Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa gave recognition to city residents who have passed the r2020-2021 Bar examinations.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has lauded the 39 new lawyers in the city and has given them certificates of recognition during the LGU’s flag raising ceremony last this past Monday.
“We are very proud of your achievements and for the honor that you have given to Muntinlupa. We welcome our new attorneys as we serve the people,” Fresnedi said in the program.
Among the 39 Bar passers is Erika Rose Sanchez – Corro, daughter of Muntinlupa City Majority Floor Leader Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, who has given an emotional response during the ceremony.
Corro recounted the struggles that the bar takers, including herself, have experienced as they prepared for the examination such as postponed Bar exam schedules, lockdowns, health and emotional challenges brought about by pandemic.
She also extended her thanks to the City Government and the city’s frontliners for the local COVID-19 response including the extensive vaccination drive as it helped her prepare for the 2020-21 Bar exams.
Meanwhile, Corro also encouraged her fellow Bar passers to serve with integrity and serve the Filipino people.
“Passing the Bar exam is just the beginning. What matters is what we can do with the privilege and responsibility that were given to us. I hope that we will be lawyers in the service of others and with integrity,” Corro noted.
Other Muntinlupa residents who passed the Bar exam and were given recognition were: Ainah Rae Labanta – Banzon, Jasmin Dimatatac Miroy, John Titan, Perla Vito Cruz Arroyo, Isabelle Alexis Yason, Gemma Tiama, Celyn Ann Mae Palacol, Ian Benjamin Tan, Alia Jan Delgado, Antonette Arciaga, Jaypherson Navarro, Clariza Reyes, Marian Shen Petilla, Reena Therese Marquez, Cesar Jan Entilla, Therese Mary Magdaluyo, Albertito Garcia, Michael Christopher Guidote, Joaquin Oscar Go III, Valentin Eduardo Miguel Prieto, John Philip Yeung, Sharmaine Maila Pacson, Jonas Gaiser, Arlyn Jophe Perol, Katherine Vera, Ma. Rosalia Emmanuel San Pedro-Ladignon, Nina Jasmine Marie Balbanero, Dominic Paolo Marquez, Hanna Hazel Agapay, Jose Miguel Pillas, Alexander Michael Po, Ivanhoe Magpantay, Vincent Pangan, Gretel Erum, Nicolin Anne Arcenas, Arvin Stephen Gagajena, Zaira Gem Gonzales, and Atreja Alvarez.
Last April 14, the Supreme Court released the results of the 2020-2021 Bar examinations, the first digitized and localized exam conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Supreme Court has recorded a passing rate of 72.28% with 8,155 law graduates who passed the Bar exams out of 11,402 test takers.
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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.
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
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 deploy vaccination teams to different workplaces and public transport terminals to increase the number of booster shot recipients.
As of April 7, a total of 122,149 individuals in Muntinlupa have received their booster shots, or 25 percent of the 486,579 who are fully vaccinated and 28 percent of 442,517, equivalent to 80 percent of Muntinlupa total population of 553,146.
The total fully vaccinated population is 110 percent of the 80 percent target.
Dr. Rajendra Yadav, acting World Health Organization (WHO) representative to the Philippines, said on April 6 that a surge in Covid-19 cases is quite likely in the country in the next two months due to unsafe gatherings and social mixing.
In April and May, Filipinos will observe Ramadan and Holy Week, and participate in election activities, the WHO noted.
Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) acting chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi said his office will deploy “Rolling Bakuna” (mobile vaccination) to increase booster shot rate and vaccination coverage among 12 to 17 years old.
CHO will continue advocacy and information dissemination in different schools through principals and school nurses, social media and media platforms.
The city government will also enhance vaccination at local jails and at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged residents to get their booster shots and for those who haven’t received their Covid-19 jab yet to get vaccinated as protection from the adverse effects of the virus.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this newest development? If you are fully vaccinated but have not yet been boosted, does this latest news convince you to get your booster shot?
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 Now I’m Alive, another original worship song from New Life Music. For the newcomers reading this, the previous New Life Music worship song I examined and analyzed was Touch From Heaven.
If you want to discover more about New Life Music, I encourage you to click here (Facebook page) 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, visit https://newlife.ph/
To get started with Now I’m Alive, watch this official lyric video from New Life Music.
Before getting into the analysis of the Biblical relevance of Now I’m Alive, posted below for your reference are the lyrics composed by Faith Tugano, Kate Naranjo and Solomon Pagapong.
VERSE 1
Oh what love You have shown me
At the cross You have bled for me
My sins You erased
I am saved by Your grace
VERSE 2
I was lost but You found me
Broken – You delivered me
Forgiven I stand
Forever held in Your hands
CHORUS
Jesus, You have brought me back to life
Made righteous, pure and now redeemed in Christ
Jesus, You have brought me back to life
Now I’m alive
Now I’m alive
VERSE 3
No more fear No more shame
No longer bound No longer a slave
Jesus, You have won it all for me
CHORUS 2
Jesus, You have brought me back to life
Made righteous, pure and now redeemed in Christ
Jesus, You have brought me back to life
Now I’m alive
Now I’m alive
Jesus, You have brought me back to life
Made righteous, pure and now redeemed in Christ
Forgiven, set free, I’m alive in Christ
Now I’m alive
Now I’m alive
BRIDGE 1
Your love knows no end
Your love knows no bounds
Nothing can separate me from Your love
BRIDGE 2
No sin, No fear
No power can separate me
From Your love
From Your love
To begin with, let’s take a close look at the lyrics of Verse 1 of the song: Oh what love You have shown me, At the cross You have bled for me, My sins You erased, I am saved by Your grace.
The Verse 1 lyrics are truthful as they clearly reference the sacrifice of Jesus whom God sent to save us from sin. Jesus is our Redeemer, our Lord and Savior. For anyone who is still lost and unsaved, the way to establish a relationship with the Lord and get redeemed/saved is by getting born again. Learn from the following holy scriptures below…
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 responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 (NASB)
For sin’s meager wages is death, but God’s lavish gift is life eternal, found in your union with our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
Romans 6:23 (TPT)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NASB)
And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.
Acts 16:31 (AMPC)
Moving forward, take a close look at the following lines from the Chorus of the song: Jesus, You have brought me back to life, Made righteous, pure and now redeemed in Christ, Jesus, You have brought me back to life, Now I’m alive, Now I’m alive.
In my analysis, the Chorus lyrics emphasize the redemption and sacrifice Lord Jesus made to save us. Before the redemption happened, people were trapped by sin, idols, unbelief, rebellion, hopelessness and death. Jesus truly freed people from the darkness that clouded them. Remember that the Lord is always working on all things for our good and we only need to be faithful to Him, follow Him and believe in Heavenly things that are coming. Learn from the bible scriptures below…
Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by his blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of his grace.
Ephesians 1:7 (TPT)
Little children, you can be certain that you belong to God and have conquered them, for the One who is living in you is far greater than the one who is in the world. They belong to this world and they articulate the spirit of this world, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and whoever truly knows God listens to us. Those who refuse to listen to us do not belong to God. That is how we can know the difference between the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.
1 John 4:4-6 (TPT)
But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.
Romans 5:8 (AMPC)
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)
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Titus 3:5 (NASB)
Yahweh, you’re the bedrock beneath my feet, my faith-fortress, my wonderful deliverer, my God, my rock of rescue where none can reach me. You’re the shield around me, the mighty power that saves me, and my high place.
Psalms 18:2 (TPT)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Titus 2:11-13 (NKJV)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
Moving forward, take a close look at the following lines from Bridge 1 of the song: Your love knows no end, Your love knows no bounds, Nothing can separate me from Your love.
The Bridge 1 lyrics are about the love of the Lord which is very great and eternal for the faithful. To understand the meaning of the said lyrics and what His love is about, read the following scriptures below…
Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (TPT)
Who could ever divorce us from the endless love of God’s Anointed One? Absolutely no one! For nothing in the universe has the power to diminish his love toward us. Troubles, pressures, and problems are unable to come between us and heaven’s love. What about persecutions, deprivations, dangers, and death threats? No, for they are all impotent to hinder omnipotent love, even though it is written:
All day long we face death threats for your sake, God.
We are considered to be nothing more
than sheep to be slaughtered!
Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything! So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!
Romans 8:35-39 (TPT)
Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.
John 15:9 (NASB)
In this last analysis of the lyrics, I want you all to focus on the title – Now I’m Alive. As Christians, we are living under the watch, guidance and love of the Lord. We are alive – even spiritually – because Lord Jesus saved us and His spirit – the Holy Spirit – is in our hearts! We are the living faithful children of God dedicated to follow Him through His Word and the Truth! We are no longer trapped by darkness and sin because we chose to be saved by Jesus and accepted Him as our Lord and Savior! Learn from the following scriptures below…
Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us.
2 Timothy 1:14 (AMPC)
But Christ (the Messiah) was faithful over His [own Father’s] house as a Son [and Master of it]. And it is we who are [now members] of this house, if we hold fast and firm to the end our joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ].
Hebrews 3:6 (AMPC)
For this reason I bend my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,
Ephesians 3:14-20 (NASB)
And it’s true: “Everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will experience new life.”
Romans 10:13 (TPT)
Indeed, the lyrics and title of Now I’m Alive are holy and anointed! While I am clearly not involved with the composition of the song, it is evident that New Life Music wrote it to be true to the Word of God. Musically speaking, Now I’m Alive is beautiful and solemn to listen to. Very obviously, it is a great song for Sunday worship as well as special church events. Now I’m Alive is also an ideal worship song to help the faithful strengthen their faith in the Lord.
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.
Several Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa as well as those in the nearby cities and municipalities will soon have rebates on their respective bills which the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) confirmed, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
For the newcomers reading this, there was a water shortage that affected lots of customers in Muntinlupa City months ago which led the City Government to take action. While it was announced before that Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa would get water bill rebates, this latest development is more significant as it involves almost two hundred thousand customers in the said city and in nearby areas as well.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
More than 198,000 customers of Maynilad Water Services Inc. affected by the prolonged water service interruptions from December to January in Muntinlupa and nearby cities and municipalities will get rebates in their bills.
This was announced by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) on March 30 during its Public Information Drive on the rebate program for affected Maynilad customers held at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan.
The forum was attended by MWSS-RO Chief Regulator Patrick Lester Ty, MWSS-RO Deputy Administrator for Technical Regulation Evelyn Agustin, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Muntinlupa City Council’s Majority Floor Leader Raul Corro and representatives from Maynilad.
The MWSS-RO imposed a P63.97 million financial penalty on Maynilad due to the water service interruptions the water company implemented from December to February that affected customers serviced by its Putatan Water Treatment Plant in Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Pasay; and the cities of Bacoor, Imus and Cavite, and municipalities of Rosario and Noveleta in Cavite.
According to the MWSS-RO, it imposed the penalty on Maynilad as the company “failed to meet its Service Obligation of ensuring the availability of an uninterrupted 24 hour supply of water at seven (7) pounds per square inch (psi) minimum pressure to all connected Customers in its Service Area.”
In her presentation, MWSS-RO’s Agustin said a total of 198,315 customers of Maynilad in the affected areas will each get a bill rebate of P323 that will be reflected in their bills.
The amount of rebate was derived from dividing the P63.97 million penalty on Maynilad by the number of affected customers.
Before the amount of rebate was announced, Fresnedi said he hoped that the presentations during the forum “will clarify many issues regarding these water service interruptions.”
“The MWSS-RO is here, first and foremost, to protect your welfare,” Ty told the participants.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this newest development? Are you satisfied with the announced details? Does P323 sound like a justified amount? How much money do you spend on water every month?
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
The Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) officially entered into a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) for the promotion of 3D Printing Technology in the academe.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, CDM College President and former DOST-NCR director Dr. Teresita Fortuna, and DOST-ITDI director Dr. Annabelle Briones inked a Memorandum of Understanding last March 22 in CDM Main Building, Posadas Ave., Barangay Sucat.
Fresnedi thanked DOST-ITDI for partnering with the local government and training the next engineers and architects of the city.
The Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) enters a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) for the promotion of 3D Printing Technology in the academe. Shown in the photo: (second from L-R) DOST-ITDI director Dr. Annabelle Briones, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, CDM College President and former DOST-NCR director Dr. Teresita Fortuna, and Vice Mayor Temy Simundac. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
The partnership aims to facilitate research collaborations on 3D printing Hub for training, research, innovation, commercialization, and industry-based activities. The DOST-ITDI shall assist the CDM with the training programs on 3D printing technology and the implementation of other R&D projects.
Also joining the MOU signing were Vice Mayor Temy Simundac and other officials from the City Government and DOST-ITDI.
The ceremonial signing event is part of CDM’s 5th Founding Anniversary Celebration with the theme, “CDM Intensifies Immersive Conduct of Definitive Programs and Innovations serving five pillars: Expansion of Infrastructure Projects, Implement Research Roadmap, Flexible Conduct of Face-to-face Classes, Continuous Program Development, and Produce Licensed Engineers.”
Recently, CDM announced that it will offer the following new programs: BS Architecture, BS Construction Engineering and Management, BS Environmental Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, and BS Robotics Engineering.
The programs are in addition to the existing engineering courses: BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering, and BS Mechanical Engineering.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi invites aspiring engineering and architecture students from Muntinlupa and nearby cities to enroll in the programs offered by CDM.
CDM College Administrator and former DOST-NCR regional director Dr. Teresita Fortuna noted that the institution provides top-notch education on science & technology from highly-esteemed faculty and integrated training with top-of-the-line industrial equipment.
Situated in Posadas Avenue in Barangay Sucat, Colegio de Muntinlupa was founded in 2018 with five initial engineering courses. CDM will hold its first commencement exercise this year for the first batch of graduates.
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 celebration of Muntinlupa’s 27th Cityhood Anniversary, City Government officials and local residents join the Cityhood Anniversary Harvest event in the City Demo Farm (Gulayan sa Lungsod ng Muntinlupa), the first LGU-operated intensive hydroponics in Metro Manila.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and Congressman Ruffy Biazon led the event last March 15 at the Muntinlupa City Demo Farm situated at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex (beside Environmental Sanitation Center), Brgy. Tunasan The local execs harvested various vegetables such as lettuce, mushrooms, herbs, and other produce.
The Demo Farm consists of various agricultural systems which can be visited by the public for viewing. City residents and visitors may also conduct their research on the farm for agricultural technologies and harvesting methods.
Other officials joining the ceremony were City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, Vice Mayor Temy Simundac, Coun. Raul Corro, Coun. Louie Arciaga, Coun. Ivee Arciaga Tadefa, Coun. Allan Camilon, DA-ESO chief Malou Lobo, and other city government department heads.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (right) and Congressman Ruffy Biazon lead the ceremonial harvest event at the City Demo Farm last March 15 as part of Muntinlupa’s 27th Cityhood Anniversary. Also shown in the photo: (L-R) Coun. Louie Arciaga, Coun. Raul Corro, and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
The City Demo Farm has an Edible Landscaping area with organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants. The construction of the landscaping facility was conducted in partnership with the UPLB Edible Landscaping Team.
Further, the demo farm is also comprised of an Herb Garden, Seedling Nursery, Mushroom House, SNAP Hydroponics, and NFT Hydroponics.
The installation of SNAP Hydroponics was conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the “Gulayan sa Pamayanan Program.” The set-up can be replicated by small communities in their open spaces. While the NFT Hydroponics is a bigger system project capable of producing 2,000 lettuce heads per harvest.
Muntinlupa also revived the urban agriculture and urban farming to ensure food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent times, the City Government also partnered with DOST and University of the Philippines Institute of Plant Breeding (UP-IPB) for the training of communities on hydroponics farming technology.
DA-ESO is working with 20 Home Owners Associations, 17 youth organizations, 10 schools, 12 communities, and manages various urban gardens in local public spaces. The local government regularly conducts urban farming site visitations, online trainings and monitoring of communities to ensure the sustainability of the program.
For more information, visit DA-ESO Facebook Page or reach them at 5th Floor, Annex Building, City Government of Muntinlupa with tel. nos. 8861-6498 / 8861-3042.
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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.
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/
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
I finally did it! After two years of living with the COVID-19 crisis, I finally returned to the local cinema at Commercenter in Alabang recently where I saw The Batman on the big screen. The day was March 5 (Saturday) and it was a very notable experience for me personally and I can say that the theatrical experience is still better than watching movies via streaming.
To be very clear, it has been months since the cinemas all over Metro Manila reopened and as the months passed by, moviegoers have gradually returned in relation to what films were screened, what the local Alert Levels were and what health protocols were implemented. The reopening of cinemas went a long way since the 1st quarter of 2021 (for references click here, here, here and here) and the Philippine cinema industry as a whole is trying to recover what was lost over the past two years. At one point, the movie theaters employed over 300,000 employees nationwide.
On my way to watching The Batman at the cinema with my ticket!
Going back to my return to the local cinema, I want to make clear that currently the cinemas will only accept people who have been fully vaccinated (meaning two doses of most COVID-19 vaccine brands were injected) which is why vaccination cards/passes are required for verification BEFORE any ticket will be sold. As such, I showed to the theater ticket seller my vaccination card and eventually I was allowed to purchase a ticket for The Batman which was P320 (more than US$6). I should state that it was also there at the Commercenter cinema where I last saw a movie in 2020…just before the first lockdown happened.
More on rules, it has been declared already that food and drinks are prohibited in Commercenter’s cinemas and that moviegoers are to wear their masks on as they watch a movie. Again, the prohibition on food and drinks at the said cinema were in effect when I viewed The Batman on March 5. According to a March 9, 2022 report by the Manila Bulletin, some theaters allowed their moviegoers to have food while watching.
For transparency, these are the rules for you to see.
While having no food and drink was a bummer for me as a paying moviegoer, I decided to just let things be and focus strongly on the narrative of The Batman which has a running time of almost three hours! That being said, as the movie went on, I was compelled to really focus on the story, the details and the dialogue (note: I turned my smartphone off as soon as I sat down). I also realized something that movie theaters can instantly provide that streaming apps and the home-based theater cannot – complete privacy and immersion.
In other words, there no distractions from external forces (examples: smartphone updates through the Internet, in-home telephone ringing, a noisy neighbor, someone knocking on the door, the house doorbell ringing, a motorist driving a car with an overly loud sound outside the house, etc.) and as such I experienced this strong engagement in watching the Matt Reeves-directed Batman movie. I also noticed that not only does Colin Farrell looks truly unrecognizable as the new cinematic Penguin, there were two moments I noticed he sounded and spoke like Robert de Niro!
I should also state that there were several other moviegoers who occupied seats on rows behind and in front of me. Clearly the attendance of that very screening was below 50% which only reminds me that the pandemic is still ongoing here in the Philippines. Fortunately, everyone was well behaved and in-theater noise and distractions were non-existent.
After waiting until the very end to see the very short and cryptic end-credits scene, I finally left the cinema satisfied and entertained. I found The Batman a worthy movie to watch on the big screen but to judge its quality and emphasized my observations about it, I would do that in a possible movie review.
Nothing like looking at what films are being shown before you reach the ticket counter.
My return to watching a movie in the local cinema was a really interesting experience. It was also my first time in many years to watch a movie on the big screen without consuming any drink or food. Still, I got my money’s worth overall and I really hope that what I paid will keep helping not just Commercenter cinema but the entire movie theater industry to achieve economic recovery with the pandemic still ongoing. The more people who get fully vaccinated, and the more fully vaccinated people who get boosted, the better it will be for movie theaters in terms of qualified moviegoers.
When it comes to spending time inside Commercenter, be aware that the mall has really nice places to enjoy delicious meals before or after you watch a movie at their cinema. You love ramen and Japanese meals, go to Sigekiya Ramen. You want to try Greek cuisine? Visit Akrotiri. You like good food and wine? Visit The Black Pig.
To those of you reading this, if you have the means and if your local cinemas are allowed to operate, I encourage you to buy tickets and watch your desired movie on the big screen inside the cinema. I suggest you stop streaming temporarily and help the movie theaters achieve economic recovery from this pandemic. For The Batman, I say screw HBO Maxand HBO Go!
Remember this: Streaming will NEVER match the grandeur and immersion of the cinema! The cinema is always better than streaming. What you pay for movie tickets will help not only the cinema operators and their respective employees, you will also help the local authorities by means of tax collection and keeping the local area in order.
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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/
A local police officer here in Muntinlupa City was commended by the City Government because of the good deeds she did in the line of duty which resulted in a very exceptional rescue, the Manila Bulletin reported. This is very welcome news to hear given the fact that there are too many chaotic and depressing news reports generated daily by the mainstream media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt (note: starting today, light blue backgrounds will be used) from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government congratulated a female police officer in the city who was awarded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for good deeds.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos led the launching of the 2022 National Women’s Month Celebration on March 7 by recognizing Lt. Rizalyn Soledad, a Muntinlupa police officer, as one of the PNP Female Personnel with Good Deeds.
According to the PNP, Soledad was commended for leading the rescue of Divina “Nanay Dina” Estrada in September 2021. Estrada had been away from her family in Pangasinan for 15 years. She had been living in Muntinlupa until her rescue by the Muntinlupa police’s Intelligence Section, Community Affairs Section and Women and Children Protection Desk led by Soledad.
Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi praised Soledad for the PNP award and said women play a very important part in the development of the city and the country.
Manila Bulletin published the story of Nanay Dina on Sept. 20, 2021, who, through the help of the Muntinlupa police, went back to Pangasinan and was finally reunited with her family.
Estrada, 54, begged money from motorists for survival. On Sept. 17, 2021, the Muntinlupa police conducted a rescue operation and found Estrada along Daang Hari in Cavite.
Soledad said Estrada was weak and suffering from cataract. Estrada was unable to go back to Pangasinan since 2006 and lived by begging money from motorists and other people.
According to Soledad, Estrada’s daughter, Mejica Estrada, narrated that her mother went to live in Muntinlupa when her partner was incarcerated at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) so she could visit him. When her partner died, Estrada decided to settle in Muntinlupa.
In August 2021, Estrada asked her neighbors in Biazon Road, Brgy. Poblacion, Muntinlupa to find her daughter on Facebook. The neighbors were able to find Mejica, who promised that she would fetch her mother in Muntinlupa after learning about her situation.
However, Mejica was not able to immediately fulfill her promise when her husband and daughter became ill, and in part due to lockdowns and quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and provinces because of the pandemic.
The above news report ended stating that after the rescue, the police officers of Muntinlupa accompanied her all the way to Pangasinan province where she got reunited with her daughter and grandchild.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this newest development? Does this news make you trust the local police more?
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@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/
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If you are a local resident of Muntinlupa City, were you a recipient of circulating text messages about a certain loan worth over a billion Pesos that was allegedly used by City Government? Recently, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi clarified the issue, 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 Jaime Fresnedi refuted claims by his detractors that the city government already used a P1.2 billion standby loan from Landbank of the Philippines.
In March 2021, the Muntinlupa City Council passed an ordinance authorizing Fresnedi to enter into a loan agreement with Landbank in the amount of P1.2 billion to fund various projects.
During the flag raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall quadrangle on March 7, Fresnedi reiterated that the city government has not availed of the standby loan.
“The Muntinlupa City government gave us the authorization to get a loan from Landbank. As of Dec. 31, our ending balance [at Landbank] is more than P2 billion. The [Landbank] manager said we have not availed of our standby loan. This means we have not taken any [amount from the standby loan],” said Fresnedi.
Fresnedi clarified the issue after text messages circulated claiming that the city government already got the loan from Landbank.
Landbank earlier issued a certification stating that the Muntinlupa City government has not availed of the loan.
“This is to certify that per records of this office, City Government of Muntinlupa has no outstanding drawdown as of December 31, 2021,” according to a certification issued by Landbank and signed by Lani Pornuevo, head of the Loan Operations Management Department.
Fresnedi said getting a loan is not a bad thing. He said when he assumed office during his first ever term as mayor, the city government took out a loan and used it to construct the Ospital ng Muntinlupa.
“Please remember, getting a loan is not bad when it is used in the right way,” he said.
The mayor said if ever the city government avails of the standby loan from Landbank, it will be used to fund ongoing projects of the city government.
In fact, he said, Landbank has sent two letters to the Muntinlupa City government to remind it about the standby loan.
According to Fresnedi, the standby loan is a program of the national government for economic recovery. The standby loan carries an interest of four percent per year.
“But what the city government needs to pay, if ever we avail of the loan, is only two percent per annum. The other two percent will be paid by the national government,” he said.
He said this is being done to help businesses to run and to help people get jobs, which are part of the national government’s national economic recovery plan.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about the mayor’s clarification? Were the details explained well by him? Do you personally believe that the LGU (local government unit) should always be scrutinized over any loan it takes?
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/
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
During the celebration of the 27th cityhood anniversary of Muntinlupa that took place this past Tuesday, the brand new Muntinlupa Aquatic Center was formally inaugurated, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The inauguration was attended by Muntinlupa City Government officials led by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi as well as several special guests.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government inaugurated on Tuesday, March 1, its world-class Muntinlupa Aquatic Center which has an Olympic-size swimming pool that can host competitions.
Muntinlupa celebrates its 27th cityhood anniversary on March 1 and the inauguration of the Aquatic Center was one of the highlights.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the opening of the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center together with Rep. Ruffy Biazon, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, city councilors, and officials.
The Muntinlupa Aquatic Center is the first indoor Olympic-size swimming pool in the Philippines that can cater to swimming, water polo and artistic swimming, and programs like water safety training and competition, scuba diving pool session, swim and survive programs, and physical education programs.
“When we love a person or thing, we take care of it. We give the best. This is how I love our residents, our youth. That is why we inaugurated a world-class Aquatic Center for our Muntinlupeños on the 27th anniversary of the establishment of our city,” said Fresnedi.
The Aquatic Center is located at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan and has a seating capacity of up to 1,200.
“Like all parents, I also want a bright future for our children. Besides the benefits in sports, it will be a big help to the health of our residents. You do not need to go to Marikina or Biñan [Laguna] to avail of a facility like our Aquatic Center,” said Fresnedi.
The above report ended stating that the funding of the construction of the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center was not sourced from loans but rather funds allotted by the City Government.
The Muntinlupa Aquatic Center itself looks great and it should help diversify the kind of water-related special events that the city can host. Imagine someday that the brand-new facility will be used to host swimming competitions that involve schools. If the roads outside the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center are of good quality, a triathlon event can be held using the pool for swimming and roads for cycling and running. Imagine, for example, the Philippines gets to host the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) many years from now – Muntinlupa’s facility could be used for swimming events. There is no doubt that the new aquatic center is a landmark of the city.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about the newly inaugurated Muntinlupa Aquatic Center?
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/
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 