Philippines blog – Page 123 – Author Carlo Carrasco

GCash will start collecting P5 cash-in fee from those who use BPI and Union Bank in the 4th quarter

September 4, 2023September 1, 2023carlocarrasco

GCash, a very popular electronic wallet (e-wallet) here in the Philippines, will soon be charging a fee of P5 each time a user cashes in (loading money into his or her GCash account) via the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) or Union Bank of the Philippines, according to a business news story by the Philippine Star. For the newcomers reading this, GCash users can put money into their respective accounts in other ways such as doing it over-the-counter at recognized convenience stores, the cash-in kiosks and other types of businesses that accept GCash cash-in.

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

E-wallet giant GCash will start charging a convenience fee of P5 for every time a user cashes in from its major partners Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Union Bank of the Philippines in the fourth quarter.

In an interview with reporters, GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon said the convenience fee remains to be one of the lowest compared to the transaction charges imposed by traditional banks that run as high as P25.

“As GCash continues to scale, we still subsidize most of the charges as well as heavily invest on upgrading our infrastructure and reinforcing security services,” Sazon said.

Sazon said GCash has to slap a convenience fee for cashing in to cover its rising costs. However, Sazon said the fee only reduces the subsidies that GCash pays to keep its financial services affordable.

“This also ensures that our operations will remain seamless for all customers. Even with this fee, we will continue to subsidize part of the operating cost for our cash-ins as we remain committed to keeping our services affordable to many Filipinos,” Sazon said.

Sazon is encouraging GCash customers to compute how much they have to spend for every time they load their accounts through BPI and Union Bank.

For instance, Sazon said a user can cash in P10,000 in one go rather than top up P500 in tranches to minimize getting charged P5 every time.

Users can add cash to their GCash platform by linking it into their bank accounts. Likewise, they can cash-in via convenience stores, dedicated machines, department stores, gas stations, sari-sari stores, among others.

Last week, GCash announced that it would waive for the rest of the year the transaction charges on merchants for payments accepted through QR Ph. The e-wallet leader expects that through this, micro, small and medium enterprises will book extra earnings from cashless transactions.

GCash offers merchants access to e-wallet with a limit of up to P500,000 per month, waiving the transaction fee of 1.5 percent for P100,000 in gross sales.

GCash is one of the largest finance apps in the Philippines with a nationwide presence in more than 1,600 billers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a GCash user who often loads money using the respective apps or systems of BPI and Union Bank, does the above business story discourage you a lot?

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

Megarahe Sale inside Alabang Hills Village on September 15-17, 2023

September 4, 2023September 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Once again, the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) will be organizing their Megarahe Sale (full title: Megarahe Sale, Kids Bazaar and Ukay-Okay!) from September 15 to September 17, 2023, 7AM to 7PM at the Phase 2 Park within the village. Local residents and non-residents (note: those who will ride vehicles with valid stickers of Alabang Hills Village can enter) are welcome to visit the Megarahe Sale and see what goods will be offered.

*Take a close look at the details of this banner.*

During my visit to the AHVA office along Don Jesus Boulevard, I inquired to find out what exactly can visitors look forward to. According to one of the office personnel, there will be a variety of goods for sale such as clothes, shoes, bags, wallets and other household items. The vendors selling these kinds of goods will be located at the covered basketball court of the Phase 2 park.

The AHVA also revealed that there will be sellers of food and beverages at the covered badminton court which is just steps away from the covered basketball court. Both covered courts are located in close proximity to the AHVA office at the mentioned park.

*This covered basketball court will be the venue for sellers of household items, clothes, shoes and other items.*

*The covered badminton court is where the vendors of food and drinks will be during the Megarahe Sale.*

For my past blog posts about AHVA’s Megarahe Sale, click here, here and here. The Megarahe Sale on September 15 to 17 could be an opportunity for you to shop for potential gifts to give to others this Christmas and you just might find something you could use personally.

For inquiries about Alabang Hills Village, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call their association at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village.

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

PHILTOA commended by DOT Secretary Frasco for unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism

September 1, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the organization composed of tour operators and allied members that are actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism, was commended by Department of Tourism (DOT) Christina Frasco during their 4th General Membership Meeting (4th GMM) held recently at Crimson Hotel in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa, according to a Manila Bulletin article. Specifically they were commended for unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism.

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

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) recently hosted its 4th General Membership Meeting at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City in Muntinlupa, with the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as keynote speaker. Led by Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu, the meeting also highlighted Bacolod City as the featured destination, with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez in attendance.

Secretary Frasco commended Philtoa for its unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism, highlighting the association’s promotion of inclusive tourism development in both established and emerging destinations.

“We recognize that there are several emerging destinations across the country that, if given the right assistance, attention, development, and promotion, have the potential to become key destinations, as far as tourism is concerned,” the tourism chief said. “This is why I’m very grateful to Philtoa, because their focus has not been our world-famous destinations alone, but also in giving opportunities to emerging destinations. This is reflective of true shared tourism governance, where the private sector mobilizes the industry to assist the government to ensure inclusive tourism development.“

With this, Bacolod City also took center stage at the 4th GMM as a growing “super city” with exciting advancements in tourism, including infrastructure, art, culture, and culinary experiences. Mayor Benitez highlighted upcoming projects such as the Bacolod Convention Center, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people for MICE events; the Bacolod Masskara Museum/Trade Center; and the Orange Project, a prominent art gallery. The renowned Masskara Festival, spanning three weeks, promises a vibrant celebration of sports, food, spirits, and festivities.

To further underscore its commitment to fostering partnerships and growth within the industry, Philtoa President Abling-Yu announced the upcoming 34th Philippine Travel Mart, scheduled from Sept. 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

She stated: “We are grateful for the strong partnerships with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Airlines, BPI, and our media partners. The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is not only a showcase of our country’s incredible destinations but also a celebration of our industry’s resilience and strength as a major contributor to the country’s growth and progress.”

The association also welcomed 10 new tour operators, an immigration services agency, and 15 hotel and resort properties, increasing the total membership to over 500.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that the PHILTOA deserves the commendation from the Tourism Secretary? Do you think that Philippine tourism will exceed its foreign tourist arrivals target by a wide margin before the year ends? What other activities or special events should the PHILTOA highlight to keep national tourism grow?

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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Intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) anticipated by COMELEC

August 31, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is anticipating an intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The BSKE will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, Aug. 28, said it is bracing for an “intense” Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE).

“Asahan natin na talagang magiging napakainit ng labanan na ito sapagkat napakahaba termino nung nakaraang Barangay and SK officials at nakailang postpone din tayo kaya asahan natin na medyo mas maiinit ito (Let’s expect that this elections will indeed be very intense because the previous Barangay and SK officials had very long terms, and we also had several postponements, so let’s anticipate that this will be somewhat more heated),” said Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia in an interview during the first day of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing.

Garcia said that the degree of “possible tension” would also depend on who will be running for a specific post.

“Tandaan natin na almost 642,000 ang position na fi-fill upan dahil iyan ay SK at Barangay (Let’s remember that almost 642,000 positions need to be filled up because those are for SK and Barangay),” Garcia said.

“Inaasahan natin na higit pa nga na two million ang magpa-file ng kanilang COC para sa mga posisyon na iyan (We expect that more than two million will file their COCs for those positions),” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSKE this year will be more intense compared to the previous polls that happened in 2018? Have the barangay and SK candidates in your local community been appearing more frequently and meeting the community members recently?

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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Checkpoints related to Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) being established

August 30, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

In relation to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) that will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023, several checkpoints are being set up by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started setting up checkpoints and implementing gun ban in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October.

A report by Bam Alegre in Unang Balita on Monday said a checkpoint was set up at the boundaries of San Juan and Quezon City and of San Juan and Sta. Mesa, Manila. In Mandaluyong, there was notable police visibility in primary roads like in Kalentong.

Meanwhile, in Parañaque City, a checkpoint was established on Sucat Interchange near the office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). On Quirino Highway in Quezon City, a checkpoint was also set up.

Policemen appealed to motorists to cooperate with them and assured them that “plain view doctrine” will be observed.

This means motorists need only to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles when passing through the checkpoints.

“Ito ay in relation sa start ng Barangay and SK Election period wherein tayo ay mandated na mag-conduct ng joint PNP and Comelec checkpoints,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Castillo, commander of Novaliches Police Station.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the checkpoints related to the BSKE are necessary? Have you noticed the checkpoints within your city?

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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Maynilad’s Muntinlupa water treatment plant 80% complete

August 30, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the water concessionaire Maynilad announced that its water treatment plant locatedin Muntinlupa City is 80% complete and it should boost the water supply by the end of 2023, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. said the construction of its water treatment plant in Muntinlupa is 80% complete and is expected to produce 50 million liters per day (MLD) of additional water by the end of this year.

In a media release on Saturday, the west zone concessionaire said it had started the gradual commissioning of the plant to ensure that it can produce the initial amount of potable water by December.

Once fully operational by the first half of 2024, the P11-billion water treatment facility is expected to produce a full capacity of 150 MLD to provide water to customers in Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite.

“This facility will help to enhance service reliability, as it will provide additional supply for customers in the south so their water service will not be affected despite raw water quality shifts in Laguna Lake, which have been occurring with more frequency owing to climate change effects,” the company said.

The treatment plant will be Maynilad’s third facility to tap Laguna Lake as an alternative source of raw water to the Angat Dam. Maynilad has two treatment plants in Putatan, Muntinlupa that supply 300 MLD of potable water to around 1.7 million customers in the south.

The project is part of Maynilad’s P220-billion service enhancement program from 2023 to 2027 that is focused on promoting enhanced water sustainability and climate resiliency.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Maynilad’s Muntinlupa water treatment plant will be able to boost the water supply this December?

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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Cooperative Development Council established in Muntinlupa City

August 29, 2023August 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it has established the local Cooperative Development Council and the Mayor formally signed a related ordinance, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government has established its own Cooperative Development Council to benefit cooperatives.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2023-102 passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “creating the Cooperative Development Council of Muntinlupa, defining its objectives, functions, and appropriate funds thereof and for other purposes.”

The Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Council (MCCDC) will “coordinate and harmonize the implementation of various cooperative plans, programs, and projects of the government.”

It will also assist the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) “in the broad-based monitoring and coordination of the implementation of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP), through the collective efforts of all sectors and to develop such mechanism in line with the PCDP; and “propose policies affecting cooperatives for local and national implementation.”

The Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Council will be composed of the mayor as chairperson. Its members are the chairperson of the Committee on Livelihood and Cooperatives of the City Council, and chairpersons or representatives of registered and accredited primary and secondary cooperatives.

Its members from the city government will be the heads of the City Cooperative Development Office, Department Of Agriculture-ESO, Public Employment and Services Office, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau, Lake Management Office, Community Affairs Development Office, Gender and Development Office and City Planning and Development Office, and the director of the Muntinlupa City Technical Institute, university president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and college director of the Colegio de Muntinlupa.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the newly established council will benefit local cooperatives?

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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COMELEC issues warning against premature campaigning before the campaign period of BSKE

August 28, 2023August 24, 2023carlocarrasco

The Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will take place across the Philippines on October 30, 2023. Before the said election happens, the campaign period for BSKE will take place from October 19 to 28. That being said, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a warning about premature campaigning before the campaign period happens, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warns barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates from engaging in premature campaigning before the official campaign period set October 19-28 under pain of disqualification or imprisonment.

At the same time, the Comelec said the honoraria for poll workers in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) has been increased up to P10,000. Comelec chairman George Garcia issued the warning saying appropriate charges will be filed against the candidates who would launch an early campaign following their filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).

Garcia reminded the candidates that the filing of COCs for the 2023 BSKE will be from August 28 to September 2, while the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.

Garcia said August 28 is the start of the election period, as well as the start of the gun ban, public works ban and social services prohibition “unless explicitly exempted by the Comelec.

“Once you file your COC, you are already considered as a candidate. Therefore, we will apply the full force of the law, Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). You cannot go around, campaign, distribute things since you are already a candidate,” Garcia said.

Aspirants must be at least 18 years of age for barangay positions and at least 18 but strictly not more than 24 years old by the day of the election for SK posts.

The Comelec chief also urged voters to report any BSKE candidates who begin campaigning prior to the start of the official campaign period on 19 October.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the candidates in this year’s BSKE will follow the COMELEC’s warning about premature campaigning?

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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Watch out for Villar City

August 28, 2023August 24, 2023carlocarrasco

In the years to come and if no major disasters would happen, something new will be rising in the south of Metro Manila. I am talking about the ambitious Villar City project which has been making waves through the media, social media and in nearby communities in recent times. Recently the Manila Bulletin published an article about the planned casino project within Villar City but if you pay close attention to the details, there is a lot more about the said city which should give you an idea about the scope and vision behind it.

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

Philippines’ richest Manuel B. Villar Jr. announced plans to put up a satellite casino in his newly-launched Villar City in addition to the one he is developing in the 80-hectare Global South integrated resort project.

Being his legacy project, Villar is carefully designing Villar City to be Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity” to ensure that it will be as iconic as it is massive.

The planned 3,500-hectare Villar City spans 15 cities: Taguig, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Bacoor, Dasmarinas, Imus, San Pedro, General Mariano Alvarez, Silang, General Trias, Tanza, Trece Martires, Carmona, and Tagaytay.

Villar City will be about 10 times as big as Bonifacio Global City, indicating its sheer magnitude not only in terms of the number of homes, offices and complexes that will be built within this vast community, but also with respect to its potential contribution to job generation and economic development.

Among the highlights of the city’s development will be his second casino project which will be a satellite of the $1 billion integrated casino and resort complex in Global South that is being developed with a Korean partner.

He noted that they have finalized discussions for the partnership with the Korean firm for the Global South project and the cost may likely exceed $1 billion because the land alone is already worth that much.

The first casino will also have a hotel component while Villar said he is converting the upper two floors of the mall there in a casino for high-rollers and VIPs. At 80-hectares, it will be bigger than any of the casinos at the PAGCOR Entertainment City in Parañaque.

Meanwhile, Villar said the satellite casino in Villar City will be bigger but he is not yet sure if it will be developed with the same Korean firm noting that, “It will depend on how well our partnership (in Global South) progresses.”

Aside from the casino, another highlight of Villar City will be a theme park which Villar plans to integrate with the mall that will be built there.

He said they will develop their own concept for the theme park and will not be getting a license or franchise from a foreign theme park operator.

“Part of the them park will be inside the mall so that there will be plenty of things to do in case it rains or when it is too hot outside. So part of the theme park will be indoors and both the theme park and mall will complement each other,” Villar said.

Villar also said he plans to donate a piece of land in Villar City to the University of the Philippines, his alma mater, to build a college focused on technology noting that, located at the city’s entrance is La Salle Dasmariñas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Villar City will create a lot of new jobs related to construction and service in connection with its very ambitious scope? Do you think that south of Metro Manila will be receptive to new casinos and theme parks in the future?

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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Visit the newly renovated foodcourt at SM Southmall

August 24, 2023August 20, 2023carlocarrasco

If you are looking for a comfortable and really modern indoor place to eat in complete with lots of choices available, then you must visit the newly renovated foodcourt of SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.

Still located at a very particular large area at the 2^nd level of the mall, the highly modernized foodcourt was opened recently and already there were several food businesses that collectively created a great variety of meals, drinks and desserts that should appeal to many people looking for a place to eat while inside Southmall. I personally visited the foodcourt to explore it and look around. Check out the pictures I took and posted below…

*Customers checking out what meals or drinks to choose.*

*The tables and seats are new and comfortable.*

*Small slides for children to enjoy at the other end of the foodcourt.*

*Potato Corner and Kipps at the foodcourt.*

After exploring the whole foodcourt, I decided to buy myself coffee and a doughnut, then I took a seat. As I was consuming what I bought, I noticed a steady stream of customers coming into the foodcourt and several of them looked around to see what appeals to them and what they could afford. The meals offered by different sellers include rice meals, pizza, pasta, ramen, Samgyupsal, sandwiches, chicken wings, soup, bulalo, shawarma, fries and more. As the customers lined up for food, there were parents and kids enjoying their time together at the other end of the foodcourt (by the window).

Before the pandemic, I had meals at the Southmall foodcourt a number of times. With the renovations completed, I can say that the foodcourt today is not only more modern…it has been made more comfortable, more hip and more attractive. The wide variety of meals and drinks available are ideal for anyone who wants to do food trips or have meals with friends or family members together. I would not hesitate to return to the Southmall foodcourt in the near future. If you have not been to the foodcourt, then I encourage you to visit it the next time you go to Southmall.

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? When was the last time you had a meal at SM Southmall’s food court? Does the modernized Southmall foodcourt look attractive to you? Do you see any meals or drinks at the foodcourt that attract your attention?

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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