Southeast Asia – Page 3 – Author Carlo Carrasco

2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) Set For May 2 And 3, Registration Ongoing

February 17, 2026February 16, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) – the longest running international triathlon event of the Philippines – will be held on May 2 and 3, 2026, inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and already online registration (note: RaceYa account is required) is ongoing.

The event is formally referred to as the 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon which will be organized by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) and is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Gatorade and the Western Guaranty Corporation.

Available details

On May 2, Sprint Distance (750 Meter Swim – 20 Kilometer Bike – 5 Kilometer Run) races will be held.

On May 3, the Standard Distance (1.5 Km Swim – 40 Km Bike – 10 Km Run), Sprint Distance, Super Sprint Distance (500 M swim – 13 Km Bike – 2.5 Km Run) and Super TriKids events will take place.

Race categories are the Elite, Age Group Sprint, Age Group Standard, Age Group U15 Super Sprint and Super TriKids

Registration fees

The Early Bird period of registration fees is now in effect and the fees are as follows:

Standard Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees

Sprint Distance – P5,500 plus online registration fees

Super Sprint Distance – P4,500 plus online registration fees

Super TriKids – P3,500 plus online registration fees

The Early Bird period of registration will last until February 28, 2026.

Effective March 1, 2026, the Regular registration fees will take effect which are as follows:

Standard Distance – P6,500 plus online registration fees

Sprint Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees

Super Sprint Distance – P5,000 plus online registration fees

Super TriKids – P4,000 plus online registration fees

The Regular period of registration will last until March 31, 2026.

Effective April 1, 2026, the Late registration fees will take effect which are as follows:

Standard Distance – P7,500 plus online registration fees

Sprint Distance – P7,000 plus online registration fees

Super Sprint Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees

Super TriKids – P5,000 plus online registration fees

*Online banner of the 2026 NTT Asia Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon.*

Other key details of the event such as the final schedules, the race maps and more will be updated at the official event page at RaceYa.

To get registered for the 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon, click https://register.raceya.fit/event/subit2026

To receive more triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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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

Wanted Painter Arrested In Las Piñas City For Attempted Murder

February 16, 2026February 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a wanted painter was apprehended by the local police over the charge of attempted murder, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Las Piñas police arrested a painter, listed as the station’s No. 3 Most Wanted Person, for attempted murder during a manhunt operation on Feb. 5.

Col. Wilson Delos Santos, Las Piñas City Police chief, said the suspect, Reynard, 34, was nabbed by members of the Warrant and Subpoena Section at his residence in San Jose Street, Barangay Ilaya, Las Piñas City.

The police served the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ma. Ludmila de Pio Lim of the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court, Branch 253, on July 8, 2025, for attempted murder with a recommended bail of P120,000

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 thankful to the local police for apprehending the suspect? Are you concerned that there could be some other people out there who are wanted for attempted murder but have yet to be arrested?

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

2.26 Million Filipinos Jobless in December 2025, Unemployment Rate Lands At 4.4%

February 15, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Over two million Filipinos were reported jobless for the month of December 2025 with the unemployment rate landing at 4.4%, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The country’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.4 percent in December 2025 from the previous month, but underlying labor market data pointed to emerging softness as the number of jobless Filipinos continued to rise.

The latest preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released Friday, Feb. 6, showed that around 2.26 million Filipinos were unemployed in December, up sharply from 1.63 million during the same month in 2024 and slightly higher than the 2.25 million recorded in November.

The increase came alongside a labor force participation rate of 64.4 percent, translating to about 51.69 million Filipinos aged 15 and above who were either employed or actively seeking work.

The employment rate settled at 95.6 percent for the month, down from 96.9 percent in December 2024, while the underemployment rate fell to a single-digit eight percent in December—the lowest on record, National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa noted at a press briefing. The last time that underemployment reached a single-digit rate was in May 2024, when it stood at 9.9 percent.

For full-year 2025, the employment rate slipped to 95.8 percent from 96.2 percent in 2024, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent from 3.8 percent. Underemployment held steady at 11.9 percent, the same level recorded in 2024.

Mapa attributed the year-on-year increase in unemployment primarily to the construction sector, which reportedly shed 550,000 jobs.

He noted that weak growth in construction—particularly public construction—was the main driver of the rise in unemployment. The sector further declined in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the third quarter.

Reductions in employment were also observed in transportation and storage (258,000), fishing and aquaculture (258,000), and manufacturing (255,000), but Mapa emphasized that construction accounted for the largest impact.

While employment grew by around 172,000 in 2025 compared with 2024, Mapa said this was the lowest annual increase in the past three years, excluding the pandemic years.

He noted that employment had risen by 1.29 million in 2023 compared with 2022 and by 664,000 in 2024 compared with 2023, highlighting a clear downward trend.

The slowdown was largely due to the construction sector contributing fewer workers compared with previous years, as reduced public construction activity translated into lower employment.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think unemployment all over the Philippines will gradually get worse over the next twelve months? If the economic growth of the Philippines weakens further, do you think job opportunities will be reduced?

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

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Philippines January 2026 Inflation Rate Lands At 2%

February 14, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

The inflation rate of the Philippines for the month of January 2026 landed at 2% which is the highest in almost a year’s time, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

PHILIPPINE INFLATION accelerated to its fastest pace in nearly a year in January amid a faster rise in rents and electricity rates, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Headline inflation picked up to 2% from 1.8% in December but slowed from 2.9% in the same month last year. This was the fastest pace seen in 11 months or since 2.1% in February 2025.

It also marked the first time in almost a year that the consumer price index (CPI) hit the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2%-4% target.

The January clip was likewise above the 1.8% median forecast in a BusinessWorld poll of 18 economists but was within the central bank’s 1.4%-2.2% estimate for the month.

“The main reason for the higher inflation rate in January 2026 compared with December 2025 is the faster price increase in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which recorded a 3.3% inflation rate,” National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said at a news briefing on Thursday.

Inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels quickened to 3.3%, the fastest since 3.8% in August 2024.

According to the PSA, this commodity group had a 45.9% share in the overall inflation uptick in January.

Broken down, inflation for electricity rose to 6.5% year on year in January from the revised 4% in December, while rental prices picked up by 2.9% during the month from 2.4% in December.

This comes even after Manila Electric. Co. trimmed electricity rates by 16.37 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P12.9508 per kWh last month from P13.1145 per kWh in December, which meant households consuming an average of 200 kWh paid P33 less in their monthly electricity bill.

In January 2025, Meralco charged P11.7428 per kWh.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the government is enforcing programs to manage price pressures emerging from the energy sector. It includes improving the Department of Energy’s Net Metering Program by enforcing time-bound local permitting, simplifying utility documentary requirements and expanding consumer incentives.

“The program allows consumers to install eligible renewable energy systems and export surplus electricity to the grid, helping lower electricity costs and support the energy transition,” the DEPDev said in a statement.

Mr. Mapa also noted that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) added price pressures, as inflation settled at -2.8% in January from -5.1% in December.

In January, Petron Corp. hiked LPG prices by P2.18 per kilogram (kg), while Solane imposed a P2.18-per-kg increase.

This means that the price of a household-standard 11-kg LPG tank ranged from P820 to P1,120 last month, based on data from the Department of Energy.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines could rise to as much as 3% this year? What do you think will be the factors – both internal and external – that will cause the inflation rate to spike?

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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More Senior Citizens Benefitting From Muntinlupa’s RIDEMed Program

February 14, 2026February 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Senior citizens of Muntinlupa who are bedridden and those who are at least 80-years-old are benefitting from the City Government’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program and almost two thousand seniors have registered as of January, according to a Manila Bulletin news article.

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

The Muntinlupa City government’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program is benefitting senior citizens who are bedridden and those who are at least 80 years old.

Launched last October, RIDEMed is the home delivery component of the city government’s free medicines initiative for senior citizens.

The program ensures that eligible seniors receive their maintenance medicines regularly, conveniently, and with basic health monitoring at home.

One of the beneficiaries of RIDEMEd is Gloria Ayesa, 64, a resident of Alabang, who is a diabetes patient and whose legs were amputated.

“Dati aligaga ako kung saan kukuha ng pambili, ngayon regular na ako nakakainom ng gamot. Malaking bagay yung dinadalhan ako ng gamot dito sa bahay. Mayroon akong diabetes, una, pinutol yung kanan kong binti. Kalaunan, yung kaliwa naman. Wala na akong magagawa, nabubulok na, kaysa naman mamatay ako (I used to be worried about where to buy medicine, now I take medicine regularly. It’s a big deal that medicine is brought to my house. I have diabetes, first, my right leg was amputated. Later, the left one. I can’t do anything, it’s rotting, rather than die),” she told the city government.

She added, “Malaking tulong sa akin yun na hindi na ako naghahanap ng pambili, mayroon nang naghahatid. Sa mga katulad kong hindi na nakakalabas ng bahay, wala na kayong iisipin. May mga gamot na kayo. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa iyo Mayor Biazon, at sa OSCA, kasi kung hindi naman sa inyo wala akong gamot. Maraming marami pong salamat (It’s a big help to me that I don’t have to look for medicine anymore, someone delivers it. For those like me who can’t leave the house, you don’t have to think about it anymore. You already have medicine. I’m very grateful to you, Mayor Biazon, and to OSCA [Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs], because if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have medicine. Thank you very much).”

The free medicines being delivered to senior citizens in Muntinlupa under RIDEMed are losartan and amlodipine for hypertension, metformin for diabetes, atorvastatin for high cholesterol, and Vitamin B Complex.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said RIDEMEd is an example that healthcare in Muntinlupa should be accessible.

“RIDEMed is proof that healthcare services should be within easy reach, especially for our senior citizens. Our goal is to make their access to care easier, more organized, and continuously supported,” he told Manila Bulletin, adding that he wants to expand RIDEMed to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

As of January this year, a total of 1,931 senior citizens in Muntinlupa are registered and currently undergoing assessment. The oldest beneficiary is a 111-year-old grandmother from Ayala Alabang.

Mahalia Divinasflores, officer-in-charge of Muntinlupa OSCA, said, “RIDEMed is important because it removes one of the biggest barriers senior citizens face in managing their health: access.”

“This program ensures continuity of care, prevents complications from untreated chronic illnesses, and gives peace of mind not only to seniors but also to their families,” she said.

Divinasflores said the response from beneficiaries is very positive.

“The response from our senior citizens has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express deep gratitude because RIDEMed eases the physical and financial burden of regularly obtaining medicines. Seniors often share that the program makes them feel remembered and cared for, especially those who rarely leave their homes,” she said.

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 to see the RIDEMed program helping the qualified senior citizens of the city get their medicine? Are there any senior citizens in your local community who are qualified for RIDEMed?

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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Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City, Marijuana Worth P112,000 Seized

February 13, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers pulled off a successful buy-bust operation that resulted in the apprehension of two suspects and the seizure of marijuana kush worth P112,000, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Authorities arrested two drug suspects and seized P112,000 worth of marijuana kush during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Parañaque City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU).

The suspects were identified as Dagul, 23, and Joshua, 20, both residents of Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Police said the operation was launched after the SDEU received intelligence reports regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal drug activities. The two were apprehended after selling marijuana kush to an undercover police operative.

Recovered from the suspects were 76 grams of marijuana kush valued at P112,000, marked buy-bust money, a cellular phone, and a black pouch.

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 glad the local police officers succeeded in arresting the suspects? Has the illegal drug trade affected 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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Las Piñas City Recognized For Advancing Animal Welfare

February 12, 2026February 7, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government received a certificate of recognition for the advancement of animal welfare, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. Mayor April Aguilar formally received the certificate.

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

The city government of Las Piñas has been recognized as one of the first local government units (LGUs) in the country to receive a Certificate of Recognition for Advancing Animal Welfare in the Philippines.

Mayor April Aguilar said the award was conferred by the Animal Health and Welfare Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on the Las Piñas City Veterinary Services Office, headed by Dr. August Michael Basangan, in acknowledgment of its significant contributions to promoting and protecting animal welfare in the city.

Aguilar said the city was cited for its strong and consistent implementation of Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act.

She added that Las Piñas continues to roll out various animal welfare programs, including free spay and neuter services, anti-rabies vaccination, monthly pet adoption events, pet registration, and pet microchipping.

The mayor also highlighted the City Animal Shelter as a key component of the city’s animal welfare initiatives. The facility serves as a haven for abandoned, rescued, and neglected animals, providing them with proper care and protection.

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 that the city was recognized for advancing animal welfare? Should more animal shelters be built and opened in 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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I Love Israel: Direct Flights Between Israel And The Philippines In 2027 Planned

February 11, 2026February 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Holy Land in Israel as well as the many other nice places which welcome tourists from around the world? EL AL Airlines, the national airline of Israel, announced its plans to introduce direct flights between Israel and the Philippines starting some time in 2027, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The plans are subject to regulatory approvals as of this writing. The Israel-Philippines route is just one of several new routes EL AL is pushing for.

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

Israel’s national carrier, EL AL Airlines, announced plans to introduce nonstop flights between Israel and the Philippines, following a series of talks.

In a social media post on Monday, EL AL said it is rolling out the broadest route network in its history, with nine new destinations set to launch in 2027.

The expansion includes new long-haul nonstop flights to Hanoi in Vietnam, Seoul in South Korea and Manila, with three weekly flights to each destination to be operated using the airline’s Dreamliner aircraft, offering economy, premium and business classes.

The planned nonstop flight between Israel and Manila comes after discussions on the feasibility of a direct air link, seen as a boost to tourism, business travel and people-to-people exchanges.

EL AL said ticket sales for Hanoi flights are now open, while sales for Seoul will begin in May.

Further details on the Manila route, including the start of sales and flight schedules, will be announced at a later date.

For its part, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) of the Philippines supports the plan citing President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to expand international air connectivity and the strengthening the bilateral ties between nations. High-level talks happened between the DOTr and the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippine Dana Kursh.

Having been to Israel myself, I am delighted with the planned Israel-Philippine direct flights planned by EL AL. Direct flights will help not only Filipinos but also foreign travelers to visit Israel for business, pilgrimage and leisure.

When I first traveled to Israel in 2023, it was on an EL AL flight using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Then our Israel pilgrimage tour took place afterwards and I personally witnessed God’s Word come to life whenever we visited the many sites of the Holy Land. I encourage you all to read my feature articles about the Pool of Siloam, the Southern Steps in Jerusalem, Nazareth Village, the grave of Oskar Schindler, the Dead Sea Beach, and some nice commercial joints (click here, here, here and here).

Having direct flights between the Jewish state and the Philippines will also help my native country attract more foreign tourists as well as Israeli investors and technology developers. The Philippines right now is experiencing slower economic growth, having trouble attracting foreign investors and it remains a weak compared with its Southeast Asian neighbors when it comes to attracting foreign tourists.

As such, I encourage all of you to pray to God for the planned Israel-Philippines direct flights of EL AL Airlines to be fulfilled, and for improvements in the ties between Israel and the Philippines. As I mentioned many times online, Israel-Philippines ties are essential!

To all my readers, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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Wanted Construction Worker Apprehended In Las Piñas City

February 10, 2026February 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested a construction worker who has been wanted for some time, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Police arrested a construction worker, listed as the No. 8 Most Wanted Person at the station level, in Las Piñas City on Feb. 2

Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Wilson Delos Santos said the suspect, identified as alias DJ, 39, was nabbed at his residence on Gen. Luna Street, Barangay Manuyo Uno, Las Piñas City.

Delos Santos said the arrest was carried out by members of the Warrant and Subpoena Section for violation of Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The warrant of arrest for the service of sentence was issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of the Las Piñas City Family Court, Branch 2. He is currently detained at the custodial facility of the Las Piñas City Police Station.

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 thankful to the local police for arresting the suspect? Does this development make you feel safer?

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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Man Arrested In Parañaque City For Possession of Marijuana

February 10, 2026February 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a 21-year-old over the possession of marijuana kush, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The estimated value of the seized marijuana is P280,000.

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

Police arrested a 21-year-old man for possession of 199 grams of marijuana kush during a buy-bust operation launched by the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit on Feb. 4.

The suspect, identified as Paolo, a resident of Pasay City, was apprehended around 8:55 a.m. at Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Sto. Nino, Parañaque City.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect was held after selling one sachet of marijuana kush worth P1,400 to an undercover police operative.

Confiscated from the suspect were 199 grams of marijuana kush worth P280,000, one black belt bag, one black cellular phone, and the buy-bust money.

Paolo was detained at the Parañaque City Police custodial facility and charged with violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

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 people possessing and transporting marijuana around?

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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