Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa congratulated local residents as well as a few coaches for achieving success in the concluded 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Cambodia, 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 congratulated residents who won at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Cambodia.
They are Annie Ramirez from Barangay Cupang, gold medalist, Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Newaza Nogi – 57 kg; Kaila Napolis of Barangay Poblacion, gold medalist, Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Newasa Gi – 52 kg; Gretel De Paz of Alabang, gold medalist, Kickboxing Low Kick – 56 kg; Shugen Nakano of Barangay Tunasan, silver medalist, Men’s Judo – 66 kg; Daryl John Mercado of Barangay Tunasan, bronze medalist, Men’s Judo-55 kg; and Keisei Nakano of Tunasan, bronze medalist, Judo Mixed Team Event.
Napolis won the Philippines’ first gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games.
The city government also commended coaches Jayson Senales of Barangay Tunasan, Philippine National Judo Team, and Kodo Nakano of Barangay Tunasan, Philippine National Judo Team.
The above report ended stating that Muntinlupa City has an existing ordinance in which financial rewards are granted to local athletes who win in international, nation, regional and local invitational competitions.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted to learn about the local residents who won medals for the country during the SEA Games in Cambodia?
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
Are you a Philippine resident who borrowed money from an online lending company and got threatened by them to push you into paying them back? Another company that lends money got raided by the police over complaints from clients who claimed they were threatened, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The raided company was located in Pasig City.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
An online lending company in Barangay San Miguel, Pasig City was raided by operatives of the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) on Tuesday, May 16, for allegedly threatening and harassing its customers who have failed to pay their loans.
The company was identified as Realm Shifters Business Process Outsourcing Services, located along Mercedes Avenue in Barangay San Miguel.
According to the Philippine Association of Loan Shark Victims Inc. (PALSVI), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping loan shark victims, the company is one of the many businesses operating online lending applications (OLA) that harass and threaten users for not paying their debts.
The PNP-ACG conducted the raid in response to the complaints made to their office from the victims of the OLA.
A warrant to search and seize computer data was served by the police to the company during the operation.
Digital forensic examinations to extract data and evidence from the computers, mobile phones, and other devices of the OLA agents are ongoing.
Other incidents of malpractice made by the company are also under further investigation by the police.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? How many people in your local community got harassed by an online lending firm recently?
In recent times, Jonathan Tan became the new Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and through his first public interview, he made clear to the people that he is prioritizing the ease of doing business and creating jobs in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Previously, Tan served as a mayor of Pandan in Antique.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
Jonathan Tan, the newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator, said he is prioritizing further streamlining in the processing of business permits of investors to ensure ease of doing business and create more jobs at the freeport.
In his first public interview at the Laging Handa Public Briefing as SBMA chief, Tan said he will further streamline business processes at the freeport in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to attract more foreign investors and create more jobs at the Subic Bay Freeport zone.
Tan, who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019, reported that he highlighted ease of doing business when he met with Subic investors, locators, and stakeholders during his first Townhall meeting Wednesday since he assumed office last week.
“My priority is ease of doing business to ensure faster processes of business permits,” he said telling around 1,000 SBMA stakeholders. He also vowed to make the Townhall Meeting a regular event to thresh out issues and address them faster.
He also vowed of a participatory governance as SBMA chief, promising to consult all Subic Freeport stakeholders and to treat them as partners.
He also mentioned of efforts to improve existing facilities like port rehabilitation as well as tieups with Department of Tourism and stakeholders with resorts. At present, he said, there are several tourist-related activities in Subic, including, water sports, environmental, and ecotourism.
On smuggling, Tan said he has always emphasized to do his best to minimize if not eliminate smuggling in partnership with the Bureau of Customs.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think that the new SBMA chief and his team will be able to make improvements on the business environment of the Freeport?
In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government will provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests to specific and qualified patients, 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 provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests to endorsed patients and beneficiaries of the Kalingang Munti Action Center (KMAC), a one-stop shop for the public in availing frontline services.
The Muntinlupa City Council approved Resolution 2023-238 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Medical Center Muntinlupa Inc., to provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests.
“We definitely welcome this development as this enables the city government to address the problem of breast cancer head-on. By early detection, we hope to save many families from the heartbreak of losing mothers and women family members to an otherwise preventable disease,” said Biazon.
Under the agreement, the city government will shoulder the cost of the tests of patients and target beneficiaries identified by KMAC and verified by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think this new development will somehow make a positive impact with local patients?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government hosted a pretty significant event related to public service which was the first leg of the 2023 Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) caravan of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. In return, the City government received a plaque of appreciation from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) awarded the city government of Las Piñas with a plaque of appreciation for hosting the first leg of the 2023 Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) caravan of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 10.
The plaque of appreciation was received by Vice- Mayor April Aguilar and Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Paul San Miguel during the Monday regular flag raising ceremony held at the Las Piñas City Hall quadrangle on May 15.
The PIA gave the Las Piñas city government a plaque of appreciation for its unwavering and invaluable support to the “Nagkaka1sang Bumabangon: The 2023 Pre-SONA Caravan.”
The Pre-SONA caravan is an initiative of the Philippine government to gather feedback and insights from various sectors of society for President Marcos’ upcoming SONA and to extend the services of different agencies in the key sectors of health, security, and social welfare development.
The city government said booths were set-up by various government agencies during the caravan which was held at the Verdant covered court.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? How do you feel about your city being involved in the pre-SONA caravan?
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
In relation to this, the Philippine multisport team members arrived home victorious. Welcomed at the airport were Fer Casares the Men’s Triathlon gold medalist, Kim Mangrobang the Women’s Duathlon gold medalist and Women’s Triathlon Silver Medalist, Andrew Kim Remolino the Men’s Aquathlon silver medalist and Men’s Triathlon bronze medalist, and the members of the Mixed Aquathlon 4X Team Relay champions Erika Burgos, Iñaki Emil Lorbes and Matthew Justine Hermosa. Given the back-to-back SEA Games victories they each achieved, Casares is the reigning King of Triathlon in Southeast Asia while Mangrobang is the reigning Queen of Duathlon of the region.
Image of the Philippine multisport team who won medals at the 32nd SEA Games posted on social media by the Manila Bulletin. (photo credit: Manila Bulletin)
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA sports news story. Some parts in boldface…
Fernando Casares is hoping for the best when he competes at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.
The Filipino-Spanish triathlete successfully defended his Southeast Asian Games title in Cambodia last Monday and while he is determined to make an impressive debut in China, getting a podium finish would be hard.
“The level is incredibly high, probably not,” said Casares in an interview Wednesday afternoon. “I would love to achieve Top 10 but I’m aware of the level.”
He clocked 58 minutes and 33.5 seconds to claim victory in Cambodia, beating Indonesian Rashif Yaqin (58:47) in the 750m swim-20km bike-5km run men’s event at the Kep Beach Resort.
Cebuano Andrew Kim Remolino placed third in 59:53 to settle for the bronze, his second medal following a silver finish in the men’s aquathlon on May 6.
“Obviously my main goal was to win the gold medal in triathlon since I already won in the last SEA Games in Vietnam, the issue was that this time, the distance was sprint, not standard, so the level was going to be more equal. Throughout the race, I wasn’t very sure if I was going to win because the gap between the lead pack and us (Kim Remolino and me) was considerably big after the swim, but we did an amazing job on the bike, closing the gap that much that we almost caught the lead pack before reaching T2 (20″ gap). As soon as I started running, I knew I was going to get a podium because I knew very well my rivals, however, I wasn’t sure if I could get the gold since Remolino and the guy from Indonesia were the fastest runners along with me,” said Casares, who was born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother.
“It took me 2.5km to overtake the leader and once I reached kilometer 3.75, I knew I would win because there was a considerable gap. But unfortunately, I started to feel dizzy because I was going all out, as if I was going to bonk, so it was quite stressing until the last 100m because I didn’t know if the Indonesian was going to sprint on the last part,” he added.
“Achieving this victory means everything to me, all the hard work I’ve been doing for months paid off, now I’ll be able to keep training as a full-time athlete, thanks to the salary I’ll keep receiving from the government, which is quite a relief,” he said.”But the best feeling about winning the gold medal is the supportive messages I receive from my kababayan (countrymen), it’s quite comforting to make everyone proud and to raise our flag to the top.”
Meanwhile, Casares will leave for Osaka, Japan next week with three-time SEA Games women’s champion Kim Mangrobang. They will compete in the Asia Cup set on May 26.
“It’ll be good to get some points for my international ranking. After Osaka, my plan is to go back to Spain to make the most of its weather, since it’ll be summer by then. There’s so many high-level national races that I can join, and even Europe Cups and World Cups. All these will be my preparation for the Asian Games,” said Casares, who joined two tournaments in New Zealand — Oceania Cup in Taupo, and World Cup in New Plymouth — as part of his training for the SEA Games.
Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) President Tom Carrasco had earlier predicted three gold medals.
Aside from Casares, the other gold medalists were Mangrobang (duathlon) and the mixed aquathlon relay team of Erika Burgos, Inaki Lorbes, Kira Ellis and Matthew Hermosa.
Mangrobang also got a silver medal in the triathlon, clocking (1:07:21) to finish second behind Cambodian naturalized entry Margot Garabedian (1:05.34). Singapore’s Louisa Marie Middleditch was third (1:07:24).
The Philippines leads the SEA Games all-time medal tally in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon, with 35 medals — 15 golds, 12 silvers and 8 bronzes.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a triathlon enthusiast, are you looking forward to the next overseas campaigns of the Philippine team triathletes? What is your opinion about Cambodia’s move on having more competitive foreign athletes naturalized as part of their strategy to win events in the SEA Games that they themselves have been hosting?
Recently in Parañaque City, police officers arrested a Chinese national who shouted at them and poked a replica gun at them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened at a police checkpoint in Barangay Tambo and the suspect drove a Volkswagen.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese man was arrested for brandishing his gun at policemen who were manning a checkpoint in Parañaque City on Tuesday, May 9.
Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, identified the suspect as Hao Lu, 28.
Based on the report submitted by Ocampo to the Southern Police District, Lu was arrested at around 1:40 a.m. along Bradco Avenue, Barangay Tambo.
Ocampo said members of the Tambo police Sub-Station were manning a checkpoint when they flagged down a white Volkswagen Sedan with plate number NCJ-4472 being driven by the suspect for security check.
He said the suspect shouted at the policemen and poked his .45 caliber pistol at them.
The city police chief said that during verification, the policemen found out that the gun was only a replica of a .45 caliber pistol.
Ocampo said the suspect also failed to show his driver’s license and documents to prove that he was the owner of the vehicle.
He said the replica gun was confiscated and the vehicle was impounded.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you concerned that there could be Chinese nationals living in your local community and might be contributing to the local crime incidents?
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
Recently in Parañaque City, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) crashed into a convenience store within Barangay Moonwalk, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Quite notably, the said vehicle was allegedly driven by a minor.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A sports utility vehicle allegedly being driven by a 15-year-old boy crashed and landed inside a convenience store in Parañaque City on May 6.
According to a police report, a certain Mr. Esplana was traversing along Armstrong Avenue in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City and was about to park in front of the 7-11 convenience store.
Esplana reportedly lost control of the vehicle, crashed the facade of the convenience store, and ended up inside.
Reports showed that Barangay Moonwalk personnel immediately responded to the scene and brought the injured Esplana to the Parañaque Doctor’s Hospital for treatment.
The store manager identified as a certain Mr. Lacorte also suffered an injury and was brought to the E. Zarate Hospital for treatment.
Police said due to the accident, assorted merchandise, the aluminum glass door and walls, and store racks were damaged.
For added insight, posted below is a related YouTube video from GMA Integrated news.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, do you still remember how many vehicles crashed into convenience stores?
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
As the number of new cases of COVID-19 infection continues to rise here in the Philippines, OCTA Research announced that the positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Covid-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, but the 25 percent initial projection will not be reached, said OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David on Tuesday, May 9.
David noted that only a “slight” increase in the current Covid-19 positivity rate was observed in Metro Manila, which could indicate that the “increasing trend is slowing down.”
“Metro Manila’s seven-day positivity rate increased slightly to 22.9 percent as of May 7, 2023. It was at 17.8 percent on April 30,” David said.
“The increasing trend is slowing down, and the peak could happen within the next week or so. The positivity rate could also miss the 25 percent mark,” he pointed out.
On May 8, David said that the increasing Covid-19 cases, driven by the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, may begin to decline “hopefully by late May or June.”
Positivity rate refers to the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19.
The benchmark for the positivity rate set by the World Health Organization is 5 percent.
The Department of Health on Monday reported 1,545 new Covid-19 cases across the country, of which 677 cases were recorded in Metro Manila.
He said the country’s current positivity rate was down to 18.8 percent on May 8, from 19.9 percent on May 7.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did the recent increase of COVID-19 infection impact your living or your livelihood? Have been wearing a face mask more often over the past two weeks? Were you approached by members of the anti-vaccine community recently?
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
Recently in Parañaque City, local law enforcers rescued over forty foreign women who were illegally detained by seven foreign individuals, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects have since been charged for illegal detention as well as anti-trafficking.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Operatives of the Southern Police District (SPD) successfully rescued 43 Indonesian and Malaysian women who were illegally detained by seven suspects on Saturday, May 6, in Parañaque City.
According to SPD Director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Brion Kraft, among the rescued women, 40 were Indonesian and three were Malaysian.
Kraft identified the suspects as Ong Kok Siang, 31, a Malaysian national; Guo Jinxie, 32, Zhangxiao Feng, 34, Loi Shing-Hung (alias Jerry Wang and Lou Xing Hong), 31, all Chinese nationals; Michael Aodi, 28, Chalvin Nashua Abetnego, 24 and Joppy, 40, all Indonesian nationals.
The rescue operation was conducted at around 5:30 a.m. in a building in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
Kraft said members of the District Special Operations Unit, Parañaque police substation 2 conducted the rescue operation after an official from the Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia coordinated with the police.
He said the rescued victims were immediately brought to the SPD District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) for documentation.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you concerned that there could be foreigners illegally detaining other foreigners within the city?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 