I recently visited Muntinlupa City Hall to take a close look at the Christmas decorations that were set up. Check out what I photographed and posted below for you to see. I hope you will enjoy the images.
The high Christmas decoration at the front of Muntinlupa City Hall recalling Lord Jesus as an infant who was visited by the Three Kings.
The very tall and highly decorated outdoor Christmas tree at the front of City Hall.
Check out the decorations at the exterior of this store inside City Hall.
A very artistic Christmas tree by the City Hall stairs.
Even this pillar got heavily decorated.
To put things in perspective, the decorations and tall Christmas tree outdoors were officially set up weeks ago. In fact, the City Government formally lighted the outdoor Christmas tree on the evening of November 15, 2024. You can watch it via the City Government’s social media posts by clicking here and here.
A closer look at the outdoor Christmas tree at City Hall.
If you wish to visit Muntinlupa City Hall, go visit their building along National Road (referred to by Google Maps as Manila South Road or Manila S. Road). For the precise Google Maps location of Muntinlupa City Hall, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/1GgJgaEGkshMvANu7
When celebrating Christmas wherever you are, always remember that Christmas is truly all about Lord Jesus who is our Savior and the Hope of ALL nations.
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Recently, the Christmas spectacle at Filinvest City Central Park was launched and already it has attracted a lot of visitors who enjoyed the place, sights, special activities and facilities that were prepared this year.
To be specific, Filinvest City’s Christmas season spectacle at the park is formally titled “Cherish Every Moment of Christmas at Filinvest City” which is a program of activities and special events to delight visitors on weekend nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) starting from the weekend of November 29 – December 1 until the weekend of December 20 – 22.
Lots of colorful lights, structures and decoration established to provide visitors the atmosphere of the season of Christmas.
Some hanging Christmas lights at this new structure with a roof.
On Friday nights, visitors can enjoy live musical performances from artists Blaster on December 13 and Munimuni on December 20. The band Over October already performed on the park on November 29. Still on Friday evenings, fireworks displays are scheduled to happen at 8PM (November 29 to December 20).
Those who want to see new facilities and decorations at the park, the Christmas Display is lighted starting 6PM to 9PM from November 29 up to January 6, 2025.
Lots of places to have your pictures taken at.
Christmas display at the Filinvest City Central Park looks livelier this year.
When it comes to brand new structures, Filinvest City’s The Tree is the one that stood out the most this year. The Tree is the newest events stage at the Filinvest City Central Park designed to be a suitable place for live musical performances, lighting ceremonies and other special activities. It was also made to bring the community together for celebration and connecting with each other. I personally witnessed the first live performance there on the evening of November 29 and what impressed me was the vibrant lighting and how the color of the lights changed efficiently.
This is The Tree, the brand new structure built at Filinvest City Central Park.
As I explored the different places of Filinvest City Central Park on the evening of November 29, I noticed a lot of people enjoying the place. You can see what happened by watching my video below.
In ending this post, I want to say that no matter how the organizers portrayed Christmas, always remember that Christmas is all about Lord Jesus who is the Savior and Hope of ALL nations!
That being said, as we enjoy the Christmas season and the blessings, we should never forget our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Learn from the holy scriptures below.
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
John 3:16 (AMPC)
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (AMPC)
Therefore, the honor that belongs to the Father he will now share with his Son. So if you refuse to honor the Son, you are refusing to honor the Father who sent him.
John 5:23 (TPT)
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying,
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (NKJV)
Santa Claus is not the reason of Christmas nor is he the definitive figure of the season. Lord Jesus is the one we should honor, thank and praise every Christmas. The birth of Lord Jesus in Israel thousands of years ago remains highly significant and essential. Celebrate Christmas by having unwavering faith in Lord Jesus!
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a 24-year-old man suspected of robbery was arrested by law enforcers, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The arrest happened in Barangay BF International-CAA.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A robbery suspect was arrested during a manhunt operation conducted by members of the Las Piñas City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section and Station Intelligence Section against wanted persons on Monday, Nov. 18.
Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla said the suspect, identified as alias “Rodney,” 24, was arrested at around 10:40 a.m. in Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said the suspect who was placed as Top 2 wanted person under station level was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Victor Ramirez Aguba of the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court, Branch 197 on October 16, 2024. He said Aguba recommended a bail of P100,000.
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 think that someone in your local community could have been involved in robbery? When was the last time a member of your local community got arrested by law enforcers who were armed with a warrant of arrest?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, City Councilors Mark Santos and Henry Medina pushed for the establishment of a 2nd legislative district pointing to the growing population, the voice of the constituents, development of the city and other factors, according to a Manila Times news report.
For the newcomers reading this, Las Piñas City currently has one seat in the House of Representatives and its population has exceeded 600,000 since 2020.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report of the Manila Times. Some parts in boldface…
LAS PIÑAS City leaders are pressing for the creation of a second legislative district, citing the local government’s growing population and the need for broader representation in the House of Representatives.
City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina filed a resolution urging Congress to establish an additional congressional district for Las Piñas, a city that has seen significant population growth since it became a city in 1997.
According to the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Las Piñas had a population of 606,293, way above the constitutional requirement of 250,000 residents to qualify for another legislative district.
Section 5, Article VI of the Philippine Constitution provides that each legislative district “shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory. Each city with a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each province, shall have at least one representative.“
Currently, Las Piñas is represented by a single congressional seat despite its population and administrative structure. The city has two councilor districts that are used for electing six city councilors from its 20 barangay (villages), but this bifurcation has yet to translate into additional representation in Congress.
Las Piñas’ journey to cityhood began in 1997 under then-president Fidel V. Ramos, with residents overwhelmingly supporting the change in a plebiscite.
Since then, the city has undergone rapid urbanization and population growth, further strengthening the case for additional representation.
Despite these developments, proposals for a second congressional district have not gained traction until now.
“With the creation of another congressional district representation in the House of Representatives, the voice of Las Pinyeros will be heard in a broader arena,” Santos said as he highlighted the benefits of increased representation.
Medina echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that an additional district could lead to improved public services, increased budget allocations and accelerated development for the city.
He pointed out that the establishment of a second district would allow the city’s growing population to have more direct representation in national governance.
This, in turn, could translate into better legislative focus on local issues, from infrastructure and education to health care and economic development.
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 believe it is high-time for Las Piñas City to have a 2nd congressional seat? What do you think is the problem preventing Las Piñas City from having another seat in the House of Representatives?
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
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed online recently that the collection of its coin deposit machines (CoDMs) is gradually approaching the P1.1 billion mark. The latest statistics are accurate of as November 15, 2024.
Based on the latest statistics, a total of P1,082,972,600.36 (7.34% higher than the previous count of P1,008,889,490.24) in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 255,906 transactions from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 280,173,379 coins were deposited.
Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P4,231.9156 per transaction at the machines. As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P3.8654 per coin deposited.
When it comes to the number of coins involved with each transaction, 280,173,379 coins divided by 255,906 transactions resulted in an average of 1,094.8293 coins per transaction. This result shows that a lot of people out there are making big deposits by the jars and bags at the coin deposit machines. I can only speculate that there are families or local businesses that have decided to collect all their loose change for deposit into BSP’s coin machines even if it means waiting long in the line.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you were able to deposit coins in the BSP coin machine, how long did you have to wait for your turn? Did you notice anyone bringing bags or jars full of coins for deposit at the nearest BSP coin machine in your local community?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Barangay Nutrition Workers (BNWs) received gifts for Christmas from the City Government during the annual gift-giving event held at Las Piñas Café, according to the social media post of the local government unit (LGU).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
The City of Las Piñas, led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, conducted its annual gift-giving event for Barangay Nutrition Workers (BNWs) on Tuesday, November 12, at the Las Piñas Cafe. The initiative aimed to honor the dedication of BNWs in promoting the city’s nutrition programs.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar personally distributed Christmas food packages to the BNWs, thanking them for their tireless service to the community. The event was organized in partnership with the City Nutrition Office under the leadership of Dr. Julio P. Javier II.
The activity served as an opportunity to recognize the invaluable role of BNWs in implementing grassroots health initiatives and ensuring proper nutrition for residents across Las Piñas. It also highlighted the city’s commitment to supporting its volunteer workers.
Vice Mayor April, through the program, reaffirmed the city’s dedication to providing inclusive and progressive public service for all.
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? Are there many people who work as a barangay nutrition worker in the city?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, water concessionaire Maynilad confirmed that its 1.6 billion water reclamation is on track to start fully operating by the end of this year and it will serve more than thirty thousand residents in four barangays in the city, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Maynilad Water Services announced that its water reclamation plant in Muntinlupa is nearing completion and will be fully operational by year-end.
Built at a cost of P1.6 billion, the Cupang Water Reclamation Facility and sewer conveyance system are located in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa.
It said it is now preparing for the testing and commissioning of the facility, which was designed to treat up to 46 million liters of wastewater per day.
The plant uses the conventional activated sludge technology to effectively remove pollutants from wastewater, contributing to a cleaner ecosystem.
When it becomes fully operational, the plant will serve about 33,000 customers in Barangays Sucat, Buli, Cupang, and Bayanan in Muntinlupa. The wastewater from the communities will be treated before it is discharged.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the new water reclamation facility of Maynilad will be very helpful in the years to come?
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
On the evening of November 24 at the covered basketball court inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) had its annual Christmas party which was attended by lots of guests.
According to CCTI president Flor Umali, around eight hundred guests – including CCTI members and officials – attended. 600 were from Tahanan Village while roughly 200 others were from the adopted villages of Teoville, Maywood and partly from BF NorthWest.
A view of the CCTI Christmas party set-up and the stage.
A few of the many gifts and raffle prizes on display by the stage.
The guests had a nice night of celebrating Christmas with a dinner buffet, musical performances and social interactions. Sponsored raffles and gifts given added excitement to the celebration as the party went on.
As with past Christmas parties of CCTI (click here and here), the local public servants and candidates (for the 2025 local elections) were in attendance and spent some time greeting the guests and sparing time to chat with them. Present were congressman Brian Yamsuan (running for Parañaque’s 2nd district congressional seat), former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe (candidate for Parañaque Vice Mayor), former City Councilor Tess de Asis (running for the City Council), former City Councilor Binky Favis (also running for the City Council), City Councilor Tin Esplana, Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez and Mayor Eric Olivarez.
In the foreground are (L to R) former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe, City Councilor Tin Esplana (facing the background) and former City Councilor Binky Favis (standing). In the background is Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez delivering his remarks.
CCTI president Flor Umali with Bicol Saro party-list Representative Brian Yamsuan. Yamsuan is running for the 2nd district congressional seat of Parañaque in the 2025 election.
Olivarez gave the guests an update about what has been happening in the city. Like in his previous attendance of CCTI Christmas parties, he performed a dance to delight the audience. Olivarez will be running for Parañaque’s 1st district congressional seat which he previously occupied from 2013 to 2022.
With regards to what people can expect next from the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. in the near future, their president said that the next health check activity might happen in February 2025. Watch out for future updates from the CCTI.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar provided financial assistance to the surviving family of a woman who was stabbed to death by her ex-husband, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar distributed financial assistance to the family of the entertainer who was stabbed 25 times by her ex-husband on Nov. 18.
The family of the victim identified as “Janilyn” visited Aguilar on Nov. 21 to seek assistance for the release of the victim’s body from the funeral home.
Aguilar was joined by Vice Mayor April Aguilar in handling the financial aid to the family.
Police investigation showed that Janilyn had a confrontation with her ex-husband identified as “Dennis” on Monday which led to the stabbing. He was later arrested by the police during a follow-up operation.
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? Are you satisfied with the way the mayor reacted to the victim’s family who needed financial assistance?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To conclude their Health Awareness Month, which was primarily aimed to develop self-awareness in their students, Mindbuilders Preschool located in BF Homes organized a special event entitled “All my Feelings are All Me.”
Prior to this culmination, the teachers of Mindbuilders Preschool implemented activities throughout October that would encourage their pupils to identify and even discuss their feelings in class. One tool the students made and used during their daily Circle Time period was a “feelings scale”, which allowed each child to identify a specific emotion he or she was feeling at the time. The children were also taught to use a decorated paper cup nicknamed the “jellyfish”. By breathing in and out of the cup, they could use it to calm themselves down in situations that made them feel scared, nervous or anxious. Other activities promoting self-awareness, specifically in the Gross Motor domain, were also implemented.
Then, on the morning of November 15, the assembly of preschool pupils, teachers and volunteer parents witnessed two very special presentations: one by psychologist Patricia Pacheco-Beton and another by a living legend of Philippine cinema and television, Miss Gina Alajar.
Teacher Pach efficiently taught the young audience about the kind of feelings they have and how to react when they feel something. In separate turns, a few students were called to the front to answer the guest psychologist’s key questions. The answers stated amused the other children as well as the parents and teachers who were present. More importantly, the little children themselves learned a lot from Teacher Pach’s presentation.
Using a children’s picture book, Teacher Pach engaged the students with a story and how it relates with feelings.
Teacher Pach also engaged the students in a read-aloud of an illustrated children’s book about the myriad of feelings a child can have in just one day! And as the narrative went on, students were able to identify the kind of emotions that the main character displayed.
Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar facilitated an acting workshop with three alternating groups of kids in attendance. In relation to the topic of feelings, she first asked the students what kind of emotions were they able to spot in films they had watched before. Collectively, the children gave answers which proved that they had been paying attention to the cinematic emotions even while enjoying the movies.
Ms. Gina Alajar had a group sit-down with the students of Mindbuilders Preschool about their feelings in relation to the senses. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
The veteran filmmaker getting feedback from one of the students. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
To determine how far everyone could go with their emotions, Alajar focused on the five senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. For each sense explored, the actress used specific items to get reactions from the kids. As children would respond differently to each item, she processed valuing each one’s feelings and respecting the feelings of others as well. Having seen Gina Alajar act so dramatically in movies from long ago, I was very impressed to see how experienced and patient she was when it came to teaching the students of Mindbuilders Preschool. It was as if they were all her grandchildren!
Elsewhere within Mindbuilders were other activities that tapped the students’ other intelligences. These took place inside different classrooms. One classroom had each child decorate a puzzle piece and then assemble the pieces together to form one big puzzle. In another classroom nearby, students were taught to express themselves with music and movement amidst multicolored lights. Finally, a coloring session of positive quotes on affirmation stones was held in another classroom.
In this particular workshop, the students learn to express themselves with music and movement. (Photo credit: Macon Leaño)
Students putting the puzzle pieces together in another classroom. (Photo credit: Tintin L. Cabase)
A student coloring positive quotes on an affirmation stone. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
The session of coloring positive quotes on affirmation stones offers students a unique opportunity to practice their analysis and creativity. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
After all the workshops and sessions were completed, the students were treated to a free film viewing at the play area.
A special activity fulfilled!
According to Mindbuilders Preschool Directress Marah Estuesta, the team worked hard in preparation for their Health Awareness Month Culmination. This included making schedule adjustments due to a major weather disturbance. What transpired on November 15, however, was a huge pay-off complete with a strong reception and the fulfillment of goals on educating the children about self-awareness.
Mindbuilders Preschool’s Health Awareness Month Culmination was supported by Chef Thess Uy Catering.
Philippines film and TV living legend Gina Alajar poses with the teachers and parents of Mindbuilders Preschool. At leftmost is directress Marah Estuesta. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
Words from the Directress
“This activity was one for the books! In today’s world, where mental health is increasingly prioritized, I am happy to have an activity that fosters socio-emotional development in our preschoolers. It is very relevant that children begin developing self-awareness early, as it lays the foundation for understanding and managing their emotions, as well as expressing them effectively.
From understanding their own feelings to recognizing those of others, this activity is a significant step in helping young minds navigate the complexities of emotions. By engaging in activities that promote emotional intelligence, children learn valuable skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and healthy communication.
Our month-long activities encouraged our preschoolers to explore and express their feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. Through fun, interactive exercises, tapping their Multiple Intelligences, they begin to articulate their emotions, understand their impact, and learn appropriate ways to respond to various emotional states. This kind of early intervention is vital, as it equips children with the tools they need to grow into emotionally resilient and socially adept individuals.“
Mindbuilders Preschool is an early learning environment committed to maximizing a child’s potential by creating exciting experiences that inspire enthusiasm for learning. Founded in 2002, it has grown as the leading Multiple Intelligences Preschool in the South (BF Homes, Las Piñas & Parañaque), following Howard Gardner’s Theory. Mindbuilders Preschool offers one of the best classes in the community for preschoolers.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 