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Giant Christmas tree at Muntinlupa City Hall lighted

November 22, 2023November 21, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the lights of the huge Christmas tree located at the quadrangle of City Hall were formally switched on by sevel local officials including the Mayor, the Congressional Representative, the Vice Mayor, members of the City Council and others, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The lighting ceremony reminded locals that the Christmas season has indeed arrived in the city.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

It’s officially Christmas season in Muntinlupa.

The Muntinlupa City government ushered in the Yuletide season by holding the giant Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 17 at the Muntinlupa City hall quadrangle.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, councilors and city officials led the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Biazon was joined by his wife, Trina, and their children at the ceremony.

*The Mayor, Vice Mayor, Congressman and other officials present during the lighting ceremony of the giant Christmas tree at the quadrangle of City Hall. (photo source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

According to the Muntinlupa Public Information Office (PIO), the giant Christmas tree is 34-foot tall plus the three-foot lantern topper for a total height of 37 feet.

The Christmas tree is adorned with 500 strings of pixel lights, 500 fairy lights, 200 globe bulbs, 50 strobe lights and 40 dozens of ornaments.

*This is what the giant Christmas tree looks like during the day.*

Simula na ito ng Paskong Nakakaproud sa Muntinlupa! We dedicate this celebration bilang pasasalamat sa lahat ng biyaya na natatanggap natin at sa buhay natin sa kasalukuyan (This is the start of Paskong Nakakaproud in Muntinlupa! We dedicate this celebration as thanks for all the blessings that we receive and our lives),” said Biaozn

Visitors can watch the Christmas Lights Show at the Muntinlupa City Hall starting Monday, Nov. 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa, were you able to see the giant Christmas tree at City Hall during your last visit there? If you have seen the Christmas tree in front of City Hall lighted during the evening, does it look impressive?

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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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

Las Piñas City’s local health programs recognized by DOH

November 21, 2023November 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local health programs of the City Government earned the recognition of the Department of Health (DOH), 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…

The Las Piñas City government was recognized by the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) for its outstanding health programs.

According to Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the city government received recognition for its effective implementation of the Adolescent Health Development Program and the National Immunization Program.

Aguilar said the DOH-CHD highlighted the city government’s proactive efforts in promoting youth health and enhancing immunization coverage against preventable diseases.

She said the city government also received recognition for the city’s dedication to maternal health through the National Safe Motherhood Program.

The mayor added that the city government was also commended for its significant contribution to disaster risk reduction and management in health for showing effective response in health emergencies.

Aguilar said the city was also recognized for its strides in rabies prevention, moving towards a “Rabies-Free Philippines by 2030.”

The city government was also recognized for its innovative health strategies and successful implementation of the Family Planning Program.

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 delighted with what the City Government achieved with regards to the local health programs?

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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Muntinlupa City’s Christmas gift-giving (Pamaskong Handog) for 150,000 families ongoing

November 21, 2023November 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government launched the distribution of consumable goods for an estimated one hundred and fifty thousand families with the Christmas season in mind, 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…

Christmas came early for Muntinlupa residents as the city government has started distributing Pamaskong Handog packages containing grocery items.

“This year, we have prepared—based on the city’s population and average number of family members—150,000 Pamaskong Handog packages para sa estimated 150,000 families of Muntinlupa,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon at the kickoff distribution on Nov. 15.

Each Pamaskong Handog package contains a spaghetti package (pasta and sauce), milk, champorado and chocolate drink.

City government personnel will visit communities from purok to subdivisions to distribute the Christmas packages.

Biazon said the distribution of the Pamaskong Handog packages will be scheduled by barangay and those with questions can visit the help desk at each distribution venue.

“Sa pag-celebrate natin ng Pasko, magpasalamat tayo sa mga biyayang natatanggap natin at sa buhay na taglay natin (In celebration of Christmas, we should be thankful for the blessings that we receive and the life that we have),” said Biazon.

He thanked city officials and employees who went around the city for a month to list the names of the Pamaskong Handog beneficiaries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the Pamaskong Handog distribution of the City Government covering 150,000 families?

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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President Marcos tells American business community that Philippines is ready to take off as Asia’s leading investment destination

November 20, 2023November 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the United States, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., met with members of the American business community and enticed them to invest in the Philippines stating that a wealth of opportunity awaits them and the country is set to take off as a major Asian investment destination, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines is all set to become the “leading” investment destination in Asia, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday (Manila time).

“With a solid reform agenda and unabating growth amid headwinds, the Philippines is ready to take off as a leading investment hub in Asia,” Marcos said during the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in San Francisco, California, as he enticed the business community in the United States (US) to invest in the Philippines.

“A wealth of opportunity awaits you in the Philippines, and we are ready to explore new horizons with your investments in the coming years,” he added.

Marcos assured the US businesses of a favorable business environment in the Philippines, adding that his administration is committed to promoting high-value investments.

He said an influx of highly-desirable investments in strategic sectors of the Philippine economy is expected, considering the amendments to the Public Service Act, Foreign Investments Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Renewable Energy Act.

He noted that the government has also introduced reforms to the Philippines’ fiscal incentives structure through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act to attract both domestic and global firms to invest in strategically important sectors.

“Investments in rural areas and highly-advanced and technology-enabled projects and activities are given top priority and, consequently, greater and longer incentives,” Marcos said.

“Investments in the digital space are also highly prioritized. Incentives are given to projects covering research and development and those adopting advanced digital production technologies such as, for example, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, data analytics, cloud computing, and nanotechnology,” he added.

Marcos said the public-private partnerships (PPP) framework has also been modified to simplify the approval processes, ensure the viability and bankability of PPP projects, cut red tape, and pave the way for quality infrastructure development.

“These reforms support the Philippines’ massive infrastructure drive. We are prioritizing the implementation of 197 infrastructure flagship projects worth around USD155 billion, with a sharp focus on upgrading physical and digital connectivity, water, agriculture, health, transport, and energy,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think a huge amount of investments from American businesses into the Philippines will be realized in due time? What do you think the government should do to keep attracting more foreign investors as the Philippines is now in the post-pandemic age?

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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2-day Mandatory Training for Newly Elected SK Officials of Las Piñas City Completed

November 20, 2023November 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the mandatory training for newly elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials of the city was completed at the Mayor Nene Aguilar Multipurpose Hall of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) Building in BF Resort Village, Barangay Talon Dos, the City Government revealed through its official Facebook page. This happened just weeks after the completion of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

This weekend, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, in collaboration with the Local Youth Development Office, successfully conducted the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Mandatory Training for newly elected officials. The two-day event, held on November 11th for District I and November 12th for District II, took place at the Mayor Nene Aguilar Multipurpose Hall of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) Building in BF Resort Village, Barangay Talon Dos.

This training session was a key initiative to equip the SK officials with essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance and leadership in their respective communities.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar personally awarded the certificates of training completion to the participants, marking their readiness to take on their responsibilities as youth leaders in Las Piñas City. Her presence underscored the city government’s support and confidence in the capabilities of these young leaders.

*Image released by the Las Piñas City Public Information Office related to the mandatory training of newly elected SK officials.*

The program included a comprehensive range of topics, focusing on the role of youth in local governance, community development, and legislative processes. The training also served as a platform for the officials to discuss common challenges and share best practices.

The City Government of Las Piñas, through these initiatives, continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing and empowering its youth leaders, recognizing their critical role in community development and governance.

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 looking forward to how the newly elected SK officials in your barangay will serve you?

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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Better than Streaming: Do you have Godzilla (1954) Criterion Blu-ray in your collection?

November 17, 2023November 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs! Way back in 1954, the original Godzilla movie (Japanese title: Gojira) made its debut in theaters in Japan. Not only did it make a huge impact with moviegoers, it paved the way for more Godzilla movies (which compelled Hollywood players to join in), imitators and made a solid contribution to global pop culture.

Of course, the original Godzilla film was decades before I was even born and as a boy, I got to watch on home video “Godzilla 1985” which was a Westernized version of The Return of Godzilla (1984). Then in 1998, I saw Roland Emmerich’s twisted version of Japan’s giant monster.

Going back to the original film from 1954, an American version of it was released in 1956 under the title Godzilla: King of the Monsters which was a recut version that had actor Raymond Burr in it as an American journalist witnessing events. That American version, which I saw partially by chance on cable TV, only made me want to see the 1954 original Godzilla movie intact.

That being said, I acquired a copy of the Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray from Criterion Collection and I can say I am really enjoying it. It definitely is a very good addition to my collection of Blu-ray movies.

*The cover of the Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray release from Criterion Collection.*

To begin with, posted below are the specs from the Blu-ray.com page…

Video

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC (24.01 Mbps)

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect ratio: 1.37:1

Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1

Audio

Japanese: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)

Subtitles – English, English SDH

Discs -Blu-ray Disc, Single Disc (1 BD-50)

Playback – Blu-ray: Region A

*The back of the Criterion Collection Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray. Pay close attention to the details because you will get a lot of stuff to enjoy with this one added into your Blu-ray movie collection.*

I really enjoyed the 1954 movie directed by Ishiro Honda and I can talk more about it in detail in a future retro movie review. Going back to Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray, I can say that the company did a great job not only with the restoration and audio, they also loaded the disc with a whole lot of content that will appeal strongly with dedicated Godzilla fans as well as the newcomers who wish to learn more about Japan’s giant monster, its legacy and place in global pop culture. The disc also has a restored copy of Godzilla: King of the Monsters (1956) but I strongly recommend you watch the 1954 film first and foremost.

The extra stuff in the disc contains a lot of content for you to enjoy. There are interviews with certain cast and crew members, an illustrated audio essay about the tragic Lucky Dragon No. 5 vessel, an audio commentary by David Kalat, and more.

When it comes to the physical aspect of Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray, the packaging is both nicely done and inspired. I just love it whenever I opened the set to get to the disc, an image of Godzilla folds and forms in shape for your viewing pleasure. The set also has a booklet that contains really interesting information. Very clearly, this is so much better than streaming!

*I really like this excellent packaging by Criterion Collection*. *Very clearly better than streaming!*

In case you are interested or if you have made up your mind, you can order a copy of Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray of Criterion Collection by clicking https://www.amazon.com/Godzilla-Criterion-Collection-Blu-ray-Takashi/dp/B005VU9LKE

For the dedicated Godzilla fans as well as enthusiastic film buffs and collectors of movies on physical media, Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray is highly recommended! This is currently the best way to enjoy the classic movie in the comfort of your home!

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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Nutcracker Christmas Bazaar inside Alabang Hills Village set for December 1-3, 2023

November 17, 2023November 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Calling all the shoppers and gift item searchers among you. The Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) will once again be having the Nutcracker Christmas Bazaar from December 1 to 3, 2023 at their park in the Phase 2 area. The said bazaar will take place from 9AM to 9PM each day.

*This year’s Nutcracker Christmas Bazaar already publicized within Alabang Hills Village.*

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

Once again drawing on the theme of Tchaikovsky’s world-famous Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker”, this year’s bazaar promises to be even bigger and better!

When: December 1 to 3 (Friday to Sunday), 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Where: AHV Phase 2 Park

Come to the Nutcracker Christmas Bazaar and enjoy —

•Christmas Tree & Bazaar Lighting Ceremony on December 2 at 6:00 PM

•Uncle Drosselmeyer’s Enchanted Market (the bazaar)

•The Kingdom of Sweets and Savories (the food pavilion), and

•Harlequin Theatre (the stage and performance area).

The bazaar’s fun highlights will include Bingo & Raffle in the afternoons, Dance, Food, Magic, Music, and more!

Entrance to the bazaar is free! Invite your friends and relatives and together let’s make this a fun and memorable community celebration this Christmas.

A portion of the proceeds from the bazaar will go to the beneficiary of the AHV Christmas Outreach Program.

To know more about Nutcracker Christmas Bazaar, call the AHVA landline at (02) 8850-8254.

For the newcomers reading this, there was a Nutcracker Christmas Bazaar in Alabang Hills Village that happened in December 2022. Watch the video below and observe…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, would you consider visiting the Nutcracker Christmas Bazaar for your search for items to give?

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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A Look Back at Uncanny X-Men #157 (1982)

November 16, 2023November 13, 2023carlocarrasco

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.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1982 to take a close look at one of the many tales of the Marvel Comics shared universe told through the monthly series of Uncanny X-Men.

In my previous retro review, Charles Xavier got reunited with his beloved Lilandra, the empress of the Shi’ar Empire, as they were trapped temporarily by the Brood. Elsewhere, Corsair reveals to his son Cyclops what happened before they got separated on Earth twenty years prior. The X-Men and the Starjammers got captured by the Brood’s massive transport which turned out to be a massive organic creature. The conflict that followed saw another battle between the X-Men and the Brood but with the stakes raised higher.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Uncanny X-Men #157 published in 1982 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Chris Claremont and drawn by Dave Cockrum.

Early story

The story begins in space where the X-Men and the Starjammers worked together to repair the external parts of the Starjammer ship. An incident happens in which Wolverine starts to float away from the ship while Colossus loses consciousness. One of the Starjammers saved Wolverine.

Just as the Starjammers used their advanced technology to help the unconscious Colossus, Empress Lilandra tells Professor X and a few others that she used her imperial commlink and private code to each Chanellor Araki to confirm to him that she is free and unharmed. Supposedly, Lilandra’s move should compel Araki to call off the punitive strike against Earth.

As Lilandra starts communicating with the flagship that carries Araki, Admiral Lord Samedar takes control of the ship and declares that they will execute Araki’s orders to obliterate Earth…

Quality

*Kitty Pryde on the move against all odds.*

Following the events of the two previous issues, this story is another engaging pay-off to the established build-up but with the stakes raised higher as Earth becomes a target of the defiant Shi’ar officials who themselves turned out to be defiant towards their empress Lilandra all along. Not only that, there is a good amount of intrigue with the way the Shi’ar people are portrayed here.

The X-Men here continue to struggle not only because of Colossus’ weakness but also because something bad happened to their leader Professor X (a must-read scene). Far away from the rest of their teammates, Nightcrawler and Kitty Pryde became major players in this particular story and what happened with them was nicely structured by Chris Claremont. This is clearly a big pay-off to what was staged in issue #155 and it sure is worth anticipating!

If you have great interest with the Brood, you will be delighted to see more of the way they communicate and how they treat foreigners like Deathbird as they live on with their uncompromising belief that their race backs winners only.

Conclusion

Uncanny X-Men #157 (1982) is an action-packed sci-fi tale that continued Claremont’s direction of the X-Men while also emphasizing the Brood as well as the Starjammers and the Shi’ar as crucial players in this particular storyline. There is plenty of superhero spectacle to enjoy here, a few memorable character moments and if you are fond of Chris Claremont’s works, you will enjoy the twists and surprises he pulled off here.

Overall, Uncanny X-Men #157 (1982) is recommended!

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Two Chinese nationals and local cohorts arrested in Parañaque City for carnapping

November 16, 2023November 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two Chinese nationals and their local cohorts were arrested for allegedly committing carnapping, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A Filipino businesswoman, her cohort and two Chinese men were arrested for alleged carnapping on Sunday, Nov. 12, in Parañaque City.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspects were identified as “Krizzia,” 27, businesswoman; “Leavida,” 28; “Xing,” 32, businessman, and “Huang,” 39.

The suspects were arrested at around 11:40 p.m. at Casiana Residences in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The report showed that the suspects were spotted by the condominium’s officer-in-charge (OIC) on board a stolen vehicle, a black BMW X-3, which was reported missing on Nov. 2.

The condominium OIC immediately flagged down the vehicle and called for police assistance, leading to their arrest.

They were brought to the police custodial facility for detention.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be Chinese nationals living within your local community who may have committed criminal activities secretly?

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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Alabang Hills Village Association launches NEMTOS (Non-Emergency Messaging to Security)

November 15, 2023November 13, 2023carlocarrasco

The Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) recently announced to its members the launch of a new procedure related to messaging with their security team over non-emergency matters formally called Non-Emergency Messaging to Security (NEMTOS). NEMTOS is a joint project of the AHVA Admin & Communications, and the Security & Safety committees.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the AHVA’s official NEMTOS announcement. Some parts in boldface…

We are happy to announce the launch of NEMTOS, short for Non-Emergency Messaging to Security, AHVA’s new procedure for the relay of your non-emergency messages to Security. Messages are to be relayed through Viber.

The objective of NEMTOS is to streamline non-emergency messaging between ourselves and AHV Security by simplifying and hastening communications while decongesting our two Security landlines so that these may be freed up mainly for emergency calls. It is our hope that, over time, this alternative approach will become our primary way of communicating non-emergency messages to Security.

Examples of non-emergency messages would be when we want to advise Security of:

-food and non-food deliveries to our homes (Grab, Lalamove, restaurants, etc.)

-the entry of guests/visitors into the village

-the entry of appliance repairmen, technicians, workers, manicurists, massage therapists, etc.

-noise disturbances

-road hazards/debris

-lost pets/items

-tricycle requests

With NEMTOS, there will be no need to dial, and repeatedly redial the Security landlines when these are busy. Your non-emergency messages, sent through Viber, will reach Security immediately. Within a couple of minutes, Security will acknowledge receipt of your message. This way, when you have an emergency that you need to communicate to Security ASAP, your call will get through immediately instead of getting held up by a non-emergency call. This will be better for all of us, whether it’s to contact Security for a non-emergency need, or, for a more urgent and critical emergency purpose.

The NEMTOS Viber number is 0939-934-7837.

To begin using NEMTOS, you will first need to register your cell phone number(s) with AHVA Admin. Below please find the Registration Form. The form can also be downloaded and printed from the AHVA website, or picked up at the AHVA Admin Office during regular office hours. Kindly fill out the form and read and abide by the program’s Rules and Guidelines. Don’t forget to sign the form. Drop your completed and signed form at the Admin Office. The Program Rules and Guidelines will tell you exactly how and when to use NEMTOS.

NEMTOS-Registration-Form-2023.10.27-1 Download

After you have registered AND been enrolled by Admin into the system, you will receive an acknowledgement via SMS. That will be your signal that you can start using the system. Please allow three (3) working days from your Registration Form submission date to receive the acknowledgement message.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think your village or homeowners association could take inspiration from the NEMTOS project of Alabang Hills?

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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