news – Page 164 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Philippines tourism gains from influx of South Korean visitors

April 19, 2023April 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Tourism in the Philippines continues to progress in terms of attracting visitors from overseas as tourists from South Korea emerged as the top source of foreign visitors this year, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

South Korea is again the Philippines’ top source of foreign visitors so far this year.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco bared this on Thursday when she greeted a batch of 300 travelers from South Korea at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The travelers are members of the Korea branch of UNICITY, a direct selling company on health functional foods, cosmetics and household items and with over 60 markets globally.

As a reward to their top agents, sellers, and distributors, UNICITY-Korea sends a big volume of incentive groups to Southeast Asian countries annually.

This year, the company is sending 1,400 people in four batches (April 9, 13, 17, and 21) to Cebu.

Department of Tourism data showed a significant pick up in Korean arrivals since last year, with 428,014 or a 16.13 percent share of the country’s arrivals received between Feb. 10 — when the country eased its borders for leisure travelers — up until Dec. 31, 2022.

“The good news is that as of today, we have over 1.5 million tourist arrivals to the Philippines and our number one top source market are the Koreans. So we’re very grateful to our friends from Korea for continuing to show their love for the Philippines as they have come back in droves, and the UNICITY group in particular, has come with a delegation of no less than 1,400 individuals,” Frasco said.

Upon their arrival, the travelers were welcomed with leis and performances by Filipiniana-clad rondalla serenaders as well as by Sinulog dancers.

Prior to the pandemic, Korea ranked number one in terms of visitor arrivals to the Philippines, with 1,989,322 or 24.08 percent of the country’s total number of arrivals for 2019.

Arrivals from Korea declined drastically during the pandemic, dropping to 338,877 and 6,456, for 2020 and 2021, respectively.

“They’re coming on a daily basis and the numbers are increasing by the day. Last year, they were at number two, because it is the United States that [provided] our number one top source market. But this year, the Koreans have reclaimed the number one spot and we send out the message to all our friends in Korea, that you are more than welcome to keep coming back again and again to Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and the rest of our beautiful islands in the Philippines,” Frasco said.

PH as ideal MICE destination

Frasco noted that the arrival of a delegation as big as the UNICITY group is a welcome development especially with the DOT “seeing MICE tourism become a very strong product for the Philippines and also for Cebu.”

“They are staying for a few days and we expect that this will contribute greatly to the economy of Cebu in particular, and to the rest of the country in general, considering the multiplier effect of tourism is really so that they will support our local tourism stakeholders, our small and medium enterprises, and the like,” Frasco said.

To further boost the Korean tourism source market and visitor arrivals, the DOT, through its office in Korea, carries out marketing initiatives including an online presentation to educate the MICE (meetings, incentives, conference, exhibitions) players in the Philippines about the Korean MICE market, as well as participation to upcoming key events such as business-to-business fairs, and a MICE roadshow.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will continue to attract even more visitors from South Korea? Do you hope to see some of the South Korean visitors settle here in the Philippines and help build up the national economy by establishing legitimate businesses and creating new jobs?

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 @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Single ticketing system for Metro Manila traffic violations set to launch on May 2, 2023

April 18, 2023April 14, 2023carlocarrasco

Finally the single ticketing system for traffic violations specifically covering Metro Manila will be launched officially on May 2, 2023 now that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and local government units (LGUs) have formally signed their agreement, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Specifically speaking, this new system will be in a pilot testing phase. Previously there was the target to start in April 2023.

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

Metro Manila will implement a single ticketing system for traffic violations starting May 2, following an agreement between the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the local government units (LGUs) of the region, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday.

In a statement, MMDA Acting Chair Don Artes said the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and data sharing agreement (DSA) aim to harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement, as well as penalties and fines of the most common traffic violations stated in the Metro Manila Traffic Code.

“The pilot testing will be done so the next LGUs that will be onboard will roll out their respective systems seamlessly,” Artes said.

Pilot testing for the single ticketing system will be done by the MMDA and seven LGUs—San Juan, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Manila and Caloocan.

The MMDA will provide handheld devices to apprehending officers that can offer cashless payment options to violators.

These devices will be connected to the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) of the LTO to enable real-time data sharing and verification.

He added that the system will help minimize corruption and eradicate forms of negotiations between the motorist and the officer.

Senator Francis Tolentino, a former MMDA chair, expressed his support for the single ticketing system as he underscored the importance of integration.

“Integration will enable different systems to communicate with each other, to offer a unified solution and that is what you are doing now,” Tolentino said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra, welcomed the passing of the single ticketing system.

“Let this be a way for all our motorists to become more conscious and respectful of our laws, rules, and regulations,” Marcos said.

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade, through Noreen San Luis-Lutey, also expressed his support for the rollout of the system.

San Luis-Lutey said the signing of the MOA and DSA is monumental for the LTO.

“It is a big milestone for us in terms of enhancing driver discipline through consistent and coordinated law enforcement initiatives,” San Luis-Lutey said.

The single-ticketing system, she said, will work in conjunction with the implementation of the 10-year validity of the driver’s license.

San Juan City Mayor and MMC president Francis Zamora thanked his fellow local chief executives for being part of the landmark legislation.

“The mayors have shown support and love to Metro Manila by amending our traffic ordinances to create a unified traffic code,” Zamora said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new Metro Manila traffic violations single ticketing system will succeed in relation to the objectives mentioned in the above report?

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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Police arrest suspects in Parañaque and seize P680K worth of illegal drugs

April 17, 2023April 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, a buy-bust operation was successfully executed by the local police resulting the apprehension of two suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs worth an estimated P680,000, 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…

Members of the Parañaque Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) seized P680,000 worth of illegal drugs from two individuals during a buy-bust operation on Wednesday, April 12.

Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, identified the suspects as Alfredo Duca Galarion and Gina Catubay Muntez.

Ocampo reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) that the suspects were arrested during an entrapment operation conducted at around 1:10 a.m. on St. Paul Avenue in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City.

He said the SDEU operatives were able to confiscate from the suspects a total of 100 grams of suspected shabu worth P680,000.

The city police chief said the operatives also recovered a genuine P1,000 bill on top of eight boodle money and a blue sling bag.

Ocampo said the recovered shabu was turned over to the SPD Forensic Unit for quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you concerned that there could be illegal drug trading or smuggling 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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COVID-19 Crisis: 2nd booster shots will become available to general population

April 14, 2023April 12, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Health (DOH) announced via a press conference that people who belong to the general population will eventually be allowed to receive the 2^nd booster shots for COVID-19, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that months ago, billions of Pesos worth of COVID-19 vaccines got wasted which the DOH itself actually defended.

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

Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday announced that the general population would now be allowed to receive the second COVID-19 booster shots.

At a press conference, Vergeire said the DOH is only waiting for the release of implementing guidelines before the roll out of the second boosters for the general population starts.

Initially, the second booster jabs were only made available to frontline healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities.

The above report ended stating that over 78 million Filipinos got fully vaccinated (2 shots for most vaccine brands) for COVID-19 while almost 24 million got their booster shots according to the latest data from the DOH.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the pending availability of COVID-19 booster shots for members of the general population will significantly boost the nation’s resistance to the coronavirus? How many people in your local community got fully vaccinate but still have not availed of booster shots? Do you trust DOH office-in-charge Vergeire?

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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Successful 32nd SEA Games anticipated by Cambodia

April 14, 2023April 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Cambodia, the nation that will be hosting the 32^nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023, click here and here), has its tourism authority anticipating that hosting the said games will turn out successful, according to a Khmer Times news report. The SEA Games will take place from May 5 to 17, 2023 and Cambodia will also host the 12^th ASEAN Para Games afterwards.

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

Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism Thong Khon – who also serves as permanent vice-president of the national organising committees for the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games (CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC) – has affirmed that the country’s preparations have been making good progress and the committees fully expect the Kingdom will be well-positioned to succeed as hosts.

The number of athletes, coaches and staff sent by 11 regional countries to the events will be 12,404 in total. Thousands of fans and international tourists are also expected to arrive in Cambodia for the Games.

All forces of the CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC, capital-provincial administrations and all relevant authorities have been cooperating actively and closely in carrying out their duties with a high sense of responsibility, Khon was quoted by The Phnom Penh Post as saying.

He said everything is moving towards a glorious success for the honour and prestige of the country as the host for the first time.

According to the minister, there will be more than 5,000 law enforcement officers on duty as well as 3,000 medical workers to maintain security and public order and carry out emergency medical treatment.

For the opening and closing ceremonies, around 1,000 artists and 2,000 athletes and soldiers have been rehearsing to perform together in a grand spectacle with coordination by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

There are approximately 5,000 volunteers signed up for the SEA Games and 2,000 volunteers for the ASEAN Para Games, he said, adding that all of them were selected and trained by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC).

Five locations in Cambodia have been prepared to host the games including Phnom Penh capital (the Morodok Techo National Stadium, Olympic National Stadium, and Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre) and the provinces of Kep, Kampot, Preah Sihanouk and Siem Reap.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? What can you say about Cambodia’s preparations for the SEA Games this year? Do you think Cambodia will be able to live up to the high expectations with hosting a big sports events while attracting over 10,000 visitors? If you are anticipating this year’s SEA Games, what are the five events or competitions that you are looking forward to the most?

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

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

Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque for illegally detaining their compatriot

April 13, 2023April 11, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, three Chinese nationals were apprehended by the local police for illegally detaining their compatriot, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The three foreigners were arrested on the afternoon of Good Friday at Barangay Tambo.

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

Members of the Parañaque Police Tambo substation arrested three Chinese men for illegally detaining their compatriot on Friday, April 7.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspects identified as Wang Dingding, Ying Jian and Yong Jin Ong were arrested at around 2 p.m. at a casino resort and hotel in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The SPD said the victim identified as Zhou Qing, 33, called his girlfriend Anne Rose Valenzuela Burca, claiming that he was detained by the suspects after losing P500,000 from a casino.

The victim told Burca that he will be sold to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) company if he fails to fulfill the suspects’ demands of paying the P500,000.

Burca immediately sought assistance from the casino security guards, wherein Qing was rescued and Wang Dingding was nabbed. The security guards brought Dingding to Tambo substation after his arrest.

The police said after Dingding was arrested, Jian and Ong appeared at the Tambo substation to help and settle the complaint against the suspect.

However, at the Tambo police substation, the victim identified Jian and Ong as the persons who prevented him from leaving the room and threatened him to be sold at a POGO company.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you concerned about Chinese nationals causing trouble in your local community? Are there many POGO workers living in your local community right now?

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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Man arrested for stealing over P70 million worth of valuables from foreign resident of Ayala Alabang Vllage

April 12, 2023April 9, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, local police personnel arrested a man (note: he worked as a driver) for the alleged theft of over P70 million worth of valuables from a foreigner who has been living in Ayala Alabang Village, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A driver was arrested by the police after allegedly stealing at least P73.6 million worth of personal valuables, including a P50-million Richard Mille watch, from a Korean living in Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa.

The Muntinlupa Police identified the suspect as Menard Soler, 37, a resident of San Francisco del Monte in Quezon City.

Soler was hired as a driver by victim Sungchan Hong, 46, a Korean businessman. The theft incident was discovered on March 26 at his house in Ayala Alabang Village.

The suspect was arrested by Muntinlupa police at a parking lot of a hotel in San Pedro, Laguna by virtue of a warrant of arrest for another theft he allegedly committed last year.

The warrant of arrest was issued by Presiding Judge Vladimir Berla Serohijos Daral of the Pasay Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 165 with recommended bail of P10,000.

After Soler’s arrest, the police recovered P73.6 million worth of personal items that he allegedly took from the victim’s house. These include a Richard Mille wristwatch worth P50 million; one Rolex watch worth P2.5 million; AP watch, P3 million; a Cartier bracelet, P1 million; five pieces of Gold Trump playing cards, P10 million; a Dragon bracelet, P1 million; a Dupont lighter, P500,000; four G-Shock watches, P80,000; a gold dragon figurine, P2 million; two gold watches, P3 million; a silver watch, P500,000; and an Apple watch, P50,000.

The police said Soler put the valuables inside a bag and left using the victim’s Range Rover vehicle.

Soler is now detained at the Muntinlupa Police custodial facility pending the issuance of a commitment order from the court.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could be others like the reported suspect who might be targeting the foreign residents of 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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Las Piñas City Government procures new dental health bus

April 11, 2023April 10, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the City Government procured a brand new dental health bus which was inspected by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said bus will be used for the dental health needs of the local residents.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar inspected the city’s newly-acquired dental health bus that is expected to boost dental health care of residents on Tuesday, April 4.

Aguilar said the new dental health bus aims to provide quality dental health services such as oral health check-ups, prophylaxis, and tooth extraction to communities with limited access to health centers.

*Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery inspected the equipment inside the brand new dental health bus. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)*

*The newest dental health bus of the city. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)*

She said the bus is in addition to the recently procured 16 dental chairs which were distributed to different health centers in the city. The mayor said the dental health bus will be deployed regularly in areas needing oral health care services.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? What do you think about the quality of the equipment the new dental health bus has?

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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Cambodia aiming to provide the best experience for visitors and sports delegations during the 32nd SEA Games

April 10, 2023April 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Cambodia, the nation that will be hosting the 32^nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023, click here and here), is aiming to deliver the best experience for the thousands of visitors and sports delegates who will be attending the games this May, the Khmer Times reported focusing on Prime Minister Hun Sen’s most recent meeting with sports delegations.

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

Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday met with national sports delegations including coaching staff and athletes ahead of the upcoming SEA Games that will be held in May in Cambodia for the first time in 64 years.

This is the fifth time that Mr Hun Sen has met with sports delegations at a dinner.

At this year’s meeting, 4,264 delegations were allowed to be with the Prime Minister, according to his Facebook page.

“It is a priceless moment for Cambodia to host the first SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games after waiting for 64 years,” Mr Hun Sen said in the meeting.

“Cambodia is aiming to provide the best experience with great hospitality for visitors as well as sports delegations who will be visiting Cambodia during the SEA Games.”

He said he will wait for good results from all the Cambodian athletes who will be competing in different sports in the event. However, he asked the athletes to follow the rules and compete with dignity.

“We want to showcase Cambodia to the world through this event,” said the Prime Minister.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon said this meeting has shown that the government is paying high attention to the national sports delegations as well as sports development in Cambodia.

“This could also be the best opportunity for the sports delegations to get more advice from the Prime Minister ahead of the upcoming SEA Games,” he said.

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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Overcharged electric bike (e-bike) sparks household fire and causes the death of a family

April 10, 2023April 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are popular here in the Philippines and they are perceived to be economical and environment-friendly. E-bikes are also favored by fanatics of renewable energy, the climate change fanatics, as well as those who are living with a burning hatred for fossil fuel. However, there is one tragedy that took place recently during Holy Week and it is about an e-bike that was left charging for too long which caused a house fire and the eventual death of a family of five, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

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

An overcharged electric bike was the cause of a fire that killed a family of five here early Monday morning, according to an investigation of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Pozorrubio.

In an interview on Tuesday, Fire Officer 3 Christian Verosil said the e-bike was on the ground floor of the victim’s residence and was left plugged in overnight.

“(Their) electronic bike does not have an automatic switch mechanism that would stop once the charging was completed,” he said.

He said the fire that started through the overcharged bike spread through the wirings of their house until it reached the attic where the casualties were sleeping.

“There are 10 persons in the house. The deceased father (Mark Villanueva) saved the other five members of their household including the elderly and those who were on the ground floor but when he returned to try to save his wife (Dexie) and three children aged six, two, and one, they were trapped and were unable to get out,” Verosil said.

He added that the attic was made of wood which made the fire spread almost immediately and there were no other openings aside from a small window and the attic door.

Meanwhile, Verosil said two neighboring houses were also damaged but there were no injuries or casualties.

He said the damage incurred amounted to PHP9 million.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you own an electric bike, have you been very careful about scheduling its recharge at your home or at your business place? How often do you unplug appliances at your home before going to sleep or leaving the household?

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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