The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced recently that it is getting ready with its bid for a nuclear power license which is needed I order to operate power facilities with nuclear energy, according to a BusinessWorld news report. This development is a part of the collective effort to make nuclear Philippines a reality.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…
MANILA ELECTRIC CO. (Meralco) said it is preparing to apply for a license to operate nuclear power facilities in time for the opening up of the application process next year.
“We’ve been very aggressive on this, (but) we have to comply with the timeline set by the Department of Energy,” Meralco Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho told reporters late last month.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin has said that applications will be opened up for nuclear energy projects by 2026, overseen by the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).
Under Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, PhilATOM will have sole jurisdiction over the regulation of nuclear energy and radiation sources.
The Philippines is hoping to integrate nuclear energy into the power mix with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2032, increasing to 2,400 MW by 2045 and 4,800 MW by 2050.
Ms. Garin has said that several companies have expressed interest in submitting nuclear energy project proposals.
Meralco is looking at small modular reactors (SMRs) when it enters the market. SMRs, each capable of generating up to 300 MW, can be constructed more quickly than traditional nuclear power plants.
Mr. Aperocho said that Meralco is awaiting details of the incentives and the liability profile for proponents, which will influence funding available for nuclear.
The company is expecting a $2.7-million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency to fund a feasibility study on SMRs.
“Both sides have fulfilled the required conditions. It’s just a matter of formality now…we’re hoping it gets sorted out soon so the grant can start running,” Mr. Aperocho said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you aware that nuclear power plants can create abundant energy that solar and wind power cannot achieve?
Recently, this year’s Christmas spectacle at the Filinvest City Central Park was launched by Filinvest with a special event that attracted special guests (including Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Olympic Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo).
A few nights ago, I personally visited Filinvest City Central Park (Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzt8D9yLzRSVVhae9) and I saw the new decorations highlighting the Christmas season. They look very similar to what was set up in 2024, notably the tall Christmas tree and the permanent structures that only needed decorating.
The Filinvest City sign at the Central Park.
Tall Christmas tree in the background, other decorations and lights in the foreground.
A short distance away from the tall Christmas tree was the park’s standout structure called The Tree (launched in late 2024) which has a very unique design that not only provides people cover from rain or intense sunlight but serves as a helpful place for special activities. At night, lights of different colors are projected towards The Tree which make a fine visual attraction.
As of this writing, I noticed there were lesser non-permanent structures (that were decorated with additional Christmas lights) during my visit at the park. Since Filinvest City still has a lot of activities scheduled at the central park, there is always the possibility that additional structure and lights will be set up soon. For reference about non-permanent structures and lights, click here for my 2024 Christmas Filinvest City Central Park article.
The permanent park structures plus added decorations and lights.
Visitors taking pictures at the tall Christmas tree.
Unsurprisingly, Filinvest City Central Park remains popular with families, visitors from other cities, some foreign tourists, and those who love the open-air environment of the CBD. It would be interesting to see if there will be more visitors coming to the park during the weekends leading to Christmas as the brand new Starbucks Filinvest branch with drive-thru has been attracting a lot of customers since it opened. That being said, Filinvest City announced through social media a schedule of events or activities happening at the central park.
Set to happen at Filinvest City Central Park are the following: Holiday Lights Symphony at The Tree on November 22, December 7 and December 20 starting 7PM; Fireworks Displace on November 22, December 7 and December 20 starting 8PM. Live musical performances on November 22-23, November 30, December 7, December 20-21 starting 6PM. To see the complete park activities schedule, click https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17aEHGaGX4/
Christmas is still all about Lord Jesus
The theme of Filinvest City’s Christmas campaign this year is titled as “Celebrate Magical Christmas Moments.”
First and foremost, Christmas is all about Lord Jesus, the Savior and hope of ALL nations. During the season, we remember not only His birth in Bethlehem in Israel, but also His overall significance and the hope He always bring to people. The world we live in is twisted and chaotic. While there are many who are indeed faithful to Lord Jesus, there are still many other people out there who remain lost and unsaved. A lot of people ended up lost as they allowed themselves to be manipulated by the secular, the worldly and other rebellious forces of the world we live in.
God sent His Son Jesus to us to pave the way for people to get saved and become part of His Kingdom. Realize how much God loves His creations and none of us would exist without Him. Learn from the bible verses 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)
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7 (NKJV)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)
By honoring, praising and following Lord Jesus, we are connected with the Heavenly Father. When we are faithful to the Lord, it is clear that we do not let the worldly nor wickedness get in the way. It is essential that we must have uncompromising faith in the Lord. Learn from the bible verses below.
Then Jesus answered and said to them,
“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”
John 5:19-23 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said,
“I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.”
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, police officers arrested two men for stealing a motorcycle which they used when they were caught, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out that one of the suspects carried a gun.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two motorcycle thieves were arrested on Friday, Nov. 7, by members of the Parañaque City Police after their victim spotted them driving his stolen motorcycle.
The suspects, identified as Jimboy, 33, and Jobert, 41, were apprehended in Tramo I, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
Police said the victim reported seeing his stolen motorcycle being driven by two men in the area.
Acting on the report, officers quickly launched an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen vehicle.
During the arrest, authorities also confiscated a .38-caliber revolver loaded with six ammunition from Jimboy.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, when was the last time a motorcycle theft happened in your local community?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully pulled off a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of a Nigerian national and the confiscation of illegal drugs worth P136,000, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested a Nigerian national during a buy-bust operation and confiscated from him P136,00 worth of shabu in Parañaque.
The suspect, identified as Menet, 32, was arrested at around 10 p.m. at Kasel Residences, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City.
The police said Menet, tagged as a high-value individual, was arrested after selling shabu to an undercover operative from the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit.
The police said they recovered from the suspect 20 grams of shabu worth P136,000, a black coin purse, P1,000 buy-bust money, and a cellular phone.
Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said the arrest of Menet highlights the effectiveness of their intelligence-driven operations.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the illegal drug trade will ruin the lives of members of your local community?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a 28-year-old man for raping and abusing an ex-girlfriend who turned out to be only 12-years-old, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect was previously tagged as a wanted person.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A 28-year-old man was arrested by officers of the Parañaque City Police for repeatedly sexually abusing his 12-year-old ex-girlfriend in Parañaque City.
Police identified the suspect as alias Aljay, tagged as the No. 1 most wanted person by the police force. He was arrested at his residence in Barangay Marcelo Green.
Based on the police investigation, the suspect had a relationship with the 12-year-old victim, who was a church choir member, for two months before they eventually broke up due to Aljay’s abuse.
The police said his warrant of arrest was issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro of the Family Court, Branch 10.
The police said the charges of two counts of rape by sexual assault and sexual intercourse were not bailable, while the two counts of lascivious conduct carry a bail of P180,000 each.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more men who committed rape with some members of your local community?
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
Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested an overstaying Chinese national who was caught in the act of running a scam operation in his residence, according to a BusinessWorld news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national allegedly operating a cryptocurrency investment scam in a condominium unit in Parañaque City.
In a statement on Wednesday, the BI said fugitive search unit (FSU) agents, working with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) and the Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime, apprehended a 41-year-old Chinese national on Monday, inside a residence along Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. in Barangay Tambo.
Authorities said the man was caught in the act of managing a computer workstation suspected of being used for online fraud. Intelligence reports earlier linked the location to another Chinese national believed to be running the operation with several accomplices.
He had also overstayed in the country, failing to extend his visa since October 2024, and was found to be working without a permit.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals illegally staying and secretly doing scam operations? Are there many Chinese nationals living in your residential community right now?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The country’s inflation rate held steady at 1.7 percent in October, unchanged from the previous month and lower than the 2.3 percent recorded in October 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Headline inflation averaged 1.7 percent during the first 10 months of 2025, below the government’s two- to four-percent target range of annual consumer price increases deemed manageable and conducive to economic growth.
PSA data showed that the main drivers of inflation last month were housing, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which contributed 34.6 percent or 0.6 percentage point (ppt) to the overall headline rate.
Other major contributors to the stable inflation rate were restaurants and accommodation services, with a 14.6-percent share or 0.2 ppt, and food and non-alcoholic beverages, with a 13-percent share or 0.2 ppt.
National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa noted that while rice and corn recorded faster negative inflation rates of 17 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively, challenges persist in other food groups. He said inflation for fish and other seafood rose to 8.2 percent in October from 7.9 percent in September.
The PSA also reported that inflation for oils and fats rose slightly to 9.4 percent in October from 9.3 percent in September, while fruits and nuts shifted from a positive inflation rate of 0.5 percent in September to a deflation of 1.4 percent in October.
“Rice is still going down in terms of month-on-month, but there are other items in the basket that are also increasing,” Mapa said.
Mapa reported that the average price of regular milled rice dropped to ₱40.09 per kilo in October from ₱50.22 in the same month last year, reflecting a 20.2-percent year-on-year decline. He added that prices also inched lower from ₱40.23 in September, indicating a continued month-on-month decrease of 0.3 percent.
For well-milled rice, Mapa said the average price fell to ₱46.49 per kilo in October from ₱55.28 in the same month last year, marking a 15.9-percent year-on-year decline. He added that the price was almost unchanged from ₱46.50 in September, indicating stable month-on-month movement.
For special rice, Mapa reported that the average price dropped to ₱56.39 per kilo in October from ₱63.97 in the same month last year, reflecting an 11.2-percent year-on-year decline.
“We can see, particularly the regular milled rice—it has a big year-on-year drop in terms of prices. This is about ₱10 per kilo, year-on -year, the average reduction in prices,” he added.
Mapa added that meat inflation declined from six percent to 5.2 percent, while vegetable price increases, though slowing down, remained elevated, easing from 19.4 percent to 16.6 percent. He also noted that, month-on-month, prices dropped more sharply in October compared to September.
PSA data also showed that inflation in October remained unchanged from the previous month for several sectors, including household operations, education services, and restaurants and accommodation.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think other types of food will get more expensive and possibly bring up the overall inflation rate higher by the end of the year?
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
Recently in the city of Muntinlupa, police officers successfully pulled of a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of a man who had over P500,000 worth of illegal drugs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested a 27-year-old drug suspect in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa on Oct. 30.
Alias Enteng was arrested by the police at about 7:40 a.m. in Pasong Makipot in the barangay he was listed under the Southern Police District’s drug watchlist.
The operation, conducted by the Muntinlupa police’s Station Drug Enforcement Unit, resulted in the confiscation of three plastic sachets containing 53.09 grams of shabu valued at P510,000, and a marked P500 bill used as buy-bust money.
The suspect was immediately brought to the SDEU office for documentation. He will face a complaint for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you thankful to the local police for the successful buy-bust operation they pulled off?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
Announced on October 28 by Chroma Hospitality, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila officially transforms into Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila. With a refreshed identity, the rebranding promises more comfort, more connections, and more reasons to stay in the South.
“Quest Plus is about giving guests more. More ease, more experiences, and more reasons to come back,” said James Montenegro, country manager of Chroma Hospitality. “With this transformation, guests can expect the same trusted service with a renewed focus on delivering practical comfort and premium value every step of the way.”
The rebrand reinforces Chroma’s vision to make Quest Plus Hotels & Resorts the premium value-driven choice for both business and leisure travelers across the Philippines.
The recent move represents a new chapter for guests travelling to the South, as they can look forward to refreshed rooms, elevated event spaces, and dynamic dining concepts. All are designed to make every stay smart, seamless, and satisfying.
At Quest Plus Manila, guests can expect comfort from freshened rooms and thoughtful amenities that make every stay easy and enjoyable, value-driven by flexible packages for meetings, corporate stays, and family getaways, and more flavors from dining experiences that highlight familiar favorites in the South.
Whether for a quick business trip, a weekend getaway, or a full-scale conference, Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila invites guests to discover South’s new stay destination—one that’s familiar yet excitingly new.
“Alabang has always been a key destination for corporate and leisure travelers,” Montenegro added.
On its official website, Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila posted a welcome message as follows:
Welcome to Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila, your gateway to effortless comfort and rewarding experiences in the heart of Alabang.
Whether you’re here for business, leisure, or a bit of both, you’ll find more than just a place to stay — you’ll find space to connect, unwind, and make every moment count.
Located right within the vibrant Filinvest City, our hotel offers a refreshing balance between work and play, with contemporary guestrooms, elevated dining options, and thoughtfully designed meeting spaces for every kind of traveler.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised by the rebranding of the premium hotel in Filinvest City? Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila can make Alabang a more attractive destination for tourists and foreign investors?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local police arrested a man for possessing a replica gun and live ammunition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A 33-year-old man was arrested by members of the Las Piñas City Police CAA Substation for possession of a gun replica and live ammunition on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas Police chief, identified the suspect “Ethelbert.” He was arrested at around 5:55 a.m. along Chronicle Street in BF Homes, Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said a concerned citizen reported that the suspect was seen roaming along the road while carrying what looked like a gun.
Officers of the Las Piñas City Police CAA Substation immediately responded to the scene and found Ethelbert carrying a half-open black sling bag with the handle of his replica pistol extending from it.
The city police chief added that during verification, the responding policemen also found a magazine of .9mm pistol with one live ammunition from the suspect.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Did you notice any people carrying guns – replicas or actual – within your local community over the past three months?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 