Christmas – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

1,500 children in Las Piñas City receive Christmas gifts

December 12, 2024December 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government participated in the nationwide gift-giving program of “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” which resulted in the release of Christmas gifts to one thousand five hundred children at a local venue, according to the local government’s social media announcement. The local gift-giving was facilitated by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

A total of 1,500 children in Las Piñas took part in the nationwide “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” gift-giving initiative on Sunday, December 8, at the Verdant Covered Court. The event, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was held simultaneously across various local government units in the Philippines to spread holiday cheer to children.

In Las Piñas, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar facilitated the distribution of kiddie gift sets that included a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, watch, hygiene kit, coloring book, crayons, and a small toy. The event also featured interactive games, activities, and entertainment, making it a memorable celebration for children and their families.

Vice Mayor Aguilar thanked the President and First Lady for their efforts in spreading joy to children in Las Piñas. “President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos, maraming maraming salamat. Marami tayong pinasayang bata ngayong umagang ito. Maraming maraming salamat sa tulong mo sa Las Piñas. Mahal na mahal ka ng mga Las Piñero,” she said.

The “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” program is an annual initiative led by the Office of the President and the First Lady, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units.

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 there any children from your local community who received gifts from the gift-giving?

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

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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

Noel Bazaar at Filinvest Tent, Alabang scheduled for December 12-15, 2024

December 6, 2024November 30, 2024carlocarrasco

If you plan to shop in Alabang with Christmas gift-giving in mind, be aware that the next edition of the annual Noel Bazaar will be held at the Filinvest Tent in Muntinlupa City from December 12 to 15, 2024. The schedule for each day is 11AM to 9PM.

According to the news article by GMA Network, Noel Bazaar 2024 will have eight hundred merchants. Meanwhile, the article by Spot.ph stated that there will be “unique holiday finds—handcrafted accessories, artisanal products, one-of-a-kind treasures, et cetera,” as well as “sweet discounts, exclusive bundles, and promotional offers from the merchants.”

For the newcomers reading this, Noel Bazaar has an established history as a long-running and popular bazaar where shoppers can find lots of products offered such as bags, clothes, hand-crafted items, home decors, fashion accessories, novelties and more.

If you plan to attend Noel Bazaar 2024 at Filinvest Tent this December, be aware that the venue is located in close proximity to South Supermarket and Somerset Alabang. Filinvest Tent is located along Spectrum Midway in Filinvest City and it has its own parking area (accessible along East Asia Drive). If the parking area of Filinvest Tent is full, your other option is to park inside Commercenter Mall which is a few hundred meters away across Commerce Avenue.

For further updates about Noel Bazaar 2024, visit https://www.facebook.com/noelbazaar

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2024 Christmas decorations at Muntinlupa City Hall are nice to see

December 5, 2024December 4, 2024carlocarrasco

I recently visited Muntinlupa City Hall to take a close look at the Christmas decorations that were set up. Check out what I photographed and posted below for you to see. I hope you will enjoy the images.

*The high Christmas decoration at the front of Muntinlupa City Hall recalling Lord Jesus as an infant who was visited by the Three Kings.*

*The very tall and highly decorated outdoor Christmas tree at the front of City Hall.*

*Check out the decorations at the exterior of this store inside City Hall.*

*A very artistic Christmas tree by the City Hall stairs.*

*Even this pillar got heavily decorated.*

To put things in perspective, the decorations and tall Christmas tree outdoors were officially set up weeks ago. In fact, the City Government formally lighted the outdoor Christmas tree on the evening of November 15, 2024. You can watch it via the City Government’s social media posts by clicking here and here.

*A closer look at the outdoor Christmas tree at City Hall.*

If you wish to visit Muntinlupa City Hall, go visit their building along National Road (referred to by Google Maps as Manila South Road or Manila S. Road). For the precise Google Maps location of Muntinlupa City Hall, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/1GgJgaEGkshMvANu7

When celebrating Christmas wherever you are, always remember that Christmas is truly all about Lord Jesus who is our Savior and the Hope of ALL nations.

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2024 Christmas spectacle at Filinvest City Central Park

December 5, 2024November 30, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently, the Christmas spectacle at Filinvest City Central Park was launched and already it has attracted a lot of visitors who enjoyed the place, sights, special activities and facilities that were prepared this year.

To be specific, Filinvest City’s Christmas season spectacle at the park is formally titled “Cherish Every Moment of Christmas at Filinvest City” which is a program of activities and special events to delight visitors on weekend nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) starting from the weekend of November 29 – December 1 until the weekend of December 20 – 22.

*Lots of colorful lights, structures and decoration established to provide visitors the atmosphere of the season of Christmas.*

*Some hanging Christmas lights at this new structure with a roof.*

On Friday nights, visitors can enjoy live musical performances from artists Blaster on December 13 and Munimuni on December 20. The band Over October already performed on the park on November 29. Still on Friday evenings, fireworks displays are scheduled to happen at 8PM (November 29 to December 20).

Those who want to see new facilities and decorations at the park, the Christmas Display is lighted starting 6PM to 9PM from November 29 up to January 6, 2025.

*Lots of places to have your pictures taken at.*

*Christmas display at the Filinvest City Central Park looks livelier this year.*

When it comes to brand new structures, Filinvest City’s The Tree is the one that stood out the most this year. The Tree is the newest events stage at the Filinvest City Central Park designed to be a suitable place for live musical performances, lighting ceremonies and other special activities. It was also made to bring the community together for celebration and connecting with each other. I personally witnessed the first live performance there on the evening of November 29 and what impressed me was the vibrant lighting and how the color of the lights changed efficiently.

*This is The Tree, the brand new structure built at Filinvest City Central Park.*

As I explored the different places of Filinvest City Central Park on the evening of November 29, I noticed a lot of people enjoying the place. You can see what happened by watching my video below.

To find out what will happen on each weekend, visit Filinvest City’s Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestCityOFFICIAL. Also to find out where exactly the park is located at, refer to Google Maps by clicking https://maps.app.goo.gl/kZi47gKGDBYneEu76

In ending this post, I want to say that no matter how the organizers portrayed Christmas, always remember that Christmas is all about Lord Jesus who is the Savior and Hope of ALL nations!

That being said, as we enjoy the Christmas season and the blessings, we should never forget our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Learn from the holy scriptures below.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

John 3:16 (AMPC)

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (AMPC)

Therefore, the honor that belongs to the Father he will now share with his Son. So if you refuse to honor the Son, you are refusing to honor the Father who sent him.

John 5:23 (TPT)

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying,

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12 (NKJV)

Santa Claus is not the reason of Christmas nor is he the definitive figure of the season. Lord Jesus is the one we should honor, thank and praise every Christmas. The birth of Lord Jesus in Israel thousands of years ago remains highly significant and essential. Celebrate Christmas by having unwavering faith in Lord Jesus!

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

Have you been to the 2024 Christmas bazaar inside Alabang Hills Village?

December 1, 2024November 30, 2024carlocarrasco

Today is the first day of December. Not only does this reminds us that 2024 is coming to an end, it is also a reminder that Christmas is nearing. That being said, today is also the final day of the 2024 Christmas bazaar of Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) and there is still time for you to buy items for gift-giving.

The AHVA’s Christmas bazaar officially launched on the morning of November 29 at the Phase 2 park using the two covered courts – one covered court has the many sellers of assorted goods (bags, clothes, household items, toys, decorations and more) and the other has the small businesses that sell different types of food and beverages. The two covered courts are located along Legaspi street.

*This image shows some of the many sellers at the covered basketball court at the Phase 2 park inside Alabang Hills Village. A wide variety of items are being sold here.*

*Something caught the attention of many at this particular booth.*

*The smaller covered court is where the food and beverages are being sold.*

Meanwhile, there are other sellers of clothing and assorted items occupying spaces in close proximity to Don Jesus Boulevard. For the newcomers reading this, the office of the AHVA is located along Don Jesus Boulevard.

*A few of the other sellers occupying spaces in close proximity to Don Jesus Boulevard.*

If you are located within Alabang or in the nearby BF Homes communities, if your car has a valid AHVA sticker, and if you need to buy products for Christmas gift-giving, I encourage you to take the opportunity to visit the Alabang Hills Village Christmas bazaar today. The bazaar will end tonight at 9PM.

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

2024 Christmas party of Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) attended by hundreds of guests

November 30, 2024November 29, 2024carlocarrasco

On the evening of November 24 at the covered basketball court inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) had its annual Christmas party which was attended by lots of guests.

According to CCTI president Flor Umali, around eight hundred guests – including CCTI members and officials – attended. 600 were from Tahanan Village while roughly 200 others were from the adopted villages of Teoville, Maywood and partly from BF NorthWest.

*A view of the CCTI Christmas party set-up and the stage.*

*A few of the many gifts and raffle prizes on display by the stage.*

The guests had a nice night of celebrating Christmas with a dinner buffet, musical performances and social interactions. Sponsored raffles and gifts given added excitement to the celebration as the party went on.

As with past Christmas parties of CCTI (click here and here), the local public servants and candidates (for the 2025 local elections) were in attendance and spent some time greeting the guests and sparing time to chat with them. Present were congressman Brian Yamsuan (running for Parañaque’s 2^nd district congressional seat), former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe (candidate for Parañaque Vice Mayor), former City Councilor Tess de Asis (running for the City Council), former City Councilor Binky Favis (also running for the City Council), City Councilor Tin Esplana, Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez and Mayor Eric Olivarez.

In the foreground are (L to R) former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe, City Councilor Tin Esplana (facing the background) and former City Councilor Binky Favis (standing). In the background is Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez delivering his remarks.

*CCTI president Flor Umali with Bicol Saro party-list Representative Brian Yamsuan. Yamsuan is running for the 2nd district congressional seat of Parañaque in the 2025 election.*

Olivarez gave the guests an update about what has been happening in the city. Like in his previous attendance of CCTI Christmas parties, he performed a dance to delight the audience. Olivarez will be running for Parañaque’s 1^st district congressional seat which he previously occupied from 2013 to 2022.

With regards to what people can expect next from the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. in the near future, their president said that the next health check activity might happen in February 2025. Watch out for future updates from the CCTI.

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Wider SLEX stretch of Susanna Heights-Calamba to open this December

November 28, 2024November 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Next month, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) stretch of Susanna Heights to Calamba will be wider and opened in time for the Christmas season as assured by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman and CEO Ramon Ang, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The new configuration of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) from Susanna Heights, Muntinlupa to Calamba, Laguna — with six lanes on both the northbound and southbound sides —is expected to open in December in time for Christmas, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman and CEO Ramon Ang has said.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ang said the at-grade expansion on SLEX, undertaken by San Miguel unit SMC SLEX Inc., was “proceeding on schedule, with the said 29-kilometer stretch slated to open in the third week of December.”

The construction of the section from Calamba to Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and the expansion of 20 bridges connecting the SLEX main carriageway will be completed by July 2025, the SMC chief said.

“This December, as our countrymen prepare to celebrate Christmas and travel more to spend time with friends and family, they can look forward to a wider, better SLEX. This will help in significantly reducing traffic buildup during the holiday rush,” Ang said.

“The SLEX expansion is a major undertaking that entailed significant effort and investment, and a lot of patience and cooperation from motorists and stakeholders. We are very glad that motorists can soon enjoy faster trips to and from Southern Luzon,” he added.

Ang said that ensuring that SLEX is fully operational throughout the construction period has been a consistent priority of the company.

“Our contractors and project teams continue to do everything they can to minimize impact on vehicle traffic,” Ang said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you plan to travel far via the SLEX this coming Christmas season?

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

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Can the DOT achieve its 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals?

November 15, 2024November 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that as of November 1, 2024, it has recorded 4.8 million international visitor arrivals, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. That is around three million short of its 2024 target of 7.7 million.

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

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines reached more than 4.8 million, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Friday.

In a statement announcing its attendance at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the DOT said the event would serve as an opportunity to invite more tourists from the European market, especially as it makes up a huge percentage of the foreign visitors to the country.

“The United Kingdom leads as the top European source of visitors, ranking as the Philippines’ ninth-largest source market, with 128,660 arrivals recorded from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31,” it said.

“As the UK outbound travel market rebounds, it presents a valuable opportunity for the Philippines.”

As of Nov. 1, the number of international visitors to the Philippines has reached 4,879,022, less than 3 million away from the DOT’s yearend target of 7.7 million arrivals.

With UK tourists increasingly seeking destinations that offer value for money and experience, the DOT is confident the Philippines’ “diverse landscapes, rich history, and immersive travel experiences” align well with the market’s preferences.

By doing the math, 4,879,022 international tourist arrivals covering the period of January 1 to November 1 (306 days) is equivalent to 15,944.516 per day. Multiply that current average by 366 days for 2024 (a leap year), the total would be 5,835,693 international tourist arrivals which is clearly short of the target.

Of course, it is expected that more visitors from overseas will increase sharply this December as many Filipinos based abroad will be coming home for Christmas and New Year celebrations with families. It remains to be seen how the DOT and its strategic partners will accommodate the anticipated high influx of visitors from overseas. It is recalled that the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and China Banking Corp. found the nation’s Philippine tourism recovery still lacking.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development? Do you think the DOT can still hit its 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals by the end of December? Do you think news about crime connected with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are discouraging foreigners from visiting the Philippines? Do you wish to see the DOT get more involved with special events such as food festivals, entertainment conventions, film festivals, international sports events, car shows and the like?

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

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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, special event or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Have you been to X-Site amusement center inside Festival Mall lately?

November 11, 2024October 23, 2024carlocarrasco

In times of prosperity or hardship, Festival Mall (originally named Festival Supermall) in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City continues to attract families and shoppers. Since the mall’s early days in 1998, its amusement center X-Site kept on succeeding on attracting visitors and providing them bouts of varied fun in return to what the customers paid for. X-Site is a lively form of entertainment-focused capitalism that just keeps on moving forward and attracting visitors.

Located at the 3^rd floor (note: officially referred to as the 2^nd Level or 2L or 2^nd Floor by the mall. The 1^st floor and 2^nd floor of the mall are referred to as Lower Ground Floor and Upper Ground Floor respectively), the X-Site Amusement Center has a wide floor space with a high ceiling.

The way it was designed, X-Site has several arcade games (lots of fun retro games included), merchandiser games, a virtual reality ride, KTV booths, motion-sensing dance spot, the ring toss, entertainment stores, indoor sports games, redemption games, bumper cars, and the indoor roller coaster (which explains the need of having a high ceiling). Watch below the YouTube video and the images I prepared below.

*At the arcade games section inside X-Site.*

Having a high ceiling made it possible to have an indoor roller coaster (tracks above the machines and people in this image). Other amusement centers in Alabang had lower ceilings which made their places feel small or tight when compared to X-Site.

*Some newer machines plus indoor sports games added into the arcade games section.*

*This is the place for those who love dancing and music.*

When I was much younger and Festival Mall was still new, I played lots of games at the arcade of X-Site. Elevator Action Returns, Tekken 2, Tekken 3, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and Tekken Tag Tournament were some of the games I played there as far as I could remember. I never rode the indoor roller coaster because my fondness for roller coasters had faded away even before Festival Mall opened its doors (May 1998).

Back in 1998, I know a few friends whose had not even visited Festival Mall (at the time we talked) yet they already heard of the positive word-of-mouth feedback about the indoor roller coaster of X-Site.

*The indoor roller coaster of X-Site remains a favorite ride for those who kept coming back.*

On December 25, 2023, I visited Festival Mall to look around. I passed by X-Site and I saw an unusually large number of people there composed of young people, children and their parents/guardians.

For the newcomers reading this, December 25 here in the Philippines is a time of having fun during the Christmas season and also it is the day when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) opens in cinemas. This explains why a lot of people spend time at the shopping malls and it is a cultural thing here in the Philippines.

Considering the fact that the original cinemas of Festival Mall have deteriorated leaving only 2 or 3 screens operating (note: the mall also has modern cinemas at the expanded side), a lot of people still visited the mall to watch the MMFF movies that opened on December 25. As for the large number of people who flocked to X-Site that same day, I can only speculate that some of them might have been moviegoers passing the time as they wait for the next screening of movies to watch.

*I took this shot of X-Site on December 25, 2023. Look at the high number of people on the floor.*

If you plan to visit Festival Mall in Alabang and if you are craving for fun rides or games, then you might want to visit X-Site Amusement Center.

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

Muntinlupa City Government distributing Christmas packages to households

November 8, 2024November 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Very recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government started the distribution of Christmas packages covering roughly one hundred forty thousand (140,000) households, 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…

Christmas came early for residents of Muntinlupa as the city government started the distribution of its Pamaskong Handog packs.

The Muntinlupa City government is targeting to distribute the Christmas packages to about 140,000 households in the city.

“Gusto nating bawat household sa Muntinlupa ay may celebration ngayong Pasko. Kaya tiniyak natin na lahat ng 140,000 households sa lungsod ay makakatanggap ng Pamaskong Handog (We want every household in Muntinlupa to have a celebration this Christmas. That is why we assure that all 140,000 households in the city will receive the Pamaskong Handog),” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon who led the distribution of the packages.

Each Pamaskong Handog package has three kilos of rice, a pack of 400 grams of spaghetti pasta, a pack of 900 grams of spaghetti sauce, a pack of 400 grams of elbow macaroni, a box of 113 grams of instant champorado, a can of 175 grams of corned beef, a can of 150 grams of meat loaf and a can of 85 grams of liver spread.

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, have you contacted your local community officials about updates of Christmas packages coming in?

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

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