Philippines blog – Page 5 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Nigerian National Arrested In Parañaque City For Illegal Drugs Worth P136,000

November 16, 2025November 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully pulled off a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of a Nigerian national and the confiscation of illegal drugs worth P136,000, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Police arrested a Nigerian national during a buy-bust operation and confiscated from him P136,00 worth of shabu in Parañaque.

The suspect, identified as Menet, 32, was arrested at around 10 p.m. at Kasel Residences, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City.

The police said Menet, tagged as a high-value individual, was arrested after selling shabu to an undercover operative from the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit.

The police said they recovered from the suspect 20 grams of shabu worth P136,000, a black coin purse, P1,000 buy-bust money, and a cellular phone.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said the arrest of Menet highlights the effectiveness of their intelligence-driven operations.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the illegal drug trade will ruin the lives of members of your local community?

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

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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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Wanted Man Arrested In Parañaque City For Abusing and Raping Minor

November 15, 2025November 6, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a 28-year-old man for raping and abusing an ex-girlfriend who turned out to be only 12-years-old, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect was previously tagged as a wanted person.

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

A 28-year-old man was arrested by officers of the Parañaque City Police for repeatedly sexually abusing his 12-year-old ex-girlfriend in Parañaque City.

Police identified the suspect as alias Aljay, tagged as the No. 1 most wanted person by the police force. He was arrested at his residence in Barangay Marcelo Green.

Based on the police investigation, the suspect had a relationship with the 12-year-old victim, who was a church choir member, for two months before they eventually broke up due to Aljay’s abuse.

The police said his warrant of arrest was issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro of the Family Court, Branch 10.

The police said the charges of two counts of rape by sexual assault and sexual intercourse were not bailable, while the two counts of lascivious conduct carry a bail of P180,000 each.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more men who committed rape with some members of your local community?

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

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Overstaying Chinese National Arrested For Parañaque Scam Operation

November 14, 2025November 6, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested an overstaying Chinese national who was caught in the act of running a scam operation in his residence, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national allegedly operating a cryptocurrency investment scam in a condominium unit in Parañaque City.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BI said fugitive search unit (FSU) agents, working with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) and the Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime, apprehended a 41-year-old Chinese national on Monday, inside a residence along Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. in Barangay Tambo.

Authorities said the man was caught in the act of managing a computer workstation suspected of being used for online fraud. Intelligence reports earlier linked the location to another Chinese national believed to be running the operation with several accomplices.

He had also overstayed in the country, failing to extend his visa since October 2024, and was found to be working without a permit.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals illegally staying and secretly doing scam operations? Are there many Chinese nationals living in your residential community right now?

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

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Philippines October 2025 Inflation Settles At 1.7%

November 13, 2025November 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Inflation in the Philippines landed steady at 1.7% for the month of October, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report. By comparison, the inflation rate for September 2025 was at 1.7%.

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

The country’s inflation rate held steady at 1.7 percent in October, unchanged from the previous month and lower than the 2.3 percent recorded in October 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Headline inflation averaged 1.7 percent during the first 10 months of 2025, below the government’s two- to four-percent target range of annual consumer price increases deemed manageable and conducive to economic growth.

PSA data showed that the main drivers of inflation last month were housing, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which contributed 34.6 percent or 0.6 percentage point (ppt) to the overall headline rate.

Other major contributors to the stable inflation rate were restaurants and accommodation services, with a 14.6-percent share or 0.2 ppt, and food and non-alcoholic beverages, with a 13-percent share or 0.2 ppt.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa noted that while rice and corn recorded faster negative inflation rates of 17 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively, challenges persist in other food groups. He said inflation for fish and other seafood rose to 8.2 percent in October from 7.9 percent in September.

The PSA also reported that inflation for oils and fats rose slightly to 9.4 percent in October from 9.3 percent in September, while fruits and nuts shifted from a positive inflation rate of 0.5 percent in September to a deflation of 1.4 percent in October.

“Rice is still going down in terms of month-on-month, but there are other items in the basket that are also increasing,” Mapa said.

Mapa reported that the average price of regular milled rice dropped to ₱40.09 per kilo in October from ₱50.22 in the same month last year, reflecting a 20.2-percent year-on-year decline. He added that prices also inched lower from ₱40.23 in September, indicating a continued month-on-month decrease of 0.3 percent.

For well-milled rice, Mapa said the average price fell to ₱46.49 per kilo in October from ₱55.28 in the same month last year, marking a 15.9-percent year-on-year decline. He added that the price was almost unchanged from ₱46.50 in September, indicating stable month-on-month movement.

For special rice, Mapa reported that the average price dropped to ₱56.39 per kilo in October from ₱63.97 in the same month last year, reflecting an 11.2-percent year-on-year decline.

“We can see, particularly the regular milled rice—it has a big year-on-year drop in terms of prices. This is about ₱10 per kilo, year-on -year, the average reduction in prices,” he added.

Mapa added that meat inflation declined from six percent to 5.2 percent, while vegetable price increases, though slowing down, remained elevated, easing from 19.4 percent to 16.6 percent. He also noted that, month-on-month, prices dropped more sharply in October compared to September.

PSA data also showed that inflation in October remained unchanged from the previous month for several sectors, including household operations, education services, and restaurants and accommodation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think other types of food will get more expensive and possibly bring up the overall inflation rate higher by the end of the year?

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

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Man With Illegal Drugs Worth Over P500,000 Arrested in Muntinlupa City

November 13, 2025November 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Muntinlupa, police officers successfully pulled of a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of a man who had over P500,000 worth of illegal drugs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Police arrested a 27-year-old drug suspect in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa on Oct. 30.

Alias Enteng was arrested by the police at about 7:40 a.m. in Pasong Makipot in the barangay he was listed under the Southern Police District’s drug watchlist.

The operation, conducted by the Muntinlupa police’s Station Drug Enforcement Unit, resulted in the confiscation of three plastic sachets containing 53.09 grams of shabu valued at P510,000, and a marked P500 bill used as buy-bust money.

The suspect was immediately brought to the SDEU office for documentation. He will face a complaint for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you thankful to the local police for the successful buy-bust operation they pulled off?

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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Crimson Hotel In Filinvest City Rebrands Into Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila

November 12, 2025November 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Remember the Crimson Hotel located in Filinvest City across Festival Mall? Better get used to calling the premium hotel Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila as a major rebranding happened recently, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The final message carrying the Crimson Hotel brand was posted on social media on October 27.

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

Announced on October 28 by Chroma Hospitality, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila officially transforms into Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila. With a refreshed identity, the rebranding promises more comfort, more connections, and more reasons to stay in the South.

“Quest Plus is about giving guests more. More ease, more experiences, and more reasons to come back,” said James Montenegro, country manager of Chroma Hospitality. “With this transformation, guests can expect the same trusted service with a renewed focus on delivering practical comfort and premium value every step of the way.”

The rebrand reinforces Chroma’s vision to make Quest Plus Hotels & Resorts the premium value-driven choice for both business and leisure travelers across the Philippines.

The recent move represents a new chapter for guests travelling to the South, as they can look forward to refreshed rooms, elevated event spaces, and dynamic dining concepts. All are designed to make every stay smart, seamless, and satisfying.

At Quest Plus Manila, guests can expect comfort from freshened rooms and thoughtful amenities that make every stay easy and enjoyable, value-driven by flexible packages for meetings, corporate stays, and family getaways, and more flavors from dining experiences that highlight familiar favorites in the South.

Whether for a quick business trip, a weekend getaway, or a full-scale conference, Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila invites guests to discover South’s new stay destination—one that’s familiar yet excitingly new.

“Alabang has always been a key destination for corporate and leisure travelers,” Montenegro added.

On its official website, Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila posted a welcome message as follows:

Welcome to Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila, your gateway to effortless comfort and rewarding experiences in the heart of Alabang.

Whether you’re here for business, leisure, or a bit of both, you’ll find more than just a place to stay — you’ll find space to connect, unwind, and make every moment count.

Located right within the vibrant Filinvest City, our hotel offers a refreshing balance between work and play, with contemporary guestrooms, elevated dining options, and thoughtfully designed meeting spaces for every kind of traveler.

To know more about Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila, click https://www.questhotelsandresorts.com/manila. You can also visited their Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/QuestPlusManila. For their Google Maps location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/y1zEa1tSYc9o3bDYA

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised by the rebranding of the premium hotel in Filinvest City? Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila can make Alabang a more attractive destination for tourists and foreign investors?

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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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

Man Arrested In Las Piñas City For Possessing Replica Gun And Ammunition

November 11, 2025November 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local police arrested a man for possessing a replica gun and live ammunition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A 33-year-old man was arrested by members of the Las Piñas City Police CAA Substation for possession of a gun replica and live ammunition on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas Police chief, identified the suspect “Ethelbert.” He was arrested at around 5:55 a.m. along Chronicle Street in BF Homes, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said a concerned citizen reported that the suspect was seen roaming along the road while carrying what looked like a gun.

Officers of the Las Piñas City Police CAA Substation immediately responded to the scene and found Ethelbert carrying a half-open black sling bag with the handle of his replica pistol extending from it.

The city police chief added that during verification, the responding policemen also found a magazine of .9mm pistol with one live ammunition from the suspect.

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? Did you notice any people carrying guns – replicas or actual – within your local community over the past three months?

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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Have You Been To The New Starbucks With Drive-Thru In Filinvest City?

November 10, 2025November 4, 2025carlocarrasco

When Starbucks Philippines opened its newest branch in Filinvest City right across the Filinvest City Central Park in late October, there was a lot of social media buzz as well as discussions within Alabang community members about it ranging from happiness to being concerned.

To be clear, the said Starbucks Filinvest City branch is in a standalone place (no other business establishments beside it as of now) and it is the first-ever Starbucks Drive-Thru in Alabang. Being across Filinvest City Central Park, the coffee shop is a short walk away from East Asia Drive establishments like Parque España, Commercenter and The Mondrian Residences.

*This is what the new standalone Starbucks in Filinvest City looks like.*

*A view within the 2nd floor. There is a lot more space off-camera.*

Although the new Starbucks branch was described as being located along Filinvest Avenue, its front (entrance and exit) is actually located along East Asia Drive as it faces Filinvest City Central Park. It also has its own parking area where motorized customers can park for free. For the Google Maps location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/MVohqcwfrzRdry9C9

For a clear view of the location of Starbucks Filinvest City, watch the video I recorded and posted below. It is my solo walk video from Commercenter to Starbucks.

The coffee shop operates Monday to Sunday, from 6AM to 11PM.

On November 1, I made my first visit at the place to see it personally. It has a nice interior and the typical Starbucks look on the menus, the counter and display of food and drinks. What caught my attention was how spacious the 2^nd floor was in terms of seats and walking space. The large windows provided visitors nice views of the Filinvest City Central Park and Filinvest Avenue. On that day, I did not order anything as I went there to look and observe.

On November 4, I finally made my first order of coffee by means of drive-thru. Even though there were two vehicles ahead of me, the drive-thru experience at Starbucks near Filinvest City Central Park was pretty smooth lasting less than ten minutes. I had a hot white chocolate mocha.

*The menu displayed during my drive-thru experience.*

As mentioned earlier, there were some people online who expressed concern about how the newest Starbucks branch in Alabang would affect the ambience very near the park which is a popular weekend destination for both local residents and visitors who enjoy the fresh air and open space.

There were those who expressed concern about the anticipated increase of vehicles along East Asia Drive by the park, and the possibility that someday, a long line of cars could be formed in the event a lot of motorists decide to buy coffee via drive-thru. Some commented that more vehicles attracted by Starbucks might make East Asia Drive less friendly and even risky for those who enjoy jogging or biking on the said road.

A few commented that Alabang alone has lots of branches of Starbucks already and I can relate with that. There is a Starbucks Reserve inside Westgate. Alabang Town Center has one (two if you count there other one at Metro Alabang), Molito Lifestyle Complex has one, One Griffinstone building has one, Festival Mall has two, a few in Northgate Cyberzone, and so on.

On the other hand, some people commented that having coffee at Starbucks will somehow boost their chances to visit Filinvest City Central Park which itself has special events during weekends depending on the season and weather conditions. The park has been a special place for Christmas activities (read my 2024 Christmas spectacle at the park by clicking here) and night-time music shows (recently held at The Nest, a special structure that provides a wide roof). For the Google Maps location of Filinvest City Central Park, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzt8D9yLzRSVVhae9

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been to Starbucks near Filinvest City Central Park? If you have been there, what do you think about the design of the coffee shop? Have you tried their drive-thru?

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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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

Muntinlupa City Launches Nation’s First-Ever Citywide Early Warning System For The Hearing-Impaired

November 10, 2025November 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially launched the Philippines’ first-ever citywide early warning system (EWS) for the deaf and those who are living with hearing loss, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Muntinlupa City has become the first in the Philippines to launch a citywide early warning system to ensure that people who are deaf or hard of hearing receive timely life-saving information during emergencies.

Developed by the city’s Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (DDRM), the system uses LED beacon lights that flash color-coded signals corresponding to different types of hazards, such as tropical cyclones, earthquakes, or other emergencies. When activated, the lights emit distinct flashing patterns to alert communities across the city.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon, who led the launch alongside Representative Jimmy Fresnedi this week, said the initiative reflects Muntinlupa’s commitment to making disaster preparedness accessible to all residents.

“Through this first-of-its-kind system, we’re making sure that every Muntinlupeño, especially those who cannot hear sirens or public announcements, receives life-saving warnings when it matters most,” Biazon said.

A total of 20 Beacon Lights have been installed in key locations, including schools, health centers, and major thoroughfares, as part of the pilot phase. Expansion plans are already underway, in partnership with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), to extend coverage to more communities.

The new visual alert network complements Muntinlupa’s existing 17 early warning system sirens, which deliver audible alerts citywide during disasters or emergencies.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the City Government achieve more awards? Do you see any excellence in the local governance in relation to urban developments?

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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AI Eyed For Integration Into Philippine Government Operations

November 9, 2025November 2, 2025carlocarrasco

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) recently held in South Korea, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stated that his administration is pursuing artificial intelligence (AI) and integrate it across the agencies of the Philippine government sooner than later, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

President Marcos said his administration is determined to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) across government agencies “as much as we can, as soon as we can,” warning that waiting too long would mean missing out on opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

“You’re missing a chance if you wait,” Marcos told reporters here on Saturday evening, Nov. 1.

“AI is going to come. Parang alon ‘yan, eh. Kahit anong gawin mo, mababasa ka (AI is like a wave — no matter what you do, you’ll get wet),” he added.

The President said the Philippines must quickly learn how to use AI “in the best, secure, and benevolent way” to serve the public, warning that failure to adapt could leave the country behind.

“If you do not learn how to swim, if you do not learn how to use AI properly, may iwanan ka talaga (You’ll be left behind),” he said.

According to Marcos, AI’s rapid evolution makes it necessary for governments to study and apply the technology carefully.

“What AI can do one month ago is different from what AI will be able to do one month from now. That’s why people can’t quite understand it — it learns,” he said.

He described AI as “such a powerful tool” that could transform governance, public service, and economic competitiveness.

“You must take advantage of it as quickly as possible. You have to learn how to use it as quickly as possible,” the President said.

He added that other world leaders in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) share the same sense of urgency.

“That’s one of my big takeaways from APEC. All the other leaders as well — they recognize how quickly AI will overwhelm us if we do not learn how to handle it properly,” he said.

Not a one-size-fits-all approach – Asked whether he plans to issue a directive guiding agencies on AI adoption, Marcos said it was too early to impose a blanket policy.

“It’s not yet clear what AI you use for government,” he said.

“Each department has a slightly different AI. We have to learn — we’re still studying,” he added.

The President said the government intends to consult both local and international experts to identify which applications of AI are most useful and which areas require caution.

“We have to talk to the experts — the whole world — and find out what does it do well, what doesn’t it do well,” he said.

Still, Marcos emphasized that AI adoption must be people-centered, helping Filipinos rather than replacing them.

In my opinion, using AI for governance and public service still looks uncertain. Considering how powerful or sophisticated AI has gotten today, it can be prone to abuse by the government. Worse, there is no guarantee right now how to protect human users from getting overwhelmed in the event that AI becomes self-aware and turns rogue against humanity. Just two years ago, GMA Network came up with fake sportscasters (both generated by AI) which caused some controversy here in the Philippines and only reminded people that AI has no soul and no humanity. Apart from being harmful to human workers in the business world, lots of AI applications made errors that affected users in varying ways. AI is currently not so effective in Japan in relation to finding solutions to their rice production problems. Watch and learn from the videos below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think AI will really be helpful with regards to governance and public service? Do you think Congress should first make a new law and a series of rules covering AI? What safety measures should be taken to protect people in case rogue AI happens? Do you think the AI move is a convenient strategy of the administration to keep people’s attention away from the flood control corruption scandals and the weakening economic growth of the country?

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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