Festival Mall ushers in Christmas in Alabang

This past Friday, the Christmas season in Alabang was ushered in by Festival Mall with a lot of excitement during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which unveiled a giant Christmas tree presented in partnership with POP MART.

The event officially launched “The Magic of Christmas” celebration in Alabang and in attendance were top officials of the City Government of Muntinlupa, Filinvest executives, Festival Mall itself and many other invited guests.

Decorated Christmas tree with a Wishes Come True sign and POP MART display in a shopping mall atrium
The fabulous looking giant Christmas tree inside Festival Mall. The mall’s strategic partner POP MART is global designer toy company that connects artists and fans through collectibles and immersive experiences.

I myself attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony which was organized with a lot of excitement and it executed a fresh creative spin on the holiday tradition. Seated at front row were Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Vice Mayor Stephanie “Phanie” Galan Teves-Wong, Filinvest Hospitality Corporation CEO Francis Gotianun and Festival Mall General Manager Yvette Dizon. Near me were Donna Santiago of South Snippets, some local business owners, bloggers, vloggers and members of the press. Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of spectators who viewed the ceremony.

Man speaking on stage at a POP MART holiday event in a shopping mall, with a large decorated Christmas tree and seated audience.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his remarks to the many guests who attended the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Man holding a microphone on a holiday-themed mall stage beside a decorated Christmas tree, speaking to children in the audience.
Filinvest Hospitality Corporation CEO Francis Gotianun spoke to the attendees.

“The reason why we celebrate Christmas is Jesus Christ. And for that, there should be enough reasons for us to celebrate and be happy and thankful,” Mayor Biazon said when he delivered his remarks. “The message we would like to share to the people is that we should be thankful. Whether it is small or large we receive, we have to be grateful for the blessings we receive from God.”

“At Festival Mall, we always wanted to be more than just a shopping destination. We want to be a place for families and friends who come together enjoying new experiences, celebrate special occasions, or simply spend quality time with each other. What better time to celebrate than Christmas? This year, we are bringing to you the unboxing of the magic of Christmas made even more exciting in partnership with POP MART,” Filinvest Hospitality Corporation CEO Francis Gotianun said.

Vice Mayor Teves-Wong also delivered her remarks.

After the important words shared by the special guests, a short stage presentation was held telling a short story about Christmas emphasizing the suspense and mystery that come with receiving gifts during the season.

After that, the exciting countdown and formal lighting of the giant Christmas tree happened, and you can watch the short clip by clicking https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EtLcyw1m6/

Decorated Christmas tree with gifts and a “Wishes Come True” sign in a brightly lit shopping mall
This is what the newly lighted Christmas tree looks like from a higher part of Festival Mall.

A meet-and-greet with Santa Claus followed and several children (who were from the City Government and its Social Services Department and others from the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines) received gifts one by one. The invited guests were treated with a Christmas buffet and free-flowing drinks.

Festival Mall’s legacy of Christmas and giving – Festival Mall, which first opened in May 1998 and remains a strong shopping and lifestyle destination in South Metro Manila, is the flagship of Filinvest Malls, the retail business unit of Filinvest Land, Inc. Its Christmas celebration carries the mother brand’s message of community and connection into a place where families and friends come together to shop, dine, and spend time with one another. The partnership with POP MART for the November 6 Christmas tree lighting ceremony placed character-based creativity at the center of Festival Mall’s Christmas story.

Santa Claus seated on an ornate red throne surrounded by people at a festive event
A meet-and-greet between Santa Claus and the children was held during the ceremony. City Government officials and Filinvest executives in the background.
Children posing in front of a decorated Christmas tree and festive holiday display at a shopping mall
Children from Muntinlupa City (and the Social Services Department of the City Government) and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines pose with Santa Claus by the lighted Christmas tree. (photo contributed by Festival Mall).

Along the way, the mall held its 3rd Season of Sharing in partnership with the City Government of Muntinlupa and its Social Services Department. Several children endorsed by the City Government were welcomed at Festival Mall for a special day of fun that includes arcade gaming, amusement rides, meals and the receiving of Christmas gifts. The sharing reflected the mall’s commitment to being an active and caring community partner. Festival Mall hopes to share not only gifts but also meaningful experiences and memories, reminding everyone that the spirit of Christmas is also about extending kindness and making others feel valued.

“For me, if we can make even one child smile, give someone a reason to feel happy, or make a family’s Christmas a little more special, then we’ve already done something meaningful,” said General Manager Yvette Dizon.

Christmas experience this year – For the 2026 Christmas season, Festival Mall is reviving Rhythm & Lights 4 on December 12 which is a Christmas musical celebration in a festive gathering. The said event will give shoppers and visitors a new opportunity to come together and enjoy the season through live performances.

With its Christmas tree as a meeting point with shopping, dining, and leisure experiences around it, Festival Mall is inviting visitors to make their next holiday gathering part of “The Magic of Christmas” at Filinvest Malls.

Five people posing in front of a decorated Christmas tree with a Wishes Come True sign in a brightly lit shopping mall.
Filinvest executives pose with Mayor Biazon near the Christmas tree. (photo contributed by Festival Mall)
Group of children and adults in festive costumes posing beneath a decorated Christmas tree at a shopping mall event
The children with the special guests, performers and others posed in front of the many photographers.

In ending this post, I want to point to what Mayor Biazon said about Jesus being the reason we celebrate Christmas. Lord Jesus is the hope of ALL nations. To learn more about the Him and His eternal holiness, I encourage you all to grab the Holy Bible and read the following references: Isaiah 9:6, John 3:16, John 6:26-40, Matthew 2:1-2, John 5:19-23 and John 8:12. This Christmas, always be thankful to those who gifted you and also to the Lord. Honor and thank Him for all the blessings and happiness you received.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Government to Bring Vaccines to Public Schools

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a school-based vaccination drive was launched and the City Government confirmed it will bring immunization vaccines straight to the public schools, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor April Aguilar attended the launch which was attended by a few hundred local students.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you thankful to the City Government for the direct distribution of vaccines to public schools? Did many young students in your local community attend the vaccination drive?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Bahay Pag-asa Muntinlupa City Established

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed into law a key ordinance which formally established the Bahay Paga-asa Muntinlupa City, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The Bahay Pag-asa Muntinlupa City is a 24-hour institution for the rehabilitation of children who are in conflict with the law.

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

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 Bahay Pag-asa Muntinlupa City will create positive results socially?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Births in Japan Grow for the First Time in 11 Years

For the first time in eleven years, the number of children born in Japan grew at last with a 0.8 rise covering the first half of 2026, according to a news article by Kyodo News. 342,068 children were born in the January-June 2026 period and the figure includes births to foreign nationals.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think there is still hope for another increase in the number of children born in Japan in the near future? Do you think the government and the private sector can work together on solving the population decline of Japan without depending on immigrants?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Availability of Cashless Payment Services for Children in Japan Grows

The number of cashless payment services for children in Japan is growing and already parents have the means to check their kids’ spending history and balances using digital means, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What is your opinion about having more cashless payment services for children? Do you think the said services will help them become more financially literate and also more disciplined on handling their money?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Administration Trashes Biden-Era LGBTQ Foster Care Rule

Remember a few years ago when the administration of failed US President Joe Biden came up with a foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to accept them through gender identity? That outrageous rule was never implemented but the Trump administration formally eliminated it which is good for the United States, according to a news report by Newsmax.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt of the Newsmax report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted that US President Donald Trump and his administration scrapped the Biden-era rule and made sure it would not be revived soon? Do you think the woke, the SJWs and LGBTQ mob will react violently to this development?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

14-Year-Old Kid With Disability Dies In Parañaque City, Six Minors Arrested

Recently in the City of Parañaque, a 14-year-old boy died as a result of getting beaten by six minors over a transaction he had with them, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune. The six minors were arrested later in follow-up police operations.  

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

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 still be a lot more violent teenagers out there? Does Parañaque have a growing teenage criminals population?  Do you still believe in the Parañaque Renaissance?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Japan’s Child Population Declines To New Low Of 13.29 Million

Japan, which is one of the largest economies of the world, has an enduring population growth problem as low fertility rates stubbornly remained. That said, the child population of Japan has declined yet again reaching a new all-time low of 13.29 million, according to a news report of Kyodo News. The said figure even includes foreign residents.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the government’s efforts to reverse Japan’s low birthrate will eventually create positive results over the next several years? Are you convinced that allowing a larger number of foreigners to migrate to Japan will solve the birthrate problem? Do you think the government of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will come up with new plans to increase Japanese birthrates?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Korean Teachers Bring Smiles To Kids In Muntinlupa City

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, volunteer teachers from Korea were deployed children development centers (CDCs) where they taught lessons and brought smiles to local kids, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

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 wish to see more Korean volunteer teachers get deployed to local child development centers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Health And Nutrition Program For Children Of Las Piñas

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government’s nutrition committee announced the local health program for younglings which aims to emphasize better health and proper nutrition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are parents in your local community bringing their children to the announced health and nutrition program?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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