Tag: SM Southmall

Better than Streaming: I Finally Saw Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind Inside The Movie Theater

Better than Streaming: I Finally Saw Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind Inside The Movie Theater

carlocarrasco

Welcome back fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs!

I finally did it! After having seen it many times on home video, cable TV, local TV and DVD, I finally viewed Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind inside the local cinema here in the Philippines. I saw it on September 17 at SM Cinema inside SM Southmall in Las Piñas City. This was also the first time in two years since I last saw any movie inside the cinema (I last saw Sound of Freedom).

An old movie poster of Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind.

For the newcomers reading this, Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind was  part of the Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 which was exclusive to SM Cinema (the largest cinema chain in the country). While the said fest ended on September 16, there were still screenings of Studio Ghibli anime feature films shown in SM Cinema branches from September 17 to 23.

I paid P275 (US$4.72 according to the foreign exchange as of this writing) for my SM Cinema ticket and it includes a free drink. I entered the cinema carrying my ticket, drink and popcorn feeling excited and nostalgic to see Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind on the big screen for the first time ever. What was shown was the English-subtitled version with Japanese voiceovers (Sumi Shimamoto as Nausicaä, Gorô Naya as Yupa, Yoshiko Sakakibara as Kushana, Yôji Matsuda as Asbel, and more)

We were only seven people inside the cinema and there were lots of vacant seats beside, behind and in front of me. I was sitting very comfortably waiting for the screening to begin. At the same time, nobody had a noisy smartphone during the screening. As for me, I deliberately turned my smartphone off to ensure no communication-related distractions would happen.

Eventually Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind finally started playing on the big screen. After the short animated opening scene, the music by Joe Hisaishi started playing as the opening credits went on. At that moment, I was immersed into Hayao Miyazaki’s anime classic immediately and I knew I made the right decision to see it inside the theater.

As the film went on, I adjusted myself to reading the subtitles while maintaining focus on the plot as well as the development of characters. Visually, the film turned out to be really spectacular on the big screen even though it had no computer-generated images at all (note: it is purely hand-drawn animation that was done with so much hard work by Miyazaki and the animators). With the higher resolution on the big screen, I saw a lot more tiny visual details here and there and the facial expressions of the characters became more lively than before. Very clearly, Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind is meant to be seen in the movie theater.

The sense of visual scale in scenes like this one is best viewed on the big screen in the movie theater. (photo source – IMDB.com)
There is nothing like exploring a very polluted forest filled with huge, mutated insects. (photo source – IMDB.com)

After about two hours – the end credits includes animated scenes showing what happened after the climax – of watching, I left the cinema feeling very satisfied and entertained even though I saw Miyazaki’s 1984 masterpiece many times over the decades. The fact that the English-subtitled version was shown gave me an idea of what Japanese moviegoers saw inside their cinemas in 1984, and I can say that the Japanese voiceovers were engaging to listen to. The big screen experience alone made watching Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind worth it.

That being said, I want to express out loud to local movie theater operators reading this to consider showing more of the classic anime feature films as well as classic motion pictures during film festivals or special theatrical events. Personally, I want to see Casablanca, Macross: Do You Remember Love?, Metropolis (2001), Tron, Total Recall (1990) and Akira in the local cinemas.

I am very glad to have seen the 1984 classic anime movie inside the movie theater.

Going back to Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind, I am very glad to have seen inside the cinema and if ever your local cinema will have it screened, I encourage you to go for it. There is absolutely no way that that the screens of your smartphone, your tablet, your PC monitor and your high-definition TV could match the grand visuals of Miyazaki’s film on the cinema’s big screen. Truly the cinema is better than streaming.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, cinematic trends, Blu-ray releases and more relevant stuff, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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

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

Better than Streaming: Do You Have Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind In Your Blu-ray Collection?

Better than Streaming: Do You Have Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind In Your Blu-ray Collection?

carlocarrasco

Welcome back fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs!

In recent times, the 1984 anime classic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was shown in some cinemas here in the Philippines as part of the Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 which was exclusive to SM Cinema (the largest cinema chain in the country).

For the first time ever, I saw Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind inside the cinema at SM Southmall in Las Piñas City, and I can say it was an immersive experience to replay Hayao Miyazaki’s classic. To make things clear, I saw Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind a number of times since the mid-1980s starting with the bad English version Warriors of the Wind. I eventually saw the anime feature film in its uncut form on DVD (with the new English dub from Disney).

This leads me to my next point… Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was released three times on Blu-ray disc format over the past several years. The first was from Disney in 2011. Six years later, a 2nd Blu-ray release came from Shout! Factory which had a newer scan of the film and improved picture quality over the Disney Blu-ray.

The 2017 Blu-ray of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind from Shout! Factory.

In 2020, Shout! Factory released Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind in Steelbook (Blu-ray.com describes the picture quality as follows: “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind has received a top-notch video-presentation with a high bit-rate encode from Gkids. The encode is of a new remaster of the film. This is a much better video-presentation than that of the original Disney Blu-ray released in North America. Colors are significantly better and more accurate to the original animation cells.”)

As the Steelbook Blu-ray of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is the most recent release, posted below for your reference are the technical details from its Blu-ray.com page.

Video

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC (35.00 Mbps)

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Audio

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)

Japanese: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)

French: Dolby Digital 2.0

Note: French track is (192kbps)

Subtitles – English, English SDH, French,

Discs –Blu-ray Disc, Two-disc set (1 BD-50, 1 DVD)

Packaging – SteelBook, Inner print, booklet

Playback – 2K Blu-ray: Region A

What caught my attention is the fact that – as of this writing – the 2020 Steelbook Blu-ray of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is only a few Dollars higher than that of the 2017 Blu-ray. As a Blu-ray movie collector, I see a really good deal with the Steelbook Blu-ray at its current price. Both the 2017 and 2020 Blu-ray versions of the classic anime feature film carry a booklet. There is a choice that both Studio Ghibli fans and casual anime fans can take advantage here.

This is what the 2020 Steelbook Blu-ray of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind looks like.

At this stage, I can only wonder if Studio Ghibli has plans to produce and release a 4K Blu-ray of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind someday. Perhaps if more than enough fans and 4K Blu-ray collectors would get together to express their demand for it, Hayao Miyazaki and his studio would be aware.

If you have decided to buy the 2017 Blu-ray of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, click here. If you want the 2020 Steelbook Blu-ray version, click here.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, cinematic trends, Blu-ray releases and more relevant stuff, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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

Do you miss Fukuya Japanese Restaurant?

Do you miss Fukuya Japanese Restaurant?

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On April 30, 2025, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant inside Festival Mall closed down after having its final day of operations which saddened a lot of loyal customers. At 8:41 in morning of that same day, the restaurant announced via social media that they were going to close down which went as follows:

It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing our last day of operations today. We would like to thank our valued customers whom we consider a part of the Fukuya family for your patronage and support since we opened our doors in 1995. We truly cherish the memories we have of you and it is our pleasure to have served you. To our generations of patrons, thank you for your kind words and loyalty to Fukuya. You have made our journey all the more fulfilling. May God bless you all!

I took this picture on May 1, 2025. This very spot Fukuya previously occupied has since been covered up.

For the newcomers reading this, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant first opened at SM Southmall in Las Piñas City in the mid-1990s and my first time ever to eat at their place was in 1997. They eventually opened in Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa some years later and lasted there until April 30 this year. Be aware that a change of ownership of Festival Mall took place months ago which might be related to Fukuya’s closure.

Being fond of Japanese food, I can say that the demise of Fukuya Japanese Restaurant is very unfortunate. To be clear, the number of Japanese restaurants and other businesses selling certain types of Japanese food at Festival Mall has increased over the past several years. In fact, there are certain Japanese restaurants there that sold meals at notably higher prices when compared to similar offerings from Fukuya Japanese Restaurant. Clearly Fukuya had a lot of competitors at Festival Mall alone.

More on Fukuya, there are best known for the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (read my old article by clicking here) which was always served freshly cooked, very flavorful and filling. I had their Okonomiyaki many times and always had a great taste backed with satisfaction. I also tried Okonomiyaki at other Japanese restaurants at Festival Mall but none of them ever came close to what Fukuya had.

Fukuya also served Futo Maki/Futomaki, Yakisoba, ramen, Bento meals, Tempura, sushi, sashimi, Teppanyaki, Udon, Soba and a lot more. They also had value meals to accommodate customers with limited funds.

Fukuya Japanese Restaurant’s most famous meal is the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki.
Fukuya’s Futomaki set.
Their Yakisoba is very tasty.
A noodle soup.

While the pandemic is over and the Philippine economy is growing, there are still a lot of internal and external economic forces that make operating businesses challenging. As for the rental fees of Festival Mall under the new owner, I heard allegations that the rates went up. Apart from Fukuya, I noticed a local printing and photocopying business there closed down recently, and I used to have documents photocopied there.  

Now that Fukuya Japanese Restaurant is gone, customers who are looking for Japanese meals that are affordable will have to look elsewhere. As of this writing, Fukuya has not updated their Facebook page since April 30, 2025. While their FB page is still active, I can only wonder if the business owners could be planning a revival of Fukuya someday. You can visit their FB page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/FukuyaJapaneseRestaurantFestivalMall

Do you miss this view from inside Fukuya at Festival Mall?

For those of you reading this, let me ask you – were you fond of eating at Fukuya Japanese Restaurant? Did you enjoy their Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki? How was the quality of the food they served you the last time you ate there? What do you think is the main reason behind the closure of Fukuya Japanese Restaurant?

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

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

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor honors graduates at SM Southmall Events Hall

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor honors graduates at SM Southmall Events Hall

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar appeared during the 7th Commencement Exercises of the Las Piñas City National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus which was held at the SM Southmall Events Hall, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The Las Piñas City National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus held its 7th Commencement Exercises on Wednesday, May 29th, at the SM Southmall Events Hall. City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the occasion, celebrating the academic achievements of the graduating students.

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar spoke to the graduates at the SM Southmall Events Hall. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)

The ceremony featured the awarding of the Mayor Nene Aguilar Academic Excellence Award, which Vice Mayor Aguilar personally presented to graduates who achieved academic distinction. This award, named in honor of the late Mayor Nene Aguilar, recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance in their studies.

During her address, Vice Mayor Aguilar congratulated the graduates for their hard work and perseverance. She emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for future success and encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence in their academic and personal lives.

A video message from Mayor Imelda Aguilar added to the celebratory spirit, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting and recognizing academic excellence.

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 delighted to see the Vice Mayor appear and speak during the graduation ceremony?

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

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

Better than Streaming: Las Piñas City senior citizens can now avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday

Better than Streaming: Las Piñas City senior citizens can now avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday

carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that local senior citizens can avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday under a program that was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said program has been revived.

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

The Las Piñas city government announced that senior citizens in the city can now avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday under the “Libreng Sine kay Lolo at Lola” program.

Aguilar said the city government stopped offering free ticket passes to senior citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that their health would not be at risk.

According to Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the resumption of free movies for senior citizens is under City Ordinance 1427-17 and the Senior Citizens Act of 1995.

She said the senior citizens can avail of the free movies at three participating cinemas: SM Southmall, Robinsons Place, and Vista Mall.

The mayor encourages all senior citizens to visit the Senior Citizens Affairs Office to avail of the free movie pass.

Aguilar reminded the senior citizens that they must present their senior citizen identification card and certificate of residency.

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 there many senior citizens in your local community who want to avail of the free movie pass?

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

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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

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

Visit the newly renovated foodcourt at SM Southmall

Visit the newly renovated foodcourt at SM Southmall

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If you are looking for a comfortable and really modern indoor place to eat in complete with lots of choices available, then you must visit the newly renovated foodcourt of SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.

Still located at a very particular large area at the 2nd level of the mall, the highly modernized foodcourt was opened recently and already there were several food businesses that collectively created a great variety of meals, drinks and desserts that should appeal to many people looking for a place to eat while inside Southmall. I personally visited the foodcourt to explore it and look around. Check out the pictures I took and posted below…

Customers checking out what meals or drinks to choose.
The tables and seats are new and comfortable.
Small slides for children to enjoy at the other end of the foodcourt.
Potato Corner and Kipps at the foodcourt.

After exploring the whole foodcourt, I decided to buy myself coffee and a doughnut, then I took a seat. As I was consuming what I bought, I noticed a steady stream of customers coming into the foodcourt and several of them looked around to see what appeals to them and what they could afford. The meals offered by different sellers include rice meals, pizza, pasta, ramen, Samgyupsal, sandwiches, chicken wings, soup, bulalo, shawarma, fries and more. As the customers lined up for food, there were parents and kids enjoying their time together at the other end of the foodcourt (by the window).

Before the pandemic, I had meals at the Southmall foodcourt a number of times. With the renovations completed, I can say that the foodcourt today is not only more modern…it has been made more comfortable, more hip and more attractive. The wide variety of meals and drinks available are ideal for anyone who wants to do food trips or have meals with friends or family members together. I would not hesitate to return to the Southmall foodcourt in the near future. If you have not been to the foodcourt, then I encourage you to visit it the next time you go to Southmall.

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? When was the last time you had a meal at SM Southmall’s food court? Does the modernized Southmall foodcourt look attractive to you? Do you see any meals or drinks at the foodcourt that attract your attention?

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

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

COMELEC to intensify information drive regarding Register Anywhere Project (RAP)

COMELEC to intensify information drive regarding Register Anywhere Project (RAP)

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As the voter registration processes are happening nationwide, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it will intensify the information campaign to make the public more aware about their newly launched Register Anywhere Project (RAP), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Here in South Metro Manila, there is a RAP processing spot at SM Southmall in Las Piñas City and the turnout started really low.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday admitted the need to intensify its information campaign regarding the holding of the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) to encourage the public to enlist themselves in several participating malls in key areas across the country.

“We still need to intensify the information drive on the RAP,” Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said in a message to reporters.

This came following a low turnout of registrants in RAP hubs in Metro Manila, Tacloban City in Leyte province and Legazpi City in Albay over the weekend.

Data released by the poll body showed a total of 611 applicants were able to register in RAP booths inside shopping establishments.

SM Fairview recorded the highest number with 190 registrants, followed by Robinsons Galleria with 133, both in Quezon City; Robinsons Place Manila with 118, and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City with 75.

On the other hand, few registrants were recorded in other venues such as Robinsons Place Naga with 38, SM Southmall in Las Pinas with 27, SM City Legazpi with 20, and Robinsons Place Tacloban with 10.

The pilot test will be held every Saturdays and Sundays between Dec. 17, 2022 and Jan. 22, 2023, except on Dec, 24, 25, and 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023.

Under the project, qualified applicants residing anywhere in the Philippines may register at the RAP booths by submitting their application form, documentary requirements, and have their biometrics taken on-site.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: When was the last time you went to the COMELEC for registration or adjustment of your voter’s record? Did you try getting registered through the RAP?

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

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

COMELEC voter registration is ongoing nationwide

COMELEC voter registration is ongoing nationwide

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The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) just resumed voter registration processes nationwide and it will last until January 31, 2023, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). COMELEC offices around the country are operating and waiting for voters as well as newcomers to come in.

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

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the registration period will run until Jan. 31, 2023, in preparation for the December 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Qualified voters may visit Comelec office in their cities and towns from Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Laudiangco said.

He noted though that there are three malls outside the National Capital Region (NCR) tapped as pilot test areas of the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) aside from the five malls located in Metro Manila that can accommodate qualified applicant residing anywhere in the Philippines. will be held on Saturdays and Sundays only between Dec. 17 to Jan. 22, 2023, except Dec. 24, 25 and 31, 2022 and Jan. 1, 2023.

“The RAP Pilot Test will be conducted at the following sites: SM Mall of Asia (Pasay City), SM Fairview (Quezon City), SM Southmall (Las Piñas City), Robinson’s Place Manila and Robinson’s Galleria (Quezon City),” the poll body official said in a statement released late Friday night.

“Additional RAP sites for those who are temporarily in the following areas but want to register and vote in their respective towns and cities outside of these areas, Robinson’s Mall Tacloban, Barangay Baras Baras, Tacloban City; SM City Legazpi, Imelda Roces Avenue, Zone 9, Barangay 37 Bitano, Legazpi City, Albay and Robinson’s Mall Naga, Naga City, Camarines Sur,” he added.

Aside from the malls, applicants can also register at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Jan. 25, 2023.

RAP will also be opened at House of Representatives in Quezon City and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Main Office in Pasay City, although the schedule has not been finalized yet.

The public is advised to check Comelec announcements through Comelec’s website http://www.comelec.gov.ph and official social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok).

“All types of applications will be accepted: new voter, transfer, reactivation, reinstatement, change/correction of entries, overseas to local registration regarding mall sites and its schedules,” Laudiangco added.

Applicants are advised to bring valid proofs of identifications such as National ID (PhilSys), passport, driver’s license, employment ID, student ID or library card signed by the management of the school, college or university, Senior Citizens ID, PWD ID, Indigenous Peoples Certificate from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and notarized Barangay Certification with applicant’s photo and signature.

To qualify as Barangay voters, applicants should be 18 years old and above, Filipinos residing in the Philippines for at least one year, and residing in the area where he/she is looking to get registered for at least six months prior to Election Day.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: When was the last time you went to the COMELEC for registration or adjustment of your voter’s record? Do you intend to vote in the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled for December 2023?

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

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

COMELEC confirms Register Anywhere Project (RAP) is limited to new voters and transfer-of-registration registrants

COMELEC confirms Register Anywhere Project (RAP) is limited to new voters and transfer-of-registration registrants

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Starting December 12, 2022, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will start a new round of voter registration processes going into the new year. Along the way, they will launch their new project called the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) on December 17, 2022 and it will last a little over a month. According to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report, RAP will be limited to new voters and transfer-of-registration registrants.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reminded the public that the Register Anywhere Project (RAP), which is set to be pilot-tested next week, is only limited to new voters and transfer of registration registrants.

In Comelec Resolution No. 10869, the Commission en banc said these applications are the ones to be accepted in the RAP booths, to be initially located at five malls in Metro Manila.

“The Commission shall initially implement the RAP by conducting pilot testing, where only applications for New Registration and Transfer from Another City/District/Municipality shall be accepted,” it added.

Under the project, qualified applicants residing in the Philippines may register by submitting their application form, documentary requirements and have their biometrics taken on-site.

After which, submitted documents and captured biometrics data will be endorsed and transmitted to the Office of the Election Offcier of the district/city/municipality having jurisdiction over the residence of the applicant.

The pilot test of RAP will be held every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 17, 2022 to Jan. 22, 2023.

They are initially to be established at SM Fairview in Quezon City, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, SM South Mall in Las Piñas City, Robinsons Place in Manila and Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City.

There will be no registration on Dec. 24, 25, and 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023. The poll body has formed five RAP teams in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Each RAP team shall be designated as a remote reception point of all OEOs (Offices of Election Officer),” the Comelec added.

Each team will be composed of at least two personnel to receive and process the applications and interview the applicants; one Acting Election Officer, who shall be authorized to administer the oath of applications on-site.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest series of from the COMELEC? If you are going to get registered as a new voter, are you planning to try out the RAP process?

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 athttps://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

Have your driver’s license renewed at the LTO satellite branch inside SM Southmall

Have your driver’s license renewed at the LTO satellite branch inside SM Southmall

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If you happen to be within Las Piñas City and you need to have your driver’s license renewed, you should check out the satellite branch of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) which opened inside SM Southmall recently, as featured in the Manila Bulletin. The said satellite branch was designed to be a one-stop processing center for those who need renewed licenses and there is even a clinic (recognized by the LTO) located just beside the place. Aside from license renewals, people can also apply for student permits there.

To put things in perspective, posted below are selected excerpts from the Manila Bulletin article. Some parts in boldface…

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) officially launched their satellite branch at SM Southmall’s Government Services Express (GSE) on March 24 to make drivers’ license renewals easier and more accessible to Southies.

Southies can now renew their licenses and apply for student permits in the mall, all while shopping and doing other errands. They just need to bring their medical certificates and existing licenses (for renewal).

Conveniently, Megacare, an LTO-approved clinic, is also located beside their satellite branch for a complete, one-stop shop experience.

LTO at SM Southmall is open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM excluding holidays and work suspensions declared by the government. The Driver’s License Renewal Center (DLRC) is located at the Government Services Express at the Lower Ground Level.

Everything is made more convenient for SM Southmall’s shoppers. Aside from LTO, Southies can make a day of their errands at the mall because GSE has other government service counters available like SSS, PHLPost, and GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk.

Moreover, SM Business Centers offer PSA applications for birth, marriage, cenomar, and death certificates.

SM Bills Payment counters located in The SM Store and SM Supermarket accept payments for contributions and/or loans for SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, and more.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you seen the LTO satellite branch inside SM Southmall already? If you did, what do you think about its facility? Does the place look clean and comfortable? Were there many people there?

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