This past weekend, the annual Megarahe Sale of Alabang Hills Village resumed – fully titled as “Megarahe Sale & Kids Bazaar, Ukay-Okay!” – with the local community center as the venue. I visited the Megarahe Sale twice last weekend and I can confirm that it was a lively event as it attracted a lot of sellers who displayed a wide variety of items, and several buyers arrived and searched. There were also some really nice bargains on display. Take note that this is the first Megarahe Sale to be held in the last few years as the COVID-19 pandemic set everyone back.
A lot of sellers, customers and products during the Megarahe Sale in Alabang Hills this past weekend.
Some products on display.
For the newcomers reading this, the Megarahe Sale is Alabang Hills’ special community event held annually giving the local residents opportunities to sell goods to customers (including visitors who are able to enter the village with valid car stickers issued by the Alabang Hills Village Association) with a single, wide, and comfortable venue that can accommodate a lot of people.
As the name Megarahe shows, it is in concept a collective garage sale with the community in mind. More on the garage sale aspect, AHVA’s annual event spares local residents from having to go through all the trouble of organizing garage sales in their respective homes.
As I mentioned before, the return of Megarahe Sale is a very welcome development in line with the gradual normalization of life. Slowly but surely, people, communities, churches and businesses are recovering from the tremendous setback of COVID-19. At the same time, people nowadays are more educated about COVID-19, they got vaccinated or boosted for improved protection from COVID-19, and the national government already declared the optional use of face masks outdoors. Of course, lots of people have gotten sick and tired of spending so much time at home since the first COVID-19 lockdown started more than two years ago and this in turn fueled their desire to move out, go around and do their activities freely. In my opinion, the Megarahe Sale’s return is a blessing and the AHVA should be commended.
Customers checking out the items for sale.
Missing out on community events like this means missing out on bargains.
Megarahe Sale this year could inspire other residential communities and commercial joints in South Metro Manila to host or organize more community events as the Christmas season gets closer. I have fond memories attending in 2019 the BF HomeSarap food fair in BF Homes (specifically BF NorthWest), the Village Food Fair 2 at Madison Galeries, and Mardi Gras Bazaar 3 also at Madison Galeries. Also a few years ago, I attended a pre-Christmas bazaar inside Alabang Hills Village before the pandemic happened, and I wonder if the AHVA will be organizing a new one this year.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you were able to visit the Megarahe Sale in Alabang Hills this past weekend, what do you think about the event? Were you able to find and buy something? Did you take advantage of the bargains? Do you hope to see the Alabang Hills Village Association organize a pre-Christmas bazaar this November or December for your Christmas shopping needs?
For inquiries about Alabang Hills Village, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call their association at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village. Be aware also of the recent in-village traffic adjustments.
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 the progressive City of Muntinlupa, more than thirty foreigners who were employed by a certain Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) were rescued by local authorities and other parties at Barangay Alabang, 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…
A Malaysian and 33 other foreign nationals working at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) company in Muntinlupa were rescued by authorities on Wednesday, Sept. 28.
The Malaysian Royal Police, Southern Police District (SPD) Special Operations Unit, District Intelligence Division (DID), District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB), and Muntinlupa City Police Station conducted a joint operation that led to the rescue of Soh Teck Koung, a Malaysian national, and 33 others at a POGO company located at Dexin 999 Building, Montillano St., Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa.
One Chinese national, identified by the police as Qian Jing, 35, was arrested as a suspect during the operation.
According to the police, Soh Teck Koung works at the POGO company and his employer withheld his salary, deprived him of his liberty, and did not allow him to go outside the building.
They added that the suspect repeatedly threatened Soh Teck Koung if he would report to the authorities.
Soh Teck Koung called his mother in Malaysia for help, saying he was in danger. The mother contacted Malaysian authorities who coordinated with the Philippine police.
Upon verification, the POGO company was not able to present a business permit from the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of the Muntinlupa City government.
As you can see in the above story, this trend about multiple foreigners getting trapped and abused by their POGO employers here in the Philippines is very disturbing. Think about this carefully – foreigners who arrived here in the Philippines for economic opportunities became prisoners and/or slave laborers in secretive ways under their employers.
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 that there could be more POGOs in the city that became abusive with their employees and trapped them? Could there be a POGO near you where crimes are being committed behind the scenes?
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 the progressive City of Muntinlupa, more than four hundred local residents have gained temporary employment thanks to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the City Government, 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…
More than 400 Muntinlupa residents were given the chance to work for two weeks under the government’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
This was made possible through the initiative of Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which implements TUPAD.
A total of 451 beneficiaries recently underwent TUPAD orientation at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan that was attended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon and City Administrator Allan Cachuela, who gave messages for the workers.
Each TUPAD beneficiary will work for half a day for 14 days and will earn P570 per day or a total of P7,980, courtesy of Rep. Fresnedi’s social assistance fund.
The TUPAD program provides emergency employment opportunities for displaced or disadvantaged workers for at least 10 but not more than 30 days.
The above report ended stating that the work under TUPAD may cover social community projects such as repair or maintenance of public facilities, rehabilitation of public roads and bridges, or agro-forestry activities such as tree planting and reforestation
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this new development?
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 twenty-nine foreigners were rescued by the police and social workers in Parañaque and all of them are employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report with content translated into English. Some parts in boldface…
A total of 29 foreigners who purportedly became victims of human trafficking were rescued in Parañaque City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Friday.
In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said 23 Myanmar nationals and six Chinese nationals were rescued by the police and social workers in an operation in Barangay Tambo at around 5 p.m. Thursday.
Investigation revealed that the victims are all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) employees of the MOA Cloud Zone Corporation located at the NexGen Tower along C-4 Road, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Extension in Pasay City.
The rescue operation stemmed from the referral of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) after two Myanmar nationals were turned over to them by lawyer Mark Ronquillo of Brickhartz Technology Incorporated on Sept. 22.
On Sept. 27, the case and the two Myanmar victims (one male and one female) were referred by the AKG to the PNP’s Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) for further investigation.
The two victims also informed the investigators that a relative and other Myanmar nationals were left in the same company and are still being forced and exploited to work as online scammers, which resulted in the rescue operation.
The victims were recruited by a certain Chue Tiri Ngone a.k.a. “Christine”, a Myanmar national.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? Do you believe that there are still lots of places within Parañaque where foreigners and local people who worked for POGOs got trapped as prisoners or slave laborers?
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
Water service problems from Maynilad are nothing new to their customers based in Muntinlupa City and other places covered by their services. In relation to the said problems, Maynilad got fined by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) and a new round of rebates to customers has been confirmed, 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…
Maynilad Water Services Inc. was fined P9.26 million by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) for water service interruptions from May to July this year in Muntinlupa and other service areas.
In a statement, MWSS-RO chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty said, “Based on the evidence gathered by the MWSS RO in its investigation into the prevailing water supply conditions in the West Zone, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. was found to have breached its service obligation of ensuring the availability of an uninterrupted twenty-four (24) hour supply of water at seven (7) pounds per square inch (psi) minimum pressure for more than 15 days to connected customers in parts of Las Piñas City, Muntinlupa City, Parañaque City, and Cavite Province (Bacoor, Imus, Cavite, Noveleta, and Rosario).”
Based on its findings, the MWSS-RO passed a resolution “to impose a financial penalty on Maynilad in the amount of nine million two hundred sixty-four thousand three hundred fifty-eight pesos (PHP 9,264,358) for the continued water service interruptions within the Putatan Water Treatment Plant (PWTP) supply zone.”
The Putatan Water Treatment Plant is located in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa.
MWSS-RO said the penalty on Maynilad will be carried out through bill rebates that will be given to the water company’s affected customers by November.
“The nature, scope, and other details of the Rebate Program will further be discussed in October, during a Public Information Drive (PIDr) that will be conducted by the MWSS RO, in cooperation with Maynilad,” Ty said.
He added that “the MWSS RO has directed Maynilad to fast-track the implementation of its proposed mitigating measures to address the deteriorating raw water quality in Laguna Lake, and ensure the continuity of water supply within its Service Area.”
Last February, the MWSS-RO imposed a penalty of P63.97 million on Maynilad for implementing water service interruptions in the supply zone of the Putatan Water Treatment Plant from December 2021 to February 2022.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Maynilad customer, what is your reaction to this development? Were you one of the many customers who suffered from water service interruptions?
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
Welcome back, my readers and fellow Christians! In this newest edition of my Christian Music Appreciation (CMA) series, we will focus on The Coming King, another original worship song from New Life Music. For the newcomers reading this, the previous New Life Music worship songs I examined and analyzed were Touch From Heaven, Now I’m Alive and God of the Breakthrough.
If you want to discover and learn more about New Life Music, I encourage you to click here (Facebook page), here (Instagram) and here (YouTube). New Life Music is part of New Life Philippines whose main church is located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. To know more about New Life Philippines itself, visit https://newlife.ph/
Before getting into the analysis of the Biblical relevance of The Coming King, posted below for your reference are the lyrics composed by Kyle Ruelo, Chynna Cuna and MJ Malubay.
VERSE 1
The Son of God who’s seated on the throne
Abandoned all to make my heart His home
No sin and shame could ever separate
His love for me will always make a way
–
CHORUS
Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty
Worthy Worthy is the Lamb who overcomes
Glory, honor, power to the One
The King who was, who is, and is to come
–
VERSE 2
Jesus conquered death, He’s risen from the grave
Oh abundant life to us He freely gave
The King of kings and Lord of lords, He reigns
Oh Jesus is the name above all names
–
VERSE 3
In the moment that we hear the trumpets ring
Every eye behold the beauty of the King
With a joyful shout to Him the Church will sing
Jesus Christ, the King above all kings
–
To begin with, let’s take a close look at the lyrics of Verse 1 of the song: The Son of God who’s seated on the throne, Abandoned all to make my heart His home, No sin and shame could ever separate, His love for me will always make a way.
The above lines emphasize the authority of Lord Jesus who came to us here on Earth to save us, love us and lead us to salvation that only comes from the Heavenly Father. Knowing that, those who are spiritually lost must let go of their old lives come to Jesus, submit to Him, repent and establish a personal relationship with Him by becoming born again. With an established personal relationship with Him, there absolutely is no more room for sin nor shame nor darkness. We are meant to be very faithful to the Lord and to be living by His Word. As children of God, we are certified members of His family (the spiritual family) as well as citizens of His Kingdom. Learn from holy scriptures below…
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Matthew 28:18 (ESV)
When the Son of Man comes in His glory (His majesty and splendor), and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
Matthew 25:31 (AMPC)
And I heard every created thing in heaven and on earth and under the earth [in Hades, the place of departed spirits] and on the sea and all that is in it, crying out together, To Him Who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb be ascribed the blessing and the honor and the majesty (glory, splendor) and the power (might and dominion) forever and ever (through the eternities of the eternities)!
Revelation 5:13 (AMPC)
For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will [a]rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)
For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.
John 3:16 (TPT)
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 (ESV)
Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father except through union with me. To know me is to know my Father too.”
John 14:6 (TPT)
And every curse will be broken and no longer exist, for the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there in the city. His loving servants will serve him;
Revelation 22:3 (TPT)
Next, take a close look at the following lines of lyrics from the Chorus: Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty,Worthy Worthy is the Lamb who overcomes, Glory, honor, power to the One, The King who was, who is, and is to come.
The above lines explain that the holiness of the Lord God is true, absolute and eternal. He created all of us and we are meant to worship Him, glorify Him, execute His commands and spread His Word here on Earth so we can help the lost and unsaved souls find their ways to Him through His Son Lord Jesus who is the definitive savior. In relation to this worship song’s title, the coming or the return of Lord Jesus in this world is something we should already be prepared for. His coming has been declared long ago and there is no denying that preparing for it is essential because it means we will be with Lord Jesus Himself and with the Heavenly Father in His Kingdom. Learn from the holy scriptures below…
There is none holy like the Lord, there is none besides You; there is no Rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:2 (AMPC)
Come worship the Lord God wearing the splendor of holiness. Let everyone wait in wonder as they tremble in awe before him.
Psalms 96:9 (TPT)
And one called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”
Isaiah 6:3 (ESV)
And as I watched, all of them were singing with thunderous voices: “Worthy is Christ the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive great power and might, wealth and wisdom, and honor, glory, and praise!”
Revelation 5:12 (TPT)
My Father’s house has many dwelling places. If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you. And when everything is ready, I will come back and take you to myself so that you will be where I am.
John 14:2-3 (TPT)
“Behold, I come quickly! Wonderfully blessed is the one who carefully guards the words of the prophecy of this book!”
Revelation 22:7 (TPT)
Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last (the Before all and the End of all).
Revelation 22:12-13 (AMPC)
Next, take a close look at the following lines of lyrics from Verse 2: Jesus conquered death, He’s risen from the grave, Oh abundant life to us He freely gave, The King of kings and Lord of lords, He reigns, Oh Jesus is the name above all names.
The above lines emphasize further the undeniable power and eternal holiness of Jesus. The resurrection of Lord Jesus is victory over death and it symbolizes the hope and salvation that await those who are faithful to Him. As God’s only begotten Son sent to us here on Earth, Jesus is definitely the ultimate king of all kings, the lord who is always higher than all those other lords, and the one who rightfully deserves our glory, trust and praise. His resurrection strongly symbolizes God’s love and plan for us all. In return, we His children must live with unwavering faith in Him, honor Him always, remain grateful to Him and preach His Word while we are still here on Earth. Learn from the holy scriptures below…
“Martha,” Jesus said, “You don’t have to wait until then. I am the Resurrection, and I am Life Eternal. Anyone who clings to me in faith, even though he dies, will live forever. And the one who lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Then Martha replied, “Yes, Lord, I do! I’ve always believed that you are the Anointed One, the Son of God who has come into the world for us!”
John 11:25-27 (TPT)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 (ESV)
“I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father!”
John 14:12 (TPT)
Then Jesus came close to them and said, “All authority of the universe has been given to me. Now wherever you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (TPT)
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (NKJV)
Next, take a close look at the following lines of lyrics from Verse 3: In the moment that we hear the trumpets ring, Every eye behold the beauty of the King, With a joyful shout to Him the Church will sing, Jesus Christ, the King above all kings,
The above lines further the greatness and holiness of our Lord. They also serve as reminders that as His children, we are living in victory because of Lord Jesus. That being said, when we go to the local church on Sundays, we do it not because of tradition, not because of religion nor because of worldly influences, and not because of obligations. We go to the local church on Sunday to be with the spiritual family (His Family) and worship Him together (note: praise and music do come together), to hear the pastor teach His Word, and strengthen our personal relationships with Him. Learn from the holy scriptures below…
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power!
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness!
Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp!
Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes!
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
Psalm 150:1-6 (AMPC)
Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NASB)
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1 John 5:1-4 (ESV)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If you truly want to follow me, you should at once completely reject and disown your own life. And you must be willing to share my cross and experience it as your own, as you continually surrender to my ways. For if you choose self-sacrifice and lose your lives for my glory, you will continually discover true life. But if you choose to keep your lives for yourselves, you will forfeit what you try to keep. For even if you were to gain all the wealth and power of this world—at the cost of your own life—what good would that be? And what could be more valuable to you than your own soul? I, the Son of Man, will one day return with my messengers and in the splendor and majesty of my Father. And then I will reward each person according to what they have done. But I promise you, there are some standing here now who won’t experience death until they have witnessed the coming of the Son of Man in the presence and the power of the kingdom realm of God!”
Matthew 16:24-28 (TPT)
As for me, I will call upon God,
And the Lord shall save me.
Psalms 55:16 (NKJV)
Exalt the Lord our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the Lord our God is holy!
Psalm 99:9 (ESV)
Jesus commented, “Even more blessed are those who hear God’s Word and guard it with their lives!”
Luke 11:28 (MSG)
Very clearly, the New Life Music team were led by the Holy Spirit in composing The Coming King. Its lyrics are truly holy and anointed and the music is expectedly beautiful. The Coming King will surely motivate your hearts and move you to come closer to Lord Jesus and the Heavenly Father. As such, The Coming King is a worship song worthy of Sunday worship as well as church special events. The Coming King is a lively reminder of not just about the pending return of Lord Jesus here on Earth but also of His undeniable presence in the hearts of God’s children, His victory and His eternal holiness.
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. Sharing this Christian piece means spreading the good news of the Lord to others. It can help you save the unsaved and the lost souls out there. Also please consider making a donation to support my publishing of faith articles and CMAs.
In the City of Las Piñas, officials of the Municipality of Lingig (Surigao del Sur) led by their mayor Elmer Evangelio were hosted by the City Government. The result of the visit convinced Lingig to emulate Las Piñas City on governance, according to a Manila Standard news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard report. Some parts in boldface…
Local officials of Lingig town in Surigao del Sur have hinted they would emulate Las Piñas City as a role model for best practices in good governance.
Lingig Mayor Elmer Evangelio and other local officials of the town recently visited Las Piñas and were amazed with the hospitality afforded them by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar.
During the benchmarking held at the Excelsior Hotel last Friday, Evangelio and his team were also impressed with the presentation made by the Las Pinas City government in demonstrating its successfully implemented practices making Las Piñas a progressive and safe place to live in.
During the event, the local government presented the city’s 4K Programs (Kalusugan, Kalinisan, Kaayusan and Kaalaman) being implemented under the Aguilar administration to deliver better services to the people.
Under the Kalusugan program, the city government enforces a green card program being distributed to residents for their medication and hospitalization; vaccination for children, and free cataract surgery.
With this program, the city was recognized by the Department of Health for its outstanding performance in surpassing the 96 percent target wherein the number of vaccinated children reached 106 percent.
The Kalinisan program, on the other hand, has the clean and green project and the proper disposal solid waste in order to maintain cleanliness in the city.
The local government also received the Safe City Award on August 9 based on the outstanding performance of the local police that made Las Pinas a city with the least crime volume.
Mayor Aguilar disclosed that the city’s police force also recorded the highest number of arrested suspects for committed crimes.
She said law enforcers made the city a “safer” place to live in Metro Manila because of the police visibility and the conduct of checkpoints in coordination with community leaders.
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? Are you happy that your city proved to be a role model for municipalities from far-away provinces such as the Municipality of Lingig?
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 the City of Las Piñas, there is this ongoing legal battle between the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association, Inc. (BFRVHAI) and a group of residents led by Senator Cynthia Villar with regards to a certain bridge and access into the village in relation to the Las Piñas City Friendship Route (note: for the background of the conflict, click here). More recently, the Villar-led group gained temporary advantage in at the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (Las Piñas RTC), according to a Manila Standard news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard report. Some parts in boldface…
Officials of the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association, Inc. (BFRVHAI) lost another round in their legal fight with a group of like-minded Las Piñas residents led by Sen. Cynthia Villar over the opening of a particular street to the general public.
This developed after the Las Pinas Regional Trial Court (RTC) extended to 20 days ending on Oct. 9, 2022 its initial 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) issued on September 19 granted to Villar’s camp.
Meanwhile, the court set arguments for the issuance of a preliminary writ of injunction on Sept. 27-30.
The TRO as petitioned by Villar’s group prohibits the implementation of the new village traffic scheme whereby Onelia Jose St. inside the BF Resort Village (BFRV) would be open to the public as classified under the so-called Las Pinas Friendship Route.
Villar, a resident of BFRV since 1976, along with Rommel Dela Cruz and Virgilio Hernandez filed last Sept. 19 the petition for prohibition and mandamus with application for TRO and/or Preliminary Injunction against the BFRVHAI and its officers specifically Euan Rex Toralballa, Michael Roxas, and Angelo Ted Diesmos, among others.
“The Petition seeks to enjoin the respondents from enforcing the new BFRVHAI administration’s traffic scheme and instead comply with the local ordinances on Las Piñas Friendship Route,” said Villar.
“This include allowing Las Piñas City resident-holders of Friendship Route stickers to freely access and pass through the street, roads, avenues and thoroughfares declared to be part of the ‘Friendship Route’ in BFRV under the local ordinances,” she added.
The court found urgency issue a 72-hour TRO to prevent further damage, such as travel costs, productivity, wasted fuel and economic activity slow down to the city residents.
As early as 1995, the city government issued an ordinance directing developers and homeowners associations in Las Piñas to open and allow the public to freely use their streets as alternative routes (so called “Friendship Route”) to ease or decongest traffic along Alabang-Zapote Road and other main streets in Las Piñas, and imposing penalty for any violation.
The ordinance and the subsequent ordinances that followed, particularly City Ordinance No. 715 series of 2006, enumerated the specific streets and roads in every subdivision, village or compound that are covered by the “Friendship Route”.
The BFRV has ten such streets, including Onelia Jose that are part of the “Friendship Route”.
The controversy arose last July 24 after the newly-installed village administration posted security guards at the Onelia Jose St. who prevented Las Piñas resident-holders of the “Friendship” stickers to freely use the Onelia Jose St. that connects to the Zapote River Drive leading to CAVITEX and the bridge that leads to Bacoor, Cavite at a shorter distance.
Under the new traffic scheme implemented, non-BFRV residents, even if they are Las Piñas residents and holders of friendship stickers, will only be allowed entry and exit via Onelia Jose St. by BFRVHAI if they will buy BFRV sticker worth P2,500 per vehicle.
The move by the BFRVHAI’s new administration allegedly created confusion and protests from many Las Piñas residents of other subdivisions and villages since they have been enjoying their right of free access to the friendship route since 1995.
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 constantly travel into or through BF Resort Village? If your vehicle has a valid Friendship Route sticker and you need to go to Cavite, is BF Resort Village your primary path for passing through? If you are BF Resort Village resident, what is your opinion about the ongoing legal battle between the HOA and the group of Senator Villar?
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
Parañaque City is back again in the crime news. Instead of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) hitting and running over victims on the streets within the city (click here and here), twenty-four foreign women – specifically Chinese and Vietnamese) – were rescued by police officers Barangay Tambo and they arrested two Chinese nationals for human trafficking, 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…
Twenty-four foreign women, allegedly victims of human trafficking, were rescued by Parañaque police on Monday, Sept. 26.
The cops also arrested two Chinese men identified a Du Wei, 36, and Fang Zeng, 28, the maintainers of the place where the women were rescued. They were charged for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2003.
Police said the 24 women were rescued at around 11:30 p.m. in three rooms of Caseana Building in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, said prior to the rescue operation they received a report that 24 female foreign nationals, believed to be victims of human trafficking, were seen in the building.
Ocampo said that members of the Paranaque Police intelligence section immediately conducted a verification which confirmed the report.
He said that upon checking the passports of the rescued women, it turned out that 10 of them are Chinese nationals and 14 are Vietnamese.
The rescued victims were brought to the Parañaque Police Women and Children Protection Division.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Parañaque City resident, what can you say about this latest crime-related news? Do you think that Parañaque still has lots of hidden sex dens or prostitution joints that local authorities have yet to discover? What can you say about Chinese nationals operating discreet prostitution joints in the city? Are these illegal activities affecting your local community? What makes you think makes Parañaque an attractive or ideal destination for operating a sex den or a makeshift prison for people who became victims of illegal joints?
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 line with the gradual return to normalcy from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA)announced the return of their annual community activity the “Megarahe Sale & Kids Bazaar, Ukay-Okay!” which will happen this Saturday and Sunday, from 7AM to 7PM at the Community Center.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the AHVA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…
Great deals! Best buys! Delicious foods! These are some of the things to look forward to at our forthcoming village event entitled “Megarahe Sale & Kids Bazaar, Ukay-Okay!”
If you are interested in joining, start cleaning up your storage spaces, select items for disposal, and bring them over to the Community Center, Phase 2 Park, for a 2-day sale on October 1 & 2, from 7am to 7pm.
Residents and kids alike may join us for a minimum booth fee. For details & reservations, please call our Help Desk at tel no. 8850-8254, local 106, and ask for Anne.
The Megarahe Sale is an annual activity of the village where we offer a venue for residents to sell their second-hand items & ‘white elephants’. Residents of our neighboring villages and nearby sitios are invited to shop at the sale and enjoy a couple of days of bargain hunting and binge eating with family & friends.
For the newcomers reading this, I wrote a pre-event article about the Megarahe of 2019. The Megarahe Sale itself started several years ago which creatively brought residents and visitors (note: who are able to enter the village by vehicle with AHVA-issue stickers) together while giving villagers the opportunities to sell items to buyers looking for money-for-value deals at the said event. In concept, Megarahe Sale is a collective gathering of residents who do not need to go through the trouble of organizing a garage sale at their respective homes. As many of us know already, garage sales at homes could cause disturbance to nearby neighbors when lots of buyers arrive.
I myself visited the Megarahe Sale in Alabang Hills several times over the years. In my experience, there were several stalls with items for sale like clothes, accessories, household items, magazines, toys and more. Of course, for the satisfaction of the attendees, there were food and beverage sellers present.
As life continue to gradually normalize, the return of “Megarahe Sale & Kids Bazaar, Ukay-Okay!” is very welcome development and I personally am looking forward to attending it.
For inquiries about this new development, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call them at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village. Be aware also of the recent in-village traffic adjustments.
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 