Have You Been To The New Starbucks With Drive-Thru In Filinvest City?

When Starbucks Philippines opened its newest branch in Filinvest City right across the Filinvest City Central Park in late October, there was a lot of social media buzz as well as discussions within Alabang community members about it ranging from happiness to being concerned.

To be clear, the said Starbucks Filinvest City branch is in a standalone place (no other business establishments beside it as of now) and it is the first-ever Starbucks Drive-Thru in Alabang. Being across Filinvest City Central Park, the coffee shop is a short walk away from East Asia Drive establishments like Parque España, Commercenter and The Mondrian Residences.

This is what the new standalone Starbucks in Filinvest City looks like.
A view within the 2nd floor. There is a lot more space off-camera.
The path leading to the drive-thru.

Although the new Starbucks branch was described as being located along Filinvest Avenue, its front (entrance and exit) is actually located along East Asia Drive as it faces Filinvest City Central Park. It also has its own parking area where motorized customers can park for free. For the Google Maps location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/MVohqcwfrzRdry9C9

For a clear view of the location of Starbucks Filinvest City, watch the video I recorded and posted below. It is my solo walk video from Commercenter to Starbucks.

The coffee shop operates Monday to Sunday, from 6AM to 11PM.

On November 1, I made my first visit at the place to see it personally. It has a nice interior and the typical Starbucks look on the menus, the counter and display of food and drinks. What caught my attention was how spacious the 2nd floor was in terms of seats and walking space. The large windows provided visitors nice views of the Filinvest City Central Park and Filinvest Avenue. On that day, I did not order anything as I went there to look and observe.

On November 4, I finally made my first order of coffee by means of drive-thru. Even though there were two vehicles ahead of me, the drive-thru experience at Starbucks near Filinvest City Central Park was pretty smooth lasting less than ten minutes. I had a hot white chocolate mocha.

The menu displayed during my drive-thru experience.
My cup of coffee from the drive-thru.

As mentioned earlier, there were some people online who expressed concern about how the newest Starbucks branch in Alabang would affect the ambience very near the park which is a popular weekend destination for both local residents and visitors who enjoy the fresh air and open space.

There were those who expressed concern about the anticipated increase of vehicles along East Asia Drive by the park, and the possibility that someday, a long line of cars could be formed in the event a lot of motorists decide to buy coffee via drive-thru. Some commented that more vehicles attracted by Starbucks might make East Asia Drive less friendly and even risky for those who enjoy jogging or biking on the said road.

A few commented that Alabang alone has lots of branches of Starbucks already and I can relate with that. There is a Starbucks Reserve inside Westgate. Alabang Town Center has one (two if you count there other one at Metro Alabang), Molito Lifestyle Complex has one, One Griffinstone building has one, Festival Mall has two, a few in Northgate Cyberzone, and so on.   

On the other hand, some people commented that having coffee at Starbucks will somehow boost their chances to visit Filinvest City Central Park which itself has special events during weekends depending on the season and weather conditions. The park has been a special place for Christmas activities (read my 2024 Christmas spectacle at the park by clicking here) and night-time music shows (recently held at The Nest, a special structure that provides a wide roof). For the Google Maps location of Filinvest City Central Park, click  https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzt8D9yLzRSVVhae9

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been to Starbucks near Filinvest City Central Park? If you have been there, what do you think about the design of the coffee shop? Have you tried their drive-thru?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

US State Department Directs Embassies To Enforce Sweeping New Visa Screening Rules

A new crackdown on visas has officially been launched as the State Department of the United States recently directed American embassies around the world to implement new rules for visa screening under the revived “public charge” rule, according to a Fox News report. This developments follows the February 2025 presidential action titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.

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

Wow! This is a tremendous change implemented under US President Donald Trump who in turn fulfilled his promise of reforming immigration that includes securing borders, arresting and deporting illegal immigrants/aliens, and now changing rules on visa screening. This is a reform that is very welcome and far too long have there been foreigners – who kept secret their personal hatred towards America – who secured visas to enter the US and cause trouble. As ICE continues to search for illegal immigrants/aliens, the State Department and the many US embassies will do their part to prevent visas from being issued to the wrong people.

This is also a much-needed change from the radical immigration handling of the failed US President Joe Biden. The Democrats and the woke zealots are obviously very angry about this newest development because they really do not care about their fellow American citizens. Considering everything that happened over the past few decades, the Democrats are the one American political party who keep on backstabbing Americans in favor of illegal immigrants/aliens and hateful foreigners who want to trespass into the USA.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support the State Department’s global visa crackdown? 

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

Muntinlupa City Launches Nation’s First-Ever Citywide Early Warning System For The Hearing-Impaired

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially launched the Philippines’ first-ever citywide early warning system (EWS) for the deaf and those who are living with hearing loss, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

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 delighted to see the City Government achieve more awards? Do you see any excellence in the local governance in relation to urban developments?

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

AI Eyed For Integration Into Philippine Government Operations

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) recently held in South Korea, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stated that his administration is pursuing artificial intelligence (AI) and integrate it across the agencies of the Philippine government sooner than later, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

In my opinion, using AI for governance and public service still looks uncertain. Considering how powerful or sophisticated AI has gotten today, it can be prone to abuse by the government. Worse, there is no guarantee right now how to protect human users from getting overwhelmed in the event that AI becomes self-aware and turns rogue against humanity. Just two years ago, GMA Network came up with fake sportscasters (both generated by AI) which caused some controversy here in the Philippines and only reminded people that AI has no soul and no humanity. Apart from being harmful to human workers in the business world, lots of AI applications made errors that affected users in varying ways. AI is currently not so effective in Japan in relation to finding solutions to their rice production problems. Watch and learn from the videos below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think AI will really be helpful with regards to governance and public service? Do you think Congress should first make a new law and a series of rules covering AI? What safety measures should be taken to protect people in case rogue AI happens? Do you think the AI move is a convenient strategy of the administration to keep people’s attention away from the flood control corruption scandals and the weakening economic growth of 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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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 3rd Quarter GDP Growth Lands At 4%

The official economic numbers have been unveiled at last by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the results are disappointing as the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the Philippines for the 3rd quarter of 2025 landed at a disappointing 4%, according to a Malaya Business Insight new report. The results could mean that the Philippine economy could fall short of the 5.5% to 6.5% GDP growth range by the end of this year.

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

Indeed, the latest GDP growth statistics are disappointing. The national government plans to spend more than P1.3 trillion to boost the economy in the 4th quarter and we will only find out the results of that in early January 2026.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines does not have enough momentum to achieve the national government’s GDP growth range for 2025? Do you think the ongoing flood control corruption scandal developments have turned away lots of foreign investors?

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

Muntinlupa City Bags Seven Honors At DILG Urban Governance Exemplar Awards

Excellence of the City of Muntinlupa has been realized in the form of seven honors bagged by the City Government during the recent Urban Governance Exemplar Awards (UGEA) 2025, 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…

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 delighted to see the City Government achieve more awards? Do you see any excellence in the local governance in relation to urban developments?

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

Better than Streaming: Do You Have The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! 4K Blu-ray In Your Collection?

Welcome back fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs!

If you are a fan of the late comedy legend Leslie Nielsen and the comedy films related to ZAZ (Zucker-Abraham-Zucker), then you might be interested to acquire the 4K Blu-ray of the 1988 comedy classic The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!

To make things clear, this is not the first that the funny movie was released on 4K Blu-ray format. In fact, the 4K Blu-ray of The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! was released on November 2023 in a Steelbook package. What was released a few days ago was the 4K Blu-ray in a simpler and more affordable package.

This is what the 2025 4K Blu-ray of The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! looks like.

To put things in perspective, posted below are the technical details of the 2025 4K Blu-ray of The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! sourced from Blu-ray.com.

The rear.

For the newcomers reading this, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is based on the short-lived TV series Police Squad! which had Leslie Nielsen as the star and the creators were David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker (ZAZ). The said creators co-directed the memorable 1980 comedy Airplane! and 1984’s Top Secret! starring a very young Val Kilmer.

I personally am interested in acquiring the newest 4K Blu-ray copy of the 1988 film. I have seen The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! several times starting on cable TV in the early 1990s and then replayed it on DVD years later. Even though I knew the story and the jokes, the film directed by David Zucker always made me laugh again. I should state that Leslie Nielsen is naturally funny to watch and the supporting players – George Kennedy, Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalban and O.J. Simpson – contributed nicely to the film’s entertainment value.

The 1988 movie was so successful, it had two sequels – The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) and Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994).

One of these days, I will buy the movie on the ultra-high definition format as my personal collection of Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray movies could use another comedy film. I am also curious as to how the first The Naked Gun movie looks like in native 4K visuals.

If you have decided to acquire a copy of The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! on 4K Blu-ray, click here.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, cinematic trends, Blu-ray releases and more relevant stuff, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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

Forklift Operator Arrested In Parañaque City For Attempted Murder

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant arrested a male forklift operator for attempted murder, 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…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, when was the last time someone in your local community was arrested for attempted murder? Are you concerned that suspected murders could be hiding in your local community 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 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

Trump Highlights Bright Spots Of US Economy Under His Leadership

During his speech at a major business forum held in Miami, Florida, US President highlighted bright spots of the national economy that were realized during his administration this year, according to a news report by Breitbart. It should be remembered that Trump was re-elected last year and there was series of economic hardships (including the worst inflation in decades) during the four years of failed US President Joe Biden.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Breitbart’s news report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US economy is on the verge of taking off in connection with the many positive economic developments that happened since Trump returned as President? Are Americans becoming better off economically today than four years prior? 

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

Woman Wanted For Bouncing Checks Apprehended In Parañaque City

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant arrested a woman who has been wanted in nearby Las Piñas City for several counts of bouncing checks, 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…

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you know anyone in your local community who was issued a bouncing check?

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