Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a painter who was found to be armed with a gun and for causing alarm among bystanders, 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…
A painter armed with a .45 caliber pistol was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police last Feb. 12 for creating panic among bystanders.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as alias “Jonathan,” 22 was arrested at around 2:00 p.m. in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
The police said the arrest of Jonathan came after a concerned citizen called up Barangay San Dionisio requesting for police assistance after a man brandishing his firearm had started causing panic among bystanders.
The police said personnel from the San Dionisio Police Sub-Station (SS4) immediately responded and found the suspect brandishing his firearm and challenging bystanders.
The suspect was immediately arrested. Recovered from him was a .45 caliber pistol with four ammunitions.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that there could still be a lot more people discreetly carrying guns with them in defiance of the local gun ban?
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
Welcome back, multisports athletes and sports enthusiasts! The Vermosa Sports Hub will be hosting the National Age Group Aquathlon and the National Age Group Duathlon events this weekend in Cavite. Specifically, the aquathlon is on March 1 while the duathlon is on March 2. There will also be several significant athletes participating in the said events.
For specific details about the aquathlon event, click here. Regarding the duathlon, click here. These events of Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) are supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Milo, Standard Insurance, LeGarde, Gatorade, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc., Fitbar and RaceYa. Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub is the venue partner.
Recently, the news article of the National Age Group Aquathlon and National Age Group Duathlon was published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) with an emphasis on who will be competing this weekend. Posted below is the excerpt of the news release but be aware the word “championships” is inaccurate. Some parts in boldface.
All is set for the National Age Group Aquathlon and Duathlon Championships this weekend at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite.
The aquathlon event is set on March 1 and the duathlon the next day.
Merry Joy Trupa and Marion Kim Mangrobang lead the title contenders in a duathlon in the tournament organized by the Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) headed by Tom Carrasco.
Trupa won the silver medal while Mangrobang settled for the bronze medal at the 2025 Asia Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Manama, Bahrain last Sunday.
Trupa finished the 5km run-30km bike-5km run in 1:29:16, behind Chinese Ziqing Lu (1:28:24). Mangrobang champion, clocked 1:33:14.
Mangrobang is a three-time champion in triathlon and back-to-back gold medalist in duathlon at the SEA Games.
She leads the women’s Elite, Under 23 and Junior squad which include Raven Faith Alcoseba, Kira Ellis, Erika Nicole Burgos, Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz and Katrina Salazar.
The men’s Elite and Under 23 team is composed of Filipino-Spanish Fernando Casares, Andrew Kim Remolino, Matthew Justine Hermosa, Joshua Alexander Ramos, Iñaki Emil Lorbes, Juan Miguel Tayag and Juan Francisco Baniqued, while the Junior Elite roster has Dayshaun Karl Ramos, Darell Johnson Bada, Euan Arrow Ramos and Peter Sancho del Rosario.
SEA Games double-gold medalist John Leerams Chicano banners the men’s duathlon team. Joining him are Maynard Pecson, John Patrick Ciron, Irienold Reig Jr. and Franklin Yee.
With Trupa in the women’s team are Jena Valdez and Bea Marie Quiambao.
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is eyeing the filing of criminal cases against the owner of the building in Parañaque City that was recently raided after the reported operation of an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO).
At the regular Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, PAOCC director and spokesperson Winston Casio said the PAOCC would also seek the forfeiture of the whole building allegedly used by the Dan Ying Gaming Corp. where POGO workers have been operating for two years.
“Obviously, we will move for the criminal and civil forfeiture of the whole building sapagkat ‘yung operation noong POGO ay nasa (because the POGO operations were on the) fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh (floors),” Casio said, adding that a security agency also mans the building.
“So, may kakaharaping malaking problema ang may-ari ng building sa kaniyang pagpayag na magamit ang kaniyang building bilang POGO hub (So, the building owner will face a big problem in allowing his building to be used as a POGO hub).”
He said the building owner may also face a human trafficking case for “knowingly renting out his facility to POGO operations for the past several months.”
The owner, he said, apparently ignored the “red flags,” including the questionable PHP20 million monthly lease payment.
“Nakita naman nila ang red flag. Maraming foreigners coming in and out doon sa building. Nakita naman siguro nila na maraming computers (They must have seen the red flags. Many foreigners were coming in and out of the building. They probably saw that there were many computers). All of those are red flags already but they did not fulfill their social responsibility,” he said.
A total of 435 POGO workers, including 148 foreign nationals, were arrested during a raid on the Chinese-run POGO hub inside the ATI building in front of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on Thursday night.
About 136 Chinese nationals, five Vietnamese, three Malaysians, two Thais, a Taiwanese, and an Indonesian were among those taken into custody, Casio said.
Casio said the Dan Ying Gaming Corp. is allegedly owned by a “well-known” Filipino-Chinese businessman.
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 still be a lot more illegal POGOs operating inside many buildings all across the city? Do you consider the Bay Area of Parañaque a potential hot spot of illegal POGOs secretly operating inside office buildings? Do you think that money generated by POGOs and sourced from illegal activities online are fuelling Parañaque’s economy significantly? Does this influence the way you plan to vote in the local elections of Parañaque this May?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, around one thousand and two hundred residents of Barangay BF International – CAA availed of the varied services when the Health and Wellness Caravan happened 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, conducted another Health and Wellness Caravan on Thursday, February 13, at the CAA Elementary School Main in BF International / CAA. Nearly 1,200 residents availed themselves of free health services during the event.
The caravan provided a range of medical services, including consultations, FBS/RBS screening, cholesterol examination, chest X-rays, ECG, dental services, and nutrition counseling. Additional services included risk assessments for non-communicable diseases, pneumococcal vaccination for senior citizens, mobile birth registration, and assistance with Green Card and PhilHealth registration.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar and City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos graced the event, along with Alelee Aguilar and other local leaders. Their presence underscored the city’s dedication to providing accessible and quality healthcare for all residents. As an early celebration of Valentine’s Day, supporters of Vice Mayor Aguilar also presented her with roses to express their appreciation for her continued service.
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? How many people in your local community want to avail of the services of the Health and Wellness Caravan? Are you satisfied with the way the City Government is serving your local community?
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
STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) formally broke ground of their ambitious P950 million campus in Alabang (the STI Academic Center Alabang) which was designed to accommodate ten thousand students and start operating in 2026, 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…
Tanco-led STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) is investing P950 million for the construction of a new state-of-the-art campus in Alabang designed to meet the evolving needs of students in the 21st century.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said it has broken ground for the new STI Academic Center Alabang located on a 3,266 square-meter property in South Park District. The campus is set to be operational in 2026.
The new campus is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 senior high school and college students. The 8-storey building will feature top-of-the-line facilities and equipment to ensure a world-class learning environment.
“For years, we have been expanding and improving our facilities to keep up with the demands and challenges of the modern world,” said STI President and COO Peter K. Fernandez.
He added that, “This new campus in Alabang reflects our commitment to creating a conducive learning environment that empowers students with relevant skills, knowledge, and character.”
STI Academic Center Alabang will be equipped with modern facilities, including air-conditioned classrooms with flat-screen TVs, student activity centers with internet connectivity, industry-grade laboratories, and recreational spaces such as a basketball court.
The campus will offer senior high school programs and bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields such as Information Technology, Business & Management, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management.
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 upcoming STI Academic Center Alabang will make a positive impact on local society as well as on families looking for schools to have their children enrolled in?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the permanent Consular of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was formally opened inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, and it was commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon as the facility’s many services will be helpful for the local residents and those from other cities, 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…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended the opening of the permanent Consular Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at Festival Mall in Alabang.
Biazon attended the opening of the DFA Consular Office National Capital Region-South located at the third floor of the mall’s east wing.
Also present during the opening ceremony were Ambassador Joseph Yap, DFA Office of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz, and Filinvest Land president and CEO Tristan Las Marias.
“Available dito ang primary services tulad ng document verification and authentication at passport issuance, among others. Spacious, bright, at convenient din ang bagong office—hindi lang para sa Muntinlupeños kundi pati sa ating mga kababayan from nearby cities and provinces (Primary services such as document verification and authentication and passport issuance, among others, are available here. The new office is spacious, bright, and convenient—not only for Muntinlupeños but also for our countrymen from nearby cities and provinces),” the mayor posted on Facebook.
Biazon said, “this office is more than just a facility. It’s a gateway of dreams para sa lahat ng Pilipinong nagnanais makabisita, makapag-aral, o makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa (It’s a gateway of dreams for all Filipinos who wish to visit, study, or work abroad).”
Cruz said the DFA-NCR South Consular Office will serve “as the mini-OCA Aseana and DFA outpost.”
He said the Alabang office will provide “consular services that cover first time passport applications, passport renewals, authentication, and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN).”
The first passport applicant at the DFA-NCR South office was a 67-year-old man who applied for his very first Philippine passport. He said he applied for a passport so he can visit his child in California.
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 upcoming STI Academic Center Alabang will make a positive impact on local society as well as on families looking for schools to have their children enrolled in?
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
Very recently in the City of Parañaque, a team of local law enforcers raided an office building in the Bay Area resulting in hundreds of suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) employees – including 146 foreigners – getting arrested, 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 453 illegal POGO employees in a raid in an office building in the Bay Area of Parañaque City on Thursday.
Operatives from the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime (DOJ OOC) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) enforced an arrest warrant against a Chinese national for fraud.
An Immigration Mission Order was also implemented as the subject is an employee of suspected POGO that has been under surveillance for the past months.
A total of 453 employees including 146 foreigners, mostly Chinese, were caught in front of their computers on the three floors of the building believed to be operating illegal offshore gaming and scamming activities.
“Dalawang taon na raw silang nag-o-operate and they never stopped. Galing daw sila ng ASEANA. Nung medyo uminit daw doon, lumipat daw sila dito,” PAOCC Spokesperson Director Winston Casio told GMA Integrated News.
Initial review of computer screens and interviews with Filipino employees revealed the different scams employed in the alleged POGO.
“Bawat floor, iba-ibang scam. Sa fifth floor at seventh floor, stock investment scam. Pero ang pinagkaiba dito sa seventh floor, may spamming na nagaganap using a Hong Kong mobile,” DOJ OOC Head Agent Innah Protacio-Ladislao said.
“Sa sixth floor is online betting scam. Particularly, target nila is Indian. Sa sixth floor, Filipino ang employees,” Protacio-Ladislao added.
Scripts for scamming were also found in workstations.
Authorities recovered hundreds of computers, laptops, smartphones, pre-registered SIM cards and other gadgets. The said items will be examined and will undergo digital forensics.
Based on information gathered, local authorities issued a closure order on the POGO after it was raided before.
It is now operating under a new name with a Mayor’s permit, business license and a barangay permit. These will form part of the investigation.
“Dapat kasi before they issue yung permits nila, yung sa barangay, yung sa city hall, dapat they do yung talagang religious inspection of the establishment,” PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said.
“Kung ang permit nila is entertainment, are they really indulging yung kumpanya nila sa entertainment? O baka naman scamming yan tulad ng nangyayari dito?” Cruz added.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think the City Government is ignoring the presence of POGOs within its jurisdiction? Do you think the Parañaque City Government and barangays should be more careful with reviewing business applications and ensure that no new POGOs will sprout?
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
New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – presented its official report for the year 2024 during the February 9, 2025 worship service in Alabang.
In 2024, NLCOM did the following for the many victims and the affected communities: serving 598,833 hot meals, distributed 5,457 relief goods, rebuilt 1,200 homes, reached 49 communities and trained 447 individuals.
Compassion knows no boundaries, and our mission has no limits. In 2024, we witnessed this truth once again as NLCOM’s reach expanded even further, and the unwavering support and contributions of our donors, partners, and volunteers have been pivotal to that success. Thanks to their supply, we’ve been able to bring light, hope, and transformation to even more lives, making a profound impact on our community.
NLCOM presented its 2024 report on February 9, 2025, at New Life Alabang.
Beyond immediate relief, NLCOM remains committed to fostering long-term community resilience. In 2024, they conducted onsite and online resilience training and Psychological First Aid (PFA) workshops for city employees, volunteers and network churches in Manila and Catbalogan, Samar.
NLCOM also revealed that it has partnered with New Life Kathmandu to support 350 families in Nepal who were devastated by landslides on September 28, 2024.
In his message to the partners and friends, NLCOM Executive Director and Pastor Paul Giague stated:
As we reflect on the past year, we’re reminded of the numerous challenges we faced together – from devastating fires to powerful typhoons. Yet through every disaster, our collective resilience shone even brighter. We stood united, responding with compassion, reaching out with kindness, and rebuilding hope. We’re deeply grateful for your unwavering support, which has been instrumental in our efforts. Our Community Ready campaign embodies this spirt of unity and action, empowering everyone to make a lasting difference.
Through your contributions, we’ve been able to provide hot meals, distribute relief, and equip communities with vital resilience training. These tangible expressions of God’s love have brought comfort to those in need. Togther, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, ensuring that no one faces hardship alone by providing aid, training and community support. We invite you to continue partnering with us, and if you’re new, we welcome you to join us. Let’s build stronger, more resilient communities through Community Ready.
Because of you, lives are being changed. Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving others.
For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my recent blog posts can viewed by clicking here, here, here, here and here. NLCOM has an established record 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 below…
If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s 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. Be remind that Lord Jesus is the hope of all nations.
Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.
Proverbs 19:17 (MSG)
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
In case you missed the news, direct loading to e-wallet services GCash and Maya using the app of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been disabled recently as the bank made changes, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news reported of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is phasing out its direct e-wallet loading feature for GCash and Maya on Feb. 13, 2025.
After this date, BPI customers will no longer be able to use the “Load E-Wallet” option within the BPI mobile app to fund their GCash or Maya accounts.
Instead, BPI is advising users to transfer funds via InstaPay and PesoNet using the “Transfer to other banks” function. Within this feature, customers can select “G-Xchange” for GCash or “Maya Philippines Inc/Maya Wallet” for Maya.
BPI explained that this shift is in line with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular 980, which outlines the National Retail Payment System Framework, and complies with recommendations from the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) as detailed in Advisory No. 2024-1104-020.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a BPI user who also has a GCash or Maya account, were you deeply affected by the recent changes? Do you find transferring money from BPI to an e-wallet service more inconvenient to do today?
When compared to the National and Local Elections of 2022, the voting population of the Philippines for this year is significantly higher with almost 76 million and voters aged 18 to 44-years-old combined for a majority, according to a GMA Network news report. It should be noted that the number of registered voters for 2025 is short of 70 million.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
Filipinos from the ages of 18 to 44 make up the majority of voters for Eleksyon 2025, data compiled by GMA Integrated News Research showed.
According to a report on 24 Oras Weekend, the Philippines’ voting population—or those who are of age to vote—increased by a little over 10 million to 75,940,535 for the 2025 national and local midterm elections, from 65,745,512 in 2022.
Of the 2025 total, Comelec data as of Jan. 23, 2025 shows that 69,673,655 are registered voters.
And of this number, the breakdown by generation is as follows, according to GMA Integrated News Research:
* 25.94 million are Millennials, born in the period from 1981 to 1996, making up 34.15% of the voting-age population
* 21.87 million are Gen Z, born in the period from 1997 to 2007, making up 28.79% of the voting-age population
* 17.64 million are Gen X, born in the period from 1965 to 1980, making up 23.22% of the voting-age population
* 10.50 million are from the Baby Boom and Silent Generations, born in the 1946–1964 and 1928–1945 periods respectively, making up 13.83% of the voting-age population
This means Millennials and Gen Z voters make up about 63% of the voting-age population and 68% of the registered voters for Eleksyon 2025.
In 2022, millennials were still the biggest group of voters, followed by Gen X-ers at 16.78 million. Gen Z-ers saw the biggest increase in voters, from 13.11 million in 2022 to 21.87 million three years later.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do Millennials and Gen Z voters of your local community form a majority of the local voting population? Are the registered voters of your local community willing to vote in this May’s national and local elections?
Author Carlo Carrasco 