Tag: holiday

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 132

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 132

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Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching.

Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Resident Evil: Extinction Reaction/Review Videos – I saw Resident Evil: Extinction in the local cinema in 2007. By the time the movie ended, it was clear to me that the Resident Evil live-action movie series was all about showcasing Milla Jovovich as the action star and the characters from the games were just tokens to add RE relevance (Ali Larter as Claire Redfield in the 2007 film) since the films were not serious adaptations of the video games’ stories. RE: Extinction’s most notable attraction is its Mad Max-inspired wasteland setting and there were some moviegoers who enjoy the movie as a thrill ride. That being said, you have to see how the YouTubers reacted to Resident Evil: Extinction in the videos below.

#2 Resident Evil: Code Veronica Retrospective – I can hardly believe it has been more over 25 years since Resident Evil: Code Veronica was first released on the Sega Dreamcast. At the time of its release, it was clearly the next-generation Resident Evil experience and the first major game (or mainline game) of its series to have fully polygonal environments for players to explore. Come to think of it, RE: Code Veronica was the result of Capcom’s failed plan to port Resident Evil 2 to the Sega Saturn which led to developing a new project mainly for the Dreamcast. If you are nostalgic about RE: Code Veronica or if are a newcomer who wants to discover it, watch this amusing retrospective video.

#3 Horror Video Games Only Playable On The Dreamcast – More on the fun but failed Sega Dreamcast console, there were some horror-themed adventure games in its software lineup that had unique concepts and gameplay features. While Resident Evil: Code Veronica was ported by Capcom to other gaming platform, there were these other horror games remained on the Dreamcast. No porting and no remastered releases of them until now. Enjoy this retro gaming look at those Dreamcast-only games.

#4 Ranting For Vengeance Slams Upcoming Supergirl – Supergirl, the upcoming movie of James Gunn’s DCU, was slammed by Ranting for Vengeance. There was a new trailer of the movie released and it did not captivate me nor interest me. It did not help that the Supergirl actress Milly Alcock actually slammed the fans as there was backlash against the said new trailer. Going back to the new Supergirl trailer, Ranting for Vengeance explains that the modern cinematic versions of the title character and Lobo do not resemble their literary counterparts. He also spotted signs of feminism in the movie. To find out more details, watch the video below.

#5 The Japanese Fisherman’s Cuisine – How fresh and tasty do you like your meal to be? In Japan, there is a place that serves meals to customers using the cuisine of local fishermen. Such cuisine includes not only the fresh catches and high-quality ingredients but also the methods and traditions involved in making unique tastes. Watch and learn from the Nippon TV video below.

#5 Ashleigh Burton Reacts To Moulin Rouge! – Around twenty-five years ago, the cinematic musical Moulin Rouge! was released in cinemas and it dazzled many moviegoers as well as music enthusiasts. Stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor proved to be very good singers and their acting abilities were really artistic. As of this writing, there are just not enough reaction videos of Moulin Rouge! on YouTube which is surprising considering its huge significance as a modern cinematic musical. Recently, Ashleigh Burton posted her own reaction video of the 2001 film and it is a must-see.

#6 Circus Circus’ 2-Floor Suite – After watching several YouTube videos about Circus Circus Hotel and Casino out of nostalgia about Las Vegas, I found this video about the 2-storey suite and watched it entirely. When I was very young, me and my relatives stayed in a nice suite at the same hotel but this 2-storey suite looks grander, more spacious and more ideal for families or a group of people to stay in. It was only by watching the video that I learned about its existence for the first time. I urge you all to watch it and pay attention to the details.

#7 Nintendo 64 In 1995 – When Nintendo first announced its “64-bit” successor to their best-selling Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), there was huge anticipation for it by gamers and the media. As time went on, the pre-release hype intensified and there were journalists from the West who even went to Japan to get the latest updates from Nintendo itself. Posted below is a nice look back at the anticipation of the Nintendo 64 in 1995.

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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

Cebu Taxi Driver Ordered By LTFRB To Surrender His License For Overcharging K-pop Star

Cebu Taxi Driver Ordered By LTFRB To Surrender His License For Overcharging K-pop Star

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For some time now, the Philippines has been underperforming in the race of attracting foreign tourists and its 2025 numbers have been disappointing. Recently, Philippine tourism suffered another blackeye as a taxi driver in Cebu overcharged a very prominent entertainer from South Korea – K-pop star Soobin – and already the details of the incident spread like wildfire on social media and in foreign news, according to a news article by VnExpress. The said taxi driver has been suspended for 30-days and was ordered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to surrender his driver’s license.

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

Philippine authorities have taken action against a taxi driver who overcharged Soobin, a member of the K-pop group Tomorrow X Together, during a trip to Cebu.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, a video posted April 1 on the group’s official YouTube channel, titled “Soobin’s Super Fun and Super Tiring Vacation,” shows the singer and his friend navigating the incident. In the footage, Soobin and the friend arrive at the airport and attempt to take a taxi to their accommodation.

“I checked beforehand, it should be about 300 pesos (US$17),” Soobin says in the video, as quoted by Chosun Biz. “If they charge more than 300 pesos, let’s act angry once.”

However, a taxi driver subsequently approaches them and initially quotes the pair 500 pesos. After failing to negotiate, Soobin gets into the taxi, only for the driver to suddenly demand 1,000 pesos, claiming it was a “car with expensive gas.”

Soobin immediately confronts the driver, saying, “Did you hear that? I’m going to report you,” while documenting the attempted overcharge.

His friend later remarks, “Still, it’s better that we arrived safely. We’re so tired,” and Soobin ultimately pays the originally agreed 500 pesos.

Following the broadcast, the Philippines’ Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board ordered the driver to surrender his license plate and driver’s license and imposed a 30-day suspension.

“The taxi driver excessively charged the fare and deliberately did not use the meter during the ride,” the board said, as quoted by the South China Morning Post. “This is a serious offense that tarnished our country’s honor in the international community.”

Philippine National Police Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also ordered a nationwide crackdown on taxi drivers accused of overcharging passengers. Authorities have since been deployed to monitor transportation hubs, particularly airports.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If have traveled overseas over the past twelve months, were there any local taxi drivers who overcharged you? Do you think Philippine tourism will be able to recover from this recent embarrassment?

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

As More Filipinos Visit Vietnam, Philippines Attracts Less Vietnamese Tourists

As More Filipinos Visit Vietnam, Philippines Attracts Less Vietnamese Tourists

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In 2025, more than 480,000 Filipinos visited Vietnam while the Philippines failed to attract a significant number of Vietnam tourists which reflected its weakness with foreign visitors, according to a new report by VnExpress.

The travel platform Agoda confirmed that online search by Filipino users for accommodation in Vietnam surged 86% in 2025. Vietnam itself achieved an all-time high of 21.2 million foreign tourists who arrived in 2025. The Philippines attracted only 5.94 foreign tourists last year.

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

Vietnam is increasingly emerging as a preferred destination for Philippine travelers, welcoming over 482,000 arrivals in 2025, thanks to ASEAN visa exemption policies and closer bilateral exchanges.

According to the Tourism Information Center under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), since the Covid pandemic, the number of Filipino visitors to Vietnam has recovered and grown impressively. Filipino tourists are particularly fond of destinations such as Da Nang, Sa Pa, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, as well as Vietnam’s distinctive cuisine.

VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh said Vietnam and the Philippines share many similarities in tourism resources, natural conditions and culture. Both are located in Southeast Asia and have favorable conditions for cooperation in developing tourism products and attracting visitors.

The expansion of direct flight routes between major cities by airlines of both countries has also significantly contributed to boosting tourist arrivals.

Conversely, the number of Vietnamese tourists traveling to the Philippines remains unstable and has even shown a declining trend recently. This is partly due to increasing competition among destinations in the region.

Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III noted that Philippine airlines are actively implementing various initiatives to attract tourists. The Philippines is also considering establishing a tourism representative office in Vietnam to strengthen its presence and promote cooperation.

Tourism cooperation between the two countries was established early on and continues to be reinforced. In 2026, the Philippines will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) under the rotational mechanism, with Vietnam’s tourism sector actively participating in the event.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you are a citizen of the Philippines, have you thought about touring Vietnam recently? Do you think the government of the Philippines has not done enough to promote itself actively to the Vietnamese?

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

Record High 6.76 Million Foreign Tourists Visited Vietnam In 1st Quarter Of 2026

Record High 6.76 Million Foreign Tourists Visited Vietnam In 1st Quarter Of 2026

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Vietnam successfully attracted a record 6.76 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2026, according to a news article by VnExpress. If the pace continues until the end of the year, it will help Vietnam break its current record of 21.2 million foreign tourists attracted in 2025.

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

Vietnam welcomed 6.76 million international visitors in the first three months of the year 2026, up 12% year-on-year and the highest quarterly figure ever recorded.

With nearly 2.1 million international visitors in March, Vietnam has for the first time achieved a new record of receiving over 2 million visitors for three consecutive months in a year, according to Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

This result underscores the appeal, resilience, and growing strength of Vietnam’’s tourism sector amid an uncertain global environment, it added.

Of the total 6.76 million international visitors, 82.3% arrived by air, 15.5% by land, and 2.2% by sea.

The administration said that the dominance of air travel highlights Vietnam’s strong appeal to mid- and long-haul markets that are particularly sensitive to geopolitical shifts and fuel costs.

In the context of the Middle East conflict causing soaring oil prices and disrupting some international flights, the high number of visitors arriving by air reflects connectivity and affirms international tourists’ confidence in a safe, stable, and accessible destination, the administration added.

Mainland China and South Korea continue to be the two largest source markets for tourists to Vietnam, accounting for approximately 40% of the total international visitors.

Southeast Asian markets recorded strong growth, including Malaysia (up 21.5%), Singapore (30%), Cambodia (41%), Indonesia (44%), the Philippines (69%), and Thailand (6.5%).

Vietnam has set a target of receiving 25 million international tourists this year.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you thought about visiting Vietnam for vacation this year? What is the one location in Vietnam that you find attractive right now?

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

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

SBMA Recognized For Boosting Philippines-Australia-New Zealand Ties

SBMA Recognized For Boosting Philippines-Australia-New Zealand Ties

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Recently the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recognized by the Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCham) for strengthening economic ties between the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand during a prestigious event held in Makati City, according to the official announcement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCham) recognized the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for its efforts in fostering strong economic linkages between the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.

The citation was given during ANZCham’s 45th Annual General Meeting and Awards Night held at the Makati Shangri-La on March 24, 2026, where SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III accepted the award on behalf of the agency.

“We are strengthening our global linkages not only to attract capital but also to bring in innovation, technology, employment, and long-term partnerships that create real economic value,” Lee said.

The Bridges of Progress Award is conferred to Philippine institutions that have demonstrated exemplary collaboration and actively contributed to strengthening trilateral and economic ties with Australia and New Zealand.

SBMA’s recognition reflects its role in advancing international partnerships and investment promotion, a testament to SBMA’s growing role in the regional investment landscape.

It recognizes its sustained efforts to streamline investment processes, support foreign enterprises, and position Subic Bay Freeport as a competitive hub for global business.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño emphasized the award’s broader significance in reinforcing international cooperation: “This honor reflects the strength of our partnerships with the Australian and New Zealand business communities.”

“We remain committed to policies that encourage greater investments, deepen economic engagement, and promote shared prosperity across our regions,” he added.

ANZCham officers, headed by its President Benjamin Romualdez, attended the event, along with members of the diplomatic corps and leaders from both the public and private sectors, and gathered to celebrate organizations that have contributed significantly to enhancing cross-border partnerships.

ANZCHAM Philippines is a prominent, non-profit business organization that has been active for over 45 years. It serves as a bridge for enterprises looking to expand within the Philippine-Australian-New Zealand business corridor.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the SBMA’s continued efforts on strengthening economic ties with the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand will result in investment breakthroughs?

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

Luxury Hotels In Thailand Slash Prices To Deal With Tourism Slowdown

Luxury Hotels In Thailand Slash Prices To Deal With Tourism Slowdown

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As the armed conflict in the Middle East continues to cause economic disruptions, hiked oil prices and impact international air travel, luxury hotels in Thailand have been cutting down their prices as a way to deal with the slowdown on tourism, according to a news report of VnExpress.

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

Luxury hotels across Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, are rolling out deep discounts to attract domestic travelers as international arrivals weaken due to disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

Thai residents and expatriates are being offered discounts of up to 70% at five-star hotels, where nightly rates can typically reach US$1,000, Bloomberg reported.

At Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, one of the capital’s most iconic riverside properties, rooms are now priced below $300 per night. In southern Thailand, a luxury resort overlooking the dramatic limestone cliffs of Railay Beach is offering stays from around $430 per night, roughly half its usual rate.

The steep promotions come as flight cancellations and airspace closures tied to the conflict in Iran disrupt key Europe-Asia travel routes, making journeys to Thailand more complex and costly.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism fears a loss of 596,000 visitors and 40.9 billion baht ($1.29 billion) in revenues if the conflict drags on for more than eight weeks.

Phangnga Province has already seen a sharp decline in European arrivals and estimates losses at nearly 1.7 billion baht ($52.3 million), according to its hotel association, Bangkok Post reported.

Authorities are also preparing contingency measures to offset any decline in arrivals from long-haul markets including Europe and the U.S. Thailand experienced a tourism downturn last year amid a combination of kidnapping incidents, flooding and border conflict.

The country is aiming to attract 37 million foreign visitors this year, a projected increase of more than 11% from 2025 but that target is increasingly at risk.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Does the discounting of room rates by luxury hotels in Thailand entice you to visit them? How long do you think the slump of tourism will last?

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

Sister Port Agreement Between SBMA And Belgium Proposed

Sister Port Agreement Between SBMA And Belgium Proposed

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Recently inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) headed by its Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño hosted a delegation from the Embassy of Belgium led by Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova. During the visit, Aliño proposed to them a Sister Port Agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, according to the official announcement by the SBMA.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026.

Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition.

The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the proposed Sister Port Agreement between the SBMA and Belgium will eventually be approved in the near future? Do you think that better trade will happen between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be realized?

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

Thailand Tourism Authority Preparing Response To Middle East Conflict

Thailand Tourism Authority Preparing Response To Middle East Conflict

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With the joint Israel-US military operations against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran still going on, the tourism authority of Thailand announced it is preparing measures to ease the effects of the conflict on its tourism sector, according to a news report of VnExpress. Already the conflict caused a series of economic disruptions affecting air travel and the prices of services and products offered to tourists.

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

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing measures to mitigate the impact of tensions in the Middle East on the country’s tourism sector, including proposals to stimulate domestic travel and short-haul flights.

Following consultations with private operators, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the agency is promoting Thailand as a safe destination and plans to suggest the establishment of a strategic operations unit to monitor flight capacity, load factors, oil prices and travel costs.

TAT also plans to use the remaining central budget under the Thailand Summer Blast scheme, which supports inbound flights to Thailand, to back airlines and promote both major and secondary cities.

It is considering adjustments to an existing subsidy program for charter flights to cover long-haul markets, as well as incentives such as free domestic flights for international visitors and co-payment schemes to boost local tourism.

Thailand aims to capitalize on the situation by positioning itself as an aviation hub linking Europe with Asia and Australia, while adjusting flight schedules to attract more direct long-haul services. At the same time, efforts will be made to rebalance international tourism markets by focusing on China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Southeast Asia.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you intend to visit Thailand over the next six months? Does the war against Iran discourage you from traveling overseas?

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

SBMA Chairman Aliño Opens New 2-Storey Starbucks Coffee Shop With Drive-Thru In Subic Bay Freeport Zone

SBMA Chairman Aliño Opens New 2-Storey Starbucks Coffee Shop With Drive-Thru In Subic Bay Freeport Zone

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Recently inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño formally led the opening of a new two-storey Starbucks Coffee shop with drive-thru, according to the official announcement of the authority. The newest branch of the coffee giant was made with an investment of over P36 million.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the opening of the first two-storey Starbucks Coffee Shop with drive-thru facility here on March 6, 2026.

According to Aliño, the opening of the two-storey Starbucks Coffee Shop indicates Subic Bay Freeport’s status as a popular tourist destination, anticipating a year-round influx of customers.

The Starbucks Coffee Shop invested ₱36.75 Million in a 1,700-square-meter area at the portion of Lot 75-A, Rizal Highway, Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The inauguration was attended by Engr. and Mrs. Rhammeth Paras, Arch. and Mrs. Adonis Co, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Tang, and Engr. Aries Tanglao, owners of Pandabest Realty and Trading, Inc.

The two-storey Starbucks locations usually offer enhanced, often scenic, spaces with increased seating, frequently housed in restored, architecturally unique, or heritage buildings.

Notable examples include the heritage shophouse in Singapore’s Chinatown, the sprawling Reserve Hiraya in Tagaytay, and a colonial-style bungalow in Rochester.

“Now we have one here, with the building designed to be ‘work and study-friendly,’ providing more intimate, quiet spaces on the upper level compared to the busy ground floor,” Aliño said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you visited other Starbucks branches inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during your recent visit there? Do you think there is still more room for further coffee shops or cafes inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? How often do you order coffee by 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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Southie Fest Ongoing At Festival Mall

Southie Fest Ongoing At Festival Mall

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Southie Fest, a special event organized by South Snippets and its strategic partners, formally opened yesterday at the Carousel area of Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang. A showcase of varied products and services offered by mostly business joints of the south, Southie Fest will last until Sunday (March 15).

I personally witnessed the opening of Southie Fest. There was a panel discussion wherein three local entrepreneurs shared insight about their respective businesses, how they managed their enterprise through the years, and what they learned from the many local communities of the south. South Snippets co-founder Donna Santiago was with them and she also shared insight about the organization’s drive of promoting businesses and connecting them with people of the South. Santiago confirmed that she is organizing South Snippets full-time.

The panel discussion held on the first day of Southie Fest inside Festival Mall. From left to right are the host, the three local entrepreneurs and South Snippets co-founder Donna Santiago.
Southie Fest is at the 2nd floor of Festival Mall in front of the old Carousel.
A few of the many booths/stalls that you can visit to see what they are offering. If you make it there, go around to explore.
I had a very tasty avocado shake there at Southie Fest. This one costs P120 and it is of very good quality.

Within the Carousel area – 2nd floor specifically – are lots of booths/stalls of varied local businesses offering customers a wide range of selections of food, beverages, accessories, collectibles, clothing, gift items, handcrafted items, services and a lot more. You really have to be there to truly discover them.

Remaining schedule of activities for March 14 and 15, 2026

Today, a “Southie Community Day” session will take place which will emphasize he community members and local digital trendsetters. It will help people understand who the Southie influencers and content creators are and what they do to inspire the community as they promote their respective platforms. There will be Q&A interviews, interactive games, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

On Sunday, the “Southie Family Day” will wrap up the event. Participants can dive into a variety of interactive workshops, creative classes, and community workout sessions. There will lots of things or experiences that participants can discover, and even learn from.

Southie Fest is a special showcase by South Snippets®, with support from JNE Branding Consultancy, Festival Mall, Aly Olaez, Neil de Belen Studios, Nextgen Events Management, Design Specs Printing Services, Carlo Suzara: Host & Content Creator, Terraland Pines, Kato Fertility Center, and the City Government of Muntinlupa.

It is also supported by Mama Lou’s Group and Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen, Schola de Vita, MEgorgeous, Let’s Glow Aesthetics, Lando’s Bar Las Piñas, Manna & Muse, BetterLife Yoga Studio, Lindy Hop Philippines, Invitations by Ten Arts & Gift Store, BloomsBrewsMNL, Be Club Lifestyle Hub, SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas, Kalye Negosyo, and Southies Strays.

Southie Fest media partners are labang Bulletin, TigaSouthKaba, WhenInManila.com, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Manila Standard, Life In Tagaytay, Life In Alfonso, Chef Beng, Lowkey Lakwatsera, The Quiet Diner, Southieto, Tara Tagaytay, Wild and Sassy Blog, Dyan sa South, Chizbun Eats, The Reel B, Mauriz Coronel, and Mini Shoots.

The event organizer booth and more nearby.

For those of you reading this, I encourage you to visit Festival Mall to attend Southie Fest while it is still going on.

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