blogger – Page 37 – Author Carlo Carrasco

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 87

July 4, 2025June 29, 2025carlocarrasco

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 videos I found.

#1 Retrospective look back at Heaven’s Gate – If you love watching movies, have you ever seen Heaven’s Gate? That 1980 movie directed by Michael Cimino was a very expensive commercial and critical failure. Cimino had blank check power which drained United Artists’ funds and he executed a lot of moves to ensure authenticity for filming believing he had something great for cinema. While the movie has been praised a lot more since he re-cut the film (Criterion Collection Blu-ray is available online), it is important to look back at its history as it is a fact that its failure destroyed Cimino’s credibility as well as the New Hollywood era entirely. How was Isabelle Huppert hired, who led United Artists, what cases of animal cruelty happened and how the actors described the production can be seen in the Final Cut video below. For entertainment value, I added Critical Drinker’s explanatory video and the 3-part movie review by Cinema Snob.

#2 Animated portrayal of an ntense scene from the Jurassic Park novel – If you have seen Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, were you able to read the novel by Michael Crichton? I read the novel after seeing the film in 1993 and I was struck at how different literary Jurassic Park really was. The movie was not really based on it but inspired by it, and there were so many differences between them. The literary Jurassic Park was much more violent, John Hammond was greedy and self-centered, and there were two Tyrannosaurs. The novel also had memorable scenes that movie never adapted, and one of them was the violent encounter with the adult Tyrannosaur on the main road which was animated well by YouTuber InGen 2D. Watch the video below.

#3 The successful American strike on Iran’s nuclear sites explained – America’s successful bombing of three nuclear sites of terrorist state Iran was very tremendous politically and militarily. It helped Israel win its 12-day war with Iran and right now the wicked regime led by the Ayatollah has been weakened significantly as multiple military commanders and nuclear scientists have been eliminated. With Iran severely weakened, it won’t be able to fund and arm Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthi terrorists. The Americans used stealth B-2 bombers which traveled into Iran undetected for the attack. To know the details, watch the explanatory video of TBN Israel below.

#4 Unsolved Mysteries Season 6 Episode 2 – I found another engaging episode of Unsolved Mysteries hosted by the late Robert Stack. The 2^nd episode from the sixth season of the show has an in-depth look at the Mystery Robber, an Australian pilot’s encounter with a UFO, and more. There is a lot to enjoy or discover in the episode below.

#5 Jurassic World revisited – It has been ten years since Jurassic World was first released in cinemas. While the movie was highly successful in terms of ticket sales, I myself did not enjoy it much and very clearly it was the further bastardization of dinosaurs and core concepts of Jurassic Park (both novel and the 1993 movie). Having more action and more dinosaurs with humans trapped on an island did not work for me and the only movie that executed those elements well as the first one directed by Spielberg. Still, there are lots of YouTubers who posted videos about Jurassic World and you can see how the movie impacts them and what they think about it in the selected videos below.

#6 You, Me and the Movies react to April Fool’s Day – Released in 1986, April Fool’s Day is a dark comedy, mystery, slasher film that follows several college students on an island estate. On face value, it looked like a typical slasher horror film but it offered moviegoers something else. You should watch how You, Me and Movies react to it in their 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

NBI Apprehends Nine Koreans for Online Fraud in Parañaque City

July 3, 2025June 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended nine Koreans for involvement in online fraud, according to a GMA Network news report. The apprehension happened inside a condominium and the law enforcers found several computer workstations operating programs.

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

Joint forces of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested nine Koreans in Parañaque City for alleged involvement in online fraud, the bureau announced Friday.

According to the NBI, agents of the NBI-Organized and Transnational Crime Division and BI-Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested the foreigners in a condominium in Parañaque on Wednesday, June 25.

“The Korean nationals were found operating computer workstations that run multiple applications displaying foreign-language scripts and exhibiting user interface windows typically associated with financial transactions and online communication platforms,” the NBI said in a statement.

“The configuration and real-time display of these systems raised reasonable suspicion of involvement in online loan fraud schemes,” it added.

The arrested individuals underwent inquest proceedings by the BI for violations of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, the NBI said.

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 that cyber crime or online fraud within the city will only grow and get worse?

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon reminds employees about serving the public

July 3, 2025June 30, 2025carlocarrasco

As his second term of office started this past Monday, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the local government employees to serve the people with courtesy, politeness, respect and attention, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon started his second term of office at noon on June 30 and reminded employees of their duty to serve the public.

“We must serve and treat people with utmost courtesy, politeness, respect and attention that will make them feel that they are welcome and attended to,” he said in his inaugural message at the oath-taking ceremony of all newly elected officials of Muntinlupa on June 30.

Biazon took his oath before Muntinlupa Executive Judge Liezel Aquiatan.

“People are telling me that with my election this 2025, two ‘Firsts’ were accomplished. The first Muntinlupa Mayor to run unopposed, and the first to garner over two hundred thousand votes,” he said.

Also taking their oath were reelected Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi and Vice Mayor Stephanie Teves-Wong.

Councilors in Muntinlupa’s two districts also took their oath of office. They were District 1 Councilors Alexson Diaz, Raul Corro, Rachel Arciaga-Molina, Paty Katy Boncayao-Barreto, Jedidiah Presnedi, Walter Arcilla, Valentino Niefes and Amanda Jane Camilon.

The new District 2 councilors are Reggie Ann Landrito, Mamero Sevilla Jr., Kaye Anne Rongavilla, Francis Ian Bagatsing, Arlene Hilapo, Marie Shalimar Baes-Reyes, Rodolfo Moldez Jr. and Cornelio Martinez.

Biazon said in his first term of office, “good governance” meant something not only an Internet buzzword.

“Dito sa atin sa Muntinlupa, good governance means efficient and effective services, it means transparency and accountability in processes, it means we introduce innovation so that our programs continually improve to benefit our constituents especially those in vulnerable sectors,” he said.

He cited the accomplishments of the Muntinlupa City government in the last three years including getting the Seal of Good Local Governance award from 2022 to 2024 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

He said one of the major reforms that he implemented during his first term was to improve the services at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang. The operation was the hospital was reverted back to the city government.

For 2025, he said, the city government allotted a P830 million budget for OsMun or about 10 percent of the total budget.

In addition, the city government allocated P100 million for the hospital’s infrastructure upgrades including rooms, critical facilities and new medical and laboratory equipment. He also formed the Mayor’s Patient Relations Team at OsMun to help patients and their families about concerns.

The mayor reminded employees of his “FREE (Fast, Responsive, Efficient and Effective) Service with a Smile” policy.

“Dapat ito ang maging tatak ng mga kawani ng lungsod—dapat hindi lang ito memory verse ng mga empleyado (This should be the brand of city employees—it shouldn’t just be a memory verse for employees). This should be a way of life, a standard operating procedure, an official policy,” he said.

Biazon said he will continue his 7K Agenda consisting of Kalusugan (Health), Karunungan (Knowledge), Kabuhayan (Livelihood), Kaunlaran (Progress), Kalikasan (Environment), Katarungan (Justice) and Kaayusan/Kapayapaan (Peace and Order).

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, what are you looking forward to from the City Government over the next three years?

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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Philippines Lowers Economic Growth Target Amid Global Uncertainty

July 2, 2025June 27, 2025carlocarrasco

As there are more signs of weakness and uncertainty, the economic managers of the Philippines officially lowered their economic growth target this year, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Economic managers on Thursday revised the economic growth target for this year amid mounting global uncertainties.

At a briefing after the 191st Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) meeting, Budget Secretary and DBCC Chair Amenah Pangandaman said the economic growth assumption for 2025 was revised downward to 5.5 to 6.5 percent from the previous 6 to 8 percent.

For 2026 to 2028, the Philippine economy is projected to expand by 6 to 7 percent, reflecting a more cautious and resilient economic outlook amid global headwinds.

“The revisions take into account heightened global uncertainties, such as the unforeseen escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the imposition of U.S. tariffs,” Pangandaman said.

She said that despite these challenges, the DBCC remains “vigilant and ready to deploy timely and targeted measures” to mitigate their potential impact on the Philippine economy.

The budget chief said the country continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN driven by robust domestic demand.

To maintain this momentum, she highlighted the administration’s focus on structural reforms, including the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, both designed to enhance the country’s trade and investment competitiveness.

Pangandaman said the government will also pursue the approval and implementation of other reforms recently ratified by Congress, such as the Liberalizing the Lease of Private Lands by Foreign Investors Act, Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, and Konektadong Pinoy Act.

The DBCC also revisited the medium-term macroeconomic assumptions to take into consideration recent global and domestic developments.

The inflation assumption for this year was cut to 2 to 3 percent from the previous 2 to 4 percent. For 2026 to 2028, the inflation assumption was retained at 2 to 4 percent.

For 2025 to 2028, crude oil price assumptions were reduced to USD60 to USD70 per barrel from USD60 to 80 per barrel, despite escalating geopolitical tensions.

The foreign exchange rate is assumed to remain stable, averaging at PHP56 to PHP58 per US dollar from 2025 through 2028, supported by lower domestic inflation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines is lacking momentum to achieve 6% growth this year? Do you think that inflation and unemployment will eventually rise before the year ends? Are you convinced that foreign investors are staying away from the Philippines?

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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BSP Calls for Anti-Counterfeiting Campaigns in Malls, Supermarkets and Wet Markets

July 1, 2025June 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Counterfeiting of money is a hot issue right now in the Philippines as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) called for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in specific places of trade and commerce, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is calling for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in shopping malls, supermarkets, and wet markets after these locations emerged as the main sources of fake banknotes and coins recovered last year.

Data from the 2024 BSP annual report published in June showed that counterfeits were “frequently recovered in areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls (27.2 percent), supermarkets (25.9 percent), and wet markets (20.9 percent).”

“This highlights the need for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in these areas,” the report said.

According to the central bank report, the ₱1,000 paper banknote was the most counterfeited bill, accounting for 59.9 percent or the majority of documented counterfeits last year. The ₱500 paper banknote was the second-most counterfeited bill at 19.3 percent.

Notably, there were a very low number of cases of counterfeit ₱1,000 polymer banknotes. Recording only three “low-quality” counterfeits in 2024, the BSP noted that the three-year-old ₱1,000 polymer banknote has shown “resilience” against counterfeiting.

“These counterfeit polymer banknotes were printed on paper, with the transparent portions cut out and substituted with substandard plastic, making them easily detectable by the public,” the BSP said.

Fake coins also dropped significantly by 87.8 percent last year, noting that there were fewer than one fake coin for every one million real coins in circulation. Most counterfeit coins were leftovers from previous years, mostly five-peso coins from the BSP coin series.

The BSP attributed this substantial decline in counterfeited banknotes and coins to the “enhanced security features of the New Generation Currency (NGC), including the micro-printed details and laser-engraved designs.”

These added features made it more challenging for fraudsters to copy and reproduce the currencies, the BSP said.

Most counterfeiting involved inkjet printing, accounting for 79.7 percent of the recorded cases. Laser printing was next at 12.6 percent, while tampered security threads accounted for 7.6 percent.

When it comes to location, most fake currencies were found in Metro Manila, at 52.2 percent, followed by the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (collectively known as CALABARZON), at 12.2 percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think counterfeiting in the Philippines will get worse over the next twelve months? Do you think the local supermarket, wet market or shopping mall are hot spots of fake banknotes and coins? Who do you think is responsible for the rise of counterfeit money? Do you think the BSP’s research about counterfeiting is accurate?

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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Construction worker arrested in Parañaque City for stabbing a waiter

July 1, 2025June 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers arrested a construction worker for stabbing and wounding a waiter of a restaurant bar, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A construction worker was arrested by the combined team from the Paranaque City Police and the Southern Police District Mobile Force Battalion for stabbing and seriously wounding a restaurant bar waiter.

The suspect, identified as Eric, 41, was arrested by the authorities a few meters away from a restaurant bar in Barangay Baclaran at around 10:40 p.m.

The victim was identified as Alex, 42. He suffered a stab wound in the body and was immediately brought to the Ospital ng Maynila for treatment.

The police who immediately responded after receiving the report spotted the suspect walking with blood stains on his shirt and holding a 12-inch kitchen knife.

The suspect was positively identified by a witness, Joemer, 44, as the one who stabbed and seriously wounded Alex after a heated argument.

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 have the feeling that violent crime will become more rampant over the next six months?

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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 86

June 30, 2025June 24, 2025carlocarrasco

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Retrospective look back at Superman (1978) – I don’t know with you readers but I am not excited about the new Superman movie directed by James Gunn. Nowadays I am more nostalgic about DC Comics’ most famous superhero and I have been reading decades-old Superman comic books. As for movies about Superman, the 1978 movie that starred Christopher Reeve remains a classic for long-time fans of the Man of Steel. If you are wondering how much impact does Superman of 1978 have on YouTubers, watch the videos posted below. If you have not seen Superman of 1978 yet, watch it first. Otherwise, enjoy the assorted videos below.

#2 Trump-led America obliterates nuclear sites in Iran – As Israel and terrorist state Iran continued their war, the United States led by President Donald Trump pulled off a significant move by heavily bombing the enemy’s nuclear sites. With the wicked regime of Iran (in power since 1979) substantially weakened, the bombings were very helpful not only to Israel but also to the Iranian people (who did not join their evil government’s terrorism) who had been wanting freedom for a long time. Watch and learn from the related videos below.

#3 PatmanQC examines Tapper – With my digital Xbox copy of Midway Arcade Origins, I was able to play the classic arcade game Root Beer Tapper (AKA Tapper) on my Xbox Series X. I’ve been having a lot of fun playing it and I admire the game’s design and responsive controls. For the newcomers reading this, Tapper was first released in arcades by Midway in the 1980s and made it to many computers and consoles. Not only that, the game has intriguing details behinds its history and there was more than one version of Tapper released. To learn more about the history of Tapper, watch the in-depth video of PatmanQC below.

#4 Unsolved Mysteries Season 5 Episode 8 – As I was doing a round of replaying past episodes of Unsolved Mysteries (hosted by the late Robert Stack), I replayed the 8^th episode of the show’s 5^th season. The said episode has an intriguing story about a man’s close encounter with a UFO in North America, a scandal within Frontera prison, a shocking crime story and updates to previous stories shown. Take time out to watch the entire episode below.

#5 Defiant Comics revisited – If you are into comic books, have you ever heard of Defiant Comics? I would not be surprised if you have not heard of the publisher or if never ready any of its comic books. Founded in 1993 by former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, Defiant Comics published some comic books that had new and unique concepts (read my reviews of Warriors of Plasm #1 and Charlemagne #1) that went against type. Unfortunately the company went out of business in 1995 as a result of having to spend a lot of money on a legal battle with Marvel Comics. On YouTube, there are not too many retrospective videos about Defiant Comics and I posted below a video that can help you discover comics, cards and details about the said publisher.

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Bureau of Immigration Files Deportation Charges Against Three Foreigners Who Pretended to be Filipinos

June 30, 2025June 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Bureau of Immigration (BI) formally filed deportation charges against three foreigners for misrepresenting themselves as Filipino citizens during their time working in the country, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) filed deportation cases against three foreigners who allegedly misrepresented themselves as Filipinos while working in the country.

On Tuesday, BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said this developed after immigration officials nabbed three foreigners aged 46, 41 and 34, in Zamboanga del Sur on June 16 for allegedly pretending to be Filipinos.

Mabulac said the foreigners were engaged in legitimate businesses in the province. However, they were using alleged fake government-issued documents in identifying themselves.

“Ang Immigration ay nag-file ng deportation case sa mga dayuhang ito para sila ay ma-deport,” he told state-run PTV’s “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon”.

(The BI has filed deportation cases against the foreigners.)

“Pero sa ating pag-deport, kung may pananagutan sila sa criminal case, they have first be accountable sa ibang kaso,” Mabulac added.

(But before we deport them, they should be held accountable to any criminal cases they are possibly facing.)

According to the BI, one of the foreigners was apprehended in the town of Dumalinao and was discovered to be allegedly operating a coconut charcoal business without a proper permit and visa since 2022.

Another suspect was found working without a permit in the same business. He allegedly managed the aforementioned business, was found to be misrepresenting himself as a Filipino and possessed a Philippine driver’s license indicating his nationality as such.

The BI likewise apprehended a 41-year old foreigner who was found manning a cellphone store. Found in his possession was a Driver’s License indicating his nationality as Filipino.

“Nakakabahala kasi if we go into the previous cases, nakikita natin once nahuli na mayroong silang mga dokumento na government-issued. Nakakabahala ito kaya ang ating national security agencies, tulong-tulong tayo,” Mabulac added.

(These incidents are causes for concern because if we go into the previous cases, we see that they have government-issued documents. We are working with national security agencies to address this.)

Meanwhile, the BI warned of possible charges against Filipinos who will assist foreigners in acquiring fraudulent government documents.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more foreigners pretending to be Filipino citizens using fake documents? Do you consider this development a huge national security concern?

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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Filinvest Group still optimistic with Alabang central business district

June 29, 2025October 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Even though there are emerging rivals that each have distinctive attractions for businesses and residents, the Filinvest group remains confident and optimistic with its 244-hectare Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa, according to a business article by BusinessWorld. This is about the current state of corporate cities or central business districts (CBDs) which are contributing a lot to the economy of the Philippines in terms of financial value, jobs, properties and new residential communities.

For the newcomers reading this, Filinvest City is located within the Alabang area of Muntinlupa City, and it is connected with both the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Metro Manila Skyway (which itself is connected to the NAIA Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway) which makes travel connectivity convenient.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the business article of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE FILINVEST group is banking on unsold inventory and infrastructure readiness at its 244-hectare Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa to support growth in its township portfolio, as new large-scale developments emerge in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Catherine A. Ilagan, president and chief executive officer of Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI), said Filinvest City continues to attract interest from businesses and residents, even as estates such as the 3,500-hectare Villar City, the 700-hectare Vermosa in Cavite, and the 74-hectare Arca South in Taguig expand their footprints.

“We’re the most developed. We have the essentials to back it up. We have the infrastructure and all of the utilities. All of that are already in place. Accessibility is also key. We also have access to talent,” Ms. Ilagan said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

“It takes a long time to develop into a real central business district (CBD),” she added.

FAI is the real estate arm of the Filinvest group, overseeing townships and high-end residential developments.

“In terms of densifying, there’s still a lot of potential for Filinvest City. The outlook for Filinvest City is really positive,” Ms. Ilagan said.

“The release of inventory is very deliberate,” she added.

According to a regulatory filing by the Filinvest group’s listed conglomerate, Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), FAI beneficially owns 76.4 hectares of unsold lots in Filinvest City as of end-2024, indicating further growth capacity.

Launched in 1995, Filinvest City is a mixed-use township that integrates a CBD, residential communities, leisure destinations, educational institutions, and medical and wellness centers.

It is the country’s only CBD to hold both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) certifications.

“The LEED and BERDE certifications are testaments to Filinvest City being a green development,” Ms. Ilagan said.

Filinvest City’s sustainability features include a district cooling system that reduces energy use and emissions by servicing multiple buildings, an integrated electric-powered transport system known as the 360 Eco-Loop, and dedicated green spaces and sustainable buildings in Northgate Cyberzone.

Under Ms. Ilagan’s leadership, FAI is replicating the Filinvest City model in other areas as it grows its portfolio of master-planned, sustainable townships and premium real estate developments under the Filigree brand.

Ms. Ilagan brings more than 30 years of experience in real estate and urban development.

“Filinvest City is a ten-minute city. Everything can be reached in ten minutes. This is the DNA that we want to replicate in the other townships,” Ms. Ilagan said.

“We’ve always subscribed to the idea of a balanced live-work-play. That’s the DNA of all of our townships, a well-rounded and balanced development,” she added.

Other FAI-led townships include the 58-hectare City di Mare in Cebu, the 201-hectare Filinvest Mimosa Plus in Clark, Pampanga, the 288-hectare Filinvest New Clark City in Tarlac, and the 677-hectare Timberland Heights in Rizal.

“Whether it’s a small development, a bigger development, a high development, or a denser development, there should always be that balance of live-work-play components. As a real estate developer, that is the sustainable way to do things. Now, we want everything to be walkable,” Ms. Ilagan said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think that Villar City, Arca South and Vermosa don’t have when compared with Filinvest City? If you are developing properties, do you find Filinvest City advantageous and attractive for your business needs?

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

10 More Medicines Now VAT-Exempt in the Philippines

June 28, 2025June 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Some good news for Filipinos struggling with buy medicine for their respective health-related needs. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officially announced that ten more medicines are exempted from the value-added tax (VAT), according to a news article 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 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said 10 more medicines for cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness are now exempted from value-added tax (VAT).

In a statement on Monday, the BIR said Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 62-2025 on June 20 further expanding the list of VAT-exempt medicines.

The BIR said these changes aim to enhance access to critical medications by reducing treatment costs for patients and their families.

Some medicines on the list are Tegafur + Gimeracil + Oteracil Potassium for cancer, Metformin Hydrochloride + Teneligliptin for diabetes, Atorvastatin (as calcium) + Fenobribrate for high cholesterol, Metoprolol tartrate + Ivabradine (as hydrochloride) for hypertension, and Lamotrigine for mental illness.

The VAT exemption, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, and Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, is intended to be responsive and adaptive to current public health needs, guided by the latest evaluations from the Food and Drug Administration.

“The BIR has issued an additional VAT-exemption of 10 medicines for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness,” Lumagui said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are on medication, does this new development from the BIR look helpful to 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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