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Las Piñas City Government fully supports parol makers

December 19, 2023December 14, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a group composed of makers of the parol (traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns) received full support from the City Government, according to a social media post of the local government’s Facebook page dated December 13, 2023.

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

The Samahang Magpaparol ng Las Piñas, a group of traditional Filipino Christmas lantern makers, was warmly received by City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar in City Hall on Tuesday, December 12th. This meeting underscored Las Piñas City’s reputation as the Parol Capital of Metro Manila, celebrating the city’s deep-rooted tradition in crafting these iconic symbols of Filipino Christmas.

*Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar with the parol makers group at City Hall. (photo source – Las Piñas City PIO)*

In a table discussion, Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed her profound appreciation for the parol makers’ dedication to their craft and assured their group of the city government’s full support. This promise marks a crucial step in safeguarding the art of parol making and promoting its continued relevance in the city’s cultural landscape. The parol makers, in response, extended their heartfelt thanks to Mayor Aguilar, appreciating the recognition and support for their craft, which is integral to the city’s identity and festive celebrations.

This meeting between the city officials and the parol makers reaffirms Las Piñas City’s commitment to its cultural roots and its preservation.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you see the parol as the most important Christmas decoration ever? How many parols does your household have now? How much money did you spend on each parol you bought? Is ever parol in your household made in Las Piñas?

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’s indigent senior citizens benefit from social pension cash pay-out

November 30, 2023November 27, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, indigent senior citizens benefited from the cash pay-out organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the City Government announced via social media. The cash pay-out happened in Barangay Pilar Village and was attended by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

In an event dedicated to the welfare of its elderly residents, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Las Piñas conducted another Social Pension Cash Pay-out for indigent senior citizens on Tuesday, November 21st. The event, held at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Barangay Pilar Village, was a part of the city’s ongoing commitment to support and honor its senior community.

The occasion was graced by City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, reflecting the local government’s dedication to the welfare of its elderly population. Vice Mayor Aguilar’s presence underscored the importance the city places on its senior citizens, acknowledging their contributions and ensuring their comfort in their later years.

The pay-out event was organized efficiently, ensuring that the process was smooth and respectful for the elderly beneficiaries. A significant number of senior citizens from various parts of Las Piñas attended the event, adhering to health and safety protocols.

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 with what the City Government and the CSWDO continued to support local senior citizens? Did any senior citizens in your local community benefited from the recent cash pay-out?

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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 10

November 24, 2023April 17, 2024carlocarrasco

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 topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Son of Hamas Co-Founder Denounces Palestinian Terrorist Group – This video recently published by the channel of CBN News (under the Christian Broadcasting Network) must be seen in full. Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, blasted the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas without hesitation. He defected from the terrorist group in the late 1990s and secretly worked with Israel’s security services to expose and prevent several Hamas terrorist attacks. He later gave his life to Christ and wrote a 2010 autobiography titled Son of Hamas. This is the YouTube video that pro-Palestine fanatics and the terrorists themselves are afraid of. Please share this video to others.

#2 The Transformers: The Movie (1986) nostalgia – Like many people of my generation, I was a fan of The Transformers animated TV series. Then in 1986, a theatrical feature called The Transformers: The Movie was released in cinemas in some parts of the world at a time when Internet connection and social media were not yet common. That same movie became a must-see in our village as soon as it was made available for rent on video tape format. My friends and I had a lot of fun watching it and thanks to the advances of technology, a 4K Blu-ray of it is now available. Of course, The Transformers: The Movie was notable not only because it was the first feature-length Transformers production but also because it had the death of a major character and it marked a turning point in the lore of the Transformers which was reflected subsequently on TV. That being said, there are lots of retrospective videos, retro reviews, reaction videos and more of it on YouTube which you can see below…

#3 Examining the mental instability of climate change activists and believers – Like many others, I prefer to live in an environment that is not very dirty and has abundant clean air. Of course, that does not mean I believe in the movement of climate change which itself has armies of zealots and extremists who disrupted societies with their radical activism while spewing distorted views about many things in order to impose their agenda on others. That being said, one has to wonder how all that unrestrained activism impacted the mental health of each and every climate change believe and why could they not stop doing their stupid acts of public disruption. Fortunately, Sky News Australia made a video about that and you can watch it below…

#4 The ignorance and stupidity of pro-Palestine LGBT people exposed – As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, a lot of pro-terrorist, pro-evil and pro-Palestine rallies have happened around the world which includes zealots of the Satanic Left. Among those zealots are homosexuals and members of the LGBT people who shamelessly supported the Palestinian terrorists in varied ways. What is clear, however, is that the pro-Palestine LGBT rallyists do not even realize that homosexuality, transgender beliefs and the LGBT lifestyle in Palestinian society are NOT acceptable and these would get them into trouble (torture, imprisonment and even death). These same LGBT supporters of the Palestinians collectively attacked Israel which itself has LGBT rights and freedom established. As it is a fact that Leftists always go together with terrorists, the LGBT people’s support for the Palestinians (a displaced people who have no stake in the land of Israel at all) clearly showed their embrace of evil as well their ignorance and their acts of stupidity. It seems the LGBT activists sold their souls to the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas as well as the corrupt Palestinian Authority (PA). To learn more, watch the Sky News Australia video below…

#5 The wickedness and violent nature of the pro-Palestine activists revealed – There is a lot of anti-Semitism and hatred towards Israel that happened in the form of protests around the world. Recently in Washington, DC, a mob of pro-Palestine activists clashed with the police officers just outside the office of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). One of those activists is a Democrat (referred to the Democratic Party as “our party”) who spoke directly to the camera (starts at 0:53) as seen in the Sky News Australia video below. What is clear here is that these pro-Palestine activists in America have been brainwashed to hate Israel, to hate the Jewish people while loving the terrorists also. They have been brainwashed to be violent, to live with delusions and believe in lies. Not only that, there was another pro-Palestine protest in Germany that turned violent and resulted in the injuring of over sixty police officers. Democrats and other Satanic Left elements always go together with terrorists. In fact, the pro-Palestine believers themselves are gradually becoming new terrorists. Watch and learn from the videos below…

#6 G.I. Joe nostalgia – If you are a long-time fan of the G.I. Joe entertainment franchise or if you are a newcomer who is just starting to discover more of the said franchise, then you should check out the reruns (first video posted below) of full episodes the 1980s animated TV series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero at Hasbro’s official YouTube channel. By the way, check out my two retro comic book reviews of G.I. Joe by clicking here and here. Now, enjoy the G.I. Joe videos below…

#7 You like Team America: World Police? – I never saw the 2004 movie Team America: World Police but I saw a few puppetry shows and films when I was a little boy. Recently, YouTuber Minty Comedic Arts posted a trivia video of it which made me remember the time back in 2004 when I saw movie posters of it during a visit at the local cinema. If you are a fan of the film or if you are just discovering it, watch the videos below…

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A Look Back at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #3 (1982)

November 23, 2023November 21, 2023carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the early 1980s to explore Marvel Comics’ handling of a series based on the wildly popular military-themed franchise of toys – G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.

Last time around, a small number of G.I. Joe members went to the North Pole on a mission to find answers and anyone responsible for the destruction of the American research base. The mission did not involve Cobra at all but a certain specialist who was working as a freelancer.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #3 published in 1982 by Marvel Comics with the main story written by Larry Hama and drawn by Herb Trimpe.

Early story

The story begins shortly after G.I. Joe’s successful raid on a secret stronghold that belonged to their arch-rival Cobra. A huge, bulky robot was found at the site and the Joe team received orders to get the machine back to their command center – The Pit – to run preliminary scans on it.

Due to the very sensitive nature of the robot and the Cobra stronghold, the military uses three trucks disguised as American mail trucks for the trips to The Pit.

Elsewhere, Cobra Commander and his team are aware that G.I. Joe is bringing the robot with them. He has a Trojan plan prepared…

Quality

*The scent of bacon and eggs reached the higher levels.*

To make things clear, this is story still does not put G.I. Joe head-to-head with Cobra in combat. Instead, this is a tale about Cobra’s attempt to cause chaos on their rivals deep within a top secret stronghold of the Americans. That being said, the main character here is the huge robot of Cobra’s which really pushed the Joe team into real challenges. The robot does not even speak and its actions really drove up the tension of both the Joe team’s predicament as well as the narrative itself.

Along the way, you will get to see members of G.I. Joe becoming more tactical with their struggle to survive and solve problems. In fact, the Joe members are more versatile which reflect what they learned from extensive training.

Conclusion

*Cobra Commander monitors the developments from a distance as G.I. Joe members brought with them the robot from what was once a stronghold of Cobra.*

While the lack of a direct conflict between the Joe team and Cobra is evident, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #3 (1982) still had an unrelenting enemy in the form of Cobra’s robot that proved to be a major force of opposition. In terms of presentation, this story has a slight touch of science fiction (due to the robot) but managed to be military in nature the rest of the way. Apart from their resourcefulness, the G.I. Joe members here displayed a strong element of team work. The narrative is packed with action as well as a good amount of details that made the reading experience consistently good.

Overall, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #3 (1982) is recommended.

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Muntinlupa City’s Christmas gift-giving (Pamaskong Handog) for 150,000 families ongoing

November 21, 2023November 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government launched the distribution of consumable goods for an estimated one hundred and fifty thousand families with the Christmas season in mind, 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…

Christmas came early for Muntinlupa residents as the city government has started distributing Pamaskong Handog packages containing grocery items.

“This year, we have prepared—based on the city’s population and average number of family members—150,000 Pamaskong Handog packages para sa estimated 150,000 families of Muntinlupa,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon at the kickoff distribution on Nov. 15.

Each Pamaskong Handog package contains a spaghetti package (pasta and sauce), milk, champorado and chocolate drink.

City government personnel will visit communities from purok to subdivisions to distribute the Christmas packages.

Biazon said the distribution of the Pamaskong Handog packages will be scheduled by barangay and those with questions can visit the help desk at each distribution venue.

“Sa pag-celebrate natin ng Pasko, magpasalamat tayo sa mga biyayang natatanggap natin at sa buhay na taglay natin (In celebration of Christmas, we should be thankful for the blessings that we receive and the life that we have),” said Biazon.

He thanked city officials and employees who went around the city for a month to list the names of the Pamaskong Handog beneficiaries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the Pamaskong Handog distribution of the City Government covering 150,000 families?

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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2-day Mandatory Training for Newly Elected SK Officials of Las Piñas City Completed

November 20, 2023November 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the mandatory training for newly elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials of the city was completed at the Mayor Nene Aguilar Multipurpose Hall of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) Building in BF Resort Village, Barangay Talon Dos, the City Government revealed through its official Facebook page. This happened just weeks after the completion of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

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

This weekend, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, in collaboration with the Local Youth Development Office, successfully conducted the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Mandatory Training for newly elected officials. The two-day event, held on November 11th for District I and November 12th for District II, took place at the Mayor Nene Aguilar Multipurpose Hall of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) Building in BF Resort Village, Barangay Talon Dos.

This training session was a key initiative to equip the SK officials with essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance and leadership in their respective communities.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar personally awarded the certificates of training completion to the participants, marking their readiness to take on their responsibilities as youth leaders in Las Piñas City. Her presence underscored the city government’s support and confidence in the capabilities of these young leaders.

*Image released by the Las Piñas City Public Information Office related to the mandatory training of newly elected SK officials.*

The program included a comprehensive range of topics, focusing on the role of youth in local governance, community development, and legislative processes. The training also served as a platform for the officials to discuss common challenges and share best practices.

The City Government of Las Piñas, through these initiatives, continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing and empowering its youth leaders, recognizing their critical role in community development and governance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you looking forward to how the newly elected SK officials in your barangay will serve you?

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

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Better than Streaming: Do you have Godzilla (1954) Criterion Blu-ray in your collection?

November 17, 2023November 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs! Way back in 1954, the original Godzilla movie (Japanese title: Gojira) made its debut in theaters in Japan. Not only did it make a huge impact with moviegoers, it paved the way for more Godzilla movies (which compelled Hollywood players to join in), imitators and made a solid contribution to global pop culture.

Of course, the original Godzilla film was decades before I was even born and as a boy, I got to watch on home video “Godzilla 1985” which was a Westernized version of The Return of Godzilla (1984). Then in 1998, I saw Roland Emmerich’s twisted version of Japan’s giant monster.

Going back to the original film from 1954, an American version of it was released in 1956 under the title Godzilla: King of the Monsters which was a recut version that had actor Raymond Burr in it as an American journalist witnessing events. That American version, which I saw partially by chance on cable TV, only made me want to see the 1954 original Godzilla movie intact.

That being said, I acquired a copy of the Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray from Criterion Collection and I can say I am really enjoying it. It definitely is a very good addition to my collection of Blu-ray movies.

*The cover of the Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray release from Criterion Collection.*

To begin with, posted below are the specs from the Blu-ray.com page…

Video

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC (24.01 Mbps)

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect ratio: 1.37:1

Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1

Audio

Japanese: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)

Subtitles – English, English SDH

Discs -Blu-ray Disc, Single Disc (1 BD-50)

Playback – Blu-ray: Region A

*The back of the Criterion Collection Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray. Pay close attention to the details because you will get a lot of stuff to enjoy with this one added into your Blu-ray movie collection.*

I really enjoyed the 1954 movie directed by Ishiro Honda and I can talk more about it in detail in a future retro movie review. Going back to Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray, I can say that the company did a great job not only with the restoration and audio, they also loaded the disc with a whole lot of content that will appeal strongly with dedicated Godzilla fans as well as the newcomers who wish to learn more about Japan’s giant monster, its legacy and place in global pop culture. The disc also has a restored copy of Godzilla: King of the Monsters (1956) but I strongly recommend you watch the 1954 film first and foremost.

The extra stuff in the disc contains a lot of content for you to enjoy. There are interviews with certain cast and crew members, an illustrated audio essay about the tragic Lucky Dragon No. 5 vessel, an audio commentary by David Kalat, and more.

When it comes to the physical aspect of Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray, the packaging is both nicely done and inspired. I just love it whenever I opened the set to get to the disc, an image of Godzilla folds and forms in shape for your viewing pleasure. The set also has a booklet that contains really interesting information. Very clearly, this is so much better than streaming!

*I really like this excellent packaging by Criterion Collection*. *Very clearly better than streaming!*

In case you are interested or if you have made up your mind, you can order a copy of Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray of Criterion Collection by clicking https://www.amazon.com/Godzilla-Criterion-Collection-Blu-ray-Takashi/dp/B005VU9LKE

For the dedicated Godzilla fans as well as enthusiastic film buffs and collectors of movies on physical media, Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray is highly recommended! This is currently the best way to enjoy the classic movie in the comfort of your home!

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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Madison Galeries’ Mardi Gras Bazaar set for November 18 to December 31, 2023

November 10, 2023December 4, 2023carlocarrasco

NOTE: Shortly after the launch of Mardi Gras Bazaar, Madison Galeries renamed it into Mardi Gras Warehouse Sale which had its last sale on December 2 and 3, 2023. The previous announced schedule of Mardi Gras Bazaar set for November 18 to December 31, 2023, no longer matters.

Madison Galeries, the nice open-air shopping mall located along Don Jesus Boulevard in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, recently announced the return of their popular Mardi Gras Bazaar which is all set to take place from November 18 up to December 31, 2023 at the 3^rd floor.

*The official image and details that Madison Galeries posted through social media.*

For the newcomers reading this, the Mardi Gras Bazaar is a well-known special event of Madison Galeries’ with an emphasis on shopping as well as a wide variety of products that buyers can choose from for gift-giving or for the use of their respective households. It should be noted that several products will be offered at discounted rates which should easily attract bargain hunters as well.

In 2019, I published two posts about the Mardi Gras Bazaar which you can read by clicking here and here. My post-event article has some pictures which should you give an idea of what to expect at the next edition of the Mardi Gras Bazaar.

For the 2023 edition of the Mardi Gras Bazaar at Madison Galeries, the announced schedule of November 18-December 31 is pretty extensive and it should give people a lot of time and opportunities to shop. The schedule of the bazaar for each day is 10AM to 8:30 PM.

What to expect at this year’s bazaar? Based on the official image from Madison Galeries, there will be clothing, toys, appliances, electronics, hardware and other items that can be ideal for gift-giving this Christmas season. As with the past editions of the Mardi Gras Bazaar, a discount of up to 80% will be applied on certain items for sale.

Still on Madison Galeries, it should be noted that The Madison Events Place Facebook page shared the 2023 Mardi Gras Bazaar post which suggests that the 3^rd floor venue (The Madison Events Place itself) will be the place to go to. Going back to 2019, I personally attended the Mardi Gras Bazaar and the Village Food Fair 2 (click here) on separate occasions and both special events utilized The Madison Events Place as the main venue. The said venue is a really nice and spacious indoor facility that is also comfortable, secure and fully air-conditioned.

Personally, I am eager to attend this upcoming event. For those of you who have yet to visit Madison Galeries in Alabang, the mall has sufficient parking spaces (note: there are elevated indoor parking levels inside).

Watch out for Mardi Gras Bazaar at Madison Galeries on November 18 to December 31, 2023. Visit the mall along Don Jesus Boulevard in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City. The said boulevard is accessible through Alabang Hills Village (for those who have AHVA car stickers) and the West Service Road. Visit Madison Galeries’ official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/MadisonGaleries

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IRR of the Maharlika Investment Fund finalized

November 9, 2023November 6, 2023carlocarrasco

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., announced through social media that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) have been finalized, according to a GMA Network news report.

Take note that the implementation was previously suspended and things should move forward from this point on. Already there were business leaders of Saudi Arabia who expressed interest in the MIF.

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

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Monday that the implementing rules and regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) have been finalized, weeks after he said its implementation was suspended.

“The Investment Rules and Regulations of Maharlika Investment Fund have been finalized,” Marcos said on Instagram.

“Upon our approval, we’ll swiftly establish the corporate structure, getting the MIF up and running,” he added.

The IRR, which would spell the beginning of MIF’s operationalization, was released in August. Marcos announced the suspension of its implementation “pending further study” on October 18.

Before leaving for Saudi Arabia last month, Marcos clarified that the MIF was not put on hold, saying the government was still working to have it operational within the year.

“We are, the organization of the Maharlika Fund proceeds apace, and what I have done though, is that we have found more improvements we can make, specifically to the organizational structure of the Maharlika Fund,” the President had said.

Marcos had said the suspension of the IRR should not be misinterpreted as a judgement of rightness or wrongness of the MIF.

he President also maintained that economic managers and “personalities who will actually be involved in the fund” had been consulted regarding the MIF.

Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 11954 or the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act of 2023 in July, with the aim to tap state assets for investment ventures to generate additional public funds.

The law creates the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), a government-owned company that will manage the MIF — a pool of funds sourced from state-run financial institutions that will be invested in high-impact projects, real estate, as well as in financial instruments.

Under the law, the initial capitalization of the MIF would be sourced from Landbank at P50 billion, DBP at P25 billion, and the national government at P50 billion.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that there is no stopping the implementation of the Maharlika Investment Fund in the near-future?

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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BIR admits taxing social media influencers is difficult

November 7, 2023November 3, 2023carlocarrasco

As far as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is concerned, implementing taxes on social media influencers and collecting from them are still hard to do, according to a Philippine Star news report.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) continues to have difficulty in making social media influencers comply with the country’s tax laws even amid a widening adoption of various social media platforms as a form of income.

BIR Assistant Commissioner Jethro Sabariaga said the country’s largest revenue collecting agency remains in dialogue with social media influencers for them to pay their tax obligations to the government.

The BIR decided to seek a dialogue with the influencers in March this year. Sabariaga admitted that it is difficult for the BIR to get revenues from the digital space.

“Yes, (it is difficult). We will not mince with words. It might take some time, but that’s what we’ve been doing,” Sabariaga said.

“We are trying to win their side in the engagement process. The more that you can ask them to do voluntary compliance, the better rather than to fight with them,” he said.

BIR defines social media influencers as people whose digital posts are being monetized, classifying them as self-employed individuals or persons engaged in trade or business as sole proprietors.

The BIR earlier said it was looking into some 250 top earning social media influencers to see if they have been paying their obligations.

Based on BIR’s circular, influencers are required to pay income tax and percentage tax or value-added tax, if applicable, as mandated by the Tax Code.

According to the BIR, influencers derive their income from YouTube, sponsored social and blog posts, display advertising and affiliate marketing, among others.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the BIR’s plan to tax social media influencers? Is your favorite vlogger or YouTuber based in the Philippines who might have made some revenue online based on his or her output?

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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