Where to Donate to Help Victims of Taal Volcano Eruption

Where to Donate to Help Victims of Taal Volcano Eruption

January 15, 2020January 15, 2020carlocarrasco

It is depressing to watch news or see social media postings about many people whose lives got disrupted by the recent eruption of Taal Volcano which spew not only a massive amount of ash into the air (affecting Metro Manila) but also caused physical damage on all communities close to it.

Many people had to leave their homes and wait for assistance from the many emergency response personnel (who are undoubtedly working hard) deployed by the local authorities.

Meanwhile, several donation-driven initiatives or charitable operations to provide public assistance (in cash or in kind) to the victims were launched very recently. For its part, the City Government of Muntinlupa approved legislation of a P3,000,000 donation to Taal Volcano Eruption victims. The City Government also launched a public donation drive as well.

If you are here in the South Metro Manila area of the Philippines and you wish to donate, consider the following:

BARANGAY BF HOMES

Where: Barangay BF Homes Public Safety Department, Barangay BF Homes hall, Elsie Gatches street, Paranaque City

Contact number: 8809-8843

What to donate: Drinking water (encouraged by Barangay Captain Paolo Marquez), clothes, towels, blankets, food, toiletries, N95 masks, candles and matches.

Online donation option: None available.

OPERATION BLESSING FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES

Where: 5^TH floor, Sagittarius Building, 111 HV Dela Costa street, Salcedo Village, Makati City

Contact numbers: 8663-4701, 8663-4710 and 0939-9215543

What to donate: Food, clean water, clothes, slippers, kitchenware, diapers, milk, sleeping mats, blankets and face masks.

Online donation option: https://www.obphil.com/home/be-a-partner/

Cash donation option: Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines bank account numbers

BDO: 0030000-55279

BPI: 3001-0040-33

Metro Bank: 270-3-27050273-4

Union Bank: 00-216-072163-9

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CARE

Where: 2 Don Manolo Drive, Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City

Contact number: 8809-1542, 8809-1543 and 8809-1533

What to donate: Cash, sleeping mats, blankets and food items.

Online donation option: https://newlife.ph/give/taal-disaster-relief

VICTORY ALABANG

Where: Classroom 1, Victory Alabang, 4^th level, Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City

Contact number: 8771-1212

What to donate: Canned goods, bottled water, medicine, face masks, blankets, new towels, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste and soap) and used clothes.

Online donation option: None available

CITY GOVERNMENT OF MUNTINLUPA

Where: Annex Building, Muntinlupa City Hall, Muntinlupa City

Contact number: 8861-6623 (Social Services Department)

What to donate: Any kind of donation.

Online donation option: None available

COMMERCENTER (Until January 17)

Where: Commerce Avenue corner Filinvest Avenue, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Contact number: 8893-1450

What to donate: Canned goods (preferably those easy to open), flashlights, ready-to-eat food, bottled water, face masks, hygiene kits and towels, blankets and mats, basic medicine, clean clothes, paper plates, cups, plastic utensils

Online donation option: None available

PERGOLA MALL (Until January 22)

Where: Aguirre Avenue, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque

Contact number: 09173752299

What to donate: Laundry items, toiletries, medicine, children’s clothes and toys, bottled water, dog and cat food, food containers, pillows, mats, blankets, slippers

Online donation option: None available

MADISON GALERIES (Until January 17)

Where: 398 Don Jesus Boulevard, Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City

Contact number: 88770702

What to donate: Canned goods, bottled water, medicine, mats, blankets, towels, face masks, clothes, bags, whistles, flashlights and hygiene kits.

Online donation option: None available

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So there you have it. These are the ongoing donation drive campaigns to help the Taal Volcano Eruption victims. The victims need your help right now.

Note: Picture used for this article was sources from Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines Facebook page.

Duty Free Philippines Grows 4% in 2019

Duty Free Philippines Grows 4% in 2019

January 12, 2020January 12, 2020carlocarrasco

Hey everyone! Have you shopped at a Duty Free Philippines yet? Me? I have not been to a Duty Free Philippines outlet or shopping center for quite some time now.

Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) announced today that it grew 4% in 2019 in terms of year-on-year sales growth. Notably, the achieved growth was a clear improvement over the 2% growth it achieved in 2018.

To put things in perspective, the consolidated sales reached a total of $226 million in 2019 compared with $217 million the previous year.

In relation to the latest statistics, DFPC chief operating officer Vicente Pelagio Angala said the Philippines’ hosting of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the opening of Duty Free Luxe have significantly contributed to the upswing.

He said the growing number of tourists visiting the newly-rehabilitated Boracay Island via Kalibo Airport has been beneficial to DFPC sales.

When it comes to the top source markets, 85% came from Filipino tourists, balikbayans (visiting Filipinos who live overseas) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Confectionery is still the major growth driver, with 31 percent share of the total sales, followed by liquor (21 percent), fragrance and cosmetics (18 percent), and fashion merchandise (10 percent).

The DFPC claimed it has met a number of significant milestones last year, including the opening of “Go Lokal’s” Marahuyo this past November.

“In line with the directive of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), we have augmented our product portfolio which now includes more local artisans,” Angala said.

With the agency’s strong commitment to giving top local products a global audience, DFPC was recognized as “Highly Commended CSR Initiative of the Year “at the 2019 Frontier Awards in Cannes, France for supporting The Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The DFPC has expanded the list of exclusive brands that it carries which now includes: Gucci Beauty, Armani Beauty, Hogan, and MCM. Last year, it also embarked on the renovation of the Fiestamall and NAIA Terminal 1 Arrival stores.

DFPC is expected to maintain the momentum in 2020 with the opening of Duty Free store at the Hilton Sun Valley Resort inside Clark Freeport Zone by the first quarter of this year.

For everyone’s reference, the DFPC is the country’s sole operator of the duty-and tax-free merchandising system, and a vital component of the DOT as it contributes to the efforts in the development of the country’s tourism infrastructure, programs, and projects through revenue remittances. There are Duty Free Philippines outlets and shopping centers around the Philippines including Parañaque City (Fiestamall shopping center), Cebu province, and Clark International Airport to name a few.

For further learning, posted below is the official FAQ of Duty Free Philippines.

Check out their online store at https://www.dutyfreephilippines.ph/

Muntinlupa Real Property Taxpayers to Receive 10% Discount Upon Timely Payment

Muntinlupa Real Property Taxpayers to Receive 10% Discount Upon Timely Payment

January 11, 2020January 10, 2020carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa announced yesterday the schedule of payment of real property tax in their city for 2020 and also launched its incentives program for RPT payers who will pay on or before quarterly deadline.

Muntinlupa City Treasurer’s Office released the deadline of payment of real property tax on the following dates: March 1, 2020 (1^st Installment, Q1), June 30, 2020 (2^nd Installment, Q2), September 30, 2020 (3^rd Installment, Q3), and December 31, 2020 (4^th Installment, Q4).

Taxpayers with no delinquency who shall pay their real property taxes on or before deadlines of payment are entitled to a ten percent (10%) discount.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi lauded this incentive system as it will boost tax revenues for the city to be utilized in various programs and services for the city residents. The mayor said the City Government shifts in being more customer-driven which accelerates public services, bringing ease transactions for the public.

RPT payers in Muntinlupa can also pay their taxes at Muntinlupa Online Real-Property Payment System (MORPS) through the electronic banking system of the Land Bank of the Philippines.

The RPT e-Payment system, first of its kind in Metro Manila, aims to course transaction of its major taxpayers through electronic channels to provide them with efficient and less-time consuming delivery of services.

An interface with MORPS will handle real-time property tax payment and can process transactions in less than 15 minutes. An easy and taxpayer-friendly application for every Muntinlupenos, it targets to speed up the transaction for the convenience of taxpayers and the reduction of red-tape and under-the-table propositions.

Fresnedi encouraged Muntinlupeños to pay their respective bills ahead of time to avoid penalties.

While MCTO introduced the incentive program, it also noted that upon expiration of the periods given, an interest of two percent (2%) per month not exceeding 36 months or 72% shall be imposed upon delinquent properties for failure to pay the basic real property tax or any other tax levied under the Revenue Code.

For more information, RPT payers can log-in to http://www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/RPT/ or visit the City Treasurer’s Office located at Ground Floor, Main Building, Muntinlupa City Hall with tel nos. 8862-2525 loc. 120 or 8862-1491.

Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) Ends 2019 with Celebration of Achievements and Service to Local Youth

Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) Ends 2019 with Celebration of Achievements and Service to Local Youth

January 5, 2020January 4, 2020carlocarrasco

Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) Ends 2019 with Celebration of Achievements and Service to Local Youth

The Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) posed for me. From left to right were SK Kagawads Jerry Dalmero and Alma Galindo, SK chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang, SK Kagawads Kelly Haboc, Roselyn Regis, Irene Juanico, Stephanie Sebullen and SK treasurer Jefferson Ching.

For the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK), a lot has been achieved in the year twenty-nineteen (2019) and that alone was worth celebrating during their special event called the Katipunan ng Kabataan: Year End Gathering which was held on the evening of December 28 at the Phase 1 gym along Pilar Banzon street, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City, Philippines. It was attended by a total of close to two hundred guests.

Before focusing on the event, let’s take a quick look back at some of the achievements of the BFSK under the leadership of their chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang.

They organized multiple events of Waste for Rice (rice grain released to local residents who turned over to them 1.5-liter bottles filled with silver-coated sachets) throughout the year plus seminars on teenage pregnancy and reproductive health, organized a seminar about suicide, organized Zumba sessions, organized the Mutya ng BF Homes pageant (plus one other) and most notably they had a highly successful Linggo ng Kabataan celebration that attracted MORE than 300 youth participants.

The BFSK also had a well-attended general meeting highlighting what they achieved in the first half of the year. Another major achievement they made was complying with the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Joint Memorandum Circular Number 1 which includes the opening of a bank account doing the fidelity bonding, the 3-year plan, the annual investment plan and the year’s budget.

For this past year, the SK of Barangay BF Homes became independent from the main barangay in terms of financing and management. This is a milestone highlighting the reformed SK system of the entire nation. The BFSK budget for last year was over P6 million.

The event

Once I arrived at the Phase 1 gym, I saw BFSK chairwoman Mariel Tumang and some of the SK kagawads welcoming the early guests.

Afterwards dinner was served and more local youth arrived to join the celebration. By this time, music was playing and the photo booth was being used. The SK Kagawads became complete with the presence of Alma Galindo (who was dazzling with her white dress), Roselyn Regis, Jerry Dalmero, Kelly Haboc, Irene Juanico, Anne Gabrielle Corre and Stephanie Sebullen plus their treasurer Jefferson Ching.

BFSK Kagawad Alma Galindo.

“We have prepared for you games and the raffle draw of varied prizes,” BFSK Kagawad Alma Galindo announced on stage. “We take this opportunity to thank our key supporter Congresswoman Joy Tambunting.”

BFSK Kagawad Irene Juanico.

BFSK Kagawad Irene Juanico reiterated to the guests that they should just forget about the problems, reflect on what the youth council provided them and have fun to gain optimism for the new year. Other SK kagawads took turns with the microphone.

BFSK chairwoman Mariel Tumang delivered her remarks to the many guests who attended.

“We the SK are very grateful to you for attending this special event of ours, the Katipunan ng Kabataan Year-End Gathering,” BFSK chairperson Mariel Tumang said. “Come the year 2020, be assured that the SK will strongly support you and will visit your local communities with projects and activities that you will benefit from.”

After the speeches, music played again, the games finally took place and varied prizes were raffled off. The many guests who attended went home happy and satisfied.

Here are other pictures I took for your viewing pleasure. None of the local community print media publications of BF Homes have these and, at the same time, they are not authorized to use these images (as well as pictures shown earlier).

If you see any of the photos or content of this article used by the BF Homes local community print media publications, please inform me ASAP. Thanks.

BFSK Kagawad Jerry Dalmero explains something.

Dinner served to the guests.

Getting ready for a game.

The BFSK with a group of prize winners. BFSK Anne Corre seated leftmost.

The photo booth.

Winners of the raffle draw being called.

For this year, be assured that I’ll keep posting updates about the BFSK.

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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com

Press releases/statements and photo releases are also accepted.

If you need to promote yourselves or your event or special projects, please check out my varied marketing services (including Twitter boosting) right here.

We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Muntinlupa City Government Organizes Business Permit Renewal until January 20, awards early taxpayers

Muntinlupa City Government Organizes Business Permit Renewal until January 20, awards early taxpayers

January 2, 2020carlocarrasco

010220 - Biz Renewal — Top Ten “Early Bird” Taxpayers in the 2020 Muntinlupa Business Permit Renewal receive cerficates of recognition and grocery packages from the City Government. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi meets early taxpayers and extended his gratitude to the business owners for renewing their businesses in the city on January 2. The business renewal event will run from January 2- 20 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Tunasan. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The City Government of Muntinlupa awarded early taxpayers with incentives and grocery packages for being the first of many who applied and settled their dues in the 2020 Muntinlupa Business Permit Renewal which will run until January 20.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi awarded certificates of recognition and grocery packages to the Top Ten Early Taxpayers in this year’s Business Permit Renewal on January 2. The Top Ten Early Taxpayers were the following: Abraham Tiro (Mama Nene Store), Lani Santos (Lito and Lani Food House), Josielyn Delez (E.J.D. Mini Store), Josephine Dejan (FDA Dejan Construction Services), Cesar Bronola Lastrilla (Mercy Salon), Milagros Salvador (Mila and Noli Scrap Woods), Elizabeth Sabalboro (Beth Sari-Sari Store), Ma. Pinky Lynsey (MPLG Begona Trading), Cynthia Olaes (Cynthia’s Sari-Sari Store), and Cherrie Flores (Mini-Mini Store).

The mayor thanked the business owners for their punctuality in paying their dues and renewing their businesses in the city. Fresnedi also urged other locators to avoid penalties and skip “rush days” of registration nearing the deadline.

The 2020 Business Permit Renewal officially started on the morning of January 2 and will conclude on January 20. Currently, there are 15,708 registered business in the city. The Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office recorded a significant increase of over 187% in business tax collection over the past seven years.

For the convenience of the taxpayers, a One-Stop Shop arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been installed at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan. Requirements from Barangay Halls and Regulatory Offices can be acquired in the location of the Renewal as representatives of said agencies will be rendering service simultaneously.

Taxpayers can pay using Debit Cards in the renewal event. Mobile ATMs as well as a Closed-Circuit Television System were also installed across the venue. Business owners registering in the renewal may also access the internet through a free wi-fi connection.

Making matters even more convenient is the shuttle service provided for clients going to the venue. The pick-up points are located at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle in Putatan and Muntinlupa City Public Market in Alabang.

The list of requirements is posted in Muntinlupa BPLO Facebook page at fb.com/bplo.muntinlupa. For inquiries, you may call the department’s hotline at 8317-9964 or email at bplo.muntinlupa@yahoo.com.

A Creative, Eco-Friendly Project by the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) of Barangay Baclaran

A Creative, Eco-Friendly Project by the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) of Barangay Baclaran

January 1, 2020December 31, 2019carlocarrasco

A Creative, Eco-Friendly Project by the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) of Barangay Baclaran

Barangay Baclaran Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) chairwoman Rachel Garcia in front of their Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cage.

During my recent visit in Barangay Baclaran in Parañaque City. I was fortunate to meet the chairwoman of the Barangay Baclaran Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) – Rachel Garcia.

She generously showed one of their special projects called the Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cage which is publicly accessible to anyone who wants to dispose of their respective used plastic bottles.

“This project serves as a container where people can place used plastic bottles. All the collected materials will be sold to the local junk shops and the money we raise from the transactions enable us to buy rice grain for the local youth,” Barangay Baclaran SK chairwoman Garcia explained.

Visually the Eco-Friendly is a cage with a creative, fun-oriented touch. On top of the cage is a makeshift basketball board with a small rim that is supposed to encourage people to shoot their plastic bottles and watch it fall into the cage. This is the meaning behind the line “Shoot for a Change” written on the board.

The Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cage from another angle.

Once filled up, all of these plastic materials will be sold to local junk shops by the Barangay Baclaran SK. The money raised will be used to purchase rice grain for the benefit of the local youth.

One clear advantage of the Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cage is that it can compel people to refrain from throwing their plastic bottles into other trash containers (which contain other forms of waste like paper, plastic bags, etc.).

This is why if ever you (with your plastic bottle at hand) pass by one of those Eco-Friendly Plastic Bottle Cages of the Baclaran SK during your next trip in Barangay Baclaran, take time out to put your plastic bottle into the cage.

Speaking of being eco-friendly, the Barangay Baclaran SK has been active with not only protecting the natural environment but also with participating in clean-up drive activities.

For more information, visit the Barangay Baclaran SK’s FB page here.

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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com

Press releases/statements and photo releases are also accepted.

If you need to promote yourselves or your event or special projects, please check out my varied marketing services (including Twitter boosting) right here.

We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

A Look at Beng Amurao’s 2019 Christmas Gift-giving to Barangay BF Homes Residents

A Look at Beng Amurao’s 2019 Christmas Gift-giving to Barangay BF Homes Residents

December 28, 2019December 28, 2019carlocarrasco

A lot of Barangay BF Homes residents lined up for the release of Christmas gifts from former barangay chairwoman and former city councilor Beng Amurao on December 23 at Parañaque City Hall.

On the afternoon of December 23, hundreds of residents of Barangay BF Homes went home from Parañaque City Hall happy and thankful after receiving Christmas gifts in the form of consumable goods from former Barangay BF Homes chairwoman and former City Councilor Florencia “Beng” Amurao.

Specifically, Amurao confirmed to me that there were more than four hundred (400+) recipients of goods who each got bags of goods. The said bags (which contained fiesta ham, condensed milk, canned meat and others) were carefully distributed by her staff in coordination with the City Government.

This is not the first time Beng Amurao gave back to the residents of her barangay many of which have known her personally since her days as a kagawad (councilor) and as captain. For many years, I personally witnessed her Amurao’s annual Christmas gift-giving. There were times the gift-giving was done at a family-controlled property along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision and, these past few years, was done at the grounds of City Hall just steps outside the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) office at the ground floor.

File photo of Florencia “Beng” Amurao, who is clearly one of the most notable personalities of Barangay BF Homes. (photo sourced from SK- Team Beng Amurao Facebook page)

Another look at the line of recipients.

From what I observed, I can say clearly that Beng Amurao has a heart of compassion, service and care for the people of Barangay BF Homes and her extensive track record of public service through the decades (which include legislation approved, projects fulfilled and much more) prove it. Even though she served for three consecutive terms as a City Councilor (2007-2016) serving a lot more people around the city, Amurao never forgot her community. Since leaving the City Council, she has been assisting the mayor’s office on projects related to her barangay.

Will she run again for public office in the near future? Nobody knows yet but what is clear is that the year 2022 will have the next local elections (specifically the city-level) as well as the next barangay elections.

For more BF Homes community plus South Metro Manila news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

+++++

To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com

You can check out my varied marketing services (including Twitter boosting) right here.

We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Muntinlupa City Government Aims for Zero Firecracker Injuries, to Apprehend Open-muffler Ban Violators

Muntinlupa City Government Aims for Zero Firecracker Injuries, to Apprehend Open-muffler Ban Violators

December 27, 2019December 27, 2019carlocarrasco

Muntinlupa City Government Aims for Zero Firecracker Injuries, to Apprehend Open-muffler Ban Violators

With local measures already enforced, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced today that it is targeting zero firecracker-related injuries and will apprehend motorists using open-mufflers in the holiday season.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the City Government aims to have zero firecracker-related casualty when city residents welcome the New Year as it beefs up the implementation of Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign.

Navarro said the City Health Office recorded a significant decrease in casualties from 13 cases in 2016 to six in 2017, and reduced to two in 2018 upon the implementation of the ban. Local hospitals including Ospital ng Muntinlupa are on standby and have installed fast lanes to provide emergency medical assistance to victims of firecracker blasts.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi ordered the local Peace and Order Council to intensify inspections on marketplaces to confiscate illegal firecrackers and apprehend violators.

On December 23, the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau and personnel of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) led an operation in Alabang Viaduct to apprehend vendors selling firecrackers and conducted an information drive.

Ordinance No. 14-092 was passed by the City Council effectively prohibiting the display and distribution of firecrackers within Muntinlupa’s legal jurisdiction as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.

Apprehended individuals using firecrackers will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000 penalty. While commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance. Further, mall owners or similar establishments may organize fireworks displays in designated areas upon securing a permit from Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.

The City Government is also set to organize a motorcade on December 30 to launch its Iwas Paputok awareness campaign. During the motorcade, local officials will distribute alternative noisemaking devices (torotot) in District 1 and 2 barangays. The motorcade will begin at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle and will conclude in South Station, Alabang with a boodle fight event.

While alternative noise-making activities are encouraged, MTMB warned motorists that the use of aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise causing disturbances in is prohibited as per City Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code.

The City Government has coordinated with Philippine National Police (PNP) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) to put up checkpoints and conduct monitoring surveillance on major thoroughfares, including secondary roads, for the apprehension of revelers with open-mufflers.

Mayor Fresnedi urged residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers. He also encouraged them to celebrate the New Year’s Eve safely.

Muntinlupa residents are also encouraged to report violators to authorities. Locals may contact the following offices: MTMB (831-9884), PNP Muntinlupa (862-2611 / 09083770084), BFP Muntinlupa (842-2201), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (925-4351), and Ospital ng Muntinlupa (771-0457).

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

My Observations: Pizza Telefono in Alabang

My Observations: Pizza Telefono in Alabang

December 27, 2019carlocarrasco

This past Christmas Day at Westgate, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, I was walking to the parked car coming from Starbucks Reserve planning to go back home. As I was about to open the car, I noticed something nearby and decided to walk to it and check it out.

It turns out that the Alabang branch of Pizza Telefono was already open and waiting for customers. Out of curiosity, I entered the restaurant and approached the counter to see what was listed on their menu.

The counter.

Tables and chairs.

To say the least, they had an interesting selection of meals that surely will interest food enthusiasts, notably those who love Italian cuisine. They have hand-tossed pizza (9 variants or flavors), thin-crust pizza (9 variants), premium hand-tossed pizza (6 variants) pasta, premium breakfast meals, salad, chicken, baked rolls and the unique Chicago pizza pot pie (Ragu and Mushroom).

As it was Christmas Day, I had to help with the family hosting a party at home so eating there at the Alabang branch of Pizza Telefono was out of the question.

Today, I returned to the restaurant for lunch. I ordered their spaghetti with meatballs.

Pizza Telefono’s spaghetti with meatballs.

This piece of bread is several inches long and thick enough.

The meal came with a generous amount of noodles, pasta sauce with stewed tomatoes, a piece of bread and three meatballs. For my first bite, I cut a piece of meatball and took it in. Instantly, there was this Italian taste on my tongue. The piece of meatball, to my surprise, was not that warm. It was smooth enough to chew on, though.

When it comes to taste, I felt that the spaghetti of Pizza Telefono tasted very similar to that of Sbarro’s (the one with tomato sauce). Even the texture of the noodles were similar. The piece of bread, meanwhile, was long and thick enough.

This is one of the meatballs partially cut open.

Overall, the spaghetti and meatball meal of Pizza Telefono was satisfying and tasty enough. It was tasty, I did not use any condiments to enjoy it. At P275, it was worth it. The meatballs could have been a warmer, though.

With regards to the restaurant itself, as it is still brand new as of this writing, there are still some shortcomings. While there were lots of tables and chairs filling the rectangular space, I was told that the far-end section was still closed. When I made my first order for beverages, bottled water, canned sodas and Minute Maid were unavailable. I had to settle with their local drinking water.

Being an Alabang resident, I plan to revisit Pizza Telefono as I’m really interested to try out soon one of their pizzas. Their premium breakfast meals looked interesting too.

The entrance of Pizza Telefono Alabang.

For the South Metro Manila residents as well as those coming from nearby Laguna and Cavite, Pizza Telefono Alabang branch inside Westgate is a short walking distance away from Contis Alabang and Fitness First Alabang. One end of the restaurant faces the said two establishments. For those who are about to visit Westgate for the first time, prepare to pay for parking.

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Muntinlupa City Government issues public warning about firecrackers ban and the prohibition of open pipe mufflers

Muntinlupa City Government issues public warning about firecrackers ban and the prohibition of open pipe mufflers

December 23, 2019December 23, 2019carlocarrasco

If you are caught using an open pipe muffler or if you light firecrackers within the City of Muntinlupa during the Christmas holidays, then you will be in trouble.

The City Government of Muntinlupa formally announced on December 23 the on-going ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including open pipe mufflers and other modifications, during the Christmas and New Year celebration.

On that same day, the Muntinlupa Traffic Management and MMDA led an operation at Alabang Viaduct to apprehend illegal vendors selling firecrackers and conduct an information drive on the prohibition of the said items.

The City Council passed Ordinance No. 14-092 prohibiting the display and distribution of firecrackers in the city as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.

Apprehended individuals using firecrackers will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000 penalty. Commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.

Further, mall owners or similar establishments may organize fireworks displays in designated areas upon securing a permit from Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.

Upon the implementation of the firecracker ban, the City Health Office recorded a significant decrease in casualties from 13 firecracker-related cases in 2016 to six cases in 2017 and two cases in 2018.

While alternative noise-making activities are encouraged, the Muntinlupa Traffic and Management Bureau warned motorists that the use of aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise causing disturbances in the holiday season will be apprehended.

As per City Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code, motorists shall equip their vehicles with a muffler to prevent unusual noise.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urges residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers. He encouraged Muntinlupa residents to celebrate the New Year’s Eve safely.

Muntinlupa residents are also encouraged to report violators to authorities. Locals may contact the following offices: MTMB (831-9884), PNP Muntinlupa (862-2611 / 09083770084), BFP Muntinlupa (842-2201), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (925-4351), and Ospital ng Muntinlupa (771-0457).