journalism – Page 51 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Visit the newly renovated foodcourt at SM Southmall

August 24, 2023August 20, 2023carlocarrasco

If you are looking for a comfortable and really modern indoor place to eat in complete with lots of choices available, then you must visit the newly renovated foodcourt of SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.

Still located at a very particular large area at the 2^nd level of the mall, the highly modernized foodcourt was opened recently and already there were several food businesses that collectively created a great variety of meals, drinks and desserts that should appeal to many people looking for a place to eat while inside Southmall. I personally visited the foodcourt to explore it and look around. Check out the pictures I took and posted below…

*Customers checking out what meals or drinks to choose.*

*The tables and seats are new and comfortable.*

*Small slides for children to enjoy at the other end of the foodcourt.*

*Potato Corner and Kipps at the foodcourt.*

After exploring the whole foodcourt, I decided to buy myself coffee and a doughnut, then I took a seat. As I was consuming what I bought, I noticed a steady stream of customers coming into the foodcourt and several of them looked around to see what appeals to them and what they could afford. The meals offered by different sellers include rice meals, pizza, pasta, ramen, Samgyupsal, sandwiches, chicken wings, soup, bulalo, shawarma, fries and more. As the customers lined up for food, there were parents and kids enjoying their time together at the other end of the foodcourt (by the window).

Before the pandemic, I had meals at the Southmall foodcourt a number of times. With the renovations completed, I can say that the foodcourt today is not only more modern…it has been made more comfortable, more hip and more attractive. The wide variety of meals and drinks available are ideal for anyone who wants to do food trips or have meals with friends or family members together. I would not hesitate to return to the Southmall foodcourt in the near future. If you have not been to the foodcourt, then I encourage you to visit it the next time you go to Southmall.

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? When was the last time you had a meal at SM Southmall’s food court? Does the modernized Southmall foodcourt look attractive to you? Do you see any meals or drinks at the foodcourt that attract your attention?

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

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

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

Man who attempted robbing a delivery rider arrested in Parañaque City

August 23, 2023August 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers arrested a man who attempted robbing a delivery rider (note: incident was captured on video), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened during the law enforcers’ follow-up operation.

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

A man who attempted to rob a delivery rider as shown in an online viral video was arrested by Parañaque police during a follow-up operation on Aug. 18.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Jovi Perdido, 33, was arrested by members of the Station Intelligence Section and Substation 2.

According to the Parañaque police, the suspect reportedly tried to steal the victim’s cellphone and money he collected from his delivery service.

The robbery-holdup incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. along Cabesang Cicilio St. in Barangay Tambo on Aug. 17.

The police said that based on the viral video that circulated on social media, uploaded by “Janjan,” Perido mauled and tried to stab the victim who, in turn, resisted.

The suspect was prevented from further harming the victim by concerned citizens who witnessed the incident.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you believe that more delivery riders could be targeted by thieves while doing their duties in Parañaque?

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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Transgendered woman arrested for extorting money from a minor

August 21, 2023August 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Manila, local police officers arrested a transgendered woman (note: biological male identifying as female) for the alleged extortion of money from a minor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The victim’s mother learned about the details of what happened and called the police for assistance. The arrest was the result of an entrapment operation.

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

A 23-year-old transgender woman was arrested by police in an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting money from a minor with special needs at a mall in Ermita, Manila on Monday morning, Aug. 14.

The MPD-MDACT said the suspect is a student with aliases “Ann Antukin” and “Sunata Hen” residing in Brgy. Balong Bato Quezon City.

The mother of the victim told police investigators that her son (name withheld), a minor with special needs, met the suspect on Facebook two years ago. Their online relationship blossomed and they became lovers.

Through the course of the relationship they exchanged intimate photos of themselves in their online conversations. Her son thought all along that the suspect was a real woman, the mother said.

The problem started when the suspect demanded money from the victim, threatening to expose his sensitive photos to his parents.

Police said that the mother of the victim got wind of her son’s predicament after she found out that he stole money from her. This prompted her to check on her son’s cellular phone where she discovered that the suspect was demanding money from the victim such as a monthly allowance of P10,000 and others.

She further learned that the suspect was asking her son to deliver the money at a mall in Ermita.

The mother sought the assistance of the MPD-MDACT team who promptly planned an entrapment operation against the suspect at the mall.

During his arrest, the suspect yielded two pieces P1,000 marked money, a Vivo V23 5G cellular phone, a vaccination record card and a National ID under his name.

The above report ended stating that the transgender suspect is facing charges for violating Article 317 (swindling of minors), Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), and Republic Act 11930 (The Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a parent whose children are still minors, does this crime news report make you feel concerned about what kind of people your children communicate with online? Do you think that there could be more transgendered individuals out there looking to victimize children and other people that they believe could easily be fooled?

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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COMELEC planning to allow warrantless arrests in response to acts of buying and selling of votes during the campaign period

August 18, 2023August 15, 2023carlocarrasco

In what seems to be an intention to ensure election integrity, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed that it is planning to allow warrantless arrest of persons who are caught buying or selling votes specifically during the campaign period, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that this is related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

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

The Commision on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it is planning to allow warrantless arrest for those who will be caught in the act of buying or selling votes during the campaign period.

In a press conference, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the commission will issue new guidelines for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), which is set on October 30.

“Sa ilalabas naming guidelines bilang pahapyaw lang po, papayagan natin silang mag-aresto especially kung yung tao ay caught in flagrante or caught in the act. Dati wala po yun. Ngayon, i-authorize po namin siya with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed,” said Garcia.

(In the guidelines that we will issue, we will allow the PNP to arrest if the person is caught in the act. We will authorize that now with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed.)

Garcia said that the basis of the previous prohibition of arrest during the campaign period was the 1985 omnibus election code.

But under the 1987 Constitution, Garcia said warrantless arrest is allowed in cases of flagrante delicto or being caught in the act.

He pointed out that if there is a contradiction between existing law and the Constitution, the Constitution will be followed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by the COMELEC makes sense as far as election integrity is concerned? Do you think warrantless arrests will make a major dent against the buying and selling of votes during the campaign period?

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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Muntinlupa City to help sari-sari store owners with program

August 17, 2023August 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will implement a notable program that will benefit owners of sari-sari stores and other micro-retailers through a special program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will implement the iSTAR Program aiming to provide skills to sari-sari (variety) store and other micro-retailing business owners.

The Muntinlupa City Council approved Resolution 2023-293 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the implementation of the iSTAR Program or the upgraded version of the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access Resources (STAR) Program.

According to the resolution, the iSTAR Program “aims to provide access to skill training, resources, and peer mentoring to sari-sari store and carinderia owners and operators all over the country.”

Under the iSTAR Program, “sari-sari stores, traditional food outlets or karinderias and other Micro-retailing business owners will be provided with digital basic entrepreneurship training and access to business resources.”

The MOU aims to “provide both men and women residents of the city business and training to improve their finances and standard of living and at the same time, giving the community easy access to basic goods and commodities.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you own a sari-sari store or a micro-retailing business, would you take part in the iSTAR program?

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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COMELEC and Philippine Army to coordinate on security for October 30 BSKE

August 16, 2023August 14, 2023carlocarrasco

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are a little over two months away from happening and to ensure security, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will coordinate with the Philippine Army, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will coordinate with the Philippine Army to beef up security preparations for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.

In a Viber message, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said newly installed Philippine Army Commanding General Lt.Gen. Roy Galido on Friday paid a courtesy call to Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia.

“Chairman Garcia took this occasion as an opportunity, not only to touch base with one of the most hardworking AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) brass, but more so, to jump-start the continuing working coordination between the Comelec and the AFP, in particular, the more than a hundred thousand strong Philippine Army,” he said.

Included in their discussions were preparations for the upcoming BSKE, he added.

Laundiangco said it is not new for the Comelec to coordinate with Galido on matters related to nationwide polls.

“Comelec has worked with Gen. Galido in previous elections, notably the 2022 NLE (National and Local Elections) where he was then Commander, 6ID (Infantry Division), thereafter as Commander, WESMINCOM (West Mindanao Command), and now, CGPA (Commanding General of the Philippine Army),” he said.

Galido now serves as the 66th Commanding General of the largest arm of the country’s military force.

Laundiangco said the poll body is set to conduct a command conference this month with law enforcement.

“The command conference between the Comelec, the AFP, the PNP (Philippine National Police), and the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) for the 2023 BSKE is scheduled on August 22, 2023,” he said.

The Comelec is wrapping up preparations for the October polls, which will be manually done in over 42,000 barangays nationwide, except for the three pilot sites for automated elections in Dasmariñas City and Quezon City District 6.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many members of your local community who intend to vote in the BSKE on October 30?

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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COMELEC expresses confidence that mall voting for BSKE will push through

August 16, 2023August 14, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed confidence that its mall voting project with this October’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will push through, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

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

UNLIKE in 2016, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is confident its mall voting project will push through during the conduct of the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

In an interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said they do not see a repeat of the fate of the mall voting initiative in 2016, which was cancelled just days prior to Election Day.

“It was unfortunate that in 2016, we were almost able to hold mall voting in the country.

But now, the entire Comelec en banc approved this (project). We all supported this initiative,” Garcia said.

The poll chief said the full support comes after the success of the Register Anywhere Project (RAP), which was pilot tested in selected malls.

“We thought that if we can do registration in malls, why not do voting in malls as well,” said Garcia.

Back in the 2016 polls, then Comelec chairman Andres Bautista pushed for the mall voting project. But, with barely two weeks before Election Day, it was thumbed down by the Commission en banc with a vote of 4 against and 3 in favor.

Back then, the Comelec en banc reasoned that the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) does not allow the transfer of polling precincts within 45 days before a regular election.

For the October 30 polls, five SM malls and five Robinsons malls are already set to host mall voting.

Eyed as voters, estimated to be at 300,000 individuals, are those belonging to barangays near the participating malls.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you favor the idea of voting inside a shopping mall for the BSKE this October?

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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MCX acquired by Villar-led company for P3.8 billion

August 14, 2023August 10, 2023carlocarrasco

Have you been driving lately along the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX)? In case you missed the news, the MCX has officially been acquired by a company led by the influential Villar group for almost P4 billion, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Prime Asset Ventures Inc., a company led by the Villar Group, on Wednesday finalized the acquisition of the four-kilometer Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway from Ayala Corp. for P3.8 billion.

PAVI said in a statement it signed the implementing agreements for the acquisition of MCX after the Department of Public Works and Highways in July approved the transfer of ownership of from Ayala Corp. to the Villar Group.

Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr. and Ayala Corp. president and chief executive Cezar Consing attended the signing ceremony at Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“This momentous event shows our resolve to provide our countrymen better services in the area of roads and toll ways. You’ll be surprised of the many wonderful things to come in Villar City,” Villar said.

MCX is a four-kilometer controlled-access toll road linking the southern part of Cavite to Muntinlupa. It is the first public-private partner project under the Aquino administration.

Ayala signed the 30-year concession agreement for the operation of MCX Expressway in 2012. It invested P2.2 billion for the project including a P902-million cash payment to the government.

Ayala announced in March 2022 it would sell its entire stake in MCX Project Company Inc., which holds the concession for the MCX to the Villar Group for P3.8 billion.

“Ayala developed MCX over a decade ago to connect Metro Manila to Imus, Dasmarinas and Bacoor in Cavite which were experiencing rapid growth. MCX succeeded in relieving traffic congestion and reducing the travel time between Metro Manila and Cavite. The sale of MCX represents another example of our recycling capital to benefit from opportunities in our core and emerging businesses,” Consing said.

The acquisition will further expand Villar Group investment portfolio which currently includes housing, retail, food, water, power, and utilities, to integrated resorts and entertainment.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be major changes regarding the MCX under the new owners? Do you constantly travel along the MCX?

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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Vloggers known for prank videos arrested in Las Piñas City

August 11, 2023August 8, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, police officers arrested vloggers known for organizing public pranks and publishing videos, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report. For reference, read my previous posts by clicking here and here.

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

Three vloggers who went viral for staging a kidnapping prank were arrested by authorities last August 1, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a report on Monday, the PNP said Las Piñas City Police Station arrested vloggers Mark Heroshi San Rafael, Mark Lester San Rafael, and Eleazar Steven Fuentes after their video, which was uploaded last April 7 went viral and drew flak online.

The video was uploaded on the vloggers’ YouTube channel “Tukomi,” featuring one of its members buying food from several side street vendors and food stalls along Saging Street, Phase 2 in Barangay CAA, Las Piñas when suddenly a group of men onboard a vehicle seized him.

After the video went viral, PNP-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group Staff Sergeant Ronnie Conmigo lodged the complaint against the trio, which led to the issuance of a warrant of arrest by Judge Lynnette May Deloria-Manarang of Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 124.

For further insight, watch the mentioned April 7, 2023 Tukomi prank video below…

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 public pranks that involved acts of crime are very disturbing? Did the arrested vloggers organize a public prank in your local community over the last twelve months?

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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Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for general population allowed

August 10, 2023August 6, 2023carlocarrasco

More patients around the country can avail of the bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 as a result of the Department of Health’s (DOH) revision of its guidelines, according to a Manila Times news report. This developed as less than 50% of the initial batch of bivalent vaccines have been used on patients limited to health care workers and senior citizens.

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

THE general population can now be administered with Covid-19 bivalent vaccine after the Department of Health (DoH) issued revised guidelines on the updated jab.

A bivalent vaccine protects against both the original virus that causes Covid-19 and the Omicron variants.

In a memorandum dated July 10 but was released to the public only this week, the DoH said those under the A3 group, meaning persons with comorbidities and compromised immunity, can now receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine in hospitals and health facilities nationwide.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa added that the general public can also avail of bivalent vaccine, noting their decision stemmed from the slow consumption of the updated jab among the A1 (health care workers) and A2 (senior citizen) subgroups. He said only 38 percent of the 391,000 donated doses allotted for these groups were used.

“Because of that, we have decided to make it available to those who want to get vaccinated with the booster. We only decided on this last week as the uptake was slow,” Herbosa said in Filipino and English in a radio interview.

The government’s stock of donated bivalent vaccines are set to expire on July 31, with an extension date of August 30.

Herbosa said a person can only receive a bivalent vaccine four to six months after getting the second booster dose.

He added that the government is negotiating with the global Covax Facility for additional bivalent vaccine doses.

Pfizer, Herbosa said, has issued a certificate of product registration that would make the vaccine available in drugstores across the country, but the lack of local cold chain storage proves to be a hindrance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many people in your local community who have been wanting to get immunized with the bivalent vaccines?

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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