Cebu-based triathletes highlighted

Triathlon in the Philippines has been generating more buzz this year which is not a surprise as the next edition of the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) and the multisports events of the delayed 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam will take place this May just weeks apart from each other. Already triathlon events were held at Subic Bay and in Dumaguete City which drew several participants respectively.

On April 14, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) posted on its official Facebook page the official list of members of the Philippine Triathlon Team (including duathlon and paratriathlon). For transparency, posted below is the list from their FB post.

The Members of the PHI Triathlon Team

The National Training Pool

Women Elite:

1. Kim Mangrobang  (Laguna) 31

2. Raven Faith Alcoseba (Cebu) 20

3. Lauren Plaza (Laguna) 21

4. Karen Manayon (Cebu) 20

5. Gene Heart Quiambao (Bukidnon) 18

Men Elite:

6. John Chicano (Olongapo) 31

7. Nikko Huelgas (Las Piñas) 31

8. Fernando Jose Casares (Bulacan) 25

9. Raymund Mulano Torio (Pangasinan) 34

10. Juan Carlos Abad (La Union) 24

Men U23 Elite:

11. Andrew Remolino (Cebu) 22

12. Joshua Ramos (Baguio) 20

13. Juan Francisco Baniqued )Laguna) 20

14. Iñaki Lorbes (Las Piñas) 20

15. Matthew Justine Hermosa (Cebu) 17

16. Lorenzo Joaquin Solda (Parañaque) 18

Duathlon-

Men Elite:

17. Joey de los Reyes (Basilan) 34

18. Ephraim Inigo (Ilocos Sur) 28

19. Jarwyn Banatao (Baguio) 28

    Women Elite:

20. Alexandra Ganzon (Iloilo) 36

21. Elaine Quismundo (Tarlac) 21

22. Merry Joy Trupa (Tarlac)  20

23. Jena Valdez (Pangasinan) 17

The Developmental Pool

U23/ELITE MALE: 18-23 y/o

1. Maynard Pecson – Baguio, Duathlon

2. John Ace Ventura – Pangasinan, Duathlon

U23/ELITE FEMALE: 18-23 y/o

3. Erika Burgos – QC/Laguna, Triathlon

JUNIOR ELITE MALE:6-19 y/o

4. Jacob Clint Lipura – Cebu, Triathlon

5. Jacob Kennedy Lipura – Cebu, Triathlon

6. Irienold Reig Jr – QC, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

JUNIOR ELITE FEMALE: 16-19 y/o

7. Kira Ellis – Laguna, Triathlon

8. Moira Erediano – Cebu, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

9. Nicole Del Rosario – Cebu, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

YOUTH ELITE MALE: 13-15 y/o

10. Darrel Johnson Bada – Olongapo, Triathlon

11. Connor Hodges – Laguna, Triathlon

12. Carron Paulter Canas – Cebu, Triathlon

YOUTH ELITE FEMALE: 13-15 y/o

13. Erin Burgos – QC/Laguna, Triathlon

The PHI Paratriathlon Team

1.  Alex Silverio- athlete (Cebu) PTri-4, 31 yrs old

2.  Joshua Nelmida- athlete (Muntinlupa) PTri-VI, 20 yrs old

3.  Jerome Nelmida- athlete (Muntinlupa) PTri-VI, 20 yrs old

4.  Edison Badillo- athlete (Pasig City) PTri-4, 23 yrs old

5.  Teodoro Diaz- Racing & Training Guide (Las Piñas) , 21yrs old)

6.  Bernard Cruz- Racing & Training Guide (Las Piñas), 20 yrs old)

In relation to the posted list, the Cebu Daily News published an article highlighting the Cebu-based triathletes who made the roster. Look at the above list and take note how many are based in Cebu. To the newcomers reading this, be aware that Cebu-based Andrew Kim Remolino won the silver medal for the Philippines in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games men’s triathlon event.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Cebu Daily News article. Some parts in boldface…

Cebu is stamping its reputation as a potential breeding ground of top triathletes after sending a solid number of them to the Triathlon Association of the Philippines’ (TRAP) national training pool and developmental training pool.

A total of nine Cebuanos, headed by 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) silver medalist Andrew Kim Remolino made it to TRAP’s official list.

The 22-year-old Remolino of Talisay City finished second in the men’s elite category of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series/National Triathlon Trials in Subic Bay Freeport last February.

His second-place finish earned him a spot in the national training pool.

Joining him is none other than 18-year-old Raven Faith Alcoseba who also hails from Talisay City.

Alcoseba, a varsity swimmer of the De La Salle University Green Archers stunned the women’s elite division when she emerged champion in her first NAGT race last February.

Joining Remolino and Alcoseba in the training pool is Matthew Justine Hermosa.

The national training pool will determine the final list of triathletes and duathletes that will represent the Philippine Team in the upcoming 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May.

Joining them in the national training pool are three-time SEA Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang, two-time SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, and 2019 SEA Games double gold medalist John Chican along with 10 other triathletes, and seven duathletes.

The developmental pool, on the other hand, serves as the farm team for TRAP to hone the skills of the potential triathletes and duathletes who can become the next stars in this sport.

Cebuanos who made it to the developmental training pool are Jacob Clint Lipura, Jacob Kennedy Lipura, Moira Frances Erediano, Nicole Marie Del Rosario, Carron Paulter Canas, and para triathlete Alex Niño Silverio.

Remolino, Alcoseba, and the rest of the Cebuano triathletes who are listed by TRAP are members of the vaunted Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group- Go For Gold team of national triathlon coach Roland Remolino based in Talisay City.

In my recent post about which Philippine Team members will participate in the triathlon and duathlon events of the 31st SEA Games, Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba are the Cebuanos going to Vietnam.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think that Cebu-based multisport athletes – apart from SEA Games medalist Andrew Kim Remolino – will make an impact in future races? Are you excited about the state of triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon events around the country this year as the COVID-19-related restrictions have been eased? How excited are you about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the 31st SEA Games 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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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 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/

A close look at the Philippine Team triathletes and duathletes for the 31st SEA Games

If you are focused on the multisport events of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, Hanoi 2021 and SEA Games 31) in Vietnam, then you might be interested to know which triathletes and duathletes will be representing the Philippines. Previously, it was mentioned that 2019 SEA Games gold medalists John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang were the favorites for the multisport events of the said games that will happen next month but if you want more details and specifics, check out what CNN Philippines posted on their website.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the CNN Philippines article. Some parts in boldface…

The country’s triathlon team is boasting a lineup of household names eyeing to continue its regional dominance in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next month.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco emphasized that the bunch of household names should give the country some considerable edge over opponents.

Kim Mangrobang, who ruled the 2019 SEA Games women’s individual event at Subic Bay, is set to banner the female team anew as she will be backed by former De La Salle University varsity swimmer Raven Faith Alcoseba and Lauren Plaza as a reserve.

Mangrobang secured the gold while compatriot Kim Kilgroe clinched the silver three years ago.

The same finish was tallied by the Philippine men’s triathlon team that year, with John Chicano taking home the gold and Andrew Kim Remolino nabbing the silver.

Come Vietnam, Remolino and fellow star Fernando Casares will aim to duplicate the feat, while defending champion Chicano sits kingly on the reserve list.

Meanwhile, Chicano is shifting focus to rule the duathlon event as he will be joined by Raymund Torio and reserve Casares in the men’s squad.

Mangrobang will have no rest as she will anchor the distaff side along with Alexandra Dumaran and Alcoseba as a reserve.

In 2019, Monica Torres snagged the gold in the women’s individual duathlon event while Joey Delos Reyes settled for a silver medal for the men’s side. Torres, Efraim Inigo, Paui Fornea, and Emmanuel Comendador clinched the bronze medal in the mixed relay category.

Ani De Leon, Melvin Fausto, and George Vilog are tapped as coaches of the Hanoi-bound Philippine triathlon team.

For the newcomers reading this, the mentioned Philippine Team triathletes/duathletes will be competing first in the Subic Bay International Triathlon set for May 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone before proceeding to Vietnam for the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon races. If you happen to be here in the Philippines and you are interested to see Mangrobang, Chicano, Remolino, Casares, Alcoseba and Torio in person, then I encourage you to visit Subic Bay and watch the May 1 triathlon live.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you excited about the triathlon and duathlon events of the SEA Games in Vietnam? Do you think that the Philippines will successfully win the gold medals in both multisports events at the SEA Games? Do you plan to watch the Subic Bay International Triathlon on May 1 in person to see the above mentioned Philippine Team triathletes/duathletes perform? How many triathletes or triathlon enthusiasts are there in your local 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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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 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Chinese-operated Parañaque sex den raided, 25 victims rescued

As much of the Philippines went into a Holy Week break, a sex den operated by Chinese nationals in Parañaque City was raided by the local law enforcers which resulted in the rescue of twenty five victims – including four minors – as well as the seizure of several items, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Crime involving Chinese nationals in Parañaque (for references, click here and here) does not seem to end. Just a few days ago, a gambling den raid in Parañaque took place and that one saw the arrest of three Chinese nationals.

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

Four minors and 21 others were rescued from a sex den being operated by Chinese nationals on Thursday, April 14, in Paranaque City.

Col. Maximo Sebastian, Paranaque City police chief, said the victims were rescued around 1:00 a.m. at 412 7th Floor, Units 708,709,710, Bayport,West Tower 5, Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City.

Sebastian said the arrested suspects were identified as Zhang Chao De, 22; Li Lin Chuan, 38; Li Reng Rin, 32; all Chinese nationals, and their Filipino cohort — Lily Morer de Jose, 29; Abegail Macahidhid, 22; and Ma. Liza Miguel, 22.

The city police chief said members of the Station-Women and Child Protection Desk, together with tanods village watchmen in Barangay Tambo raided the place after a victim, identified as certain Anne Zabate, reported the illegal activity of the suspects.

Sebastian said that upon arrival at the site, the team of SWCD found Li Reng Rin with one of the girls performing sexual live feed on a cellular phone.

Recovered during the raid were more or less 10 sex toys, 11 vibrators, 80 soft Gel sex enhancer capsules, 20 tablets of Maxman sex enhancer, eight cellular phones, and one laptop.

The above report eerily reminds me about the other sex den in Parañaque that got raided and freed several victims from the operators.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, are you concerned that someone in your local community could be secretly operating sex den with several victims in captivity? What do you think makes Parañaque an ideal place for foreign criminals to have their illegal operations located in? Do you believe that there are still many more sex dens in Parañaque that still have not been found? Do you believe that prostitution is a major problem of the 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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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 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Come to Subic Bay for the big triathlon event on May 1, 2022

If you are looking for nice place for vacation and you also want to watch a triathlon event live, then you should come to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone where the 2022 edition of the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) will be held at on May 1, 2022 (for external references, click here, here, here and here).

For the triathlon enthusiasts who just visited this blog for the first time, the SUBIT is the major Philippine triathlon event that immediately precedes the 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam which itself will open formally on May 12 (references here, here and here) and it will have their own triathlon and duathlon medal events. 2019 SEA Games gold medalists John Chicano and Marion Kim Mangrobang are the favorites for the multisport medal events in this year’s SEA Games but before those games do happen, you will get to see them both as well as the other Philippine Team triathletes in action at the SUBIT.

The big event at Subic Bay on May 1.

For a quick look at who the Philippine Team triathletes are racing and what impact SUBIT had on Philippine triathlon in general, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin sports news report. Some parts in boldface…

The race is actually a tuneup for the PH team going to the biennial meet where it aims to maintain its 1-2 finish in the men’s and women’s division.

Racing in SUBIT are Fer Casares, Kim Remolino, John Chicano, Kim Mangrobang, Raven Alcoseba and Lauren Plaza.

The SUBIT will be a good tuneup race for our SEAG-bound athletes, especially sa game strategy,” said Triathlon Association President Tom Carrasco.

SUBIT has been at the forefront of development of Filipino triathletes. I’m proud to say that SUBIT has produced Southeast Asian Games champions and notable Asian Games performers.

Among the SUBIT products were SEAG winners Chicano, Mangrobang, Nikko Huelgas and (Claire) Adorna, Youth Olympics qualifier Vicky Deldio, Columbia World Games qualifiers Carlo Pedregosa and Mirasol Abad, Birmingham World Games qualifier Casares, and 2018 Asian Games top 10 finisher Kim Kilgroe.

Meanwhile, Cebu-based junior triathlete Moira Frances Erediano, who topped a triathlon event in Dumaguete City very recently, is also joining the May 1 SUBIT.

This year’s SUBIT – formally called the NTT AST Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2022 – will have race distances of 1.5 kilometer swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run (Standard Distance), 750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run (Sprint Distance) and 500 M – 13 Km bike – 2.5 Km run (Super Sprint Distance) which will cover lots of places in the freeport. With regards to schedules, posted below are the details sourced from the event page at RaceYaya.com

Pay close attention to this.

This year’s SUBIT is a joint project of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and I Love Fun-tastic Subic Bay supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Standard Insurance, FINIS Philippines, Gatorade, Subic Bay Travelers Hotel, POCARI Sweat, and Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines Inc.

Where to enjoy food and drinks in Subic Bay?

Visit Gourmet Garage and Xtremely Xpresso on your next visit to Subic Bay.

Apart from being a sports tourism hot spot, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone also has nice places where you and your family or group of friends can spend time at and enjoy good food and drinks together such as Gourmet Garage Subic (social media here and here) and Xtremely Xpresso Café (social media here and here) to name a few. Personally, I enjoyed the two mentioned places a lot during my past visits. I would suggest you who read this to visit them on your next visit to Subic Bay.

Located at 1143 Argonaut Highway (very near the Starbucks Coffee shop there), Gourmet Garage Subic is one very fine place to dine in with others and their cooks specialize preparing really tasty meals such as the Truffle BBQ Orange Baby Back Ribs, the Grilled Salmon Tamari Quinoa, Grilled Javier’s Burger, Sake-marinated Fish Fillet, the Lamb Madras Curry, Gourmet Garage’s Beef Tapa and their signature pasta the Luglug Spaghettini to name a few. Looking for drinks, snacks, cakes, condiments and bread? They have them too! Their venue also has a fine-looking design. If you have any catering needs, they are willing to serve you.

Over at 1 Dewey Avenue corner Sta. Rita Road in the freeport, Xtremely Xpresso is a café that offers customers really good coffee plus meals that families and friends can enjoy together. For the coffee lovers, they got the Jump-start Espresso, Vienna Coffee, White Mocha and Vietnamese Coffee plus their very own lineup of frappe’s such as the Shockwave, the Coffee Cradle and Ekimocha to name a few. For those looking for hearty meals, they have Baby Back Ribs, Korean Beef Ribs, Salisbury Steak, the Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich, pasta and their Big Ben pizza!

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you excited to visit Subic Bay for the May 1 triathlon event and the local places to enjoy good food? When was the last time you visited Subic Bay?

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 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Chinese national (POGO employee) arrested in Parañaque City

When was the last time you read a crime story related to POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations) in the city of Parañaque? Recently, a Chinese national who worked for a certain POGO was arrested in the said city for alarm, scandal and estafa, the Manila Bulletin reported. The incident happened in Barangay Tambo.

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

A Chinese employee of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) was arrested for trying to evade his debt of P400,000 with a fellow Chinese on Monday, April 11, in Paranaque City.

Col. Maximo Sebastian, Paranaque City police chief, identified the suspect as Zhang Yujun, 27. He is now detained at the Paranaque City police custodial facility and facing charges of alarm and scandal and estafa.

Sebastian said the suspect was arrested at about 3:35 a.m. in front of Nuwa Hotel at the City of Dreams (COD), Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City.

The city police chief said that according to the victim, identified as Wang Longqiang, 23, also a POGO worker, the suspect borrowed money from him amounting to P400,000 allegedly after losing at the casino.

Wang told police the victim promised to return and pay his obligation after another round of playing at the casino. However, the suspect sneaked out from the casino after the money was handed over to him.

The victim told police that after noticing the victim was no longer in the casino, he immediately asked the assistance of COD personnel and found the victim in front of the hotel and was about to leave.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals – whether employed by POGOs or not – who could cause more trouble in the city? Do you think that gambling in casinos within the city is getting out of hand?

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 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Three Chinese nationals and one local arrested during gambling den raid in Parañaque City

Have you ever suspected that an illegal and very hidden gambling den could be operating in your local community, even right next door to you? Recently in the city of Parañaque, three Chinese nationals and one local were arrested by law enforcers as a result of a raid on a gambling den located within Barangay Moonwalk, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Three Chinese nationals and a Filipina believed to be behind the operation of a gambling den were arrested in Paranaque City by members of the Southern Police District (SPD) Special Operation Unit (DSOU), District Intelligence Division (DID), and Paranaque police Sub-Station 6 on Sunday, April 10.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, SPD Director, identified the suspects as Zhiong Whang, 50; Feng Menzhen, 46; Li Yue Cai, 46; maintainer and owner of the gambling den, and Charisse Escario, 20, attendant.

The suspects are now detained at the SPD custodial facility and were charged with violation of PD 1602 as amended by RA 9287 (Illegal Gambling).

Macaraeg said the suspects were arrested at about 5 p.m. at the second floor of a convenience mart located on Jerusalem St., Multinational Village, Barangay Moonwalk, Paranaque City.

He said a joint operation for the arrest of the suspects was made after receiving a letter of request from homeowners asking for police assistance on the illegal activities of the suspects.

The SPD chief said members of the DSOU, DID, and Paranaque police Sub-Station 6 swooped down on the place and confirmed the illegal gambling operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Macaraeg said Zhiong Wang and Feng Menzhen were caught in the act of playing in the slot machine.

The above report ended stating that the operatives recovered three fishing slot machine (Philippine version of video karera), money exchange machines, 74 slot machine game cards, 600 silver tokens, and 24 red steel chairs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, are you concerned that someone in your local community could be secretly operating something illegal like a gambling den or a drug den? Do you consider illegal gambling a major problem in the city? Whenever you see Chinese nationals flocking to a certain place within your local community, do you often become suspicious about what they could be doing behind closed doors? Do you believe that Chinese nationals spending time in Parañaque add to local crime incidents?

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 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Booster shots prioritized by Muntinlupa City authorities

You must have heard about the fearful reactions to recent news about members of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) who expressed that a surge of new COVID-19 cases will happen soon due to potential entry of Omicron XE in the country. To those of you reading this, even if you don’t believe in the news, if you are fully vaccinated but have not yet been boosted, I encourage you to get your booster shot as soon as possible. In the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government will deploy more vaccination personnel around the city to increase the number of booster shots on the constituents, as reported by the Manila Bulletin. To be clear, the total number of boosted patients in the city is a little over 120,000.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will deploy vaccination teams to different workplaces and public transport terminals to increase the number of booster shot recipients.

As of April 7, a total of 122,149 individuals in Muntinlupa have received their booster shots, or 25 percent of the 486,579 who are fully vaccinated and 28 percent of 442,517, equivalent to 80 percent of Muntinlupa total population of 553,146.

The total fully vaccinated population is 110 percent of the 80 percent target.

Dr. Rajendra Yadav, acting World Health Organization (WHO) representative to the Philippines, said on April 6 that a surge in Covid-19 cases is quite likely in the country in the next two months due to unsafe gatherings and social mixing.

In April and May, Filipinos will observe Ramadan and Holy Week, and participate in election activities, the WHO noted.

Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) acting chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi said his office will deploy “Rolling Bakuna” (mobile vaccination) to increase booster shot rate and vaccination coverage among 12 to 17 years old.

CHO will continue advocacy and information dissemination in different schools through principals and school nurses, social media and media platforms.

The city government will also enhance vaccination at local jails and at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged residents to get their booster shots and for those who haven’t received their Covid-19 jab yet to get vaccinated as protection from the adverse effects of the virus.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this newest development? If you are fully vaccinated but have not yet been boosted, does this latest news convince you to get your booster shot?

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 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Security guard in Las Piñas City apprehended for frustrated homicide and violation of the gun ban

Some of you must have read my previous post about a security guard in Parañaque who got arrested. Something similar happened in Las Piñas City, this time it’s about a security guard who got apprehended for homicide and for violating the current ban on guns, 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…

A security guard was arrested in violation of the Commission on Election’s (Comelec) gun ban and for shooting a man he was arguing with in Las Pinas City early Friday morning (April 8).

Police identified the suspect as Pablito Baculba, 56, a resident of Las Pinas City. He is now confined at the Las Pinas police custodial facility and was charged for violation of the Comelec’s gun ban and frustrated homicide.

The victim, identified as Michael Joquino, was rushed to the Las Pinas District Hospital for a gunshot wound in the stomach.

Police said the incident happened at around 3:00 a.m. at STI Building located along Abel Nosce St., BF Resort Village, Barangay Talon Dos, Las Pinas City.

The police said a heated argument ensued between Baculba and the victim that led to the shooting incident.

A witness reported the incident to the Las Pinas police Talon Sub-Station that led to the arrest of the suspect.

The above report ended stating that a .38 caliber revolver with four pieces of live ammunition and an empty shell were recovered by the police.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about this latest development? Does this latest news make you feel uncomfortable about going out in public? Do you believe that the COMELEC’s gun ban is effective in keeping your local community safe?

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 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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Christian Music Appreciation: Now I’m Alive

Welcome back, my readers and fellow Christians! In this newest edition of my Christian Music Appreciation (CMA) series, we will focus on Now I’m Alive, another original worship song from New Life Music. For the newcomers reading this, the previous New Life Music worship song I examined and analyzed was Touch From Heaven.

If you want to discover more about New Life Music, I encourage you to click here (Facebook page) and here (YouTube). New Life Music is part of New Life Philippines whose main church is located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. To know more about New Life Philippines, visit https://newlife.ph/

To get started with Now I’m Alive, watch this official lyric video from New Life Music.

Before getting into the analysis of the Biblical relevance of Now I’m Alive, posted below for your reference are the lyrics composed by Faith Tugano, Kate Naranjo and Solomon Pagapong.

VERSE 1

Oh what love You have shown me

At the cross You have bled for me

My sins You erased

I am saved by Your grace

VERSE 2

I was lost but You found me

Broken – You delivered me

Forgiven I stand

Forever held in Your hands

CHORUS

Jesus, You have brought me back to life

Made righteous, pure and now redeemed in Christ

Jesus, You have brought me back to life

Now I’m alive

Now I’m alive

VERSE 3

No more fear No more shame

No longer bound No longer a slave

Jesus, You have won it all for me

CHORUS 2

Jesus, You have brought me back to life

Made righteous, pure and now redeemed in Christ

Jesus, You have brought me back to life

Now I’m alive

Now I’m alive

Jesus, You have brought me back to life

Made righteous, pure and now redeemed in Christ

Forgiven, set free, I’m alive in Christ

Now I’m alive

Now I’m alive

BRIDGE 1

Your love knows no end

Your love knows no bounds

Nothing can separate me from Your love

BRIDGE 2

No sin, No fear

No power can separate me

From Your love

From Your love

To begin with, let’s take a close look at the lyrics of Verse 1 of the song: Oh what love You have shown me, At the cross You have bled for me, My sins You erased, I am saved by Your grace.

The Verse 1 lyrics are truthful as they clearly reference the sacrifice of Jesus whom God sent to save us from sin. Jesus is our Redeemer, our Lord and Savior. For anyone who is still lost and unsaved, the way to establish a relationship with the Lord and get redeemed/saved is by getting born again. Learn from the following holy scriptures below…

For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.

John 3:16 (TPT)

Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 (NASB)

For sin’s meager wages is death, but God’s lavish gift is life eternal, found in your union with our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.

Romans 6:23 (TPT)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 (NASB)

And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.

Acts 16:31 (AMPC)

Moving forward, take a close look at the following lines from the Chorus of the song: Jesus, You have brought me back to life, Made righteous, pure and now redeemed in Christ, Jesus, You have brought me back to life, Now I’m alive, Now I’m alive.

In my analysis, the Chorus lyrics emphasize the redemption and sacrifice Lord Jesus made to save us. Before the redemption happened, people were trapped by sin, idols, unbelief, rebellion, hopelessness and death. Jesus truly freed people from the darkness that clouded them. Remember that the Lord is always working on all things for our good and we only need to be faithful to Him, follow Him and believe in Heavenly things that are coming. Learn from the bible scriptures below…

Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by his blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of his grace.

Ephesians 1:7 (TPT)

Little children, you can be certain that you belong to God and have conquered them, for the One who is living in you is far greater than the one who is in the world.  They belong to this world and they articulate the spirit of this world, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and whoever truly knows God listens to us. Those who refuse to listen to us do not belong to God. That is how we can know the difference between the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

1 John 4:4-6 (TPT)

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.

Romans 5:8 (AMPC)

Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father except through union with me. To know me is to know my Father too.

John 14:6 (TPT)

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Titus 3:5 (NASB)

Yahweh, you’re the bedrock beneath my feet, my faith-fortress, my wonderful deliverer, my God, my rock of rescue where none can reach me. You’re the shield around me, the mighty power that saves me, and my high place.

Psalms 18:2 (TPT)

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Titus 2:11-13 (NKJV)

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;

    he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

Moving forward, take a close look at the following lines from Bridge 1 of the song: Your love knows no end, Your love knows no bounds, Nothing can separate me from Your love.

The Bridge 1 lyrics are about the love of the Lord which is very great and eternal for the faithful. To understand the meaning of the said lyrics and what His love is about, read the following scriptures below…

Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (TPT)

Who could ever divorce us from the endless love of God’s Anointed One? Absolutely no one! For nothing in the universe has the power to diminish his love toward us. Troubles, pressures, and problems are unable to come between us and heaven’s love. What about persecutions, deprivations, dangers, and death threats? No, for they are all impotent to hinder omnipotent love, even though it is written:

All day long we face death threats for your sake, God.

We are considered to be nothing more

than sheep to be slaughtered!

Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything! So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!

Romans 8:35-39 (TPT)

Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.

John 15:9 (NASB)

In this last analysis of the lyrics, I want you all to focus on the title – Now I’m Alive. As Christians, we are living under the watch, guidance and love of the Lord. We are alive – even spiritually – because Lord Jesus saved us and His spirit – the Holy Spirit – is in our hearts! We are the living faithful children of God dedicated to follow Him through His Word and the Truth! We are no longer trapped by darkness and sin because we chose to be saved by Jesus and accepted Him as our Lord and Savior! Learn from the following scriptures below…

Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us.

2 Timothy 1:14 (AMPC)

But Christ (the Messiah) was faithful over His [own Father’s] house as a Son [and Master of it]. And it is we who are [now members] of this house, if we hold fast and firm to the end our joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ].

Hebrews 3:6 (AMPC)

For this reason I bend my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

Ephesians 3:14-20 (NASB)

And it’s true: “Everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will experience new life.”

Romans 10:13 (TPT)

Indeed, the lyrics and title of Now I’m Alive are holy and anointed! While I am clearly not involved with the composition of the song, it is evident that New Life Music wrote it to be true to the Word of God. Musically speaking, Now I’m Alive is beautiful and solemn to listen to. Very obviously, it is a great song for Sunday worship as well as special church events. Now I’m Alive is also an ideal worship song to help the faithful strengthen their faith in the Lord.

In conclusion, posted below is the official music video of Now I’m Alive for your faith and viewing pleasure. While watching it and listening to the music, remember to be faithful and thankful to the Lord. Always remember to realize the good life from the Lord, practice Christian habits (click here and here for reference), have private time with Godget yourself planted in a local church (allow the Holy Spirit to guide you) and remember the truth that He rewards the faithful abundantly and He established plans for you before you were even created! Continue to live with God’s Word, seek God through His son Jesus, and keep on being the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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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. Sharing this Christian piece means spreading the good news of the Lord to others. It can help you save the unsaved and the lost souls out there.

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

North Carolina-based church pays for fuel benefiting more than 300 people

News published every day by the mainstream media outlets can be very depressing and stressful to absorb. Here in the Philippines, many millions of still unused COVID-19 vaccines are at risk of expiring. Overseas, America has its worst inflation in decades and the prices of fuel are very expensive nowadays.

If you are looking for good news and details that can help deepen your faith in the Lord, check out the recent CBN News story about a North Carolina-based church that paid to fill the fuel tanks of hundreds of customers who lined up at the gas stations. Considering how expensive gas is right now, the anointed move by Kingdom City Church is a blessing to those who badly need gas at a time when they are struggling financially. To be clear, Kingdom City Church has been doing this special thing for years.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the CBN News report. Some parts in boldface…

With painfully high gas prices still hurting American families nationwide, churches across the country have partnered with gas stations to help alleviate the burden with either discounted or free fuel.

Kingdom City Church in Charlotte, North Carolina recently took part in helping to fill the tanks of those in need.

“At the end of the day, it’s a blessing to be a blessing to God’s people,” Pastor Brian Carn told CBN News’ The PrayerLink.

He explained that his church has been doing a gas outreach for several years, but with the rising cost of goods, this year’s event was more significant.

I believe that the life of a Christian should be a life that is overflowing with compassion,” he shared. “We were just faithfully doing it over the last couple of years and it actually came in handy this year in a powerful way.”

More than 300 people received free gas, along with grocery vouchers and gift cards.

“People were actually running out of gas, coming to the gas station,” Carn said of the event that took place in late March. “We were having to push their cars to the gas station, but to be able to use that as a tool to get people saved, pray for people, get people healed and delivered.”

Members of Kingdom City Church pumped gas for drivers so they could sit in their cars and receive ministry and prayer.

“I drove about 25 minutes to get over here to get a tank of gas,” said one driver. “Everyone was pleasant and I really appreciate everything you guys have done for me and everyone out here today.”

“Once we got here you feel the Holy Spirit around us…you can feel His Spirit just move you,” another driver told the church. “Speaking to people prior to getting the gas, praying with people…it’s earth-shaking.”

Pastor Carn personally financed the entire event, giving away $10,000 worth of fuel. He said he wanted to pour back into the community and sow a seed.

“I wanted to make it my business to sow into those who come. You know a lot of times as the church we do a lot of receiving, but not much pouring back into the people,” he explained, “so I wanted to make it my business to sow a seed into the lives of people all over the city of Charlotte so that God could use me as a conduit to let them know that God cares about your tank as much as he cares about your pocket and your heart.”

The above article ended quoting Pastor Carn: “You know Jesus fed them first and then ministered to them. So that was our fish and the loaves.”

Now, check out the related CBN News video below. Watch how caring Kingdom City Church is to the people who need gas…

What this news story should remind you is that when you are blessed by the Lord, do not forget to be a blessing to others. Never forget that God blesses the faithful abundantly! Learn from the following holy scriptures below…

“Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop?  And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place?  Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don’t hide your light!  Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16 (TPT)

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:10-12 (NKJV)

Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything —every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do. Just as the Scriptures say about the one who trusts in him: Because he has sown extravagantly and given to the poor, his kindness and generous deeds will never be forgotten. This generous God who supplies abundant seed for the farmer, which becomes bread for our meals, is even more extravagant toward you. First he supplies every need, plus more. Then he multiplies the seed as you sow it, so that the harvest of your generosity will grow. You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion, for when we take your gifts to those in need, it causes many to give thanks to God.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11 (TPT)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

For those who are wondering what Kingdom City Church is, check out the excerpt of their history from their website posted below…

Kingdom City Church (KCC) is a national ministry founded in September 2016 by Senior Pastor, Brian Carn, along with the ministry assistance of our former Associate Senior Pastors. KCC is currently located in Charlotte, North Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Houston, Texas; and soon to be all over the world! With only a word from the Lord, “Move to Charlotte!” Prophet Carn spoke to the people of God concerning this great assignment the Lord had given him. It was the beginning of a ministry who was hungry for a move of God like never before! As we launched our first service in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, September 4, 2016, we knew God was beginning something that would change the lives of many for years to come. With an extremely packed sanctuary every week, the power of God flowed through the place from beginning to end, compelling men and women to be saved and have a deeper encounter with God.

Praise and thank the Lord for Kingdom City Church blessing so many people with their latest gas outreach! Through them, God’s love, care and blessing were passed on to others!

To learn more about Kingdom City Church, visit their official website at https://www.kcccharlotte.org/wp/ and their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KCCculture/. On Twitter, follow them at  https://twitter.com/kcc_culture

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Note: The Kingdom City Church logo is a property of the church.

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 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/