Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, customers of Maynilad experienced the lack of access to water which reflects the ongoing water service interruptions that also affected others in different cities served by the water concessionaire. As such, Maynilad officials joined Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon in an online talk via Facebook to explain why the water service interruptions have been happening, 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…
Maynilad Water Services Inc. explained that the ongoing water service interruptions (WSI) affecting its customers in Muntinlupa and other areas are due to facility maintenance at the Putatan Water Treatment Plants.
The company has been the target of criticism from irate customers in Muntinlupa for its poor water service.
Recently, Maynilad announced that its “customers in portions of Bacoor City, Cavite City, Imus City, Las Piñas City, Muntinlupa City, Parañaque City, Noveleta, Cavite and Rosario, Cavite will have water service interruption daily starting March 24, 2023 until April 1, 2023.”
“Maynilad will be conducting intensified cleaning of the plants’ filters following the prolonged entry of highly turbid water. This activity will allow the plants to return to normal operations now that turbidity is expected to go down with the end of Amihan season,” it said.
To discuss the problem, the Muntinlupa City government’s Public Information Office invited Maynilad representatives to an online talk on Facebook on March 30.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon and PIO chief Mimi Gonzales invited Maynilad’s Greg Antonio, head of the Water Production Department, and Harold Lopez, head of the Muntinlupa-Las Pinas Business Area.
On the daily water service interruptions, Antonio said this is due to the Amihan season that is causing high water turbidity.
“Same pa rin po yung reason natin. Yung sinasabi nating turbidity or paglabo ng tubig (We still have the same reason. This is due to turbidity or water getting cloudy),” said Antonio.
He said Maynilad has installed silt barriers and membranes at the Putatan Water Treatment Plant.
But he said the turbidity this year is “one for the books.” He said the turbidity in Laguna Lake, the water source for Maynilad’s Putatan plant, is 28 days longer this year compared to previous years.
He said Maynilad has seen that turbidity in Laguna Lake has reached 40 sq. km., which was the maximum area reached by its sampling boat.
However, Antonio said Maynilad has no concrete explanation about the high water turbidity in Laguna Lake.
“Sa ngayon wala pa po kaming concrete basis dun sa cause ng paglabo pero yung evidence lang po nung visual. Yun lang po ang nakikita namin (At present we have no concrete basis on what is causing the water to get cloudy but we only have the visual evidence. That is what we are seeing),” he said.
Maynilad is currently constructing its third water treatment plant in Muntinlupa in Barangay Poblacion.
Antonio said by November this year, the Poblacion plant will operate one-third of its capacity or 50 million liters per day. He said the two water treatment plants in Barangay Putatan are “just enough” to meet the water demand of Maynilad customers.
He said the two Putatan Water Treatment Plants can produce 280 million liters of water per day.
The Poblacion plant, which will have a full capacity of 150 million liters of water per day, will provide water if Maynilad does maintenance work at the Putatan Water Treatment Plants.
Antonio said with the operation of the Poblacion plant by November, there will be no water service interruptions.
“Eto po yung kinakailangan natin to ensure 24 hours provision ng supply po (This is what we need to ensure 24 hours provision of supply),” he said.
Some customers in Muntinlupa have complained why Maynilad has set the supply of water at midnight.
Lopez said that at present, Maynilad’s water production is limited, prompting the company to allocate water supply. He said the allocation depends on the elevation of the area, distance, and demand.
He said the Southville 3 housing project in Barangay Poblacion is the highest and farthest water service area of Maynilad in Muntinlupa.
On the different hours being implemented by Maynilad for its water service interruptions, Lopez said it depends on the water production.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Were you satisfied with the explanations of Maynilad?
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
Are you having any problems with your water supply from Maynilad? The water concessionaire announced new moves to augment water supply for the summer season, according to a BusinessWorld news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news article. Some parts in boldface…
MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. has started to implement supply augmentation measures to meet the expected surge in demand this summer, a company official said.
“The water level at Angat Dam is still at a healthy level but given the expected El Niño by the latter half of 2023, Maynilad is concerned that there will be less rainfall to replenish the Angat and Ipo dams,” Maynilad Spokesperson Jennifer C. Rufo told BusinessWorld in a Viber message on Sunday.
Maynilad’s supply augmentation measures include the reactivation of deep wells and the commissioning of modular treatment plants. But these measures are only expected to mitigate the impact of a supply shortage if the dams’ water level continues to decline.
The latest available data from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) showed that Angat dam is currently at 204.96 meters, higher than the normal operating level of 192 meters, but lower than 212 meters, which is considered the ideal level to provide an adequate safety margin for supply during dry months.
Angat Dam is the main source of water for Metro Manila, accounting for about 90% of the capital’s potable water.
The west-zone water concessionaire said that it is building a new treatment plant that would bring additional supply starting this year, addressing the possible water supply deficit as population growth continues amid a lack of new water sources.
“Maynilad is now building a new water treatment plant in Muntinlupa, which will yield an additional supply of 150 million liters per day (MLD),” Ms. Rufo said, adding that the facility will produce an initial 50 MLD by year-end. She was referring to the Poblacion water treatment plant in Muntinlupa City.
“For the next five years, we plan to build five new water treatment plants, including some that will source raw water from our sewage treatment plants,” she said.
Ms. Rufo said these new water treatment plants will source supply either from new water or used water that will be treated and made potable again. Maynilad is also planning to source raw water from Kaliwa Dam, which is currently being facilitated by the MWSS.
As of February, MWSS said that the construction of Kaliwa Dam, a crucial dam project that will augment water supply in Metro Manila, is 22% complete. The dam is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with water supply expected starting in 2027.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Maynilad’s moves will improve the situation this summer season?
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
Were there any unusual crime incidents that happened in your city lately? There was one in Taguig City and it was about a male Chinese national who entered a police substation where he offered police officers there a bribe of P100,000 to have his apprehended friend released only to be arrested on the spot, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese man was arrested by the Taguig police for allegedly bribing police officers with P100,000 for the release of his friend.
The Taguig police identified the suspect as Bin Li, 40, sales manager. Confiscated from him were100 pieces of P1,000 bills totaling P100,000 and one Alien Employment Permit (AEP) ID.
According to the police, the bribing incident happened on March 26 at the Taguig police’s Substation 1 at 40th Street corner 9th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City in Barangay Fort Bonifacio.
The police said Bin Li went to the police station and asked for his friend, Deng Jiliang, 33, Chinese national, IT staff at Huawei, who was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Bin Li allegedly approached the arresting officers and offered them the P100,000 in exchange for the release of Deng Jiliang.
The above report ended stating that the suspect has been charged for violating Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). This incident somewhat reminds me of what happened inside the police station in Parañaque City in early 2022 when a foreigner and his local partner arrived pretending to be court process servers (with fake documents) trying to free detained foreign nationals. Those were arrested for the falsification of public documents and usurpation of authority.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Has there been any crime incidents involving Chinese nationals that happened in your local community during the past few 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 engagements, 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 my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. This is not a sponsored article. 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, readers and fellow followers of the Lord! This is the 6th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by its strategic partner Behold Israel). To see my previous Israel 2023 tour articles, click here, here, here, here and here.
In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you my observations and captured images about my visit to the Pool of Siloam (also referred to as the Pool of Shiloah) in the City of David (just outside of the wall of Jerusalem) which is a highly significant pilgrimage site and, as of this writing, there are developments being done to improve it physically. At its current location, the pool’s remains were discovered in the year 2004 covering an area of three dunams, or three-quarters of an acre dating back to the era of the Second Temple (2nd Jewish Temple).
As of our visit, only a minor portion of the ancient pool was made accessible for visiting and viewing, and there is a lot more excavation work that needs to be done to uncover it and eventually reveal its full size.
The Pool of Siloam is an ancient, rock-cut pool located outside of the wall of the old city of Jerusalem. Water from the Gihon Spring that passed through the Siloam Tunnel (AKA Hezekiah’s Tunnel) made its way to the Pool of Siloam. During biblical times, the pool was an essential destination for Jewish people to get purified first before traveling all the way up along a wide road leading to the Temple Mount in the old city of Jerusalem. Today, there is a tunnel at the end of the site of the pool moving up. The tunnel, which was discovered in recent years, points towards the Temple Mount at least in its current form. It is believed that the tunnel includes a drainage channel that apparently was used as a hiding place for the last Jewish rebels against the Romans in the year 70 CE. The Pool of Siloam ceased to function after the destruction of Jerusalem and as time passed by, it vanished from sight as it got filled with earth. That being said, its 2004 discovery is indeed a miracle from God for people of faith to visit and witness the Holy Bible come to life in front of them. Years from now, the Pool of Siloam’s full size and scope will be realized. The best is yet to come from our Lord!
To put things in perspective, our pilgrimage tour group first went through the ancient City of David and even explored the tunnels moving south. There was even water from the Gihon spring flowing along the way. After regrouping, we marched further to the site of the Pool of Siloam which has a physical set-up designed to accommodate visitors. The site was suitable for tour group members to sit down and listen to a biblical teaching and/or key updates from the tour guide. There was also excavation going on at the opposite side of the site. You can see the place in motion as I captured it with my Samsung Galaxy A50’s camera. The raw video has been uploaded on my YouTube channel and you can watch it below…
Also worth watching is this CBN News YouTube video about the ancient pool. The video was published about a month before our pilgrimage tour happened.
The biblical significance of the Pool of Siloam
The Pool of Siloam is more than just ancient and more than just a great example of construction…it is biblical. It was made during the time of King Hezekiah and the following translations of 2 Kings 20:20 below confirmed it…
Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah—all his might, and how he made a pool and a tunnel and brought water into the city—are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
2 Kings 20:20 (NKJV)
The rest of the deeds of Hezekiah and all his might and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
2 Kings 20:20 (ESV)
The rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made the pool and the canal and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
2 Kings 20:20 (AMPC)
Under King Hezekiah’s leadership, two crews dug the tunnel (as referred to in 2 Kings 20:20 NKJV) through solid rock. One crew started from the Pool of Siloam while the other at the spring of Gihon. Given the fact that they accomplished their tasks without even having the modern technologies of today, the tunnel is absolutely remarkable as a feat of engineering. God made a way for this accomplishment and with Him, nothing is impossible. With constant water flowing from the Gihon spring, the Pool of Siloam was not just a place for people to get cleaned at or a place to refresh themselves at but it became the destination for purification that Jewish people needed before they go to the Temple Mount which remains a very holy place to this day. God had all of these planned and it was executed in Israel by King Hezekiah. Remember this when you visit the Pool of Siloam in Israel.
The Pool of Siloam got mentioned in Chapter 3 of the Book of Nehemiah which itself emphasized a remarkable display of unity in relation to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The mention also made clear its location at the bottom of the City of David. Learn from the holy scripture below…
The Fountain Gate was rebuilt by Shallun son of Col-Hozeh, mayor of the Mizpah district; he repaired it, roofed it, hung its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. He also rebuilt the wall of the Pool of Siloam at the King’s Garden as far as the steps that go down from the City of David.
Nehemiah 3:15 (MSG)
The water that flowed from the spring of Gihon and filled up the Pool of Siloam was not ordinary. It was living water and it was essential for the Jewish people and their honoring of the Lord God during those days. Each day during the Feast of Tabernacles, a joyous celebration was observed in which priests brought water from the Pool of Siloam using golden pitchers and brought them to the Jewish temple at the Temple Mount. During the procession, the people recited Isaiah 12:3. The water was poured out on the altar as an offering to God as there were people shouting and singing. Lord Jesus was the fulfillment of all that the ceremony typified. Read the bible verses below…
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:37-39 (NKJV)
I brought my Bible with me to the site of the Pool of Siloam in Israel and took time to read scriptures pertaining to the blind man who got healed at the pool because he followed and trusted our Lord and Savior Jesus. The man who got healed was clearly faithful to Him.That being said, I encourage you to bring the Bible with you when you visit each holy site in Israel.
What makes the Pool of Siloam even more significant within the Holy Bible is the miracle that took place in Chapter 9 of the Book of John. I’m talking about the miracle of our Lord and Savior Jesus healing a man who was born blind and the ancient pool itself was place where the faith-driven healing was realized. Learn from the translations of John 9:1-11 below…
Afterward, as Jesus walked down the street, he noticed a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Teacher, whose sin caused this guy’s blindness, his own, or the sin of his parents?”
Jesus answered, “Neither. It happened to him so that you could watch him experience God’s miracle. While I am with you, it is daytime and we must do the works of God who sent me while the light shines. For there is coming a dark night when no one will be able to work. As long as I am with you my life is the light that pierces the world’s darkness.”
Then Jesus spat on the ground and made some clay with his saliva. Then he anointed the blind man’s eyes with the clay.
And he said to the blind man, “Now go and wash the clay from your eyes in the ritual pool of Siloam.”
So he went and washed his face and as he came back, he could see for the first time in his life!
This caused quite a stir among the people of the neighborhood, for they noticed the blind beggar was now seeing! They began to say to one another, “Isn’t this the blind man who once sat and begged?” Some said, “No, it can’t be him!” Others said, “But it looks just like him—it has to be him!” All the while the man kept insisting, “I’m the man who was blind!”
Finally, they asked him, “What has happened to you?”
He replied, “I met the man named Jesus! He rubbed clay on my eyes and said, ‘Go to the pool named Siloam and wash.’ So I went and while I was washing the clay from my eyes I began to see for the very first time ever!”
John 9:1-11 (TPT)
Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?”
Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world’s Light.”
He said this and then spit in the dust, made a clay paste with the saliva, rubbed the paste on the blind man’s eyes, and said, “Go, wash at the Pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “Sent”). The man went and washed—and saw.
Soon the town was buzzing. His relatives and those who year after year had seen him as a blind man begging were saying, “Why, isn’t this the man we knew, who sat here and begged?”
Others said, “It’s him all right!”
But others objected, “It’s not the same man at all. It just looks like him.”
He said, “It’s me, the very one.”
They said, “How did your eyes get opened?”
“A man named Jesus made a paste and rubbed it on my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ I did what he said. When I washed, I saw.”
John 9:1-11 (MSG)
Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.
And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.
Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”
Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.”
He said, “I am he.”
Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”
He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”
John 9:1-11 (NKJV)
What we can learn from the above miracle is that faith in Lord Jesus is essential as He is God in the flesh and someday He will return to us here on Earth. This is about trusting in Him wholeheartedly and following His commands and His direction without hesitation and without any trace of doubt. The blind man, who also had been a beggar who suffered for a long time, followed Lord Jesus and went to the Pool of Siloam (as he was directed by Him) where the healing manifested. It was healing that was super natural because the Lord Himself is greater than the forces of the world.
In response to His disciples’ question about the man’s blindness, Lord Jesus noted that beyond the tragedy of human defects, which result in a general way from man’s fall and the consequent entry of sin, sickness, affliction and death into the world, God’s merciful and sovereign race is available. The many lost and unsaved souls may not realize it yet, but the truth is that Lord Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and nobody can come to the Heavenly Father except through Him (refer to John 14:6). Lord Jesus is also the mediator between God and people (read 1 Timothy 2:5). As the Anointed One, Lord Jesus emphasized responsibility in connection to doing the works of God. He took it upon Himself to help the blind man and physically used His own saliva on the ground to make clay and spread it on the blind man’s eyes before directing him to the Pool of Siloam where he should wash it off. Then the healing manifested.
For a short while, let us visit a different part of the Holy Bible pertaining to miraculous healing in the presence of Lord Jesus – Mark 5:25-34. There was this suffering yet faithful woman who was truly determined to reach out and touch Lord Jesus to be healed. This miracle has common elements with the miracle at the Pool of Siloam. Read the scripture below…
Now, in the crowd that day was a woman who had suffered horribly from continual bleeding for twelve years. She had endured a great deal under the care of various doctors, yet in spite of spending all she had on their treatments, she was getting worse instead of better. When she heard about Jesus’ healing power, she pushed through the crowd and came up from behind him and touched his prayer shawl. For she kept saying to herself, “If I could touch even his clothes, I know I will be healed.” As soon as her hand touched him, her bleeding immediately stopped! She knew it, for she could feel her body instantly being healed of her disease!
Jesus knew at once that someone had touched him, for he felt the power that always surged around him had passed through him for someone to be healed.
He turned and spoke to the crowd, saying, “Who touched my clothes?”
His disciples answered, “What do you mean, who touched you? Look at this huge crowd—they’re all pressing up against you.” But Jesus’ eyes swept across the crowd, looking for the one who had touched him for healing.
When the woman who experienced this miracle realized what had happened to her, she came before him, trembling with fear, and threw herself down at his feet, saying, “I was the one who touched you.” And she told him her story of what had just happened.
Then Jesus said to her, “Daughter, because you dared to believe, your faith has healed you. Go with peace in your heart, and be free from your suffering!”
Mark 5:25-34 (TPT)
The above biblical account proved that the woman got healed because of her faith in Lord Jesus who in turn recognized her faith in Him. Without faith in Him, there would not have been any healing. Going back to John 9:1-11, the blind man who got healed at the Pool of Siloam fully trusted Lord Jesus with all his heart and this confirms his faith in Him. The man believed in Jesus!
Lord Jesus’ mixing of His saliva with the substance on the ground to make clay is symbolic. The spit and clay symbolize Jesus as God in the flesh (the form of a man). The saliva that came from His mouth symbolize the spoken Word of God and God as incarnate. The clay symbolizes man for our human vessel is a jar of clay. The blind man previously heard people spit as they walked by him and expressed their disgust of him. They were disgusted because they believed that blindness was caused by a curse (refer to Deuteronomy 28:28). Of course, those people did not realize that Lord Jesus was God in the flesh nor did they realize that God’s only begotten Son walked among them and only He could make super natural healing and other miracles happen.
After getting healed and gaining vision, the blind man caught the attention of the people there at the Pool of Siloam and he revealed to them he met Lord Jesus and followed His instructions faithfully.
A view of the site of the Pool of Siloam facing the entrance going to the tunnel.
The story of the miracle at the Pool of Siloam did not end there, however. In fact, the impact of the miracle made the people bring the healed man to the Pharisees and it was on the Sabbath when the encounter with Jesus happened. Learn from the bible verses below…
Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”
Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.”
Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.
They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?”
He said, “He is a prophet.”
But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”
His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.”
He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”
Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”
He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”
Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”
The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”
They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.
John 9:14-34 (NKJV)
To make things very clear about the biblical account above that took place after the miracle at the Pool of Siloam, I want to stress to you all that Lord Jesus did not lead the healed man into trouble. In reality, it was the Pharisees’ failure to realize that Jesus is Lord and Savior of all as they were stuck with their old ways, their religion and blindness to the truth. The perverse reasoning of the Pharisees placed them in a dilemma from which the only escape was to disprove the miracle that happened. They expressed that no miracle could have occurred because it was the Sabbath, and that God would never violate the law of rest by healing a person.
The undeniable fact that a man born blind got healed and gained perfect sight refuted the theory of the Pharisees. Thus, they must either deny the facts or confess the divine nature and holiness of Jesus. The logic of the healed man was undeniable and irrefutable. Unable to deny the man’s testimony, the religious leaders took the cowardly way out by excommunicating him. To be removed from the synagogue was a tremendous loss for most Jews. The religious leaders had their chance to realize the truth and submit themselves to Lord Jesus but they blew it because they did not have faith and they did not realize that Lord Jesus was God in the flesh walking among many people. As the Pharisees excommunicated the healed man, the above biblical account still has the elements which reminds me of the Nazareth Jews who rejected Lord Jesus.
Of course, Lord Jesus learned about the healed man’s excommunication. Read the biblical account below…
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”
And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”
Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”
Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?”
Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
John 9:35-41 (NKJV)
This is the view of the Pool of Siloam facing the other direction. In the distance is the entrance and exit for visitors.
As the man who was previously blind submitted himself to Lord Jesus with undeniable faith, He eventually encountered the unbelieving Pharisees responsible for excommunicating the healed man. What Lord Jesus told the Pharisees was about spiritual blindness (as opposed to physical blindness).
Lord Jesus moved the discussion from physical blindness to spiritual blindness. To believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior means to see spiritually, whereas those who do not believe in Him remain blind.
Furthermore, even though the healed man was unable to read Scriptures due to the blindness he was born with, he still established his faith in Lord Jesus! This should remind you all that traditions and superficial knowledge of the Bible can blind our hearts if we do not believe in Lord Jesus above all other religious dogmas. There are many out there who knew the Scriptures but still refused to believe. There are many people out there who strictly practice religion, idolatry, rituals, traditions, the vow of poverty, worldliness and distorted teachings about the Bible while failing to realize that faith in the Lord and His Word is always essential. There are lots of people out there who are not only lost and unsaved, but also spiritually blinded! This should remind you that as Christians, we should never give up evangelizing others with God’s Word and help them come to Lord Jesus in faith.
Ultimately, the miracle that happened at the Pool of Siloam proves that God had come to see us!
Conclusion
A wider view of the site of the Pool of Siloam with ongoing excavation at the other side. In due time, the entire ancient pool will be recovered and it will become an even greater site for pilgrimage tours in Israel.
In a greater context within the Holy Bible, the Pool of Siloam links King David, King Solomon, King Hezekiah and Lord Jesus together with Jerusalem as the holiest city of all. Also connected are the stories of Isaiah and Jeremiah. The Pool of Siloam served as the water system and place of purification of Jerusalem in biblical times. Today, the excavation at the Pool of Siloam continues to go on and in due time, its entirety will be realized and that would make it an even greater holy site for faithful people to visit.
Indeed, our pilgrimage tour group’s visit to the Pool of Siloam is a big blessing from God. I myself brought my Holy Bible to the site and took time out to read the verses about Lord Jesus’ healing of the blind man. Me and our group companions got blessed all throughout the pilgrimage tour of the Holy Land.
Going back to Chapter 9 of the Book of John, the biblical account is a lively reminder that we must always have unwavering faith in Lord Jesus, follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, live on with the truth that miracles and super natural healing are only possible with Him, and we must never allow religion, unbelief, traditions, biblical distortions, idolatry, rituals and the wickedness of the world to get in the way of our faith in Him. We need to seek Lord Jesus first and follow His light. We need to be faithful to the Lord always and I encourage you to read the following holy scriptures below…
Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. This testimony of faith is what previous generations were commended for. Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.
Hebrews 11:1-3 (TPT)
Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMPC)
As you can see, Hebrews 11:1-3 and Hebrews 12:1-2 connect well with the healing of the man who was previously blind at the Pool of Siloam which is the result of him being faithful and trustful to Lord Jesus who helped him and gave him a direction. It is his faith in God’s only begotten Son that is the highlight of the miraculous healing at the ancient pool. Jesus is clearly the finisher, the author, the leader and source of our faith!
As John 9:1-41 includes the unbelieving religious Jews who excommunicated the healed man and came into conflict with Lord Jesus Himself, let me remind you not to get into conflict with the lost and the unsaved, and never ever fall into anti-Semitism (prejudice against the Jewish people) which is still a global disease and proof that being worldly is unholy.
Do not reject the Jews who reject Lord Jesus. Instead, you should keep on persevering to love and bless the Jewish people, preach God’s Word to them, share your testimony with them and help (not force) lead them to Jesus so that they can decide for themselves to accept Him as Lord and Savior. The pilgrimage tour in Israel proved to be a very holy and enlightening experience for me and I can clearly say that Israel has a special place in my heart. This is not surprising at all because visiting Israel was God’s answer to my prayers and it was destiny for me to join the pilgrimage tour through my local church. There is nothing like witnessing the Holy Bible come to life while visiting many sites where the recorded events happened. The Holy Bible is more than just a book – it is the living Word of God and it is eternally holy!
Along the way, I encourage you all to stand united with Israel no matter what happens within the country and around the world. Israel is clearly the land that God designated for the Jewish people and His declaration stands way above the so-called rules and philosophies of wicked worldly entities or groups like the United Nations, Amnesty International, Black Lives Matter (BLM), Iran, the so-called state of Palestine, the U.S. Democrat party and others. Learn from the holy scriptures below…
And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.”
Genesis 35:10-12 (ESV)
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV)
Finally, to the readers who are about to visit the Holy Land, I encourage you to verify with your tour group leader the inclusion of the Pool of Siloam in the itinerary of Jerusalem. Israel is a great and holy place to visit! Visit Israel with the Holy Bible! Pray to the Lord and reveal to Him your heart’s desire to visit Israel to deepen your faith in Him. Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!
Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel articles here. There is more to come!
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the City Government organized the dual celebrations of the 26th cityhood anniversary as well as the 116th founding anniversary, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin. The celebrations started this past Sunday (March 26) and there will be related activities days after.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City government celebrated its 26th cityhood and 116th founding anniversary on Sunday, March 26.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the activities for the cityhood and founding anniversary commenced on March 27 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
The City Health Office (CHO) conducted health and wellness programs at the Verdant covered court. They included free laboratory tests on FBS (fasting blood sugar), cholesterol and blood typing, HIV screening, and nutrition education.
Dental services such as oral examination, prophylaxis, and oral health kit were also provided.
The CHO also offered immunization for children, pneumonia vaccines for senior citizens, and a family planning caravan.
Free chest x-ray services were given at the CHO located at the City Hall grounds from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Aside from health and wellness, a cityhood mega job fair will also be held at the ground floor atrium of Robinsons Place for the city’s jobseekers.
The mayor said the city government will likewise accept applications and renewal of the green card.
The celebrations will continue on March 28 through a free vaccines and deworming drive for cats and dogs, as well as the distribution of free seedlings and fertilizers at the Verdant covered court from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon only.
Another free chest x-ray rollout will be conducted on March 30 at the Aguilar Sport Complex in Pilar Village from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Couples who want to get (married) may join the “Kasalanag Bayan” (mass wedding) to be hosted by the city government on March 31.
The city government will also offer a cultural show organized by the Las Pinas Tourism and Cultural Office (TCO).
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? Were you able to avail of any of the above mentioned free medical services?
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
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, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the early 1990s and explore a part of the shared universe of Valiant Comics through the Armorines monthly series.
Before I start, I should state that the superhero concept of an armored human protagonist who could do many incredible things made possible by high technology made an impact on comic book storytelling for decades. Look at Marvel’s Iron Man and the Ultraverse’s Prototype for examples.
While Valiant Comics already had its own armored superhero with X-O Manowar (note: his armor is symbiotic, not technological), they decided to move forward with the concept of armored figures in the form of a military team.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Armorines #1, published in 1994 by Valiant Comics with a story written by Jorge Gonzalez and drawn by Jim Calafiore.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins five hundred kilometers off the southern coast of Australia. Four people dive very deeply to explore nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Benchley which has been dormant for some time already. While exploring the interiors of the submarine, the divers got attacked by something in the dark.
At Camp Pendleton in California, an armored U.S. marine goes through an intense training session fighting machines not knowing that there could be traps waiting to get triggered. As Gunny (the armored marine in the session) falls into a trap, his teammates, General Kendall and the scientist Zahn watch the proceedings behind the scenes as another teammate (operating with virtual reality on her high-tech station) continues to communicate with him.
As time passes by, the situation gets even worse for Gunny physically…
Quality
Armorines has members who go out on the field wearing high-tech suits of armor while there are other members who serve as co-pilots using virtual technology and constant communication behind closed doors.
In terms of storytelling, the creative team focused mainly on the build-up of not just the plot but also the importance and the ways of the Armorines themselves. As weapons of the government, Armorines are an expensive team to run due to the use of very advanced technologies for operations. The Armorines have members who go out on the field wearing high-tech suits of armor that provide enhanced protection while also carrying high-tech weapons for offense. The team also has members who stay behind closed doors to use individual stations with virtual reality and enhanced communication with their brothers on the field.
When it comes to the characters, the smoking Gunnery is noticeably the one who got the most exposure and the most development. The other Armorine members got token exposure for the readers.
More on the plot itself, there is a mission that requires the Armorines to go deep underwater to solve a mystery and do something dangerous secretly. The mission was essentially all about protecting America’s top-secret weapons from falling into the wrong hands. To be clear, the mission itself happens in the 2nd half of this comic book which ultimately serves as a pay-off to the build-up the happened earlier. In fairness to the creative team, there was a good amount of suspense presented when the mission really started moving. There definitely something worth seeing during the mission.
Conclusion
In this story, Gunny is the closest thing to a definitive protagonist.
To be very clear, Armorines #1 (1994) is not exactly the high-powered, action-packed story people could expect from seeing the armored marines looking capable of fighting terrorists and other enemies of America in militaristic fashion. This comic book’s story is indeed surprising to me and the creative team was not hesitant to push hard with the concept they came up with here. As this comic book was clearly executed with build-up, introductions and emphasizing concepts in mind, it is not surprising that the pay-off in the 2nd half led to moments of intrigue and suspense with momentum going into the next issue. Lastly, I should state that this comic book is free from political influence and its focus on the team has been very consistent.
Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the period of filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) related to the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) has been rescheduled to August 28 to September 2, 2023, according to a GMA Network news report. Previously, the COCs filing period was July 3 to 7, 2023.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The filing of certificates of candidacy for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections has been rescheduled from July to August, Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia has announced.
In an online forum, Garcia said the filing for the BSKE elections had been moved from July 3 to 7 to August 28 to September 2.
“We approved just this morning, during our en banc session, the change of the date of the filing of the COC,” said Garcia during a webinar of the UP Alumni Association and the Vinzons Policy Center (VPC) on enhancing the country’s readiness for clean and honest future elections.
“This is to ensure the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) will be most prepared, especially because of the violence we have right now dito sa ating mga local officials,” he added.
The development came a day after Senator Francis Tolentino said he asked the poll body to delay the COC filing as conducting it in July would only “burden the local government units (LGUs)” due to election-related restrictions under the Omnibus Election Code.
Tolentino said it was “only just and fair” to adjust the filing period given the BSKE would be held during the last week of October 2023 and that the law prescribed a 10-day campaign period.
Unlike the national elections, Garcia said those who file their COCs during the prescribed period would be considered candidates and are subject to the Omnibus Election Code.
“Dito sa BSKE, we saw an opportunity. We told them ‘let them go to the courts’ because we will consider them, upon the filing of their candidacies, already as candidates. Therefore, they will be liable under Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code for premature campaigning….We will disqualify them, we will file election offenses against these candidates,” he added.
Tolentino lauded the rescheduling of the filing period, saying it would help the LGU perform well and would ease election-related violence since “it will lessen early politicking.”
“The poll body’s decision will allow our local government units to perform their respective functions without any compromise or restrictions—construction ban, etc.,” he said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the rescheduling of COCs filing makes sense? Are you looking forward to participating in the BSKE this year?
To begin with, watch the official Xbox video below…
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement by Bandai Namco. Some parts in boldface…
Join the young king Evan on a grand adventure that blurs the line of animated feature film and video game in Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition, launching on Xbox, Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass today.
As a king, Evan bears the responsibility of great power. He’ll personally set forth and do battle to unite and save his people in this action RPG. However, the king’s duty does not end there. As part of the main game, Evan must also develop his empire in a city simulator-like Kingdom Management mode, and lead his army in a real-time-strategy like Skirmish mode.
A battle with a huge monster.
These two modes will become important parts of Evan’s journey as he works to demonstrate his leadership on and off the battlefield, so read on for a dive into how they work and a couple of tips to get you started.
Kingdom Management Mode – After a certain point in the story, Evan will be able to sit upon his throne to initiate Kingdom Management mode. Starting from a small humble town, you will help Evan lead his people by choosing which buildings to construct and assigning citizens to work on their respective sections.
Each building will provide significant conveniences or bonuses to your kingdom. Some buildings constructed in Kingdom Management mode are the sole source of some rare items.
Citizens will drive upgrades and research in Evan’s kingdom. Each citizen has their own specialty and bonus that will make them more suited for one job or the other. It’ll be Evan’s job as king to make this assessment and decision.
Skirmish Mode – To build and expand his kingdom, Evan must demonstrate his tactical prowess by leading his army against other enemy armies in a real-time-strategy-like mode called Skirmish mode. In this mode, Evan will command up to 4 units of soldiers. Each soldier type is easily distinguished by the color of their uniform.
A scene from the Skirmish Mode of the game.
For the newcomers reading this, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom was originally released in 2018 only on PlayStation 4 and Windows PC. Like its predecessor, the game was positively received by both video game critics and gamers. Loaded with additional content in the form of DLCs, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition’s release on Xbox consoles significant as it adds more weight on the Xbox ecosystem becoming the haven for fantasy RPGs and other types of role-playing games. Japanese RPGs on Xbox this year are looking exciting as Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and the remastered Suikoden and Suikoden II will be released in due time. I should state that recently Persona RPGs were released already on Xbox and XGP.
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition on Xbox adds variety to the gamers who like JRPGs as it has notable game features that make it stand out from its predecessor. Also, the battles moved faster and looked flashier.
Go for Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – The Prince’s Edition on Xbox platforms and Xbox Game Pass now!
In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.
Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, it was announced that the City Government will receive over P86 million from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) specifically for the implementation of an active transport bike system as well as safe pathways, the Manila Bulletin reported. The City Council approved a resolution related to it.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government will receive P86.1 million from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to implement an active transport bike system and safe pathways program.
Councilors approved Resolution No. 2023-208 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to sign, on behalf of the city government, an agreement with DOTr for the transfer of the fund for the program.
The resolution cited that during the pandemic, “due to the restrictions imposed by the national and local government on the movement of people and goods. active transport such as biking, and walking were promoted.”
A joint administrative order of the DOTr, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) listed the “Guidelines on the Proper Use and Promotion of Active Transport During and After the Covid-19” in which local government units (LGUs) were encouraged “to provide infrastructure for active transport and walking paths. Ensure availability of right of way for the construction of bicycle lanes and walking paths within their jurisdiction. and maintain the bicycle lanes and walking paths located in their jurisdiction.”
A national budget was allotted under the General Act of 2022 for the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metro Manila for “the construction of bike lanes, procurement of bike racks, improved end-of-trip cycling infrastructures, construction of safe and accessible pedestrian walkways, and upgrading of existing pop-up bike lanes into permanent bike lanes.”
It also aimed “to establish proper public transport stops and ensure that all road and bridge projects to be designed and implemented, in so far as practicable, shall allocate at least 50% of the road space for public transport, pedestrians and bicycles/light mobility vehicle.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think this will improve local transportation and safety within 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in Parañaque City, a foreigner from China got arrested by local police officers at Barangay Tambo over charges of estafa and unjust vexation, 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…
A Chinese was arrested by members of the Parañaque police Tambo substation after complaints of estafa and unjust vexation were filed against him by a fellow Chinese on Sunday, March 19.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Haoyi Li, 24, was arrested around 11:30 a.m. at Solaire Resort and Casino located along Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Barangay Tambo.
The SPD said the victim was identified as Xianglong Zeng, 32, also a Chinese.
The police said the suspect borrowed P600,000 from the victim and promised to pay him through online fund transfer or via Alipay app for the amount of 75,000 RMB.
The victim told the police that when he made a follow up for the payment, Li reportedly got angry and shouted at the victim.
The victim added that he was pushed several times by the suspect while shouting unsavory words at him that caught the attention of the security personnel who called up the police for assistance.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you concerned about Chinese nationals causing trouble in your local community?
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 