Have you been to X-Site amusement center inside Festival Mall lately?

In times of prosperity or hardship, Festival Mall (originally named Festival Supermall) in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City continues to attract families and shoppers. Since the mall’s early days in 1998, its amusement center X-Site kept on succeeding on attracting visitors and providing them bouts of varied fun in return to what the customers paid for. X-Site is a lively form of entertainment-focused capitalism that just keeps on moving forward and attracting visitors.

Located at the 3rd floor (note: officially referred to as the 2nd Level or 2L or 2nd Floor by the mall. The 1st floor and 2nd floor of the mall are referred to as Lower Ground Floor and Upper Ground Floor respectively), the X-Site Amusement Center has a wide floor space with a high ceiling.

The way it was designed, X-Site has several arcade games (lots of fun retro games included), merchandiser games, a virtual reality ride, KTV booths, motion-sensing dance spot, the ring toss, entertainment stores, indoor sports games, redemption games, bumper cars, and the indoor roller coaster (which explains the need of having a high ceiling). Watch below the YouTube video and the images I prepared below.

At the arcade games section inside X-Site.
Having a high ceiling made it possible to have an indoor roller coaster (tracks above the machines and people in this image). Other amusement centers in Alabang had lower ceilings which made their places feel small or tight when compared to X-Site.
Some newer machines plus indoor sports games added into the arcade games section.
This is the place for those who love dancing and music.

When I was much younger and Festival Mall was still new, I played lots of games at the arcade of X-Site. Elevator Action Returns, Tekken 2, Tekken 3, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and Tekken Tag Tournament were some of the games I played there as far as I could remember. I never rode the indoor roller coaster because my fondness for roller coasters had faded away even before Festival Mall opened its doors (May 1998).

Back in 1998, I know a few friends whose had not even visited Festival Mall (at the time we talked) yet they already heard of the positive word-of-mouth feedback about the indoor roller coaster of X-Site.

The indoor roller coaster of X-Site remains a favorite ride for those who kept coming back.

On December 25, 2023, I visited Festival Mall to look around. I passed by X-Site and I saw an unusually large number of people there composed of young people, children and their parents/guardians.

For the newcomers reading this, December 25 here in the Philippines is a time of having fun during the Christmas season and also it is the day when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) opens in cinemas. This explains why a lot of people spend time at the shopping malls and it is a cultural thing here in the Philippines.

Considering the fact that the original cinemas of Festival Mall have deteriorated leaving only 2 or 3 screens operating (note: the mall also has modern cinemas at the expanded side), a lot of people still visited the mall to watch the MMFF movies that opened on December 25. As for the large number of people who flocked to X-Site that same day, I can only speculate that some of them might have been moviegoers passing the time as they wait for the next screening of movies to watch.

I took this shot of X-Site on December 25, 2023. Look at the high number of people on the floor.

If you plan to visit Festival Mall in Alabang and if you are craving for fun rides or games, then you might want to visit X-Site Amusement Center.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale 2024 set for November 15 to 17 at Madison Galeries

Madison Galeries announced that the 2024 edition of the Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale is all set to happen from November 15 to 17, 10AM to 8PM, at The Events Place at the 3rd floor of the mall in Barangay Cupang, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

For the newcomers reading this, Madison Galeries is located along Don Jesus Boulevard and it is a short drive away from Alabang Hills Village as well as the West Service Road.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Madison Galeries’ Facebook announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Those who wish to receive updates about Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale via Viber can join the community by clicking https://tinyurl.com/MardiGrasViberComm

The accepted modes of payments at the sale are cash, GCash and credit cards. Like the previous years’ Mardi Gras sale/bazaar, there will be a wide range of items offered such as coffee mugs, utensils, kitchenware, clothes, toys, bags and more. Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale is also an opportunity for shoppers to buy items for Christmas gift-giving.

For more information, contact Madison Galeries by sending email at social@madisongaleries.com or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MadisonGaleries

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Antonio P. Antonio episode of Dark Asia with Megan surpasses 100,000 YouTube views worldwide

Dark Asia with Megan – the YouTube channel that specializes on true crime stories that happened around Asia – released on September 25, 2024 an episode focused on the story of the late Antonio P. Antonio who was killed by his own son Nelson in 2013.

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 updates, follow Justice for APA at https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforAPA

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) declares Megarahe Sale 2024 a huge success

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…

To see the rest of the message, click https://alabanghillsvillage.com/2024/10/04/megarahe-sale-a-huge-success/

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.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 36

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.

Antonio 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Former Parañaque City Councilor Benjo Bernabe files certificate of candidacy (COC) to run for Vice Mayor

Recently in the city of Parañaque, former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) to run for the office of Vice Mayor of Parañaque in the May 2025 local elections.

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?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Dark Asia with Megan features Antonio P. Antonio story

In recent times Dark Asia with Megan – a YouTube channel that specializes on true crime stories that happened from around Asia – released an episode that featured the story of the late Antonio P. Antonio (APA) who was killed by his own son in BF Homes in 2013. I encourage you all to watch the video below right now.

For the newcomers reading this, I have been blogging about the Antonio family’s pursuit for justice of the late APA and this past March, justice was realized when the suspect Nelson Antonio was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt by Branch 274 of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court (RTC) for the killing of his father. For my past blogs about the Antonio P. Antonio and his family, click here, here and here.

About Dark Asia with Megan, the YouTube channel is managed by South Korea-based journalist-turned-YouTuber Megan Lee (for her social media click here and here) who has produced lots of episodes of Asian true crime stories which involved deep research, archived images and insights. She already released episodes about Philippine crime stories such as the Vizconde Massacre, the Maguindanao Massacre and the Chop Chop Lady story to name a few. Megan Lee is very good with her presentation and approach to explaining details to the audience in English.

Her YouTube channel now has more than five hundred forty thousand subscribers worldwide as of this writing. Visit Dark Asia with Megan by clicking https://www.youtube.com/@DarkAsiawithMegan

For more updates, follow Justice for APA at https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforAPA

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Megarahe Sale 2024 in Alabang Hills Village set for September 28 and 29

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.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

More than 400 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia in Barangay BF International-CAA, Las Piñas City

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over four hundred senior citizens availed of the free pneumonia vaccines during the local vaccination program held at Barangay BF International-CAA, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you hope the City Government will organize a vaccination program at your local community? Are many senior citizens of your local community seeking vaccines for pneumonia?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Foreign fugitive arrested in Parañaque City

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…

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?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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