COVID-19 Crisis: GMA News video shows patients frustrated during the launch of Sputnik V in Parañaque

May 11, 2021May 11, 2021carlocarrasco

To all the readers based in Parañaque City…were you able to avail of the free COVID-19 vaccine in your city lately? If you were vaccinated successfully, what type of vaccine was used on you? How long did you wait in line?

The reason why I’m asking this is because GMA Network published news videos that showed some people who waited long in line only to end up not getting vaccinated at a mall in the city the same day Sputnik V debuted there.

Before exploring the GMA News video, let’s put things in perspective that the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) published on May 5, 2021 a press release by the National Task Force against COVID-19 that stated that Parañaque City displayed logistical readiness related to the rollout of Sputnik V vaccines. It should be noted that vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. attended the Sputnik V launch in the said city.

To be clear, here are two excerpts from the PIA-published press release…

Excerpt 1

This city demonstrated its capability to efficiently receive and handle the administration of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccines during a trial run held here on Tuesday, May 4, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez cited the unique characteristics of the Sputnik V vaccines, as he assured the national government and his people that the city is capable of handling the vaccines.

“Ito pong Sputnik V, special po ang logistics nito, kasi kailangan po natin dito at least negative 18 degrees centigrade ang storage. Ang City of Parañaque, through our City Health Office ay prepared na prepared sa paghandle nitong Sputnik V,” Olivarez said.

Excerpt 2

For his part, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 and vaccine czar thanked the City of Parañaque for agreeing to be one of the host cities for the pilot rollout of the Sputnik V vaccines.

“Through this pilot test we are conducting today, we will be able to see and address possible challenges that may arise before we begin to roll out the 485,000 Sputnik V doses that are expected to arrive this week,” Galvez said.

By reading the entire press release at PIA’s website, you would end up believing that things went well in Parañaque City and the launch of Sputnik V. What was completely missing in the press release were long lines and frustration (for those who waited so long and ended up empty handed) at the same venue on the same day as the Sputnik V rollout in Parañaque. Watch GMA Network’s news video below titled “Tempers flare at Parañaque COVID-19 vaccination site as not everyone receives jabs”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about GMA Network’s news video on Parañaque and its Sputnik V launch? Are the organizers in Parañaque taking proper care of its citizens who are trying to get vaccinated for COVID-19? Is the City Government of Parañaque relying on media gimmicks (examples: fancy speeches, lots of show-off photography, etc.) while trying to serve as many citizens to the best of its abilities? Whether you got vaccinated or not, how many hours did you spend waiting in line in your city? How many vaccination sites are available in Parañaque right now that you know? Do you believe that Parañaque can achieve its goal of vaccinating 5,000 people per day?

Are you one of the frustrated people who appeared in GMA’s news video who waited so long in line only to end up without getting vaccinated?

Were the vaccine program organizers of Parañaque City transparent and took good care of you when you lined up?

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. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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

A Look Back at Prototype #18 (1995)

April 14, 2021April 13, 2021carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, superhero fans, comic book collectors, fans of 1990s culture and fans of Malibu Comics! After going through reviewing seventeen issues of the Prototype monthly series that started with the 1993 launch of the Ultraverse, the end of the said series is here.

Before doing the retro review of the 18^th and final issue of Prototype, I should state that the armored hero is indeed one of the most significant Ultraverse heroes of them all. Other than having a standalone monthly series (which includes issue #0) plus a giant size one-shot comic book, Prototype also was part of UltraForce and his presence and overall contribution in that short-lived series were undeniably good. Prototype is also memorable for his conflicts with Prime (read my review of Prime #4). As a series, Prototype also sheds light on the concept about how society would react to an actual functioning, flying armored hero who was also marketed for commercial purposes.

You must be wondering…is the 18^th issue a conclusive story of the monthly series? What were the effects of Marvel’s acquisition of Malibu Comics on the creative team? We can all find out in this look back at Prototype #18, published in 1995 by Malibu Comics with a story written by R.A. Jones and drawn by Paul Abrams.

Early story

The story begins in a certain department store in Manhattan where a special anniversary celebration is being held and Prototype (piloted by Jimmy Ruiz) is the special guest. The affair turns out to be an assignment for him from his employer. Suddenly an armored figure (human-like above the belt, mechanical below the belt) breaks into the store causing a major disturbance. He calls himself Battlewagon.

Battlewagon suddenly opens fire and hits many items around, causing people to panic. Prototype decides to take action and their conflict causes even more damage.

As Battlewagon speaks out against him, Prototype notices the use of a word which was a reference to the gang that he (Jimmy Ruiz) used to hang out with. Prototype also realizes that his new foe is after him in a rather personal way…

Quality

*Does this scene remind you of today’s manipulative and irresponsible news media coverage?*

To put it straight to the point, this comic book is not as conclusive as what Prototype fans would hope for. Sure the words “The end.” were written on the last page but, without fully spoiling the story of the comic book, sub-plots that started building up in the few previous issues were left unresolved. You hoped to see Jimmy reunited with Angella in this issue? You hoped to what happened to the deformed Stanley Leland? You will be disappointed.

More on the comic book itself, the conflict between Prototype and Battlewagon is actually written to be intense in terms of dialogue and interaction between the two. While that is a good thing, it does not hide the fact that Battlewagon, as a villain, felt more like an afterthought in terms of character introduction and the flashback relating to collateral damage in Prototype #7 does not really add much to the him. What I liked most in the script written by R.A. Jones was the look back at the past of Jimmy Ruiz when he was younger and was a thug on the streets.

Conclusion

While it is not strong enough to be a worthy conclusion to its series, Prototype #18 (1995) managed to tell its own tale in a satisfying manner by adding another villain for the hero to fight with, and also expanding Jimmy Ruiz’s past as a gang member. Of course, I don’t have the details about what happened behind the scenes at Malibu Comics as a result of getting acquired by Marvel Comics, and how all that impacted the creators working on Prototype. I can only speculate that there were planned stories of Prototype that did not get published. In fact, there was a short announcement of Prototype: Turf War #1 shown.

If this comic book is any indication, its story really felt more like a substitution as it had no references to the plot elements of the immediate few issues before it. Considering what happened at the end of issue #17, Jimmy Ruiz really acted out of character in this story.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #18 (1995), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $35.

Overall, Prototype #18 (1995) is satisfactory. As a series’ final issue, however, it is a disappointment.

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A Look Back at Prime #16 (1994)

January 15, 2021January 14, 2021carlocarrasco

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, comic book collectors and fans of the Ultraverse! We revisit the Ultraverse yet again, only this time it will be through another issue from the Prime monthly series.

In Prime #15, an issue illustrated by the great George Perez, the overly muscular hero entered a certain Hollywood house which was believed to be the headquarters of a drug trafficking operation. What Prime found inside were not only junkies but also zombies and terrifying illusions that tested him mentally and emotionally.

So what happened next? We can find out in this look back at Prime #16, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Len Strazewski and Gerard Jones, and illustrated by Joel Thomas.

Early story

The story begins with Prime struggling with questions from the media. Journalists ask him about his involvement with teenage boys, the truth about his youth crusade, and if he was recruiting boys for gangs. Prime, who is really teenager Kevin Greene inside, bluntly states he cares about teenagers and will do justice for them.

Questions about a certain backpack he (as Kevin) dropped and the young boy’s clothing that he carried bothered him deeply, making him remember he dropped a backpack filled with clothes at the office of Baker. Realizing he screwed up, he gets violent with the reporters who ask him hard questions.

Suddenly police helicopters arrive telling Prime he is under arrest….

Quality

Set shortly after the events of UltraForce #2, the story here is pretty powerful on its own as the stakes were raised by Strazewski and Jones to develop Prime even further than before. Many times, we have seen how being Prime made life more complicated and harder for Kevin Green. In this comic book, the complications have gotten even bigger and deeper as the media has turned hostile towards Prime affecting not only Kevin but also his romantic interest Kelly and her mother. As if that was not enough, there are many fanatics of Prime called “Prime Gangs” who are so obsessed with their muscular idol, they serious believe they can do anything to honor him…even though it means harassing other people. Also notable here was the way Kevin (as Prime) tries to save his fragile friendship with Kelly. There is also the appearance of Turbo Charge here. Clearly, the writing here is really great.

I cannot say the same for the art done by Joel Thomas. His art style is too cartoony and he drew people’s bodies and faces lacking precision. Many times I had trouble recognizing Kevin, Kelly, her mother and other supporting characters. Visually, this is a letdown.

Conclusion

*Powerful talk between Prime and Kelly ruined somewhat by the weak art.*

Back by very strong writing, Prime #16 (1994) is absolutely engaging to read and it truly served as a crucial turning point in telling the continuing story of Prime. In many ways, the dramatic events here serve as the climax of all the dramatic build-up seen in the previous Prime issues. This comic book’s portrayal of the overly hostile and unrelenting media will easily remind any reader about today’s news media in which unprofessional journalism, secret agendas, political bias, conspiracy between media and political groups, malice and political activism among so-called journalists are now the norm.

The dramatic turn of events here are so powerful, Turbo Charge’s presence really got overshadowed a lot. Visually, this comic book has some of the weakest looking Prime art I’ve seen.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prime #16 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $8.

Overall, Prime #16 (1994) is recommended.

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Drainage Improvement Project inside BF NorthWest Ongoing

March 3, 2020March 2, 2020carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc. by means of an interview and research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Hey everyone! How is your life right now here in South Metro Manila? I bet you were one of many commuters or motorists who had to endure the painful long wait in the middle of the heavy traffic congestion along the South Luzon Expressway’s (SLEX) northbound lane leading to Alabang. Any way, here is my latest South Metro Manila update for you related to BF Homes subdivision in Paranaque City.

Recently I visited BF NorthWest inside BF Homes subdivision, to personally check out the ongoing drainage project that made some buzz via social media.

After driving for a while, I finally saw the drainage operation at the corner of Cairo street and Canton street. Here’s a video I recorded for you.

There was a sign stating “Sorry for the Inconvenience. On going construction of new drainage system installation of flood lights and convex traffic mirror”

The sign had logos of the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc., Bagong Paranaque (why not the city’s logo?) and City Councilor Wahoo Sotto.

Nearby was a large machine designed to dig along a key stretch of Cairo street, and there were a few personnel working. I witnessed one of them rolling a large drainage pipe. The portions of the street that got dug up and had new drainage pipes installed were pretty deep. And then along a key stretch of Dacca Extension were many more new drainage pipes placed there for eventual usage.

With the ongoing drainage operations by the City Government, one-way traffic schemes were temporarily implemented along the affected streets of the village.

*At the corner of Canton and Cairo street.*

According to BF NorthWest HOA President Manny Nubla, the project is badly needed because their residents along the affected streets have been suffering a lot from deep and persistent flooding whenever it rains. If you thought the flooding along D. Jakarta street near the village clubhouse was bad, it’s even worse on the other streets (Cebu, Dacca, Canton, Cairo) where the drainage is no longer sufficient.

For more on BF NorthWest and other updates about the BF Homes communities, come back here.

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. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Mayor Fresnedi envisions Muntinlupa to be a “smart city,” leads its 25th anniversary

March 2, 2020March 2, 2020carlocarrasco

Mayor Fresnedi envisions Muntinlupa to be a “smart city,” leads its 25^th anniversary

Muntinlupa2020 — Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi with local officials in the celebration of the town’s silver anniversary last March 2. In his message, Fresnedi accounted Muntinlupa’s progress to its residents which he claimed as the city’s greatest resource. The local exec also highlighted the City Government’s sustainability initiatives in developing Muntinlupa as a “smart city” with focus on programs for education. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

This past Sunday (March 1, 2020) was the 25^th anniversary of Muntinlupa as a City highlighting the historical date of March 1, 1995 which was the day when then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law the key legislation (Republic Act Number 7926) that converted Muntinlupa from a municipality into a city.

On the morning of March 2 at the City Hall grounds, the City Government commemorated the silver anniversary. While considered as one of the youngest cities in the Philippines, Muntinlupa has become a front runner in its class in terms of competitiveness and quality of life for its residents.

The City Government organized a simple program for the city’s 25^th founding anniversary and the celebration kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass followed by a flag raising ceremony. Those who attended the program were Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Vice-mayor Temy Simundac, City Councilors, City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, barangay officials, and partners from the private sector and national government agencies.

In his message, Mayor Fresnedi accounted Muntinlupa’s progress to its residents which he claimed as the city’s greatest resource. He also highlighted sustainability efforts of the City Government in developing Muntinlupa as a “smart city” with focus on programs for education.

“As we look forward to the coming years, we are certain that the direction of Muntinlupa is only geared towards development and becoming a smart city of the future. For this reason that I commit to prepare every Muntinlupeño, focusing on their education, and to construct necessary infrastructure to enable residents face new challenges and adapt to emerging trends,” Fresnedi said.

The mayor highlighted the City Government’s initiative on expanding scholarship program from elementary to graduate school. He noted the recent allowance hike, including the increase of cash gifts awarded to board topnotchers and latin honor graduates. Muntinlupa City holds the highest number of scholarship program beneficiaries in the country with over 71,000 scholars.

Further, Fresnedi highlighted the construction of four school building, Aquatic Center, Track and Field Oval, groundbreaking of engineering college Colegio de Muntinlupa’s Building 2, and among others.

It is remembered that on March 1, 1995, Muntinlupa was converted from a municipality to a highly urbanized city and became the 65th city of the Philippines by virtue of Republic Act 7926. Today, it has transformed as one of the leading investment hubs in the country with nine equally progressive barangays and a population of 504,509.

The city has been recognized as a model city in the country bench-marked by LGUs in the country and garnered several awards from various governing bodies.

Some of the citations include the Seal of Good Governance from DILG, Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance from Regional Committee for Welfare of Children, Red Orchid Award, Jose Rizal Award for the fourth consecutive year, Gawad Bayanihan Award, Rank 1 (NCR) for Local Revenue Collection from Economic Enterprises, Rank 3 (NCR) for Manila Bay Clean-up Rehabilitation and Preservation Program, citation from National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC), Gawad Pilak from the Landbank of the Philippines, Most Business-Friendly City Award in 2018, Green Banner Award and Outstanding LGU in Nutrition Program Management in 2018, MERALCO Luminaries Award in 2018, Government Efficiency and Resilience Award (3rd Place) from National Competitiveness Council in 2017 and 2018, respectively; and Union Internationale des Transports Publics Awards in 2017, among others.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa.

325 Avail of Health Services in Tahanan Village

February 22, 2020March 5, 2020carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc., by means of an interview, witnessing their event and doing research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

325 Avail of Health Services in Tahanan Village

*Patients sitting in line for their turn to be served in the Tahanan Village clinic at the clubhouse.*

No surprise about it. The Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) headed by its president Flor Umali organized another successful health-check activity this morning at the poolside of their village clubhouse in Tahanan Village (Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City) attracting three hundred and twenty-five residents and homeowner association employees. That is twenty-five more than the patients who attended CCTI’s previous health-check activity of September 2019.

As before, their medical mission supported by Barangay BF Homes, the Tahanan Homeowners Association (THA) and some corporate sponsors, started at 6AM and already a lot of people lined up to be the first to avail of health services. Take a look at the pictures I took.

*Patients getting examined and treated.*

A lot of the patients previously paid P350 to avail of the health-check package that includes good and bad cholesterol check, Triglycerides, Creatinine, SGOT, ECG, blood sugar count, total cholesterol count, BUN, Urice Acid, SGPT, CBC and urinalysis. There were also many who arrived for eye check-up, PSA, Hba1c, T3, T4, TSH and Na, K and Ci (electrolytes).

Those who had themselves tested will receive the results soon.

*Century Club of Tahanan president Florencia Umali.*

This health-check activity is a project of the CCTI in coordination with the THA which is the main authority of the village. Also present during the activity were CCTI’s Vice President Vivian Villegas and Treasurer Herminia Salgado.

Tahanan Village Health Check-Up Activity Scheduled for February 22, 2020

January 25, 2020February 4, 2020carlocarrasco

The Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI), a private club of senior citizens living in Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, will be sponsoring on February 22, 2020 (Saturday) starting at 6AM (end at 10AM) the next Health Check-up (Executive Laboratory Check-up) activity at the poolside of the Tahanan Village clubhouse (where the village clinic is also located).

Open to all residents of the village, there will be a wide variety of services and examinations that people can avail of for their respective health-related needs or inquiries.

“We encourage the Tahanan Village residents to take advantage of the generously discounted health services as well as the convenience of the venue which is at the poolside of the clubhouse at the park,” Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. president Florencia Umali stated to me.

20190928_071314 — *File photo of CCTI president Florencia Umali (seated, foreground) helping patients during the September 28, 2019 health check-up activity in Tahanan Village.*

Indeed, to make the most out of their money, villagers can pay only P350 for a health-check package that includes good and bad cholesterol check, Triglycerides, Creatinine, SGOT, ECG, blood sugar count, total cholesterol count, BUN, Urice Acid, SGPT, CBC and urinalysis. These said services would have cost almost P1,300 at regular rates. That’s a tremendous amount of more than P900 in savings.

All of those who intend to avail of the health services related to blood testing are advised to bring their own urine sample and should have fasted between 10 hours to 12 hours.

Other health services people can choose from are PSA, Hba1c, T3, T4, TSH and Na, K and Ci (electrolytes). There will also be a free computerized eye refraction service as well.

The results of the medical tests will be released on March 1 at the Tahanan Village clinic. Free consultation is also offered.

With the discounts and venue convenience at hand, potentially hundreds of villagers could show up and avail of the services on February 22. It is recalled that the CCTI’s last health check-up activity in Tahanan Village attracted 300 people.

This health-check activity is a project of the CCTI in coordination with the Tahanan Homeowners Association, Inc. (THA) which is the main authority of the village.

My Observations: Crime Incidents in Parañaque Involving Chinese Nationals to Continue Even More?

January 21, 2020January 21, 2020carlocarrasco

A few weeks ago, I called Parañaque City a hot spot for criminal incidents involving foreigners from China. As far as South Metro Manila is concerned, Parañaque registered 140 crime incidents involving Chinese nationals versus 54 in Las Piñas City and 19 in Muntinlupa City as per the findings of Southern Police District (SPD).

Think about it. There were 213 crime incidents involving Chinese nationals in South Metro Manila and Parañaque (the city of BF Homes subdivision, Manila Memorial Park and those lavish casinos and hotels by the bay) got almost two-thirds of that.

The trend of such crime continues to happen in the said city as confirmed by the January 20, 2020 news report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The report was about a police raid on a sex den inside a budget hotel that resulted the apprehension of a Chinese national who allegedly managed the place and the rescue of several Chinese women who allegedly were forced into prostitution.

Below are notable excerpts from the report.

Excerpt 1: The alleged manager of the sex den, Cai Ye Gui, also from China, was arrested. He now faces charges for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

Excerpt 2: A tip from one of the victims’ clients led to the rescue of 11 Chinese women allegedly forced into prostitution inside one of the branches of a budget hotel chain in Parañaque City on Sunday.

Excerpt 3: The victims claimed they were promised jobs in the country, but ended up being forced into prostitution.

Excerpt 4: Similar to other sex dens raided by authorities, the business catered exclusively to Chinese nationals, especially to men working in Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) companies and their service providers. Bookings could be made through the WeChat app or in person.

So the prostitution joint was handled by a male Chinese national to cater to foreigners from China and their workers were ladies also from China who were promised jobs in the Philippines only to end up working as prostitutes against their will.

As for the app called WeChat, that is the most popular messaging app in China (according to CNBC) owned by Tencent (full corporate name Tencent Holdings Limited) which is a Chinese multinational conglomerate.

Based on the details of the Inquirer report, it seems that WeChat is used for communication and business for the raided sex den. This brings me to an excerpt from CNBC’s article…

Excerpt 1: One of the primary uses of WeChat is messaging. Just like WhatsApp, you have a list of conversations that you’re engaged in.

You can add people in a variety of ways.

When people exchange contact details in China, you often see one person scanning the other person’s phone. Each WeChat user has a unique barcode known as a QR code. One person can scan the other user’s QR code to add them to WeChat. You can also use a phone number or ID to add a person and search for people nearby.

WeChat is one of the main ways people communicate in China. Even when doing business, people prefer WeChat to email. It’s even more prevalent because services like Facebook are blocked here.

And here is a look at the commercial side of WeChat.

Excerpt 2: If you’re buying something online in China, there will be an option to purchase with WeChat Pay. You will need to put in a passcode or use a biometric authentication tool to authorize the transaction.

Instant money transfers to your WeChat contacts can also be made via the messaging function, which makes it easy to split bills or just move money around China. It is possible to be nearly cashless in China and actually go out for the day without a wallet.

If WeChat was actually used for payments (in addition to booking) for services at the sex den by Chinese users who are physically present here in the Philippine, how were they able to make it work locally? WeChat’s financial transaction feature was supposed to work only in China.

To say the least, the app made bookings convenient for Chinese nationals before visiting the illegal joint in Parañaque City. The name of the budget hotel (which had the sex den inside) was not revealed in the Inquirer report but it was described to be located near the corner of Quirino Avenue and NAIA Road.

As for the legal aspect of the latest Parañaque sex den raid involving Chinese nationals, the law enforcers and lawyers will have to figure out how to effectively apply the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 on the suspects and other violators.

If found guilty, the suspects will be penalized for twenty years imprisonment and a fine of P1 million to 2P million for the act of trafficking, 15 years imprisonment and a fine of P500,000 to P1 million for attempted trafficking, and life imprisonment and a fine of P2 million to P5 million for qualified trafficking.

This latest crime makes Parañaque look bad and it is a fact that there are lots of Chinese nationals living and working in the said city.

Also let me add here the December 23, 2019 the city sisterhood agreement between Parañaque and the Chinese city of Anshan. On face value, the agreement looks like a pretty and promising way of the two cities becoming closer together. According to a Manila Standard report, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Parañaque and Anshan should “create opportunities for mutual growth, since both cities share similar environmental protection and tourism endeavors.”

There were other objectives that include “providing for better cooperation in conducting reciprocally planned and sanctioned programs geared towards the improvement of government administration, tourism, cultural preservation, environmental protection, education, technology, arts, and the holding of various endeavors mutually beneficial to both parties.”

What needs examining here is how many tourists from Anshan (a city of more than 3 million people) will come to Parañaque for tourism, how many of those same tourists will be setting up businesses locally, how many of them will take residence in the city, and are they all willing to follow the local and nationals laws at all.

What guarantee is there that Anshan tourists will not commit any crimes in Parañaque or anywhere else in the Philippines?

If there is anything that will prevent a city or a nation from prospering and becoming more competitive with others, it is crime. Other factors that will do the same include corruption, sinister propaganda, misuse of taxpayers’ money, sub-par public service and lack of financial discipline.

It is a sad truth that Parañaque is not too competitive with other Philippine cities and was not heralded for local governance. Now the city has a crime wave involving foreigners from China.

For those of you reading this who have genuine love for the country, start praying to the Lord that the crime wave will not harm Filipino families living inside the villages. Start reading the Holy Bible and apply its lessons on your life by heart.

Parañaque City a Hot Spot for Crimes Involving Chinese Nationals

December 29, 2019carlocarrasco

If there is anything that defined the City of Parañaque lately, it’s not about city competitiveness (Parañaque failed again), not about economic breakthroughs and not even about achieving excellence on local governance (Parañaque was not declared a winner of the DILG’s 2019 Sea of Good Local Governance award).

Rather, it’s about crime turning rampant within the jurisdiction of Parañaque, more specifically the high number of crimes involving Chinese nationals.

According to a December 27, 2019 Philippine Star report, Parañaque has the 3rd highest number of crimes involving Chinese nationals among the southern cities of Metro Manila. The number is 140 crime incidents recorded as per the statistics of the Southern Police District (SPD) as of December 25, 2019. Ahead of Parañaque were Pasay City (201 crime incidents) and Makati City (163 crime incidents).

Specifically on South Metro Manila, Las Piñas City had 54 crime incidents while Muntinlupa City had 19 crime incidents. Combine those numbers with Parañaque’s 140 crime incidents, then that’s a total of 213 crime incidents for South Metro Manila.

You must be wondering why is it that the city that is home to a significant portion of BF Homes subdivision attracted a great majority of of the 213 crime incidents involving Chinese nationals for South Metro Manila?

For one thing, there is a high number of Chinese nationals who took residence in Parañaque and got involved in the local commerce. Speaking of commerce, a lot of these POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) opened up and operated within the city. The City Government recently considered filing charges against the owners of buildings housing Chinese nationals who are working at these POGOs. The housing of many Chinese nationals caused a social disruption in the community of Multinational Village for the past two years. This caused Multinational residents to write letters of complaints regarding diminishing water supply, power transformer blowouts, eroded roads and rising security risks that allegedly were connected with the Chinese nationals residing in their local community as well as the construction of new POGO housing facilities.

By the way, there are casinos and hotels operating in the Entertainment City which is within the jurisdiction of Parañaque. Those facilities are known to attract a lot of Chinese nationals along with other foreigners.

Focusing more on crimes involving foreigners from China, there was a prostitution raid in Parañaque this past September.

Here’s an excerpt from the CNN Philippines report:

The raid in Diamond Tower in Baclaran also led to the arrest of 13 alleged den maintainers or recruiters of sex workers, nine of whom are male and four who are women, plus 18 male Chinese customers.

And then there was the Chinese affair involving kidnapping that also took place in Parañaque. Here’s an excerpt from the report of Business Mirror:

The Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) rescued a Chinese national and arrested two kidnapping suspects during a police operation in Parañaque City.

PNP-AKG Director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo identified the victim as tourist Wang Hong, alias Lee, 29, married, native of Chongqing, China, and who is temporarily residing at Strata Gold Condominium, Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila.

The suspects, on the other hand, were identified as Wan Rehong, 32, native of Qingshanhu District, Nanchang City, China, and Wan Liang, 36, native of Jiangxi, China. Both suspects are tourists.

Estomo said that in the sworn statement of Wang, the victim went to Solaire Resort and Casino on December 4 and gambled. When he lost all his money, a group of Chinese men offered him a loan of P1 million, which he accepted.

The group lent him another P1 million as capital, but he lost again, prompting the group to take the key of the car that he borrowed from a friend and asked him to go with the suspects.

The two suspects took him to Okada Hotel and Casino, and while inside a room, they forced him to make a letter stating that he borrowed from them P2 million and forced him to sign the letter.

On December 8, at around 2 p.m., Wang and the two suspects boarded a taxi wherein he managed to send a message to a friend that they are billeted at Room 505 of Baymont Hotel in Parañaque City.

While inside the room, the kidnappers instructed him to ask money from his family or friends for him to pay the P2 million because, if not, “they will kill him and be thrown at cemetery.”

The victim’s friend notified the PNP-AKG about the incident that prompted operatives to launch a rescue operation which resulted in the arrest the two suspects.

As mentioned earlier, Parañaque City is a hot spot of crime incidents involving Chinese nationals and clearly this is bad. Nobody wants to live in a city with rampant crime (kidnapping, extortion, prostitution and the like) nor does anyone want to see their community turn bad because a lot of foreigners from China working in POGOs were allowed to take residence.

The hot questions to ask here:

1) Is the City Government really tough against crime in general?

2) Are POGOs and other businesses that target Chinese nationals as employees and consumers too tempting for the City Government to reject and were allowed to be part of the local economy and communities?

3) Were the business permit applications of those POGOs and businesses targeting Chinese nationals carefully reviewed by the Parañaque Business Permit & Licensing Office (BPLO) before being approved?

4) Are there any police officers in Parañaque who accepted bribes from Chinese nationals and the POGOs to look the other way and let them do their illegal activities?

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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

BF NorthWest New Board and Officers To Take Office January 1, 2020

December 18, 2019December 17, 2019carlocarrasco

Hey everyone! Look behind you! There’s someone from a BF Homes-based community print media news publication stalking us looking for news and content to steal from this website. If the local community print media publication lied to you, misled you or even smeared you because of their irresponsible journalism, blatant plagiarism, pretension, dishonesty and sinister propaganda, feel free to approach me for a consultation by contacting me.

A local community print media publication operated unprofessionally can be very dangerous and harmful to the community members.

To be clear with you all, I don’t work for any local community print media publication and I am not contributing to them. If anyone told you lies about me related to local community print media publishing, please inform me. Thank you.

And now for the latest in BF Homes community news.

The BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc. announced its newest lineup of officers as well as new sets of officers-per-district which was the result of their recent village election that took place on November 24, 2019.

Let’s start at the top.

BF NorthWest’s newest officials set to take office on January 1, 2020 (with the terms ending on December 31, 2021) are as follows:

President – Manuel E. Nubla

Vice President – Lualhati G. Trias

Secretary – Lea Castillo

Treasurer – Amor P. Isip

Auditor – Gaudencio Hernandez, Jr.

The above officers were decided by the newly elected governors (BF NorthWest’s term for directors) who convened on December 1, 2019 and elected among themselves the new officers who will manage the affairs of the village.

As for the other officers per district elected, here are the following:

DISTRICT 1

Governor – Reginald Orquiza

Vice Governor – Ramon Laqui

Secretary – Honorata Suarez

Treasurer – Vicente Ortega

Auditor – Luisito De Guzman

DISTRICT 3

Governor – Aida Sora

Vice Governor – Betty Gomez

Secretary – Ferdinand Baena

Treasurer – Raymond Noel

Auditor – Eduardo Aquino

DISTRICT 4

Governor – Joselito Isla

Vice Governor – Edwin Olivarez

Secretary – Luis Trinidad, Jr.

Treasurer – Carlo Busmente

Auditor – Romeo Vinco

DISTRICT 5

Governor – Juan Carlos Guadarrama

Vice Governor – Lilia Fernandez

Secretary – Juanito Valdecantos

Treasurer – Rolly Zamora

Auditor – Stephanie Aquino

DISTRICT 6

Governor – Amor Isip

Vice Governor – Miren Suntay

Secretary – Antonio Moncupa

Treasurer – Agustin Pangan

Auditor – Raul Anonuevo

DISTRICT 7

Governor – Lualhati Trias

Vice Governor – Timoteo Tiangco

Secretary – Julie Ong

Treasurer – Jesus Manaloto

Auditor – Isabelo Agulay

DISTRICT 8

Governor – Charlie Warren

Vice Governor – Ma. Fe Pagtalunan

Secretary – Anthony Vivero

Treasurer – Jeanne Yu

Auditor – Ma. Asuncion Vivero

DISTRICT 9

Governor – Gaudencio Hernandez, Jr.

Vice Governor – Jovi Peralta

Secretary – Edwin Lopez

Treasurer – Noli Acuna

Auditor – Florentino Concepcion

DISTRICT 10

Governor – Lea Castillo

Vice Governor – Elizabeth Ong

Secretary – Jesus Tambunting

Treasurer – Mario Piamonte

Auditor – Fernando Cawa

DISTRICT 11

Governor – Manuel Nubla

Vice Governor – Honorato Mackay

Secretary – Roderick Mackay

Treasurer – Luisito Abano

Auditor – Jose Maria Austria

DISTRICT 12

Governor – Alfonso Lumbad

Vice Governor – Lewellyn Fortuna

Secretary – Janelyn Smith

Treasurer – Ricardo Matias

Auditor – Atty. Nestor David

There you have it! The newest officers elected per district as well as the new officers of the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association. The information above came from an official document of the association formalizing the results of their recent election.

BF NorthWest has been in the positive spotlight lately. They hosted the successful BF HomeSarap Community Food Fair and Bazaar which attracted hundreds of visitors, including two City Councilors.

For the newcomers reading this, BF NorthWest is one of the largest and most significant enclaves of BF Homes subdivision. The enclave has gates along El Grande Avenue.

For more BF Homes community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

+++++

To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or special project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com

You can check out my varied marketing services (including Twitter boosting) right here.

We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.

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