Yet another coffee shop of Starbucks opened in the Alabang area in Muntinlupa City very recently. Specifically, this is about the one that opened at the ground floor of One Griffinstone located along Commerce Avenue corner Spectrum Midway in Filinvest City.
Very recently, out of curiosity, I visited to take a close look.
From inside facing Commerce Avenue.
Like the other new Starbucks coffee shops I visited recently, the One Griffinstone branch has a nice interior and more notably, it’s got views of the immediate surroundings.
When it comes to seating capacity, I counted fifty-one seats, including the stools. For the use of the common rest room, a code is required to be able to use it. The code is printed on the receipt of the Starbucks drink/food customers buy. If you need to use the toilet during your time at Starbucks One Griffinstone, do not throw away the receipt fast.
The counter.Many places to sit and enjoy.
After receiving my drink, I sat down facing one side of the place looking at the Festival Mall in the distance. Then I realizing something…Commerce Avenue literally connects with four different Starbucks branches in Alabang.
Facing the far end of Commerce Avenue heading towards the direction of Festival Mall (hidden by the trees).
Along Commerce Avenue (note: distances between the coffeeshops and the said road) are the Alabang Town Center branch, the One Griffinstone branch and Starbucks Reserve (part of Westgate) branch.
In a way, Commerce Avenue leads to the old Starbucks branch at Festival Mall. Coming from the direction of Ayala Alabang, one can drive to the said branch by reaching the end of the road entering the area of mall, turn right on a short road going to the open-air parking area (where the old Starbucks and Robinsons department store are).
Are these enough Starbucks branches in the Alabang area as a whole? That’s hard to figure out at this point in time but what is clear is that Alabang is a hot spot for the world’s largest coffee chain. Previously I visited another new Alabang branch of the coffee chain at Madison Galeries.
Check out and visit the Starbucks One Griffinstone branch if you have time.
Officials of Antel Land and Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) in unity during the signing of the agreement.
A new school will soon rise in the Province of Cavite in 2020. This is the expected result of an agreement recently signed by Antel Land and Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) to establish what is called as the first globally accredited international school in General Trias, Cavite.
The said project is the eight international school to become part of the Southville Global Education Network (SGEN) and it will be located specifically in Antel Grand Village.
“We’re very happy to have Southville bring their expertise in providing world class education to Antel Grand Village. It a welcome addition to our exclusive and mixed use development in Cavite. It will benefit not only our growing residents but the surrounding communities as well. Southville is a top choice as it matches our discerning and exclusive demographic and is timely to support the rapid development of the Kawit-Gen Trias-Tanza growth corridor of Cavite,” Antel Land Vice President Kyle Lao declared.
Antel Grand Village is a high-end community located only 30 minutes away from Mall of Asia via the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX). The village offers the comforts of a relaxed environment near the city and ensures that children receive an education that matches any institution in the world. AGV is described to be the first and only self-contained island community, south of Metro Manila, with over 170 hectares of carefully master planned residential villages, social and commercial districts, and a 1.7 hectare clubhouse, all in the midst of verdant scenery and riverside vistas.
Antel Grand Village could be the community that families, who are searching for a more relaxed environment away from Metro Manila’s traffic, might want to visit for new homes.
About Southville International School and Colleges (SISC)
Southville International School and Colleges is an internationally awarded education institution consistently producing students who are considered some of the best both in the Philippines and overseas. Southville has been awarded the Investors in People UK Gold award, ISO 9001:2015 certification, International Baccalaureate accreditation, Western Association of Schools and Colleges(WASC) accreditation, School of the future by DepEd, and many more. Just in 2019, Southville students have been accepted into the Top-10 Ranked Universities in the world such as Imperial College London, received scholarship offers from universities in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom and a Southville alumni Sean Borja was ranked the #1 new lawyer in the 2018 Philippine Bar Exam. Southville is also the school of choice of several well-known personalities such as actresses Jodi Sta. Maria, Heaven Peralejo, Winwyn Marquez, and Liza Soberano. Leaders from the business sector, government, and the expat community trust Southville with one of the most important decisions in their lives – the education of their children.
Ms. Marie Vic Suarez, SISC Principal and Mr. Daniel Steel, SGEN Communications Director introduced Southville’s programmes to Antel Land officials.
About Antel Group of Companies
Since 1986, Antel Group of Companies has been a pioneer in the Real Estate industry, with over 500 hectares of prime property being developed and landbanked. Being both land owner and developer, the company has grown a diverse portfolio ranging from horizontal and commercial developments, mid and high-rise residential buildings, corporate towers, malls and township communities. With over 30 years of experience and expertise, Antel Land guarantees the perfect place for Southville to expand its legacy as an academic institution adhering to the utmost global perspective of quality education.
Ms. Fely Ong, President and Mr. Kyle Lao, Vice President of Antel Land.
Barangay BF Homes’ Erla Cortesta Recognized as an Outstanding Nutrition Scholar in NCR
Erla Cortesta of Barangay BF Homes (holding the award) was one of fifteen National Capital Region-based nutrition scholar recognized by the National Nutrition Authority as a City/Municipal Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars. (photo contributed by Barangay BF Homes)
On the afternoon of July 26, Erla Cortesta of Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City brought home honor to her locality as she was recognized as a City/Municipal Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar for 2018 during the 2019 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony – National Capital Region held at The Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.
Specifically, Cortesta was one of only fifteen such scholars to receive such a recognition and she is the lone awardee of Parañaque. Considering the multiple barangays there are in the NCR involved in the search, being among the fifteen scholars is a significant achievement on its own. Like her fellow scholars, Cortesta received a plaque of recognition as well as a cash prize.
Standing beside awardee Erla Cortesta were Barangay BF Homes Nutrition Action Officer Zeny Pascual and Kagawad Cielo Lazatin. (photo contributed by Barangay BF Homes)
“It is a significant distinction for Barangay BF Homes as there were several contenders in NCR and only few were awarded,” Barangay BF Homes Kagawad Cielo Lazatin said. “They all went through a very intensive evaluation before getting declared as awardees.”
Present during the ceremony, apart from Kagawad Lazatin, Barangay BF Homes Nutrition Action Officer Zeny Pascual and Parañaque City’s First Lady Janet Olivarez.
The 2019 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony – National Capital Region was an event organized by the National Nutrition Council.
Applicants inside the clubhouse along Narra street waiting to be called.
The Ayala Alabang Village Association (AAVA) recently released the 2019 edition of their vehicular stickers and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for both residents and non-residents. Already they are receiving and processing applications at the clubhouse (Neighborhood Center) along Narra street in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City. The following details were from the tarpaulins of AAVA and the non-resident application form itself.
To apply, fill-up the form as well as the members (referring to AAVA members) registration update (CERD). Apart from filling up the application form, a valid contract of lease (for lessee), the TCT (for owner) and the official receipt and certificate of registration (OR and CR) or the sales invoice for new applications must be submitted.
The AAVA’s rates of fees (note: not for non-residents) for the new sticker and RFID tag are as follows:
1-5 cars – P200 per vehicle
6-10 cars – P2,000 per vehicle
11-15 cars – P4,000 per vehicle
16 or more cars – P6,000 per vehicle
AUVs (above 10-seating capacity) – P5,000 per vehicle
Motorcycles – P200 per vehicle
Meanwhile, the sticker and RFID tag rate fornon-resident private motorists (or “visitor/guest with AAVA ID”) is P2,700. The rate is the same for Alabang Country Club members. For motorcyclists, the rate is P500.
P5,200 is the rate for AUVs (with more than 10 seating capacity w/o decal), accredited school bus service (maximum 18 passengers), trucks (food delivery/catering), Elf, Canter and all types of vehicles with company decals. Accredited school bus service with 19 or more passengers is at P7,200. For the accredited school bus service described as “full/big bus”, the rate is P10,200.
P3,200 is the rate for passenger-type jeeps, multicabs and taxis (resident owned). For tricycles that ply inside the village, it is P1,200.
Other requirements for non-residents and the like: Company certification authorizing the applicant to use the vehicle (specifically company-owned vehicle) and the Car Rental Agreement (for rent-a-car).
Once the application has been approved and the fees have been paid, applicants must be ready to get into their vehicles, drive and have it lined-up for the installation of the sticker and RFID tag (which will be done off Narra street).
The installation of the sticker and RFID tag REQUIRES the physical presence of the vehicle. In other words, make sure you bring your car to the AAVA clubhouse to have the association’s personnel install the sticker and the RFID tag.
The installation of the RFID tag and the new sticker takes a short time to complete.
Schedule of processing
Monday – Districts 1 and 2
Tuesday – Districts 3 and 4
Wednesday – District 5
Thursday – District 7
Friday – Schools and non-residents
Saturday – All districts of Ayala Alabang Village.
Cut-off time is 8AM to 4PM Monday to Friday, and 8AM to 11AM on Saturday.
For more information, visit the AAVA or call them at landline 809-2282 and 842-4411. Send them email at admin@aava.com.ph
RFID defined
RFID is the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object. The said tag can be read from up to several feet away and does not need to be within the direct line of sight of the reader to be tracked.
With regards to vehicular use, a car will be detected electronically as each entry into or each exit from the village will be registered into the database. Since RFID stickers are issued to motorists whose applications were accepted, it is obvious that the vehicle’s information (including the name of the owner, model of the vehicle and others) can be verified by the village quickly. With regards to non-residents entering and leaving the village with their vehicles, they can be monitored more efficiently than compared to the old, non-RFID system.
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 Havenoris 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 Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Popeyes restaurant at Alabang Town Center, specifically located right beside Krispy Kreme.
On July 19 at a commercial space (right beside Krispy Kreme and steps away from Fully Booked) at the area of Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City, the newest branch of Popeyes Philippines opened and right from the start it drew a long line of curious and hungry customers.
I personally witnessed many people waiting in line seated as many chairs were provided for their comfort. Once inside, they joined the line at the counters to make their orders and then wait to be served.
As there were so many people, I decided to skip the weekend and try one of Popeyes’ meals on a weekday. Fortunately, yesterday, I found an opportunity to visit the Popeyes ATC branch and the line outside was much shorter. When I sat in line, there were less than ten people ahead of me.
The wait on line at the counters inside the restaurant took longer. I noticed that the Popeyes personnel receiving orders had to answer the many questions asked by the customers who had their turns. During that time, I carefully examined the meals, side dishes and drinks displayed. By the time I got my chance to order at the counter, I quickly ordered a 2-piece fried chicken meal with single rice (and drink included) and their Cajun Fries.
So here is my meal.
2-piece fried chicken with rice (still wrapped) and the Cajun Fries.
To make things clear, I did NOT use any condiments as I really wanted to determine if the food cooked by Popeyes were really tasty on their own.
When I started with the fried chicken, I opened the meat to see if it was well cooked. They did their job.
The fried chicken cut open.
The result? For the fried chicken, they were tasty on their own. While Popeyes constantly emphasized their “Louisiana taste” a lot, I did not find the flavor of their fried chicken special. When it comes to taste, Popeyes fried chicken is tasty enough to enjoy without any condiments. However, if I may compare, I find the fried chicken of Mini-Stop (under their Uncle John’s sub-brand) clearly tastier than Popeyes. At the same time, I noticed Popeyes fried chicken pieces were slightly smaller compared to what was served at Mini-Stop, 7-Eleven, Jollibee, SNR and FamilyMart. Lastly, I noticed Popeyes’ fried chicken is not too greasy and that’s a good thing.
For what I paid (P167 or more than US$3), the 2-piece fried chicken meal at Popeyes Alabang was filling enough but it could have been better. If you want fried chicken meals that are more flavorful and more filling for less cost, you are better off with Mini-Stop, 7-Eleven and others.
Popeyes Cajun Fries.
As for the Cajun Fries, they are tasty enough to be enjoyed without condiments. The texture and taste remind me somewhat of McDonald’s twisted fries I tasted long ago. In a way, the Cajun Fries are more enjoyable than the standalone fries of other fast food restaurants that need condiments to be flavorful. The medium-sized Cajun Fries cost me P57.
I don’t know when to return to Popeyes at ATC but if I revisit, perhaps I’ll try out one of their burger meals.
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 Havenoris 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 Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (4th from left) congratulates Muntinlupa winners in the 2019 National Science and Technology Week by DOST during the city’s flag raising ceremony last July 22. The mayor lauded Dielles Apiary and Meadery Inc. and Muntinlupa Southville 3 Homebased Producers Association Inc. for winning Best Packaging and Labelling Innovation, Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program and Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology Program categories in the 2019 NSTW. Also present were: (L-R) DOST MuntiParLas Cluster Director Kim Atienza, Muntinlupa City Technical Institute Director Francisco Santella, Muntinlupa SHBPAI president Nympha Palafox and Councilor Raul Corro. (source – City Government of Muntinlupa)
The City of Muntinlupa made waves in the field of science and technology recently as Muntinlupa-based wine maker Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. and Southville 3 Homebased Producers Association Inc. (SHBPAI) snagged three major awards in the recently held 2019 National Science and Technology Week (2019 NSTW) by Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
As a result, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi formally congratulated Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. and SHBPAI whose officials were presented before City Government officials at the grounds of City Hall during the July 22 flag raising ceremony.
To put things in perspective, the 2019 NSTW showcased the latest innovations in technologies, products, and research that contribute to national development. During that particular showcase, Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. won the Best Packaging and Labelling Innovation in the regional and national level. Further, it also represented NCR as the regional winner in the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program national category.
For its part, SHBPAI emerged as the winner in the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology or CEST Program in NCR and became the finalist in the national category.
Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. and Muntinlupa SHBPAI received S&T assistance such as package development, training, laboratory and consultancy services from DOST to improve their operations and boost their productivity and competitiveness.
Dielles Apiary and Meadery, Inc. owner Luke Deogracias Macabbabad, also a beneficiary of the City Government’s zero-interest loan assistance, expressed his thanks to the City Government for its assistance to local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Also present during the same ceremony SHBPAI president Nympha Palafox and DOST MuntiParLas Cluster Director Kim Atienza.
In line with the DOST’s thrust, Muntinlupa City supports budding entrepreneurs and MSMEs to scale up their businesses through various programs, having the Tulong Negosyo zero-interest loan assistance as the flagship project which provide financial assistance from 2,000 up to 150,000 pesos depending on business capital ceiling and payment record.
The DOST and the City Government continuously work towards providing innovative solutions for the communities. DOST MuntiParLas Cluster Office is located at Muntinlupa City Technical Institue in San Guillermo St., Barangay Putatan.
As announced by the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) during its July 14 general meeting, the much-awaited Linggo ng Kabataan 2019 (Youth Week 2019)will commence on August 17 mainly at the Phase 1 gym along Pilar Banzon street, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City.
The official sign of the Linggo ng Kabataan 2019. (photo care of the BFK Facebook page)
Linggo ng Kabataan 2019 is a whole day event filled with multiple activities organized by the BFSK (led by its chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang) which has already invited youths of local communities aged 15 to 30-years-old.
Activities include:
1) Palarong Pinoy (games) – A variety of games will be held. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shirts, leggings, pants, jogging pants and sport shoes. Prohibited is the wearing of shorts and slippers. Going beyond the games, there will be a program and other related activities that will happen until the evening. Participants are reminded that sportsmanship is a key value of taking part here.
2) Malayang Taludturan/Tula-Salitaan (Spoken Word Poetry) – As part of the BFSK’s celebration of the Buwan ng Wika, there will be literary contests happening and the use of Filipino or Tagalog as language is essential. Poems written in Tagalog should be originally composed by the participants.
3) Trashionista – a competition that encourages creativity with a strong sense of taking care of the environment by means of using recycles materials. This is a challenge to make gowns composed of fully recycled materials and participants must ensure that the gowns can actually be worn. There is a requirement for presenters of the gown to be a member of the LGBTQA+. Each presentation will be judged by authenticity, creativity, originality, effort and audience impact.
All youths residing in Barangay BF Homes are highly encouraged to participate.
“We are hoping that youths can gain something and enjoy in all the activities that we will be giving them on the event. We would love to see them smiling and enjoying while participating in the Linggo ng Kabataan,” Barangay BF Homes SK chairperson Mariel Tumang said. “They could enhance their skills especially in the Contests that we’ve prepared. They can showcase their talents, build up their confidence and especially develop sportmanship and learn how to socialize with their fellow youths.“
The Linggo ng Kabataan 2019 in Barangay BF Homes is being prepared by the BFSK led by Tumang with the full support of their SK council members (SK kagawads) Alma Galindo, Roselyn Regis, Jerry Dalmero, Kelly Haboc, Irene Juanico, Anne Gabrielle Corre and Stephanie Sebullen plus BFSK Secretary Darrenz Fabros and BFSK Treasurer Jefferson Ching. Barangay BF Homes chairman Paolo Marquez, who previously served as an official and leader of the BFSK, naturally supports the Linggo ng Kabataan 2019.
For inquiries, visit the BFSK’s official FB page here or visit Barangay BF Homes hall along Elsie Gatches street.
To read my exclusive interview with BFSK chairperson Mariel Tumang, click here.
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 Havenoris 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 Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
A donation drive program called DOnate GOODs was formally launched on July 20 at the Robinsons Townville in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City and anyone from the public who is generous or has a genuine intention to help are welcome to give.
DOnate GOODs is a year-long donation drive organized by Barangay BF Homes’ Nutrition Council (led by Kagawad Cielo Lazatin) in cooperation with Robinsons Townville for the benefit of malnourished children of the local community.
The donation drive is in support of the “UKAY-UKAY/ROLLING STORE” program. It is an income-generating initiative that would provide financial assistance to the parents/guardians of the beneficiaries in attending to their daily needs.
Donors’ used goods like clothes, shoes, bags, toys, etc. that are still in good condition are accepted.
To donate, visit the administration office of Robinsons Townville BF Homes which is physically connected with Pergola Mall. The whole place is along Aguirre Avenue connected to Elsie Gatched street (where the Barangay hall is located at).
Goods are accepted Monday to Saturday, 10AM to 2PM.
The launch
According to Kagawad Cielo Lazatin, the July 20 launch held at Robinsons Townville BF Homes also had extra activities emphasizing health such as free blood pressure check and vital signa check. A Zumba marathon was held which attracted a lot of participants and sponsor Byba Philippines gave out free sample products.
Below are images contributed by the barangay. Click any image to enlarge.
Muntinlupa City Government Praised for Business Friendliness
During a consultation meeting and presentation of local medium and long-term development plans held at Vivere Hotel, Filinvest City, Alabang in Muntinlupa City, the members of the business community lauded the local initiatives of City Government of Muntinlupa.
IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines Executive Director for External Affairs and Investor Relations Nicki Agcaoili praised Muntinlupa LGU for facilitating a “business-friendly environment” in the city.
“Among other LGUs in the region, Muntinlupa City is the easiest to transact with,” Agcaoili said during the July 12 event.
Agcaoili also noted how they have achieved and exceeded targets after locating in the city.
Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi expressed his thanks to business executives who attended the consultation meeting and vowed to strengthen partnership with them. This was affirmed by City Councilor Raul Corro who expressed the City Council’s commitment to address the business sector’s needs through local legislation.
For their part, City Government officials presented the projects to be implemented over next three years. Private sector execs expressed their feedback in a focus group discussion.
The consultation meeting was facilitated by the Business Permits and Licensing Office and the Local Economic and Investments Promotions Office.
In 2017 and 2018, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry hailed Muntinlupa City as the Most Business-Friendly LGU in the country. This established the city as the standout city for business in South Metro Manila.
A pioneer in the EODB Act, the City of Muntinlupa is the first local government unit (LGU) to introduce the Single Window Transaction – Modified Business One-Stop Shop, a single-interface business-registration process in which a business permit registration application can be finished in up to 15 minutes only.
MSME development is also a priority in the city through the Tulong Negosyo program (formerly Dagdag Puhunan program) which offers zero-percent interest loan assistance from 2,000 to 150,000 pesos.
On top of financial assistance, the local government provides coaching and mentoring sessions to budding entrepreneurs which include business legal management, accounting for non-accountants, and financial management, among others.
The City Government organizes business forums to determine the business sector’s inputs and feedback on development agendas. This in turn helps the City Government address their needs.
Las Piñas City Government signs deal with Perpetual Help Medical Center for Green Card program
Las Piñas City hospitalization through the Green Card Program could now be availed at the Perpetual Help Medical Center of Las Piñas according Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery.
The Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Piñas is the latest medical facility to accredit the Green Card Program of the City Government, in addition to Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, and Las Piñas City Medical Center.
“We are happy to announce that we have another partner in providing hospitalization benefits to our Las Piñeros, the Perpetual Help Medical Center, as we continue to explore ways to deliver enhanced service to our kababayans,” Mayor Aguilar said.
Green Card holders among the city residents could avail of the free hospitalization services worth P30,000 per patient who would be confined at any of the accredited hospitals.
The Green Card is the hospitalization support program managed by the Mayor’s Office, City Health Office, and City Social Welfare and Development Office. It has now around 200,000 Green Card holders.
The free hospitalization program was initiated by former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar in 2000 with about 10,000 Green Card holders, including city hall employees, which was accredited at Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital and San Juan De Dios Hospital. The number of household beneficiaries has been expanded and in nearly 20 years the program signed up with five accredited hospitals to cater to the medical needs of the Las Piñeros.
For details about the City Government’s Green Card program, click here.
Author Carlo Carrasco 