Tag: Facebook

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 71

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 71

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Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 President Marcos talks about troublesome Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy – It has been weeks since Russian vlogger and live streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy caused trouble and harassed people here in the Philippines which resulted in his arrest. While he is in prison as the local authorities prepare to press charges against him, no less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., noticed Vitaly during an official vlog via the Bongbong Marcos YouTube channel. Marcos begins to talk about Vitaly during the 2nd half of his video. The mere fact that the President of the Philippines notices and shares his views about Vitaly should send a strong signal to troublesome live streamers/vloggers overseas that they will be punished here in the Philippines if they cause trouble for the sake of entertaining a live audience.

#2 In-depth analysis of the interrogation scene in 1984’s The Terminator – The Terminator from 1984 is the subject of multiple video reviews, reaction videos, retrospective and film analysis on YouTube. After digging through several analysis videos, I found one that is very focused on the interrogation scene of Kyle Reese and the YouTuber shared some really compelling views about it. Watch the video below.

#3 Why Tron still looks great explained – I saw Tron many times in my life from the first time seeing it on home video in 1983, on cable TV and on DVD. Even until now, the 1982 film – which used computer-generated graphics mixed with other forms of cinematic visualizing – still looks great and has aged like fine wine. The video below explains exactly why and it is a must-see.

#4 VKunia and Ashleigh Burton react to Captain America: Civil War – Back in 2016, there was a local cinema that actually organized an unusual gimmick to accommodate moviegoers…by playing Captain America: Civil War on a 24-hour basis. I saw the movie at a 5:30 AM showing back then. While it definitely was the third Captain America movie (note: I will not count the fake Captain America movie subtitled Brave New World), it was actually more of a mini-Avengers movie which clearly took some of the spotlight away from the titular character. It was fun to watch and I encourage you to see how it impacted VKunia and Ashleigh Burton in their respective reaction videos below.  

#5 PatmanQC examines the history of Batman Returns video games – Batman Returns was a big hit in cinemas around the world, although it never came close to matching the global ticket sales of its 1989 predecessor. Regardless, there was a lot of merchandising related with the movie as well as several video game adaptations. I played the Konami-developed Batman Returns game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) but never got to play the movie-based games on the Sega Genesis and Sega CD. To know more about the games based on the 1992 movie, watch PatmanQC’s in-depth video below.

#6 Minty Comedic Arts’ trivia video about What About Bob? – Back in 1991, the  comedy film What About Bob? was released in cinemas and it attracted mostly positive reviews from the critics. Many people were impressed by the performances delivered by Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss. Recently, Minty Comedic Arts posted a trivia video about the film which you can watch below.

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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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Meralco and French firm sign nuclear power development agreement

Meralco and French firm sign nuclear power development agreement

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The movement towards a nuclear-powered Philippines progressed some more as Meralco and the French energy firm Électricité de France SA (EDF) formally signed an agreement to explore nuclear energy development in the country, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Power utility giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with France’s state-owned Électricité de France SA (EDF) to explore the deployment of nuclear energy in the Philippines, an initiative aimed at bolstering long-term energy security.

EDF will provide Meralco with technical support and strategic guidance in conducting feasibility studies under the two-year memorandum of cooperation, according to a news release over the weekend.

Meralco revealed in November 2024 that it is in talks with the French government on research collaborations.

The studies will focus on evaluating site readiness, grid integration and the economic viability of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

“One of Philippine government’s key objectives is to achieve greater energy security for our country and nuclear power is one viable path toward that goal,” Meralco chair and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

“We see this cooperation as a significant first step for Meralco, and we are committed to taking a leadership role in advancing nuclear energy in the Philippines,” he added.

EDF, one of the world’s largest nuclear power operators, will also offer tailored training on nuclear reactor technologies and project management.

It will support Meralco in preparing for potential deployment and in seeking financing options, including those from the French government.

“Through this important first step — and the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with you — we hope to make real progress at your site as well. This is the beginning of what we envision as a remarkable, long-term journey, one that could span the next hundred years,” EDF senior vice president for International Nuclear Development Vakisasai Ramany told Meralco officials.

The collaboration builds on Meralco’s nuclear energy strategic transition initiative and its ongoing engagements with France’s top research institutions.

Through its Meralco Power Academy, the company has partnered with Université Paris-Saclay under the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program to develop future Filipino experts in the nuclear field.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that a nuclear-powered Philippines will be realized in the years to come?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

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

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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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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

Thai-led oil firm announces P1.5 billion, 5-year expansion in the country

Thai-led oil firm announces P1.5 billion, 5-year expansion in the country

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The Thai-led oil firm PTT Philippines recently announced that it will expand its operations in the country over the next five years with P1.5 billion worth of investments, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The expansion includes putting up new fuel stations.

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

In a briefing on Friday, April 11, PTT Philippines officials said the company is eyeing to increase its fuel stations to 280 within the next five years.

Athiwat Rattanakorn, president and chief executive officer of PTT Philippines, stated that the oil firm aims to improve its nationwide presence, particularly focusing on establishing more stations in Luzon and Visayas.

Currently operating 170 stations throughout the Philippines, PTT plans to not only boost its pumping stations but also increase the brand’s presence.

The firm has also introduced a reformulated line of fuel brands, namely Power+ gasoline, Eco+ gasoline, Ultra+ diesel, and Save+ diesel.

“This is going to redefine high-performance fuels as they are intended to improve driving experience not only in terms of mileage but also the cleaning and protection formula for the engine to last longer,” Rattanakorn said.

Apichate Thipphayakosai, supply and logistics director of PTT Philippines, clarified that while they’re only aiming to add around 110 stations in the next five years, they’re focused on the aviation industry.

“We don’t go aggressively on the number of stations… We have to invest effectively in terms of that one,” he told reporters. “But one other thing that can be the mainstream of revenue of PTT Philippines is aviation. We can say that [for] most of the domestic flights.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new plan by PTT will make the Philippines a more attractive destination for foreign investors? Is there a PTT fuel station near you right now?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Eight EPD cops charged over illegal operation in Las Piñas City

Eight EPD cops charged over illegal operation in Las Piñas City

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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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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

Use of licensed software mandated in Muntinlupa City

Use of licensed software mandated in Muntinlupa City

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Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed into law an ordinance mandating the use of licensed software specifically in government offices and contracted private entities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has enacted an ordinance mandating the use of legal and ethical software in its offices and private entities where it has contracts and agreements.

Ordinance No. 2025-328, or the “Legal and Ethical Software Use Ordinance of Muntinlupa,” passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The local law cited Republic Act No. 10175, or the Anti Cybercrime Law, which “explicitly recognizes in Section 4 the act of copyright infringement as a punishable offense when committed using electronic or digital means, thereby underscoring the importance of adhering to software licensing agreements in all technological applications.”

The ordinance emphasized that “the unauthorized use of unlicensed software applications poses significant risks, including compromised cybersecurity, exposure to malware, operational inefficiencies, and violations of intellectual property laws, which collectively endanger individuals, businesses, and government institutions, undermining public trust and efficiency in digital operations.”

It added that “the proliferation of unlicensed software deprives software developers, both local and international, of fair compensation for their intellectual property, stifling innovation, discouraging investment in technological advancement, and weakening the overall digital economy by promoting unethical business practices.”

The ordinance covers all departments, offices, agencies, and personnel of the Muntinlupa City government; all hardware and electronic devices, whether owned, leased, or under the custody of the city government, that use software applications for official functions; and private entities engaged in contracts, projects, or partnerships with the city government, insofar as their transactions involve the use of software.

A licensed software is defined in the ordinance as “any software application that is legally acquired and used in accordance with its licensing agreement, including commercial, freeware, and open-source software.”

The city government will “strictly enforce the use of legally acquired and licensed software in all its offices, transactions, and operations.”

“This mandate aims to safeguard government systems from cybersecurity threats, enhance operational efficiency, and uphold transparency in technology use,” it added.

The ordinance states that “all software applications used by the City Government of Muntinlupa, including operating systems, office productivity suites, specialized applications, cybersecurity tools, and other digital solutions, shall be duly licensed or legally acquired in accordance with applicable copyright laws and licensing agreements. City departments and offices shall ensure that all software installed on government-owned devices and systems has a valid license and complies with legal agreements.”

It mandates that “the acquisition, installation, or use of unlicensed, counterfeit, or pirated software within the City Government of Muntinlupa is strictly prohibited.”

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 mandated use of licensed software by the government and contracted private entities make a lot of sense?

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

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 70 (Holy Week Special)

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 70 (Holy Week Special)

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Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers, fellow faithful believers of Lord Jesus and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

For this edition of the series, we will focus on Christian videos on YouTube remembering our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as this week is Holy Week. May the selected videos below deepen your faith in Lord Jesus, the Hope of ALL nations!

#1 Planetshakers’ The Greatest Name music video featuring Darlene Zschech – I blogged about this recently and it truly is relevant for Holy Week. Planetshakers recently published their music video of The Greatest Name and they have Pastor Darlene Zschech (formerly with Hillsong Church) singing and honoring the Lord with them. This worship music video must be seen as it can truly lift up the faithful person to worship and honor the Lord.

#2 HolyLandSite’s Israel videos – When it comes to learning about the Holy Land in Israel and their connections with the Holy Bible (the Word of God), YouTube channel HolyLandSite is easily the best producer of Holy Land videos. For your faith in the Lord and for your pursuit of biblical relevance, I posted below the selected videos from HolyLandSite. Prepare yourselves with the Bible and watch these videos.

#3 New Life Music’s Testimony worship music video – In June of 2023, New Life Music (the worship music team of New Life Philippines) posted the official video (backstage sessions) of their original worship song Testimony. Co-written by Nash Soliven, Camille Cuna, Erican Reyes, Timothy Mena, Charity Patricio, Josiah Patricio and Sam Mokamad, Testimony will not only uplift the faithful spiritually but also remind them how God moved in their lives. If you have not seen it yet, do it now without hesitation.

#4 Teaching by Pastor Darlene Zschech – If you seek biblical teaching, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and ways to receive the Lord’s commands better, I recommend watching this teaching of God’s Word led by Pastor Darlene Zschech. This teaching is from Hope Unlimited Church’s (HopeUC) Hearing from God series.  

#5 Teaching by Pastor Mylene Evangelista – Without the Word of God, a lot more people today would have declined as worldliness and twisted forces always surround everyone. If you are feeling down or intimidated right now, you can learn how to handle your world with God’s Word by watching this teaching by Pastor Mylene Evangelista of New Life Philippines.  

In ending this post, I share with you the following scriptures from the Holy Bible.

Jesus answered him,

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.

John 3:3 (AMPC)

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NKJV)

“I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you. So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.

“I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless. 6If a person is separated from me, he is discarded; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire to be burned. But if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire and it will be done. When your lives bear abundant fruit, you demonstrate that you are my mature disciples who glorify my Father!

John 15:1-8 (TPT)

Thank you for your time. Always move forward with uncompromising faith in the Lord. Always remember that Lord Jesus is the hope of ALL nations as He is God’s son as well as the Anointed Mediator between the Heavenly Father and men (1 Timothy 2:5). Also pray to the Lord to support Israel, its people and for the peace of Jerusalem.

Remember that God always loves the faithful!

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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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines unemployment rate down in February 2025

Philippines unemployment rate down in February 2025

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The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed recently that the unemployment rate of the Philippines fell down to 3.8% this past February from 4.3% the previous month, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The country’s unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in three months, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

In a briefing on Tuesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said preliminary results of the latest Labor Force Survey showed that the unemployment rate further declined to 3.8 percent in February this year from 4.3 percent the previous month. It was the lowest rate since the 3.1 percent recorded in December last year.

Mapa said the number of unemployed Filipinos declined to 1.94 million from 2.16 million in January this year.

Employment rate on the other hand, rose to 96.2 percent in February this year from 95.7 percent the previous month.

Mapa said the number of employed Filipinos went up to 49.15 million, higher than the 48.49 million and 48.95 million recorded in January this year and in February 2024, respectively.

Industries which recorded the largest increase in employment include accommodation and food service (+377,000), fishing and aquaculture (+365,000), public administration and defense (+330,000), construction (+258,000), and other service activities (+232,000).

Mapa said preparations for the midterm elections and summer holidays helped increase employment in accommodation and food service and other service activities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be more than enough job opportunities for the unemployed throughout the year? Do you think the Philippine economy will grow strongly to sustain new job creation until the end of 2025?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

DOT points to VAT refund for foreign tourists as factor for growth this year

DOT points to VAT refund for foreign tourists as factor for growth this year

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By pointing to the VAT refund for foreign tourists (click here and here), the Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking forward to growth in tourism revenue this year, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) said tourism revenue is expected to rise this year, aided by the new tax refund for tourists.

“2024 was a banner year for Philippine tourism, with international spending reaching around P760 billion, a 126% recovery rate (from pre-pandemic levels). Our goal was always to exceed that, which we achieved the previous year,” Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco said on Monday.

She said that the value-added tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists and DoT’s collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will encourage more visitor spending.

She added such measures will allow the country “to exceed its international visitor receipts as well as domestic tourism receipts from the year before.”

On Monday, the DTI and DoT signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to strengthen coordination in promoting tourism-related industries, participate in joint trade and tourism missions, develop sustainable tourism-related enterprises, and encourage the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Through this MoA, we will give our tourism MSMEs the platform to avail of the programs of the DTI, especially in supporting the expansion of their livelihood and businesses,” Ms. Frasco said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the VAT refund for tourists will actually result in an increase of tourism revenue in the Philippines this year?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Ciron and Trupa win duathlon titles in Vietnam

Ciron and Trupa win duathlon titles in Vietnam

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Welcome back, multisports athletes and sports enthusiasts! Yesterday in Vietnam, John Patrick Ciron and Merry Joy Trupa won the duathlon (run-bike-run) titles for the Philippines during the 2025 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup & National Championships.

To put things in perspective, posted below the entire official announcement by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil). Some parts in boldface…

Duathletes John Patrick Ciron and Merry Joy Trupa emerged as champions in contrasting fashion in the 2025 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup & National Championships in Tam Chuc Complex, Vietnam.

Ranked No. 75 in World Triathlon ranking and 11th placer in the February in the Asian Duathlon Championships in Manama, Bahrain, Ciron covered 5km run, 30km bike and 5km grind in 1 hour 1 minute and 30 seconds (1:01:30).

Ciron finished 1 min and1 sec clear of heavy favorite Pam Tien San, the Hanoi and Cambodia Southeast Asian Games duathlon titleholder, who prevailed over Indonesian Parth Sachin Mirage in a photo finish.

Trupa, who in February earned a ticket for the World Games along top Filipino triathlete Kim Mangrobang and Franklin Yee, climbed the top of the podium on a technicality.

Finishing second unofficially (1:04;14), 41 sec behind Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Tuy Van, she was declared the gold medalist when Nguyen was disqualified on account of failure to serve her penalty for an infraction.

Sharing the victory stand with Trupa were a couple of Singaporeans—Louisa Marie Middleditch, runner-up (1:04:19), and Rachel Hew, bronze medalist (1:05:01).

Sam Corpuz who sees action in the championships that mimics the SEA Games where triathlon, aquathlon and duathlon are included in the program, along with Ciron and Tropa plus Coach Raymond Torio are supported by both Jeremy Go of Go for Philippines and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

For local triathlon updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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Note: The above announcement from Triathlon Philippines was sent by email. Some parts were edited for this website.

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