Nikko Huelgas, who is a 2-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in the multisport of triathlon, achieved something just several hours ago. It’s not another victory in a race but rather it was his speech delivered to a live audience during the 2019 USANA Live Global Convention held at the Salt Palace Center in Utah, the United States.
Here are the details…
Nikko Huelgas’ name and image highlighted at the Salt Lake Center as he delivered his speech there. (photo contributed by Nikko Huelgas)
Nikko told me that his speech lasted around three minutes. The presentation was lively as his image was magnified by the organizers complete with his name prominently displayed for everyone to see.
“I simply shared a 3-minute speech about my journey as a SEA Games champion to becoming the Chairman of the POC Athletes Commission,” he said. “So I shared that for a bit and shared the inevitable struggles of a pro athlete that is comparable to that of a USANA Associate.”
This is not the first time that the BF International, Las Piñas City resident delivered a speech. A few years ago, he spoke in front of many students at his old high school Elizabeth Seton School in BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City which inspired them.
Nikko Huelgas outside the venue of the big convention. (source – Nikko Huelgas Facebook page)
Furthermore, Nikko attended the convention representing the Philippines and he carries a convention badge which identifies him as an USANA Athlete.
What is the convention about? According to the organizers, their event is described as the only place attendees can interact in real-time with world-class trainers, get a front-row seat to industry-changing announcements, interact with USANA management team members, shop for products in a massive store, immerse themselves at the interactive expo and be celebrated on the awards stage.
Watch for more about Nikko Huelgas and triathlon-related stuff here.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Starting August 29 up to 30, Mindbuilders Preschool located along Tropical Avenue in BF International, Barangay BF International-CAA, Las Piñas City, will accept all kinds of plastic from anyone who wishes to donate to them.
In their August 7 Facebook page post, the preschool asked readers and potential donors to make sure the plastic they intend to give are clean and segregated between soft and hard plastics. Mindbuilders’ technology partner in the upcoming activity is Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc.
To put things in perspective, Mindbuilders Preschool defined soft and hard plastics as follows:
SOFT PLASTICS – residual plastics like candy wrappers, sando bags, plastic labo, straws, etc.
HARD PLASTICS – like broken appliance bits, toys, the bottles the junk shops won’t take, takeout containers (clean please), etc.
Anyone who wishes to donate plastic materials to the school should visit them at 168 Tropical Avenue, BF International, Las Piñas City. You may contact them at mobile number 0927-2062506 and landline 825-7419.
The plastics drop-off project is a joint effort of Mindbuilders Preschool and Pure Oceans Philippines.
If you have lots of plastic material at your home or your business establishment that you wish to get rid of, this activity is your chance. Mark your calendars for August 29 and 30.
About Mindbuilders Preschool
Mindbuilders Preschool is a Multiple Intelligence school located at 168 Tropical Avenue BF International Las Piñas City. It was established in 2002 and is accredited by the Department of Education. The preschool is also an active member of the Las Pinas Private Schools Association. To date, Mindbuilders Preschool established itself with not only good quality education but also worked with its students on several social responsibility projects. The schools prides itself in having strong home and school collaboration. The bond built with families is even carried beyond the child’s preschool years – evidence that Mindbuilders Preschool is more than just a learning institution.
The many heads of the barangays in the meeting spearheaded by Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar (facing them from the background). (photo credit: Shawnette Ramos)
Recently the City of Las Piñas made waves in the national news. This was because Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar issued a warning to the leaders of twenty barangays of extreme consequence if they fail to clear the respective areas of obstructions and structures that are illegal.
During a meeting held on August 1, the mayor met with the barangay chairpersons from the city’s two districts and laid down the City Government’s plan action to rid all roads and sidewalks of illegal vendors, illegally parked vehicles and overlapping structures, including those unfinished excavations by various service utilities.
“You will be accountable to me if you fail to implement the rules that endanger the lives of our fellow Las Piñero,” Mayor Aguilar told the barangay leaders.
Along with the other Metro Manila city mayors, Mayor Aguilar committed to the 60-day period given by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año to clear the metro roads of obstructions.
But prior to the DILG directive, the mayor already convened Task Force Kaayusan last month which immediately conducted clearing operations in the city to address concerns on traffic and road hazards. The task force is composed of the Estate Management and Development Office (EMDO), City Engineering Office, the local Philippine National Police, the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), and spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office.
“These obstructions must be permanently rid from our main road, which is the Alabang-Zapote Road, as well as the inner roads must likewise be cleared of any obstacles. Let us give back the sidewalks to the pedestrians and the roads to motorists,” the mayor said.
She also requested the City Council, through Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (the mayor’s daughter), to review the existing ordinances on obstruction and public order and safety.
Las Piñas City Government signs deal with Perpetual Help Medical Center for Green Card program
Las Piñas City hospitalization through the Green Card Program could now be availed at the Perpetual Help Medical Center of Las Piñas according Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery.
The Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Piñas is the latest medical facility to accredit the Green Card Program of the City Government, in addition to Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, and Las Piñas City Medical Center.
“We are happy to announce that we have another partner in providing hospitalization benefits to our Las Piñeros, the Perpetual Help Medical Center, as we continue to explore ways to deliver enhanced service to our kababayans,” Mayor Aguilar said.
Green Card holders among the city residents could avail of the free hospitalization services worth P30,000 per patient who would be confined at any of the accredited hospitals.
The Green Card is the hospitalization support program managed by the Mayor’s Office, City Health Office, and City Social Welfare and Development Office. It has now around 200,000 Green Card holders.
The free hospitalization program was initiated by former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar in 2000 with about 10,000 Green Card holders, including city hall employees, which was accredited at Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital and San Juan De Dios Hospital. The number of household beneficiaries has been expanded and in nearly 20 years the program signed up with five accredited hospitals to cater to the medical needs of the Las Piñeros.
For details about the City Government’s Green Card program, click here.
Nikko Huelgas Tops TRI-Factor Standard Distance Triathlon In Indonesia!
Nikko Huelgas of the Philippines as the Standard Distance (1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) champion. (photo contributed by Huelgas)
Nikko Huelgas, the 2-time Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) gold medalist who resides in BF International, Las Piñas City, brought honor again to the Philippines by winning the championship in the Tri-Factor Indonesia Standard Distance triathlon event held this past Sunday (July 7) at the island of Belitung in Indonesia.
According to Huelgas, he completed the 1.5 Kilometer swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run event in an estimated time of 2 hours and 9 minutes. I state estimated because as of this writing, the complete and official results of the event have yet to be published.
For his victory, the BF International resident thanked his coaches and sponsors.
When I asked him through Viber about the experience of the race in Indonesia, Huelgas said that it was a relaxing one as it was held on the island (note: Belitung is located on the east coast of Sumatra) and he was mostly away from the competitors. This helped him lessen his social anxiety as well as the typical pre-race anxiety.
Nikko Huelgas running during the race in Indonesia. (photo contributed by Huelgas)
“It was a hot day but staying on the beach front made it manageable and stress-free. No problems happened whatsoever and no diet adjustments. It was able to do a great race that I’ve been longing for the past months,” Huelgas wrote.
When it comes to the quality of the competitors, he described them as not as big as the Asian Championships of triathlon and he was not there to actually win.
“I was there to deliver the best possible performance I can give, as a way for my comeback (in) triathlon,” he added.
With this latest triathlon victory now etched in history, I asked Huelgas what does he plan to achieve for the next six months. He stated that he has a lot of plans up until the end of December and that “things are looking very great” in relation to his most recent performance. He will be joining a race in Cebu very soon.
More notably, Huelgas hopes that his victory last Sunday will help him inch closer to qualify for a slot in the Philippine Team that will compete in the triathlon event of this year’s Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). The said triathlon event will be held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone which itself is very established as the nation’s main destination for triathlon events.
For the newcomers reading this, Nikko Huelgas won for the nation the gold medals in the triathlon events of the SEA Games of 2015 and 2017. In September 2017, I was with him when he visited Las Piñas City Hall where he met Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar, the Vice Mayor and members of the City Council. I witnessed first hand how proud the City Government officials and personnel were to meet him knowing the fact that a fellow Las Piñero like him won great honors for the country.
With regards to the BF Homes community, Huelgas’ name was heard some people I encountered around. A few people living in the Parañaque City part of BF Homes – or specifically Barangay BF Homes – even wished that Huelgas was part of their barangay and city.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
On the morning of July 8, the City Government of Las Piñas led by Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar formally observed National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) with a special activity that emphasized how essential disaster preparedness is. The intention was to make the constituents aware of disaster preparedness and, at the same time, encourage them to participate in related activities organized by their respective barangays which number a total of twenty in the city.
From Left to Right: Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, Mayor Imelda Aguilar and City Police Chief Simnar S. Gran observe an activity on July 8 as the City Government observed National Disaster Resilience Month. (image sourced from Las Piñas DRRMO/Shawnette Ramos)
Held at the Verdana covered court in Barangay Pamplona Tres was an exhibition of emergency equipment, kits and uniformed personnel who were present to answer inquiries. Some personnel demonstrated procedures on how to provide first aid. The exhibition served as the kick-off activity of the citywide observation of disaster preparedness.
A display of disaster-related equipment at the exhibition of the NDRM held at the Verdana Covered Court in Barangay Pamplona, Tres. (image sourced from Las Piñas DRRMO/Shawnette Ramos)
Over at City Hall, City Government officials led by Mayor Aguilar, her daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery expressed their full support to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (Las Piñas DRRMO).
The said department is sponsoring the inaugural Inter-School On-The-Spot Poster-Making Competition as well as the 2nd Inter-Barangay First Aid Competition. Both competitions are designed to make Las Piñas residents aware of disaster preparedness and interested parties are welcome to call landline 552-7694 for inquiries about the activities.
In accordance to Executive Order Number 29 (2017), the month of July was declared as National Disaster Resilience Month which calls for observation nationwide for the entire month. It is practiced annually each July and it involves various sectors to do their part. The theme for National Disaster Resilience Month this year is “Kahandaan sa Sakuna’t Peligro Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago.”
For more information about the City of Las Piñas, click here.
Green Guardians, Young Schoolchildren Saving Planet Earth
A group shot at the Las Piñas Parañaque Critical Habitat Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA).
Since 2009, Mindbuilders Preschool has been engaging its graduating students, the Chopin Seniors, in a social responsibility project that would make a positive impact on the community. Through the project, the children make use of their multiple intelligence and learn to work together collaboratively to achieve a goal and make a difference. They function as a business unit would, mobilized into different departments such as sales, marketing, promotions, purchasing, and so on.
This school year, the Chopin Seniors’ project was entitled Green Guardians. Under the mentorship of their teachers and parents as resource persons, the Kindergarten students planned and organized a fun run to raise funds for their chosen beneficiary, the Las Piñas Parañaque Critical Habitat Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA).
In October, the children went on an eco-tour of the nature reserve. There, they saw a contrast between the beauty brought about by the trees and birds, and the destruction made by the garbage that made its way to the coastal area. The Chopin Seniors also learned about waste/resource management, and how they can practice this to help the environment.
As all Chopin Projects go, the Kindergarten students were organized into a business unit, with the children assigned to groups where their strengths could be tapped. Teacher and parents were also involved to mentor the students in logo development, event preparation, purchasing of materials, packaging, distribution, advertising and promotions.
The fun run.
The Fun Run was held on November 25 at The Village Sports Club. The funds raised here were used to purchase photography equipment requested by LPPCHEA for documentation of their environmental cleanup activities. A formal turnover to the beneficiary by the Chopin Seniors was held at the reserve on January 21, 2019.
Another activity in school that was spearheaded by the Chopin Seniors was a plastic collection drive during the first quarter of 2019. This was done in partnership with Pure Oceans, an organization that brings residual plastics to an upcycling plant which converts these into 100% upcycled plastic products such as school chairs. Mindbuilders Preschool families were encouraged to send used PET bottles, clear microwavable containers, food/candy wrappers, etc. to school. These materials were turned over to Pure Oceans in March.
The plastic collection drive at the school early this year.
The school foresees Green Guardians to be a long-term project by keeping its partnership with Pure Oceans, and making the collection and turnover of plastic a regular practice to be done on a quarterly basis. It will continue to encourage families to adhere to lifestyle changes for the betterment of the environment, and for the future of mankind and Mother Earth.
“It is very reassuring to see our children, young as they are, making a proactive stand for the environment. They are not only calling out the concern but are also giving solutions to help address this pressing matter which is so relevant in our country and in the world today.” Teacher Marah Estuesta, Directress of Mindbuilders says.
Mindbuilders Preschool is a Multiple Intelligence school located at 168 Tropical Avenue BF International Las Piñas City. It was established in 2002 and is accredited by the Department of Education. The preschool is also an active member of the Las Pinas Private Schools Association. To date, Mindbuilders Preschool established itself with not only good quality education but also worked with its students on several social responsibility projects. The schools prides itself in having strong home and school collaboration. The bond built with families is even carried beyond the child’s preschool years – evidence that Mindbuilders Preschool is more than just a learning institution.
In recent times, I spotted a new business at the corner of Tropical Avenue and El Grande Avenue in BF International, Las Piñas City. It was Mang Pandesal and their store was easy to spot with its red and yellow colors.
Mang Pandesal is located at the corner of Tropical Avenue and El Grande Avenue in BF International, Las Piñas City. It is along the way to the nearby Village Sports Club.
To put things in perspective, especially for the foreign readers viewing this, pandesal is a common roll of bread in the Philippines composed of eggs, sugar, flour, salt and yeast. It is found in many places all over the country from the rural areas to the commercial joints along city roads.
On the small business joint Mang Pandesal, simplicity is the best way to describe what they offer. The first time I went inside, I saw the counter and behind it was the space where the pandesal was orderly stored and there was an oven. They bake and sell small-sized pandesal at a very affordable P2 each. That’s it! Simple as that! Take a look at what I had the first time I bought a pandesal there.
The lady carefully puts the freshly baked pandesal into a paper bag after I ordered some.This is the small pandesal sold at P2 each.The other freshly baked pandesal just waiting to be bought!
After receiving the pandesal I bought, I opened the paper bag and looked inside. These small pandesal pieces look really cute. Then I pulled out one and ate it for the first time ever. It tasted good!
Clearly, Mang Pandesal’s bread really lived up to the Tagalog sign outside that said, “Masarap at malaman kahit walang palaman.” That loosely translates to, “Delicious and satisfying even without filling.”
One pandesal gave a good taste. Consuming two or more pieces means more of the good taste plus the satisfaction. Don’t forget the low price of each pandesal for sale which makes it ideal for buying by the bulk for the family or friends.
And then there was a holy scripture at the counter – 1 Corinthians 10: 31.
The scripture displayed prominently.
According to the New King James Version (NKJV) Holy Bible I’m using, 1 Corinthians 10: 31 goes as follows:
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
That scripture truly meant something. The next few times I passed by Mang Pandesal, I saw the store had a line of customers (some with their cars parked nearby) waiting to be served. There was a time when the customers were buying the available pandesal by the bulk.
And there was another time when there were customers ahead of mean just standing in line waiting for the next batch of pandesal to finish baking at the oven as the available supply of pandesal ran out!
From time to time, I failed to buy a single piece of pandesal there but I have no regret.
In fact, I can say out loud that Mang Pandesal in BF International is a blessed business by the Lord! They have the Word of God with them and it is truthful that the Lord blesses the faithful abundantly!
There is no poverty nor lack in the Kingdom of God. For as long as we are faithful to Him, we pray to Him, we follow and do His Word, and honor Him, the Lord will bless us and prosper us.
Going back to Mang Pandesal, I highly recommend buying pandesal from them whenever you pass by their store at Tropical Avenue corner El Grande Avenue. They are a blessed business and what they sell is unsurprisingly good.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
In recent times the City Government of Las Piñas headed by its Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar has been making a lot of progress with modernizing public transportation within its jurisdiction by releasing to local tricycle drivers and operators electric tricycle (e-trike) units that they received from the Department of Energy (DOE).
The DOE donated 100 e-trikes to Las Piñas which in turn coordinated with the varied tricycle operators from the city’s twenty barangays. On April 5, 2019, the City Government’s Facebook page posted pictures of its most recent turnover of e-trikes to specific operators. Posted below is one of them.
Las Piñas City Government officials with the recipients in a turnover ceremony at City Hall. (photo by Shawnette Ramos for City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
Right below is a picture of electric tricycle units that I photographed during my visit at Las Piñas City Hall.
From my visit at Las Piñas City Hall.
The future of local public transportation in the city is looking bright. Once these electric tricycles go into full operation, the following is expected to happen:
A more comfortable ride for passengers thanks to the new tricycle design. The e-trike is one whole unit (versus the motorcycle linked with a passenger-carrying unit of the old tricycle design).
Reduction on noise pollution because there is no fuel-based engine.
Reduction on air pollution because there is no fuel-based engine and no exhaust.
Complete avoidance on spending money on fuel which by the liter, as of this writing, is expensive. Recharging, not refueling, is the way for E-Trike operators to recover and keep operating the next day.
Think about it carefully. E-Trikes can bring passengers through the quiet villages more safely, quieter and without adding anymore air pollution that would affect families at their homes.
Now that the benefits of E-Trikes have been discussed, it’s time to take a close look as to how these positive developments in Las Piñas happened in the first place.
The answer is City Ordinance Number 1536-18 (Series of 2018). and below is a summary of the details written on it.
The Ordinance
Formally titled “An Ordinance Allowing The Operation of E-Trike in The City of Las Pinas and Providing Guideliness Thereto.”, with “E-Trike Ordinance” as the shorter title, City Ordinance Number 1536-18 (Series of 2018) was approved by the City Council and Mayor Aguilar on May 28, 2018. As written on the Ordinance, it was deemed that the adoption of the e-trike project is a necessary step in combating unreasonable high oil prices and ending dependency on oil. The E-Trike was viewed to be eco-friendly, noise-free and air pollution-free. It has the potential to generate higher income for operators and even create new jobs.
Section 2 of the Ordinance states: The City of Las Pinas fully supports the national government’s e-tricle project. It is also committed in enforcing the applicable provisions of the Clean Air Act and in addressing community concerns about high oil prices, pollution and health hazard as well as in providing new job opportunities.
Section 4 (E-trike Franchise Grant) legalizes the use of electric tricycles within the territorial jurisdiction of the city. For this purpose, one hundred units of three-wheeled electric power driven vehicle or e-trike shall be granted franchise by the City of Las Pinas through the Sangguniang Panglunsod.
Section 5 (Guidelines) states that no e-trike franchise shall be granted unless the unit utilizes environmental-friendly batteries as determined by the Environment and Natural Resources Office, has an on-board charger and is deemed roadworthy while also possessing the required safety features.
The individual applicant is an actual resident and registered voter of the city. The transport cooperative may be granted in its name up to five franchises subject to compliance with the qualification requirements of the drivers.
For E-Trike Rent-To-Own Program or variations thereof and/or meanwhile that the ownership of the unit is not yet fully transferred to the intended buyer, a provisional franchise may be granted in favor of the proponent. Provided, that the qualification requirements of the intended buyers or drivers of the vehicle are complied with.
Section 6 (Parts Availability) – the proponent shall make available within the city such parts as may be needed for the continued operation of the E-Trike.
Section 7 (Charging Stations) – charging stations shall be established in strategic public places in the city. For the total franchises herein fixed, no less than two charging stations shall be required of the proponents to establish. In this regard, not all contemplated franchises shall be issued by the Sangguniang Panglunsod unless the establishment of the charging stations is assured or completed.
Section 8 (Incentives) – Franchisees shall be granted a 50% discount on all fees applicable to trimobiles specifically the franchise fee, the annual supervision fee, the mayor’s permit fee, the legal research fee, the sticker fee and the police inspection fee.
If you wish to obtain copies of the Ordinance, visit City Hall.
Conclusion
With the E-Trike Ordinance in full force, Las Piñas City is clearly on its way forward with modernizing public transportation within its jurisdiction using electric tricycles which serve passengers traveling between the important city roads and the villages.
As far as South Metro Manila is concerned, Las Piñas has joined the electric vehicle bandwagon with Muntinlupa City (which has e-trikes and electric jeepneys already for years) for public transportation.
The City of Parañaque meanwhile remains behind. Last time I checked at Parañaque City Hall, they don’t even have a draft ordinance needed to legalize the use of electric vehicles for public transportation.
Speaking of Parañaque, I can’t forget the embarrassing failed launch of the electric tricycle project of the BF Federation of Homeowner Associations, Inc. (BFFHAI) of 2016. From the way things looked back then, BFFHAI failed to verify if Parañaque (which occupies a huge portion of BF Homes subdivision) had any ordinance legalizing the use of electric vehicles for public transportation. Back then, Las Piñas (which occupies another large portion of BF Homes subdivision) obviously did not have a similar ordinance.
Right now in South Metro Manila, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa are leading the way for public commuters with electric vehicles.
This morning as I was driving by along Palace Road in BF International, Las Pinas City, I saw a sign of Tropical Palace Resort Hotel’s announcement that it will be organizing another series of swimming lessons at its facility starting April 8, 2019.
I took the time to park the car, get down and enter their office to request a flyer and they gladly gave me one.
For everyone’s convenience and reference, please refer to the details of the picture below.
Tropical Palace Resort Hotel has swimming pools in its facility that can accommodate several learners at a time.
For the newcomers reading this, BF International is in the Las Pinas City side of BF Homes subdivision which has always been identified with Paranaque City.
If you are interested to take swimming lessons, call landline 825-1011 and 826-7794 now.
Author Carlo Carrasco 