Pinoy – Author Carlo Carrasco

Zark’s Burgers now serving customers inside Festival Mall

May 14, 2024May 13, 2024carlocarrasco

If you crave for burgers and fries, and if you are searching for a unique burger experience here in Alabang, then you should try visiting the brand new Zark’s Burgers branch inside Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa.

*This is what Zark’s Burgers looks like inside Festival Mall at the ground floor.*

Zark’s Burgers had its grand opening inside the said mall on May 10, 2024. Specifically speaking, the burger joint’s newest branch is located at the ground floor right beside Dairy Queen (DQ) and it is just steps away from Festival Mall’s food court in close proximity to National Bookstore. The new branch is easy to spot as the burger joint has its eye-catching sign composed of red and white colors.

For the newcomers reading this, Zark’s Burgers started in 2009 as an 18-seater hole-in-the-wall and they had a 3-man crew. As time passed by, the business gradually expanded as more customers flocked to them for burgers which they found tasty and even unique.

*See anything interesting on Zark’s menu?*

Already featured in the media and in blogs, Zark’s Burgers has an established reputation of being creative with the way they cooked their burgers which in turn delighted not only mainstream customers but also food enthusiasts who have specific expectations about how burgers should be presented and how tasty they should be. Of course, the business is not just selling burgers as they also offer hotdog sandwiches, rice meals, fried chicken, boneless fried chicken sandwiches and more.

Now that Zark’s Burgers’ Festival Mall branch is already operating, it will be interesting to see how they will keep up with the competition inside the said mall which already has lots of places where burgers and fries are being sold. In fact, a few steps away from Zark’s is a branch of Wendy’s which consistently attracts customers.

*Zark’s Burgers Festival Mall branch is just steps away from the food court and right beside Dairy Queen (DQ).*

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 excited to visit Zark’s Burgers branch inside Festival Mall? Do you think Zark’s Burgers has what it takes to keep up with the competition as the mall already has lots of food joints that sell burgers?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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Chinese vessels spotted near Balikatan training area off Palawan

May 14, 2024May 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Since it formally started on April 22, Balikatan 2024 resulted in several military exercises and activities involving armed elements of the Philippines, the United States and France. This of course caught the attention of China and according to a recent Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article, several Chinese vessels were spotted near a training area off Palawan.

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

Naval participants in the just concluded multilateral maritime exercise were undaunted by the presence of Chinese vessels near the training area off Palawan province, Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said Tuesday.

Around four of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted at different times monitoring the flotilla during the training period.

“We went there for the purpose of conducting interoperability exercises, that was our mission and we were able to finish it, they were not able to disturb us in any way nor (were we) intimidated in any way by their presence,” he said during a press briefing.

Logico said the presence of PLAN ships did not disturb the exercise.

Balikatan’s first multilateral maritime exercise was in Palawan waters from April 25 to 29.

Participants include the Philippine Navy’s offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the US Navy’s landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), and the French Navy’s FS Vendemiaire (FFH-734), a Floreal-class frigate.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that China’s navy might someday disrupt the naval activities of Balikatan 2024? Do you think there could be a lot of spies among the Chinese nationals living here in the Philippines?

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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Chinese national wanted for cyber fraud arrested at airport

May 14, 2024May 2, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it apprehended a wanted Chinese national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspect is wanted for involvement in cyber fraud.

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

A Chinese passenger who is on the wanted list of foreigners for involvement in cyber fraud was recently arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Wednesday.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the passenger as 28-year-old Qin Xingye, who was intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 3 last April 28 before he could board an Air Asia flight to Hong Kong.

The foreigner was reportedly arrested after his name prompted a hit in the bureau’s derogatory check after presenting himself for clearance at the immigration departure counter.

“He was referred by the immigration officer to his supervisors who verified his identity and later confirmed that the passenger and the person in the bureau’s derogatory list are one and the same,” Tansingco said in a statement.

The derogatory hit showed that he was placed on the immigration blacklist for being an undesirable alien and for overstaying and illegally working in the country.

The BI’s Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BCIU) reported that the passenger was previously charged for engaging in cyber fraud activities and for working without a permit.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is doing a good job apprehending wanted foreigners?

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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Almost 2.5 million voter registrants for 2025 elections counted by COMELEC

May 13, 2024May 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that almost 2.5 million people submitted applications as registered voters for the next national and local elections of 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. People still have until September 30, 2024 to register.

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

Over 2.4 million Filipinos have already submitted applications as registered voters for the May 2025 midterm polls.

Latest data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed there are now 2,473,922 individuals who filed their applications since the start of the resumption of registration activities last Feb. 12 until April 29.

In an interview Tuesday, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said these figures indicate they are “on the right track” in achieving their target of 3 million voter registrants.

He attributed the high number of applicants to Filipinos who would like to exercise their right to suffrage.

“Each Filipino now values the importance of voting more than ever,” Laudiangco said.

Of the number, Region 4-A (Calabarzon) still has the most number of applicants with 454,313; followed by the National Capital Region with 367,869; and Region 3 (Central Luzon) with 286,190.

Meanwhile, Region 7 (Central Visayas) has 176,584; Region 11 (Davao Region), 135,654; Region 6 (Western Visayas), 129,711; Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), 121,982; Region 5 (Bicol Region), 103,399; and Region 12 (Soccsksargen), 102,598 were the other areas with more than 100,000 applicants.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many young adults or adults in your local community who intend to get registered with the COMELEC but have yet to do so?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) says tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to help ensure national security

May 13, 2024May 12, 2024carlocarrasco

The government here in the Philippines are trying to balance the nation’s need of security and the gains from attracting foreign tourists. Specifically speaking, the spotlight is currently on the handling of visa requirements from Chinese tourists as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) made clear the need to help ensure national security, according to a GMA Network news report.

The BI responded to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals could harm the nation’s tourism as well as the businesses connected with tourist activities. Take note that criminal/illegal activities involving Chinese nationals happened many times here in the Philippines (click here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday that tightening the visa requirements for Chinese tourists would also help the Philippines protect national security, considering the illegal activities involving Chinese nationals.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained that while tourism is very important to the Philippine economy, the government also needs to implement stricter measures to protect public interest.

“We also have to look into the national security issue, the safety of the country. Kung merong mga ilegal na ginagawa [if there are illegal activities], I think it’s also important to have strict measures kung may nakikita na tayo na kakaibang nangyayari [if we see anything different happening] or mga activities that are probably inimical to national security or public interest,” she said.

Sandoval made the remark in reaction to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines could “discourage tourism and hurt businesses.”

She said that the BI has always been strict in inspecting arriving foreign nationals, particularly those involved in illegal activities.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been involved in organized crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and fraud. Some of them were also linked illegally working for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

This prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to tighten the Philippines’ visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid a high number of fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.

The DFA, however, ruled out ongoing tensions with China in disputed areas in the South China Sea as the reason for imposing more stringent visa measures for Chinese visitors.

Sandoval welcomed this development, saying it would add a layer of security in the Bureau of Immigration’s assessment of foreign nationals entering the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese visitors could hurt Philippine tourism? Do you think that Chinese tourists could not behave themselves while they are in the country? Do you want visa rules on all Chinese visitors be tightened for the long-term? Did a Chinese national cause trouble in your local community lately?

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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Las Piñas City hosts clean-up drive with DILG Secretary Abalos

May 10, 2024May 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a major clean-up drive attended by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos took place within Barangay BF International-CAA, the City Government announced through social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post of April 30, 2024. Some parts in boldface…

Las Piñas City held the KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas Clean-Up Drive at the Arratelis Open Court, Brgy. CAA/BF International on Saturday, April 27th. The event was spearheaded by DILG Secretary Atty. Benhur Abalos Jr. and attended by city officials, including Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

The clean-up drive forms part of the broader KALINISAN or “Kalinga at Inisyatiba Para sa Malinis na Bayan” program, aimed at enhancing environmental health and safety through community efforts.

The initiative focuses on integrating all segments of society to take part in environmental preservation through the traditional Filipino value of ‘bayanihan.’, with the goal of fostering public awareness about environmental care and motivating local government units to invest in solid waste management and sustainable ecological practices.

The day’s activities included a series of community cleaning efforts, such as trash collection and the beautification of public spaces and a planting activity at the urban garden.

By focusing on community engagement and responsibility towards the environment, the KALINISAN program seeks to instill a sense of duty in maintaining cleanliness and ecological balance.

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? Do you wish to see more major clean-up activities held in other parts of the city? Do you think the presence of the DILG adds credibility to such activities in 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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Philippines eyes high-spending tourists from America

May 9, 2024April 30, 2024carlocarrasco

As part of its pursuit to attract more foreign tourists and generate higher tourism revenue this year (click here and here), the Philippines is targeting tourists from the United States with the perception that they are heavy spending tourists, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippines targets to attract about 15 percent more inbound visitors from the United States, seeing the “highly valuable” market as a big contributor to the full recovery of the country’s tourism sector.

In 2023, at least 903,299 visitors from the US arrived in the Philippines, generating PHP35 billion in tourism revenue— the highest among the country’s top tourist markets.

“This (receipt) is 215 percent higher than the tourism receipts from South Korea, so this is how important the American market (is). While the arrivals are fewer, the contribution is bigger,” Philippine Tourism Director-Attache in New York Francisco Hilario Lardizabal said over the weekend.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that visitor receipts in 2023 reached PHP482.54 billion, with the US as the top spending market, followed by Australia with PHP17.74 billion, South Korea with PHP16.41 billion, Canada with PHP15.85 billion, China with PHP12.24 billion, and Japan with PHP10.02 billion.

In a briefing with visiting Filipino journalists on April 26, the official said the American market tends to spend more and stay longer in a destination.

In the Philippines, Lardizabal said the majority, or 55 percent of inbound travelers from the US are former Filipino citizens, whose main travel motivation is to visit friends and relatives.

“Filipinos from the US do go around the Philippines and stay longer in the Philippines, and mind you, they also spend a lot. Apart from the money they spend on travel, they sometimes also give out money to their relatives,” he shared.

Presenting the country’s planned promotion efforts for the entire year, Lardizabal is confident the Philippines would achieve 15 percent more of the 2023 arrival figure.

Lardizabal said the DOT was taking a multi-pronged approach to entice the market by forging partnerships, conducting more training for travel agents, joining B2B (business-to-business) travel trade events, and organizing curated familiarization tours.

Emerging trends – Before the pandemic, most US travelers to the Philippines were baby boomers, or those in the age bracket of 60 to 78, and Generation X, or those aged 44 to 59.

Citing a 2022 study, the majority of US travelers “showing interest in the Philippines” now are millennials or those born between 1981 and 1996, Lardizabal said.

“Iyon ang dapat natin bigyan ng pansin (That should be our focus), how do we address the needs and preferences of the millennials,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines should do more to attract American tourists?

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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Muntinlupa City Job Portal online

May 9, 2024April 30, 2024carlocarrasco

If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City who must have noticed members of your local community being able to find jobs within the city, it is most likely because of the online job portal launched recently by the City Government as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The job portal can be accessed at https://jobportal.muntinlupacitygov.com/

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

The Muntinlupa City government launched an online portal to connect employers and job seekers.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the launch of the 1Munti Job Portal, a collaboration between the city government and partner private institutions led by the Lingkod Muntinlupa Foundation and 1Munti Party.

“The 1Munti Job Portal is an innovation that helps break down barriers of unemployment. For companies and employers, as part of our City’s mission to be a business-friendly hub, this Portal is free, and you can gain exposure to a diverse range of candidates tailored to your company’s specific needs and requirements,” said Biazon.

The online job portal can be accessed at https://jobportal.muntinlupacitygov.com/

For job seekers, they need to visit the website, create an account, and search for employment opportunities, the mayor said.

Biazon also revealed the upcoming Dress for Success Program which aims to equip job seekers through a series of capacity-building training on the basics of job-hunting and employment, writing good resume, and presenting oneself well in an interview.

Once they finish the short modules, they can claim their set of business attires that will hopefully help boost their confidence in their job seeking journey.

Biazon also said the portal is still part of the city government’s effort to attain “Smart City” status, describing 1Munti Job Portal as “created at the nexus of leadership and technological innovation” to solve human issues.

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, do you know anyone who applied for a local job through the 1Munti Job Portal? Have you visited the job portal already?

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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Four POGO workers arrested in Parañaque City over illegal detention

May 8, 2024April 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested four employees of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) and charged them for illegal detention and grave coercion, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects were all foreigners.

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

Police arrested four Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers during a rescue operation in Parañaque City on Thursday, April 25.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said Parañaque City police chief Col. Reycon Garduque reported the arrest of the suspects identified alias Wu, 29; alias Fan, 30; alias Liu, 31; and alias Xueyu, 33.

Garduque said the suspects were nabbed at around 6:30 p.m. in Merville Park, Barangay Merville, Parañaque City.

The operatives rescued the victim, identified as alias Zhang, 35, also a Chinese national, who was reportedly detained by the suspects.

Prior to the operation, the victim’s common-law wife, Jenny Rose, requested for police assistance claiming the victim was threatened and illegally detained by the suspects.

She said the suspects offered the victim a job. When the victim realized that the job was illegal, he tried to leave but was prevented by the suspects.

The suspects reportedly detained the victim and demanded P500,000 in ransom money from his relatives and family.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the city still has lots of foreigners secretly committing acts of crime? Are there still lots of POGOs in the city operating? Are there many Chinese nationals living in your local community right now? Do you think that POGOs in Parañaque could be used by mainland China for secret spying operations in the country in relation to the Philippines-China conflict in the West Philippine Sea?

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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Muntinlupa City Government sets tricycle fare

May 8, 2024May 7, 2024carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa formally sets the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise by means of passing a local ordinance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Tricycle drivers or operators who violate the ordinance will be fined P1,000.

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

The Muntinlupa City government passed an ordinance setting the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise.

Ordinance No. 2024-171 increased the minimum tricycle fare to P12 from P10 based on the request of the Muntinlupa Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Inc. (FEDMUNTODAI).

The Tricycle Regulatory Unit (TRU) of the city government is mandated to recommend fares and it recommended to the City Council to approve the increase.

“Kinikilala ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ang tungkulin ng mga Traysikel bilang isa sa mga pangunahing pamamaraan ng pampublikong transportasyon (The Muntinlupa City government recognizes the duty of tricycles as one of the main means of public transportation),” according to the ordinance. The ordinance covers all tricycles with franchise.

Under the ordinance, all tricycles are mandated to give 20 percent discount to senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities (PWD).

All tricycles in Muntinlupa are required to post a Uniform Fare Matrix (UFM) of each tricycle operators and drivers’ association (TODA) at their terminal and inside each tricycle to inform passengers.

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, do you always ride a tricycle to go around the city? Did you encounter any abusive tricycle driver lately?

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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