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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 120

January 28, 2026January 23, 2026carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Tremors Revisited – The first time I ever saw the 1990 monster adventure movie Tremors was on home video. The movie turned out to be more thrilling and more enjoyable than I expected, and eventually I replayed it a number of times on cable TV and DVD in the years after. There is already a 4K Blu-ray of Tremors that I have yet to acquire. For me, Tremors is still a significant movie to watch again and its concept of having huge monsters that travel underground is still engaging to see. As the 1990 became a massive success AFTER its not-so-hot theatrical run (note: it achieved massive success on home video sales/rentals, cable TV and the like), Tremor is now a popular part of American pop culture and it is not surprising to see many retrospective YouTube videos about it. Posted below for your enjoyment are videos I selected.

#2 Luxury Food In Japan Sold At Bargain Rates –In Japan, there a certain types of food that are often sold at high prices in relation to their quality, availability and other socio-economic factors. Wagyu beef, for example, is a premium meat that recently has been in high demand in Japan as the very high number of foreign tourists are buying and consuming it there. Still, there are times when premium food items are temporarily sold with low prices that locals can take advantage of. Watch and learn from the Nippon TV video below.

#3 How MIT Students Used Math to Win Millions of Dollars From Casinos – When you visit a casino, you often see people placing their bets in different games of gambling. Among the most popular forms of gambling is the card game which often requires discipline, precision and luck to win. Believe it or not, there were students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who were trained to win in card games with an emphasis on mathematics, discipline and teamwork. Decades ago, these students played in many casinos and won tens of millions of Dollars over a period of years before law enforcement and technology ended their streak. Watch and learn what happened in the video below.

#4 The Rise Of Solo Dining In South Korea – Have you been in South Korea over the past twelve months? Due to the rise of single-person households in the country, solo dining became a new trend there and there seems to be no sign of it slowing down. Watch the video below to discover what solo dining is and what created it.

#5 Final Fantasy IV Revisited – Final Fantasy IV is the first-ever Final Fantasy game I ever played as well as one of the very first Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) I played. The story had solid structure, the characters were memorable, the gameplay was challenging yet fun, and the fantasy settings were special. Released in America as “Final Fantasy II” on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the game succeeded commercially and critically, and it paved the way for the greater acceptance of JRPGs on consoles in the West. To learn more about Final Fantasy IV and why it is significant, watch the video below.

#6 Ranting For Vengeance Slams New Lara Croft – Recently a new live-action version of the video game icon Lara Croft was revealed with actress Sophie Turner playing her. This early, long-time fans of Croft and the Tomb Raider video game franchise in general rejected the newest live-action version. Ranting for Vengeance posted his own video reacting to Sophie Turner’s Lara Croft, explaining the legacy of the Tomb Raider franchise, and standing up for the long-time fans. His video is indeed critical but you have to watch it entirely to fully understand his reaction and logic. The video will also remind you that there is a woke mob out there and they are becoming the FAKE FANS of established entertainment franchises and icons.

#7 Silent Hill Movie Revisited – Just seven years after the release of the original Silent Hill video game, a live-action movie was released with the same title. While the early Silent Hill video games were critical and commercial hits, the effort to make an official film adaptation did not start immediately. In fact, Christophe Gans sent to Konami a video interview of himself (talking about Silent Hill) with Japanese subtitles which eventually convinced the publisher to award him the film rights. The Silent Hill movie did not gather much appreciation from film critics but it still succeeded in entertaining many moviegoers with its unique approach to horror and suspense. To see and feel the impact of the Silent Hill film and discover its production history, watch the videos below.

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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

Trump Delivers Largest Tax Refund Season in American History

January 28, 2026January 27, 2026carlocarrasco

While it is true that the economy of the United States is indeed growing, there are still a lot of Americans struggling financially. As such, the promised tax relief by US President Donald J. Trump is crucial for millions as the new tax season has started. The White House officially announced the largest tax refund in the nation’s history and there is professional feedback to support it.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the White House announcement. Some parts in boldface…

As tax season kicks off, millions of Americans are poised to receive significantly larger tax refunds thanks to President Donald J. Trump’s landmark Working Families Tax Cuts Act — which every Democrat in Congress opposed.

The historic legislation is delivering the biggest tax refund season ever, with average refunds projected to rise by $1,000 or more this year due to its transformative policies.

*Reference from the White House announcement.*

Economists and financial experts agree — 2026 will mark an unprecedented year for tax refunds:

USA TODAY: “The average refund in 2025 was $2,939, IRS data showed. This year, refunds could be as much as 30% more due to new provisions from President Donald Trump’s mega tax and spending bill, according to James Knightley, chief international economist at Dutch bank ING.”

CBS News: “Many Americans could see heftier tax refunds next year when they file their 2025 tax returns, largely due to new provisions enacted through the Republicans’ ‘one big, beautiful bill’ act that are retroactive to the start of the current year, according to an analysis from Oxford Economics. Total taxpayer savings could amount to an additional $50 billion through bigger tax refunds or a cut in their 2026 taxes…A $50 billion boost in tax refunds would represent an 18% increase from the $275 billion in refunds the IRS sent this year to nearly 94 million taxpayers who overpaid on their 2024 federal tax returns.”

The Wall Street Journal: “Refunds on average are expected to come in $1,000 higher than usual this year, according to a study by investment firm Piper Sandler.”

Business Insider: “The Tax Foundation estimates that the average tax refund will grow from $3,052 in 2024 to $3,800 for tax year 2025. Depending on your income and circumstances, you might get even more back.”

CNBC: “Tax experts and analysts have agreed that many filers will see bigger refunds… ‘Overall, we’re expecting these changes to increase refunds by 15% to 20% on average,’ Heather Berger, a U.S. economist with Morgan Stanley said…”

President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act provides broad-based tax relief for hardworking Americans, with the average taxpayer expected to see nearly $4,000 in total tax savings in 2026. Key provisions of the bill include No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security, a deduction for auto loan interest on Made-in-America vehicles, and much more — putting more money back in the pockets of families, workers, and seniors.

For details about the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and the Working Families Tax Cuts, click here and here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this new tax refund season will be very helpful to Americans who are struggling with making ends meet? Have you paid close attention to the details within the Working Families Tax Cuts and the One Big Beautiful Bill already? How many families in your local community have been anticipating the new tax refunds from the Trump administration? Do you think the new tax refunds will be able to boost gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 5% 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.

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IMF Trims Philippines Economic Growth Projections For 2026 And 2027

January 27, 2026January 20, 2026carlocarrasco

As far as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is concerned, issues of corruption and climate disruptions are enough to convince them to project economic growth of the Philippines at a slower pace not just for this year but also for next year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Washington-based multilateral lender International Monetary Fund (IMF) has tweaked downwards its economic growth projections for the Philippines this year and the next, following its more somber outlook for 2025 amid corruption allegations and climate disruptions.

According to the IMF’s updated World Economic Outlook (WEO), Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) is now seen expanding at a slower 5.1 percent, down from its earlier forecast of 5.4 percent—both of which fall short of the country’s already lowered target of at least 5.5 percent.

Despite the cut, the IMF’s forecast remains slightly more optimistic than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) assumption of a 4.6 percent growth rate, which the central bank has attributed to a loss of confidence tied to governance concerns.

For 2026 and 2027, the IMF also trimmed its growth forecasts to 5.6 percent from a previous 5.8 percent, and to 5.8 percent from 6.1 percent, respectively. The central bank’s projection of 5.4 percent for 2026 stands lower than the IMF’s forecast, while its 6.2 percent forecast for 2027 is higher.

These projections still fall within the revised targets, based on National Socioeconomic Planner Arsenio M. Baliscan’s lower growth assumptions. Baliscan expects growth to clock in at five to six percent in 2026, and 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2027—both lowered from the earlier goals of six to seven percent.

According to the IMF, the downward adjustment for 2026 and 2027 “reflects the carryover impact from a downward revision in the IMF’s growth forecast for 2025—from 5.4 to 5.1 percent—and a slower pace of capital accumulation.”

It noted that the slashed GDP growth forecast for 2025 reflects the output slump in the third quarter of 2025 “amid recent corruption allegations and climate shocks impacting economic activity in the second half of the year.”

To recall, the Philippine economy expanded by four percent in the third quarter of 2025—the weakest in four and a half years.

Looking ahead, output expansion could accelerate slower than expected mainly due to the potential “escalation of trade restrictions and prolonged uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptive financial market corrections.”

“On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms can boost investment and foreign direct investments (FDI), increase fiscal multipliers and boost potential growth,” the lender said.

What would drive the economy in the medium term is robust private consumption and higher investment, the IMF said, “supported by monetary policy easing and the authorities’ recent policy initiatives to support private investment.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines can somehow grow faster than what the IMF projected for 2026 and 2027? Do you think foreign investors have been turned off by the flood control corruption scandals?

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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I’m Having Fun Playing Dig Dug On My Xbox Series X

January 26, 2026January 21, 2026carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, retro gaming enthusiasts and fellow geeks!

I’ve been playing Atari 50 on my Xbox Series X for more than a year now and I can say it is a blast of retro gaming fun. In addition, the DLCs added even more fun, more variety and gave me insight about the production history of the games.

In recent times, I purchased the Namco Legendary Pack for Atari 50 and it came with 3 Atari Pac-Man games (for Atari 2600, Atari 5200 and Atari 8-bit), the American arcade versions of Dig Dug and Xevious, and the home console versions of Galaga, Xevious, Galaxian and Dig Dug.

Among those games, I chose to play the arcade version of Dig Dug which I never previously played. Indeed, I visited the video arcades a lot when I was younger and I do remember passing by a few machines of Dig Dug. I simply never took the opportunity to play Namco’s arcade classic back then. By the late 1990s, Dig Dug was simply no longer offered by local arcade operators.

*The North American arcade flyer of Dig Dug by Atari.*

After installing the Namco Legendary Pack, I started playing the arcade version of Dig Dug on my Xbox Series X using the Xbox controller. Even though I rushed in viewing the Xbox control scheme, Dig Dug still turned out to be simple and very playable at the same time.

In the game, you play the character Dig Dug (Taizo Hori) who has to dig tunnels in an underground maze. You have to eliminate the enemies/monsters deep within which are the Pookas (red and spherical beings that wear large goggles) and the Fygars (fire-breathing dragons). To eliminate an enemy, you have to use an air pump to physically connect with it and then inflate it until it explodes. Another way of eliminating an enemy is by crushing them with falling rocks which requires a bit of strategy as you are always chased.

Even without new tunnels made, there are times when enemies are able to penetrate through the soil to emerge near you. If you are in a tunnel with an enemy present, you will often get chased. Be mindful that for every level you progress into, enemies move faster and their numbers gradually increase.

*The Fygars are dragons and they are dangerous as they have fire as breath weapons.*

*Here, I managed to have a huge rock fall down and hit the Fyger and Pooka that chased me earlier. Pulling off this move requires strategy.*

*As you inflate an enemy and there are still more enemies near you, you have to be mindful that a Pooka can penetrate through the soil and emerge in a tunnel near you.*

Having played Dig Dug a number of times already with my Xbox copy of Atari 50, I can say that I am really enjoying the classic arcade game from Namco. Historically, Dig Dug as planned and designed by Masahisa Ikegami who was assisted by Shigeru Yokoyama (Galaga). The game’s programmers were Shouichi Fukatani and Toshio Sakai, while the art was done by Hiroshi Ono, and the music was composed by Yuriko Keino.

*At the 11th round, the game has turned much more challenging as the monsters moved faster and they can be overwhelming.*

You might be wondering why was Dig Dug (in arcade and console ports) and those other Namco classic games released in a DLC package for the Atari 50 collection recently? This is because Atari and Namco formed a business partnership in Japan when the American company established its presence there with Atari Japan. In fact, Namco started shifting into video gaming because of Atari. As for Dig Dug, it debuted in Japanese arcades in March 1982 and was brought to American arcades with Atari as the distributor (note: a licensing deal with Namco was signed).

As already recorded in history, Dig Dug became a huge critical and commercial success in both Japan and the United States. While the game emerged as the 2^nd highest grossing arcade game in Japan for 1982, Atari sold more than 22,000 Dig Dug arcade cabinets and generated over $46 million in sales that same year. With big success achieved, it was not surprising to see Atari release ports of Dig Dug on the Atari 2600, Atari 5200 and Atari 8-bit computers.

*A Dig Dug print ad for America by Atari.*

If you are an Xbox gamer who is into retro gaming and you are interested in Atari 50, click https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/atari-50-the-anniversary-celebration/9N3TFDSQ531T

Those who are already playing Atari 50 on Xbox consoles who have yet to try the Namco Legendary Pack, click https://www.xbox.com/en-PH/games/store/atari-50-the-namco-legendary-pack/9n46gncv28zh

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Thailand Sets Ambitious Tourism Targets For 2026

January 25, 2026January 20, 2026carlocarrasco

Thailand, the 2^nd most visited nation of Southeast Asia in 2025, has set ambitious tourism targets for itself for 2026 and it includes achieving US$95 billion in tourism revenue, according to a VnExpress news release. Thailand attracted over thirty million international arrivals last year which was actually a decline of more than 7% compared to 2024.

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

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has expressed confidence that the country’s tourism sector will earn 3 trillion THB (US$95.35 billion) in revenue this year through its “Amazing 5 Economy” strategy.

The plan targets an 11% increase in international visitors, enhanced domestic tourism, and a focus on sustainable, high-quality growth despite global challenges.

TAT aims for 36.7 million international arrivals and about 210 million domestic trips in 2026. Meanwhile, the revenue target includes 2 trillion THB from international markets, with an expected 11% increase in international tourist arrivals, and 1 trillion THB from domestic tourism, projected to grow by 4%, said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

In 2026, TAT plans to reignite quality tourism growth by addressing challenges such as geopolitical tensions, increasing global competition, and domestic factors like the strong baht, household debt, safety concerns, and natural disasters. The key to success lies in the “Amazing 5 Economy” framework, which includes life economy, sub-culture economy, night economy, circular economy, and platform economy.

In 2025, Thailand recorded total tourism revenue of approximately 2.7 trillion THB. International arrivals reached 32.97 million, down 7.23% year-on-year.

It saw declines in short-haul markets such as Malaysia and China. However, long-haul markets showed strong momentum, with visitors from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa reaching a record 10.8 million.

Notably, arrivals from the U.K. and the U.S. each surpassed one million for the first time. Domestic tourism also expanded, with more than 202 million trips, up 2.7%.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you ever toured Thailand before? If you did, how long did you stay in Thailand and how was your overall travel experience there? Do you think Thailand will be to achieve its ambitious tourism targets 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.

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Trump’s America Urges Allies To Increase Defense Spending To 5% Of GDP

January 25, 2026January 24, 2026carlocarrasco

Under the leadership of US President Donald J. Trump, America’s new defense strategy urged its allies and partner to increase their defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP), according to a news report by Kyodo News. This latest development could result in a chain of events in which American allies will not only spend more but also act more responsibly when it comes to securing their respective nations.

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

A new U.S. defense strategy released Friday urges all American allies and partners to increase defense spending to 5 percent of their gross domestic product and be more responsible for their own national security.

Highlighting President Donald Trump’s “America First” and “peace through strength” agenda, the Pentagon’s policy document says they have a bigger role to play, but not as “the dependencies of the last generation,” as the United States needs to prioritize defending its homeland and its interests throughout the Western Hemisphere.

“We will advocate that our allies and partners meet this standard around the world, not just in Europe,” says the first National Defense Strategy since Trump’s return to the office a year ago, referring to the 5 percent defense target.

“As our allies do so, together with the United States, they will be able to field the forces required to deter or defeat potential adversaries in every key region of the world, even in the face of simultaneous aggression,” it says.

NATO members have already pledged to meet Trump’s demand to increase defense spending from 2 percent to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. The new NATO target is composed of 3.5 percent for core military spending and an additional 1.5 percent for security-related spending.

As the document praises Europe and South Korea for committing to raising their defense expenditures since Trump’s return to office, it appears inevitable that other major U.S. allies, including Japan, will face increased pressure from his administration to follow suit.

On par with the National Security Strategy, released by the White House in December, the key defense document touches on China and its fast-paced military buildup.

But the tone is softer compared to previous versions.

It says the second Trump administration’s approach is to deter China in the Indo-Pacific region through strength, “not confrontation.”

In the 34-page document, there is also no mention of Taiwan, the self-ruled island that China regards as its own territory and around which it has been stepping up military pressure.

“President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade and respectful relations with China, and he has shown that he is willing to engage (Chinese) President Xi Jinping directly to achieve those goals,” the document says, adding that Washington’s goal is not to dominate China.

“Rather, our goal is simple: To prevent anyone, including China, from being able to dominate us or our allies,” it says.

As part of efforts to meet that end, the U.S. military will erect a “strong denial defense” along the first island chain in line with the security strategy, according to the defense blueprint.

The island chain runs from the Japanese archipelago, through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, encircling China’s coastal waters.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the new American strategy will create a huge impact on how the allies will defend their respective nations? Do you think this will lead to the containment of Communist China’s aggression on the Indo-Pacific? Do you think the new strategy could lead to more stability in both Asia and Europe?

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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Charter Of The Board Of Peace Ratified By US President Trump In Davos

January 24, 2026January 23, 2026carlocarrasco

The effort to transform Gaza from a region ravaged by conflict and the abuse of Islamic terrorists into a reformed place of opportunity and hope took major steps forward as US President Donald J. Trump formally ratified the Charter of the Board of Peace in Davos, Switzerland, according to the official announcement by the White House.

The historic ratification establishes the Board of Peace as an official international organization dedicated to reshaping the Gaza Strip by rebuilding it, redeveloping it and creating new opportunities for Gaza residents who have been abused and pushed around by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas for so long. There are, however, legitimate concerns and questions about the Board of Peace.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the White House announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Today, in an historic ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, President Donald J. Trump formally ratified the Charter of the Board of Peace — establishing it as an official international organization. President Trump, who is serving as the Board’s Chairman, was joined by Founding Members representing countries around the world who have committed to building a secure and prosperous future for Gaza that delivers lasting peace, stability, and opportunity for its people.

It’s another pivotal step forward in realizing President Trump’s vision of transforming Gaza from a region plagued by conflict and despair into one defined by opportunity, hope, and vitality. The Board of Peace stands ready to mobilize global resources, enforce accountability, and guide the implementation of the next critical phases of demilitarization, governance reform, and large-scale rebuilding.

President Trump: “This Board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, and It’s my enormous honor to serve as its Chairman… Today, the first steps toward a brighter day for the Middle East and a much safer future for the world are unfolding right before your very eyes. Together, we are in a position to have any credible chance… to end decades of suffering, stop generations of hatred and bloodshed, and forge a beautiful, everlasting, and glorious peace for that region.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “We are here today because of President Trump’s vision. If we go back just a few months ago, people thought what was happening in Gaza was impossible to solve… No one thought that that would ever come to a resolution without more fighting and more bloodshed along the way… But President Trump had the vision and the courage to dream the impossible, to believe that it was doable, and to pursue it with all of his heart.”

To see the entire White House announcement and images, click https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/01/president-trump-ratifies-board-of-peace-in-historic-ceremony-opening-path-to-hope-and-dignity-for-gazans/

Concerns and Questions – As mentioned earlier, there are some legitimate concerns and questions regarding the Board of Peace. Hamas itself has yet to be disarmed, and two of Israel’s enemies – Turkey and Qatar – are part of the Board of Peace.

For insight, posted below is an excerpt from the related article by Looking For The Blessed Hope. Some parts in boldface.

As part of the peace deal, President Trump proposed a “Board of Peace,” made up of world leaders who will quasi-govern Gaza while the Strip is rebuilt. That phase was to begin after conditions of Phase 1 (hostage return and disarmament) were met. In Davos, President Trump has already assembled that board and appears to be pushing the plan forward, despite Gaza’s lack of adherence to Phase 1 requirements.

So, who is on this infamous “Board of Peace,” announced today and chaired by President Trump himself? Quite frankly, it is shocking. First, there are ZERO Israeli representatives on that board. None…zero…zilch…nada! From the country that was attacked by those monsters. But guess who DID make the cut:

Several Americans close to Trump, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio (who has been a staunch supporter of Israel…let’s hope he keeps his head about him), Jared Kushner (Trump’s Jewish son-in-law/business man) and Steve Witkoff (special envoy who appears to be in the hip pocket of Qatar).

Some international bankers and investment firm billionaires, apparently there to help in the rebuilding of Gaza. Perhaps that will be advantageous, or perhaps they are there to serve their own best interests…we’ll see. Remember, this is a business deal as much (or more) than a foreign policy.)

Supposedly flaming antisemite, Turkish President Erdogan, has accepted an invitation. (If not, his Foreign Minister assuredly has.) Erdogan has publicly stated his intent to destroy Israel, and just recently said (in a conversation with Iran’s president), “Peace, stability, and security of Iran are strategic and vital importance to Turkey.” Why put an avowed Israel-hater in cahoots with the Iranian regime on the board to govern a terrorist enclave who also vows to destroy Israel? Insane!

Qatari Minister of Strategic Affairs Ali al-Thawadi is also among the board members. Qatar is the financial backbone of Iran’s proxies. They literally funded Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis in the 2-year war with Israel. What are we thinking?

For my previous blog posts regarding President Trump, Gaza and the Middle East, click here, here and here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Board of Peace will be able to fulfill its commitments while Trump remains as US President? Do you think Qatar and Turkey have something very sinister planned to ruin Israel while using the Board of Peace as a diplomatic shield? Do you think Trump and the Board of Peace will be able to pressure Hamas to disarm?

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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A Lot More American Fruits And Vegetables Imported By Vietnam In 2025

January 23, 2026January 22, 2026carlocarrasco

Vietnam, a nation previously ravaged by war which eventually emerged as a major tourism destination in Southeast Asia, imported a lot more fruits and vegetables from the United States of America resulting in a jump of 67% to US$900 million, according to a news report by VnExpress. Vietnam’s exports to America, however, were not too great which resulted in a trade surplus of more than $350 million for America on fruits and vegetables.

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

U.S. fruits and vegetables are pouring into Vietnam, with 2025 imports rising by nearly 67% to US$900 million, but Vietnamese exports to the U.S. are not keeping pace.

This marked a 10-fold jump in imports from the U.S. from a decade ago, with cherries, apples, grapes, and oranges being among the top fruits bought, according to Vietnam Customs.

Vietnam’s vegetable and fruit exports to the U.S. were worth $546 million last year, a minuscule 1.49% share in a market is dominated by suppliers such as Mexico, Canada and South American countries.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said the U.S. is a very large market but also one marked by stringent technical standards and also long geographical distance for Vietnam.

Vietnam’s position as the 13 largest fruit and vegetable supplier to the U.S. is owed to the great efforts made by businesses in recent years, he added.

There is room for growth as the list of fresh fruits permitted for export to the U.S. continues to expand, and now includes pomelo, mango, dragon fruit, longan, lychee, star apple, rambutan and, most recently, coconut.

Consumer trends in the U.S. are shifting toward novel fruits, health-oriented products and more deeply processed items such as frozen fruit, dried fruits and juices, with Vietnamese products like coconut, durian and pomelo becoming increasingly popular.

But exports do face many challenges. Starting this month the U.S. began tightening regulations on traceability and food safety, particularly with respect to pesticide residues.

Vietnamese oversight of planting area codes and packing facilities remains uneven, which threatens to bring warnings or even temporary import suspensions by the U.S.

The high logistics costs due to the distance make it difficult for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables to compete on price with suppliers close to the U.S. such as in Mexico, Peru or Thailand.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you consider Vietnam’s heavy importing of American fruits and vegetables in 2025 big economic victories for Trump’s America? What do you think is the main reason as to why Vietnam purchases so much fruits and vegetables from the United States? Do you think Trump’s tariffs are already helping American producers of fruits and vegetables?

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

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Philippines Attracted 5.94 Million Foreign Tourists And 543K Overseas Filipinos In 2025

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026carlocarrasco

Finally, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that 5.94 million foreign tourists and over 543,000 returning overseas Filipinos arrived in the Philippines in 2025 resulting in tourism revenue of P694 billion, according to a news release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For insight, the Philippines attracted 5,940,975 foreign visitors in 2025 which is 8,375 less compared with 2024’s foreign visitors. Ultimately, the Philippines is still behind many of its Southeast Asian neighbors on international tourism for 2025.

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

The Philippines recorded 6.4 million foreign visitors and returning overseas Filipinos in 2025, generating an estimated PHP694 billion in tourism receipts, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday.

Citing Bureau of Immigration data, the DOT said 5,940,975 were foreign visitors, including cruise passengers and categories not fully captured in eTravel.

Another 543,085 were returning overseas Filipinos, bringing total inbound arrivals to 6,484,060.

The DOT said preliminary international visitor spending was estimated at PHP694 billion.

While arrivals remain below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, the DOT said the outcome was achieved despite global and domestic challenges, including travel alerts from key markets and fiscal constraints.

The agency said tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone, citing strong domestic travel, value creation and job generation.

Guided by the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, the DOT said it remains focused on improving connectivity, safety, workforce skills and service standards.

For insight as to why the Philippines is having a lot of trouble attracting visitors from abroad, watch the YouTube videos below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Department of Tourism’s claim that tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone while the Philippines keeps on falling behind its Southeast Asian neighbors that attracted a lot more foreign tourists? Do you think the DOT should examine closely how satisfied or dissatisfied foreign tourists really are before they leave the country? Are you tired of seeing the Philippines failing to hit its annual international tourist arrival targets?

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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Varied And Impactful Changes Realized Since Trump Returned As US President

January 22, 2026January 21, 2026carlocarrasco

A year ago, Donald J. Trump returned as President of the United States and a wide series of changes were realized since January 20 of 2025. Those changes are still happening and it is very clear Trump’s America made impact not only on Americans but also on the world. Trump is on his 2^nd term as President and he has three years remaining.

As such, the White House issued a statement titled “365 WINS IN 365 DAYS: President Trump’s Return Marks New Era of Success, Prosperity” which contains a very extensive list of changes and developments since January 20 of 2025. The statement contains an extensive list of developments covering a wide series of categories such as economics, immigration, national security, border security, jobs, income, international relations and more.

Clearly, I cannot highlight all the items from the White House statement in this blog post. What I can share with you are the items that caught my attention.

To put things in perspective, posted below are excerpts from the White House statement. Some parts in boldface…

Item #1 – Achieved negative net migration in 2025, reversing a 50-year trend and restoring U.S. control over immigration flows for the first time in a generation.

Item #2 – Removed more than 2.6 million illegal aliens from the United States through deportations and voluntary self-departures.

Item #3 – Carried out over 650,000 arrests, detentions, and deportations of illegal aliens — including the worst of the worst criminal illegal alien killers, rapists, gang members, and repeat offenders.

Item #17 – Revoked visas tied to pro-Hamas agitators on college campuses, restoring safety, free speech, and American values to universities across the nation.

Item #28 – Rescued 62,000 missing migrant children from trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation networks tied to illegal migration — most of whom were lost during the Biden Administration.

Item #31 – Revoked Temporary Protected Status for over 500,000 migrants — a decision upheld by the Supreme Court.

Item #53 – Delivered the largest one-year decline in homicides in U.S. history by launching targeted federal crime crackdowns and ending Biden-era non-enforcement.

Item #69 – Created 654,000 private-sector jobs following deregulation, tax relief, and restored investment confidence.

Item #70 – Ensured 100% of net job growth went to native-born Americans by enforcing immigration laws.

Item #71 – Achieved massive economic growth, with real GDP rising 4.3% in the third quarter of 2025 — smashing economists’ expectations and setting the stage for future growth, with GDP projected to be even higher in the fourth quarter as President Trump’s policies continue to take effect.

Item #79 – Signed the Working Families Tax Cut, delivering the largest middle-class tax relief package in modern U.S. history and saving 5.9 million jobs.

Item #80 – Delivered on his No Tax on Tips campaign promise.

Item #106 – Secured new and improved trade agreements with major U.S. trading partners covering more than half of global GDP — including the United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, China, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, Switzerland, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

Item #107 – Sent tariff revenues soaring, collecting $300 billion under expanded enforcement and new policies.

Item #108 – Reduced the trade deficit to its lowest since 2009.

Item #141 – Ended the Israel–Hamas war by imposing a ceasefire framework, securing the release of hostages, and enacting a landmark Gaza Peace Plan to unleash total security and prosperity for all in the region.

Item #144 – Brokered peace between India and Pakistan.

Item #145 – Brokered peace between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Item #151 – Destroyed Iran’s nuclear weapons capability through coordinated military action, sanctions escalation, and intelligence operations.

Item #161 – Secured the capture of long-wanted narcoterrorist Nicolás Maduro, paving the way for his prosecution in the U.S.

Item #229 – Rolled out new merit-based federal hiring plans, ensuring the government’s hiring decisions are based on merit only — including at the Federal Aviation Administration, where the Biden Administration specifically recruited individuals with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric issues.

Item #313 – Established the Make America Healthy Again Commission tasked with investigating and addressing the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis — with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases.

The selected items shared above are only a portion of the extensive list of the White House statement. Still, it give you an idea as to how vast the Trump administration’s initiatives really are. Truly, America is back and we should observe what else could President Trump and his team do over the next three years.

To see the full statement and list, click https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/01/365-wins-in-365-days-president-trumps-return-marks-new-era-of-success-prosperity/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Among the many initiatives Trump launched since January 20, 2025, how were you affected? Do you think the international community is respecting America more under the leadership of President Trump? Do you think the US economy is taking off towards a new economic boom? Do you think Trump’s America should start striking the terrorist state of Iran to bring down the Islamic regime once and for all?

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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