Two house helpers tearfully admitted to the National of Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that they are responsible for the slaying of an elderly woman in Parañaque City and even used her ATM card to withdraw her funds, according to a Manila Standard news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two domestic helpers have admitted to killing an 86-year-old woman in Paranaque City — the sister of a public relations practitioner — last May 4 and taking her ATM card to get her money, then framing another house helper for the crime.
Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation filed charges of robbery with homicide against the two suspects, named “Ken” and “Juliet”, after they owned up to the killing of Noemi Dacuycuy.
A month after leaving their employer bloodied and lifeless at her home, the two were caught on CCTV video withdrawing money from a bank using the victim’s ATM card. They later pointed to their fellow helper, a man, as the suspect to the Paranaque police.
But invited for questioning by the NBI after the video was discovered, the suspects admitted tearfully to the slaying, then agreed to reenact the crime for investigators.
Authorities also learned that the two suspects had stolen jewelry and other items from the suspect before, but had forgiven them for it.
The Dacuycuy family also asked the police to free the framed house helper, which the NBI said they would coordinate with the local authorities.
Meanwhile, GMA Network mentioned BF Homes Parañaque as the residence of the victim in their news video which you can watch below…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Does this tragedy and crime news make you worried about domestic helpers in your home turning against you?
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
Welcome back my readers and sports fans! Eleven members of the Philippine triathlon team will be competing in the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Gamagori, Japan in a few days from now, according to a sports news release published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Among the members are those who won medals in the recent Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) will send 11 athletes to Japan for the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships that will be held in Gamagori on June 22 to 26.
The event distance in the U23/Junior (Sprint) will be 750m (swim), 20km (bike), and 5km (run) while in the U23/Junior Mixed Relay (Super Sprint), it will be 280m (swim), 7.2km (bike), and 2km (run).
Cebu City’s Andrew Kim Remolino and Faith Raven Alcoseba, Iñaki Emil Lorbes, Juan Francisco Baniqued, and Joshua Alexander Ramoswill compete in the U-23 division while Erika Nicole Burgos, Gene Heart Quiambao, Kira Ellis, Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz, Dayshaun Karl Ramos, and Matthew Justine Hermosa, who is also from Cebu, are entered in the Junior division.
The athletes will be accompanied by coaches Ani de Leon-Brown, Louann Ramos, and Cebuano Roland Remolino, as well as TRAP secretary general Ramon Marchan, when they leave on June 21.
“We are sending our next-generation triathletes to the Asian Championships, as part of our long-term program to maximize exposure in world-class competitions and high-performance training camps for our high-potential triathletes. Their performances in these events will likewise be a basis for selection to the Asian Games in Hangzhou (China) in September plus the results of the recent SEA (Southeast) Games in Cambodia,” TRAP president Tom Carrasco said in an interview on Saturday.
Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine triathlon team is off to competing in more events overseas now that the 32nd SEA Games are over. Watch out for more Philippine multisport updates right here!
Due to the circulation and unauthorized selling of Friendship Route stickers on online markets, the City Government of Las Piñas issued another warning to the public about the said stickers, 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 Las Piñas city government released an advisory, warning the public against the illegal sale of friendship route stickers.
According to Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the local government discovered the unsanctioned circulation of friendship route stickers on popular online platforms, including Lazada and Facebook Market Place.
Aguilar warned the public about the unauthorized sale of friendship route stickers and clarified that the stickers are available for free through the city’s official page.
She also emphasized that the reselling of stickers is illegal and those found engaging in such activities may face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The mayor explained that friendship route stickers were created for Las Piñas residents’ use when implementing alternative routes to ease and decongest traffic along the main thoroughfares in the city.
Since the recent unauthorized circulation and sale of stickers raised concerns among city officials, Aguilar said the local government is working diligently to identify the individuals involved in the sale.
She added that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring online platforms and conducting investigations to apprehend those responsible, stressing that individuals who will be caught may face legal consequences.
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? Have you applied for a Friendship Route sticker before?
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
If you are qualified to receive a 3rd COVID-19 booster shot but you were unable to avail of it due to a lack of supply, then you might be happy to know that the new Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa declared he will acquire additional bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Thursday vowed to acquire more bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as he admits that the country currently does not have enough supply.
In an ambush interview, the new chief of the Department of Health (DOH) said that the more than 390,000 doses of bivalent vaccines donated by Lithuania have already been rolled out, mostly in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“May programa tayo ngayon to acquire as many of the bivalent vaccines… Kulang ‘yung 390,000, we need to get more,” Herbosa said.
(We have a program now to acquire as many of the bivalent vaccines… The 390,000 doses are not enough, we need to get more.)
He, however, acknowledged that there are “technical difficulties” in obtaining the jabs that give protection against the original COVID-19 strain, SARS-CoV-2, and Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.
“Syempre mahirap, may mga technical difficulties to acquiring the bivalents pero nandiyan tayo. We’re trying to get it and I will push for getting more of these, especially sa mga vulnerable, sa healthcare workers, kasi nagwe-wane na ‘yung dati nilang bakuna so kailangang mabigyan na sila ng bivalent. We’ll try to acquire that, promise ko ‘yan,” Herbosa added.
(Of course it is difficult as there are technical difficulties to acquiring the bivalent jabs, but we are there. We’re trying to get it and I will push for getting more of these, especially for the vulnerable, for the healthcare workers, because their previous vaccine is waning, so they need to receive the bivalent. We’ll try to acquire that, I promise that.)
Currently, only adults belonging to A1 (healthcare workers) and A2 (senior citizens) categories are allowed to receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine as third booster dose. They need to wait at least four months after receiving their second booster shot before they take the next one.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have already received four COVID-19 shots – including the two booster shots – do you really need an additional booster shot now? How long has it been since your 2nd booster shot was injected into your body?
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
In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government recently announced through its official Facebook page that the construction of a new baseball field is gradually moving on. In fact, the local authorities announced that the said facility located in Barangay Tunasan is 80% completed.
An image that the City Government shared on its official Facebook page. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa Facebook page)
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the City Government’s Facebook post dated June 7, 2023. The follow is content translated from Tagalog into English. Some parts in boldface…
The construction of the new baseball field at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Brgy. Tunasan.
According to City Engr. Dynadelle Aranda, the said baseball field is 80% completed.
This project is part of strengthening sports development in the city, as well as the health and wellness of the citizens.
Recently, the Bayanan Elementary School Main (Elementary Division) and PAREF Southridge School (High School Division) Baseball Teams, representing Muntinlupa, won the recently concluded NCR Palaro Regional Meet 2023 held in Marikina City from April 24-28.
Because of this win, Muntinlupa City will be the representative of NCR in the coming Pre-National Qualifying Meet before the 63rd Palarong Pambansa from July 29 to August 5, 2023.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you feeling excited about the city having a new baseball field?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY is likely to grow by 6% this year amid strong domestic demand and despite elevated inflation, the World Bank said, raising its forecast from 5.4% in January.
A recovery in jobs, improved consumer sentiment and strong remittances from Filipinos overseas would drive local consumption, the multilateral lender said in its Global Economic Prospects report on Wednesday.
“Despite external challenges, high domestic inflation and tight monetary conditions, domestic demand has once again remained resilient, fueling growth,” World Bank Country Director for the Philippines Ndiame Diop separately told a virtual news briefing.
The latest growth forecast is the lower end of the government’s 6-7% growth target this year. The Philippine economy grew by 6.4% in the first quarter, slower than 8% a year ago and 7.1% a quarter earlier.
“Despite weak global conditions, our upward revision reflects this continued strength in domestic demand,” World Bank Philippines Senior Economist Ralph van Doorn said.
But the potential global slowdown could still affect growth. “Although the global economy displayed remarkable resilience in early 2023, economic conditions will remain subdued for the rest of 2023,” Mr. Diop said.
He said global growth is expected to wane due to “persistent inflation, slowdown of global trade and the effect of recent monetary tightening.”
The World Bank expects global growth to slow to 2.1% this year, though this is higher than its earlier 1.7% projection. It also sees global growth reaching 2.4% next year and 3% in 2025.
“Risks remain tilted to the downside,” Mr. Diop said. “Recent episodes of market instability have raised concerns of a potential spillover. The possibility of further monetary tightening amid sticky core inflation could raise the cost of global financing and lead to a more pronounced and prolonged global slowdown.”
Persistent inflation remained a cause for concern, the World Bank said.
“Although our baseline forecast (shows) inflation will decelerate, it is still the main challenge,” Mr. van Doorn said.
The World Bank expects Philippine inflation to average 5.7% this year, higher than its earlier 4.2% forecast.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the World Bank’s analysis about economic growth for the Philippines this year? Do you think the Philippine economy can do better than expected by the end of 2023?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery approved several requests for the local Green Card with health and welfare in mind, according to a May 31, 2023 social media post by the City Government.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s Facebook post. Some parts in boldface…
In a move aimed at prioritizing the health and welfare of its constituents, Vice Mayor April Aguilar has recently approved multiple requests for the city’s Green Card Program on Tuesday, May 30th in City Hall.
The initiative provides substantial subsidies for hospital bills, easing the financial burden on residents seeking medical treatment. The Green Card program, introduced by the local government of Las Piñas City, has garnered significant attention for its innovative approach to supporting the healthcare needs of its citizens.
Since its inception, the program has provided crucial support to countless individuals and families facing medical emergencies or requiring prolonged treatment. With Vice Mayor Aguilar’s recent approval of several requests, more Las Piñas City residents will benefit from the program’s subsidies for hospital bills.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Were there many people in your local community who had been wanting to avail of the Green Cards from the City Government?
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
In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government’s health office announced that the total active COVID-19 cases in the city fell down by 45.8%, 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…
Muntinlupa City’s total active Covid-19 cases continued to decrease in the past two weeks, dipping below 100.
According to the City Health Office (CHO), as of June 5, Muntinlupa has 52 active Covid-19 cases, down by 44 cases or 45.8 percent, compared to 96 tallied as of May 29. The city had 114 active Covid-19 cases as of May 22.
Of the 52 active cases, 13 were recorded in Barangay Putatan, eight in Tunasan, seven each in Poblacion and Alabang, six in Ayala Alabang, four each in Cupang and Sucat, two in Bayanan and one in Buli.
In the past week, Muntinlupa tallied 105 new Covid-19 cases with the confirmed cases totaling 47,110 from 47,005. There were zero deaths in the past week while recoveries totaled 149 from 46,245 to 46,394. There are 13 probable cases in Muntinlupa as of June 5.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported on June 5 that there were 9,107 new Covid-19 cases nationwide from May 29 to June 4, down by 22 percent compared to the total from May 22 to 28.
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 feel safer or more confident now that the number of active COVID-19 cases in the city went down sharply? Are there still lots of unvaccinated people in your local community right now?
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
If you love tactical role-playing games as well as robot action with some sci-fi and military concepts mixed in, then you should watch out for the release of Front Mission 1st: Remake on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on June 30, 2023. The game, which is actually a remake of Square Enix’s 1995 game Front Mission, was developed and published by Forever Entertainment.
For the newcomers reading this, Front Mission is an existing franchise of games under Square Enix which landed on multiple consoles, the PC and other platforms through the decades. The first-ever Front Mission released in 1995 only in Japan on the Super Famicom was a critical and commercial hit which paved the way not only for further games but also enabling the Front Mission franchise to branch out on other forms of media such as film, novels, comic books, radio dramas and more. Front Mission 1st: Remake is not just a remake of the 1995 original game but also features a modern mode with improved controls as well as a fully orchestrated soundtrack.
To begin with, watch the official trailer below…
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com announcement issued by Forever Entertainment. Some parts in boldface…
On June 30th, Front Mission 1st: Remake will make its highly anticipated debut on Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X. Deploy on a mission and play through the intricately woven narrative of this iconic tactical RPG series.
You must analyze your situation carefully before making your next move. Pay close attention to the details.
Huffman Island is the only place where the Oceania Cooperative Union (O.C.U.) and the Unified Continental States (U.C.S.) share a land border, making this place the epicenter of the Second Huffman Conflict in the year 2090.
Leading a reconnaissance platoon, O.C.U. Captain Royd Clive is tasked with investigating a U.C.S. munitions plant. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves ambushed by U.C.S. wanzers – triggering a chain of events that thrusts the entire island into a full-fledged war. Amidst the chaos, Royd’s fiancée, Lieutenant Karen Meure, goes missing in action.
Mech action is fun to watch.
Discharged from military service, Royd embarks on a pursuit to uncover the truth. As his investigation progresses, he gradually unearths a conspiracy and the powers that orchestrated it.
Assemble your Team and Plunge into the Heart of the Action – Front Mission 1st: Remake is an immersive tactical turn-based RPG that puts you in the role of a valiant pilot navigating war machines called wanzers through hazardous battlefields. Experience the realities of war through strategic maneuvers, while enjoying upgraded graphics and a fully re-orchestrated soundtrack that elevate the classic Front Mission gameplay to modern-day standards.
Way back in 1995, I got to play the original Front Mission on a rented Super Famicom console and played it for an hour. As it was written in Japanese, I did not understand the text but that did not stop me from enjoying the gameplay which was turn-based, strategic and packed with action. I enjoyed the mech action (nicely animated 2D sprites) and the challenge to be strategic with my next moves. I also enjoyed how the game compelled me to pay close attention to details such as how the different parts of my mechs can be customized, the different values each component came with, and the added capabilities that proved to be crucial offensively and defensively.
Urban settings like this make the locations of battle more interesting.
In 1999, I played Front Mission 3 on the PlayStation One and it was the North American version (published by Square Electronics). As it was in English, I was able to understand the situation, the details and explanations. Like the first Front Mission game, I had fun playing it and I was also impressed with how the developers utilized 3D polygons to enhance the presentation. What I could not forget was the part when the narrative of the game focused on a secret base located inside Taal Volcano in the Philippines. As a Filipino, that part of the game was a big and really delightful surprise to me.
Looking at the Front Mission 1st: Remake trailer, which is very short, it seems to me that the game is looking good and promising enough. Right now, I am very interested in it.
Watch out for Front Mission 1: Remake on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on June 30, 2023.
In ending this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos plus one Front Mission-related video for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to watch out for Team Xbox’s showcase events (including the Starfield Direct) on June 11, 2023.
This week has been very significant for Israel-Philippines relations. Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohenarrived here on an official visit and he had a high-level meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. in Malacañang Palace which resulted in very tremendous agreements that include direct flights between Israel and the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. (photo source: Israel in the Philippines Facebook page)
The Philippines and Israel are pushing for the direct flights between the two countries and elevating their partnership in agriculture and water sectors, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
The plan to enhance cooperation between Manila and Tel Aviv was discussed when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.
Cohen told Marcos that establishing direct flights between the Philippines and Israel would boost the two nations’ tourism and economic ties.
“There’s another thing that we, both of us, took for an action item. [It] is to have a direct flight… your external sea between Israel and the Philippines,” Cohen, as quoted by the PCO, said during the meeting, referring to his earlier meeting with Filipino officials.
“And I think that we agree that both ministries will work together to have the direct flight. And this is also to bring more business people to come to invest and reach the place between us. So this is also another important action item that we will do.”
The Philippine Airlines was supposed to launch its direct flights to Tel Aviv in 2022, but the plan has been stalled because of geopolitical concerns.
The Philippines has become one of the top tourist destinations for the Israelis in the last few years, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said in November 2022.
Cohen also told Marcos about Israel’s planned closer cooperation with the Philippines to ensure food security, suggesting that the two nations may open an agricultural hub.
“I think that we can work together on the segment of agriculture. I just let you know that our land, 60 percent of our land is desert. But although 60 percent of our land is desert, we were able to provide all our water needs,” Cohen said.
“And I think that we can work together and let’s say that less import, more export for the Philippines. And I think that we can work together,” he added.
Marcos said he was glad that Cohen raised Israel’s plan, as he expressed admiration for its advancement in agriculture.
He added that agricultural development is “very important” for the Philippines,
“Because when we look at the economy as hard to just test, we said how do we fix the economy. It always comes down to agriculture first, how to fix every policy, then everything else would be great. So that’s the position that we find ourselves in,” he said. “So, the offers that you make for assistance and partnership in those two areas are very, very welcome.”
Cohen said the Philippines and Israel can also collaborate on water management, noting Tel Aviv’s vast experience in this sector.
He said Israeli experts may visit the Philippines to provide advice, noting that Israel has been reusing a large portion of its water resources because of water scarcity and it can share its experience in water management with the Philippines.
Marcos said the Philippines is looking at Israel and Singapore for best practices that the country can imitate.
The establishment of direct Israel-Philippines flights will enable more Filipinos to visit the Holy Land while potential more Israelis will visit more conveniently and boost not only Philippine tourism but also engage in business and investments. For those of you who want to visit Israel to deepen your faith in the Lord, read my Israel 2023 feature articles by clicking here, here, here, here, here and here.
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed by all. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
Author Carlo Carrasco 