Recently in the City of ParaƱaque, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) organized a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrests of three suspects and the seizure of more than P3 million worth of illegal substance at the basement parking of a certain shopping mall, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Government anti-narcotics authorities seized P3.4 million worth of shabu on Tuesday, April 16, following the arrest of three suspects during a buy-bust operation at the basement parking of a shopping mall in ParaƱaque City.
In an initial report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said that the law enforcers confiscated 500 grams of shabu from Asher Guiani, 32; Ariedz Guiani, 27; and Almajid Kudandin, 22, at around 12:20 p.m. during the operation in barangay Don Bosco.
Aside from shabu concealed in six pieces of knot-tied transparent plastic sachets, the operatives seized a genuine P1,000 bill with serial number NUO69267 placed on top of boodle money, one cellphone, a laminated temp PhilSys identification (ID) card under the name of Ariedz Guiaman Guiani and black Hyundai Accent vehicle with license plate AQQ2908 with ignition key.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, are you concerned that there could be more people engaging in illegal drugs and other high-stakes criminal activities within the city? Do you think it will be long before ParaƱaque will get declared as a drug-free city?
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
Recently the New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) ā the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City ā announced through social media that it has provided assistance and relief to fire victims in the cities of Las PiƱas and ParaƱaque.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the April 15, 2024 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
On March 13, we visited four evacuation centers in Las Pinas in response to fire incidents. In addition to providing seven weeks of consecutive feeding for victims of the Pilar fire, we revisited the San Isidro – Manuyo Dos Evacuation Center.
We also extended assistance to those affected by the recent fire disaster on April 11 in Greenhills, Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque, where approximately 180 individuals were affected. We were met with hopeful eyes and grateful smiles as they shared stories of how high school students donated their lunch boxes to the community.
We are grateful for your support and invite you to partner with us in aiding our fellow Filipinos who have been displaced.
For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here, here, here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has a history of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.
NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video belowā¦
If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Lifeās compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:
For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.
In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true.
The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.
Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.
Proverbs 19:17 (AMPC)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
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
Recently in the City of Las PiƱas, the City Government formally turned over vehicles for the transportation and benefit of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) during a ceremony at City Hall, according to the City Governmentās social media post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Governmentās social media post. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The City Local Government of Las PiƱas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, conducted its weekly flag-raising ceremony this Monday, which included a significant initiative for the communityās disabled members. The ceremony featured the turnover of specially equipped vehicles intended for the transportation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Vice Mayor Aguilar, overseeing the event, emphasized the local governmentās commitment to inclusivity and mobility for all citizens. She highlighted that the new vehicles would help PWDs access various services more easily and participate more actively in community life.
The event, attended by city officials and local leaders, underscores the administrationās efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents, particularly those facing mobility challenges.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with the turnover of vehicles for the local PWDs? Are there many members of your local community who identify as PWD?
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
Recently Muntinlupa City hosted the 2024 edition of the Flavors of NCR food festival at the Filinvest City Central Park in Alabang and I personally witnessed the formal opening ceremony which involved many high-level officials and special guests. A lot of people visited the food festival on April 19 and 20 which added to the credibility of Filinvest City Central Park as a suitable open-air venue for special events.
For the newcomers reading this, Flavors of NCR is a special event presented by the Association of Tourism Officers ā NCR which collaborated with the City Government of Muntinlupa for this yearās event. It is a showcase of unique cuisine found in the sixteen cities and one municipality of the National Capital Region (NCR). The local government units (LGUs) that participated include: Caloocan, Las PiƱas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, ParaƱaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and the Municipality of Pateros.
Event launch
The ribbon cutting led by high officials that include Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano (3rd from left), Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon (3rd from right) and Department of Tourism-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin (2nd from left) to name a few.
The opening ceremony of Flavors of NCR 2024 was attended by Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, Department of Tourism-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Association of Tourism Officers-NCR headed by Manila City Tourism chief Charlie Dungo, and Pasay City chief of staff Peter Eric Pardo. Also present were Muntinlupa Vice Mayor Temy Simundac and Muntinlupa City Council Raul Corro.
āWe are delighted to host the Flavors of NCR,ā Mayor Biazon stated during his welcome remarks to all the guests. ā(We acknowledge) the presence of other cities here so that their products will be showcased and we are proud to have you here.ā
Biazon stressed that hosting the Flavors of NCR opens up opportunities for Metro Manilaās LGUs and their respective food-and-beverage stakeholders access to the Calabarzon region composed of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon with a collective population of over sixteen million people.
It should be noted that the Alabang area of Muntinlupa is a popular destination for Calabarzon residents as well as those from nearby cities who enjoy shopping and recreational activities during the weekend. That being said, Flavors of NCR fits nicely with the weekend vibe at Filinvest City.
After the formal ribbon-cutting was done, Flavors of NCR 2024 officially opened and a lot of people and photographers followed Biazon and the guests visit the different food booths of each city.
Each LGU and their best
I visited and explored the designated areas (also referred to as āboothsā) of each LGU during the food festival. Each area had a different style of interiors and layouts of food, drinks and other products being offered to visitors. There were also chairs and tables present for those who need to seat down and eat. Check out my raw YouTube videos plus pictures belowā¦
Native delicacies on display for sale at the Las PiƱas City booth.
Burger patties being cooked at the Mandaluyong City area.
Delicious halo-halo from Aling Consuelo Halo-Halo sa Ugbo. This was sold at P100 each.
Marikina City had four sellers that attracted customers during the food festival.
Drinks, dessert and other stuff offered to customers at the Las PiƱas City booth.
As expected, the variety of food and drinks were really great. Offered to customers were chicken, beef, pork, siomai, barbeque, puto, bibingka, pansit, siopao, fried chicken, roasted pig, pastries, cakes, halo-halo and ice cream to name some. There were also non-food products being sold such as bags and accessories in some booths.
The Muntinlupa City area.
Sea food and other food items being sold at the ParaƱaque City booth.
Fried chicken being prepared for customers.
The best of Muntinlupa City offered to customers.
Food and bags for sale inside the booth of Malabon City.
It was really nice to see these small businesses represent their locality and offered their best products to visitors at Filinvest City Central Park. Adding zest to the food festival were some performances by different bands from the cities of NCR. There also was a modern dance activity that drew in lots of visitors which added to the customers at the food festival.
Conclusion
The 2024 edition of Flavors of NCR at Filinvest City Central Park was indeed a nice showcase of what each LGU had to offer for those who love food and drinks. In addition, this festival really emphasized unity between the local governments of NCR and it also promoted local tourism. The festival also attracted some residents of Filinvest Cityās residential towers (plus others from Ayala Alabang, Palms Pointe Village and other residential communities) and some employees (who worked at offices near the park) whose shifts ended.
In the perspective of tourism, this event really boosted Filinvest City Central Parkās status as a venue for special events or activities. To date, the said park continues to be an attraction for visitors and already it has been used by organizers of sports events and musical events.
This was taken during Saturday night.
The successful staging of Flavors of NCR could inspire food festival organizers to have their events held within Filinvest City in the future.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: Were you able to attend Flavors of NCR at the central park in Filinvest City? If you did, how was your experience? Do you wish to see another food festival to be held at Filinvest City Central Park soon?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated local Grade 5 student Antonio Pio Vivo for achieving honors for the country by winning the bronze medal in a mathematics contest held in Thailand, 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 boldfaceā¦
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated a Grade 5 student who won in an international math contest in Thailand.
Antonio Pio Vivo of San Beda College Alabang won a bronze medal at the International Talent Mathematics Contest (ITMC) held in Thailand.
Vivo is one of the Filipino students who competed and won in the contest participated in by students from 10 countries and regions: Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
āNakakaproud talaga ang mga kabataang MuntinlupeƱo na nag-eexcel in many various fields (We really feel proud about young MuntinlupeƱo who excel in many various fields),ā said Biazon.
āCongratulations ulit, Antonio! Sana ma-inspire mo rin ang iba pang kabataang MuntinlupeƱo na mag-excel in both academics and sports (Congratulations again, Antonio! I hope you will inspire other young MuntinlupeƱo to excel in both academics and sports),ā he added.
Before competing in Thailand, Vivo also joined and won in other math and science contests in South Korea and Hong Kong. Vivo also won a gold medal at the 1st MRB Taekwondo Cup last November.
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 about the achievement by the local Grade 5 student who brought honors for the country?
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
Recently in the City of ParaƱaque, another case of the usurpation of authority happened as a civilian was arrested by police officers at the ParaƱaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) for the unauthorized wearing of the Philippine National Policeās (PNP) athletic uniform, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Police officers apprehended a civilian clad in the athletic uniform of the Philippine National Police (PNP) while taking selfies in ParaƱaque City.
In a report Tuesday, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Tupil of the Southern Police District (SPD) said he was aboard a bus when he saw the 38-year-old suspect, identified as alias “Jefferson,” along Coastal Road on Monday.
Tupas said the suspect was wearing the shirt of the PNP athletic uniform, jogging pants, and slippers and appeared to be taking selfies.
Upon reaching the ParaƱaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Tupil approached the suspect and requested him to present his PNP identification card, which the suspect failed to show.
Tupil promptly contacted Sub-Station 2 of the ParaƱaque City Police, which immediately sent officers who apprehended the suspect and took him to the station for documentation and proper disposition.
āUnauthorized wearing of PNP uniforms is strictly prohibited and anyone caught will be criminally held liable for Usurpation of Authority under RPC (Revised Penal Code) Art. 177 (Usurpation of Authority of Official Function) and Art. 179 (Illegal Use of Uniforms and Insignias),ā the SPD said in a statement.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, are you concerned that there could be more civilians who somehow acquired uniforms from authorities which they could use to fool and intimidate others? Are many people in your local community aware that the usurpation of authority is a serious crime?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally raise the monthly allowance of its athletes under Class A who represented the city in competitions locally and overseas, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The raise was done by means of legislation.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The Muntinlupa City government has increased the monthly allowance of its Class A athletes who represent the city in local and international competitions.
Ordinance 2024-164, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 11.
Under the ordinance, a Class A athlete is someone who has shown excellence in sports and is representing Muntinlupa in regional, national, international and invitational competitions including the Olympics, Asian Games, SEA Games, world championships, Philippine National Games, national finals, Philippine Youth Games, and Palarong Pambansa.
For 2024, Class A athletes from the years 2022 to 2023 will receive a monthly allowance of P1,000 while additional athletes will start from P500 per month.
For 2025, Class A athletes of 2023 will get P1,500 per month; P2,000 per month in 2026; P2,500 per month in 2027; and P3,000 per month in 2028.
The allowance can be used by athletes to buy food and medicine, transportation, equipment for training, playing uniform and other expenses for their studies, the ordinance stated.
The criteria for the selection of Class A athletes are: should be a resident of Muntinlupa for at least one year during the time of his training or joining a competition; recommended by the coach; and those who represent Muntinlupa who win gold, silver and bronze medals in international, national, regional and invitational competitions certified by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Sports Association, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education and International Sports Federation.
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 confident that the raise of allowance for the local Class A athletes will boost their moral and encourage more locals to excel in sports?
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
Recently in the City of Las PiƱas, police officers arrested a woman who has been wanted for theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect, who has since been detained, was one of the Top 10 most wanted persons.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
A 21-year-old woman wanted for theft was arrested by operatives of Las PiƱas Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Station Intelligence Section (SIS) on Friday, April 5.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said Las PiƱas police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported the arrest of alias Chin-Chin tagged as Top 10 most wanted person.
Tafalla said the police apprehended the suspect at around 3:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulunglua Unot, Las PiƱas City by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Teodoro S. Carbonera of Las PiƱas City Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 121 on January 31, 2024 for the service of sentence.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that some members of your local community could be wanted by the police for crimes previously committed?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that its Treasurerās Office will no longer accept personal and company checks as forms of payment, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. This effectively means that only cash and managerās checks will be accepted by the said office on-site (over the counter).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The Muntinlupa City government announced that its Treasurerās Office will no longer accept personal and company checks as payment.
In a Facebook post on April 1, the city government said this is based on the āCommission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 2013-004, Items 26-28, Chapter IIā or the Revised Cash Examination Manual.
It said only cash and managerās checks with the City Treasurer of Muntinlupa as payee will be accepted for on-site payment.
Under items 26 to 28 of the COA circular, āChecks presented for payment must be drawn by the payor himself and made payable to the agency or head of agency. In the latter case, only the official title or designation of the agency head concerned shall be stated as the payee.ā
It prohibits the following checks as payment: checks drawn payable to the name of the agency head or any of its officers, endorsed private checks, post-dated checks, and stale checks.
āWhen a check drawn in favor of the government is not accepted by the drawee for any reason, the drawer shall continue to be liable for the sum due and all penalties resulting from delayed payments. Where the reason for non-acceptance by the drawee bank is insufficiency of funds, the drawer shall be criminally liable therefore,ā the circular stated.
It added, āWhenever a payor has a record of a previously dishonored private check drawn by him in payment of taxes and dues, even if such check has already been settled, any private check presented by him shall no longer be accepted. In such case, the payor shall be required to pay only in cash or by certified check. Each agency head, or treasurer, in the case of local government units, shall make a list of payors whose checks have been dishonored and shall circularize the list to all COs under his jurisdiction.ā
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, do you have any issues with having to pay only cash or managerās checks to the Treasurerās Office?
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
Recently in the City of ParaƱaque, a police officer was apprehended for shooting dead a motorcycle rider in Barangay San Dionisio, according to a GMA Network news report. The incident happened during Holy Week and the suspect (currently in jail) denied the allegations against him.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
A police officer who is an active member of the mobile unit of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group was arrested for allegedly shooting a motorcycle rider in Barangay San Dionisio, ParaƱaque.
According to Mariz Umali’s Saturday 24 Oras Weekend report, 27-year-old Neil Wong was shot dead at around 6:40 a.m. He was seen by a witness talking to the suspect before the attack.
āNakita ko nang bumagsak na po yung biktima. Tapos sinisigawan ko na yung suspect, sabi ko āHuy!āā said the witness.
(I saw the victim fall. Then, I shouted at the suspect, I said āHuy!ā)
According to the ParaƱaque Police, the suspect attempted to steal the victimās motorcycle but ran after it failed to start and was arrested by a passing police patrol.
Taken from the suspect were his service firearm, bullets, and two of the victimās mobile phones.
āAng motibo na nakikita namin dito yung robbery,ā said ParaƱaque Police Investigation Chief Police Captain Melvin Garcia.
(The motive that weāre seeing is robbery.)
The victim may also have been in the area because his motorcycle broke down.
Meanwhile, the suspect denied the allegations.
āBigla niya kong binato out of nowhere. Kala ko di niya sinasadya. Tapos maya-maya bigla niya ko minura. Kaya ko yun nagawa sa kanya, yung binaril ko siya. Humihingi ako ng tawad sa lahat ng kaanak, sa mga magulang at saka sa mga mahal niya sa buhay,ā the suspect said.
(He suddenly threw something at me out of nowhere. I thought he didnāt mean it, but later he suddenly cursed at me. Thatās why I did it, shooting him. Iām asking for forgiveness from all his relatives, parents, and his loved ones)
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque, are you concerned that motorcycle robberies could happen near your local community? Do you think the suspect is telling the truth?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 