The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed online recently that the overall collection of its coin deposit machines (CoDMs) has surpassed P1.3 billion The latest statistics are accurate of as February 15, 2025.
Based on the latest statistics, a total of P1,308,208,203.18 (5.89% higher than the previous count of P1,235,393,307.96)in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 299,457 transactions from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 326,188,289coins were deposited.
Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P4,368.6012 per transaction at the machines (compared to the February 15, 2025 average of P4,335.1088 per transaction). As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P4.011 per coin deposited (previous average was P3.9764 per coin deposited)
When it comes to the number of coins involved with each transaction, 326,188,289 coins divided by 299,457 transactions resulted in an average of 1,089.2659 coins per transaction (a slight drop compared to the previous average was 1,090.2030 coins per transaction).
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSP should install more coin deposit machines, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao regions? How was your experience the last time you tried to deposit your loose change into the nearest BSP coin deposit machine? Whenever you deposited your coins, do you transfer the value to GCash or Maya, or convert the value into shopping vouchers?
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the requirements and guidelines for the issuance of identification cards to persons with disabilities (PWD) will be set very soon as a result of newly signed legislation, 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…
The Muntinlupa City government approved an ordinance setting the requirements and guidelines for the issuance of IDs to persons with disabilities (PWD).
Ordinance No. 2025-310, enacted by the Muntinlupa City Council on Feb. 17, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on March 3.
The ordinance states that “the Muntinlupa Persons with Disability Affairs Office advocates the digitalization, verification and streamlining of the Person with Disability Identification Card issuance to protect the welfare and privileges of the genuinely identified Muntinlupa Persons with Disability.”
Muntinlupa’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) will issue the PWD IDs to eligible applicants.
Under the ordinance, PWDs “refer to people suffering from restrictions or different abilities as a result of mental, physical or sensory impairment to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for human beings.”
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 guidelines and requirements for the issuance of PWD IDs make sense? Do you think the guidelines and requirements will prove to be effective in preventing fraud?
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 Parañaque City, local authorities arrested a Chinese doctor and an assistant after discovering a condominium unit that was converted into a mini-hospital with medical equipment, several medical products and even a few patients, 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…
Authorities arrested a Chinese doctor allegedly running a mini hospital in a condominium in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
The doctor was identified only as Dr. Lee, according to a report on Unang Balita on Wednesday.
The suspect also allegedly sells medicines not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also arrested was the doctor’s assistant.
Police found a hospital bed, medicines, and equipment used for critical operations inside the unit.
Two patients were also at the alleged mini hospital at the time the police came in. They were transferred to a legitimate hospital.
The suspects will face charges of violation of the FDA Act of 2009 and the Medical Act of 1959. The doctor did not give any statement.
Police said they will look into whether the mini hospital caters to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Let me end this post 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 a lot more Chinese nationals doing something illegal behind closed doors inside rented units within your local community? Did you notice a Chinese national bringing in unusual things into the local community over the past three months?
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, the brand new four-storey school building at Las Piñas National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus in Barangay Almanza Uno was formally inaugurated with the presence of Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Vice Mayor April Aguilar and other officials, the City Government announced via social media.
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 Mel Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, officially inaugurated a four-storey school building with a roof deck at the Las Piñas National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus in Barangay Almanza Uno.
The ceremony, held on Monday, February 24, marked another milestone in the city’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure, benefiting 400 students who are currently using the new facility.
The newly constructed building features a school auditorium and function hall on the ground floor, three science laboratories on the second floor, three computer laboratories on the third floor, and three classrooms on the fourth floor. Additionally, the roof deck houses a covered multipurpose hall, providing students with a space for various activities.
Also present at the event were City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina, who joined Mayor Mel and Vice Mayor April in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a walkthrough of the new facilities. School administrators, teachers, and students warmly welcomed the city officials, expressing their gratitude for the improved learning environment.
Mayor Mel Aguilar emphasized that the project is part of the local government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade school facilities and support students with modern learning spaces.
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 the current administration will be able to inaugurate more educational facilities before the campaign period of the local elections begins?
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
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, 20th century pop culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1975 to take a close look at one of the many tales published through the original Superman monthly series (first launched in 1939).
When I first read the literary rivalry between Superman and Lex Luthor, it was before Crisis on Infinite Earths happened. The pre-Crisis Luthor was a criminal mad scientist (as opposed to the tycoon Luthor of the post-Crisis age) who had to use technology and smart moves during his encounters with the Man of Steel. The pre-Crisis conflicts between the two were often dynamic and fantasy inspired. Of course, there is a lot more between Superman and Luthor starting with a shared past in Smallville.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Superman #292, published in 1975 by DC Comics with a story written by Elliot S. Maggin and drawn by Curt Swan.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins at the ruined Metropolis International Airport with Superman helping with the huge repair efforts. It turns out, he and Lex Luthor just had an encounter there. When Mr. Hales of the airport authorities asked him why Luthor was always evil, Superman begins to remember the friendship he had with his rival when they were both teenagers in Smallville…
Quality
Yes, it is all true. Lex Luthor and Clark Kent were students in the same high school in Smallville when they were teenagers.
To make things clear, this comic book has two stories and the first one – titled “The Luthor Nobody Knows” – is clearly the main story.
The main story has this unusual format of storytelling that resulted in an abundance of flashbacks dominating the present-day tale. In connection with the tale’s title, this is a dramatized look back at the time when Luthor and Clark Kent (then Superboy) were high school students in Smallville. The creators took their time portraying young Clark Kent as the mild and ethical student and the teenage Lex Luthor as the daring student who truly believes he can make great achievements through science.
For those who might have heard the fabled start of the rivalry between Luthor and Superboy, you will see that in this comic book as well as the negative impact the former made as time went on. Along the way, you will see the stark differences between them which were nicely dramatized by the creators. Notably, you will see a more human portrayal of Luthor in his younger self.
The 2nd story of this comic book – titled “The private life of Clark Kent” – is just a 5-page additive geared towards Superman fans wanting more of him in his civilian identity.
Conclusion
This battle between Superman and criminal mad scientist Luthor should resonate with comic book fans who love the pre-Crisis era of DC Comics.
Considering the way the main story was crafted, Superman #292 (1975) is technically an origin story of Luthor who went from an ambitious young student into a criminal mad scientist. This should surprise readers who remained unaware of the shared past between Luthor and Superman before Crisis on Infinite Earths happened. In relation to what was mentioned earlier in the review, the Superboy-Luthor conflicts here looked dynamic. There is a good amount of entertainment here to see and it should resonate with long-time comic book readers who miss the pre-Crisis era of DC Comics.
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, local police officers arrested two women for selling the illegal substance shabu during a buy-bust operation in Alabang, 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…
The Muntinlupa police arrested two women after they sold shabu to an undercover officer in Alabang on Feb. 27.
The buy-bust operation was conducted by the Muntinlupa Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit at about 2:40 a.m. at the Old City Terminal in Alabang, leading to the arrest of suspects identified as Nobaisa, 38, and Milla, 34, both residents of Purok 4, Balbanero Compound in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Authorities seized a plastic sachet of shabu, the item sold during the undercover transaction. The police confiscated three more sachets containing shabu from the suspects.The total confiscated shabu weighed 55 grams valued at P374,000.
Also seized during the operation were a genuine P500 bill and 10 pieces of counterfeit P500 bills used as boodle money. The seized illegal drugs will undergo laboratory examination at the Southern Police District (SPD) Forensic Unit.
The two suspects are detained at the Muntinlupa police’s custodial facility. They will face charges for violation of Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
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 feel safer now that the police caught the two suspects who sold shabu in Alabang?
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
With the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act already in effect, more than P23 billion in new investments was pledged by Japanese companies in connection with it, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Wednesday the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law has attracted Japanese companies to invest in the country.
Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Economic Affairs and Investments Secretary Frederick Go visited Japan from March 3 to 4 to meet Japanese companies and business groups.
The DTI said during the visit, four companies pledged PHP23.5 billion worth of investments.
“Representing both the government and private sectors, those we engaged with expressed excitement and enthusiasm about collaborating with us, inspired by the positive developments they’ve heard about our country—our robust economic fundamentals and reformed policies and regulations,” Roque said.
“Specifically, what caught their attention was the recently enacted CREATE MORE law, which offers enhanced tax incentives, simplified processes, and greater opportunities for businesses to thrive in the Philippines,” she added.
Among Japanese companies that the Philippine government officials met include Ibiden Co., Ltd., Nidec Corp. and Sumitomo Corp.
The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Tokyo told the Philippine News Agency that two of these companies are eyeing fresh investments in the country, while one of them is updating its three-year investment pledge.
DTI said Ibiden expressed its prospect for expanding its advanced substrate technologies operations, while Nidec eyes to expand its manufacturing footprint here.
On the other hand, Sumitomo renewed its commitment to collaborate with the Marcos administration’s infrastructure and clean energy goals.
Sumitomo’s project in the Philippines include the Metro Manila Subway Project, the MRT Line 3 maintenance contract, and the First Philippine Industrial Park.
Roque also had meetings with Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the firm behind clothing brand Uniqlo, as well as the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren).
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new investments pledged by Japanese companies in connection with CREATE MORE will influence many other foreign companies to invest in the Philippines this year?
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 Parañaque City, law enforcers apprehended three men for the robbery of a restaurant as well as the illegal possession of firearms and explosives, 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…
Three men were arrested for robbing a restaurant and for illegal possession of firearms and explosives following a backtracking police operation conducted by the Parañaque City Police on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as alias “Samrix,” 32; alias “Jhoward,” 24; and alias “Rowel,” 26.
The police report showed that the suspects were arrested at around 3:41 a.m. after their heist at a restaurant in Barangay San Isidro.
The police said the suspects, armed with firearms and a hand grenade, immediately fled going to the direction of Barangay Baclaran after taking with them P13,000 cash and multiple mobile phones from the employees who they locked inside a locker room.
After their arrest, the suspects yielded a .22 caliber revolver with three live rounds, a hand grenade, two pen guns loaded with four rounds of .9mm ammunition, and a black motorcycle without a plate number.
Let me end this post 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 more armed robbers operating 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, local police officers arrested two most wanted persons – ranked 9th and 10th most wanted respectively – over illegal drugs cases, 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…
The Muntinlupa police arrested the No. 9 and No. 10 most wanted persons who are facing cases for possession of illegal drugs on Feb. 27.
The first operation was conducted in Barangay Bayanan, Muntinlupa that led to the arrest of alias Ricardo, 23, a tricycle driver and a resident of Barangay Alabang. Ricardo was ranked as the No. 9 top most wanted person for the first quarter of 2025.
Ricardo was apprehended by operatives from the Muntinlupa police’s Station Intelligence Section based on a warrant of arrest dated Jan. 28 issued by Presiding Judge Liezel Aquiatan of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205.
After his arrest, Ricardo was taken to the City Health Center for a medical examination before being turned over to the police’s custodial and detention facility.
On the same day, police operatives arrested alias Cesar, 41, ranked as the No. 10 top most wanted person, on Montillano Street in Alabang.
He was nabbed based on a warrant of arrest issued by Presiding Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204.
The two men are facing cases for possession of dangerous drugs under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
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 feel safer now that the police caught the two most wanted persons successfully?
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
Commercenter, the nice sprawling shopping mall located in Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa, recently announced via social media that its 4-screen cinemas will be closing on March 15, 2025 and still they promised something new is coming.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire social media post announcement by Commercenter. Some parts in boldface…
To our amazing moviegoers, thank you for every laugh, tear, and unforgettable moment we’ve shared at Commercenter Cinema over the years. ❤️🎬 Your presence and memories will always be part of our story, and we’re beyond grateful for the journey.
While our curtains will officially close on March 15, this isn’t the end. Something exciting is on the way to Commercenter and we can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned! 😉✨
For transparency, posted below is the screenshot of one of the images that came with the social media post of Commercenter.
For the newcomers reading this, the cinemas of Commercenter opened in the late part of 2014 and its cinemas each had nice and comfortable seats with a good sound system and screen. Each cinema has over a hundred seats to accommodate moviegoers.
The last movie I saw at Commercenter was Sound of Freedom.
In my experience, watching movies inside Commercenter was fun and comfortable. The mall is a short drive away from home and there are nice restaurants and stores inside. After watching a movie, I could enjoy a meal at Sigekiya Ramen or at The Black Pig or at Akrotiri, have coffee at The Coffee Syndicate or at The Bingsu. Or buy a snack at ASSI Fresh Plaza.
As such, it is really saddening to learn that Commercenter’s cinemas will be closing down soon. I can only speculate that not enough moviegoers in this post-pandemic age could support the cinemas of the mall and not enough private groups booked the cinemas for their events or gatherings. It seems to me that streaming – which became the new standard of watching movies since the COVID-19 pandemic – is a factor as well. Lastly, Commercenter charged P400 per ticket for foreign movies which is quite expensive for local moviegoers.
By adding Commercenter’s closing cinemas to the already closed old original cinemas of nearby Festival Mall, that would combine to a total of fourteen closed screens/cinemas. Festival Mall still has its 4-screen modern cinemas while Alabang Town Center’s cinemas are still operating. Without Commercenter as a movie venue, people living within Filinvest City and in the nearby communities will have to visit ATC and Festival Mall for the movie theater experience within Alabang.
The cinemas area at the 2nd floor of Commercenter.
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 who frequently saw movies at Commercenter, how do you feel about the March 15 closure of the cinemas? If you could still remember, how many movies were able to watch at Commercenter in all? What was the most memorable cinematic moment you had inside Commercenter’s cinemas? What could be the new thing Commercenter promised?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 