Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a 21-year-old over the possession of marijuana kush, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The estimated value of the seized marijuana is P280,000.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested a 21-year-old man for possession of 199 grams of marijuana kush during a buy-bust operation launched by the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit on Feb. 4.
The suspect, identified as Paolo, a resident of Pasay City, was apprehended around 8:55 a.m. at Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Sto. Nino, Parañaque City.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect was held after selling one sachet of marijuana kush worth P1,400 to an undercover police operative.
Confiscated from the suspect were 199 grams of marijuana kush worth P280,000, one black belt bag, one black cellular phone, and the buy-bust money.
Paolo was detained at the Parañaque City Police custodial facility and charged with violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more people possessing and transporting marijuana around?
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
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will continue to lead her nation as her political party the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to win a huge majority of the seats of the House of Representatives following the election that happened yesterday, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Already US President Donald J. Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Takaichi (click here and here).
For insight, Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives a few weeks ago and this led to a short but intense election campaign. The voters of Japan have spoken favoring Takaichi and her party. That being said, February 8 is a sad day for the Commies, the woke, the pro-China candidates, and the Islamists as the opposition fared badly.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to win a big majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday’s election, early returns and Kyodo News projections show, an outcome largely driven by her personal popularity that clears the way for her to stay on.
The LDP, which has formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, has secured at least 243 seats, well over the majority line of 233, in the 465-member lower house, up from 198 before the contest.
Amid prolonged inflation and a growingly severe international environment, Takaichi has promised to pursue a “responsible yet aggressive” fiscal policy and boost the nation’s defense capabilities.
The ruling camp is projected to secure at least 261 seats in the powerful chamber, clearing the threshold for chairing all standing committees and outnumbering the opposition in those panels, thus helping it to push through its legislative agenda.
The main opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, formed in January by uniting lower house members of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party, is set to lose a significant number of seats, according to early returns and projections.
Following media reports of the LDP’s victory, Takaichi hinted at no major change to the lineup of the Cabinet, launched less than four months ago, during a TV program.
But she said she hopes that the JIP, which decided not to take ministerial posts when forming the coalition in apparent reflection of a cautious stance toward the LDP, will fulfill “its responsibility together in the Cabinet.”
It remains unclear, however, whether the JIP, known as Nippon Ishin, can retain its pre-election strength of 34 seats in the lower house.
“It was an election in which we felt pressure from the LDP,” JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura told a press conference in his party’s home prefecture of Osaka in western Japan, adding that it had tried to convince voters that it had an important role to play in the coalition in the campaign.
The focus is now on whether the LDP-JIP camp can win a two-thirds majority, or 310 seats, in the lower house, which would allow it to initiate a proposal for amending the Constitution, the LDP’s long-held goal, to put to a national referendum.
Takaichi expressed her hope that “concrete plans” to amend the supreme law will be debated at parliament.
The Sanseito party, a populist group known for its “Japanese First” slogan, is expected to make big strides, while Team Mirai, which advocates adoption of digital technologies to enhance political participation, is set to secure its first seat in the chamber, according to the polls.
Takaichi, who has maintained high popularity since becoming Japan’s first female prime minister last October, had pledged to “immediately resign” as Japan’s leader if the coalition failed to secure a majority in the powerful lower chamber.
Nearly 1,300 candidates vied for the 465 seats, with 289 elected from single-seat constituencies and 176 through proportional representation, where seats are allocated for parties based on votes received in 11 regional blocks across Japan.
Early voting received a boost as a record 27.02 million people cast their ballots in the days prior to Sunday, up around 6 million from the previous election in 2024.
Voter turnout stood at 56.24 percent, likely up around 2 percent points from the previous race, according to an estimate by Kyodo News as of 9 p.m.
Japan held a general election in February for the first time in 36 years, a move by Takaichi that has drawn criticism because heavy snowfall in many parts of the country made campaigning difficult. Tokyo and its nearby areas also had snow on Sunday.
As ordinary households have been struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, major political parties have pledged to reduce tax burdens on the campaign trail.
Under Takaichi, a security hawk, the ruling parties also sought support for their aim to beef up the country’s defenses in the face of an increasingly severe security environment.
While her Cabinet enjoys high support ratings, the ruling bloc had only a razor-thin majority with the support of some independents in the lower house before it was dissolved late last month.
Even if the ruling bloc manages to meet its target of securing a majority in the lower house, it remains in a minority in the House of Councilors, or the upper house, meaning that opposition party support is critical in passing bills.
For additional insight, watch the Nippon TV news video below.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? With her own party having secured a lot more seats in the House of Representatives of Japan, do you think Prime Minister Takaichi and her team will be in a better position to achieve their agenda? Are you surprised to see the Satanic Left, the woke and the Communists of Japan lose more seats in the election that just happened? Now that the elections are over, do you think the illegal immigrants/aliens as well as the foreign criminals in Japan would be compelled to leave the country?
Welcome back fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs!
If you are very fond of the iconic Jackie Chan and if you enjoy adventures and 1980s entertainment, then you should watch out for the 4K Blu-ray of the 1986 film Armour of God which will be released later this year. A firm release date for June 2026 has yet to be announced and there is no listing of it on Amazon as of this writing.
One of the many movie posters of Armour of God. (source – IMDB.com)
The Armour of God 4K Blu-ray will be handled by 88 Films, the same company behind the 4K Blu-ray of Police Story 3: Supercop. To see what Armour of God has to offer, watch the YouTube clip below.
Posted below are the technical details of Armour of God 4K Blu-ray from its Blu-ray.com page.
Video
Codec: HEVC / H.265
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audio – TBA
Subtitles – English, English SDH
Discs– 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Disc, Two-disc set (1 BD-100, 1 BD-50)
Packaging – Slipbox, Reversible cover, Booklet, Figure/replica/props/memorabilia included
Playback – 4K Blu-ray: Region free, 2K Blu-ray: Region B
The first time I saw Armour of God was on home video sometime in 1987. Having seen some Jackie Chan films already at the time, I noticed that Armour of God was distinct as it has much stronger adventure elements clearly inspired by the Indiana Jones movies. The movie was also memorable for having extensive on-location shooting in different parts of Europe. As seen in the above YouTube video, dangerous stunts and action sequences were also filmed on-location with the involvement of many extras. That said, it was a notable change from seeing Jackie Chan in a movie with an urban setting or in an ancient Asian setting.
As it is filled with a lot of action, thrilling chases and dangerous stunts, Armour of God is widely remembered for the painful accident in which Jackie Chan fell down several meters from a tree (after grabbing a branch that broke) resulting in a cracked skull for the actor. This accident happened during the 2nd attempt of a risky stunt. The footage of the accident was actually shown during the end credits of the movie.
This is one of the many dangerous stunts of the movie.
Ultimately, I had a lot of fun watching Armour of God and even replayed the movie many years later on cable TV by chance. Believe it or not, Jackie Chan and Eric Tsang were the directors of the film and clearly their crew worked hard to deliver the thrills. This is the kind of movie that nobody in Hollywood can make!
If the 4K Blu-ray of Armour of God turns out with high quality, I just might consider it for a potential purchase. Here is hoping 88 Films will make a high-quality 4K Blu-ray of the movie.
If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts from around the world 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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a 20-year-old man who has been wanted for the charge of rape, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The arrest happened within the premises of a shopping mall.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested a 20-year-old man ranked as the No. 2 most wanted person (station level) in Parañaque City on Jan. 28.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Ckant, who was classified as a high-value fugitive. He was arrested at around 5:18 p.m. within the premises of SM City Sucat in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
The SPD said the arrest was carried out by members of the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section through the service of a warrant of arrest.
The warrant was issued on Jan. 22 by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro, presiding judge of the Parañaque Family Court Branch 10, with no bail recommended.
SPD Director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said the arrest of the suspect, who ranked second on the police priority list for February, demonstrates the district’s unwavering resolve to pursue those who commit crimes against the public.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more wanted criminal suspects within your local community?
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
With an all-time high of 42.7 million foreign tourists counted in 2025, Japan is clearly having a tremendous tourism boom that is also unprecedented. While the country took in over $60 billion from the said foreign tourists, immense tourism is causing a wide series of challenges for the Japanese residents and the authority, and this early the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) announced that the nation will make serious moves to tackle overtourism by the year 2030, according to a news article by Kyodo News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…
The Japan Tourism Agency said Friday it plans to more than double the number of regions taking steps to address overtourism from the current 47 by 2030, in an effort to increase understanding among the public of the importance of inbound tourism to the nation’s economy.
A goal to boost the number of such regions to 100 will be included for the first time in the government’s next basic tourism promotion plan. A draft of the plan, which covers five years from fiscal 2026, was presented to a panel of experts and is scheduled to be approved by the Cabinet in March.
According to the draft, the government will maintain its existing targets to increase inbound visitor numbers to 60 million and their annual spending to 15 trillion yen ($97 billion) by 2030.
In 2025, foreign visitors to Japan reached an estimated record of 42.7 million, with their spending also at a new all-time high of 9.5 trillion yen, according to the government.
With a sharp decline in Chinese tourists due to deteriorating bilateral relations, the draft also stressed the importance of preparing for changes in the international situation, saying that efforts will be made to attract visitors from a wide range of countries and regions.
The agency has been implementing model projects to support regions taking steps to address overtourism issues, such as traffic congestion and nuisance behavior.
To date, 47 regions, including Kyoto in western Japan and Taketomi in Okinawa Prefecture, have been advancing initiatives based on resident feedback, including easing congestion on local roads and limiting visitor numbers.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think that the ongoing tourism in Japan will last for at least the next three years? Would you be surprised to see foreign tourist arrivals in Japan reach 45 million by the end of this year? Are you dismayed to see foreign tourists misbehave or violate local rules during their stay in Japan? Do you think China’s hostility against Japan will bring down this year’s count of foreign tourists?
In its latest economic analysis, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says that the economy of the Philippines could grow by about 6% in 2027 provided that investments – both public and private – would regain strength, 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…
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY could return to around 6% growth by 2027 if public and private investments rebound, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries.
“I think (the drivers are a) kind of a little of everything, but return to high investment, public and private, I think would be, to me, the key driver,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Jan. 23.
Last December, the ADB slashed its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 5% for 2025, from 5.6% previously. For 2026, the ADB trimmed its GDP projection to 5.3% from 5.7% previously.
This comes after a corruption scandal dampened government spending, household consumption, investor confidence and economic activity last year.
The ADB will release its updated economic outlook in April, which will include a 2027 growth forecast.
Mr. Jeffries warned that the cut in Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget this year, could trigger a “big slowdown” in locally funded projects.
“I guess the main variable for 2026 was how fast does the public investment recover? We were thinking maybe two quarters, so it’ll start reviving,” he said.
In a meeting with Public Works Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon in December, Mr. Jeffries said they raised concerns about “paralysis,” where key projects risked getting stuck.
“What we’ve heard is they’re trying to make sure the priority projects are not stuck and keep moving forward quickly. I think it’s a twofold exercise,” he said. “It’s cleaning up the problem while full steam ahead on some of the other projects that weren’t a problem.”
Mr. Dizon earlier said the DPWH aims to boost spending while ensuring funds are used wisely and focus on prioritizing the “basics” such as road and bridge maintenance and unfinished projects. The agency’s target spend is set between P200 billion and P250 billion for the first quarter, he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jeffries said the Philippines must raise the share of exports in the economy to support long-term growth, as well as diversify its base, and boost resilience.
“It’s not something that happens overnight. It’ll be a combination of policies and attracting investment and improving the business environment and all of those things combined,” Mr. Jeffries said. “But neighbors have done it and the Philippines can do that.”
He noted the Philippines was shielded from external shocks, largely because exports remain a relatively small part of the economy.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the ADB’s analysis for the Philippines is correct? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough strength to grow by at least 6% in 2027?
This year will mark the 28th anniversary of Parañaque’s status as a city and recently a Malacañang declared February 13, 2026 a special non-working day in connection with it. Check out the copy of the official document below sourced from the Facebook page of Congressman Brian Yamsuan.
Proclamation Number 1158 declared February 13, 2026 a special non-working day in Parañaque City.
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 believe the city is truly progressive or is still in need of vast improvements in terms of infrastructure, public services and flood control? Do you often attend the so-called special events held during the week of the cityhood in Parañaque? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?
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
As millions of voters all over Japan are ready to cast their votes in tomorrow’s general election, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae received the full endorsement of US Presdent Donald Trump and it has also been revealed that her trip to the White House has been set for March 19, according to a news report by Kyodo News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday gave his full endorsement to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of the country’s general election and said he would welcome her to the White House on March 19.
While Trump is often an outlier, it is very rare for the leader of any country to back a specific political figure ahead of a national election in a foreign country. Calling Sunday’s election “very important” for Japan’s future, he praised Takaichi for already proving to be a “strong, powerful and wise” leader.
In a social media post, Trump also said he and his team were impressed with her when they met in Japan about three months ago.
“Prime Minister Takaichi is someone who deserves powerful recognition for the job she and her Coalition are doing and, therefore, as President of the United States of America, it is my Honor to give a Complete and Total Endorsement of her, and what her highly respected Coalition is representing,” Trump wrote.
The date of Trump’s upcoming in-person talks with Takaichi was announced for the first time.
In late December, Takaichi said she was exploring a visit to the United States for another meeting with Trump, and the two leaders confirmed during their early January phone call that they would meet in the spring.
Takaichi’s maiden trip to the United States since becoming prime minister in October will coincide with Washington’s iconic annual cherry blossom festival, which this year will begin on March 20, a day after the planned White House meeting.
The festival commemorates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to the U.S. capital and the longtime friendship between the two countries.
When Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, hosted Trump in Tokyo in late October, they expressed their intention to celebrate together in 2026 the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. At the time, she confirmed Japan’s promise to donate 250 cherry trees to the United States.
Just as they did last time, Takaichi and Trump are likely to reaffirm the strength of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and economic relationship. In a symbolic gesture, they could also plant a couple of the cherry trees together.
Trump has extolled Takaichi since her early days in office as a protegee of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom the president had a close personal relationship during his first term.
In addition to wishing her “good luck” in the House of Representatives election, Trump’s message on Thursday highlighted the progress that the United States and Japan have made in defense cooperation and on the economic front, thanks to a “very substantial” trade deal.
The deal reached last summer following Trump’s tariff threat includes a Japanese commitment to invest $550 billion in U.S. strategic sectors, such as semiconductors and critical minerals.
Trump is expected to celebrate some forthcoming projects under the package with Takaichi, who has pledged to pursue a “new golden era” for the two countries.
Takaichi’s trip to Washington will precede Trump’s planned April visit to China, which for months has been taking a hard-line stance over her remarks about a potential Taiwan Strait crisis.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Prime Minister Takaichi and her allies will emerge victorious and secure a large majority in the Japanese House of Representatives? What do you think about President Trump’s endorsement for Takaichi? Do you think major developments will happen when Prime Minister Takaichi visits the White House and meet with Trump on March 19?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant of arrest arrested an electric bike (e-bike) driver who turned out to be wanted for robbery with homicide, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested an e-bike driver listed as the Top 3 Most Wanted Person in Parañaque City on Jan. 27.
Operatives from the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section, in coordination with Baclaran Police Substation 1, apprehended the suspect, identified as Abubakar, 39, at his residence in Barangay Baclaran.
The suspect was nabbed by virtue of a warrant of arrest for robbery with homicide issued on January 14 by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 110, with no bail recommended.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more e-bike drivers who may have been involved in criminal activities like robbery and smuggling?
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
Let’s be very clear here. Americans overwhelmingly support the deportation of illegal aliens/immigrants who committed acts of crime. In the state of Minnesota, there are mobs of radicalized Leftists, social justice warriors (SJWs), extreme Democrats and other brainwashed activists who are doing everything they could to protect the illegal ones and that means rebelling against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by using violence.
Of course, the Trump administration is simply not giving up as the White House confirmed that it is laser-focused on removing criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota. Very recently, ICE apprehended the wanted Guatemalan national Esdras Aaron-Rodriguez-Hernandez who was charged in 2024 with domestic assault. The suspect is up for deportation and he previously was heavily protected by the radicalized Democrats of Minnesota. Democrats have this ongoing tradition of rewarding and prioritizing criminals and even terrorists at the expense of their fellow Americans.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the White House press statement. Some parts in boldface…
The Trump Administration is aggressively removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota’s communities — predators that Radical Left Democrats insist on providing safe harbor.
A stark example: Last week, ICE apprehended Esdras Aaron Rodriguez-Hernandez, a Guatemalan national and accused domestic abuser, in a case that exposes the dangerous stupidity of Minnesota’s “sanctuary” policies — and the self-inflicted necessity of Operation Metro Surge.
In 2024, Rodriguez-Hernandez was arrested and charged with domestic assault (intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm on a family member) and released without bail. A warrant was issued after he didn’t show up for court, and he evaded justice for nearly a year.
In November, he was arrested on the warrant and booked into the Hennepin County Jail, only to be released the next day on a $100 bail. After a radical prosecutor downgraded the charge, he was granted a stay of adjudication and set free once again.
At every step, local officials in the “sanctuary” jurisdiction failed to notify ICE of his custody — forcing federal agents to expend significant resources tracking him down and putting Minnesotans at unnecessary risk.
Rodriguez-Hernandez now awaits deportation, joining a long list of criminal illegal alien thugs the Trump Administration has removed from Minnesota’s streets — often with zero help from leaders who prioritize criminals over citizens.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you surprised that Satanic Leftists of Minnesota went to the extremes to protect the suspect from ICE? Do you think that the radical Leftists have the means to violate national laws regarding immigration and crime? Do you consider Minnesota a very corrupted state under the control of radical Leftists? If anyone in your family has been heavily influenced by Democrats and their mainstream news media partners-in-crime, is he or she soft-hearted towards illegal aliens/immigrants?
Author Carlo Carrasco 