A few months ago, I had lunch at Sigekiya Ramen inside Commercenter, Filinvest City, Alabang. Many times have I been consuming Tsukemen or ramen at that restaurant which has been operating since April 2016. The notable thing about Sigekiya Ramen is that they maintain a high level of quality on their food (which explains why they use many imported ingredients) which, in my opinion, justify the prices.
After some thinking during my visit, I decided to try, for the first time ever, one of their rice meals and I ordered their Chicken Teriyakidon Set.
The Chicken Teriyakidon Set.
It did not take too long for them to serve me the meal which came with a bowl of rice topped with chicken laced with teriyaki sauce and some sesame seeds, a cup of miso soup and a small serving of salad.
Slowly I took a sip first of the miso soup which tasted good. Then I examined the chicken on the rice bowl which turned out to be boneless. In terms of serving, the amount of chicken was generous.
A close look.
Using chopsticks, I went for a portion of both chicken and rice. The result? A delightful taste! I can say that the chicken and rice were both well cooked and the teriyaki sauce prepared was pretty flavorful. Slowly, I kept consuming more of the rice and chicken, alternating with the soup and the salad.
To put things in perspective, teriyaki refers to a Japanese dish consisting of fish or meat marinated in soy sauce and grilled.
Overall, Sigekiya Ramen’s Chicken Teriyakidon Set was a nice hit and I can say that I got my money’s worth.
Thank you for reading. If you find this lifestyle article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
At Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City today, the stage is finally set for the Alabang Hills Village Association’s (AHVA) schedule Annual General Membership Meeting. The big meeting is set for 2PM of May 12 (Sunday) at the Multi-Purpose Pavilion of the village.
At the clubhouse the AHVA official I talked with said that the agenda of the meeting was not available. In most meetings related to homeowners associations (HOAs) like this, it is expected that the HOA’s board of directors (BOD) and officials will meet with the legitimate members and give them updates about what happened during the past year, how is the association doing financially, how did the association follow the standards of the Housing and Land Use Regulator Board (HLURB) in accordance to Republic Act Number 9904 (RA9904 or the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Associations), etc.
And then I saw some other updates on the desk in the AHVA clubhouse. A paper showed that there will be a car registration service for vehicles ending with number 5 on their plates, set for May 11 (no time specified) and applicants are required to bring the valid emission test result.
Last but not least was a new document related to a legal conflict between an association and a private organization.
For transparency, I posted it below. Read and learn.
In recent times, the water supply interruption experienced by Maynilad customers in South Metro Manila became a hassle for many families and business establishments.
During my recent visit at Tahanan Village in Parañaque City, I noticed the Tahanan Homeowners Association, Inc. (THA) issued a new bulletin through its official publication Tahanan Flash. It deals with the recent water supply problems and clarifies who in their village is responsible with the Maynilad water tanker deliveries into the village, etc.
Also take note that in order for a household to be served with water from Maynilad, the homeowner must call 1626 first and be patient for the water to be delivered which can take days. No call, no pre-assignment, no water.
For clarity, posted below is the full page of the Tahanan Flash. Read and learn. Please share this article to others. Thanks.
130 Patients Served With Free Services in BF Homes Medical Mission
The Don Tomas Aguirre Senior Citizens Center bustled with activity on April 27, 2019 as the medical mission attracted several members of the local community who got served with free services. Present were the personnel of MedTek and the directors of the BFPE&BCI.
A medical mission titledCare to Sharewas held from 6AM to 3PM on April 27, 2019 at the Don Tomas Aguirre Senior Citizens Center along F. Cabarrus street, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City which attracted a total of one hundred and thirty patients.
A joint project of the BF Parañaque Entrepreneurs & Business Club, Inc. (BFPE&BCI) and services provider MedTek with the participation of the Senior Citizens Association of Barangay BF, Inc. (SCABBI), Care to Share saw 112 patients avail of laboratory testing (which includes blood extraction), 90 patients who had their urine checked, 75 patients who had a medical check-up (with medicine given afterwards) and 42 patients who had their eyes checked (with eyeglasses provided afterwards).
All the services were rendered for free. Apart from the members of SCABBI, there were other people from the local community who just walked in and were happily accepted by the organizers to avail of the services.
A patient was instructed to fill up an application form as part of the process to avail of free services.A medical doctor listens to a patient.A patient has his blood extracted for medical testing.
Services aside, the patients were given free meals, drinks and snacks provided by varied sponsors of the medical mission. The meals were provided by MedTek, BFPE&BCI, Mama Lou’s, Little Quiapo, Ms. Julie Dacanay and Flaming Wings (through a concerned senior citizen who expressed his generosity for the local community). As if that was not enough, brand new electric fans were raffled off to some very lucky winners among the patients which lifted up their spirits. A “Sorbetero” was contracted for the day by BFPE&BCI to provide ice cream to everyone.
Not only that, the patients were fortunate to meet Barangay BF Homes chairman Paolo Marquez who took time out from his busy schedule to observe the medical mission.
Barangay BF Homes chairman Paolo Marquez (standing 3rd from left) with BFPE&BCI Vice President Frank Vida (leftmost), BFPE&BCI President Don Munoz (2nd from left), Director Bobby Sta. Maria (2nd from right) and the MedTek personnel and volunteers posed in a group picture, led by Medtek’s Dra. Bing Kawano.
“The medical mission is an endeavor of MedTek and BFPE&BCI proving their corporate social responsibility to our constituents. Of course, we in the barangay support them and we appreciate any endeavors that they plan to do in the future,” Marquez said in my interview with him.
For his part, SCABBI president Elpidio Padama stated that the number of patients exceeded the mark of 100 because of other senior citizens who made referrals. Several directors of SCABBI were present and were thankful to the organizers that many of their members got served for free.
Already a successful event, Care to Share undeniably gave back to the local community in Barangay BF Homes in partnership with MedTek headed by its President Mr. Seling Catral and BFPE&BCI. The business club, led by its incumbent President Don Munoz (Pergola Mall, Noah’s Place), truly made its presence felt as a highly credible and generous business association focused on the BF Homes communities.
Thank you for reading. If you find this South Metro Manila community article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
This morning, I visited BF NorthWest which is one of the most notable villages inside BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City to take a close look at the Community Fun Fair which was held at the open-air basketball court just steps away from the clubhouse of the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc.
What I saw there was interesting.
Fresh vegetables being sold to customers.
There were several tents set up which were occupied by varied sellers who brought in their stuff. A wide variety of goods, both used and new, were offered to buyers like toys, clothing, slippers, food, beverages, comic books, text books, household items, original DVD movies, fresh vegetables and more.
According to village governor Lorea Miren (who was in-charge of the 2-day event), the Community Fun Fair was meant to help the village raise funds needed for the maintenance and improvement of the park.
“Instead of charging for the rent of the tents or the space, we collect ten percent of their proceeds which will go to the improvement of the park,” Miren said during my interview with her. Companies that sell services meanwhile were given a fixed rate.
Geek stuff like comic books, original movies on DVD, action figures and toys for sale.
“What’s happening organically is there are people who are asking if they could bring their stuff to sell so I had to check if there are any spaces left,” Miren added.
As my interview with the village governor went on, I noticed more than people arriving into the fair looking for things to buy, meeting neighbors and the like. At such an early stage, the Community Fun Fair was already fulfilling another key objective – bringing community members together and opening opportunities for socializing.
Some guests enjoying the shade.
The BF NorthWest Community Fun Fair will last another day tomorrow (April 28) from 9AM to 6PM. Both villagers and non-residents (visitors from outside BF NorthWest) are welcome to visit the whole day event to have a good time and contribute to the community through purchasing.
BF NorthWest can be accessed along El Grande Avenue.
In partnership with the National Capital Region branch of Red Cross (Red Cross NCR), the Tahanan Homeowners Association, Inc. (THA) will be organizing on June 1, 2019 a blood donation program titled “Tahanan LIFEBLOOD ’19 Love Life – Give Blood Program” which will be held from 9AM to 3PM at the multi-purpose hall in Tahanan Village, Paranaque City.
Already the THA invited its homeowners to participate in the program which is open to all homeowners, relatives, staff and friends aged 16-years-old ad older.
Posted below for your visual reference is the THA’s official announcement paper. Contact information and all other relevant details are included!
Here in the Philippines, finding a place that serves Brazilian food is quite challenging. For those who live in South Metro Manila, the good news is that there is a new restaurant at the expanded area of Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa, and it’s called Toucan Brazilian BBQ Buffet Restaurant.
As of this writing, the restaurant charges P430 per customer for lunch (I forgot their rate for children, sorry) and P730 for dinner. Out of curiosity, as well as my previous high interest on visiting Brazil for the Rio Carnival and discovering their culture and norms, I tried out their lunch buffet.
As soon as I entered, I saw the buffet table and I took a seat by the wall. The interiors were nice and very notable is the use of the colors yellow and green (plus blue) which easily reminds me of Brazil.
The restaurant really made a lot of efforts emphasizing Brazil to the customers. For decorations, they posted several framed pictures on their walls.
You like Samba and art?At the other wall.
THE FOOD
How about food? On my trip to the buffet selection, there was a mix of meat, vegetables, rice, salad and free flowing drinking (by the wall). What surprised me was the presence of Chinese-style noodles (are those really part of Brazilian cuisine?). For my plate, I decided to have more vegetables than meat. Picture below.
Pork with caramelized onions plus cabbage and potatoes.
As I started enjoying my drink and meal, the restaurant had personnel walking around carrying metallic sticks (from the grill) with meat attached to them. Because there was this wooden object with its green end on top (red end below), one of the carriers approached me and asked if I were interested to try a slice of beef cattle tongue which I accepted since I wanted to try it.
I had not touched the slice as I was focused on my vegetables and pork. Some minutes later, another guy carrying meat approached me and asked if I were interested in chicken. I asked him to give me some and just add it on the small plate carrying the still untouched slice (beef cattle tongue). Then I took a picture.
Two different servings of chicken with the slice of beef in the middle.
I finally decided to try out the slice of beef. It was pretty tasty and there was no need for condiments to add flavor. I slowly ate it and then I tried the gold-like colored chicken which, in my view, seemed fried. It turned out, it was very well cooked and was even more flavorful than I expected.
Eventually I got satisfied and decided to flip the wooden object’s red end to the top to signify to the restaurant personnel I don’t want anymore servings. I took my last drink. It was time to cool down, rest and then prepare to pay the fee. When I saw the bill, there was a service charge of P38.36 on top of the buffet fee which I paid.
While waiting for my change to come, I took another picture of the wall decorations nearby.
More than a dance and a showcase of skin, Samba is a Brazilian musical genre and its most notable music feature is the use of drums done the African way.
Overall, I enjoyed my lunch at Toucan Brazilian BBQ Buffet Restaurant and it was good taste and good value in return for my money. Definitely it is the place to go if you are looking for Brazilian cuisine or if you are looking for a different kind of buffet experience in Alabang. If there is anything lacking, I forgot to ask for their menu for other selections (I always wanted to try Brazilian coffee). Also there were lots of other grilled meats that I have yet to try. Eventually I’ll get them next time.
Toucan Brazilian BBQ Buffet Restaurant is recommended.
Thank you for reading. If you find this news article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
The local government of Muntinlupa entered a partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investments in boosting Muntinlupa City as an investment destination. DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo signed a memorandum of agreement with Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi for the investment promotion endeavor at Muntinlupa City Hall, Putatan last April 16. Also witnessing the signing ceremony were DTI-BOI Investments Assistance Service Director Atty. Bobby Fondevilla, Muntinlupa City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Muntinlupa President Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon, and other local officials. (from Muntinlupa PIO press release)
Very recently I received a press release from the Muntinlupa Public Information Office (Muntinlupa PIO) in which the City Government (led by incumbent Mayor Jaime Fresnedi) announced that it has sealed a partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investments (DTI-BOI).
What’s the partnership about? Specifically the DTI-BOI will promote the city as an investment destination. Already DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi for the investment promotion endeavor at Muntinlupa City Hall on April 16.
What does this mean? It means the DTI-BOI will assist in boosting Muntinlupa City as an investment destination by providing relevant information on available incentives to potential local and foreign investors.
The investment board shall also provide assistance in the implementation of policies geared towards improvement of processes in starting a business. BOI aims to create an environment conducive to the expansion of existing investments or attracting prospective investments in the city. Further, the board will also conduct a mentoring program for the City Government’s frontline personnel.
During the MOA signing ceremony, Usec. Rodolfo lauded local initiatives and ease of doing business in Muntinlupa City. The BOI exec recognized some innovations facilitated by the City Government and its assistance in Micro, Small, Medium, and Large Enterprises and locators in Muntinlupa. He also stated that Muntinlupa City is a business destination for high-value investments.
The mayor expressed his thanks to BOI for its assistance and said that the partnership will ripple to significant employment opportunities and the continuous development of local economy.
The way it is right now, Muntinlupa has arguably the most modern business and commercial zones in South Metro Manila. Already many companies have set up offices or corporate headquarters in Filinvest City, Madrigal Business Park, and Northgate Cyberzone in the Alabang area. When it comes to travel, the local connection to the Metro Manila Skyway is a big boost to the city as it allowed countless motorists to travel faster to and from Makati, Manila, Pasay City and the airports.
Things continue to look bright for Muntinlupa.
Thank you for reading. If you find this news article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
In recent times the City Government of Las Piñas headed by its Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar has been making a lot of progress with modernizing public transportation within its jurisdiction by releasing to local tricycle drivers and operators electric tricycle (e-trike) units that they received from the Department of Energy (DOE).
The DOE donated 100 e-trikes to Las Piñas which in turn coordinated with the varied tricycle operators from the city’s twenty barangays. On April 5, 2019, the City Government’s Facebook page posted pictures of its most recent turnover of e-trikes to specific operators. Posted below is one of them.
Las Piñas City Government officials with the recipients in a turnover ceremony at City Hall. (photo by Shawnette Ramos for City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
Right below is a picture of electric tricycle units that I photographed during my visit at Las Piñas City Hall.
From my visit at Las Piñas City Hall.
The future of local public transportation in the city is looking bright. Once these electric tricycles go into full operation, the following is expected to happen:
A more comfortable ride for passengers thanks to the new tricycle design. The e-trike is one whole unit (versus the motorcycle linked with a passenger-carrying unit of the old tricycle design).
Reduction on noise pollution because there is no fuel-based engine.
Reduction on air pollution because there is no fuel-based engine and no exhaust.
Complete avoidance on spending money on fuel which by the liter, as of this writing, is expensive. Recharging, not refueling, is the way for E-Trike operators to recover and keep operating the next day.
Think about it carefully. E-Trikes can bring passengers through the quiet villages more safely, quieter and without adding anymore air pollution that would affect families at their homes.
Now that the benefits of E-Trikes have been discussed, it’s time to take a close look as to how these positive developments in Las Piñas happened in the first place.
The answer is City Ordinance Number 1536-18 (Series of 2018). and below is a summary of the details written on it.
The Ordinance
Formally titled “An Ordinance Allowing The Operation of E-Trike in The City of Las Pinas and Providing Guideliness Thereto.”, with “E-Trike Ordinance” as the shorter title, City Ordinance Number 1536-18 (Series of 2018) was approved by the City Council and Mayor Aguilar on May 28, 2018. As written on the Ordinance, it was deemed that the adoption of the e-trike project is a necessary step in combating unreasonable high oil prices and ending dependency on oil. The E-Trike was viewed to be eco-friendly, noise-free and air pollution-free. It has the potential to generate higher income for operators and even create new jobs.
Section 2 of the Ordinance states: The City of Las Pinas fully supports the national government’s e-tricle project. It is also committed in enforcing the applicable provisions of the Clean Air Act and in addressing community concerns about high oil prices, pollution and health hazard as well as in providing new job opportunities.
Section 4 (E-trike Franchise Grant) legalizes the use of electric tricycles within the territorial jurisdiction of the city. For this purpose, one hundred units of three-wheeled electric power driven vehicle or e-trike shall be granted franchise by the City of Las Pinas through the Sangguniang Panglunsod.
Section 5 (Guidelines) states that no e-trike franchise shall be granted unless the unit utilizes environmental-friendly batteries as determined by the Environment and Natural Resources Office, has an on-board charger and is deemed roadworthy while also possessing the required safety features.
The individual applicant is an actual resident and registered voter of the city. The transport cooperative may be granted in its name up to five franchises subject to compliance with the qualification requirements of the drivers.
For E-Trike Rent-To-Own Program or variations thereof and/or meanwhile that the ownership of the unit is not yet fully transferred to the intended buyer, a provisional franchise may be granted in favor of the proponent. Provided, that the qualification requirements of the intended buyers or drivers of the vehicle are complied with.
Section 6 (Parts Availability) – the proponent shall make available within the city such parts as may be needed for the continued operation of the E-Trike.
Section 7 (Charging Stations) – charging stations shall be established in strategic public places in the city. For the total franchises herein fixed, no less than two charging stations shall be required of the proponents to establish. In this regard, not all contemplated franchises shall be issued by the Sangguniang Panglunsod unless the establishment of the charging stations is assured or completed.
Section 8 (Incentives) – Franchisees shall be granted a 50% discount on all fees applicable to trimobiles specifically the franchise fee, the annual supervision fee, the mayor’s permit fee, the legal research fee, the sticker fee and the police inspection fee.
If you wish to obtain copies of the Ordinance, visit City Hall.
Conclusion
With the E-Trike Ordinance in full force, Las Piñas City is clearly on its way forward with modernizing public transportation within its jurisdiction using electric tricycles which serve passengers traveling between the important city roads and the villages.
As far as South Metro Manila is concerned, Las Piñas has joined the electric vehicle bandwagon with Muntinlupa City (which has e-trikes and electric jeepneys already for years) for public transportation.
The City of Parañaque meanwhile remains behind. Last time I checked at Parañaque City Hall, they don’t even have a draft ordinance needed to legalize the use of electric vehicles for public transportation.
Speaking of Parañaque, I can’t forget the embarrassing failed launch of the electric tricycle project of the BF Federation of Homeowner Associations, Inc. (BFFHAI) of 2016. From the way things looked back then, BFFHAI failed to verify if Parañaque (which occupies a huge portion of BF Homes subdivision) had any ordinance legalizing the use of electric vehicles for public transportation. Back then, Las Piñas (which occupies another large portion of BF Homes subdivision) obviously did not have a similar ordinance.
Right now in South Metro Manila, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa are leading the way for public commuters with electric vehicles.
As a resident living in South Metro Manila, I always prefer to see the entire Philippines’ infrastructure get developed and expanded tremendously because the benefits of improved travel time and experience will be felt by the riding public for the long term. At the same time, such improvements will help travelers reach the far-away destinations with better speed and in less time.
Today I learned about some good news – the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAEX) has started construction beginning with a 27-kilometer section. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Alapan II-B Village in Cavite Province on March 27. The CALAEX itself has a grand total distance of 45 kilometers.
As announced on the Philippine News Agency (PNA) website, the P12-billion Cavite segment will ensure a safe, efficient and seamless travel for motorists from the history town of Kawit in Cavite to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) – Mamplasan Interchange. It is expected to cut travel time from 2.5 hours to less than 45 minutes and help decongest approximately fifty thousand cars.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar declared that the project is part of the President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s masterplan to connect Luzon from north to south, to be called the “Luzon Spine Expressway Network” (LSEN), to increase the current 300-km. high-speed expressway to 1,000 km. by the year 2022. Duterte’s term of office will end in that year.
“We will deliver not just on our promise to solve traffic, but to bring development to our provinces,” Villar announced.
More on speed, the expressways are not only expected to cut travel time for motorists but help add to the development of the provinces of Cavite and Laguna. Cavite is now the biggest in terms of population among the country’s provinces, with an estimated 4.1 million people according to 2016 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
In terms of cooperation, Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla said this “speaks volumes about the dynamism of the government and its private partner.” He said the expressway will connect Laguna and Cavite, and declog the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Meanwhile the Laguna segment of the CALAEX project is now in full swing which, according to Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) president and Chief Executive Officer, Rodrigo Franco, is expected to open the first section during the third quarter or as early as July this year.
When it comes to economic development by means of job creation, the CALAEX will employ some 1,200 personnel for its Laguna segment and close to 1,300 more for site and office personnel as its Cavite segment progresses. It is part of the network of toll roads that the MPTC is constructing and developing, which will connect to Cavitex and the C5-South Link and will make transfers from Laguna, Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, and CP Garcia Ave. seamless.
The CALAEX is one of many projects being done under the highly ambitious Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration. Build Build Build lists down high impact projects that are envisioned to improve the economy, increase incomes, invite investments leading to job creation. In his 10-point Socioeconomic Agenda, President Duterte envisioned the reduction of poverty from 21.6% in 2015 to 13% to 15% in 2022. It was emphasized that the acceleration of infrastructure development will pave the way for a more comfortable life, better travel and improved economic development nationwide.
Author Carlo Carrasco 