finance – Page 18 – Author Carlo Carrasco

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 53

January 22, 2025January 15, 2025carlocarrasco

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 topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Popcorn in Bed reacts to An Officer and a Gentleman – Released in 1982, An Officer and a Gentleman is a romantic drama film with a militaristic flavor showing a young Richard Gere and Louise Gosset, Jr., in a very memorable role. Some parts of the movie were filmed on location here in my native Philippines. While I am not exactly a fan of the movie, I can say that it still has some shining moments as well as some memorable dramatic scenes. Recently, YouTuber Popcorn in Bed posted its reaction video of the movie, and I can say it is worth watching.

#2 When hackers made ATMs release so much money – Recently, YouTuber fern published a new video explaining a certain financial crime that resulted in physical activities that was hard to imagine – automatic teller machines (ATMs) shooting out multiple bills of cash for thieves to collect. What happened, what can financial institutions do to prevent their system from getting hacked, and how the events turned out are explained in detail by fern.

#3 Criterion Collection shows how to restore and remaster very old films – The Criterion Collection (AKA Criterion) is a company that specializes on licensing, restoring and releasing selected films that movie buffs, fans and new film enthusiasts could enjoy. I myself own the Criterion Blu-ray discs of The Blob (1958) and Gojira, and I can say that the company did a great job restoring the said films while adding stuff for collectors and fans to enjoy. When it comes to restoring decades-old films and making them presentable with quality in mind, Criterion really works hard and you can learn a lot from them by watching the videos below.

#4 VKunia reacts to Man of Steel – Do you movie fans enjoy watching Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel? The 2013 Superman movie remains divisive among fans and superhero movie enthusiasts to this day. I’ve seen the movie many times from the local cinemas to my Blu-ray copy, and I can say it truly is a mixed bag when it comes to providing viewers fun and defining Superman in the 21^st century. Still, there is a chance that the Man of Steel reaction video by YouTuber VKunia could spark your interest in the film as well as in Zack Snyder’s visceral vision of DC Comics superheroes. I encourage you to watch her reaction video below.

#5 Commie Kamala Harris proves herself pathetic yet again during California wildfire briefing – By the time you are reading this, Donald Trump has officially returned as United States President. That being said, even during times of disaster, the defeated Commie Kamala Harris proved to be pathetic and worthless during the recent briefing about the wildfire in California. She is so pathetic and worthless, Harris proved she is not trustworthy. Imagine all the amounts of American taxpayers’ money that got wasted by Harris during her 4 years as US Vice President.

#6 Battlezone revisited – Released by Atari in 1980, Battlezone was a groundbreaking game both visually and with game design. It gave gamers an immersive experience of driving a tank with 3D graphics, fun gameplay and a first-person view. If you wish to learn about the history of Battlezone, who the creators were and how were they able to produce the game, watch the video of gaming history expert PatmanQC.

#7 Minty Comedic Arts and the 1980s – I really enjoy watching the videos of Minty Comedic Arts. His series of “10 things you didn’t know about…” videos on pop culture (mostly movies) is fun to watch and he often entertains with his delivery of trivia information. In recent times, he posted trivia videos about certain films from the 1980s – each one being memorable in their own ways – namely Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Club, The Blue Brothers, Beverly Hills Cop and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Watch Minty’s videos now!

#8 The failure of Segway remembered – Remember decades ago when the Segway was first launched and heavily featured through the media? Invented by Dean Kamen, the Segway was a 2-wheeled personal transporter which was released looking fantastic but ended up as a failure. The Segway also ended up looking very bad in media reports about accidents with it. To find out what led to the Segway’s debut and how it failed, watch the video below.

#9 GoodBadFlicks examines five major flops – When it comes to movies that failed miserably, were those really terrible to watch or were they actually decent productions that failed to attract enough moviegoers? There are factors as to why movies fail. There are films that generated so much negative press, the moviegoers were convinced to avoid them. There are movies that were really badly made and there are others that got promoted or distributed very poorly. GoodBadFlicks recently post a video examining five major flops and it might convince you to watch The 13^th Warrior, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Titan A.E., The Chronicles of Riddick and Cutthroat Island.

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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

P500 million investment coming into Las Piñas City IT park

January 20, 2025January 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the newly certified IT (information technology) sector One Townsquare Place is about to receive a major investment of P500 million from an IT and business process management (IT-BPM) firm, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

AN information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) company is set to invest P500 million in One Townsquare Place, a recently proclaimed IT Center in Las Piñas City, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said.

“The fully built IT Center will host companies in various IT-BPM services, with one prospective locator expected to employ more than 500 Filipinos and invest more than P500 million,” PEZA said in a statement on Wednesday.

On Dec. 20, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued Proclamation No. 765, which designated around 3,729 square meters of land in barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City, as an IT Center.

“The approval of this new ecozone will boost Las Piñas City’s growth and employment in the National Capital Region,” PEZA said.

According to PEZA, the construction of the IT Center cost P1 billion. It has been fully developed since 2017.

Including IT Center, 28 economic zones (ecozones) have been proclaimed during the administration of Mr. Marcos. Eleven ecozones were proclaimed in 2023, while 17 were proclaimed last year.

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 the P500 million investment into the IT center will make an impact on Las Piñas’ economy this year? Are you hoping that more IT firms will open new offices at the One Townsquare Place?

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

Philippines attracts less than 6 million foreign tourists in 2024, points to tourism revenue for success

January 16, 2025January 7, 2025carlocarrasco

When it comes to the state of tourism in 2024, the Philippines achieved a mixed record by failing to reach its declared target of 7.7 million international visitors while still managing to achieve a new, all-time record with P760.5 billion in tourism revenue, 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…

Philippine tourism earned an all-time high revenue of PHP760.5 billion in 2024, translating to a 126.75 percent recovery rate from the 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Revenues from inbound tourism expenditures — representing the total amount spent by non-resident visitors — were 9.04 percent higher compared to the PHP697.46 billion in 2023.

Department of Tourism (DOT) data showed earnings surpassed the estimated PHP600.01 billion in 2019 by an impressive 26.75 percent.

“With these figures, it is clear that the Philippine tourism industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving and expanding, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic stability and growth. In the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth in tourism revenue, which has surpassed previous records,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Monday.

“This achievement is not just a statistic. It translates to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, fostering economic resilience and enabling families to thrive,” she added.

She attributed this growth to the pro-tourism policies of the Marcos administration that prioritized the sustainable development of Philippine tourism resources.

“These policies focus on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage conservation and investing in skills development programs for our workforce, among others. We believe that the growth of tourism should be inclusive and equitable, empowering local entrepreneurs and communities,” she said.

Based on the World Travel and Tourism Council data, international tourists spend at least USD2,073 per capita.

From an average of nine nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of over 11 nights in the country, while 70 percent are repeat visitors.

Continued collaboration with stakeholders from the private sector also garnered about 63.18 percent repeat visitors in 2023, the DOT said.

Tourist arrivals – While falling short of its original target of 7.7 million, the DOT said the country still recorded growth in the number of foreign visitors last year at 5,949,350, up by 9.15 percent from the 5.45 million foreign guests recorded in 2023.

South Korea maintained its position as the top source of foreign tourists, with arrivals increasing to 1,574,152 from 1,455,977 in 2023, garnering more than 26.46 percent of the total market share.

Frasco cited the country’s “effective strategic marketing initiatives, enhanced air connectivity and strengthened cultural exchanges” for the sustained number of Korean tourists to the Philippines.

“Furthermore, the Philippines’ growing reputation as a prime destination for incentive travel has played a key role in this positive trend, attracting an increasing number of Korean companies hosting their reward trips for their employees in the Philippines’ world-class tourist destinations,” she said.

The United States ranked second, with 1,076,663 visitors in 2024, increasing from 1,041,305 in 2023. Enhanced connectivity, including nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila by United Airlines and from Seattle to Manila by Philippine Airlines contributed to the growth of the market.

Japan, meanwhile, emerged as a standout market with a 22.84 percent growth in arrivals, reaching 444,528 visitors from its previous year’s 361,862.

The surge was attributed to aggressive tourism campaigns and strategic partnerships with Japanese travel agencies that paved further awareness and interest in the Philippines as a travel destination.

Though significantly lower than the pre-pandemic figures, China showed signs of recovery with 313,856 arrivals compared to 264,922 in the previous year.

This can be attributed, the DOT said, to the increased number of flights from 2023, both commercial and chartered, including the first half of 2024, connecting China directly to Cebu, Bohol, and Davao.

Cruise ships also started to arrive during the second half of 2024, with the new visa waiver program becoming an important factor for the improved numbers.

Other consistent contributors included Australia (299,286) and Canada (269,300). Emerging markets like Taiwan and Singapore demonstrated strong growth momentum, with arrivals reaching 213,833 and 198,471, respectively.

The introduction of direct flights to Kalibo in Aklan and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, as well as the growth of niche markets such as English as Second Language (ESL) learning and diving, contributed greatly to the visits of guests from Taiwan.

The United Kingdom likewise sustained its position among the top contributors with 178,656 visitors, driven by a keen interest in heritage tourism and adventure activities. Meanwhile, Malaysia emerged 10th with 99,881 registered arrivals in 2024.

The DOT said the Middle Eastern market similarly showed promising signs of recovery in 2024.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) posted a remarkable 668.34 percent recovery rate from its 2019 figures, reflecting increased air connectivity and a surge in interest in the Philippines as a leisure destination. Qatar followed closely, with an impressive 832.87 percent recovery rate, and Saudi Arabia with 66.54 percent growth.

Likewise, Oman and Bahrain registered more than 200 percent recovery rates from the 2019 number of arrivals, the DOT said.

Those in the top 25 source markets which have fully recovered as compared with 2019 data included Australia (102.63 percent), Canada (109.26 percent), Hong Kong (106.79 percent), UAE (668.34 percent), Italy (143.02 percent), Spain (111.08 percent), Guam (200.19 percent), New Zealand (100.50 percent) and Switzerland (102.01 percent).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is safe to call 2024 a successful year of tourism for the Philippines with regards to the record-high tourism revenue achieved? Do you think the Philippines will be able to attract at least 6 million foreign tourists 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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Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) to make first investment this quarter

January 15, 2025January 7, 2025carlocarrasco

The Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) – the entity responsible for making investments on behalf of the Philippines – will be making its first investment within the first quarter of 2025, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Take note that it has been over eighteen months since the Maharlika Investment Fund was formally signed into law. The IRR (implementing rules and regulations) has already been finalized.

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

THE MAHARLIKA Investment Corp. (MIC) is expected to make its first investment this quarter, most likely in the energy sector, its top official said.

“Definitely the first quarter. I think we had a year to set up. We had a year to basically put our governance in place. We obtained our formal approval to begin hiring last end of July,” MIC President and Chief Executive Officer Rafael D. Consing, Jr. said in an interview with BusinessWorld on Jan. 2.

The MIC has yet to make any investments since President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed the law creating the country’s first wealth fund in July 2023. The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) had initially committed to make its first investments before the end of 2024.

Mr. Consing said sovereign wealth fund is “ready” and backed with funding and the needed workforce, but will not invest “without the benefit of due diligence.”

MIC earned P2.3 billion in interest income in 2024, Mr. Consing said.

Under the law, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines were mandated to contribute P25 billion and P50 billion, respectively, as the initial seed capital for the MIF. The two state lenders have remitted the funds to the Bureau of the Treasury in September 2023.

Mr. Consing said the MIC’s strategic plan will be up for board approval on Jan. 9. This after it made some changes after meeting with the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GCG) before the holidays, he added.

The MIC is looking into investing in energy, food security, healthcare, and resource development, particularly mining.

“In the first quarter, that would be the energy sector. Healthcare, if it turns out okay, if our due diligence results turn out okay, first half. I would say early second quarter for the latter two,” Mr. Consing said.

Mr. Consing said he believes that investments in the energy sector, particularly transmission lines, would be “most impactful.”

“That’s why ideally, we’d like to be able to buy into the national grid, if we’re able to. Or number two, we have also separately signed MOUs (memoranda of understanding) with the likes of Mindoro and Palawan, which fall under the SPUGS [small power utilities group] category,” he said.

In 2024, the MIC signed an agreement with Occidental and Oriental Mindoro to support investments in critical energy infrastructure.

“There are about 34 SPUGS in the country. The two biggest are Mindoro and Palawan. And we believe that given the contribution of Palawan when it comes to tourism, and also the population that lives in there, and the potential contribution of Mindoro in respect to the entire electricity sector in the Philippines, we felt that these are two priority areas where we can help, in fact, build transmission lines,” he said.

However, Mr. Consing declined to comment on the MIC’s plan to invest in the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

He said the National Power Corp. is currently doing an inventory of all its assets in Mindoro and MIC “will have to sit down and determine which part of those assets it would need as part of the expansion of these lines.”

“Where we are now is we’re procuring the services of the technical consultant and the team that will be putting together the whole feasibility study. Because all of these will require regulatory approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the MIC will be able to make smart decisions with regards to making the investments? Do you think the Maharlika Investment Fund will make positive impact on the market and encourage others to invest?

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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Philippines inflation hit 2.9% in December 2024, 3.2% for the entire year

January 14, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

In recent times, the inflation rate of the Philippines increased by 2.9% during the month of December 2024 which contributed to a final inflation result of 3.2% for the entire year, 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…

Inflation settled at 2.9 percent in December last year, bringing the 2024 average inflation rate to 3.2 percent, well within the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

In a briefing on Tuesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa attributed the downtrend in the annual average inflation to the lower increase in the index of food and non-alcoholic beverages at 4.4 percent in 2024 from 7.9 percent in 2023. Food inflation, in particular, decelerated from 8 percent in 2023 to 4.5 percent last year.

According to Mapa, rice inflation also slowed to 0.8 percent, the lowest since January 2022.

“Iyong inflation rate sa bigas ay bumababa na. In fact, baka mayroon tayong expectation na maging negative na ‘yong inflation sa rice sa January (The rice inflation rate is going down. In fact, we expect negative rice inflation in January). That’s part of the good news,” he said.

The lower annual average inflation of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 1.7 percent in 2024 from 4.9 percent in 2023, also contributed to the downtrend in 2024’s overall inflation.

Except for education services, the indices of other commodity groups recorded a downtrend in their annual average inflation in 2024 compared with 2023, with financial services recording an average decline of 0.6 percent in 2024 from a zero percent average inflation in 2023.

“The 3.2 percent average inflation rate in 2024 is a significant improvement from the 6 percent figure in 2023. Despite the risks we encountered throughout the year, our combined efforts to temper inflation have largely been successful. We will build upon this momentum as we commit to keep the inflation rate within our target range in 2025,” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a separate statement.

“In pursuit of price stability, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas maintains a calibrated approach to its monetary policy easing while the relevant agencies continue to pursue measures to ensure adequate food supply and affordable prices.“

NEDA noted that the government would continue to ramp up efforts to ensure water and food security amid climate risks.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are managing a business, did inflation have any severe impact on the finances of your business? Do you think inflation all over the Philippines will somewhat ease 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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Stakeholders and analysts perceive VAT refund limit for tourists just right to ensure small businesses will benefit

January 3, 2025December 27, 2024carlocarrasco

As far as the analysts and tourism stakeholders are concerned, the minimum purchase requirement for non-resident tourists to qualify for the value-added tax refund is just right in relation to benefiting the small businesses, according to a BusinessWorld news report. There is, however, one dissenting opinion.

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

THE P3,000 ($51) minimum purchase requirement for nonresident tourists to qualify for a value-added tax (VAT) refund is “just right” to ensure small businesses benefit, analysts said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recently signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12079, which allows tourists to claim VAT refunds on purchases worth at least P3,000 from government-accredited stores, in an effort to boost tourism receipts.

“The P3,000 is just right to benefit micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) retailers and local products,” Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Roberto S. Claudio said. He said the purchase cap is kept to a minimum to benefit locally made products.

“I think it’s a good entry and good starting point. Some countries are still higher than P3,000 as well. I think we’re above the middle, so I think that’s a good place to be,” Tourism Congress of the Philippines President James M. Montenegro said via phone call.

Under RA 12079, the value of the locally bought goods from accredited stores must reach at least P3,000 per transaction, provided these goods are taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase.

“This law is primarily designed to boost tourist arrivals and expenditure. Hopefully, it will also increase the sales revenue of retailers,” Mr. Claudio said.

Mr. Montenegro said the minimum purchase amount could be adjusted in the future.

The threshold is subject to review and adjustment every three years by the Finance secretary, upon recommendation of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, considering the inflation data from the statistics agency.

“I think the minimum rate is at par with our ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] neighbors. If you look at the minimum amounts in other countries, it is almost the same,” Eleanor L. Roque, a tax principal at P&A Grant Thornton, told BusinessWorld.

The Philippines has joined other ASEAN countries with a tax refund program for nonresident tourists. The scheme has increased retail activity, particularly in sectors such as fashion, electronics and souvenirs.

In Malaysia, the minimum purchase is 300 ringgit ($67). Singapore allows tourists to spend at least S$100 ($74), while in Indonesia, it starts at 500,000 rupiah ($31).

“It is good to have a minimum amount as it limits the refund claim to valuable expenses. De minimis spendings are normally not considered for VAT refund as it is not administratively practical. In some cases, the cost will be more expensive than the amount being refunded,” Ms. Roque said.

She said the government should tap accredited international firms in the VAT refund processing, adding that the “government should take advantage of the track record and best practices of these known companies.”

Ms. Roque said the government should ensure the goods bought are really brought out of the country.

“Physical inspection of the goods when exiting the country should be strict to ensure that local buyers do not use tourists for availing themselves of the VAT refund,” she added.

However, Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said the P3,000 threshold “may not be enough to significantly encourage higher spending among affluent tourists,” especially compared with ASEAN counterparts.

“A higher or more flexible threshold might align better with international best practices and encourage larger purchases,” he said.

Mr. Rivera also urged the government to simplify the VAT refund process, rather than make it “extra bureaucratic.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the current purchase requirement for the VAT refund for foreign tourists a proper amount? Do you think foreign tourists will be receptive to the current standard for VAT refund of their purchases here in the Philippines?

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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The newest polymer bank notes from the BSP

January 2, 2025January 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) unveiled the newest polymer bank notes which were described as crisp and capable of withstanding tough conditions, according to a news feature by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The familiar crinkle of a crisp paper bill, the faded ink from countless transactions, the subtle tear at the edge – these are the hallmarks of the Philippine piso as many know it. But come January, Filipinos will begin to experience a currency revolution.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is ushering in a new era with the first series of polymer banknotes, a move that signifies more than just a change in material. It’s a leap towards a more secure, sustainable, and hygienic future for the nation’s currency.

Imagine pulling out a banknote that feels smoother, almost plastic-like, and noticing intricate details that shimmer under the light. This is the promise of the new polymer piso.

These banknotes, designed to last longer and withstand the rigors of daily use, are imbued with advanced security features that make counterfeiting a near impossibility. Microprinting, tactile elements, and clear windows are just some of the technologies embedded within these notes, providing a robust defense against fraudulent activities and bolstering public confidence in the currency.

“We have the mandate of issuing the currency, and we always try to look for ways to improve our currency,” explains BSP Assistant Governor Mary Anne Lim. “In improving our currency, we consider the needs of our users in utilizing it, and also advances in technology when it comes to printing and using our banknotes.”

The shift to polymer addresses a critical concern in today’s world: hygiene. Paper banknotes, passing through countless hands, can harbor bacteria and viruses. Polymer notes, on the other hand, are less hospitable to these pathogens.

Their non-porous surface makes it harder for microbes to cling and survive, contributing to a healthier and safer transaction experience in a post-pandemic world.

But the BSP’s vision goes beyond practicality. The new banknotes are also an opportunity to celebrate the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Each denomination features a carefully chosen endangered species, a poignant reminder of the country’s unique natural treasures and the need for their conservation.

The 1,000-piso note, already in circulation since April 2022, showcases the majestic Philippine eagle soaring above the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 500-piso note features the elusive Visayan spotted deer amidst the lush greenery of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

The 100-piso note highlights the vibrant Palawan peacock-pheasant against the backdrop of the iconic Mayon Volcano, while the 50-piso note presents the playful Visayan leopard cat with the serene Taal Lake in the background.

These visuals are complemented by intricate designs inspired by traditional weaving patterns, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of different Filipino communities. The banknotes, therefore, become more than just a medium of exchange; they transform into miniature canvases that tell a story of the Philippines’ natural wonders and cultural heritage.

“The polymer series raises awareness of the country’s threatened species, serves as a symbol of Filipino identity, and fosters national pride,” shares BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., highlighting the inspiration and symbolism behind the chosen themes

The environmental impact of currency production is another crucial factor considered by the BSP.

Polymer banknotes, with their longer lifespan, reduce the need for frequent replacements. This translates to less paper consumption, lower energy use in production, and a smaller carbon footprint. The BSP’s commitment to sustainability is evident in this conscious choice of material, aligning with the global push towards eco-friendly practices.

The transition to polymer banknotes is a milestone in the Philippines’ journey towards modernization. It’s a testament to the BSP’s proactive approach to currency management, ensuring that the Philippine piso remains secure, resilient, and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you receptive towards the newest polymer bank notes from the BSP? What do you think of the new P500, P100 and P50 bills? Do you have a problem about the new bills not showing historical people of the Philippines?

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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10% discount for property owners in Las Piñas City in effect until March 2025

December 23, 2024December 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Good news for those who own properties in Las Piñas City! The City Government announced that property owners will be granted a 10% discount on their 2025 annual real property tax (RPT) once they pay their taxes specifically from December 1, 2024 up to March 21, 2025, according to a Manila Standard news report. Be aware that the City Government launched its official app to make payments easier to do.

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

Las Piñas City real property tax payers will get a 10-percent discount on their 2025 annual real property tax (RPT) when they pay their taxes from Dec. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

Property owners can opt to pay for their real property taxes in full or through quarterly installments, the city government said.

It encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the discount by paying via Las Piñas Smart City mobile app where they can input the tax declaration number and property identification number or PIN and select the quarters that they want to pay.

The city government launched the web app to reduce the movement of taxpayers, ensuring their safety, and allowing payments to be made in the comfort of their homes.

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar also appealed to the new real property owners in the city to put their records with city hall in order, “so that they will be able to receive official notices and pay the correct taxes on time.”

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 happy with the discount being offered for your upcoming real property tax payment?

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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Las Piñas City to add P40 million into Green Card program

December 19, 2024December 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Councilor Mark Santos announced that the local Green Card program will have an additional P40 million in funding in order to serve the residents who need health-related help, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Las Piñas City’s green card program, which provides free hospitalization and other healthcare benefits to city residents, will receive an additional P40 million in funding, according to Councilor Mark Anthony Santos.

The program, managed by the Mayor’s Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, is available to all bona fide Las Piñas residents. Currently, 200,000 people use the green card.

The Mayor’s Office subsidizes up to P30,000 of a patient’s hospital bill, covering minor operations and confinement at accredited hospitals. Green card holders also have free access to medical and dental services at 30 health centers in the city.

Santos, a candidate for the city’s lone congressional seat, pledged to allocate an additional P20,000 to each green card holder, increasing the total hospital bill subsidy to P50,000 per confined patient. He said every family member is eligible for the subsidy when hospitalized.

He said his office, in coordination with the Department of Health, would continue to improve healthcare services for all Las Piñas residents.

Santos also plans to expand the green card program’s benefits to include financial aid, free vitamins, medical consultations, and recreational perks for seniors, solo parents, and people with disabilities.

He said to increase healthcare accessibility, his office will prioritize medical and dental outreach programs for underserved population.

The green card program was initiated in 2000 by the late Las Piñas Mayor Vergel Aguilar. It has contributed to democratizing healthcare in the city and improving residents’ quality of life.

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 many people in your local community holders of the Green Card?

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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President Marcos signs into law VAT refund for foreign tourists

December 17, 2024December 9, 2024carlocarrasco

In a move to boost the Philippines’ standing in international tourism, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the priority measure of providing Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law a measure providing refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) for foreign tourists to attract more travelers and position the country as a “premier global shopping destination.”

Republic Act (RA) 12079 or the VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists will establish a VAT Refund System on locally purchased goods, Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial signing in Malacañang.

Under the new law, tourists can claim a refund on the VAT for goods personally purchased at accredited retail outlets, provided these goods are taken out of the country within 60 days and meet a minimum transaction requirement of PHP3,000.

This initiative opens a new chapter in the Philippines’ tourism landscape, according to the President, allowing the country to compete with other tourism markets that attract tourists who are eager to take home authentic, high-quality Filipino products.

With the new law, an estimated 30 percent increase in tourist spending is projected which will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

“These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” Marcos said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? With the new law signed already, do you expect it to help the Philippines attract more foreign tourists as well as better spending from each of them during they stay in the country?

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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