South Snippets – Page 41 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Have you been to X-Site amusement center inside Festival Mall lately?

November 11, 2024October 23, 2024carlocarrasco

In times of prosperity or hardship, Festival Mall (originally named Festival Supermall) in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City continues to attract families and shoppers. Since the mall’s early days in 1998, its amusement center X-Site kept on succeeding on attracting visitors and providing them bouts of varied fun in return to what the customers paid for. X-Site is a lively form of entertainment-focused capitalism that just keeps on moving forward and attracting visitors.

Located at the 3^rd floor (note: officially referred to as the 2^nd Level or 2L or 2^nd Floor by the mall. The 1^st floor and 2^nd floor of the mall are referred to as Lower Ground Floor and Upper Ground Floor respectively), the X-Site Amusement Center has a wide floor space with a high ceiling.

The way it was designed, X-Site has several arcade games (lots of fun retro games included), merchandiser games, a virtual reality ride, KTV booths, motion-sensing dance spot, the ring toss, entertainment stores, indoor sports games, redemption games, bumper cars, and the indoor roller coaster (which explains the need of having a high ceiling). Watch below the YouTube video and the images I prepared below.

*At the arcade games section inside X-Site.*

Having a high ceiling made it possible to have an indoor roller coaster (tracks above the machines and people in this image). Other amusement centers in Alabang had lower ceilings which made their places feel small or tight when compared to X-Site.

*Some newer machines plus indoor sports games added into the arcade games section.*

*This is the place for those who love dancing and music.*

When I was much younger and Festival Mall was still new, I played lots of games at the arcade of X-Site. Elevator Action Returns, Tekken 2, Tekken 3, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and Tekken Tag Tournament were some of the games I played there as far as I could remember. I never rode the indoor roller coaster because my fondness for roller coasters had faded away even before Festival Mall opened its doors (May 1998).

Back in 1998, I know a few friends whose had not even visited Festival Mall (at the time we talked) yet they already heard of the positive word-of-mouth feedback about the indoor roller coaster of X-Site.

*The indoor roller coaster of X-Site remains a favorite ride for those who kept coming back.*

On December 25, 2023, I visited Festival Mall to look around. I passed by X-Site and I saw an unusually large number of people there composed of young people, children and their parents/guardians.

For the newcomers reading this, December 25 here in the Philippines is a time of having fun during the Christmas season and also it is the day when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) opens in cinemas. This explains why a lot of people spend time at the shopping malls and it is a cultural thing here in the Philippines.

Considering the fact that the original cinemas of Festival Mall have deteriorated leaving only 2 or 3 screens operating (note: the mall also has modern cinemas at the expanded side), a lot of people still visited the mall to watch the MMFF movies that opened on December 25. As for the large number of people who flocked to X-Site that same day, I can only speculate that some of them might have been moviegoers passing the time as they wait for the next screening of movies to watch.

*I took this shot of X-Site on December 25, 2023. Look at the high number of people on the floor.*

If you plan to visit Festival Mall in Alabang and if you are craving for fun rides or games, then you might want to visit X-Site Amusement Center.

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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

Three men arrested for armed robbery inside a village in Parañaque City

November 11, 2024November 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three who were involved in an armed robbery that took place inside a village were apprehended by the local police, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

Three suspected robbers involved in an armed robbery at a residence in Multinational Village, Parañaque City, have been arrested by the Parañaque City police.

According to a report received by Police Brigadier General Bernard R Yang, District Director, a group of six armed male suspects entered the parking lot of a house located at the intersection of Matthew Street and Multinational Avenue. The victims, two Chinese nationals and four Filipinos residing in the house, were held at gunpoint. The suspects bound the victims with duct tape and tied up the in-house security guard, S/G Julius, before moving to the master’s bedroom.

The primary victim, identified as Lin, Chinese national, was threatened and forced to open a vault, from which the suspects stole approximately ₱700,000.00 in cash, ₱280,000.00 from another victim, Yu, and assorted jewelry valued at around ₱400,000. The suspects fled the scene in a sedan, exiting through Multinational Gate 1.

Through coordinated follow-up operations, Parañaque City Police Station’s intelligence and operational teams traced the suspects’ vehicle movements. Witness testimony led to the identification of one suspect, alias “Brian.”

As a result of diligent investigative efforts, law enforcement apprehended three individuals, alias “Brian” (38), John (33), and Jevic (29), all drivers by occupation. Three additional suspects, identified as alias Ruel (40), Ramel (40) and alias Agustin (37), remain at large, with ongoing efforts to locate them.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could armed robbers who would dare to enter gated villages and rob households? How do you think the group of armed robbers in the news report managed to enter the village and proceeded to rob the victims?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Several Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for scamming, forgery, fraud and other violations

November 9, 2024October 31, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested several Chinese nationals who were caught doing scamming operations at the Casiana Residences and one of the suspects even tried bribing the law enforcers to release them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Eighteen Chinese nationals have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for operating a suspected online scam hub at the Casiana Residences in Paranaque City.

One of those arrested, who was suspected to be the group’s leader, attempted to bribe the NBI operatives of P5.1 million for their release, NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago said.

Director Santiago on Wednesday, Oct. 30, presented to the media the suspects, including their arrested leader Hou Jusen.

He said the two Filipino companions of Hou will be used as state witnesses. They were not identified.

The 17 other Chinese nationals were identified as Zhao Jianjin, Huang Cheng Chi, Huang Bi Ying, Li Hui Juan, Lengxin Yu, Liu Xing Rong, Chen Zihao, Zhou You Liang, Chen Xing, Chen Qing Gang, Huang Zhixon, Riu Chen, Mao Jing Hang, Liu Xuan Wu, Wang Wen Bin, Yan Xiao Hong, and Yang Yun.

“Last night (Oct. 29) nagswoop down ang aming mga ahente at nakahuli nga ng labingpito na Chinese while actually engaged in scamming activities (Last night our agents swooped down at the illegal operation and arrested 17 Chinese while actually engaged in scamming activities),” Santiago said.

He said the operation was conducted by the NBI Cybercrime Division (CCD) and Special Task Force (STF) operatives who served a Warrant to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) issued by the Paranaque City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 258.

“Na-seize namin ‘yung mga involved na gadgets, electronic devices (We seized their gadgets and electronic devices),” said NBI-CCD Chief Jeremy C. Lotoc.

Lotoc observed that the scam hub is massive “‘yung kanilang crypto transactions (they have massive crypto transactions).”

He said the operatives discovered social engineering scheme scripts, money muling activities, crypto investment activity, and romance scams.

The 18 arrested Chinese nationals were presented for inquest after their arrest. Hou was charged with corruption of public officials, falsification of public documents, and violating the Anti-Alias Law, Lotoc said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot of Chinese nationals living in your local community secretly doing a scamming operation? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

After 10 years of hiding, wanted man got arrested in Parañaque City for lasciviousness

November 7, 2024October 29, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a wanted man who managed to hide himself from local authorities for a decade was finally arrested by the local police, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect has been wanted for acts of lasciviousness.

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

A man wanted for acts of lasciviousness was finally arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section after 10 years of hiding on Monday, October 28.

Southern Police District (SPD) director PBGen. Bernard Yang identified the suspect as “Noel,” 52. He was arrested in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

Yang said the suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Marie Grace Javier Ibayan of the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, Branch 194 on September 9, 2014, for violation of acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more molesters or wanted criminals who have been hiding in your local community?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City scores big in 2024 Urban Governance Exemplar Awards

November 7, 2024October 30, 2024carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa scored big recently during the 2024 Urban Governance Exemplar Awards held in Quezon City and organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The City Government took home nine awards.

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

The Muntinlupa City government took home nine awards at the 2024 Urban Governance Exemplar Awards organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at Novotel Manila on Oct. 28.

Muntinlupa won the following awards:

– Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Audit (High Functional)

– Peace and Order Council Performance Audit (High Performing)

– Local Council for the Protection of Children Functionality Audit (Ideal)

– Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children Functionality Audit (Highly Functional)

– Manila Bay Clean-Up Rehabilitation and Preservation LGU Compliance Assessment (Highly Compliant)

– Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (Exemplary Peformance)

– Manila Bay Clean-Up Rehabilitation and Preservation LGU Compliance Assessment (Top Performer ISF Cluster)

– Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children Functionality Audit (Top Performer)

– Local Council for the Protection of Children Functionality Audit (Top Performer)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you happy with the many awards the City Government won?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

E-trike driver caught in Las Piñas City for motorcycle theft, crime partner still at large

November 6, 2024October 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, an electric tricycle (e-trike) driver was caught for the theft of a motorcycle while his partner-in-crime managed to escape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

An E-trike driver was arrested for vehicle theft, while his partner escaped condominium security on Monday, October 28.

Colonel Sandro Tafalla, the police chief of Las Piñas, announced that the suspect, known as “Joel,” 46 years old from Cuneta Avenue in Pasay City, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. at the Coastal Plaza Condominium in Barangay Daniel Fajardo, Las Piñas City.

The victim referred to as “George,” 30 years old, reported that his gray-black Honda Click 125 was stolen by two individuals while parked at the Coastal Plaza Condominium.

Upon noticing his missing motorcycle, George reported it to the condominium security guards, Richard Ducrao and Winden Pasok.

The guards stopped the suspects trying to leave the premises with the motorcycle loaded onto the E-trike.

When asked for the motorcycle’s documentation, the suspects failed to provide it, leading one suspect to escape while Joel was caught by security.

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? Has there been a motorcycle theft in your local community over the past six months?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Two persons arrested in Parañaque City for illegal drugs worth P306,000

November 5, 2024October 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two persons were apprehended by the local police as a result of a drugs buy-bust operation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The seized illegal substances were worth over P300,000.

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

Two individuals suspected of drug-related offenses were apprehended during a buy-bust operation executed by the Parañaque Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit, resulting in the seizure of shabu valued at P306,000 on Sunday, October 27.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspects, known by the aliases “Marty,” aged 54, and “Emely,” aged 30, were taken into custody at approximately 4:00 p.m. in Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City.

The SPD reported that the operation culminated in the confiscation of 45 grams of shabu, amounting to P306,000, along with a P500 bill utilized as buy-bust money, a coin purse, and a mobile phone.

Following their arrest, the suspects were held at the police custodial facility and are facing charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the illegal drug trade will worsen within the city?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

8 illegal aliens who were arrested in Alabang will be deported

November 4, 2024November 2, 2024carlocarrasco

The eight illegal aliens – seven Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen – who were recently arrested inside Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, will soon be deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). All of the suspects were found to be undocumented and also under suspicion of scamming.

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

The eight foreigners apprehended for illegally staying in the country at a village in Muntinlupa City are set for deportation, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday.

Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, in a news release, said seven Chinese nationals and a Vietnamese national were arrested by operatives of the BI’s intelligence division along three streets inside the village on Oct. 22.

“The homeowner association representatives of the Ayala Alabang Village were very helpful in helping us verify target areas,” he said in statement.

All of them were found to be undocumented — two of whom were also found to be overstaying while one was suspected to be an illegal entrant.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier reported that items used for online scamming were seized from the suspects.

Viado noted that they have received information that smaller “pockets” of scamming hubs are forming after the closure of big Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs in the country.

“We have found reason to file deportation cases against them. They will be considered undesirables once their cases are resolved, and face deportation,” the BI chief added.

The operation was conducted with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the NBI National Capital Region (NCR).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted that the local authorities arrested the illegal aliens and prevented them from proceeding with scams? Do you think there are small groups from POGOs that could be secretly operating in your local community?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Mayor expresses thanks to local rescuers and volunteers who worked during Typhoon Kristine

November 4, 2024October 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed her thanks to the local rescuers and volunteers who took part in helping almost five hundred families whose lives were severely disrupted by Typhoon Kristine, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar thanked rescuers and volunteers for swiftly acting to evacuate 489 families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Aguilar was grateful to the rescuers composed of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), the City Health Office (CHO), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and volunteers for immediately evacuating residents who were staying in low-lying areas and bringing them to evacuation centers.

She said Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution of essential aid, like modular tents to evacuees, cooked meals, and relief items to families affected by Kristine.

The mayor said families at the evacuation sites were also given prophylactic medicine for leptospirosis, distributed vitamins, free medical check-ups, and essential medications and face masks by the CHO team led by Dr. Julie Gonzalez.

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 think the local rescuers and volunteers did a good job helping the typhoon victims? Do you wish to the see the City Government focus more on flood-prevention programs?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for various violations

November 3, 2024October 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three Chinese nationals got apprehended by the local police for different violations that include illegally possessing guns and violating the land transportation code, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Three Chinese nationals were arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Tambo Substation for illegal possession of drugs, firearms and for violations of the land transportation and traffic code on Thursday, October 24.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the suspects, identified as alias “Zhenhua,” 30, alias “Zhi,” 29, and alias “Miu,” 26, were arrested at around 7:58 a.m.

They were spotted by patrolling policemen acting suspiciously and changing the plate number of two vehicles.

The police said that when requested to present documents for the two vehicles, the suspects failed to show any and attempted to flee leading to a brief chase and to their eventual arrest.

The police recovered from Zhenhua 25 grams of shabu worth P197,000 and one Bersa caliber .380 pistol. The same amount of shabu was also recovered from alias Zhi. Alias Miu yielded P120,000 worth of marijuana and a .9mm pistol.

The police also recovered from the suspects six different license plates and tools including handcuffs and shovels.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there are still a lot of Chinese nationals violating laws within the city? What do you think makes Parañaque such a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?

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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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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