Today is the first day of December. Not only does this reminds us that 2024 is coming to an end, it is also a reminder that Christmas is nearing. That being said, today is also the final day of the 2024 Christmas bazaar of Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) and there is still time for you to buy items for gift-giving.
The AHVA’s Christmas bazaar officially launched on the morning of November 29 at the Phase 2 park using the two covered courts – one covered court has the many sellers of assorted goods (bags, clothes, household items, toys, decorations and more) and the other has the small businesses that sell different types of food and beverages. The two covered courts are located along Legaspi street.
This image shows some of the many sellers at the covered basketball court at the Phase 2 park inside Alabang Hills Village. A wide variety of items are being sold here.
Something caught the attention of many at this particular booth.
The smaller covered court is where the food and beverages are being sold.
Meanwhile, there are other sellers of clothing and assorted items occupying spaces in close proximity to Don Jesus Boulevard. For the newcomers reading this, the office of the AHVA is located along Don Jesus Boulevard.
A few of the other sellers occupying spaces in close proximity to Don Jesus Boulevard.
If you are located within Alabang or in the nearby BF Homes communities, if your car has a valid AHVA sticker, and if you need to buy products for Christmas gift-giving, I encourage you to take the opportunity to visit the Alabang Hills Village Christmas bazaar today. The bazaar will end tonight at 9PM.
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
On the evening of November 24 at the covered basketball court inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) had its annual Christmas party which was attended by lots of guests.
According to CCTI president Flor Umali, around eight hundred guests – including CCTI members and officials – attended. 600 were from Tahanan Village while roughly 200 others were from the adopted villages of Teoville, Maywood and partly from BF NorthWest.
A view of the CCTI Christmas party set-up and the stage.
A few of the many gifts and raffle prizes on display by the stage.
The guests had a nice night of celebrating Christmas with a dinner buffet, musical performances and social interactions. Sponsored raffles and gifts given added excitement to the celebration as the party went on.
As with past Christmas parties of CCTI (click here and here), the local public servants and candidates (for the 2025 local elections) were in attendance and spent some time greeting the guests and sparing time to chat with them. Present were congressman Brian Yamsuan (running for Parañaque’s 2nd district congressional seat), former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe (candidate for Parañaque Vice Mayor), former City Councilor Tess de Asis (running for the City Council), former City Councilor Binky Favis (also running for the City Council), City Councilor Tin Esplana, Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez and Mayor Eric Olivarez.
In the foreground are (L to R) former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe, City Councilor Tin Esplana (facing the background) and former City Councilor Binky Favis (standing). In the background is Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez delivering his remarks.
CCTI president Flor Umali with Bicol Saro party-list Representative Brian Yamsuan. Yamsuan is running for the 2nd district congressional seat of Parañaque in the 2025 election.
Olivarez gave the guests an update about what has been happening in the city. Like in his previous attendance of CCTI Christmas parties, he performed a dance to delight the audience. Olivarez will be running for Parañaque’s 1st district congressional seat which he previously occupied from 2013 to 2022.
With regards to what people can expect next from the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. in the near future, their president said that the next health check activity might happen in February 2025. Watch out for future updates from the CCTI.
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
To conclude their Health Awareness Month, which was primarily aimed to develop self-awareness in their students, Mindbuilders Preschool located in BF Homes organized a special event entitled “All my Feelings are All Me.”
Prior to this culmination, the teachers of Mindbuilders Preschool implemented activities throughout October that would encourage their pupils to identify and even discuss their feelings in class. One tool the students made and used during their daily Circle Time period was a “feelings scale”, which allowed each child to identify a specific emotion he or she was feeling at the time. The children were also taught to use a decorated paper cup nicknamed the “jellyfish”. By breathing in and out of the cup, they could use it to calm themselves down in situations that made them feel scared, nervous or anxious. Other activities promoting self-awareness, specifically in the Gross Motor domain, were also implemented.
Then, on the morning of November 15, the assembly of preschool pupils, teachers and volunteer parents witnessed two very special presentations: one by psychologist Patricia Pacheco-Beton and another by a living legend of Philippine cinema and television, Miss Gina Alajar.
Teacher Pach efficiently taught the young audience about the kind of feelings they have and how to react when they feel something. In separate turns, a few students were called to the front to answer the guest psychologist’s key questions. The answers stated amused the other children as well as the parents and teachers who were present. More importantly, the little children themselves learned a lot from Teacher Pach’s presentation.
Using a children’s picture book, Teacher Pach engaged the students with a story and how it relates with feelings.
Teacher Pach also engaged the students in a read-aloud of an illustrated children’s book about the myriad of feelings a child can have in just one day! And as the narrative went on, students were able to identify the kind of emotions that the main character displayed.
Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar facilitated an acting workshop with three alternating groups of kids in attendance. In relation to the topic of feelings, she first asked the students what kind of emotions were they able to spot in films they had watched before. Collectively, the children gave answers which proved that they had been paying attention to the cinematic emotions even while enjoying the movies.
Ms. Gina Alajar had a group sit-down with the students of Mindbuilders Preschool about their feelings in relation to the senses. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
The veteran filmmaker getting feedback from one of the students. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
To determine how far everyone could go with their emotions, Alajar focused on the five senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. For each sense explored, the actress used specific items to get reactions from the kids. As children would respond differently to each item, she processed valuing each one’s feelings and respecting the feelings of others as well. Having seen Gina Alajar act so dramatically in movies from long ago, I was very impressed to see how experienced and patient she was when it came to teaching the students of Mindbuilders Preschool. It was as if they were all her grandchildren!
Elsewhere within Mindbuilders were other activities that tapped the students’ other intelligences. These took place inside different classrooms. One classroom had each child decorate a puzzle piece and then assemble the pieces together to form one big puzzle. In another classroom nearby, students were taught to express themselves with music and movement amidst multicolored lights. Finally, a coloring session of positive quotes on affirmation stones was held in another classroom.
In this particular workshop, the students learn to express themselves with music and movement. (Photo credit: Macon Leaño)
Students putting the puzzle pieces together in another classroom. (Photo credit: Tintin L. Cabase)
A student coloring positive quotes on an affirmation stone. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
The session of coloring positive quotes on affirmation stones offers students a unique opportunity to practice their analysis and creativity. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
After all the workshops and sessions were completed, the students were treated to a free film viewing at the play area.
A special activity fulfilled!
According to Mindbuilders Preschool Directress Marah Estuesta, the team worked hard in preparation for their Health Awareness Month Culmination. This included making schedule adjustments due to a major weather disturbance. What transpired on November 15, however, was a huge pay-off complete with a strong reception and the fulfillment of goals on educating the children about self-awareness.
Mindbuilders Preschool’s Health Awareness Month Culmination was supported by Chef Thess Uy Catering.
Philippines film and TV living legend Gina Alajar poses with the teachers and parents of Mindbuilders Preschool. At leftmost is directress Marah Estuesta. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
Words from the Directress
“This activity was one for the books! In today’s world, where mental health is increasingly prioritized, I am happy to have an activity that fosters socio-emotional development in our preschoolers. It is very relevant that children begin developing self-awareness early, as it lays the foundation for understanding and managing their emotions, as well as expressing them effectively.
From understanding their own feelings to recognizing those of others, this activity is a significant step in helping young minds navigate the complexities of emotions. By engaging in activities that promote emotional intelligence, children learn valuable skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and healthy communication.
Our month-long activities encouraged our preschoolers to explore and express their feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. Through fun, interactive exercises, tapping their Multiple Intelligences, they begin to articulate their emotions, understand their impact, and learn appropriate ways to respond to various emotional states. This kind of early intervention is vital, as it equips children with the tools they need to grow into emotionally resilient and socially adept individuals.“
Mindbuilders Preschool is an early learning environment committed to maximizing a child’s potential by creating exciting experiences that inspire enthusiasm for learning. Founded in 2002, it has grown as the leading Multiple Intelligences Preschool in the South (BF Homes, Las Piñas & Parañaque), following Howard Gardner’s Theory. Mindbuilders Preschool offers one of the best classes in the community for preschoolers.
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
Just yesterday, the said Dark Asia with Megan episode gathered over 100,000 views worldwide as well an estimated 3,500 likes. It should be noted that it took less than 30 days for the Antonio P. Antonio episode to surpass the 100,000 views mark. That being said, I posted below for your convenience the YouTube video. I encourage you all to watch it from start to finish.
For the newcomers reading this, the late Antonio P. Antonio (APA) was one of the most notable residents of BF Homes subdivision which is so large it occupies parts of the cities of Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa. Antonio was also a president of the United BF Homesowners Association, Inc. (UBFHAI) and in the world of business, he was very successful tycoon. For my past blogs about Antonio P. Antonio and his family, click here, here, here and here.
Regarding Dark Asia with Megan, I encourage you to visit the YouTube channel by clicking https://www.youtube.com/@DarkAsiawithMegan. The YouTuber has almost 550,000 subscribers worldwide as of this writing.
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Were you able to attend the Megarahe Sale 2024 inside Alabang Hills Village on September 28 or 29? In recent times, the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) declared this year’s edition of the annual Megarahe Sale a huge success.
To see what Megarahe Sale 2024 looked like, you can watch the video I recorded by clicking right here.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from their official website update of October 4, 2024. Some parts in boldface…
We would like to thank everyone for participating in our recently concluded community event, the Megarahe Sale 2024.
The Megarahe Sale showcased a total of eighty eight (88) vendors and a large number of attendees and shoppers. It was a weekend of fun selling by our residents, good finds for shoppers & delicious treats for foodies.
We hope to solicit your support once again to the forthcoming community events that are in store for you for the rest of the year.
For the newcomers reading this, the Megarahe Sale (sometimes referred to as “Megarahe Sale & Kids Bazaar, Ukay-Okay!”) is held annually inside Alabang Hills Village. Every time it happens, there were lots of vendors selling a variety of goods such as clothes, shoes, bags, wallets and other household items that customers can choose from. Also present were sellers of food and drinks for the needs of visitors.
Going back to AHVA’s message, they specified the exact number of vendors of the Megarahe Sale 2024 although no numbers nor estimates were provided about the people who attended and/or shopped. Of course, it is very challenging to determine how many visitors arrived and how many individual transactions happened.
As the AHVA mentioned in their post, there are still more community events coming before the year ends. To find out about AHVA’s future events, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call them at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village.
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.
#1Antonio P. Antonio story featured by Dark Asia with Megan – I previous made a blog post about this (click here). Even before this blog and website of mine started, I had been following the crime story of the late Antonio P. Antonio (APA) who was killed by his own son in 2013. The son even stayed overseas for years before getting caught and brought back home to be tried in court. Eventually, justice was served for the victim’s family and I should say that YouTuber Dark Asia with Megan did a really good job explaining and emphasizing the details in an episode launched on YouTube on September 25, 2024. This is a must-see video for anyone who is interested in true crime stories as well as events related to the famous BF Homes subdivision in the Philippines.
#2 New cars are spying on drivers and violating privacy – Be very careful with what you wish for when it comes to buying a brand new car with the latest in technology. There is this disturbing trend growing in which drivers/owners of cars equipped with highly advanced technologies ended up getting violated by car companies who collected not only their personal data but also other types of information about them such as immigration status, race, facial expressions, weight, health and even genetic information. This is because the highly computerized cars can spy on drivers by capturing videos of them, recording sound, monitoring their use of car apps, and collecting data from smartphones or computers that got connected to the car’s system. Watch the videos below and pay close attention to the details.
#3 In-depth look at the elimination of Hezbollah’s top leader Nasrallah – I previously blogged about the elimination of Hezbollah leader and murderer Hassan Nasrallah and it contained relevant videos about the topic. For a new and in-depth look about his elimination and what lies ahead for Israel and the rest of the world, watch the TBN Israel and CBN News videos below. Pay close attention to details.
#4 Hunting legendary animals in Red Dead Redemption II – In the blockbuster video game Red Dead Redemption II, hunting is a huge and engaging part of the game. The game developers set up opportunities to find and hunt what they refer to as legendary animals. There is a variety of rewards that come with hunting the said animals and to find out where they are located, watch this video by Reptac.
#5 Last Action Hero videos – While it is a known fact that the movie Last Action Hero (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) was a huge commercial and critical disappointment in 1993, there are still lots of people who enjoyed watching it and even do research about it. That being said, it is not surprising that there are lots of YouTubers out there who made videos about it and you can watch a variety of videos I selected for your viewing.
6. How terrorist leader Hassan Nasrallah got eliminated
Going back to the eliminated Hezbollah leader and murderer Hassan Nasrallah, posted below is a video that explains (to the best of the YouTuber’s ability) what happened and how the powerful strike happened there in Lebanon.
7. Multiculturalism is truly bad
We live in a very twisted world. It is so twisted, illegal aliens are violating the sovereignty and cultures of nations. Like diversity, inclusion and wokeness, multiculturalism is a disease and it is destructive. Watch and learn from PragerU’s video below.
For the newcomers reading this, Benjo Bernabe is the son of former Parañaque City Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe. The young Bernabe served as City Councilor from 2010 to 2013, and he ran for Mayor in the 2013 local election but ended up short.
Benjo Bernabe filed his COC in the presence of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – Parañaque officials at City Hall. With him were his father, Congressman Brian Yamsuan (note: a candidate for the District 2 Congressional Seat of Parañaque) and Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez to name a few.
Former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe shows his certificate of candidacy (COC) confirming his run for the office of Vice Mayor of Parañaque in the May 2025 local elections. (photo source – Benjo Bernabe Official Facebook page)
Benjo Bernabe signing the form at City Hall. In the background were his father former Parañaque City Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe, congressman Brian Yamsuan and Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez (hidden, standing behind former Mayor Bernabe). (photo source – Benjo Bernabe Official Facebook page)
Benjo Bernabe has an official Facebook page where viewers can find updates about his campaign. To visit the FB page of the candidate, click https://www.facebook.com/BenjoBernabeOfficial
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 Benjo Bernabe will make a good and effective Vice Mayor? Have you decided already to support Bernabe’s campaign for the office of Vice Mayor? Do you think that in the event Bernabe becomes the next Vice Mayor, do you think her can inspire change to improve the quality of the City Government’s services and also make the city more competitive with the other highly urbanized cities of the nation? How enthusiastic are you right now when it comes to voting in the next local elections in May 2025?
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
This year’s edition of the popular Megarahe Sale of the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) is all set to happen at the Phase 2 Park inside Alabang Hills Village on September 28 and 29, 2024. The admission is free and each day of the sale will start at 7AM and end at 7PM.
As with the past editions of the Megarahe Sale (sometimes referred to as “Megarahe Sale & Kids Bazaar, Ukay-Okay!”), this year’s sale will have a variety of goods for sale such as clothes, shoes, bags, wallets and other household items that customers can choose from. There will also be a selection food and drinks for the needs of visitors.
The tarpaulin of the 2024 Megarahe Sale displayed near AHVA’s administrative office.
Megarahe Sale could be helpful if you are looking for gifts to give this Christmas or for a special occasion. I encourage you to visit the sale on September 28 and 29. To those who are driving vehicles without stickers from the AHVA, you can enter the village by leaving an ID card at the gate (enter the lane for those without AHVA stickers). Read about my past blogs of the Megarahe Sale by clicking here, here and here.
For inquiries about this new development, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call them at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village.
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 engagements, 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 team composed of the local police, Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives and members of the Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) of the Republic of Korea for fraud in South Korea arrested a wanted Korean national, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A Korean national was arrested by combined personnel of the Parañaque City Police BF Homes substation, Bureau of Immigration (BI), and Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) of the Republic of Korea for fraud in South Korea.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as “Park,” 33 who was arrested at around 1:30 p.m. along Manrea St., BF Homes, Parañaque City.
Park was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office and Hong Sung District Court for fraud of Article 347 in violation of the criminal act and telecommunications business act of the Republic of Korea.
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 there could be more foreign fugitives who could be living within your local community?
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 cop was arrested by elements of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives as a result of a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay BF Homes, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives on Sunday arrested a cop in a drug buy-bust operation in Parañaque City.
NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. identified the suspect as Cpl. Neil Bagunu, 31, presently assigned at the National Police Training Institute (NPTI).
He was arrested in Purok-2 Formost Street in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City after receiving the marked and boodle money from a poseur buyer as payment for shabu at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
Nartatez said the operatives seized drug paraphernalia worth PHP136,000 and a .45- caliber pistol.
The cop, he said, was brought to the Paranaque Police Station to face criminal and administrative charges.
He said over 500 policemen in Metro Manila have been dismissed from the service as part of the NCRPO’s internal cleansing since July last year.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more police officers secretly engaging in illegal activities in your local community?
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 