journalism – Page 79 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Over 500,000 foreign tourists counted since the borders were reopened

June 1, 2022May 30, 2022carlocarrasco

If you are looking for encouraging news about our country and its struggle to rise up from the COVID-19 crisis, be aware that more than half a million foreign visitors have been counted since the Philippines reopened its borders months ago, according to a recent news report by BusinessWorld.

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

FOREIGN VISITORS have totaled 517,516 as of May 25, since the reopening of borders with minimal quarantine requirements in February, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT).

The DoT said in a statement that the US was the top source of arrivals between Feb. 10 and May 25 with 104,589, followed by South Korea with 28,474 arrivals, and Canada 24,337.

“Australian nationals, British, and Japanese were next on the list with 23,286; 20,846; and 13,373 respectively,” the DoT said.

“Other foreign visitors during the early months of the year include Vietnamese, Singaporeans, Malaysians, Italians, Irish and French,” it added.

On Feb. 10, the Philippines started accepting nationals that do not require visas to enter the country. Since April 1, borders have been opened to all nationals.

“The DoT is looking forward to an uptick in tourist arrivals in the coming weeks following the further easing of entry requirements,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Starting May 30, the DoT said fully vaccinated and boostered inbound foreign visitors will no longer be required to have a pre-departure test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The looser entry rules are authorized by Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 168.

However, the DoT said arriving passengers are still encouraged to obtain travel insurance. All types of vaccination certificates, regardless of country of origin, will also be accepted.

“Based on the resolution, the visitor must be at least 18 years old and must have received the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and at least one booster shot,” the DoT said.

For the newcomers reading this, more tourists from overseas means better opportunities for local businesses to make more money and recover whatever losses they had as a result of lockdowns and quarantine-related business restrictions. Tourism-related businesses like hotels, resorts and connected transportation and food-and-beverage services badly need the spending of foreign visitors.

In relation to this tourism industry development, be aware that there were foreign participants in the recent Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) which was a big sports even that attracted hundreds of participants on May 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Speaking of the said location, I personally saw lots of hotels, restaurants (note: read my feature articles about Gourmet Garage Subic and Xtremely Xpresso), stores and other leisure facilities that operated as if the country is back in the pre-pandemic days. The more foreign tourists coming in plus the more local tourists engage in holidays, special events and travel in the country, the better it will be for local businesses to recover (plus pay their fees, taxes and keeping their hard-working employees longer) and the nation as a whole. I believe that the Philippines will continue to rise socially and economically from the pandemic.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this tourism-related development? Do you believe the Philippines will be able to attract 2 million foreign tourists by the end of 2022? Do you run a business that catered to foreign tourists?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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/

SCTEX toll rates increase

May 31, 2022May 28, 2022carlocarrasco

If you are planning to visit Subic Bay, Tarlac Province or Clark via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), you will have to set aside more money for traveling as the toll rates will be raised tomorrow already, according to details in a recent GMA Network news report. This is the result of the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) approval of the toll rate adjustment for SCTEX.

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

Motorists plying the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) may need to brace themselves against higher fees after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) approved the toll rate adjustment, operator North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation said Saturday.

In a statement, NLEX Corp. said the TRB authorized the implementation of an additional P0.78 per kilometer for motorists using the SCTEX.

The adjusted toll rates will take effect starting June 1, 2022.

Under the new toll matrix, motorists with Class 1 vehicles traveling between Mabalacat City to Tarlac will be charged an additional P31.00.

Those with Class 2 vehicles traveling on the same route will pay an additional P61.00 while motorists with Class 3 vehicles will pay an additional P92.00.

Meanwhile, an additional P49.00, P98.00, and P147.00 will be charged on motorists using Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles, respectively, traveling between Mabalacat City and Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan which is near the Subic Freeport.

NLEX Corp. said the toll hike followed regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review. The increase also confirmed the periodic rate adjustments due in 2017.

“To support the public utility buses (PUBs) cope with the adjustment, they will be provided toll subsidies and allow them to continue to enjoy the old rates for the next three months,” the company said.

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority is the builder and owner of the four-lane 93.7 kilometer SCTEX. The construction was partly funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

SCTEX opened to the public in 2008 and the management, operations and maintenance was privatized and awarded to NLEX Corp. in 2015.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about the approved toll rate adjustment for SCTEX? Does this discourage you from using the SCTEX to visit Subic Bay or Clark or other places connected to the said expressway?

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 Subic Bay related articles, read my Gourmet Garage Subic feature, my Xtremely Xpresso feature and articles about the 2022 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) here, here and here.

Muntinlupa City’s recipients of 2nd booster shots more than double

May 31, 2022May 29, 2022carlocarrasco

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the number of patients who received 2^nd booster shots for COVID-19 had more than doubled over the initial count, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Specifically speaking, the 2^nd booster shots recipients jumped from over 1,400 to more than 3,000.

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

The number of people who have received their second booster shot in Muntinlupa City has increased to more than 3,400.

Data from the City Health Office (CHO) showed that as of May 21, a total of 3,425 individuals got their second booster shot or fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

This is an increase of 2,002 individuals or 140.6 percent from 1,423 who were given the fourth dose as of May 21.

Of the 3,425, Barangay Putatan posted the highest number of recipients with 688 followed by Ayala Alabang with 606; Alabang, 377; Cupang, 348; Tunasan, 315; Poblacion, 216; Sucat, 177; Bayanan, 121; Buli, 25; and 552 unclassified.

Among the 12-to-17-year-old population in Muntinlupa, 40,157 have been fully vaccinated or 71.08 percent of the total population of 56,499.

The CHO also reported that 15,085 minors aged five to 11 are now fully vaccinated or 22.12 percent of the total population of 68,198.

To date, 498,153 individuals in Muntinlupa are fully vaccinated, or 112.57 percent of the target population of 442,517. The target population is 80 percent of the total population of 553,146.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier allowed the giving of the second booster shots using the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines four months after the first booster shot to immunocompromised individuals, frontline health workers (A1) aged 18 and above, and senior citizens (A2) aged 60 and above.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about the rise of patients who received their 2^nd booster shots? Do you believe that the COVID-19 vaccination and boosting have made a solid impact on making people more resistant from COVID-19? Do the news about the highly infectious Omicron sub-variant in our country compel you to get fully vaccinated or boosted? Do you think that the anti-vaccine fanatics movement in our country are deceiving people from getting immunized? Did you notice that anti-vaccine believers often claim they are “not anti-vaccine” and still go on to condemn vaccinations and attack the local authorities behind vaccination efforts?

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Suspects behind Las Piñas City abduction attempt arrested

May 30, 2022May 28, 2022carlocarrasco

Last week in the city of Las Piñas, an attempted abduction of a lady happened which was captured on CCTV. Fortunately for the lady who was actually grabbed by a male to enter the vehicle driven by a partner, the abduction attempt failed as her screams for help caught of the attention of some people, including motorcyclists. The lady was let free and the suspects’ car went away. Subsequently, the two individuals involved in the abduction attempt were arrested by the local police by means of a follow-up operation, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

A woman successfully fended off a man who tried to drag her into a vehicle in Las Piñas City on Wednesday evening.

CCTV footage shows the man standing by the open door of a vehicle, then grabbing the woman as she is walking past and trying to shove her into the car.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the woman was able to pull herself away, while her screams alerted nearby diners and motorcycle riders.

“Yung rider sumigaw ng ‘hoy!’ At saka ‘yung sigaw ng babae ang lakas din at tatlong beses yata nagsisigaw. Eh sakto, kumakain kami dito. Tinakbo namin,” said Michael Reyes, who was nearby.

(One of the riders shouted, ‘Hoy!’ And then the woman was also shouting loudly, around three times. Fortunately, we were just eating here, so we ran to her.)

“Namumutla siya sa… parang na-trauma dun sa nangyari,” Arwin Cadayday, another witness, said.

(She had turned pale… as if she was traumatized by what had happened.)

The Las Piñas City Police arrested two suspects after tracing the vehicle through its license plate. Inside, they found a gun, ammunition, and a grenade.

One of the suspects, Leonard Alfaro, claimed their only motive was to rob the woman of her cellphone and some money.

The other suspect, George Caragdag Jr., claimed not to have known what Alfaro was going to do.

“Hindi ko naman alam na ganoon ang gagawin niya—mang-hold-up, maghahanap ng bata,” he said.

(He said he was just looking for money, so I let him in the car. I didn’t know he would do that—do a hold-up, look for a child.)

However, Las Piñas City Police chief Police Colonel Jaime does not believe the alibi of the suspects.

“Bakit mo i-abduct kung kukunin mo ang pera?” Jaime stated.

(Why would you try to abduct the woman if you were only going to take her money?)

The above report ended stating that based on police records, the two suspects were previously arrested and detained for a different case. The said suspects will be charged for attempted abduction.

Posted below is the Tagalog-language news video of GMA Network.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, how do you feel about this recent development? Do you believe the alibi of one of the arrested suspects that his only motive on abducting the lady was to get her money and mobile phone? Do you believe the other suspect who claimed that he was not aware what his partner was going to do?

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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Foreign fugitives arrested in Las Piñas City

May 26, 2022May 23, 2022carlocarrasco

Two persons from South Korea wanted in their nation for alleged fraud were recently apprehended by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Las Piñas City, 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…

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested two South Koreans who are wanted in their country for alleged fraud during a follow-up operation in Las Piñas City.

They were identified as Seol Kwangsu, 33, and Han Haneul, 28. They were arrested on at around 10 p.m. on May 19 in Barangay Almanza Dos.

“Both individuals are listed in the Interpol Red Notice for the alleged crime committed in their home country,” said Police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police.

Danao said the operation was based on the information shared by the Korean Desk and Fugitive Search Unit of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) launched the operation in Barangay Almanza Dos and arrested the foreign nationals who were accused of Fraud.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that foreign fugitives could be living within 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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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/

COVID-19 Crisis: 2nd booster shot recipients in Muntinlupa City exceed 1,400

May 26, 2022May 25, 2022carlocarrasco

With the news that the more contagious Omicron subvariant is already present in the Philippines, the need to get vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 is becoming more urgent. Did any anti-vaccine crazies tried to mislead you from getting vaccinated or boosted? Regardless, in the City of Muntinlupa, it was announced that more than 1,400 people have received their 2^nd booster shots (AKA the 4^th shot after two doses of most COVID-19 vaccines and one dose as the booster) according to a recent Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has administered second booster shots to more than 1,400 individuals.

The Department of Health (DOH) has allowed the administration of second booster shots using Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines to immunocompromised individuals, frontline health workers (A1) aged 18 and above, and senior citizens (A2) aged 60 and above.

Data from the City Health Office (CHO) showed that as of May 21, a total of 1,423 individuals have received their second booster shot or fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Of the total, 458 are from Barangay Ayala Alabang, 177 from Putatan, 142 from Alabang, 113 from Tunasan, 66 from Poblacion, 58 from Cupang, 35 from Sucat, 18 from Bayanan, four from Buli, and 352 unclassified.

According to the DOH, the second booster shot is given four months after the first booster dose.

“The second booster for our health workers and senior citizens will enhance protection given by the first booster and the primary series against all variants, including the recent Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1. said Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire.

To date, 134,116 individuals in Muntinlupa have received their first booster shot, equivalent to 30.31 percent of the target population of 443,517.

Of the target population, 497,157 are now fully vaccinated, or 112.35 percent of the total.

Anyone in Muntinlupa City who needs to get vaccinated or boosted should contact the MunCoVac via https://www.facebook.com/MunCoVac/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are there people in your local community who were boosted already and are eager or interested to get their 2^nd booster shot? Have you verified with MunCoVac if you are qualified for the 2^nd booster shot? Also, did you notice that people who oppose vaccination often make big claims like “I am not anti-vaccine” and still went on to rant negatively about vaccines and boosters? Have you encountered a local movement of anti-vaccine fanatics lately both in person and online?

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-based SEA Games medalists congratulated by incoming Mayor Ruffy Biazon

May 26, 2022May 25, 2022carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, the 31^st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31^st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) hosted by Vietnam is over and the Philippines won 52 gold medals (including three from triathlon and duathlon) to finish 4^th overall in the medal standings. In Muntinlupa City, Mayor-elect Ruffy Biazon congratulated the SEA Games medalists based in the city, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa mayor-elect and outgoing Rep. Ruffy Biazon congratulated six athletes who won at the recently concluded 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

“Congratulations sa mga Muntinlupeño athletes na lumahok at nagwagi sa 31st SEA Games! (Congratulations to Muntinlupeño athletes who joined and won at the 31st SEA Games!),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

They are Annie Ramirez, who won a gold medal in Jiu-jitsu Women’s 62 kg.; Shugen Nakano, gold medal, Judoka Men’s 66 kg.; Rose Ann Marie Robles, gold medal, Grindsky Esports (LOL: Wild Rift – Women Team Event); Carlo Biado, gold medal, Men’s 10-Ball Pool Singles Event, and silver medal, Men’s 9-Ball Pool Singles Event; Keisei Nakano, silver medal, Judo Men’s 73 kg.; and Daryl John Mercado, silver medal, Judo Men’s 55 kg.

“Thank you for bringing pride to our country and city!” added Biazon.

The Philippines ended its campaign at the 31st SEA Games in fourth place overall with 52 gold medals, 70 silvers and 104 bronze medals for a total haul of 226.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are you happy to learn about local residents who represented our country in the 31^st SEA Games came home as medalists? Do you think that more Muntinlupa-based athletes will represent our country in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia?

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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Las Piñas City Government congratulates local resident who won a SEA Games gold medal

May 25, 2022May 23, 2022carlocarrasco

While the 31^st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Vietnam has officially closed with the Philippines finishing 4^th place overall with 52 gold medals won, the praise of medalists on the local level continued as the City Government of Las Piñas congratulated Jocel Lyn Ortiz Ninobla for winning the gold medal, the Manila Bulletin reported (quoting Mayor Imelda Aguilar). Specifically speaking, Ninobla topped the women’s individual poomsae during the SEA Games.

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

The Las Piñas government congratulated a daughter of the city, Jocel Lyn Ortiz Ninobla, for winning the gold medal in the individual female poomsae at the South East Asian (SEA) Games held in Vietnam.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed pride in Ninobla, a resident of Talon Dos and a true Las Piñero, for winning the gold medal and giving pride to the city.

Aguilar said Ninobla also won a gold medal in the same category in the 2019 SEA Games.

The mayor said Ninobla won silver award in the 2018 World Championship in Taipei, a gold medal in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, a gold medal in the 2021 World Daedo Champs, and a silver award in the 2021 Asian Championship held in Lebanon.

Aguilar said Ninobla also won a bronze medal in the 2021 World Taekwondo Online championship, a gold medal in the 2021 World Mastership championship, a bronze medal in the Asian Taekwondo Online championship, a silver award in the 2021 and 2022 World Taekwondo Poomsae challenge, and the latest gold medal in the female poomsae at the SEA games in Vietnam.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, how do you feel about a fellow local resident like Ninobla winning the SEA Games gold in her sport? Does Ninobla’s achievement inspire you to get into sports someday? Do you believe that there could be more Las Piñas residents among the many Philippine team athletes who won medals in the recent SEA Games?

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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Parañaque City drug den raided, suspects arrested

May 25, 2022May 24, 2022carlocarrasco

This past weekend in the City of Parañaque, law enforcers raided a drug den and arrested six suspects, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The same report stated that hundreds of thousands of pesos worth of illegal drugs were confiscated. Take note that in early May, the city’s mayor declared almost all of the barangays were drug-free.

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

Members of the Southern Police District (SPD) Drug Enforcement Unit raided a drug den in Parañaque City that led to the arrest of six suspects and confiscation of P408,000 worth of shabu on Sunday, May 22.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said the drug den maintainer was identified as Kaliman Midtimbang,31, who was tagged by the police as a high value individual (HVI). He was arrested together with five other suspects: Datupuwa Kanapia Datumantang, 32, also an HVI; Frederick Bautista, 23; Alfredo Cinco Montilla, 67; Sarah Jane Lumabao, 27; and Nadeen Junio Pedragoa, 25, all tagged as street level individuals (SLI).

Macaraeg said the suspects were arrested around 9:20 p.m. inside the drug den located along Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

He said members of the SPD-DEU first conducted a buy-bust operation against Midtimbang and the team immediately raided the drug den after a poseur buyer was able to buy shabu from the suspect.

The SPD chief said the raiding team also found Datumantang distributing plastic sachets of shabu to other suspects to be sold to prospective buyers.

Macaraeg said the SPD-DEU team was able to confiscate from the suspects 16 sachets containing about 60 grams of shabu worth P408,000, and the P500 buy-bust money.

He said the arrested suspects were brought to the SPD custodial facility and were charged in violation of Section 5, 6 and 11 under Art II of RA 9165.

The confiscated shabu was brought to the SPD Forecsic Laboratory for chemical analysis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? Do you believe Parañaque will remain a hot spot for illegal drugs no matter what the city government officials say? Do you expect serious changes in the local war against drugs will happen once the newly elected local officials take over?

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’s 4th most wanted criminal arrested in Barangay Cupang

May 24, 2022May 23, 2022carlocarrasco

Within the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the 4^th most wanted criminal (note: wanted for rape) was apprehended by local law enforcers in Barangay Cupang, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

Muntinlupa City’s No. 4 most wanted person for rape was arrested by the police on May 22.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Rainier Ayo, 19, construction worker, who is classified by the police as the No. 4 most wanted person in the second quarter of 2022.

According to the Muntinlupa police, Ayo was arrested by personnel from the Warrant and Subpoena Unit at about 4:30 p.m. in Sitio Tuklas in Barangay Cupang.

The suspect was nabbed based on a warrant of arrest with a bail of P120,000 issued by Presiding Judge Wehrly Gutierrez Mendez of the Muntinlupa Family Court Branch 8 for the crime of rape by sexual assault under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code under case 22-224 dated March 7, 2022.

Ayo was brought to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa for medical and physical exam before he was turned over to the Muntinlupa police’s custodial facility.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, does this newest achievement by the local police make you feel safer? Do you consider rape a serious crime in Muntinlupa?

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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