Hope Alive Conference by New Life Church on December 11 and 12, 2020

Are you looking for an event online to deepen your faith in the Lord and adjust yourself accordingly? If you are seeking such an event, then you should know that the Hope Alive Conference soon to be organized by New Life Church is all set to happen on December 11 and 12, 2020 online.

The good news here is you still have time to prepare for it.

Hope Alive Conference will be held online on December 11 and 12, 2020. (credit: Hope Alive PH and New Life Philippines)

To put things in perspective, the Hope Alive Conference is an online event that will bring words of fresh hope right in the comfort of your home. There will be pastors who will speak out the Word of God and share their insights about Christianity. The activities will be streamed live through Facebook and YouTube. You simply should look for New Life Philippines’ channels to avail of the livestreaming.

Day 1 of the conference is on December 11. There will be a morning online rally set for 10AM local time with pastors Paul and Shoddy Chase (the founder and senior pastors of New Life Church) leading it. On the evening at 7PM is another online rally led by pastor Lawrence Lim of the New Creation Church based in Singapore.

Day 2 of the conference on December 12 will see the morning online rally at 10AM which will be led by pastor Chad Mansbridge of the Australia-based Bayside Church. The evening rally set for 7PM will be led by New Life Philippines lead pastors Jocel and Mylene Evangelista.

The Hope Alive Conference will mark the culmination for the campaign to share hope, speak hope and give hope to those who seek it during this time of pandemic. It will also provide troubled Christians inspiration, enlightenment and the holiness of the Lord that they need.

You still have time to prepare for the conference and you can start by visiting  https://www.facebook.com/events/1449121155478971/

Once the Hope Alive Conference finally happens, be sure you have good Internet connection, your mobile device or your personal computer fully operating (with the Facebook and YouTube apps already running), and you have your notebook, your pen and the Holy Bible with you. For the faithful reading this, always keep on being the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Take part in the Hope Alive Conference!

Note: Images here are properties of Hope Alive PH and New Life Philippines.

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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 distorted views, NO to reckless publishers, and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila-related community developments, engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, visit and join the South Metro Manila FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Skyway Extension Project completion delayed to early 2021 due to accident in Muntinlupa

Were you among the many who got caught in slow-moving, heavy traffic along the northbound lane of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) heading towards Muntinlupa this past Saturday? On the morning of November 21, a tragic accident happened that effectively delayed the completion of the Skyway Extension Project from December 2020 to February 2021.

According to a PTV News report, a steel girder from the Skyway Extension Project fell down at the East Service Road in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, which was caused by the crane (of project contractor EEI Corporation) that fell on its side as it moved to its next position. According to a Manila Bulletin report, the steel girder fell on several vehicles causing the death of motorcyclist Edison Visaga Paquibot and injuring others.

A view of the tripped crane. (photo source – Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office)

The local police stated that the vehicles that got damaged by the steel girder include a Mitsubishi Adventure, a Toyota Vios taxis, a Hyundai H100, a Suzuki Raider motorcycle, a Yamaha Mio motorcycle and a Honda Beat motorcycle. The casualties were rushed to different hospitals for emergency treatment. Unsurprisingly, traffic along the East Service Road had to be closed off temporarily which complicated the flow of traffic.

Today, as published through the Facebook page of the City Government of Muntinlupa, San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang issued a personal apology and assured victims of the mishap that they will receive help. The published apology reads as follows:

Following the freak accident at the Skyway Extension project site in Cupang, Muntinlupa  over the weekend, the head of concession holder San Miguel Corporation (SMC) issued an apology to the victims and assured them  that the company would make sure all their needs would be taken care of, and more.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said that even while project contractor EEI Corporation was the one handling the construction of the project, as project proponent, SMC has a responsibility to take care of the victims.

“Even with a contractor handling construction, ultimately, we are responsible for the welfare of those who were affected. I would like to personally apologize to the victims and their families, as well as to our larger community in Muntinlupa,” Ang said.

The accident, reported to have been caused by a crane that tipped over as it moved into position, which then hit a steel girder causing it to fall on six vehicles, resulted in one fatality and four injuries.

“This terrible and tragic accident has affected me in ways I can’t even begin to express. I have not stopped thinking about the people who were affected, the four that were injured and most especially, the person who perished, and his family. There are no words that can ease the grief of losing a loved one,” Ang said.

“To the family, I can only offer my sincerest and deepest condolences, and my personal assurance that your family will be taken care of. To those who were injured, please be assured we will provide all the means necessary for you to recover and restart,” he added.

Ang also vowed that the incident will be investigated thoroughly, and that SMC and its contractor EEI will make sure even stricter measures are in place at the project site.

“In a project of this magnitude and scale, there are many redundant safety measures in place.  Unfortunately, we can’t predict every outcome, and I’m sure no one wanted this to happen,” Ang said.

“Regardless, we are working with authorities to determine the root cause of this incident. We will find out where lapses occurred and do whatever is necessary to help make sure they don’t happen again.”

Source: SMC Media Affairs

One of the many vehicles that got damaged badly by the fallen steel girder. (photo source – Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office)

For its part, contractor EEI management made assurances that they will take care of all the needs of those who were affected.

At this point of time, motorists who planned to travel north via the Skyway Extension Project will either have to wait until February 2021 or adjust their travel plans.

Come back here for the next update about the Skyway.

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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 distorted views, NO to reckless publishers, and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila-related community developments, engagements, commerce, interactions and other relevant updates, visit and join the fast growing South Metro Manila FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City on blue alert for Severe Tropical Storm Ulysses, barangays urged to conduct preemptive evacuation

Following the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in Metro Manila, the City Government of Muntinlupa is on blue alert status as the city monitors and prepares for Severe Tropical Storm Ulysses.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi ordered the Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (MCDDRM) to heighten monitoring, mobilize available resources, and prepare for a full scale response operation. Fresnedi convened the Local Disaster Risk Response and Management Council (LDRRMC) on Tuesday to discuss the City Government’s preparation and response efforts.

MCDDRM chief Erwin Alfonso urged Barangay Disaster Risk Response and Management Councils to conduct immediate pre-emptive and forced evacuation of communities in coastal areas identified as flood-prone and landslide prone areas.

The City Government has prepared the prepositioning of emergency response resources and equipment such as rescue boats, generators, emergency vehicles, search and rescue equipment, among others. Alfonso advised the public to be vigilant and monitor advisories from PAG-ASA and the City Government.

Recently, the local disaster response department installed early warning system across the city to inform communities in a timely manner about typhoon signal warnings, severe flooding, and earthquakes, among others.

Muntinlupa Scholarship Program has announced the postponement of scholarship allowance distribution for students of Soldiers Hills Elementary School, Lakeview Integrated School (Elementary, High School), Muntinlupa Elementary School, and Bayanan Elementary School (Unit 1) on November 11 – 12 as a precautionary measure.

According to the latest weather bulletin of PAGASA as of 8:00 AM, November 11, Severe Tropical Storm “Ulysses” is nearing Typhoon category within the next 6 to 12 hours and reach its peak intensity of 130-155 km/h prior to landfall.

On the forecast track, Severe Tropical Storm “ULYSSES” will move generally westward throughout pass over Polillo Islands, mainland Quezon and crossing mainland Luzon going to the western seaboard of Central Luzon.

Heavy to torrential rains over Metro Manila, including Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, CALABARZON, Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan are expected from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning.

For emergency concerns, Muntinlupa City residents may reach the city’s hotline at 137-175.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City launches ‘Deliver to Recover Program’ with Grab Philippines, 500 drivers to receive additional stimulus package

The City Government of Muntinlupa officially launched the ‘Deliver to Recover Program’ with Grab Philippines in a bid to provide livelihood to tricycle drivers and displaced workers in the city affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the launching event and turn-over ceremony of grant packages to the first batch of beneficiaries on Friday together with Congressman Ruffy Biazon and Grab Philippines execs Jackson Tan and Jeanine Tadique.

Fresnedi said the City Government entered into a partnership with Grab Philippines for the registration of 500 city residents who have lost their jobs during the community quarantine, including returning OFWs, to Grab Food and Grab Express Delivery service.

(L-R) Grab Acquisition Executive Jackson Tan, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Deliver to Recover Program beneficiary Jovencio Atienza, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and Grab Acquisition Executive Jeanine Tadique. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The local exec noted that the city’s economic cluster will also provide a grant package amounting to P7,500 to beneficiaries on top of assistance with their registration to the delivery service company.

“We recognize the challenges faced by Muntinlupa residents whose livelihoods were affected by the lockdown due to the pandemic and we will continue to assist them through various socio-economic projects,” Fresnedi noted.

The first batch of 500 beneficiaries received grant packages which include Grab uniforms, food insulated box, P2,500 worth of e-wallet credit, and P2,500 cash assistance as initial capital.

Muntinlupa City is the only LGU-partner of Grab Philippines in Metro Manila to include a ‘stimulus package’ for its beneficiaries.

Public Employment Service Office – Muntinlupa chief Glenda Aniñon said the registration for the city’s Deliver to Recover Program is still ongoing. Aniñon said city residents aged 21-50 y/o with smartphone and owns a motorcycle or a bicycle can apply to the program.

For more information about the process of application and other requirements, interested applicants may visit PESO Muntinlupa Facebook page or register via https://bit.ly/3d9y4Do.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

A Look Back at X-Men #25 (1993)

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

As an X-Men fan, 1993 was a memorable year for me during my time of collecting comic books and enjoying what was believed to be the modernization of superhero comics in America. Gimmick covers of comic books, the post-event effects of the Death of Superman, the launch of the Ultraverse and then there was the 30th anniversary celebration of the X-Men which was wild.

To put things in perspective, Marvel Comics organized the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Spider-Man releasing lots of merchandise and, most notably, special issues of comic books that came with covers with holograms, more pages for content and a cover price that was more than double than what was normal (note: read my review of one of them). Such comic books were hot stuff for not only Spider-Man fans but also comic collectors who were often hunting for the next great collector’s item that would ensure them great wealth.

Marvel had the same business approach with the 30th anniversary of the X-Men, and there were multiple X-Men-related monthly series of comic book back then. X-Factor #92, X-Force #25, Uncanny X-Men #304, Wolverine #75 and Excalibur #71 all were released with covers with hologram cards on the front, more pages of content and inflated cover prices.

The one 30th anniversary celebration comic book of the X-Men that was most memorable to me was X-Men #25 (Volume 2) and to this day, its plot remains very memorable for its shock value. I bought my copy of this comic book at a store in BF Homes. With the history lesson over, he is my retro review of X-Men #25, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Fabian Nicieza and drawn by Andy Kubert.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with the United Nations Security Council’s approval to initiate the alpha and beta parameters of the Magneto Protocols which literally sent waves from the White House to the Kremlin. A short time later, several satellites orbiting the Earth activate and linked with each other to form a protective mesh of electro-magnetic fire. This provokes Magneto (accompanied by Acolytes and Exodus at Avalon) to react by generating a massive pulse wave that affects the entire world. Even the Fantastic Four and Excalibur were not spared.

At the School of Gifted Children, Charles Xavier organizes an urgent meeting with the X-Men. Together they discussed the impact of Magneto’s pulse wave which not only rendered world’s mechanical and technological resources useless but also caused trouble (plane crashes, medical equipment failure, etc.) and deaths. For Xavier, the mere fact their team survived (aided by Shi’ar technology) is a mistake on the part of Magneto considering his capability to wipe out life around the world.

In response to Wolverine’s question, Xavier stated, “We do not have the luxury of time, nor the occasion for nobility…at this point, we are not fighting for the philosophy of a cause, a hope, or a dream, we are fighting for our very survival and if we do not win this fight, this planet will be irrevocably lost to us!”

Quality

The X-Men during their daring mission.

I can clearly declare that when it comes to the combined works done by Fabian Nicieza and Andy Kubert with the X-Men, this particularly story was not only the most ambitious collaboration of theirs but also their most compelling and finest work at the time of publishing. Very strong writing (top-notch characterization, plotting and pacing) and great art really defined this comic book!

Characterization is spot-on! Wolverine is arrogant and gritty as usual, Gambit is still the smooth-talker, Cyclops is the focused leader serving under Xavier, etc.

Without spoiling the major details, I can say that the shocking moments executed were greatly done not for the mere intention of shocking but to break new ground with regards to the characters of Wolverine and Charles Xavier. The first time I read this comic book back in 1993, I was really stunned with those particular scenes and I started to question Wolverine’s durability as well as Xavier’s sanity. And then there was the state of Magneto at the end of the story. The thing about the shocking moments was that there was an adequate amount of build-up leading to them and the pay-off was excellently done.

Conclusion

The immense power of Magneto.

There is no doubt in my mind that X-Men #25 (1993) is the true gem of the entire X-Men 30th anniversary celebration. The creative team led by Nicieza and Kubert really outdid themselves and what happened in this comic book had consequences that lasted for a good number of years. The creative team took big risks and pulled them off nicely as the impact of the story was eventually felt in the years that followed. Lastly, unlike Uncanny X-Men #304 (supposed to be the highlight of X-Men’s 30th anniversary celebration), this comic book is more focused and really had no creative baggage nor filler that got in the way of the storytelling.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of X-Men #25 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $50 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition is priced at $150. The near-mint copies of the signed-and-numbered edition and the gold edition cost $210 and $368 respectively.

Overall, X-Men #25 (1993) is highly recommended!

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Soft Opening of Skyway Stage 3 this December, Northbound Extension on track for Year-end Completion

Hey fellow South Metro Manila residents and motorists! Do you plan to go to other parts of Metro Manila and further north soon?

Be confident because Skyway Stage 3 (AKA Skyway 3) is set for a soft opening this December and as of this writing the northbound section of the Skyway Extension project is at 70% completed and it should reach 100% by the end of this year. This is not to be confused with Skyway Stage 3’s completion which was in reference to the linking of the northern and southern parts of Luzon. Right now, the people behind the project are working to finish the northbound section for the soft opening. The exact December date for the soft opening still has yet to be revealed.

A portion of the northbound extension of the Skyway within Muntinlupa City. (source – Ramon S. Ang Facebook page)

“We are on track to deliver the northbound section of the Skyway Extension project by December, and with this, motorists from the south can easily access Makati, Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, and the North Luzon Expressway,” said San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ramon S. Ang in a press statement.

To put things in perspective, SMC fully funded the project with P10 billion and it is designed to extend the Skyway from Susana Heights on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Sucat and back, and provide direct access to the elevated section of the Skyway. The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway (MCX) will get connected to the Skyway at Susana Heights which will bypass Alabang and should result seamless and shorter travel from south to north via the Skyway system.

“Under normal Metro Manila conditions, you will be lucky if you can get from SLEX to the North Luzon Expressway in under three hours. You would have to pass through traffic gridlocks in Alabang, Magallanes, practically the whole of EDSA, or various areas through Manila. With the Skyway Extension and the completed Skyway 3, you can get there in 30 minutes without stopping,” Ang further elaborated.

In addition, motorists coming from the provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas will be able to bypass Alabang which should also ease traffic in Muntinlupa as well as along Alabang-Zapote road.

At this point of time, things are really looking very good as far as Luzon highways and Metro Manila travel are concerned. Being able to travel from Alabang to north of Metro Manila and back with much faster speed and much less stress is something I have always dreamed of. That old dream will soon be realized! Keep an eye on the Skyway and the completion of the extension.

In ending this article, watch and enjoy this very recent Skyway update video.

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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 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 FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City prepares for Typhoon Rolly, public urged to reinforce houses due to anticipated strong winds

As Typhoon Rolly continues to intensify while moving westward towards Luzon, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi convened the Local Disaster Risk Response and Management (LDRRM) to discuss the City Government’s preparation and response efforts.

Today Mayor Fresnedi presided the LDRRM council and ordered barangay chairmen to prepare for preemptive evacuation and implement disaster risk response protocols. He also ordered the city and barangay risk reduction and management teams to be put on red-alert. The local exec also urged the public to inspect their houses and have necessary reinforcements especially in their roofs as Typhoon Rolly is expected to bring strong winds.

“Maging handa po tayo sa parating na bagyo dahil mas malakas po ito sa nauna. Dapat ay maging seryoso tayo sa paghahanda,” Fresnedi said.

According to the latest forecast track of DOST-PAGASA, the center of the eye of Typhoon Rolly is likely to make landfall over the Aurora-Quezon area on Sunday evening or Monday early morning.

The typhoon is forecasted to continuously intensify over the Philippine Sea and is likely to make landfall at peak intensity of 175-185 km/h. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 3-4 is expected to be raised in Metro Manila.

Already the City Government is preparing for the prepositioning of emergency response resources and equipment such as rescue boats, generators, emergency vehicles, search and rescue equipment, among others.

Pruning of trees at dangerous areas are also being prepared by the local environmental sanitation center. Construction sites are set to be inspected to ensure safety precautions on “cranes” and “construction booms” while billboards in the city will be rolled up this weekend.

As of October 30, the Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Risk Resilience and Management Department (MCDRRM) recorded the water level in Laguna de Bay at 1.61 meters (normal). The warning level is from 4.5 to 6.75 meters and above. MCDRRM has coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard for monitoring in Laguna de Bay.

MCDRRM advised the public to be vigilant and monitor advisories from PAG-ASA and the City Government.

Recently, the local disaster response department installed early warning system across the city to inform communities in a timely manner about typhoon signal warnings, severe flooding, and earthquakes, among others.

For emergency concerns, the public may reach the city’s hotline at 137-175.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Madison Galeries’ Your Pet Got Talent ongoing

The nice Madison Galeries mall in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City announced its newest promo and contest titled Your Pet Got Talent which should interest pet owners to join in. The promo and registration process, which started yesterday, will last until October 27, 2020.

If any pet owner is interested to join in, here are the details.

Firstly, pet owners (or fur parents) are welcome to have their pets registered (note: visit Madison Galeries’ FB post about this contest for the QR code). Secondly, to join in, pet owners must submit a Pet Tricks video or a Tiktok video (up to 2 minutes in length) of their pet by filling up the Google registration form through https://bit.ly/3cQySyn

Thirdly, in order for their entries to be validated, pet owners must like and follow the Madison Galeries Facebook and Instagram accounts. Fourthly, pet owners must attach a photo of minimum purchase of P500 in single or accumulated receipts from True Value, Daiso Japan, Pet Express and Robinsons Supermarket (note: all of these located at Madison Galeries).

Calling all pet owners!

Take note that the promo has a participation limit of one pet and one pet owner per entry.

Once all the entries have been submitted, the Your Pet Got Talent organizers will judge each entry on the grounds of Creativity (30%), Background Music (20%) and Talent/Tricks Execution (50%). The winners will be announced on October 31, 2020.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/MadisonGaleries or call landline 88770702. Visit the mall along Don Jesus Boulevard, Alabang Hills, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake newsNO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiaristsNOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Skyway 3 project completed

It is all out in the news here in the Philippines and it is the best piece of infrastructure and travel-related news for travelers, business stakeholders and other concern parties specifically here in Metro Manila and the communities outside its boundaries – San Miguel Corporation (SMC)’s president and chief operation officer (COO) Ramon S. Ang announced the completion of the Skyway 3 project (AKA Skyway Stage 3) which is almost eighteen kilometers long. Right now, they are working on completing the finishing touches before formally opening it to the public.

Personally, I am happy for their achievement!

A great view of a portion of Skyway Stage 3. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)

For the newcomers reading this, the Skyway 3 project is composed of a 17.93 kilometer stretch that links the norther and southern parts of Luzon by means of a modern highway. More specifically, once the newly completed project finally opens, travel from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will take only twenty minutes which will be a major improvement from the average of 2-3 hours (without Skyway 3). It should be noted that the project was completed way before the October 31, 2020 target of completion.

“I’m happy to announce that the whole structure of Skyway 3 is now complete. With this, Skyway 2 in Buendia is now officially extended all the way to the North Luzon Expressway. After many challenges, this project faced in previous years, the dream of connecting north and south and providing an alternative to Edsa is now a reality,” Ang said in a press statement released on October 13.

As mentioned earlier, I am happy for the completion of Skyway 3 and soon it will finally be opened to public motorists (who can afford to pay the eventual toll fees). Each year for the past several years, I travel from Alabang to Clark and Subic Bay to attend important events. During those times, it was a struggle to move from south to north and back WITHOUT Skyway 3. The traffic along EDSA (which passes through different Metro Manila cities and on the maze of roads within the City of Manila were often bad, time-consuming and unpredictable.

Another stretch of Skyway Stage 3 over water. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)

With Skyway Stage 3, travel between SLEX and NLEX will be much faster. It is stated in the press statement that travel from Magallanes to Balintawak will only take about 15 minutes, Balintawak to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) also only 15 minutes, and Valenzuela to Makati in just 10 minutes. As for people from the cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque and even further south from Laguna province who need to travel to Subic Bay faster in the near future, imagine going north using the SLEX, then the Skyway (in the south) moving through the metropolis in quick fashion to reach the NLEX thanks to Skyway 3’s stretch and then take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to get to Subic Bay faster than ever before. Travelers from Cavite province will also benefit from the improved access and travel too since their province has highways that connect to the SLEX. Really, a lot of people, especially families business people who need to travel within Metro Manila and those who want to go further north or south will really benefit from the eventual operation of Skyway 3 not for just a year but in the years to come.

From this point on, watch out for SMC’s announcement of the formal opening of Skyway 3. Congratulations to SMC and their strategic partners for their accomplishment! Thank the Lord in Heaven also for making big dreams a reality!

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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 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 FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

My Observations: Lola Nena’s in BF Homes, Parañaque…and their Classic Old Fashioned Donuts

Inside BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City, Aguirre Avenue is famous mainly for being the kilometers-long stretch of commercial joints, especially restaurants, cafes and bars. Some people referred to it as the Food Strip given the many places of food joints there are plus the wide variety of meals, drinks and other food items they offer collectively. More established brands like Shakey’s and Starbucks are present.

Due to the pandemic and community quarantine, a major economic downturn hit the entire Philippines which severely affected many businesses along Aguirre Avenue, reaching the point of having no choice but to shut down and layoff their employees. One of the food joints I featured before closed down sadly and left their Aguirre Avenue commercial space.

Subsequently a new food joint opened up in that very same commercial space which turned out to be the local branch of an existing business called Lola Nena’s. A few days ago, their BF Homes branch had its soft opening and quickly attracted several customers. Just yesterday, out of curiosity, I took the opportunity to visit them and take home something.

The counter at the Lola Nena’s BF Homes branch.

So what is Lola Nena’s? According to their history, they are a food joint that started in the year 2012 as a result of their founders who were inspired to recreate the famous Pichi Pichi of their family. What was a small starter on selling Pichi Pichi quickly grew in terms of popularity eventually compelling them to cook the said food in batches so that demand can be met. Today, Lola Nena’s sell Pichi Pichi by the bilao for those who want to buy a lot of it!

As the years passed by, Lola Nena’s (which heavily uses the color red) started offering more snack items and pastries. They also went on to offer pancit (noodle meals) and food products in bottles. In 2017, they launched their Classic Old Fashioned Donuts which went on to become a commercial hit. This year, they launched their Triple Cheese Donuts which caught a lot of attention on social media.

So there I was at the BF Homes Lola Nena’s branch. There was no line of customers but a few ones standing a few feet apart from each other. I noticed the place lacked indicators (marks or signs) as to where exactly should people stand to line up heading towards the counter for ordering and picking up products.

As I waited in line, I overheard some details between the customers and the Lola Nena’s personnel in front of me. Certain meals, a customer was told, will take forty-five minutes to be prepared and released due to high demand (many orders taken already) and the effort to prepare them properly. Customers were politely asked if they were willing to wait.

And then it was my turn. Out of curiosity, I decided to order one box of their Classic Old Fashioned Donuts to bring home for my family. As it turned out, there were already boxes filled with the said donuts waiting to be released. Right after I ordered, the lady at the counter pulled one box and properly prepared it for me. Then I paid for it and got the receipt I requested which was quickly done. It was a painless and quick transaction.

Once I got in the car, I decided to open the box (note: the boxes at Lola Nena’s counter were taped closed already) to see exactly what’s inside. After viewing, I deliberately avoided touching the doughnuts, closed it, and go back home.

The box from Lola Nena’s. There are some instructions written inside on preparing the doughnuts.
The eight Classic Old Fashioned Donuts I paid for. These last for up to 48 hours in room temperature. As such, you should be mindful about when to consume these at your home.

Finally, after arriving home, I shared the doughnuts to our household members. They all enjoyed it.

Each of the Classic Old Fashioned Donuts of Lola Nena’s were coated with sugar, had some sweet substance on the surface and even had small portions of cheese inside. These doughnuts, by the way, do not resemble the round doughnuts people know. Lola Nena’s doughnut are thick, were not really round and had no openings in the middle. Regardless, I personally found it to be delicious and enjoyable.

The Lola Nena’s doughnut up close.

For a box containing of eight of their Classic Old Fashioned Donuts, you do get good value and taste in return for the current price of P120. What you need to watch out for is your blood sugar level since these doughnuts were made with lots of sugar.

You will get to see a huge Lola Nena’s sign along Aguirre Avenue.

If you are planning to visit Lola Nena’s in BF Homes, head on to 287 Aguirre Avenue. In closing this, posted below is my video of the food joint.

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