Southeast Asia – Page 33 – Author Carlo Carrasco

New Korean volunteers in Muntinlupa City

May 22, 2025May 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a new batch of Korean volunteers were deployed for activities in childhood development centers and Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed 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…

The second batch of Korean volunteer-teachers was deployed to childhood development centers (CDC) in Muntinlupa.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed the 10 new Korean volunteers coming from different backgrounds including education, media and arts, advertising and sanitation engineering.

“Ready na silang makipag-collaborate sa ating CDC teachers and workers, at matuto rin mula sa ating communities (They are ready to collaborate with our CDC teachers and workers, and also learn from our communities),” posted on Facebook.

The program is part of the partnership between the Muntinlupa City government, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), aiming to improve child development in the city.

“We are excited to welcome this new wave of knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange with our Korean friends. We hope our Korean friends will also discover and appreciate the richness of Filipino culture and the warm spirit of Muntinlupeños,” Biazon added.

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 think the activities of the newest batch of Korean volunteers will be beneficial to local childhood development?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Las Piñas City Congressman-elect Mark Santos hopes his victory will inspire future leaders who were never given a chance before

May 22, 2025May 20, 2025carlocarrasco

As some of you may already be aware, long-time City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos pulled off a major upset over Senator Cynthia Villar in the recent local elections and has since been proclaimed as the next Congressional Representative of the city. The Congressman-elect was interviewed by ABS-CBN through their ANC Headstart program and he hopes to inspire future leaders who previously were not given chances to serve.

For historical context, different members of the influential Villar family represented Las Piñas in the House of Representatives since 1992, and there were also members who went on to get elected as Philippine Senators. Senator Cynthia Villar was first elected to the Senate in 2013 and her 2^nd 6-year term is ending soon. Before she entered the Senate, she was also the city’s Congressional Representative. In the past election, Santos was the teammate of Mayor-elect April Aguilar. To get to know Santos better, check out his Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/KonsMark2022

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

Mark Antony Santos, the newly-elected congressional representative of Las Piñas, said Thursday it was “not in my wildest dreams” to challenge the Villar family’s decades-long hold in the post.

“Not in my wildest dream talaga na tumakbo and to fight against a well-entrenched family in Las Piñas,” he told ANC’s Headstart.

Santos was proclaimed Las Piñas congressman-elect after defeating Sen. Cynthia Villar. As of Thursday’s partial and unofficial count, Santos had obtained 108,206 votes while Villar only had 78,526 votes.

It was one of the most stunning upsets in the 2025 midterm polls considering that the Villars had occupied the said congressional post since 1992.

If you can imagine pinakamayaman, number 1 sa Forbes list… It’s a historical record sa Las Piñas, since 1992 nasa Villar ang mga congress representatives namin dito,” Santos said.

But Santos said he remained “grounded” and gave in to the public clamor for change.

“Kasi grounded tayo, nagkaroon tayo ng consultation. Siguro public clamor na rin ito for a change,” he said.

Santos was long-time councilor in the city, and aligned with the Aguilars, a family who is also related to the Villars.

The new congressman denied that his victory was only a result of the alleged infighting between the 2 political families, adding that he was an “independent” candidate.

Santos said his advocacy in the upcoming Congress is to push for socialized housing.

He said he hoped that his win could be an inspiration for leaders who were “never given a chance” due to the country’s political landscape.

“Maraming qualified na magagaling na tao. Pero dahil sa situation, political landscape, talagang wala eh, never given a chance. I hope sa susunod na eleksyon, pero alam mo, ano to kumbaga nagising na mga tao,” he said.

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 hope that the incoming Congressman Santos will initiate reforms to make new projects and improve the quality of service to the people of Las Piñas?

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

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Do you miss Fukuya Japanese Restaurant?

May 21, 2025May 15, 2025carlocarrasco

On April 30, 2025, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant inside Festival Mall closed down after having its final day of operations which saddened a lot of loyal customers. At 8:41 in morning of that same day, the restaurant announced via social media that they were going to close down which went as follows:

It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing our last day of operations today. We would like to thank our valued customers whom we consider a part of the Fukuya family for your patronage and support since we opened our doors in 1995. We truly cherish the memories we have of you and it is our pleasure to have served you. To our generations of patrons, thank you for your kind words and loyalty to Fukuya. You have made our journey all the more fulfilling. May God bless you all!

*I took this picture on May 1, 2025. This very spot Fukuya previously occupied has since been covered up.*

For the newcomers reading this, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant first opened at SM Southmall in Las Piñas City in the mid-1990s and my first time ever to eat at their place was in 1997. They eventually opened in Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa some years later and lasted there until April 30 this year. Be aware that a change of ownership of Festival Mall took place months ago which might be related to Fukuya’s closure.

Being fond of Japanese food, I can say that the demise of Fukuya Japanese Restaurant is very unfortunate. To be clear, the number of Japanese restaurants and other businesses selling certain types of Japanese food at Festival Mall has increased over the past several years. In fact, there are certain Japanese restaurants there that sold meals at notably higher prices when compared to similar offerings from Fukuya Japanese Restaurant. Clearly Fukuya had a lot of competitors at Festival Mall alone.

More on Fukuya, there are best known for the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (read my old article by clicking here) which was always served freshly cooked, very flavorful and filling. I had their Okonomiyaki many times and always had a great taste backed with satisfaction. I also tried Okonomiyaki at other Japanese restaurants at Festival Mall but none of them ever came close to what Fukuya had.

Fukuya also served Futo Maki/Futomaki, Yakisoba, ramen, Bento meals, Tempura, sushi, sashimi, Teppanyaki, Udon, Soba and a lot more. They also had value meals to accommodate customers with limited funds.

*Fukuya Japanese Restaurant’s most famous meal is the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki.*

While the pandemic is over and the Philippine economy is growing, there are still a lot of internal and external economic forces that make operating businesses challenging. As for the rental fees of Festival Mall under the new owner, I heard allegations that the rates went up. Apart from Fukuya, I noticed a local printing and photocopying business there closed down recently, and I used to have documents photocopied there.

Now that Fukuya Japanese Restaurant is gone, customers who are looking for Japanese meals that are affordable will have to look elsewhere. As of this writing, Fukuya has not updated their Facebook page since April 30, 2025. While their FB page is still active, I can only wonder if the business owners could be planning a revival of Fukuya someday. You can visit their FB page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/FukuyaJapaneseRestaurantFestivalMall

*Do you miss this view from inside Fukuya at Festival Mall?*

For those of you reading this, let me ask you – were you fond of eating at Fukuya Japanese Restaurant? Did you enjoy their Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki? How was the quality of the food they served you the last time you ate there? What do you think is the main reason behind the closure of Fukuya Japanese Restaurant?

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

DILG urges LGUs to adopt cashless payments for government transactions

May 21, 2025May 17, 2025carlocarrasco

By emphasizing transparence, efficiency and public conveniences as key factors, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) nationwide to adopt cashless payments for government transactions, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The DILG clarified, however, that the traditional modes of payments must still be accepted by LGUs.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on the local government units (LGUs) on Saturday, May 17, to promote electronic payment and collection systems as an alternative to the traditional mode of payment in government transactions.

The DILG memorandum circular encourages the LGUs to implement EPCS for collecting local taxes, fees, and other charges, in accordance with Executive Order No. 170, series of 2022 on the use of digital payments for government transactions.

Further, the DILG asserted that digital payments improve transparency, efficiency and public convenience with the LGUs being encouraged to offer secure, accessible digital options, ensure payment channels are user-friendly, and partner with authorized providers, including government servicing banks.

“All efforts must align with the National Retail Payment System Framework and the Data Privacy Act,’’ the DILG emphasized.

“LGUs are also expected to define clear procedures for issuing electronic invoices and billing notices, consistent with guidelines from the Commission on Audit and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,’’ it added.

While promoting digitalization, the DILG clarified that the LGUs must still accept cash and other traditional modes of payment to ensure accessibility for all.

To support its full implementation, the DILG prodded the LGUs to pass enabling ordinances and issue local policies.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? When it comes to doing transactions with your local government, do you prefer to pay in cash or use digital methods such as e-wallets? Is your local government already accepting payments in electronic form?

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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BSP to temporarily suspend coin deposit machines project starting June 17, 2025

May 20, 2025May 20, 2025carlocarrasco

By citing their intention to review how to re-circulate idle coins, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced that its coin deposit machines project will be temporarily suspended in certain shopping malls starting June 17, 2025, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will temporarily suspend the operation of coin deposit machines (CoDMs) to review how to re-circulate idle coins.

In an advisory Friday, the BSP said the CoDMs currently installed in select malls in Greater Manila area would be suspended starting June 17.

“The BSP is implementing the temporary suspension to conduct a thorough review of how to re-circulate idle coins and serve Filipinos’ coin exchange needs even better,” the BSP said.

Following the review, the BSP will relaunch the coin deposit machines as part of its commitment to enhancing its coin recirculation program.

Since June 2013, CoDMs processed almost PHP1.5 billion worth of coins. The BSP said the public may deposit fit coins in banks where they have an account.

Persons with no bank accounts may exchange fit, unfit, and mutilated coins in banks and other financial institutions that have agreed to serve as currency exchange centers under the BSP Piso Caravan program.

The BSP said unfit coins may be presented for exchange at any bank as part of their duties to promptly remove unfit currency from circulation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to deposit your loose change at any BSP coin deposit machine over the past six months? Do you hope that the coin deposit machine project suspension will not last more than 30 days?

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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2025 election candidates reminded by BIR of tax obligations

May 20, 2025May 16, 2025carlocarrasco

With the 2025 National and Local Elections over, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminded all candidates that they are subject to tax regulations and must prepare themselves to meet with the requirements, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Failure to do so could mean tax evasion charges.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is reminding all candidates and political parties who ran in the 2025 elections that they are subject to tax regulations and must comply with key requirements as part of their duties as candidates for public office.

In a television interview, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. emphasized that all candidates and political organizations, including party-list groups must issue BIR-registered invoices for contributions they receive, whether in cash or in kind.

“At pag nagbabayad sila sa kanilang mga suppliers ay kinakailangan nilang mag-withhold ng 5 percent dun sa kanilang suppliers (They also need to withhold 5 percent when they pay to their suppliers),” he said, as quoted in a news release on Thursday.

He added that candidates must keep track of their expenses and submit detailed reports, or Statement of Contribution and Expenditure (SOCE), not just to the Commission on Elections but also to the BIR.

“Para makita natin na lahat kung compliant ang kanilang obligasyon dito (This is for us to determine if everybody is compliant with their obligations),” he said.

Lumagui further reminded that while candidates and parties are allowed to keep excess campaign contributions, they need to pay taxes on these.

“Pagka sobra naman ang natanggap nila na mga contributions sa mga ginastos nila, kinakailangan nilang bayaran ang income tax patungkol dito sa sobrang natanggap nila (If the contributions they received are more than what they spent, they need to pay income tax on the excess funds).”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think all the candidates will be able to comply with both the COMELEC and the BIR? Do you know any local candidate who received funds from your local community during the election campaign season?

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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Over 3 million cyber-attacks counted by COMELEC

May 19, 2025May 16, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation to the recently concluded National and Local Elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed that there were more than three million cyber-attacks on their official website and precinct finder apps, according to a news report by The Manila Times.

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

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) website and precinct finder apps have been the subject of more than 3 million cyberattacks aimed at taking over the systems and to inject malicious information.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said on Wednesday that the attacks were recorded from May 11 to May 14, covering the eve of the elections to the canvassing of votes.

Laudiangco said the Comelec precinct finder registered 76.81 million visits, with about 46.17 million legitimate searches. At least 1.45 million, however, were identified as hacking attacks.

“We’re considering it as DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks,” Laudiangco said.

A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service or network by overwhelming the target or its surrounding infrastructure with a flood of internet traffic.

On the other hand, Laudiangco said, the Comelec website registered 113.41 million visits with mitigated confirmed attacks of 1.75 million.

Laudiangco said none of the said attempts were successful because of the security measures and constant monitoring being done by the Comelec Cybersecurity Division and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections was compromised in relation to the revealed cyber-attacks? Who do you think could be responsible behind the many millions of cyber-attacks on the COMELEC website and precinct finder apps?

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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Seller of fake government IDs arrested

May 18, 2025May 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Valenzuela, local police officers arrested a woman who was engaged in the selling of fake government identification cards (including driver’s licenses), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. In its official online update, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that the authorities seized from the suspect a mobile phone, a UMID identification card, cash bills, boodle money, and fake ID cards as evidence. The LTO stated that the suspect was also involved in the manufacturing of fake IDs.

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

The Valenzuela City Police, led by station chief Col. Nixon Cayaban, arrested a woman for selling fake government IDs on Wednesday, May 14.

The suspect, identified as “Tere”, 29, a resident of Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, was caught in an entrapment operation conducted by the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) and the Northern Police District Anti-Cybercrime Team. Authorities said the suspect was selling fake driver’s licenses and PWD IDs in the city.

Col. Cayaban urged the public to remain cautious, especially when dealing with suspicious online offers, and to report illegal activities to the proper authorities.

Mayor Wes Gatchalian issued a warning to scammers.

“Bawal ang manloloko sa Valenzuela (Scammers are not welcome in Valenzuela).”

“Nawa’y magsilbing babala ito sa lahat ng nagbabalak na manloko sa kapwa ko Valenzuelano. Bawal ang manloloko sa Valenzuela City at sinuman ang magtatangkang gumawa ng krimen kagaya ng pagbebenta ng pekeng government ID ay titiyakin nating mananagot sa batas (May this serve as a warning to anyone planning to deceive my fellow Valenzuelanos. Scammers have no place in Valenzuela City, and anyone who attempts to commit crimes such as selling fake government IDs will be held accountable under the law),” Gatchalian added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you aware that the government lost more than P88 billion worth of taxes in 2023 because of fake Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID cards? Do you think someone in your local community is engaging in the making or selling of fake ID cards? Are there any members of your local community searching for sellers of fake IDs?

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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Working student arrested in Parañaque City over child abuse charge

May 17, 2025May 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a working student for the crime of child abuse, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out the suspect is a wanted person at the station level.

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

A working student, listed as the No. 7 most wanted person at the station level for the crime of child abuse, was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) on May 8.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as alias “Rowen,” 28. He was nabbed on De Lourdes St., Parañaque City.

Authorities said Rowen was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrested issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto-Marquez of the Las Piñas Family Court, Branch 10.

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 child abusers living secretly 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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Nomura trims Philippine economic growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026

May 16, 2025May 14, 2025carlocarrasco

As far as the Nomura Global Markets Research is concerned, the economic growth of the Philippines will for 2025 and 2026 will end up weaker than previously expected, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

NOMURA GLOBAL Markets Research has trimmed its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecasts for the Philippines for this year and 2026 following the weak first-quarter expansion.

Nomura cut its Philippine economic growth forecast to 5.3% for this year from 5.9% previously, it said in a report dated May 9. It also slashed its 2026 projection to 5.6% from 6.1%.

Both projections are well below the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s 6-8% growth target for 2025 until 2028.

“Our 2025-26 GDP forecast revisions take into account the disappointing first-quarter outturn, which only rose slightly to 5.4% year on year from 5.3% in fourth quarter 2024, despite election-related spending,” Nomura analysts Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said in the report.

“Escalating global trade and geopolitical tensions are the main downside risks to growth. A faster rollout of infrastructure projects and lower oil prices are upside risks.”

The Philippine economy expanded by 5.4% in the first quarter, the government reported last week. This was a tad faster than the revised 5.3% in the previous quarter but sharply slower from the 5.9% growth in the same period in 2024.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Group Rosemarie G. Edillon said that GDP would need to grow by 6.2% for the rest of the year to reach the lower end of the 6-8% goal.

Based on its forecasts, Nomura expects the Philippines to post below-6% GDP growth for the rest of the year. Broken down, it sees GDP growth of 5.3% in the second quarter, 5.4% in the third quarter, and just 5% in the fourth quarter.

In 2024, the economy expanded by 6.5% in the second quarter, 5.2% in the third quarter, and 5.3% in the fourth quarter.

“A key source of the downside surprise [in the first quarter] was investment spending growth, which we believe suggests businesses have already turned cautious amid surging global trade uncertainty, even in a less open economy,” Nomura said.

“We expect a moderate pickup in real GDP growth in 2026, led by the government’s strong push for more progress on infrastructure projects.”

It added that it expects the country to post a current account deficit of 4.1% of GDP this year and 4.4% of GDP next year, wider than the 3.8% ratio in 2024, driven by an increase in capital goods imports amid the government’s infrastructure push and weaker exports due to the US’ tariffs.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines can still grow stronger than what Nomura predicts in 2025 and 2026? Do you think the national government should make new economic moves to stimulate the national economy while also attracting new foreign investors?

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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