More than P577 million worth of coins have been deposited through the many coin deposit machines (CoDMs) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as of March 15, 2024, as published on their website.
Based on the latest statistics, a total of P577,421,900.87 in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 147,517 transactions from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 162,311,398 coins were deposited. All these numbers are accurate as of March 15, 2024.
Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P3,914.27 per transaction (depositing of coins) at the machines. As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P3.55749 per coin deposited.
As with recent times, in my experience, it is getting more challenging for me to deposit loose change at the BSP coin deposit machine inside Festival Mall in Alabang not just because more people lined up but also because more people are individually carrying jars or bags full of coins to deposit. The more coins a customer tries to deposit during his or her turn at the machine, the wait can be a few to several minutes long. I also noticed that more motorcycle delivery operators have joined the line inside Festival Mall supposedly to do the deposits for their clients.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to deposit your excess coins into a BSP coin deposit machine in your locality recently? Do you think the BSP should put up more coin deposit machines to keep up with the growing consumer demand? How long normally is the line at the BSP coin deposit machine in your locality each time you visit?
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
On my part, I had dined with the family at Firehouse Pizza twice and the most recent visit was for dinner. Posted below are pictures and descriptions of what we had the last time…
This is the Burrata Salad, easily the most unique thing from Firehouse Pizza’s menu. It is composed of cherry tomatoes, mesclun leaves, Burrata cheese (meant to be opened and spread over the ingredients), Balsamic reduction and olive oil. As of this writing, it was priced at P750.
This is the Antipasti Platter composed of assorted cheese, assorted cold cuts, artichoke, mushroom, olives and vegetable confit. For sharing, this one costs P740.
This is the solo-sized Lasagna Bolognese which costs P360. Composed of minced beef, mozzarella and parmesan, it was cooked well and each bite was tasty and smooth.
The Pepperoni pizza.
The Mushroom pizza.
Like the first time my family dined there, all the food served to us by Firehouse Pizza were well prepared with regards to the cooking of the pizza and pasta, and also the way they ensured the freshness of the ingredients on making the Burrata Salad. There definitely is special attention paid on the quality, taste and presentation. On my part, each bite was tasty. If there was anything lacking, it was their hot plate special of Grilled Tenderloin with Potato Wedges which was out of stock during our last visit. With regards to getting served, the restaurant’s personnel were really attentive and helpful to us as well as the other diners. That being said, I encourage you to visit Firehouse Pizza when you have the chance and the means to do so.
This is what Firehouse Pizza looks like from the outside during night time. It is a corner unit and just walking distance away from Crimson Hotel.
For the newcomers reading this, if you will be traveling to Alabang to have a meal at Firehouse Pizza, be aware that the restaurant is just a short walk away from Crimson Hotel which is also part of the Entrata Urban Complex. You can park your car at the Festival Mall parking lot just outside of Shopwise, or at the multilevel parking facility nearby (bordering Civic Drive).
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) posted an update on their official page about their coin deposit machine (CoDM) project revealing that almost P400 million worth of coins got deposited by customers as of January 15, 2024.
Based on the latest statistics, a total of P399,081,734.54 in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 110,910 transactions from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 117,120,209 coins were deposited. All these numbers are accurate as of January 15, 2024.
Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P3,598.25 per transaction (depositing of coins) at the machines. As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P3.40745 per coin deposited.
In my personal experience, it’s gotten more challenging to deposit my coins into the BSP machine located inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang. Locally, a lot more people became aware of the machine which resulted in longer lines as well as families or business managers/owners bringing huge volumes of their coins contained in bottles or bags. There were also times when the BSP machine inside the mall got filled to its limit during the day and it could not function until the BSP’s own collectors gather all the coins.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to deposit your excess coins into a BSP coin deposit machine in your locality in recent times? Do you think the BSP should put up more coin deposit machines to keep up with consumer demand? How long normally is the line at the BSP coin deposit machine in your locality each time you visit?
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
UPDATE – The bikes-for-rent business in the blog post below is no longer occupying the space along Spectrum Midway near Filinvest City Central Park.
Here in Muntinlupa City, the Alabang area continues to be a dynamic place for leisure, shopping, fitness, dining and exploration. One of the more vibrant places to be in is the Filinvest City Central Park which is accessible via Spectrum Midway, East Asia Drive and Promenade roads within Filinvest City (formerly known as Filinvest Corporate City). Notably, the commercial places located in close proximity to Filinvest City Central Park are Commercenter (along East Asia Drive) and at a slightly farther distance Festival Mall.
Filinvest City Central Park has a nice wide portion of grassy land (facing East Asia Drive) where visits can relax at during the afternoons (when the sun is not too intense) and there is also a small playground where kids can play at. There is also another wide portion of grassy land on the other side (facing Festival Mall).
Filinvest City Central Park also has connecting roads plus a few cemented paths where people can travel on without the hassle of incoming motorized vehicles. The roads are ideal for those who love to hike, run and bike around.
Bicycles-for-rent – Along Spectrum Midway road, just steps away from Filinvest City Central Park, is a local service where visitors can rent bicycles for a fee (depending on what bicycle you want) for an hour’s use. Check out the video and images posted below.
Lots of bicycles lined up for visitors to choose and rent.
The bicycles displayed from the side.
At the bike rental service are two large signs displaying details about the bike rental rates per hour and the bike rental guidelines. Those who plan to rent bikes can avail of the Double Seater Sidecar for P250, the Big Sidecar for P200, the Small Sidecar for 150, the Mountain Bike for P200, the Big BMX for P150, the Small BMX for P100, the Lady’s Bike for P150, the Go Cart for P200 and the Kiddie Bike for P100. All fees, which are to be paid first, are non-refundable.
As per the bike rental guidelines, visitors who wish to rent a bike must provide or show a valid ID card. If children are to ride, they must be accompanied by parents or guardians at all times. Biking around is limited within the designated areas and warning signs must be followed without question. Bike racing and exhibition are prohibited.
For your reference.
The covered area is where visitors can approach for transactions on renting bicycles. This is along Spectrum Midway.
If you seek fun biking around Filinvest City Central Park, you can enjoy the convenience that comes with renting bikes there. Visit the bike rental service soon.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the Southern Police District (SPD) conducted an entrapment operation at a part of Festival Mall that resulted in the arrest of the leader of a gunrunning group for the alleged illegal sale of firearms and ammunition, 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…
A suspected leader of a gunrunning group was arrested by the Southern Police District (SPD) at a popular mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa on Jan. 9.
The SPD Special Operation Unit carried out the operation against the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition.
SPD Director Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes identified the arrested suspect as alias Ivan, 51, alleged leader of the Sgt. Ivan Gun Running Group. The driver of the van with the alias Alvin, 41, is being investigated.
A member of the group, alias Daryl, 40, was arrested in another operation in Sampaloc, Manila.
The arrest was made at about 8 a.m. in front of a Korean grill restaurant in Festival Mall in Alabang.
A subsequent operation at 11:15 a.m. on the same day in Sampaloc, Manila led to the arrest of Daryl, the second target of the operation.
The SPD said the operation stemmed from intelligence provided by a confidential informant, allegedly detailing the involvement of the Sgt Ivan Group in gunrunning activities.
The group is allegedly composed of reservists or former uniformed personnel and believed to be operating in the southern part and nearby cities of the National Capital Region (NCR).
SPD said the entrapment operation, jointly conducted with the Station Intelligence Section of the Muntinlupa Police, the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Quezon City District Field Unit and Manila Police District Substation 4.
At Festival Mall, Ivan, the No. 1 target of the operation, sold two ammunition boxes of 5.56mm containing an estimated 2,000 rounds after receiving marked buy-bust money. Subsequently another operation was launched involving three high-caliber firearms.
The transaction started in Muntinlupa City and extended to D. Tuazon, Quezon City. Target No. 2, Daryl, aware of the situation, swiftly changed the location to Bataan Street, Barangay 55, Sampaloc, near the boundary of Quezon City and Manila. Despite attempts to evade arrest, Daryl was swiftly apprehended by the team.
Recovered by the police from Ivan were P1,000 genuine bill marked money, two ammunition boxes containing an estimated 2,000 rounds of green tip 5.56 ammunition, one Intelligence Service Identification Card under the name of suspect alias Ivan.
Meanwhile, recovered from Daryl, the SPD said, were P1,000 genuine bill, one unit of Imbel Brasil .45 caliber pistol, one magazine for .45 caliber pistol, 15 live ammunition for .45 caliber pistol, black inside holster for .45 caliber pistol, one Bentley shotgun, 35 shotgun shells, red sling bag intended as pouch for shotgun ammunition, one US carbine with foldable butt and sling, 82 live ammunition for carbine, black pouch intended for carbine ammunition, brown sling bag. An Armscor .45 caliber pistol recovered from Daryl is under verification.
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, are you surprised that the buy-bust operation and arrest happened within the area of Festival Mall?
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
If you are constantly present here in Alabang in Muntinlupa City, and if you have an excess number of Peso coins that you want to have deposited for safekeeping or for personal use, then you should visit the coin deposit machine (CoDM) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) located inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City.
To be more specific, the BSP CoDM inside the said shopping mall is located on ground floor very near the escalators which itself is in close proximity to the following ground floor businesses: SM Savemore grocery, Saibachi Japanese Restaurant and Café BLK & BRWN (this one is just steps away from the machine).
This is the BSP coin deposit machine inside Festival Mall in Alabang.
Before you join the line for depositing your coins at the BSP’s coin deposit machine, you must have a valid GCash account (to receive the value of the coins successfully deposited). If you don’t have a GCash account, you can still have the value of the deposited coins converted into SM shopping vouchers (accepted by The SM Store). There is also a Maya option available.
Still before joining the line, you must make sure that your Peso coins are not dented/damaged, and each coin is loose (meaning not taped together as a bundle). Obviously, foreign coins, tokens and demonetized Peso coins (Peso coins that are outdated) will be rejected. These tips are to ensure that the coins will be counted by the machine once deposited. To learn more, watch the video below and pay close attention to the details…
Once you join the line, you will need to be patient not simply because there could be several customers ahead of you but also because there will most likely be other customers ahead of you who brought at least one large container of coins with them for depositing which can take some minutes to be deposited into the CoDM (note: there is always a BSP assistant who will help and occasionally troubleshoot the machine whenever it malfunctions).
Do not be surprised to see other customers ahead of you who brought multiple plastic containers of coins to be deposited. Based on my personal experience depositing coins at the machine inside Festival Mall, I noticed that more families and local businesses are having their idle coins put into the CoDM. There was a time when one customer ahead of me deposited coins from four large containers and it took several minutes for the machine to count them all and this includes moments when the machine malfunctioned and the BSP assistant had to do some fixing on the spot.
Once you start your turn to deposit at the CoDM, let the BSP assistant guide you. There will be buttons on the machine for you to press before you start putting your coins into the receiving mechanism. From time to time as coins get counted, there will be a few coins that the machine will reject and will instead fall into the lower part where you can reach into and collect. You can try depositing the uncounted coins until it gets counted. As mentioned earlier, foreign coins, tokens and demonetized Peso coins will be rejected.
Once your deposit is successful, you can decide whether to have the counted value transferred into your active GCash account or into an SM shopping voucher. Receipts will be issued from the machine which you must always keep to yourself. Do not throw away the receipts.
Read the details closely.
Another look at the BSO CoDM inside Festival Mall located near the escalators at the ground floor..
I hope this post will be helpful to you and your effort to deposit excess Peso coins into the BSP DoCM inside Festival Mall. In my experience, the lines range from very short (1 or 2 customers ahead of me) to long (8 customers ahead of me). There will be customers who will be depositing a small amount and there are others who brought so much coins as the BSP coin deposit project has attracted a lot of attention locally. You will need to be patient and manage your time when you join the line for the CoDM. To learn more about the coin deposit project, click https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Pages/CoinsAndNotes/CDM.aspx
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, have you deposited your idle Peso coins into the BSP CoDM inside Festival Mall? If you were able successfully deposit your coins, how long did you wait before your turn happened?
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
As the public became more aware of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) coin deposit project, it is unsurprising that the accumulated amount of coins deposited through machines reached almost P115 million, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Take note that the BSP recently installed additional machines which should give people more opportunities to deposit their idle coins.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) has collected P114.9 million in coins less than four months after the launch of their coin deposit machines (CoDMs) nationwide.
The central bank collected 42.4 million coins worth P114.9 million via the CoDMs as of Oct. 6 since they were rolled out in June, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We would like to thank our participating retailers and coin savers, especially those who have been promoting the usage of CoDMs on social media, for being instrumental in the program’s continued popularity and success,” BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
The coin deposit machines form part of the BSP’s efforts to improve the circulation of coins in the financial system.
“A case was made for a cash recycler program because we had about 36 billion coins in circulation then, but there seemed to be an artificial shortage in some areas in the Philippines,” BSP Deputy Director Jann Ryan D. Jose said.
The central bank said there were 39.1 billion coins in circulation as of April for an average of around 358 coins per person, almost three times the 2005 average of 121 coins per individual.
“When coins are not recirculated and left idle, an artificial coin shortage can happen in certain regions. This increases the likelihood of businesses shortchanging their customers,” the BSP said.
The BSP has finished deploying its target of 25 coin deposit machine units in malls across Metro Manila and other nearby provinces.
The value of coins deposited in CoDMs may be credited to the depositor’s e-wallet account or converted into a shopping voucher for over-the-counter transactions. Customers depositing coins can credit the equivalent amount to their e-wallets.
The awareness of the coin deposit project of the BSP is only growing and this prompted people to collect their coins and deposit them. Very recently at Festival Mall in Alabang, I noticed a growing number of people who lined up at the BSP coin deposit machine at the ground floor carrying plastic jars full of coins. One particular customer ahead of me who carried such high number of coins took a lot of time to deposit them into the machine (supported by a designated technician) as the counting got disrupted a number of times which required the technician to do some fixing. That customer’s coins were worth over P20,000 in value.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there any BSP coin deposit machines near your local community? If you were able to find the machines, were you able to deposit your idle coins? Are there many people in your local community who are interested to deposit their coins into the machines?
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
For decades now, I have been living in Alabang and I witnessed how much Muntinlupa City modernized along the way. Bordering Barangay Ayala Alabang is Filinvest City (formerly called Filinvest Corporate City) which itself is home to several business or facilities such as the Filinvest Tent, Commercenter, Acacia Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel, Westgate and, of course, the wildly popular place to be in – Festival Mall.
For the newcomers reading this, Festival Mall opened in May 1998 with its initial name Festival Supermall. Way back then, out of pure curiosity, I entered the mall for the first-time ever during its soft opening on May 1, 1998 (Labor Day here in the Philippines) as I was already looking for a new place and new discoveries at a time when I got tired of Alabang Town Center (ATC).
Being very new back then, Festival Mall’s presence of retailers or tenants was not yet dynamic as there were still businesses inside that could not open in time for the mall’s opening. I do remember walking down seeing lots of vacant retail spots covered with signs such as “opening soon”, “coming soon” and the like. Back in those days, the Philippine economy and society itself were dampened by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
As the months passed by, more businesses opened and Festival Mall’s early attractions include the X-Site Amusement Center (which already had the indoor roller coaster) and, of course, the brand new cinemas which had several screens operating at a very spacious area on the top floor. I still remember seeing lots of people lining up for tickets and seats to watch Armageddon which ended up as the highest grossing movie of the world in 1998.
Indeed, for more than a decade, Festival Mall’s original cinemas became a favorite destination of mine to watch movies in Alabang and I definitely was not alone. I also remember the times when the said cinemas attracted a whole lot of moviegoers when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) opening day (every December 25) happened resulting in long lines. Watch the YouTube videos below…
As you can see in the above videos, Festival Mall’s original cinemas was a hot spot for moviegoers. It should be noted that the mall is strategically located in close proximity to the Alabang Viaduct and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) which ensures visibility to motorists and accessibility to commuters on a daily basis. The old cinemas were also a hot spot for a variety of small businesses selling different kinds of food and drinks to moviegoers and others who just passed by.
Festival Mall at 25
This past May, Festival Mall turned 25 and its anniversary was highlighted with special events as well and publicity through the media. There were these Festival Mall 25th anniversary feature articles that got published in different newspapers almost simultaneously. In the commemorative article that got published in the Manila Bulletin, President and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation Josephine Gotianun Yap was quoted which goes as follows in the excerpt below. Some parts in boldface…
“We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of our customers, merchants, suppliers, and employees who have journeyed with us through the years. It is humbling to think that when we first opened the mall, we only had 30 stores and no anchor supermarket. But thousands of visitors came on our first day, attracted by our amusement centers, cinemas, and food court. And now the mall has 800 tenants and eight leading anchor stores. We value our collaboration with major retailers, which has enabled us to bring together SaveMore, Ace Hardware, Robinson’s Department Store, Handyman, Shopwise, H&M, Decathlon, and Landmark all under one roof. As we build on its strong foundations for the future, we see Festival Mall continuing to serve as a place where time stops for making memories with family and friends,”
As seen above, the Filinvest Development Corporation executive clearly referred to the original cinemas which was one of the early attractions of Festival Mall way back in 1998. As mentioned earlier, Festival Mall today has more modern cinemas located at the expanded area on the same floor but several meters away from the original cinemas. So how does Festival Mall’s original cinemas look like nowadays? Watch the video below…
Yes, indeed the mall’s original cinemas have turned depressing. There are much less customers who pass by the area and many of the businesses that operated within have closed down! As I personally found out, Festival Mall is still using a few screens at the old cinemas for moviegoers while leaving the many others closed and left in the dark. If you think about it carefully, what does the mall management have in mind with regards to all of those cinema seats, sound systems, projectors, screens and other pieces of equipment inside each and every closed screen of the original cinemas?
A closed screen at one end of the original cinemas of Festival Mall. Just imagine what is left of all the hardware (examples: projectors and speakers) and seats inside.
This was a premium place to watch movies at. It had more comfortable seats and better equipment that made the cinematic experience more immersive. It was here where I saw 2001’s Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.
This is where I used to buy movie tickets for many years. For some time now, the selling of movie tickets here has stopped. To buy tickets, you have to go to the modern cinemas of the mall several meters away by foot at the same floor.
Apart from seeing more of the screens of the original cinemas closed down, the number of small-time businesses that sold different kinds of food and drinks are also gone which is depressing. Those businesses offered moviegoers different choices of what to eat or drink apart from the usual popcorn and drinks sold by the cinema’s concessionaires. I do remember a certain business joint that sold really good coffee (both hot and cold) that is also affordable.
There used to be different kinds of small business joints that sold a variety of food and drinks located on the floor spots at the original cinemas area. Those businesses have since closed down and left.
I remember the times I bought popcorn and drinks at this place before watching a movie. Now there are no food, no drinks and no people selling to customers anymore.
With the way things are right now, walking through the original cinemas area of Festival Mall is lonely and depressing to do. The area is almost lifeless and it easily is the saddest place inside the mall which itself has become a major attraction for shoppers and families. I can only wonder if Festival Mall’s management has any plan to revive the original cinemas area. Will they someday renovate at least a few of the screens and install brand new seats and other equipment to accommodate more moviegoers? Do they plan to attract new businesses to occupy the vacant commercial spaces and floor spaces near the old cinemas?
It would be nice to know if Festival Mall’s management or Filinvest itself has any plan to revive commerce at the original cinemas area which is now the saddest and loneliest part of the mall.
To be very clear with you all reading this, I never worked for a shopping mall nor have I ever worked in the movie theater business. I am a long-time resident of Alabang who often visits Festival Mall for purchasing needed items, dining and availing of services. Watching movies at Festival Mall used to be a big reason for me to spend time at the mall. I know for a fact that operating movie theaters is difficult and attracting people to watch movies on the big screen is tougher because of streaming. It does not help that the COVID-19 pandemic convinced people that watching new movies at home via streaming is the new standard which also made them think that movie theaters are unnecessary.
As a movie enthusiast, I can say out loud that watching a movie inside the cinema is still the best and most definitive way to enjoy watching. The movie theater experience can never be matched by streaming nor could the biggest HDTV at home could ever come close to the size and visual impact of a cinema screen. That being said, I can only hope that Festival Mall could someday revive the movie experience and commerce at their original cinemas area. They already have the modern cinemas at the expanded area but those are only 4 screens.
If you are living here in South Metro Manila and you have been to Festival Mall several times before, what do you think the mall management should do about their old cinemas? Is Festival Mall your favorite place to watch movies in? Do you think that hosting multiple film festivals – both foreign and domestic – each year would justify renovating the old cinemas of the mall?
Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, it was announced that Business and Permit Licensing Office (BPLO) of the City Government were present at Festival Mall in Filinvest City for the convenience of business owners for permit processing and will remain there until October 13, 2023, 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’s business renewal has returned to the Festival Mall in Alabang for the convenience of business owners.
Muntinlupa’s Business Permits and Licensing Office Single-Window Transaction (BPLO-SWiT) program is available in the mall from Oct. 9 to 13 for easier and faster transactions.
“We encourage businesses to take the opportunity to pay their obligations early and avoid penalties for late payments. With the BPLO-SWiT, we are making tax payments more accessible than ever, so we call on everyone to avoid the rush and possible penalties,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
Applicants can transact from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the BPLO-SWiT booth, situated near the Festival Mall concierge.
The whole process, starting from the submission of documents, encoding of information, payment of fees, to printing of official receipt, Community Tax Certificate, Business License and Mayor’s Permit Certificate, and Barangay Clearance for Business, takes as little as 20 minutes, provided all documentary requirements are complete.
In addition to the BPLO-SWiT, business owners may also continue to renew their license and Mayor’s Permit at the BPLO in Muntinlupa City Hall and online via the Business E-payment System (BESt).
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City and you own a business, were you able to avail of the BPLO’s services at Festival Mall? Do you think that the Muntinlupa BPLO should have a longer presence at Festival Mall for your business permit processing needs?
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
Do you have an excessive amount of coins with you right now? In recent times, the Bangko Sentral ng Philippines (BSP) launched their project to give people opportunities to deposit their coins through coin deposit machines (CoDMs) that were installed in a few locations. According to a report by GMA Network, almost P90 million worth of coins have been deposited.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
Nearly P90 million worth of coins have been deposited through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) coin deposit machines (CoDMs).
Since its launch on June 20, over P87.4 million worth of coins were deposited through CoDMs from more than 20,000 transactions as of September 22, 2023.
The CoDMs were launched in a bid to encourage the public to make use of their idle coins.
Latest central bank data revealed that the coins deposited into the machines were mostly credited to customers’ e-wallets, while a portion was exchanged for shopping vouchers.
In June, the BSP deployed two CoDMs at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, one at Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, and another at Robinsons Place Ermita in Manila.
Moreover, the BSP installed additional coin deposit machines at Robinsons Place Galleria in Ortigas, SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview in Quezon City, SM City San Lazaro in Manila, SM City Bicutan in Parañaque, and SM City Bacoor in Cavite, bringing the total CoDMs count to 10.
The BSP’s CoDMs accept all denominations of the BSP Coin Series and the New Generation Currency Coin Series launched in 2018, ranging from a centavo to as high as P20.
Through the CoDMs, customers can deposit legal tender coins and have the equivalent amount credited to their GCash accounts. The BSP said it is also working to onboard Maya to provide more e-wallet options to the public.
In using the machines, the central bank urged customers that coins to be deposited must not be taped or bundled, must not come with other objects like buttons, magnets, nails, tokens, screws, or washers, and must be gently placed in the coin slot in handfuls.
Being based in Muntinlupa City, I myself managed to deposit coins into the BSP machine located inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City in Alabang. I really liked the convenience of having the amount of my deposited coins transferred electronically into my GCash account and without any technical or convenience fees charged. I can only hope that the BSP will come up with options for coin depositors to transfer the collected value directly into bank accounts without charging any fees.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to deposit your coins at a BSP machine near your local community? Do you think this project by the BSP will help prevent coin shortages from happening? If you have an excessive amount of coins in your household right now, would you be willing to deposit them all into a BSP machine?
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Author Carlo Carrasco 