City of Las Piñas – Page 8 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Do you miss Fukuya Japanese Restaurant?

May 21, 2025May 15, 2025carlocarrasco

On April 30, 2025, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant inside Festival Mall closed down after having its final day of operations which saddened a lot of loyal customers. At 8:41 in morning of that same day, the restaurant announced via social media that they were going to close down which went as follows:

It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing our last day of operations today. We would like to thank our valued customers whom we consider a part of the Fukuya family for your patronage and support since we opened our doors in 1995. We truly cherish the memories we have of you and it is our pleasure to have served you. To our generations of patrons, thank you for your kind words and loyalty to Fukuya. You have made our journey all the more fulfilling. May God bless you all!

*I took this picture on May 1, 2025. This very spot Fukuya previously occupied has since been covered up.*

For the newcomers reading this, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant first opened at SM Southmall in Las Piñas City in the mid-1990s and my first time ever to eat at their place was in 1997. They eventually opened in Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa some years later and lasted there until April 30 this year. Be aware that a change of ownership of Festival Mall took place months ago which might be related to Fukuya’s closure.

Being fond of Japanese food, I can say that the demise of Fukuya Japanese Restaurant is very unfortunate. To be clear, the number of Japanese restaurants and other businesses selling certain types of Japanese food at Festival Mall has increased over the past several years. In fact, there are certain Japanese restaurants there that sold meals at notably higher prices when compared to similar offerings from Fukuya Japanese Restaurant. Clearly Fukuya had a lot of competitors at Festival Mall alone.

More on Fukuya, there are best known for the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (read my old article by clicking here) which was always served freshly cooked, very flavorful and filling. I had their Okonomiyaki many times and always had a great taste backed with satisfaction. I also tried Okonomiyaki at other Japanese restaurants at Festival Mall but none of them ever came close to what Fukuya had.

Fukuya also served Futo Maki/Futomaki, Yakisoba, ramen, Bento meals, Tempura, sushi, sashimi, Teppanyaki, Udon, Soba and a lot more. They also had value meals to accommodate customers with limited funds.

*Fukuya Japanese Restaurant’s most famous meal is the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki.*

While the pandemic is over and the Philippine economy is growing, there are still a lot of internal and external economic forces that make operating businesses challenging. As for the rental fees of Festival Mall under the new owner, I heard allegations that the rates went up. Apart from Fukuya, I noticed a local printing and photocopying business there closed down recently, and I used to have documents photocopied there.

Now that Fukuya Japanese Restaurant is gone, customers who are looking for Japanese meals that are affordable will have to look elsewhere. As of this writing, Fukuya has not updated their Facebook page since April 30, 2025. While their FB page is still active, I can only wonder if the business owners could be planning a revival of Fukuya someday. You can visit their FB page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/FukuyaJapaneseRestaurantFestivalMall

*Do you miss this view from inside Fukuya at Festival Mall?*

For those of you reading this, let me ask you – were you fond of eating at Fukuya Japanese Restaurant? Did you enjoy their Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki? How was the quality of the food they served you the last time you ate there? What do you think is the main reason behind the closure of Fukuya Japanese Restaurant?

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

Mark Santos proclaimed as Las Piñas City Representative

May 15, 2025May 13, 2025carlocarrasco

In the City of Las Piñas, City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos was officially proclaimed as the newly elected Representative of the city as a result of his decisive election victory of outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar, according to a GMA Network news report. Santos’ margin of victory was more than thirty thousand votes as of this writing.

For the newcomers reading this, Santos – who has served Las Piñas for several terms as City Councilor – is an election teammate of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

Independent candidate Mark Anthony Santos on Tuesday was proclaimed as the representative for Las Piñas City’s lone district, according to Rod Vega’s report on Super Radyo dzBB.

With 100% election returns in the city processed on Monday evening, Santos garnered 115,757 votes, defeating Senator Cynthia Villar who received 83,975 votes.

Meanwhile, former Vice Mayor April Aguilar was proclaimed as mayor of the city, replacing her mother and the former mayor Imelda Aguilar. Imelda, meanwhile, was proclaimed as vice mayor.

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? Did a majority of your local community’s voters select Santos as the sole Congressional Representative of the city? What do you hope to see from Congressman-elect Mark Santos?

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

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

April Aguilar proclaimed as Las Piñas City’s next Mayor

May 15, 2025May 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar was proclaimed as the next Mayor following her landslide victory over her main opponent Carlo Aguilar, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Meanwhile the incumbent Mayor Imelda Aguilar (mother of April Aguilar) was proclaimed as the incoming Vice Mayor.

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

Las Piñas City’s Vice Mayor April Aguilar was proclaimed the new mayor of the city replacing her mother, Mayor Imelda Aguilar who was elected as vice mayor.

Aguilar garnered a total number of 117,800 votes against her closest opponent, Carlo Aguilar, who had 80,880 votes.

In the race for vice mayor, incumbent Mayor Aguilar received a total of 123,622 votes while her main opponent, Louie Bustamante, got 68,058.

The city’s lone district representative, Mark Anthony Santos, also from the “Tatak Nene Aguilar” team, was also proclaimed by the Las Piñas Board of Canvasser as the winner in the congressional race against Sen. Cynthia Villar.

The newly elected mayor and the whole “Tatak Nene Aguilar” team thanked the Las Piñeros for the trust given to them and vowed that they will be working better in the implementation of the 5K (Kalusugan, Kaalaman, Kaayusan, Kabuhayan, and Kinabukasan) program.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar thanked her supporters through social media.

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? What do you hope to see Mayor-elect April Aguilar do in terms of public service when she takes office?

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

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

Man arrested in Las Piñas City over charges of rape and child abuse

May 8, 2025May 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a man over multiple charges of rape and child abuse, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect worked as an office clerk and he turned out to be a highly wanted man in San Fernando City.

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

An office clerk accused of six counts of rape and three counts of child abuse was arrested by members of the Southern Police District Special Operations Unit (SPD-DSOU) in Las Piñas City on Friday, May 2.

Authorities identified the suspect as “Aris,” 44, listed as the No. 2 most wanted person at the municipal level of San Fernando City Police and No. 5 at the provincial level of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office.

He was arrested at Phase 3 in Barangay CAA by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Robert Alexander Razon Malig of the San Fernando Pampanga RTC Branch 45 for six counts of rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code and three counts of child abuse under Republic Act 7610.

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 you concerned that there could still be a lot of wanted criminals from outside of Metro Manila who could be hiding in the city?

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

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

Mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar unveils flood control plan for Las Piñas City

May 6, 2025May 3, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar unveiled a plan to deal with the problem of flooding and it involves repairs, expansion and the modernizing of the drainage system, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Las Piñas mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar presented a comprehensive plan to address the perennial problem of flooding in the city, a concern identified as the most urgent issue by residents.

Aguilar said that flooding is closely linked to waste management practices and pointed to improper waste disposal as a key factor contributing to the frequent inundation of streets and neighborhoods in the city.

He laid out a multi-pronged strategy that includes repairing, expanding, and modernizing Las Piñas’ existing drainage system to mitigate flooding across the city.

The mayoral candidate added that the dry summer months should be the perfect time to implement regular cleanup operations of rivers, creeks, and waterways to ensure unimpeded water flow.

“Unclogging our drainage is one part of the solution. But we also need to improve how we manage waste and ensure that our communities are involved in keeping our city clean and flood-free,” Aguilar pointed out.

A major feature of his proposal is the establishment of a more efficient and organized garbage collection system.

Aguilar said that under his watch, the city would strengthen its fleet of garbage trucks which are owned and operated by the local government, rather than relying on costly private contractors. He added that this will help reduce expenses and improve service delivery.

Public education is also integral to Aguilar’s waste management strategy. He plans to launch a sustained campaign to promote proper waste disposal among residents.

“Behavioral change is a vital aspect of waste disposal,” Aguilar emphasized. “Without changing how people handle their trash, we cannot create an effective waste management system.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think Carlo Aguilar’s plan on solving the problem of local flooding makes sense? How much taxpayers’ money do you think Carlo Aguilar’s flood control plan will cost?

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

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

Mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar proposes local pension fund for senior citizens of Las Piñas City

April 30, 2025April 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar highlighted his proposal of creating a local pension fund to support the senior citizens of the city, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, Carlo Aguilar previously served as a City Councilor and is running for the city’s top opposition against incumbent Vice Mayor April Aguilar along with some other candidates.

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

Las Piñas City mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar is proposing the creation of a local pension fund that will provide monthly financial support to the city’s senior citizens.

Aguilar said the creation of a local pension fund will help ease the everyday burden being faced by thousands of elderly residents who rely on limited government assistance.

He said currently, only around 11,000 seniors in Las Piñas receive the ₱1,000 monthly social pension from the national government.

Aguilar said the proposed local pension fund seeks to expand the assistance coverage to the city’s estimated 60,000 senior residents. It will begin with the most vulnerable sectors or those without access to a pension from the SSS or GSIS.

“No lolo or lola should be left behind. Our elderly should not have to choose between buying medicine and buying food because a thousand pesos is simply not enough in today’s economy,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar said the monthly amount will be determined through reviews and consultations with senior groups and other stakeholders. He explained that the fund will be made possible through budget realignment, partnership with the private sector, and elimination of wasteful spending.

“There needs to be a full review of the city’s existing expenditure program to identify non-essential items that can be redirected toward the pension fund. Tapping the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of big companies is also part of the proposed financing strategy for the fund,” Aguilar said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you believe that a high number of Las Piñas senior citizens don’t have access to financial support from the local and national governments? Do you think the establishment of a local pension fund for senior citizens makes a lot of sense? Are many voters in your local community planning to vote for Carlo Aguilar for Mayor on May 12?

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

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

Wanted foreigner arrested in Las Piñas City

April 29, 2025April 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local law enforcers apprehended a 23-year-old Japanese national who has been wanted for a series of criminal acts that happened in Japan, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspect was described to be a member of a notorious gang and has overstayed in the Philippines for some time now.

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

Another member of the infamous “Luffy” gang, which is being linked to theft, fraud, extortion, and violent crimes in Japan, has been arrested in the Philippines.

Takuya Hoshino, 23, was arrested inside his residence in a subdivision in Las Piñas City on Tuesday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said in a news release on Wednesday.

Hoshino was the latest member of the notorious criminal gang arrested by the BI since last year, after their presence in the country was reported by the Japanese government.

“Like his colleagues in the syndicate whom we have earlier arrested, he, too, will be deported, blacklisted, and banned from re-entering the Philippines,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

Hoshino was detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending implementation of the deportation order that the bureau’s Board of Commissioners issued against him for being an undesirable alien.

According to BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) chief Rendel Ryan Sy, Hoshino is subject of an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Tokyo Summary Court on Sept. 15, 2022 after he was charged with theft in violation of the Japanese penal code.

The suspect and his cohorts allegedly stole ATM cards from unsuspecting elderly victims by impersonating law enforcement officers.

They were also accused of staging fake police investigations to dupe their victims into surrendering their bank cards.

Over 20 million yen, or more than USD141,000, in cash were reportedly siphoned off by the suspects through unauthorized withdrawals from the stolen cards.

A check on his travel record showed that Hoshino overstayed in the country for more than five years, as his last arrival was recorded on Oct. 30, 2019.

Viado said the arrest forms part of the government’s broader effort to protect national security and public safety, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border control and crack down on transnational crimes.

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 you concerned that there could be a lot more foreign gang members or fugitives who could be living in your local community?

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

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

Summer Swimming Lessons 2025 at Tropical Palace Resort Hotel to start on April 30

April 26, 2025April 25, 2025carlocarrasco

If you are interested to learn swimming during the summer season, be aware that the Summer Swimming Lessons 2025 program at Tropical Palace Resort Hotel in BF International, Las Piñas City will begin on April 30, 2025 and already enrollment is ongoing.

Coach Alec Dequiña will lead the teaching of the swimming lessons. Inside Tropical Palace Resort Hotel are the main swimming pool (rectangular) and the small pool (for younger and smaller swimmers).

*The sign outside of Tropical Palace Resort Hotel in BF International, Las Piñas City.*

Courses offered are as follows: Basic (6-years-old and above) for P6,000 with lessons taking place 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Advance (6-years-old and above) for P6,000 with lessons taking place 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Toddlers (3 to 5-years-old) for P7,000 with lessons taking place 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM.

*The flyer for this year’s swimming lessons program.*

For the precise location of Tropical Palace Resort Hotel’s swimming pools, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/qHxdSmeANvk5m4Fa7

For more information, call Tropical Palace Resort Hotel at landline numbers 8825-1011 and 8825-1012.

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

PDEA raids house in Las Piñas City, arrests five suspects and seizes drug-related materials

April 17, 2025April 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided a house resulting in the arrests of three foreigners, two local cohorts and the seizure of equipment and chemicals that could have been used to make illegal drugs, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Five suspects, including 2 Chinese and a Taiwanese, were nabbed in a raid on a shabu lab in Las Piñas.

According to a 24 Oras Weekend report by John Consulta on Saturday, members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were able to seize large flasks, weighing scales, and drums of chemicals used to create illegal drugs in an exclusive subdivision in Las Piñas.

“Doon sa nakuha natin kanina, yung isang drum can manufacture around 50 to 100 kilos of shabu. Napakarami hong nakuha. Isipin niyo nalang po, kung sakaling natuloy po ang pagmanufacture niyan, ilang buhay yung masisira po niyan,” said PDEA spokesperson Atty. Joseph Calulut.

(From what we seized earlier, a drum could manufacture around 50 to 100 kilos of shabu. We got a lot. Just imagine if the manufacturing pushed through, how many lives could have been ruined.)

Some of the nabbed suspects denied accusations of illegal drugs. However, one of the foreigners and a Filipino runner tested positive in a drug test.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that there could be more secret or hidden drug labs established inside houses within the city? Do you think your barangay or your village is really drug-free?

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

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

Eight EPD cops charged over illegal operation in Las Piñas City

April 16, 2025April 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) got charged over a rogue police operation in which P85 million was stolen from a Chinese businessman, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

State prosecutors found probable cause to charge eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) who allegedly stole PHP85 million from a Chinese trader in an unauthorized police operation in Las Piñas City.

In a statement on Friday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said the Office of the City Prosecutor filed before the court on Thursday a complaint of kidnapping and two counts of robbery against the eight suspects, who are members of the EPD’s District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).

These cases stemmed from an operation where the eight officers served a bogus arrest warrant against the victim on April 2.

The victim and the relatives claimed that the cops shut down their closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, forcibly opened their vaults, and took away the money in pesos, US dollars, and Malaysian ringgit; jewelry; gadgets, and other personal belongings worth PHP85 million.

“Let me be clear – the NCRPO does not shield any wrongdoing. I will not condone any misdeed perpetrated by any member of NCRPO and I will ensure the filing of airtight cases against police scalawags,” Aberin said.

“We will closely monitor the progress of these criminal cases and we shall ensure that the administrative investigation will result in their dismissal from the service, based on evidence and due process of law.”

Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo earlier said the sacked DSOU commander, Maj. Emerson Coballes, was tagged as AWOL (absent without official leave) after he did not comply with a return to work order from the NCRPO.

Coballes did not report for duty after the NCRPO found out that the raid on the house of the Chinese businessman was intended to rob him, as the foreigner did not fit the description of the man in the arrest warrant.

Aberin said the complaint against Coballes is set for preliminary investigation on April 22 and 29.

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 you concerned that there could be other crooked cops out there who might organize a rogue operation against your household soon?

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

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

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