news – Author Carlo Carrasco

I Love Israel: Manila-Tel Aviv Direct Flights to Launch in January 2027

September 10, 2026September 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Starting January 3, 2027, direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv will launch with Israeli airline Arkia in-charge of the service, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. For many Filipinos who desired to visit the Holy Land in Israel, this is a dream that will come true and the new route is the first non-stop air link between the two major cities.

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

Filipinos can soon fly directly to Israel without making a stopover, as Israeli airline Arkia prepares to launch the first nonstop flights between Manila and Tel Aviv in January 2027.

The new route will begin on Jan. 3, 2027, with an initial service of one flight a week and a travel time of about 11 hours, according to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh.

For years, travelers between the Philippines and Israel have had to take connecting flights, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi among the main stopover points, while other options include connections through New Delhi, Bangkok, Seoul, and other Asian cities.

The new service will therefore provide the first nonstop air link between Manila and Tel Aviv.

Kursh welcomed the development in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sept. 8, saying the route would bring the two countries closer after years without a direct connection.

“For the first time in many years, our two countries will be connected by a direct flight, bringing Israel and the Philippines closer than ever before,” she said.

The Israeli envoy said the new air link would go beyond making travel more convenient, as it could also open more opportunities for tourism, business, investment, and cultural exchanges.

“This is much more than a new flight route,” Kursh said.

“It is a bridge between our peoples, creating new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural exchange, while making it easier for Israelis and Filipinos to discover each other’s beautiful countries,” she added.

The Department of Transportation had earlier pushed for direct flights between the Philippines and Israel, with officials saying improved air connectivity would help strengthen bilateral ties.

Kursh said she looked forward to welcoming more Israeli visitors to the Philippines while encouraging more Filipinos to discover Israel.

“I look forward to welcoming many more Israeli visitors to the Philippines and to seeing even more Filipinos discovering the beauty, diversity and warmth of Israel,” she said.

To all my readers, I encourage you to thank the Lord for this breakthrough of cooperation between Israel and the Philippines. Ambassador Dana Kursh is absolutely right by stating that the direct Manila-Tel Aviv air link is the bridge between Filipinos and the Israelis who will benefit from the new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural exchange. For Filipinos who desire to visit the Holy Land to discover the holy sites, witness the Holy Bible come to life and deepen their faith in the Lord, the direct flights are absolutely golden.

I personally have a desire to return to Israel someday to spend quality with the Lord right there in the Holy Land. I love Israel and I believe strong in the biblical ties between Jews and Christians.

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord for this breakthrough to lead to more breakthroughs for both Filipinos and Israelis.

At the same time, I encourage you all to realize the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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

Over 400 Las Piñas City Residents Avail of Free Medical Services in Barangay Daniel Fajardo

September 8, 2026September 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, more than four hundred local residents availed of free varied medical services during the health and wellness caravan held in Barangay Daniel Fajardo, according to the social media announcement by the City Government. Mayor April Aguilar was present during the caravan.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…

More than 400 Las Piñero residents received free medical services at the Health and Wellness Caravan of the Las Piñas City Government held at Casimiro Townhomes Covered Court, in Barangay Daniel Fajardo.

More than 1,400 health and wellness services were provided to residents, including free medical and dental consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, chest X-ray, ECG, nutrition counseling, NCD risk assessment, PhilHealth First Patient Encounter, Green Card assistance, and free medicines.

The caravan also brought free haircut and massage therapy.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, was there a health and wellness caravan held in your local community lately?

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

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

House Painter Arrested in Parañaque City for Trespassing and Possession of Firearm and Illegal Substance

September 8, 2026September 1, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a house painter for the act of trespassing into a house and possessing a firearm as well as illegal substance, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Parañaque police seized a homemade firearm, live ammunition, and suspected shabu from a house painter who barged into a home and terrified a family on Monday, Aug. 31.

The suspect, alias Johnas, 38, of Barangay Manuyo I, Las Piñas, was caught by Tambo Police Sub-Station officers around 8:40 p.m. after a resident flagged down a patrol along Quirino Avenue.

She reported that the man had forced his way into her Kabesang Cilio Street home, alarming her family.

Responding officers arrested the suspect inside the residence and recovered a loaded improvised .45-caliber firearm and a sachet of suspected shabu weighing 0.5 grams, valued at P3,400.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more people illegally carrying firearms and illegal substances? Do you think more violent forms of crime will happen within the city soon?

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

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

Man Arrested in Parañaque City for Sexually Assaulting a 13-year-old Female

September 7, 2026August 31, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, an 18-year-old man from Pasay City got arrested for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old female, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…

An 18-year-old man was arrested for statutory rape inside a residence in Barangay Santo Niño, Parañaque City, on Saturday afternoon.

The suspect was identified only by the alias Eric James, a resident of Pasay City.

At about 3:30 p.m. on 29 August, the suspect visited the victim’s residence and allegedly lured the 13-year-old female victim into the comfort room, where he sexually assaulted her. The victim’s father discovered the suspect inside the comfort room upon returning home, prompting the victim to disclose the assault to her parent.

The victim’s father immediately sought assistance from Barangay Santo Niño tanods, who swiftly apprehended the suspect with responding police officers.

The suspect was brought to the Parañaque City Police Station and turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for further investigation and proper disposition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you thankful to the barangay tanods and the local police for the arrest of the suspect? When was the last time an act of rape or sexual assault happened in your local community?

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

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

Philippines GDP Growth Unlikely To Reach 6% In Medium Term

September 6, 2026September 1, 2026carlocarrasco

Several economic factors and the continued vulnerability to climate-driven shocks make it unlikely for the Philippines to achieve gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6% in the medium term, according to a news report by BusinessWorld citing Moody’s Ratings.

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

MOODY’S RATINGS said the Philippines’ medium-term growth outlook seems bleak as its slow investment recovery and vulnerability to climate-driven shocks may derail its economic rebound.

In a statement following its latest rating action on the Philippines, the debt watcher said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to hover below its pre-pandemic level of around 6% over the medium term.

“The Philippines’ medium-term growth will continue to be underpinned by favorable demographics, resilient remittances and service exports, and a gradual strengthening of investment as confidence recovers, with electronics and other goods exports providing a more marginal offset,” Moody’s Ratings said late on Monday.

“Even so, we expect medium-term potential to settle somewhat below the near-6% pace recorded before the pandemic, as investment recovers only gradually and the economy remains exposed to recurrent natural disasters and climate-related shocks,” it added.

Moody’s slashed its Philippine GDP growth forecast for this year to 3.6% from 5.5%. This falls near the bottom end of the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for the year.

In the second quarter, GDP growth tumbled to a new post-pandemic low of 2.3%, bringing average growth to 2.6% in the first half.

The fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth came as investments continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal, while rising prices amid the Middle East war squeezed household spending.

Moody’s Ratings noted that the Middle East war shocks and investment slump are “largely cyclical,” with an investment-driven recovery expected later this year.

“The recovery from the second half of 2026 should be led by a rebound in public investment as the government resumes stalled disbursements and normalizes spending execution,” it said.

Moody’s Ratings said that local investments should focus on public infrastructure and public-private partnerships, especially in renewable energy “as the country diversifies its energy mix in response to the recent shock.”

The government’s recent reforms should also eventually boost investment and productivity as their benefits are realized, the debt watcher said.

These include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, foreign investment liberalization, and allowing more private and foreign participation in sectors such as renewable energy.

By 2027, Moody’s Ratings expects GDP to expand by 5.3%, although still slower than its previous estimate of 5.6%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the economy of the Philippines really does not have enough strength to achieve 6% GDP growth anytime soon? Do you think the current economic managers know what they are doing? Do you think there will absolutely be no economic gains from the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit?

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

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Rehabilitated Road and Drainage System in Barangay Almanza Uno Inaugurated

September 4, 2026August 31, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, the rehabilitated road and drainage system at a certain location within Barangay Almanza Uno was officially inaugurated with the presence of Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire City Government announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City Government, led by Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar, formally inaugurated the rehabilitated road and drainage system at St. Joseph corner CRM Avenue, Barangay Almanza Uno.

Through the project, the previously pothole-ridden road, sidewalk curb, and gutter were repaired, while the drainage system was also strengthened in the area to provide a safer and more orderly passage for residents and motorists, as well as to prevent flooding during rainfall.

This is part of the programs and projects that directly contribute to the daily lives of Las Piñeros and improve the safety and quality of life in every barangay.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you wish to see more roads and drainage systems improved in more parts of the city? Were such rehabilitation projects done in your local community?

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

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Philippines 2026 Foreign Tourist Arrivals Reach 4.11 Million as of August, U.S. and South Korea Remain Top Markets

September 3, 2026September 2, 2026carlocarrasco

With the Peso performing terribly in the global currency market, weakening economic growth, high inflation and fears of an economic recession growing, 2026 has not been good for the Philippines. There is a bright spot in tourism, however, as the Philippines saw its 2026 foreign tourist arrivals reach 4.11 million in the January-August period and the United States and South Korea combined for more than 1.5 million tourist arrivals, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines has recorded 4.11 million foreign arrivals from January to August, higher by 3.7 percent compared to the same period last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Tuesday.

The United States posted the highest number of share at 818,318, followed by South Korea at 727,379, Japan at 350,191, China at 310,088, and Australia at 234,156.

Also making it in the top 10 source markets are Canada with 231,972, Taiwan with 154,957, the United Kingdom with 132,370, Singapore with 126,812, and India with 77,883.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the Philippines targets to surpass its 2025 arrival figures to reach between 6.4 million and 6.8 million, or at least 7 million, by the end of 2026.

To achieve this, she said the DOT is intensifying its branding and promotions to reach more tourists in its key source markets.

The DOT is also in active talks with airlines to open up and establish more chartered flights between the Philippines and secondary cities of Korea and China.

DOT Assistant Secretary Ren Sapitan said the agency is also set to sign a contract with a creative agency in November to broaden the country’s marketing efforts and make the Philippines more visible worldwide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to exceed the 2025 foreign tourist arrivals number by the end of this year? Do you think the DOT is doing a good job to strengthen the Philippines’ attraction of foreign tourists? Considering the Top 10 markets of foreign tourists the Philippines attracted so far, are you convinced that the nation’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit did not create any positive tourism results?

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

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Moody’s Analytics Cuts Philippines 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 3%

September 1, 2026August 27, 2026carlocarrasco

By citing key factors like weak consumption, Middle East oil shock and the collapse in private investment, Moody’s Analytics officially slashed its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 3%, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

MOODY’S ANALYTICS slashed its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines, amid weak consumption and a collapse in private investment.

In its latest Asia-Pacific Outlook report dated Aug. 24, the analytics firm said it now sees Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 3% this year, slower than its 4% projection in June.

“We lowered our 2026 GDP growth forecast to 3% from 4% in the June vintage after incorporating the second-quarter GDP result, which was far weaker than expected,” Moody’s Analytics Assistant Director and Economist Sarah Tan said in an e-mailed reply to questions.

The Philippine economy slumped to its worst post-pandemic growth of 2.3% in the April-to-June period, as investments and public construction continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal. Rising prices from the Middle East war-driven oil shock also strained household spending.

“The economy expanded by just 2.3% year on year, with private consumption showing notable weakness and private investment collapsing,” Ms. Tan noted. “This points to softer underlying domestic demand than we had previously anticipated.”

As of the first half of 2026, the country’s GDP growth averaged 2.6%, well below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

If Moody’s Analytics’ forecast holds true, the government will miss its growth target for a fourth year in a row. The economy would also further soften from last year’s post-pandemic low growth of 4.4%.

Economists earlier said that reaching even the bottom end of the government’s target entails a steep climb, as it means the economy must grow by at least 4.4% in the second half.

Moody’s Analytics sees growth recovering over the next two years to 4.6% in 2027 and 5.1% in 2028. The government wants full-year expansion to be between 5% and 6% from 2027 to 2030.

Meanwhile, GlobalSource Partners Country Analyst Diwa C. Guinigundo noted that the Philippines could face a more complicated path toward fiscal consolidation if growth remains below potential.

“Slower growth would make fiscal consolidation and debt reduction more difficult,” he said in a Viber message. “The issue is not simply that government revenues would grow more slowly; a weaker economy also means a smaller denominator for the debt-to-GDP ratio.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think 2026 will end up as a very disappointing year of economic growth for the Philippines? Do you think the economy of the Philippines could still fall into a recession in 2027 or in the first half of 2028? Are you convinced that the Philippines has nothing to gain economically from hosting the ASEAN Summit?

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

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Armed Construction Worker Arrested in Parañaque City

September 1, 2026August 28, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a search warrant apprehended a construction worker after they found him carrying a loaded firearm during a search operation, 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…

A construction worker was arrested after police found a loaded .38-caliber revolver during a search operation in Parañaque City on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Police said the suspect, identified as Edwin, 39, of Hontiveros Compound, Barangay San Antonio, was arrested at around 5:10 p.m.

Members of the Parañaque City Police Station Intelligence Section served the search warrant issued by Judge Moises D. De Castro of the Parañaque Metropolitan Trial Court.

The operation resulted in the recovery of a .38-caliber revolver loaded with four live rounds of ammunition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more people illegally carrying guns and ammunition? How do you think the suspect got armed in the first place?

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

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

Wanted Person Arrested in Parañaque City for Discharge of Firearms

August 31, 2026August 27, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a wanted person for the discharge of firearms, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…

A 31-year-old mechanic and top seven station-level most wanted person was arrested by Southern Police District (SPD) personnel during the implementation of a warrant of arrest at West Service Road, Barangay Merville, Parañaque City on Wednesday morning.

The accused—identified only by the alias Wilfredo, a resident of Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City—was arrested at his residence at about 9:10 a.m.

He was apprehended by personnel of the warrant and subpoena section of Parañaque City Police Station by virtue of a warrant of arrest for discharge of firearms under Article 254 of the Revised Penal Code.

The warrant was issued on 27 July 2026 by the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court Branch 260, with recommended bail set at P240,000.

In compliance with Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 21-06-08-SC, the implementation of the warrant was documented using a PNP body-worn camera and a cellular phone as an alternative recording device to ensure transparency and accountability.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you feel safer now that the suspect was apprehended?

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

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

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