Investagrams – Page 39 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Tourism registers 8.9% share of 2024 Philippine gross domestic product

June 23, 2025June 20, 2025carlocarrasco

The tourism of the industry of the Philippines accounted for a share of 8.9% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the year 2024, 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 SHARE of the tourism industry in the Philippine economy rose to a five-year high of 8.9% in 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday.

Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) — an indicator of the economic contribution from tourism-related activities — jumped by 11.2% year on year to P2.35 trillion last year, preliminary data from the PSA showed.

However, TDGVA growth was slower than the 49.9% surge logged in 2023 and the slowest annual growth since the 10.3% expansion in 2020.

Despite the slower growth, the share of TDGVA to the economy rose to 8.9% in 2024, the highest share since the 12.9% recorded in 2019.

By industry, country-specific tourism characteristics goods – shopping accounted for 21.8% of the total with P512.68 billion. It was followed by miscellaneous services (20.2% share or P476.23 billion) and accommodation services for visitors (18.4% share or P432.9 billion).

Domestic tourism expenditure, which includes resident visitors’ spending within the country on a domestic trip or as part of an international trip, grew by 16.4% to P3.16 trillion last year.

Outbound tourism spending reached P345.68 billion in 2024, rising by 37.5% from P251.35 billion in 2023.

Inbound tourism expenditure, meanwhile, inched up by 0.4% annually to P699.99 billion. Total employment in the tourism sector grew by 6.1% to 6.75 million in 2024. Tourism accounted for 13.8% of the total jobs in the country in 2024.

The majority of the tourism-related jobs were centered on miscellaneous activities. The health and wellness sector employed 1.83 million, accounting for a 27.1% share.

The accommodation and food and beverage sector had 1.69 million workers (25% share), while passenger transport had 1.67 million workers (24.7%).

Reinielle Matt M. Erece, an economist at Oikonomiya Advisory and Research, Inc. said easing inflation helped boost tourism spending last year.

“Lower inflation relative to 2023 and better economic conditions in the country may have encouraged tourists due to better prices,” he said in an e-mail. Inflation averaged 3.2% in 2024, cooling from the 15-year high of 6% in 2023.

Last year, the Department of Tourism recorded 5.95 million visitor arrivals, falling short of its 7.7 million target.

“While Philippine tourism has made substantial progress — particularly in revenue generation — it hasn’t achieved full recovery in terms of visitor numbers, and the pace of recovery appears to be slowing in early 2025,” Leonardo A. Lanzona, Jr., an economics professor in Ateneo de Manila University, said in an e-mail.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Philippine tourism will end up being weaker as an economic sector this year? Do you think the weakening Philippine Peso will convince foreigners to visit the Philippines very soon?

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

Las Piñas City launches Lab for All caravan in Barangay BF International-CAA, over 600 residents served

June 22, 2025June 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Lab for All caravan was formally launched in Barangay BF International-CAA and more than six hundred local residents availed of the free medical and social services, the City Government announced via social media. Mayor-elect April Aguilar attended the launch and met with locals.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The Lab For All Caravan officially launched its series of medical missions in Las Piñas City on Friday, June 13, with its first at the CAA Elementary School Covered Court in BF International / CAA. Over 600 residents gathered early in the day to avail of the free medical and social services brought by the program, which aims to deliver accessible healthcare and assistance directly to communities.

Residents availed of a wide range of free services including medical consultations, chest x-rays, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, body mass index computation, and the issuance of maintenance medicines.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar was present to oversee the conduct of the activity and express her gratitude to the organizers for choosing Las Piñas as one of the host cities. She emphasized the importance of making healthcare more reachable, especially for those who need it most.

Aside from medical services, Pag-IBIG Fund was also on site to assist residents with membership concerns, applications, and other related services.

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 know when will the Lab for All caravan arrive in your local community?

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

Over 100 Chinese former POGO workers deported

June 21, 2025June 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently authorities here in the Philippines deported over one hundred Chinese nationals who previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a news report by GMA News.

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines still has many thousands of illegal aliens who previously worked in POGOs who are on the loose.

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

Some 100 Chinese individuals who worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were deported to China on Tuesday.

According to Saleema Refran’s report on Balitanghali, they were deported at around 10:40 a.m.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said China paid for the airfare of the deportees, with the goal of ensuring that they will not be able to escape.

“Importante kasi sa kanila ‘yan dahil marami silang nakukuhang impormasyon dito sa mga bosses kung paano sila nag o-operate, saan sila nag-o-operate, at anu-anong mga sistema sa money laundering ang ginagamit nila,” PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said.

(It’s important to them because they get a lot of information from the bosses here. How they operate, where they operate, and what money laundering systems they use.)

“Ang ayaw kasi nila siyempre ‘yung hindi nakakarating sa China mismo ‘yung mga boss nitong operation ng POGO,” he added.

(What they really don’t want, of course, is for the bosses of these POGO operations to not arrive in China.)

Once in China, the deportees will undergo investigation for scamming, cybercrime, fraud, and money laundering.

Broken apart – Meanwhile, the Filipino partners and spouses of the deportees were emotional when saying their goodbyes, including one who even brought their six-month child.

“Sobrang sakit po kasi may anak po kami (It really hurts because we have a child),” one of the women said.

The mother is already in contact with the deportee’s family and China, and plans to follow him there with their daughter.

The former workers were arrested during anti-POGO operations in Cebu, Cavite, Parañaque, and Pasay.

They have been declared undesirable aliens due to lack of visas and work permits, and for working in illegal POGOs. Aside from these, they have also been blacklisted and can no longer return to the Philippines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the authorities should do more apprehending the many illegal aliens (former POGO workers) still on the loose so that more will get deported? Are you concerned that there could be many Filipinos who became personally involved with foreigners who worked in POGOs?

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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Independence Day job fair in Las Piñas City shopping mall draws almost 700 applicants

June 20, 2025June 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a job fair that took place on June 12, 2025, inside Robinsons Las Piñas (AKA Robinsons Place Las Piñas) attracted almost seven hundred applicants resulting in the on-the-spot hiring of thirty-four, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

Robinsons Las Piñas served as one of two venues for the simultaneous Independence Day Job Fair organized by the Las Piñas Public Employment Service Office on Thursday, June 12. A total of 698 applicants participated in the activity, which featured local companies and employment agencies actively recruiting for various positions.

Out of those who applied, 34 were hired on the spot following initial screenings and interviews conducted by participating employers. The event aimed to support the city’s jobseekers in securing stable employment and was part of Las Piñas’ broader observance of the 126th Independence Day.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar acknowledged the efforts of PESO and partner employers in bringing opportunities directly to the community.

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 want to see more job fairs held within the city for the rest of the 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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Two traffic violators with history of extortion arrested in Parañaque City

June 19, 2025June 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two traffic violators were apprehended by the Highway Patrol Group (HGP) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and seized from them a gun, ammunition and even bullet-proof vests to name a few, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). It turns out, the suspects were previously involved in extortion.

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

Two persons arrested for traffic violations by the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) were later found to be behind an extortion scheme using the name of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

HPG Director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said “Joselito” and “JJ Café” failed to present documents when their car was stopped for illegal use of a blinker and protocol plate number “12” (Cabinet undersecretary) along Filipinas Avenue in Parañaque City on Friday.

The HPG operatives also seized a 9mm pistol, ammunition, handheld radios, three bulletproof vests and a C-4 explosive.

“We are investigating because they appear to be ready for any armed confrontation, and why were they carrying C-4?” Matta said in a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Sunday.

“We are also conducting a follow-up operation because the report we received was that there was another vehicle that was able to flee.”

Ambassador Markus Lacanilao, Special Envoy on Transnational Crime, said Joselito was among the three arrested in an entrapment in Pasay City in March last year but later posted bail.

Joselito’s group allegedly threatened to shut down an emission testing business if the owner would not give PHP5 million. Lacanilao said the apprehended vehicle was the same car used by three suspects.

He also confirmed that JJ Café was the same person who introduced himself as Office of the President undersecretary and a relative of the First Lady to get government contracts.

“They were asking money in exchange for the approval of business lime medicine and emission. And they were showing a video of the man posing as undersecretary at the Office of the President,” Lacanilao said.

Lacanilao advised the public not to yield to extortion demands using the name of the First Family and instead report the matter to authorities.

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 armed extortionists and fraudsters could be lurking around? Do you know anyone who was extorted over the past twelve months? Was there a business joint in your local community that got harassed by extortionists?

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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Troublesome Russian streamer transferred to BJMP facility in Muntinlupa City

June 19, 2025June 17, 2025carlocarrasco

After spending time behind bars in Bicutan, the troublesome Russian streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was recently transferred to the Muntinlupa facility of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), according to a Manila Standard news report. For the newcomers reading this, the Russian streamer caused trouble her in the Philippines which you can see for yourselves by clicking here, here and here.

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

Detained controversial Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was transferred from the Bureau of Immigration’s jail in Bicutan to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Muntinlupa.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Zdorovetskiy was transferred to the BJMP last June 11 as he faces more local cases in the Philippines.

“Zdorovetskiy will remain in the BJMP’s custody until the resolution of his court cases, before he will be returned to the BI for deportation,” the BI Chief said.

The detained foreigner previously requested for temporary release under bail, but the agency emphasized that no such relief has been granted.

In a document submitted to the BI, Zdorovetskiy claimed he has no intention of evading deportation, and pledged to stay within the National Capital Region. He also said he would immediately submit himself to BI custody should a deportation order be issued against him.

The BI received Zdorovetskiy’s request but made it clear that the Bureau is not inclined to grant his appeal.

“This is not just a matter of administrative procedure—it is about protecting the integrity of our immigration laws,” said Viado.

“Foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws must face the consequences. The Bureau is resolute: we will not allow our deportation process to be undermined by publicity tactics or legal maneuvering. No special treatment will be given.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Russian streamer will be able to last long behind jail 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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Yamsuan, Bernabe and elected Parañaque teammates sworn in at Supreme Court

June 19, 2025June 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Yesterday at the Supreme Court here in the Philippines, the newly elected members of Parañaque-based Team Pag-Asa were formally sworn in by SC Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan.

Sworn into office by Gaerlan were Brian Yamsuan as Parañaque District 2 Representative, Benjo Bernabe as Parañaque City Vice Mayor, Tess de Asis as Parañaque District 2 City Councilor, Binky Favis as Parañaque District 2 City Councilor and Shannine Olivarez as Parañaque District 1 City Councilor.

*Brian Yamsuan sworn-in as Parañaque City District 2 Representative. (image captured from Brian Yamsuan Facebook page video)*

Each of them was formally sworn in by turn and with the presence of their respective family members. Present during Benjo Bernabe’s taking of the oath of office was former Parañaque City Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe. Bernabe’s turn can be viewed in full by clicking https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ATYd4yrBC/

For the newcomers reading this, Parañaque City has two districts and each one has eight seats for the City Council. The Vice Mayor is elected throughout the city. The new term of office for those who got elected or re-elected will start on June 30, 2025.

Benjo Bernabe sworn in as Vice Mayor of Parañaque City. Present were members of his family, including former Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe. (image captured from Benjo Bernabe Official Facebook page video)

*The newly sworn-in Team Pag-Asa members showing their certificates in the presence of Supreme Court Associate Justice.Samuel Gaerlan.* From left to right are Parañaque District 2 City Councilor Binky Favis, District 2 City Councilor Tess de Asis, District 1 City Councilor Shannine Olivarez, District 2 Representative Brian Yamsuan and Vice Mayor Benjo Bernabe. (photo source – Benjo Bernabe Facebook account)

To see the final results of the 2025 Parañaque City elections, click https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon/2025/results/local/NATIONAL+CAPITAL+REGION/NATIONAL+CAPITAL+REGION+-+FOURTH+DISTRICT/CITY+OF+PARA%25C3%2591AQUE/?tfb_a&smartsearch

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 hopeful that meaningful and positive reforms in the city will begin once the newly sworn-in Team Pag-Asa members take office?

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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A Look Back at Action Comics #436 (1974)

June 18, 2025June 20, 2025carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1970s arts and culture enthusiasts, DC Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1974 to take a close look at a part of the DC Comics universe through a tale of the Action Comics monthly series.

If you know the Superman lore in comics, you should be aware that Perry White (first appeared in 1940) is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet and is the superior of Clark Kent (Superman), Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. As Perry White got race-swapped (a woke move that’s also idiotic) and presented as a black man in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and James Gunn’s Superman (2025), be aware that the long-lasting character originated in the comics as a white man who symbolized dedication and management consistently. I still remember the live-action versions of Perry White played by Jackie Cooper in the 1978 movie and by Lane Smith in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

I read a lot of Superman comic books and many times Perry White appeared as a supporting character. He also appeared in the memorable crossover comic book Superman and Spider-Man, interacting with Peter Parker (Spider-Man). As a supporting character in Superman tales, Perry White occasionally provides journalistic direction or a challenge to Clark Kent who in turn tackles problems in his civilian identity or as Superman.

But what if Perry White overshadows Superman himself?

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Action Comics #436, published in 1974 by DC Comics with a story written by Elliot S. Maggin and drawn by Curt Swan.

Early story

The story begins deep within Metropolis when the Daily Planet’s editor Perry White enters the Galaxy Building. White does not realize that he is being watched by two adults who turned out to have special abilities and together they levitated a gift for him before he reaches his office. The gift for Perry White was their response to the help he provided to them – the mutants – to escape the influence of Calixto sometime before. The two adults then vanished.

As White arrives in his office, Superman discreetly flies into the Galaxy Building and changed into his civilian form as Clark Kent. With his enhanced hearing, Kent heard the phone in his office ringing and quickly rushes to it. Through the phone, White (who was notified he won the Pulitzer Prize again) tells him that Edge Morgan has something big happening on both TV and on paper, and they should fly out to New York to work together…

Quality

*Superman and Perry White fly towards an enemy.*

To get straight to the point, this Superman tale shows the wild concept of Perry White overshadowing the Man of Steel in terms of capabilities instead of journalistic power. On paper it sounds crazy but the good news is that the wild concept was told nicely and it is actually fun to follow without ever going over the top.

*With witnesses around, Perry White uses his super powers.*

Apart from the story’s outlandish idea, the plot shows a new dimension of Perry White transforming from a supporting player (in the form of a newspaper editor) into a more heroic figure. Instead of being a helpless witness of events happening, White becomes more involved and contributes something to the prevention of disaster and even tackling evil head on. That being said, this situation allowed the creative duo to show a new side of White’s personality as he himself realizes the sudden weight and pressure that comes with having super powers, and he still has journalistic standards to live up to.

Conclusion

*Superman is surprised to witness Perry White fly and prevent a small plane from crashing.*

A product of its time, Action Comics #436 (1974) has a short story that had a zany concept which turned out to be an entertaining read. It is nice to see Perry White actually becoming super while the storytelling done by the Maggin-Swan team never became too outlandish. Think of this comic book – which also has a short story of Green Arrow – as a bout of fun focused on Superman and Perry White. I first read this comic book as a young boy and now as an adult, it is still enjoyable to read again. No woke garbage and no Zack Snyder-style darkness here. This is classic Superman.

Overall, Action Comics #436 (1974) is recommended.

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Las Piñas Mayor-elect April Aguilar attends blood donation drive in Barangay Pamplona Tres

June 18, 2025June 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the incoming Mayor April Aguilar continued to make her presence felt as she attended a blood donation drive in Barangay Pamplona Tres, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

Mayor-elect April Aguilar attended the 1673rd Worldwide Blood Drive organized by the World Mission Society Church of God on Wednesday, June 11, at the Church of God in Pamplona Tres. The activity was held in line with the global celebration of World Blood Donor Day.

With the theme “Give Life Through the Love of the Passover,” the event aimed to promote the spirit of voluntary blood donation and compassion. It was supported by the Philippine Blood Center and the Las Piñas City Health Office, ensuring safe procedures and medical oversight throughout the activity.

Mayor-elect Aguilar expressed her appreciation for the Church of God’s consistent efforts to support public health, especially through community-based initiatives such as this. She also recognized the volunteers and donors who participated in the drive, noting their contribution to saving lives and strengthening the city’s blood supply reserves.

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 that more blood donation drive events should be held locally?

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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Lesbian helper arrested for sexually abusing minor

June 17, 2025June 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Armed with a warrant of arrest, police officers of Marikina City arrested a lesbian helper in Quezon province for the repeated sexual abuse committed in 2024 against the 9-year-old daughter of her employer, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect has since been transferred to and detained in Marikina City.

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

A 40-year-old lesbian nanny was arrested for repeatedly sexually abusing her employer’s nine-year-old daughter in 2024 in Marikina City.

The Eastern Police District (EPD) identified the suspect as “Jennifer,” listed as the district’s No. 3 most wanted person. She was arrested by the Station Intelligence Section of the Marikina City Police Station in Candelaria, Quezon on June 7.

The operation was carried out by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Acting Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 192 in Marikina City. The warrants were for charges of Sexual Assault and 15 counts of Acts of Lasciviousness in relation to RA 7610, issued on January 28.

Authorities said the suspect served as a helper and nanny in the victim’s household in Marikina. The abuse, committed 15 times, took place from August to September 2024.

On September 21, 2024, the victim found the courage to tell her mother about the incident, prompting them to go to their barangay’s Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desk, where they were assisted in reporting it to the police.

EPD District Director Brig. Gen. Aden T. Lagradante vowed to boost efforts to protect children and keep communities safe to help reduce cases of child abuse.

“Nakakadurog ng puso ang nangyari sa inosenteng bata. Paglalaro at kasiyahan lang sana ang nasa kanyang isipan ngunit sa murang edad ay naranasan na niya ang karahasan ng isang mapagsamantala sa kanyang kahinaan (What happened to the innocent child is truly heartbreaking. At her age, she should have only been thinking about play and joy, but instead, she experienced violence at the hands of someone who took advantage of her vulnerability),” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the apprehended lesbian suspect will be found guilty of committing child abuse? Do you think that there is a link between homosexuality and the sexual abuse on children? Do you think the victim and her family will get justice?

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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