news – Page 71 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City Councilor Santos asks DENR to authorize P103.8 billion Las Piñas-Parañaque reclamation plan

October 31, 2024October 24, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, Las Piñas City Councilor and congressional candidate Mark Santos formally asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to authorize the Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project of the national government which is worth over P100 billion, according to a Manila Standard news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the news report of the Manila Standard Some parts in boldface…

Las Piñas City Councilor and congressional candidate Mark Anthony Santos asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to authorize the P103.8-billion Las Piñas-Paranaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project of the national government.

Santos said the clearance to proceed with the project remained unresolved by the members of DENR’s Protective Area Management Board, despite the SC decision three years ago.

“The status of the project remains at the detailed engineering stage,” he said.

Santos said that in an en banc decision on Oct. 21, 2021, the Supreme Court, voting 11-2, approved the reclamation project of around 530 hectares of the Manila Bay coastline in Las Piñas- Parañaque, ruling that the supposed threat to environment was not sufficiently established.

Alltech Contractors proposed the project to develop 321.26 hectares of land in Las Piñas and 174.88 hectares in Parañaque, both along the coastline of Manila Bay in 2009. The Philippine Reclamation Authority approved the project in 2010 subject to compliance to environmental rules.

Alltech submitted an amended environmental performance report management plan (EPRMP) in December that year and expanded the project to cover 203.43 hectares in Parañaque and 431.71 hectares in Las Piñas.

The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau issued the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the project In March 2011, after Alltech Contractors submitted scientific and expert studies that assessed the potential flooding and flushing impact that may arise from the coastal bay project.

The SC decision suggests that the city government of Las Piñas may proceed with the reclamation project despite residents’ objections, said Santos.

Santos said the city councils of Las Piñas and Parañaque issued the corresponding resolutions authorizing their respective city mayors to explore the proposal under a joint venture agreement (JVA).

The cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque eventually accepted Alltech’s proposal, and the parties executed their respective JVAs, he said.

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? Do you think it is high-time for the reclamation in Las Piñas to proceed?

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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4th Asian Youth Games (AYG) set for September 7 to 17, 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

October 31, 2024October 29, 2024carlocarrasco

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced that the 4^th Asian Youth Games (AYG) will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from September 7 to 17, 2025.

A total of 24 sports have been confirmed for the AYG which goes as follows: Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football and Futsal, Hand to Fight, Karate, Sambo, Volleyball, Aquatics, Belbolgi Kurash, Chess, Gymnastics, Judo, Kurash, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Boxing, Canoe, Fencing, Handball, Jiu-Jitsu, Rowing, Taekwondo and Wrestling.

As per the OCA Constitution, athletes in the age group of 14 to 17 years will only be allowed to participate in the AYG. This is being done in order for these athletes to participate in the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.

To compete in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), athletes must be 15 to 18 years old as of 31 December in the year of the Games. The OCA aims to prepare future AYG athletes for the YOG, which is why it has aligned age limits with the YOG criteria. This allows National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to adequately prepare their athletes for participation in the YOG.

The OCA states that athletes should be born not before 2008 and not after 2011 and should be between 14 to 17 years of age as of 31st December 2025.

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Better than Streaming: Reagan Blu-ray set for November 19, 2024 release

October 30, 2024October 22, 2024carlocarrasco

Welcome back fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs!

If you are looking for new movie about America’s iconic President Ronald Reagan to watch in the comfort of your home, be aware that the Blu-ray disc (with DVD and digital copy) of the film Reagan (2024) will be released on November 19, 2024, according to a Blu-ray.com update. The good news here is that pre-orders for it are already being accepted online and you can go for it by clicking right here. The movie was directed by Sean McNamara.

*Reagan Blu-ray disc includes DVD and digital copy.*

In this movie (released on August 30, 2024 in cinemas), Dennis Quaid played the iconic Ronald Reagan. The supporting cast includes Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan (the First Lady), Jon Voight as Viktor Petrovich, Robert Davi as Leonid Brezhnev, and Kevin Sorbo as Rev. Ben Cleaver.

The official description is as follows: From dusty small-town roots, to the glitter of Hollywood, and then on to commanding the world stage, REAGAN is a cinematic journey of overcoming the odds. Told through the voice of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent who followed Reagan’s ascent, REAGAN captures the indomitable spirit of the American dream.

To see what the film looks like, watch the official movie trailer below.

In my honest view, Ronald Reagan is clearly the most defining President of the United States not only in the 1980s but in the entire 20^th century as he used the full might of his office to push back hard against Communism while also lifting Americans up from the social downturn and rebellious norms that hurt the nation since the 1960s.

Reagan is known for reviving patriotism and economic progress (focused on capitalism and the Reagnomics policies) in America. It has been argued again and again that had Reagan never been US President, America would have fallen deeper into turmoil and the Communists would have gained ground in the Cold War.

1980 US Presidential Election material from Ronald Reagan’s campaign. The words “make America great again” was spoken by him long before US President Donald Trump’s time. If you think about it carefully, Reagan was an ordinary American who became President of the United States.

It was only right that a proper movie about President Reagan was made. Of course, knowing the traditions of Hollywood, I am anticipating that creative liberties were taken in order to make the cinematic narrative work. I am based here in the Philippines and it is frustrating for me that this movie was never released in local cinemas. That being said, I am closely watching this as a possible addition to my Blu-ray movie collection.

Looking back at the official trailer above, it looks like the filmmakers did a good job making Dennis Quaid look, move and sound like President Reagan. The movie looks like it has a strong focus on the Cold War through Reagan which really interests me.

*US President Ronald Reagan in real life.*

*The cinematic President Reagan played by Dennis Quaid.*

If you have decided already to order a Blu-ray copy of Reagan (2024) this early, click https://www.amazon.com/Reagan-Bluray-Digital-Dennis-Quaid/dp/B0DD4TJ22G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XZMN2Z03MD8G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3WIBMiQTkIXx7uutUYH9GT–2x-l0tZxtmapMDbe8ufduasK8Istd2Nxxh7cVJpX0P70CpRuvF-LKNFuGN-k0ZVOC2F4VTHlmqiO_gPSiCaceNMw6j0fkY1c5ekbdRo2_Z__BTJgJz3YLsXu1ANHa-XSdBYrnbEZF7yj1ahj7BUJjbTBaNzMRbkT7ZMWo6VX8TmnU1D0r0dJFJf71C_TGLfYe1uZO8_obxYEZg5_EOI.jT_iOpHGaFFdBp8gV4xtKfr9P-Ab9LygXH0kwEyXe-k&dib_tag=se&keywords=Reagan&qid=1729589526&sprefix=reagan%2Caps%2C525&sr=8-1

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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Ayala-Mitsubishi deal likely to boost GCash IPO

October 30, 2024October 21, 2024carlocarrasco

If things go well, the recent deal made between Ayala Corp. and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. will likely boost the anticipated initial public offering (IPO) of e-wallet entity GCash, according to a BusinessWorld news report referencing analysts.

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

THE RECENT deal between Ayala Corp. and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. is likely to increase the valuation of the anticipated initial public offering (IPO) of the electronic wallet GCash, according to analysts.

On Friday last week, Ayala Corp. announced that it was selling its 50% stake in AC Ventures Holding Corp. (ACV) to Mitsubishi for a minimum of P18.4 billion.

ACV owns 13% of Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc. (Mynt), which has two fintech companies, G-Xchange Inc., the operator of GCash, and Fuse Lending, a tech-based microlender.

“The deal reinforces the value of Mynt for its future IPO. With key investors coming in at a valuation of around $5 billion, Mynt is poised for an IPO at a much higher valuation,” Chinabank Capital Corp. Managing Director Juan Paolo E. Colet said in a Viber message.

GCash previously said it was planning an IPO but would wait for a more favorable market.

According to Mr. Colet, the IPO could happen as early as next year depending on market conditions.

“I can see the IPO within the next two to three years. Perhaps as soon as next year if market conditions are very good,” he said.

“So far, it seems Globe wants a local IPO for Mynt. But it would be better if they do a dual listing in the Philippines and a larger stock market to get the best of both worlds,” he added.

Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc. Trader Mark V. Santarina said in a Viber message that the deal helps GCash’s international expansion plans.

GCash services are available in 16 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Australia, Canada, Germany, and other Asian countries.

“For GCash, Mitsubishi’s entry paves the way for potential international expansion, particularly into Japan, and may boost its service offerings in microlending and financial technology,” he said.

“While GCash is considering overseas listings for its IPO, there is still hope it may choose to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) instead, which would be a significant win for the local market,” he added.

AP Securities, Inc. Research Head Alfred Benjamin R. Garcia said in a Viber message that the deal could help improve other Ayala ventures.

“With its entry into ACV, Mitsubishi is not only buying into GCash but also into other ventures under ACV like Gogoro and Zalora. We believe Mitsubishi’s expertise can help improve these businesses and maybe even accelerate the expansion of GCash into Japan,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think an IPO of GCash could happen sometime in 2025? Are you an investor waiting for the GCash IPO to happen?

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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A look at Israel’s recent attack on military targets in Iran in response to the terrorist state’s two attacks

October 29, 2024October 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Here is a collective look at Israel’s strategic response against terrorist state Iran citing credible sources. Pay close attention to the details. Do not be misled by the Islamo-Leftist and wicked forces of the world. Remember that Iran launched not one but two massive attacks of ballistic missiles against Israel this year. This past weekend’s attack on military targets in Iran were very specifically done by Israel as the Jewish state did not target civilians. Rather they hit the said targets to bring down Iran’s defenses and to hamper their ability to launch ballistic missiles (which itself is good for Israel’s people and other nations).

George W. Bush’s war against terror has long been over and it is clear that Israel is leading the fight against the terrorists while defending Western civilization as we know it. Iran’s Islamic regime declared many times before it wishes death to America, Israel and England.

Lastly, I encourage you to pray to God in support of Israel. Learn to love and bless the Jewish people. Help them and other unsaved souls (including the Iranians who defied the Islamic regime) to come to Lord Jesus. Also pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Did Israel Do Enough in Iran?

To lure younger investors, BPI Wealth to launch new mutual fund

October 29, 2024October 21, 2024carlocarrasco

BPI Wealth – the wealth management arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – will establish a new mutual fund to lure in young and tech-savvy investors, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

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

Amid favorable conditions for long-term investments, the wealth-management arm of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will roll out before this year ends a new mutual fund eyeing young and tech-savvy investors.

BPI Wealth personal wealth head Irene Ang told a press briefing on Friday, October 18, that the forthcoming BPI Wealth Builder Multi-Asset Mutual Fund Inc. is expected to be approved “soon” by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which regulates mutual funds, for it to be sold to the public.

This first-of-its-kind balanced, global-based and peso-subscription and -redemption fund aims to convince millennials and the Gen X generation in the country to invest and prepare for their retirement, Ang said.

Among the innovative and unique features of this mutual fund include availability for a minimum of only P1,000; accessibility on BPI’s online platforms and accredited channels to conveniently open an investment account, monitor investments, and receive cumulative rewards and benefits at no extra cost; as well as an automated and automatic top-up system allowing additional investments of at least P100 monthly.

Ang is optimistic that up to P1-billion investments in their upcoming newest mutual fund would be “easy.”

BPI Wealth president and chief executive officer (CEO) Maria Theresa D. Marcial noted that among their investors, those who onboarded via digital channels continued to engage more regularly than branch-opened accounts.

“We should push more into digital initiatives,” said Marcial, who is spearheading BPI’s “Wealth Wellness Month” this October to promote financial inclusion and literacy as well as opportunities for small investors.

Marcial disclosed that as of end-September, BPI Wealth’s assets under management (AUM) rose to a new high of P1.4 trillion, from P1.2 trillion in end-2023.

On top of the earlier goal of 20-percent AUM increase for this year, Marcial said a further 15-percent growth next year will be “reasonable.”

BPI Wealth targets P3 trillion in AUM by 2026.

Marcial cited that while mutual funds and other assets experienced a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs during the past three years due to global financial conditions, the clarity in the ongoing monetary policy easing here and abroad this year has improved prospects.

“We’re seeing markets becoming more buoyant, and fund managers are becoming more constructive across asset classes,” she said.

“Bonds are expected to do better, as interest rates go lower. And because interest rates are lower… so [in] equity we’re seeing some renewed interest,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think BPI Wealth’s newest move makes a lot of sense with today’s economic environment? Do you think a lot of millennials are willing to engage in investments?

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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Three men arrested in Parañaque City for posing as NBI agents, grave threat and extortion

October 29, 2024October 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three men who pretended to be agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) got arrested by the police for extortion, grave threat, malicious mischief and the usurpation of authority, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The three suspects were also responsible for a previous attempt to extort money from a Parañaque spa while pretending to be working for the NBI.

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

Three men who posed as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and attempted to extort P100,000 cash from the owner of a food store were arrested by members of the Parañaque police Tambo Substation on Saturday, October 19.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as alias “Bernard,” 44, alias “John,” 29, both businessmen, and alias “Lenon,” 24.

The SPD said the suspects were arrested around 3:00 a.m. at a food store located in Aseana I Building, E. Cuenco, Barangay Tambo.

The police said the suspects reportedly entered the establishment and presented a fraudulent search warrant alleging that the store was selling illegal tobacco and cigarettes.

The suspects threatened the 19 year-old store cashier and demanded that the store owner pay P100,000 cash to avoid penalties for selling illegal tobacco products.

The police said Aseana security guards were alerted and intervened when they noticed the commotion inside the food store while the suspects were dismantling the store’s CCTV camera.

Members of the Tambo police substation who were near the area were called for police assistance and upon verification, the suspects were found to be fake NBI agents.

During investigation, the police said Atty. Joseph Eufemio S. Martinez, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Director for Operations Supervising Agent, National Capital Region (NBI-NCR), National Bureau of Investigation, said that the arrested suspects are not member of the agency.

The police also found that the same suspects had previously attempted to extort money from a spa in Parañaque City on September 1, 2024 by posing as NBI agents and threatening the business owner.

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 individuals who would visit local businesses pretending to be NBI agents and make grave threats as they extort money? If you are a local business owner, did you encounter the same suspects in the news 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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All 9 barangays in Muntinlupa City pass standards for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks

October 28, 2024October 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, all of the nine barangays successfully passed the standards for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks, 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…

All the nine barangays in Muntinlupa have passed the standards under the law for their VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) desks.

“Congratulations to all barangays of Muntinlupa for achieving 100% compliance with our VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) desk standards!” said Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Under the standards, he said, the functionality of each barangay was assessed based on policies, personnel, resources, planning and budgeting, implementation, good practices, and regular submission of reports.

“At talagang commendable ang bawat barangay for having met these standards (And each barangay is really commendable for having met these standards),” he said.

Under a memorandum circular issued in 2023 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), VAWC) is defined as “any act of or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against.a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.”

These acts include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and economic abuse. Biazon lamented the violence happens inside a household.

“Pero naririto ang City Government at mga barangay to ensure that women and children have somewhere to turn to for help. Tinitiyak natin na meron laging tutugon sa kababaihan at kabataang humihingi ng saklolo (But the City government and barangays are here to ensure that women and children have somewhere to turn to for help. We ensure that someone will respond to women and children who seek help),” the mayor said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think having a VAWC desk in your barangay will be helpful? What is the first thing that comes to your mind whenever you think about the VAWC

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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LGBTQ member arrested in Las Piñas City for child abuse

October 27, 2024October 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a person identified with the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community over the charge of child abuse, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The law enforcers carried a warrant of arrest issued by a certain branch of the Las Piñas City Family Court.

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

A member of the LGBTQ community was arrested by the Las Piñas City Police for child abuse on Wednesday, October 16, Las Piñas Police chief PCol. Sandro Tafalla said.

The suspect was identified as “Butchoko,” 42. He was arrested at around 4:45 p.m. in Barangay Talon Uno, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the suspect was tagged as Top 6 most wanted person under the station level for the month of October in violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Butchokoy was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez Balmaceda of the Las Piñas City Family Court Branch 2 on September 9, 2024, with a P200,000 recommended bail.

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? Are you concerned that there could be more children within the city who got abused? Are you concerned that child abuse incidents were not reported as crimes locally?

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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Destination of the Year award for 2023 goes to Subic Bay

October 26, 2024October 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) got recognized yet again in the field of sports tourism as it won the Destination of the Year award for 2023 during the 6^th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, according to the social media announcement via the FUNtastic Subic Bay Facebook page.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post. Some parts in boldface…

We’re thrilled to announce that Subic Bay has once again been recognized as the 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 (for 2023) at the prestigious 6th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards!

*From the post of FUNtastic Subic Bay on Facebook.*

This marks our fourth win, following our previous victories in 2019 for Sports Tourism Destination Marketing of the Year, 2018 for Event of the Year (International), and 2017 for Destination of the Year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo L. Aliño, the SBMA Board of Directors, the SBMA working group, our partner organizers, and all our stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to making Subic Bay a premier sports tourism destination. This achievement is a testament to our collective efforts. Congratulations to all of us!

I personally have visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) from time to time since 1994. I have witnessed how much Subic Bay evolved as a tourism destination, a shopping destination as well as a special events destination. The tourism team of the SBMA has a long track record of sports tourism development and the hosting of many kinds of sports events. That being said, it is not surprising to me that the SBMA won another sports tourism award.

For the newcomers reading this, Subic Bay was the host venue of selected events of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). Each year, Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) organizes the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) there.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been touring Subic Bay recently? Did you ever attend a sports event held in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone?

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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