Southeast Asia – Page 43 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Philippines tourism revenue for January 2025 exceeds P65 billion

March 16, 2025March 6, 2025carlocarrasco

Based on the tourism revenue counted for the month of January 2025, Philippines tourism is off to a strong start with more than P65 billion, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippines earned USD1.1 billion or PHP65.3 billion tourism revenues in January 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels in 2019, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.

Data as of Feb. 28 showed that the earnings came from various activities, products, and services related to tourism, 136.1 percent higher than the USD821 million or 151.46 percent higher than the PHP43 billion recorded in January 2019.

“The recovery of Philippine tourism from the period of the pandemic in terms of revenues translates to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, providing livelihood opportunities for many, especially in our rural and underserved areas,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said in a news release.

The country’s tourism income grew by 71.4 percent in terms of US dollars, compared to the USD652,255,773.51 recorded in January 2024.

Philippine peso revenues also soared by 78.81 percent from PHP36,508,238,043 in January 2024.

Frasco reported the Philippines achieved an all-time high tourism revenue of approximately PHP760 billion in 2024.

The DOT recorded the Philippines’ tourism revenues based on Visitor Sample Surveys, records from the previous arrival/departure cards, shipping manifests, and the current eTravel system.

A total of 1,167,908 foreign travelers visited the country in the first two months of 2025. Data as of March 1 showed that about 25.31 percent of the visitors came from South Korea.

South Korea has been the country’s top source of tourists since 2023, which is expected to boost further with the appointment of South Korean star Seo In-Guk as “celebrity tourism ambassador for the Philippines” last month.

While the P65.3 billion tourism revenue for January 2025 looks great for the Philippines, it remains to be seen if it could maintain the pace until the end of the year. In order to match the record P760.5 billion tourism revenue of 2024, the Philippines needs to attract P63.375 billion per month this year. If Philippine tourism can achieve P65 billion per month, that would translate to P780 billion by the end of the year.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to gross more than P760.5 billion in tourism revenue this year? Has your local government unit (LGU) been active in promoting local tourism?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Foreign fugitive arrested by immigration operatives in Parañaque City

March 15, 2025March 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a South Korean fugitive who has been hiding in the country for more than two years already, according to a GMA Network news report. The fugitive is wanted in South Korea for telecommunication fraud.

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

A South Korean fugitive wanted in his country for his alleged involvement in telecommunications fraud was arrested in Parañaque City.

Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) nabbed Park Seungeon, 24, along Bradco Avenue on February 27. He is now under BI custody and is detained at the warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, where he will remain pending deportation proceedings.

“He is also an overstaying alien as he had hidden in the country for more than two years to evade arrest and prosecution for his crimes,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a news release.

According to the BI, an Interpol red notice was issued against Park over a year ago after a warrant of arrest was issued against him by the Incheon district court in Seoul where he was indicted for fraud.

Korean authorities said that Park is a member of a telecom fraud syndicate who allegedly offered false low-interest debt consolidation loan to a victim from whom he fraudulent obtained and embezzled money amounting to more than 20.1 million won, or roughly US$14,000.

A check of his travel records showed that Park arrived in the Philippines as a tourist on August 2022 and has not departed since then.

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 more foreign fugitives hiding within 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

Philippines February 2025 inflation settles at 2.1%

March 14, 2025March 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that the inflation rate of February 2025 settled at 2.1% primarily due to the easing of rate of price increases on non-alcoholic beverages and food, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Inflation in February this year slowed down to 2.1 percent from 2.9 percent in January mainly due to the easing of rate of price increase of food and non-alcoholic beverages, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

In a press briefing Wednesday, PSA Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia del Prado said the declaration of food security emergency by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to bring down cost of rice has been effective in taming the inflation last month.

Inflation of food and non-alcoholic beverages, which contributed 58.8 percent to the overall inflation last month, declined to 2.6 percent from 3.8 percent in January.

Cereal and cereal products, which include rice, had a deflation of 3 percent in February from a deflation of 1.1 percent in January.

“For me, I think, we are seeing the effect of food security emergency in our inflation… Because of this food security emergency, we have released the rice buffer from NFA (National Food Authority) to LGUs (local government units), and of course in Kadiwa Rice for All program,” del Prado said.

Rice alone had a sharper deflation of 4.9 percent, with prices decreasing since July 2024 due to easing international prices and tariff reduction. Vegetable inflation plunged to 7.1 percent in February from a 21.1 percent inflation in January.

Aside from food and non-alcoholic beverages, main contributors to the deceleration of inflation in February were housing, water, gas, and other fuels, which inflation eased to 1.6 percent from 2.2 percent in January, and transport, which recorded a deflation of 0.2 percent from 1.1 percent inflation rate

Meanwhile, major contributors to inflation in February were food and non-alcoholic beverages, mainly due to higher prices of pork, with inflation increasing to 12.1 percent in February from 8.4 percent in January; restaurants, café and the like; poultry meat; rentals; and higher cost of passenger transport by sea.

In a separate statement, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government stands ready to combat high inflation through its policies and programs.

“The government will sustain its efforts to keep inflation low and manageable to protect the purchasing power of Filipinos. As we expect six to 13 typhoons to develop from March to August 2025, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will implement the La Niña action plan to restore agricultural productive capacity in areas likely to be affected by continuous rainfall, flooding, and landslides,” Balisacan said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation rate will fall below 2% by the end of March 2025? If you have been shopping for food lately, did you notice significant movements on prices?

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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New Planetshakers worship events here in the Philippines set for July 25 and 26, 2025 at SM MOA Arena, tickets to start selling on April 3

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Great news for the faithful! Recently Planetshakers announced it will be having new worship events here in the Philippines on July 25 and 26, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The selling of tickets for the worship event will commence online at SM Tickets as well as at SM Ticket outlets on April 3, 2025. This new worship events are part of the 2025 Planetshakers Abundance Tour.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Planeshakers official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Planetshakers is so excited to visit Manila once again in July 2025!

Jesus came to give us a life of ABUNDANCE, opening the way to His kingdom and removing every obstacle in our path.

At Planetshakers ABUNDANCE Tour in Manila, we invite you to experience this abundance, grow in faith, and encounter God’s power as we gather for a powerful night of praise and worship.

For those who intend to attend any of the two worship events at SM MOA Arena, the ticket prices have been declared as follows:

To those who intend to attend the worship event, the ticket prices have been confirmed as follows: VIP for P1,600, Patron for P1,600, Lower Box Premium for P1,600, Lower Box for P1,200, Upper Box for P1,200, and General Admission for P600. These are the same prices as Planetshakers’ 2023 worship event in the same place.

*The official seat layout as published by Planetshakers via their Facebook page.*

To prepare yourselves to purchase tickets online, I encourage you all to prepare your credit cards and be early to log-in at SMTickets.com because in my experience, there was long virtual line of over 2,600 ahead of me before I got my turn to purchase my tickets and choose my seat. If you prefer to buy tickets over-the-counter at SM Tickets outlets, better start searching for them using Google Maps now.

If you believe in Lord Jesus, I encourage you to attend the upcoming Planetshakers worship events. I attended their Philippines worship event in September 2022 and you can read all about it by clicking here.

Planetshakers is great in leading the worship of the Lord and their worship music is always powerfully played. It is also wonderful to receive the blessing of the Lord when I personally witnessed Planetshakers co-founder and Senior Pastor Sam Evans lead the prayer. She is truly a prayer powerhouse. That being said, personally attending a Planetshakers worship event is an anointed experience and you will be blessed because the Lord loves the faithful.

Others out there could only see a Planetshakers event as just a music, feel good event. In reality, such an event is always a blessing from the Lord. I know because I personally experienced it all! Be very thankful to God that He is blessing the Philippines a lot again through Planetshakers.

For your refence, posted below are video clips of the September 2022 Planetshakers worship event I attended.

If you are thinking about this July’s Planetshakers worship events, I encourage you to seek the Lord’s Kingdom and praising Him with all your heart and passion. Learn from the holy scriptures below…

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)

“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.”

Matthew 6:33 (TPT)

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;

Praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150:1-6 (NKJV)

If you want to discover and learn more about Planetshakers, I encourage you to click here (Facebook page), here (Instagram), here (Twitter) and here (YouTube). To know more about Planetshakers itself, visit https://www.planetshakers.com/

In closing this, posted below are some Planetshakers worship music videos for your faith in the Lord and viewing pleasure. Jesus is our Lord and Savior and He is also the hope of ALL nations! Move forward with unbreakable and uncompromising faith in Him! Be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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Over 700 Barangay Almanza Dos residents served during Health and Wellness Caravan in Las Piñas

March 13, 2025March 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred residents of Barangay Almanza Dos got served when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas, through the City Health Office, brought its Health and Wellness Caravan to the TS Cruz Covered Court in Barangay Almanza Dos on Thursday, February 18. More than 700 residents benefitted from the free health services provided during the event.

Residents availed themselves of a range of medical services, including consultations, FBS/RBS testing, cholesterol examinations, blood typing, chest X-rays, ECG, dental services, and nutrition counseling. Other essential services such as risk assessments for non-communicable diseases, pneumococcal vaccination for senior citizens, mobile birth registration, and assistance with Green Card and PhilHealth registration were also offered.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the event, accompanied by City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina. Their presence underscored the city’s continuous commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare services for all residents.

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 the Health and Wellness Caravan of the City Government arrived in your local community recently?

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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Muntinlupa City sets guidelines and requirements for PWD ID cards issuance

March 12, 2025March 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the requirements and guidelines for the issuance of identification cards to persons with disabilities (PWD) will be set very soon as a result of newly signed legislation, 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 Muntinlupa City government approved an ordinance setting the requirements and guidelines for the issuance of IDs to persons with disabilities (PWD).

Ordinance No. 2025-310, enacted by the Muntinlupa City Council on Feb. 17, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on March 3.

The ordinance states that “the Muntinlupa Persons with Disability Affairs Office advocates the digitalization, verification and streamlining of the Person with Disability Identification Card issuance to protect the welfare and privileges of the genuinely identified Muntinlupa Persons with Disability.”

Muntinlupa’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) will issue the PWD IDs to eligible applicants.

Under the ordinance, PWDs “refer to people suffering from restrictions or different abilities as a result of mental, physical or sensory impairment to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for human beings.”

For the guidelines, requirements and other details, click https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/4/muntinlupa-lgu-sets-requirements-guidelines-for-issuance-of-pwd-i-ds

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 new guidelines and requirements for the issuance of PWD IDs make sense? Do you think the guidelines and requirements will prove to be effective in preventing fraud?

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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Mini-hospital found inside Parañaque City condominium unit, Chinese doctor and assistant arrested

March 11, 2025March 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, local authorities arrested a Chinese doctor and an assistant after discovering a condominium unit that was converted into a mini-hospital with medical equipment, several medical products and even a few patients, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

Authorities arrested a Chinese doctor allegedly running a mini hospital in a condominium in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The doctor was identified only as Dr. Lee, according to a report on Unang Balita on Wednesday.

The suspect also allegedly sells medicines not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also arrested was the doctor’s assistant.

Police found a hospital bed, medicines, and equipment used for critical operations inside the unit.

Two patients were also at the alleged mini hospital at the time the police came in. They were transferred to a legitimate hospital.

The suspects will face charges of violation of the FDA Act of 2009 and the Medical Act of 1959. The doctor did not give any statement.

Police said they will look into whether the mini hospital caters to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

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 more Chinese nationals doing something illegal behind closed doors inside rented units within your local community? Did you notice a Chinese national bringing in unusual things into the local community over the past three 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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New 4-storey building at Las Piñas Nation Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus inaugurated

March 11, 2025March 3, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the brand new four-storey school building at Las Piñas National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus in Barangay Almanza Uno was formally inaugurated with the presence of Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Vice Mayor April Aguilar and other officials, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas, led by Mayor Mel Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, officially inaugurated a four-storey school building with a roof deck at the Las Piñas National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus in Barangay Almanza Uno.

The ceremony, held on Monday, February 24, marked another milestone in the city’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure, benefiting 400 students who are currently using the new facility.

The newly constructed building features a school auditorium and function hall on the ground floor, three science laboratories on the second floor, three computer laboratories on the third floor, and three classrooms on the fourth floor. Additionally, the roof deck houses a covered multipurpose hall, providing students with a space for various activities.

Also present at the event were City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina, who joined Mayor Mel and Vice Mayor April in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a walkthrough of the new facilities. School administrators, teachers, and students warmly welcomed the city officials, expressing their gratitude for the improved learning environment.

Mayor Mel Aguilar emphasized that the project is part of the local government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade school facilities and support students with modern learning spaces.

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 current administration will be able to inaugurate more educational facilities before the campaign period of the local elections begins?

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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Muntinlupa police officers apprehend two women for selling shabu in Alabang

March 10, 2025February 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, local police officers arrested two women for selling the illegal substance shabu during a buy-bust operation in Alabang, 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 Muntinlupa police arrested two women after they sold shabu to an undercover officer in Alabang on Feb. 27.

The buy-bust operation was conducted by the Muntinlupa Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit at about 2:40 a.m. at the Old City Terminal in Alabang, leading to the arrest of suspects identified as Nobaisa, 38, and Milla, 34, both residents of Purok 4, Balbanero Compound in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Authorities seized a plastic sachet of shabu, the item sold during the undercover transaction. The police confiscated three more sachets containing shabu from the suspects. The total confiscated shabu weighed 55 grams valued at P374,000.

Also seized during the operation were a genuine P500 bill and 10 pieces of counterfeit P500 bills used as boodle money. The seized illegal drugs will undergo laboratory examination at the Southern Police District (SPD) Forensic Unit.

The two suspects are detained at the Muntinlupa police’s custodial facility. They will face charges for violation of Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

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 feel safer now that the police caught the two suspects who sold shabu in Alabang?

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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New investments worth P23.5 billion from Japanese companies pledged in connection with CREATE MORE

March 10, 2025March 6, 2025carlocarrasco

With the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act already in effect, more than P23 billion in new investments was pledged by Japanese companies in connection with it, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Wednesday the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law has attracted Japanese companies to invest in the country.

Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Economic Affairs and Investments Secretary Frederick Go visited Japan from March 3 to 4 to meet Japanese companies and business groups.

The DTI said during the visit, four companies pledged PHP23.5 billion worth of investments.

“Representing both the government and private sectors, those we engaged with expressed excitement and enthusiasm about collaborating with us, inspired by the positive developments they’ve heard about our country—our robust economic fundamentals and reformed policies and regulations,” Roque said.

“Specifically, what caught their attention was the recently enacted CREATE MORE law, which offers enhanced tax incentives, simplified processes, and greater opportunities for businesses to thrive in the Philippines,” she added.

Among Japanese companies that the Philippine government officials met include Ibiden Co., Ltd., Nidec Corp. and Sumitomo Corp.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Tokyo told the Philippine News Agency that two of these companies are eyeing fresh investments in the country, while one of them is updating its three-year investment pledge.

DTI said Ibiden expressed its prospect for expanding its advanced substrate technologies operations, while Nidec eyes to expand its manufacturing footprint here.

On the other hand, Sumitomo renewed its commitment to collaborate with the Marcos administration’s infrastructure and clean energy goals.

Sumitomo’s project in the Philippines include the Metro Manila Subway Project, the MRT Line 3 maintenance contract, and the First Philippine Industrial Park.

Roque also had meetings with Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the firm behind clothing brand Uniqlo, as well as the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new investments pledged by Japanese companies in connection with CREATE MORE will influence many other foreign companies to invest in the Philippines this year?

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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