Pinoy – Page 20 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Tapa King Now Serving Customers Inside Festival Mall

October 18, 2025October 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Tapa King, a popular food joint chain that specializes on beef tapa and rice meals, has been serving customers at its new branch located at the ground floor (or Lower Ground Floor) inside Festival Mall in Alabang.

For those who often visit Festival Mall, Tapa King is located at the commercial space that was previously occupied for years by Fukuya Japanese Restaurant (officially closed on April 30, 2025). The said space is a short walking distance from the mall’s old food court.

Out of curiosity, I visited Tapa King’s Festival Mall branch to try out their signature meal – the Classic (AKA Tapa King) which costs me P265. It had rice, beef tapa in small pieces, one fried egg and some pickled vegetables Check out the images below.

*This is the Classic meal from Tapa King. It was a satisfying meal for P265.*

*A close look at a piece of tapa from the Classic meal. Really small.*

Apart from their Classic meal, Tapa King also offers a lot of meals to meet the different cravings of customers. They also have the Tapa Adobo Classic, Sizzling Tapa King, Bistek, Beef Nilaga, Smoked Bangus Sinigang, Fried Chicken, Chicken Tocino and Boneless Bangus to name some.

While I was eating, I noticed the interior of Tapa King’s Festival Mall branch has enough space for passing through and the number of seats can easily exceed forty customers. Again, this is the same space previously occupied by Fukuya Japanese Restaurant whose interiors were rectangular (roughly 50/50 in terms of percentage of space) and the number of seats were clearly smaller compared to Tapa King. During the time I had my meal there, most of the seats were occupied and people were clearly enjoying their meals.

*This Tapa King branch is located on the ground floor and is just a short walk away from the old food court of Festival Mall.*

If you are craving for Filipino meals and beef tapa specifically while visiting Festival Mall, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/NUrBRrc3UVJrSYPJ8

+++++

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

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

DTI Defers Mandatory Trustmark Due To Backlash From Online Merchants

October 18, 2025October 17, 2025carlocarrasco

In response to backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially deferred the mandatory Trademark, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Trustmark will be voluntary until December 31, 2025.

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

After facing backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will no longer mandate the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, instead making the requirement voluntary until the end of the year.

In a statement, the DTI said the move was announced by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque during a town hall meeting about the trustmark’s implementation on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Roque said that hearing directly from stakeholders made the agency want to improve the trustmark to make it more “useful, fair, and helpful for both businesses and consumers.”

“After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,” she said.

The secretary—and the DTI as a whole—has been on the receiving end of outrage among online merchants, who have been labeling the trustmark as an additional burden.

The DTI even disabled the comment feature on its Facebook page after being bombarded with criticism on every post, even those unrelated to the trustmark.

The trustmark, aligned with the Internet Transactions Act, serves as a digital badge to ensure that online platforms and merchants are compliant with fair e-commerce practices. It is designed to help consumers identify legitimate businesses, protecting them against unfair trade practices, scams, and other fraudulent activities.

Under the new policy, the DTI said that the trustmark will be voluntary until Dec. 31. So far, the DTI is still finalizing supplemental guidelines for this policy, including fees that depend on the size or type of business, among other details.

By early 2026, the department is expected to evaluate whether the trustmark registration will remain voluntary.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the Trustmark of DTI is more of a hassle than a benefit for online sellers? Do you think the Trustmark should be scrapped entirely? What do you think should be done to help consumers find legitimate online merchants?

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

+++++

Free Birth Registration In Muntinlupa City Ongoing

October 17, 2025October 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a free birth registration program was launched and it is being done to endure that every local child has a legal identity, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa City has launched a free birth registration program aimed at ensuring every child has a proper legal identity and full access to basic services.

The program offers free late registration of birth certificates for children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Program. Parents of ECED students are advised to coordinate with their children’s teachers for details and requirements.

The service is also available to indigent residents aged 0 to 17 who can coordinate directly with the Local Civil Registry Office at the South Park Center.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the initiative is designed to protect children’s rights by ensuring they are legally recognized by the government.

“If you don’t have a birth certificate, it is as if you don’t exist. That’s the proof that you are here in the world — that you are a Filipino,” Biazon said. “If a child does not have a birth certificate, his future will be put at risk. That’s why we launched this project, to give every child a secure future.”

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 there lots of children in your local community who lack birth certificates?

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

+++++

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

Las Piñas City Is The Grand Winner In The 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI Awards

October 16, 2025October 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the City Government of Las Piñas achieved another tremendous honor as it emerged as the grand winner in the 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI awards ceremony, 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…

The city government of Las Piñas was named as grand winner in the 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI award which honors local government units that exemplify excellence, innovations, and accountability in local infrastructure governance.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the cities of Parañaque and Pasig also received an award during the ceremony held at the Manila Hotel on Oct. 7, organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-National Capital Region (NCR).

Aguilar said the recognition affirms the city government’s commitment to transparent, efficient, and community-centered implementation of infrastructure projects that continue to uplift the lives of its residents and promote sustainable urban development.

She said the SubayBAYANI grand award underscores the city’s consistent excellence in infrastructure management and progressive governance.

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? Are you happy that the City Government emerged as the grand winner in the 2025 SubayBAYANI awards?? Does the latest award make you trust Mayor April Aguilar even more?

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

+++++

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

Man Arrested In Parañaque City Over Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment

October 16, 2025October 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant arrested a wanted person for large-scale illegal recruitment, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Police arrested a man wanted for large-scale illegal recruitment in Parañaque City on Oct. 7.

The suspect, identified as Jan, 37, of Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City, was arrested at around 5:09 p.m. at City of Dreams, Barangay Tambo.

The suspect, ranked as the Top 6 most wanted person at the station level, was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section during the conduct of “Oplan Galugad.”

Jan was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ma. Christina De Pio Lim of Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, Branch 260, Parañaque City, with no bail recommended.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you consider illegal recruitment a serious crime 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.

+++++

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

Three Men Apprehended In Parañaque City Over Different Violations

October 15, 2025October 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with warrants apprehended three suspects over different charges and one of them was arrested in one of the offices at City Hall, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Police arrested three men facing cases of frustrated murder and violation of the anti-fencing law in separate operations conducted by members of the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section on Oct. 6.

The suspects were identified as John John, 25, Toto, 23, and Sadam, 40. John John and Toto, both wanted for frustrated murder, were arrested at around 5:51 p.m. along Tramo I, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

They were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Leilanie Marie N. Dacanay-Grimares, of Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, Branch 294, with a recommended bail of P200,000 each.

On the same day, Sadam, who is facing violation of Presidential Decree 1612, otherwise known as the Anti-Fencing Law, was arrested at around 1:40 p.m. at the Parañaque Workers Affairs Office, Parañaque City Hall in Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City.

The same judge issued the warrant of arrest against Sadam with a recommended bail of P120,000.

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 someone suspected of committing a crime could be living next door to you?

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

+++++

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

Two Chinese Nationals Arrested By Immigration Agents In Parañaque City

October 14, 2025October 7, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese nationals – one fugitive and the other with a hold departure order from a local court – according to a news report by GMA News.

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

A Chinese national wanted in his home country for allegedly duping his victims of over $900,000 through fraudulent investment schemes was recently arrested in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration said on Monday.

The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit collared the 36-year-old suspect during an operation along Aseana Avenue in Barangay Tambo in the evening of Sept. 29. Aside from being a fugitive, the suspect was also found to be an overstaying alien.

The Chinese national is wanted by the Jiutai District Court in Chang Chun City, Jilin Province, China, for illegal absorption of public deposits.

The suspect allegedly conspired with other Chinese nationals in defrauding 6.54 RMB (renminbi) or around $918,603 from 42 investors between 2016 and 2019 by enticing them to put their money in fraudulent investment schemes.

During the same operation, the BI agents also encountered another Chinese national, a 53-year-old man with active derogatory records and is facing a hold departure order from a Parañaque City court.

Both foreigners were taken into custody following booking and documentation procedures and will be turned over to the BI’s Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

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 fugitives living secretly in your local community? What do you think makes Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activity involving Chinese nationals?

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

+++++

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

Philippines September 2025 Inflation Reaches 1.7%

October 14, 2025October 7, 2025carlocarrasco

The annual inflation rate of the Philippines reached 1.7% this past September led by higher food prices, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Take note that August inflation was at 1.5% and business sentiment in the Philippines has weakened.

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

Philippine annual inflation quickened for a second month, but it was still below the central bank’s 2% to 4% comfort range for the year, reinforcing expectations that a policy decision this week will be a close call between cutting rates and pausing.

The consumer price index rose 1.7% in September led by higher food prices, up from August’s 1.5%, the statistics agency said on Tuesday. It was below the 2.0% median forecast in a Reuters poll, and brought year-to-date average inflation to 1.7%.

The September rate, the fastest since March, comes just days before the central bank’s penultimate policy meeting of the year on Thursday.

“For the upcoming policy meeting, the Monetary Board will review newly available information and reassess the impact of prior monetary actions in light of evolving economic conditions and their implications for inflation and growth,” the Philippine central bank said in a statement.

At its August policy meeting, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) signalled another reduction was still possible this year before it concludes its easing cycle.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines will reach as high as 3% by the end of 2025? Do you consider inflation as a major factor behind the modest economic growth of the country this 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.

+++++

Dredging And Desilting Drive In Las Piñas City Launched By San Miguel Corporation And City Government

October 13, 2025October 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the dredging and desilting project – a partnership between San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the City Government – was launched and it is a part of the corporation’s Better Rivers PH program which can reduce the risk of flooding, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The City Government of Las Piñas, led by Mayor April Aguilar, formally launched the Dredging and Desilting Project in Las Piñas and Zapote River along C5 Extension, Barangay Pulanglupa Uno in partnership with San Miguel Corporation’s Better Rivers PH initiative.

The activity marks a major step toward improving flood control, restoring ecological balance, and ensuring long-term river rehabilitation in the city.

Present during the site inspection were Congressman Mark Anthony Santos, CENRO Head Engr. Cezar Perillo, City Engineer Mike Aguilar, City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan, City Agriculture Head Dr. August Michael Basangan, and Councilor Henry Medina.

Representing San Miguel Corporation were Mr. Jimmy Lu, Vice President and Overall Project Manager of SMC Better Rivers PH, and Atty. Cynthia de Castro, Government Affairs and Advocacy Group Manager. Also in attendance were Gat Anthony Concepcion from the DENR Manila Bay Coordinating Office, along with Barangay Captains Guada Rosales of Pulanglupa Uno and Eduardo Robles of Elias Aldana.

Mayor Aguilar emphasized that dredging and desilting are crucial to the city’s flood mitigation efforts and environmental protection goals.

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? Are you happy that the City Government and SMC teamed up for the dredging and desilting project? How often is your local community hit by flooding whenever heavy rain happens?

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

+++++

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

Philippines Trade Chief Points To Trump Tariffs As Country Braces For Dumping Of Products From Asian Neighbors

October 13, 2025October 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Here we go again with the perceived challenges related to the tariffs of Trump-led America. This time around the secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) pointed to the Trump tariffs which she said raised the risk of products from Asian neighbors getting dumped into the Philippines and potentially harm local industries, according to news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, the Trump administration had set a series of tariff rates for different nations in Asia. American tariff on Philippines-made products was set at 19% after the big meeting between US President Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

It is a known fact that many nations in Asia export their products to the United States but with the new tariffs in effect and the fact that the Philippines has a population of more than one hundred million people, the latter is anticipated to become the dumping ground of Asian products. This development is happening just as the economy of the Philippines will grow by less than 6% this year (click here, here and here). Recently, the US State Department published a report about pervasive corruption being a barrier to investment in the Philippines.

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

The recent increase in the United States’ tariff rates heightened the risk of Asian goods being dumped into the Philippine market, raising the need for more stringent measures to protect local industries, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said Wednesday.

Roque, in an interview on the sidelines of the Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. Business Summit in Makati City, said they expect increased entry of steel, cement, and garments, among others.

She traced this to the attractiveness of the Philippines as a market, given the country’s large population of over 100 million. She said DTI will work closely with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to ensure that only registered and properly taxed goods enter the country.

The DTI will also coordinate with local industries to prevent the continued spread of unregistered products in the market.

On Tuesday, personnel from DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau seized around PHP2 million worth of substandard construction materials from 24 retailers in Central Luzon as it strengthened its drive against uncertified and unsafe products in the market.

“We need to protect the manufacturing industry of the Philippines. So us, being in government, and us making sure we protect the jobs of the people,” she said.

Roque also noted that although investments continue to pour in, the volume is not what they had expected, thus, the need to boost local industries.

“So, we try to help them resolve whatever issues they have. And then we also at least help them strengthen or level up their businesses,” she explained.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think it is only a matter of time before a massive amount of Asian products (originally made for export to America) will arrive in the markets of the Philippines very soon? Did you notice any unregistered or sub-par quality products from overseas already being sold locally? What do you think can the DTI do to protect the local industries and livelihood of many Filipinos?

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

+++++

	Instapundit »… on Residency Period For Naturaliz…
	Instapundit »… on Israel Approves Proposal To Es…
	Instapundit »… on Trump Threatens To Hit Power P…
	Vince on NATO Slammed By Trump
	Richard on NATO Slammed By Trump

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: