas Day at Westgate, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, I was walking to the parked car coming from Starbucks Reserve planning to go back home. As I was about to open the car, I noticed something nearby and decided to walk to it and check it out.
It turns out that the Alabang branch of Pizza Telefono was already open and waiting for customers. Out of curiosity, I entered the restaurant and approached the counter to see what was listed on their menu.
The counter.Tables and chairs.
To say the least, they had an interesting selection of meals that surely will interest food enthusiasts, notably those who love Italian cuisine. They have hand-tossed pizza (9 variants or flavors), thin-crust pizza (9 variants), premium hand-tossed pizza (6 variants) pasta, premium breakfast meals, salad, chicken, baked rolls and the unique Chicago pizza pot pie (Ragu and Mushroom).
As it was Christmas Day, I had to help with the family hosting a party at home so eating there at the Alabang branch of Pizza Telefono was out of the question.
Today, I returned to the restaurant for lunch. I ordered their spaghetti with meatballs.
Pizza Telefono’s spaghetti with meatballs.This piece of bread is several inches long and thick enough.
The meal came with a generous amount of noodles, pasta sauce with stewed tomatoes, a piece of bread and three meatballs. For my first bite, I cut a piece of meatball and took it in. Instantly, there was this Italian taste on my tongue. The piece of meatball, to my surprise, was not that warm. It was smooth enough to chew on, though.
When it comes to taste, I felt that the spaghetti of Pizza Telefono tasted very similar to that of Sbarro’s (the one with tomato sauce). Even the texture of the noodles were similar. The piece of bread, meanwhile, was long and thick enough.
This is one of the meatballs partially cut open.
Overall, the spaghetti and meatball meal of Pizza Telefono was satisfying and tasty enough. It was tasty, I did not use any condiments to enjoy it. At P275, it was worth it. The meatballs could have been a warmer, though.
With regards to the restaurant itself, as it is still brand new as of this writing, there are still some shortcomings. While there were lots of tables and chairs filling the rectangular space, I was told that the far-end section was still closed. When I made my first order for beverages, bottled water, canned sodas and Minute Maid were unavailable. I had to settle with their local drinking water.
Being an Alabang resident, I plan to revisit Pizza Telefono as I’m really interested to try out soon one of their pizzas. Their premium breakfast meals looked interesting too.
The entrance of Pizza Telefono Alabang.
For the South Metro Manila residents as well as those coming from nearby Laguna and Cavite, Pizza Telefono Alabang branch inside Westgate is a short walking distance away from Contis Alabang and Fitness First Alabang. One end of the restaurant faces the said two establishments. For those who are about to visit Westgate for the first time, prepare to pay for parking.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Christmas is always truly about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. He was born thousands of years ago and His earthly mother Mary served as God’s chosen instrument to conceive and carry Him. As we the faithful already know, Jesus went on to spread God’s message to others, taught many meaningful and holy lessons, provided the best guidance and, ultimately, He suffered and died to redeem humanity entirely. Jesus came back from the dead and made His presence felt to many witnesses before finally ascending to Heaven with a promise that He will return.
As I personally witnessed and experienced in life, the celebration of Christmas, at least here in the Philippines, is not too focused on Jesus Himself. This is because others are distracted by earthly developments, social trends, the Internet, selfishness, materialism, covetousness and other factors.
For one thing, idolatry, which I previously explained is a sin as recorded in the Holy Bible, continues to keep people away from Jesus when celebrating Christmas. There are still a lot of people out there who instantly think of Santa Claus instead of Lord Jesus whenever Christmas is discussed. Look at all those paintings, drawings, decorations, statues and other visual forms of Santa Claus, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, the elves and the like which many believe in. Idolatry’s menace is still present during the Christmas season. Christmas is all about Lord Jesus who is real and alive above us, high up in Heaven. Santa Claus and the related characters are all just pieces of fantasy!
There is also the distraction that comes with financial bonuses, the free meals and drinks served during Christmas parties, the dancing, the music, the gifts (which are often linked with Santa Claus), the Christmas-themed movies, the video games, the out-of-town vacations and the like. All those enjoyable elements should not be viewed as the main purpose of Christmas but rather as blessings from God who is the source of blessings, happiness, prosperity and opportunities. It’s okay to enjoy gifts and riches but always remember the Lord and thank Him for them.
Making the celebration of Christmas meaningless, hollow and complicated is secularism. Already secularism distorted many people’s ways of celebrating the season of Christ by excluding Him, by brainwashing people to express “Xmas” (or “X’mas”) instead of “Christmas”, and by making people focus on gift-giving as the main purpose of the Lord’s season instead of celebrating His birth. Be mindful that secularism, atheism and other forms of resistance or denial towards the Lord lead to unbelief.
And then there is also the presence of religion which really hinders people from being faithful to the Lord by deceiving them into practicing idolatry (true Christianity means worshiping God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit mainly and directly), practicing religious traditions (which take people away from the Holy Bible), being burdened by the many man-made rules of religion, and doing things that involve little or nothing about God’s Word (the Holy Bible) at all! As if these were not bad enough, the so-called leaders of the hierarchy of religion-driven churches wield tremendous power over the people who don’t realize they have been trapped by religion (and were even manipulated to worship those so-called leaders). Lastly, religion also hinders people from easily realizing the truth about celebrating Christmas.
With these things expressed, I would like to help you realize that Christmas is truly all about Lord Jesus, nothing else and nobody else! Please pay close attention to the following scriptures from the Holy Bible.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
Isaiah 9:6 emphasizes peace and Christlikeness. Peace comes from God (read Romans 1: 7) and is evidence of the rule of the Messiah whose character as the Prince of Peace waits to instill the settledness of His own rule in our souls. To be faithful to the Lord requires repentance, submission and becoming born again (refer to Jesus’ own words in John 3: 3) which includes living in holiness with Lord Jesus as the one to follow. Christianity involves faithfulness, absorbing and understanding God’s Word (the Holy Bible is the ultimate authority and nothing else comes close), doing God’s Word (applying it in our lives) and living the Christian way no matter how chaotic our world is and matter how many people will challenge or harm us (all the more reason to remain faithful with the Lord).
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV)
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)
2 Corinthians 8:9 emphasizes that the greatest and most inspiring example of generosity is the grace of Lord Jesus. His richness does not refer to material wealth during His time living in the flesh, rather it is recognition of His eternal status as Lord of both Heaven and Earth. Lord Jesus became poor through the total giving of Himself in the incarnation and the Crucifixion (refer to Philippians 2:5-8). That scripture shows how much Jesus would give and how far He went to lift people up. Contrary to the teachings of some practitioners of religion (who were even worshipped by people trapped by religion), the Lord does not want His faithful children to be trapped with poverty while living in the flesh. Continuing further, 2 Corinthians 9: 8 is about God’s ability to meet all the faithful children’s needs (spiritual, financial, and others) and increase their resources so that they can meet their needs. As mentioned earlier, God is the definitive source we the faithful must always look up to and continue to thank and honor Him in return. It is the Lord (not those idols and not people) who rewards the faithful abundantly!
This brings me to the next holy scripture with the words of Lord Jesus Himself. This one is very true and undeniable!
And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Revelations 22:12 (NKJV)
I love those words from Lord Jesus who truly loves us. We the faithful each have a personal relationship with God and that relationship is strictly off-limits to everyone else (not even the head of any over-sized religion-driven church has the right to intervene in a Christian’s personal relationship with God). At the same time, God made plans for each and every one of us and that includes assignments or tasks that He will assign to you and me. After doing the assigned tasks we got, the Lord will reward us according to the work we each fulfilled. Don’t expect the exact same reward, expect the proportionate reward and only the Lord knows the values of each task He assigns to us. The Lord knows best! Remember this whenever you think of Christmas – that Jesus was born to not only save us from sin but also to reward each and every faithful Christian who performed the assigned tasks from Him.
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption–
1 Corinthians 1:30 (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 1:30 is about righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Righteousness is God’s judicial determination to right every wrong and His gift to the guilty which removes all condemnation and puts them in a state of justification (including full acquittal from all charges made against them). Sanctification is about the need for cleansing from pollution and this includes renewal by the power of the Holy Spirit which allows acceptable living before God, and points to our ultimate perfection in His presence. Redemption speaks of freedom and final deliverance from all aspects of sin, including the resurrection of the body.
Are you still a sinner? Do you believe that the real-world justice system has been corrupted and blind to you? Look up to God, Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit instead! It is never too late for sinners to become born again (to be saved), dedicate themselves to the Lord and live not only a new life but a holier life. Never forget that true redemption is from the Lord! Jesus was born into our world as the Redeemer! Jesus defeated Satan and He also saved humanity which suffered a lot since Adam rebelled towards God.
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.”
Isaiah 48:17 (NKJV)
Not only is Jesus the Redeemer, He is also God in the flesh! Instead of making our own plans (which lead to selfishness, covetousness and other unholy elements in life) thinking of pulling God to make them come true, we should do instead is submit to the Lord and repent, let the Holy Spirit come into our hearts (this is part of becoming born again) and let the Lord guide us and lead us. We in turn must follow the plan God made for each and every one of us. Those plans were made by Him even before we each got created.
Speaking of plans from Him, we each need the Holy Spirit. Take note of the following scriptures.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go to pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NKJV)
Verse 11 emphasizes that God indeed punishes His people in order to restore them to a proper relationship with Him. While there is hope for sinners to reform themselves to be good (righteousness and holiness), the sinners who are truly wicked and always deliberately sin for their own agenda (or keep doing the work for Satan) and satisfaction (examples: covetousness, greed, murder, destruction, lying, idolatry) will truly be punished by the Lord (refer to Psalm 94:23, Psalm 83:17, 1 Timothy 6:9, Jude 1:10, Psalm 28:5 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). All the more reason to be repent, submit to God and become born again (John 3: 3). Verses 12, 13 and 14 are about seeking the Lord who truly listens and responds (with action) to the prayers of those who are faithful to Him. To realize Jeremiah 29: 11-14 in your life, you need to have the Holy Spirit (receive Jesus in you) and live in holiness. Being born again means leaving your old sinful life behind and live on as a new creation of the Lord. Live in holiness with faith, not religion and not unbelief. Going back to remembering Lord Jesus for Christmas, always also remember His Holiness.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be gloried in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwels with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
John 14:12-18 (NKJV)
Those words from Lord Jesus are truly powerful and undeniable. Verse 12 refers to His earthly ministry that lasted only a few years. However, after the Resurrection and Pentecost, Jesus’ ministry was and continues to be multiplied through Spirit-empowered believers. We the faithful have work to do that includes preaching the gospel, resulting the blessings of justification, reconciliation, and the gift of the Holy Spirit coming to humankind. These are post-Resurrection manifestations of the reign of Lord Jesus. Verse 13 is about prayer offered in Jesus’ name in accordance with His revealed nature and purpose, complete with the full weight of His authority backing it. Verse 15 and 16 clearly shows that our love for Him should always come with following His commandments, and Jesus will pray to God the Father who will respond by sending another Helper (the Holy Spirit, also referred to in John 14: 26) to us as we, who live here on Earth, wait for His return. Verse 17 is a reminder that there are a whole lot of people who do not believe nor understand the Lord, and therefore they cannot relate with the beliefs of faithful Christians. This is about the many unsaved souls and lost souls who dwell all over the Earth, the many who don’t realize their true purposes under God. Verse 18 is about Jesus referring to His coming and in the Person of the Holy Spirit. For as long as we believe in Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit, we the faithful will not be abandoned.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
John 14:26 (NKJV)
Those words by Lord Jesus goes back to Verse 16 of John chapter 14 with regards to the Helper from God which is the Holy Spirit. This particular verse goes further explaining that the Holy Spirit will teach the faithful Christian what to say yes to (acceptance) and what to say no to (denial). Instead of relying on our own thinking, we the faithful should allow the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us, and remember to always enforce the boundaries that the Lord gave us. With the Lord as our ultimate teacher and guide, nothing and nobody else comes close! Don’t be misled by the idolaters and other sinners, always follow the Holy Spirit in you! Pray for the unsaved souls and lost souls that they will realize their true purpose under God and willingly decide to return to Him with repentance and submission. The unsaved and the lost don’t realize it yet but they really need the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, and they also need to be born again. Religion, idolatry and unbelief have kept them away from the Lord for so long.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)
Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us that God is open to anyone who seeks Him and His guidance. As such, with all the many activities happening during the Christmas holiday (partying, feasting, shopping spree, out-of-town vacations and the like), we must always make time for the Holy Spirit. This also means making time to pray to the Lord, reading the Holy Bible and continue to implement the many holy lessons into our respective lives. This is about living in holiness in a world that has been screwed up and divided.
In concluding this, I embedded below videos of Christian praise-and-worship songs that strongly emphasize the Lord. They are not exactly Christmas-themed songs but they are still great to worship the Lord with.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas! Remember that no matter what happens around you, always make time for the Holy Spirit. Enjoy the Christmas holidays but never leave and never forget about Lord Jesus. Remember to always praise, honor and thank the Lord forever.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
If you are caught using an open pipe muffler or if you light firecrackers within the City of Muntinlupa during the Christmas holidays, then you will be in trouble.
The City Government of Muntinlupa formally announced on December 23 the on-going ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including open pipe mufflers and other modifications, during the Christmas and New Year celebration.
On that same day, the Muntinlupa Traffic Management and MMDA led an operation at Alabang Viaduct to apprehend illegal vendors selling firecrackers and conduct an information drive on the prohibition of the said items.
The City Council passed Ordinance No. 14-092 prohibiting the display and distribution of firecrackers in the city as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.
Apprehended individuals using firecrackers will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000 penalty. Commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.
Further, mall owners or similar establishments may organize fireworks displays in designated areas upon securing a permit from Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.
Upon the implementation of the firecracker ban, the City Health Office recorded a significant decrease in casualties from 13 firecracker-related cases in 2016 to six cases in 2017 and two cases in 2018.
While alternative noise-making activities are encouraged, the Muntinlupa Traffic and Management Bureau warned motorists that the use of aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise causing disturbances in the holiday season will be apprehended.
As per City Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code, motorists shall equip their vehicles with a muffler to prevent unusual noise.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urges residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers. He encouraged Muntinlupa residents to celebrate the New Year’s Eve safely.
Muntinlupa residents are also encouraged to report violators to authorities. Locals may contact the following offices: MTMB (831-9884), PNP Muntinlupa (862-2611 / 09083770084), BFP Muntinlupa (842-2201), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (925-4351), and Ospital ng Muntinlupa (771-0457).
On the afternoon of December 19, the City Government of Muntinlupa celebrated the 102nd Founding Anniversary of Muntinlupa with special activities at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan.
Among the most notable activities was Mayor Jaime Fresnedi’s awarding of plaques of recognition to outstanding citizens who made an impact on the fields of public service, academics and sports.
For sports, it turned out that Muntinlupa is home to nine Philippine Team members who won medals in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (2019 SEA Games) which our nation hosted to much success. It is also notable that Muntinlupa hosted the SEA Games badminton tournaments while the SEA Games obstacle course race events were held at Filinvest City.
In celebration of Muntinlupa’s 102nd Founding Anniversary, the local government fetes Muntinlupa 2019 SEA Games medalists along with other outstanding citizens. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (3rd from right) awarded plaques of recognition to Muntinlupa athletes who snagged medals in the 2019 SEA Games last December 19 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Tunasan. Shown in the photo: (L-R) Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Kodo Nakano (Bronze, Judo), Keisei Nakano (Bronze, Judo), Shugen Nakano (Gold Medalist, Judo), Daryl Mercado (Bronze, Judo), Ryssa Jezzel Sanchez (Silver, Arnis), Rick Jayson Constantino Senales (Bronze, Kurash and Judo), Vice-mayor Temy Simundac, and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela. (photo released by City Government of Muntinlupa – PIO)
The Muntinlupa-based SEA Games medalists who received honors and shared the stage with the Mayor, Vice Mayor Temy Simundac, Congressman Ruffy Biazon and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela were Kodo Nakano (Bronze, Judo), Keisei Nakano (Bronze, Judo), Shugen Nakano (Gold Medalist, Judo), Daryl Mercado (Bronze, Judo), Ryssa Jezzel Sanchez (Silver, Arnis), and Rick Jayson Constantino Senales (Bronze, Kurash and Judo).
The other city athletes who made the honor list were Francis Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon (Gold, Tennis Doubles) Jaime Delange (Gold, Skateboarding) and Jeson Patrombon (Bronze, Tennis Singles).
The above SEA Games medalists will soon receive incentives from the City Government.
On the field of public service, those who were honored were National Academy of Science and Technology of the Philippines Outstanding Scientist Dr. Nathaniel P. Hermosa II, IdeasxMachina CEO and Malaking Muntinlupa Foundation founder Clemente C. Domingo III, Metropolitan Waterworks & Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Lt. Gen. Emmanuel B. Salamat (ret.), former Muntinlupa Mayor Ignacio R. Bunye, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Francisco G. Dakila Jr. (represented by Maura Dakila), and Department of Transportation (DOTR) Sec. Arthur P. Tugade.
For academics, the Muntinlupa residents who were honored for being ranked as top-notchers in various board and bar examinations were Coun. Jun Metong Sevilla representing Atty. Patricia Sevilla (Top 7, 2018 Bar Examinations), Mrs. Gail Turner Diaz representing Engr. James Christian Turner Diaz (Top 4, 2019 Electrical Engineer Board Exam) and Atty. Sean James Borja (Top 1, 2018 Bar examinations).
Apart from being the home city of tremendous achievers, Muntinlupa also had more reasons to celebrate big time. The city is also one of the nation’s leading investment hubs. Mayor Fresnedi emphasized the town’s progress to its people which called as Muntinlupa’s greatest resource. Also highlighted were the City Government’s sustainability initiatives and commitment to prioritize programs for education.
“As we journey through the second century of Muntinlupa, the local government will continue to invest in sustainable programs, focusing on the education of Muntinlupeños, to position the city and its people to greater heights,” Fresnedi said.
For historical perspective, Muntinlupa gained its independent status as a municipality in the year 1917 through Executive Order 108 issued by Governor General Francis Burton Harrison. Today, it has transformed as a Highly Urbanized City with nine equally progressive barangays and a population of 504,509.
Muntinlupa has been recognized as a model LGU (local government unit) in the country and garnered several awards and citations from various governing bodies including the Seal of Good Governance from DILG in 2015 and 2019, Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance from Regional Committee for Welfare of Children in 2017-2019, Red Orchid Award in 2018 and 2019, Jose Rizal Award in 2017-2019, Most Business-Friendly City Award in 2001, 2002, 2017, and 2018, Green Banner Award and Outstanding LGU in Nutrition Program Management in 2018, MERALCO Luminaries Award in 2018, Government Efficiency and Resilience Award (3rd Place) from National Competitiveness Council in 2017 and 2018, respectively; and Union Internationale des Transports Publics Awards in 2017, among others.
With the way things are going, Muntinlupa’s strong progressive drive as a highly competitive city of the Philippines (and arguably as the leading city of progress of South Metro Manila) will only keep on moving forward.
This past weekend, the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc. organized parties to celebrate Christmas (the birth of Lord Jesus) with its employees and security personnel in return for their dedicated service to the village homeowners all throughout the year.
First was a Christmas party in the evening of December 14 for the HOA employees and their family members held at the cover basketball court just steps away from the village clubhouse along Jakarta street. Catered food and free flowing drinks were served to the guests and present were present as well as incoming members of the association’s board of directors. Incoming BF NorthWest President Manny Nubla and incoming Vice President Lulu Trias attended.
Roasted pork prepared as incoming BF NorthWest President Manny Nubla watches.
The BF NorthWest association personnel and their family members.
A fun activity organized.
A collection of Christmas party prizes that eventually got raffled off.
As the games, gift exchange and fun went on, the party was visited by former Barangay BF Homes Kagawad Alfred Lazatin. During the summer of 2019, Lazatin’s 40th birthday celebration was held in the same covered basketball court there in the village.
Several minutes after, Parañaque City Councilor Jackie Bustamante-Mendoza and her son Joaqui arrived to meet and greet the locals.
City Councilor Jackie Bustamante-Mendoza welcomed by incoming BF NorthWest President Manny Nubla.
From left to right were Joaqui Bustamante-Mendoza, Councilor Jackie Bustamante-Mendoza, BF NorthWest incoming president Manny Nubla, BF NorthWest director Reggie Orquiza and former Barangay BF Homes Kagawad Alfred Lazatin.
The next day, December 15, the BF NorthWest HOA organized the Christmas party for their security personnel plus some guests which started at past 1PM at the 2nd floor of the village clubhouse.
It was another happy affair as the guests enjoyed good food and drinks, had fun partying and several of them went home with prizes that were raffled off.
Tasty food served to the security personnel during their December 15 Christmas party. (photo contributed by Lorea Miren)
A look at the food prepared for the many security personnel and guests. (photo contributed by Lorea Miren)
And there you have it. The BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc. continued its long-time tradition of organizing Christmas parties for their office employees and the security personnel who worked hard all year-long to serve the village residents.
For more BF Homes community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Author Carlo Carrasco 