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More US Visa Applicants In The Philippines Required To Set Social Media Accounts Public

April 5, 2026April 3, 2026carlocarrasco

If you are about to apply for a United States visa, you should be ready to set your social media accounts public as a new requirement announced by the US Embassy in Manila came into effect which covers even more applicants, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Applicants from more US visa category groups are now required to set their social media accounts public, based on the latest advisory of the US Embassy in Manila.

Effective March 30, visa applicants who need to change their social media privacy setting belong to the following categories:

* Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants (K-1, K-2, and K-3 visas)

* Certain Personal Employees or Domestic Workers (A-3, C-3, and G-5 visas)

* Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitors (H-3 and their H-4 dependents)

* Cultural and Religious Visitors (Q, R-1, and R-2 visas)

* Informant, Witness, and Victims of Crimes (S, T, and U visas)

These categories are in addition to Students and Exchanges (F, M, and J) and Specialty Occupations (H-1B and their H-4 dependents) categories.

According to the embassy, it is using such information “to determine applicants’ eligibility to receive a visa.”

Since 2019, it said, the US has required visa applicants to provide social media usernames on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms.

“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames, handles, or identifiers for every platform they have used in the last 5 years on the visa application form,” it said.

“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” it added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you submit your social media accounts and set them all public the last time you applied for a US visa?

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

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

Almost 2.5 Million Barrels of Russian Crude Oil Acquired By Petron

April 4, 2026March 30, 2026carlocarrasco

Fuel giant Petron confirmed that it has almost 2.5 million barrels of crude oil from Russia, according to news report by GMA News. The acquisition has been perceived by many as crucial as the Philippines is struggling with very expensive fuel.

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

Petron Corp. on Monday confirmed the procurement of 2.48 million barrels of crude oil from Russia to augment its inventory until June, as the country’s supply reaches what it described as a “precarious” level amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The listed fuel retailer, which holds a 30% share of the Philippine market and operates the country’s only oil refinery, said it closely coordinated with the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Finance (DOF) on the purchase after both agencies called on local companies to secure alternative sources of crude and finished products.

“The corporation wishes to emphasize that the procurement of Russian crude oil is not part of its business-as-usual sourcing strategy,” Petron said in a regulatory filing.

“The purchases were undertaken strictly out of extreme necessity, as an extraordinary emergency measure in response to unprecedented geopolitical and supply chain disruptions, and only after exhausting all commercially and operationally viable alternatives,” it added.

Petron said it also received confirmation from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that there is no prohibition under Philippine law on sourcing foreign currency for import and trade transactions, clearing the way for the importation of Russian crude oil.

The corporation said that if the current crisis persists and alternative crude sources remain unavailable or insufficient, it may again be compelled to consider purchasing Russian crude oil to augment the national fuel supply.

It added that this would help directly mitigate the adverse consequences arising from the absence of a stable and reliable source of crude.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Does Petron’s procurement of 2.48 million barrels of Russian crude oil make you feel relieved when it comes to the overall supply of fuel in the Philippines?

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

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P3 Million In Fuel Saved By Muntinlupa City Government

April 3, 2026April 1, 2026carlocarrasco

As the prices of fuel have skyrocketed nationwide, the City Government of Muntinlupa managed to save P3 million worth of fuel in a 2-week period as a result of local energy conservation measures, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has saved 31,000 liters of fuel, equivalent to P3 million, in two weeks as part of its energy conservation measures.

“Happy to report na mahigit 31,000 liters o katumbas na P3 milyon na halaga ng fuel ang natipid ng Pamahalaang Lungsod sa loob lamang ng dalawang linggo mula nang ipatupad natin ang austerity at energy conservation measure (Happy to report that the City Government has saved more than 31,000 liters or the equivalent of P3 million worth of fuel in just two weeks since we implemented austerity and energy conservation measures),” Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced.

The city government implemented the measures in compliance with the directive of Malacañang to all government agencies to implement austerity measures due to the Middle East crisis.

Biazon thanked employees of city and national government offices, including the police, fire station, who cooperated in the prudent use of resources.

Included in the city government’s measures is the strategic planning of vehicle trips and strict implementation of “official use only” for government vehicles.

He said in electricity, the city government is expected to save on consumption.

“Nagpatupad tayo ng compressed 4-day work week (maliban sa frontline offices at responders), itinakda ang thermostat sa 24°C (binawasan din nang dalawang oras ang paggamit ng aircon sa lahat ng tanggapan at ang pagpatay ng ilang ilaw sa mga tanggapan sa City Hall), at naglatag ng iba pang energy conservation measures sa ating mga tanggapan (We have implemented a compressed 4-day work week (except for frontline offices and responders), set the thermostat to 24°C (also reducing the use of air conditioning in all offices by two hours and turning off some lights in offices at City Hall), and implemented other energy conservation measures in our offices),” the mayor said.

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, are you satisfied with the energy conservation measures implemented by the City Government?

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

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

Philippine Peso One Of The Most Vulnerable Currencies Of Asia

April 2, 2026March 30, 2026carlocarrasco

With a lot of economic disruptions connected with the conflicts in the Middle East, the Philippine Peso has been exposed as one of the most vulnerable currencies of Asia and already the nation is struggling with spiked fuel prices and rising inflation, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Singapore-based DBS Bank Ltd stated that the Philippine peso is emerging as one of Asia’s most vulnerable currencies as deepening global oil crisis exposes the nation’s heavy reliance on imported energy and the lack of government subsidies.

DBS wrote in a commentary published last Friday that the peso is expected to underperform in the foreign exchange (forex) market alongside the Indian rupee, which recently hit a record low against the United States (US) dollar. The peso also plummeted to another all-time low last Friday, finishing at P60.55 per dollar.

Like India, the Philippines is grappling with vulnerabilities from oil price shocks, which have led the peso to reach a new all-time low, according to DBS senior forex strategist Philip Wee and forex and credit strategist Chang Wei Liang.

“Similarly, the peso remains highly vulnerable,” Wee and Liang said. Last Friday, the peso breached the 60.5 level as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified, and the central bank stood firm in its view that there is no immediate need to defend the currency.

Wee and Liang said the Philippines stands as “most exposed to oil price pass-through due to zero subsidies and a 90 percent energy reliance on Gulf energy.”

Japanese financial giant MUFG Bank Ltd. and think tank Capital Economics also emphasized the Philippines’ high exposure to external market volatility, which is hurting the peso amid investors’ risk-off sentiment.

MUFG analysts said the peso is among the “weakest performers in the region” last week, declining by a total of 4.9 percent since the Israel-Iran conflict flare-up. It was surpassed only by the Thai baht, which has dropped 5.9 percent month-to-date.

Following the peso are the declines in the South Korean won (4.7 percent), Indian rupee (4.1 percent), and Malaysian ringgit (three percent). Meanwhile, the Vietnamese dong and Chinese yuan have been the most resilient currencies, with only around a one percent decline each.

DBS said that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is facing a dilemma: it must contain skyrocketing consumer prices while defending the peso amid extreme vulnerability to the worsening energy crisis, with the impacts more pronounced in heavy oil-importing economies.

Citing metrics from an Institute of International Finance (IIF) study, Wee and Liang labeled the currencies of the Philippines, South Korea, and Malaysia as “somewhat vulnerable” to oil price spikes stemming from the Middle East war.

Such metrics include direct trade exposure to oil imports, the growth impact of oil usage intensity, and vulnerability to agricultural and fertilizer supply shocks.

DBS assessed India, Thailand, and Vietnam as the most vulnerable to oil market shocks, while China and Indonesia are the least sensitive.

Despite the peso’s recent weakness, DBS projects the local currency to rebound toward 57.8 per dollar by the end of 2026. However, the pair is also seen climbing back to 59.9 by late 2027 and remaining within the 59 level through 2030.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government of the Philippines and its economic managers will be able to execute moves to prevent strengthen the Peso ensuring economic growth?

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

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What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 131 (Holy Week Special)

April 1, 2026March 27, 2026carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. This is the Holy Week special and I have below some selected videos for your faith in the Lord, for your enlightenment about Israel and more.

#1 Only Jesus Live Video By Hillsong Worship – This past February, Hillsong Worship posted a live worship music video of the song Only Jesus. The song emphasizes that through scripture, Lord Jesus is revealed as the risen King, seated on the throne, and exalted forever. The song will help lift you up spiritually to worship the Lord and the music video itself has been viewed over a million times. Enjoy the video below.

#2 Bless The Lord Lyric Video By New Life Music – Bless The Lord is an original worship song by New Life Music. The song is a reminder to the faithful to honor the Lord by blessing His name, praising Him with gladness and living on with uncompromising faith in Him. Watch and enjoy the lyric video of Bless The Lord below.

#3 The Love Of My Father Video By Planetshakers – The Love of My Father is a worship song from Planetshakers’ Open Door Live Album and it will remind you that God is our father and His love for the faithful (His children) is real, eternal and always holy. We live in an age in which more people in modern society have drifted away from the Lord because of worldliness and they were influenced by rabid feminists and gender activists who openly hate the patriarchy and hate the concept of fatherhood. As such, The Love of My Father is needed for our worship of the Lord and to deepen our relationship with Him. Lift yourselves up with the Planetshakers music video below.

#4 Teachings By Pastor Paul and Shoddy Chase – I encourage you all to deepen your faith in the Lord with the respective teachings of God’s Word led by Pastors Paul and Shoddy Chase. I personally attended their teachings on separate Sunday worship services at New Life Alabang. Grab your bible and notebooks, be ready to write something down and watch the videos below.

#5 Breakthroughs In The World – We live in a twisted and unpredictable world. No matter what happens, we must never let the dark forces separate us from the Lord. As such, we all need to pray to the Lord for protection, endurance and miracles. Within this twisted world we live in, there are indeed developments and good news that happened under the watch of the Lord. Learn what has been happening in the CBN News videos below.

#6 HolyLandSite Israel Videos – I have said it before and I will say it again. Israel is the land God designated to the Jewish people and He sent His only begotten Son Lord Jesus to them to save the lost and unsaved. Israel is the Holy Land and the many miracles and breakthroughs that happened there were recorded in the Holy Bible. Having toured Israel myself, I can clearly say that the Holy Bible came to life in front of me when I visited the holy sites.

In ending this Holy Week Special, I share with you the following scriptures from the Holy Bible.

Jesus answered him,

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.

John 3:3 (AMPC)

Grace and spiritual blessing be to you and [soul] peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah),

Who gave (yielded) Himself up [to atone] for our sins [and to save and sanctify us], in order to rescue and deliver us from this present wicked age and world order, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father—

To Him [be ascribed all] the glory through all the ages of the ages and the eternities of the eternities! Amen (so be it).

Galatians 1:3-5 (AMPC)

For God is one, and there is one Mediator between God and the sons of men—the true man, Jesus, the Anointed One.

1 Timothy 2:5 (TPT)

Thank you for your time. Always move forward with uncompromising faith in the Lord. Always remember that Lord Jesus is the hope of ALL nations as He is God’s son as well as the Anointed Mediator between the Heavenly Father and men. Also pray to the Lord to support Israel, its people and for the peace of Jerusalem.

Remember that God always loves the faithful and Lord Jesus is absolutely the hope of ALL nations!

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Three Pakistani Nationals Arrested Over Immigration Violations

April 1, 2026March 29, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in General Santos City, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) successfully apprehended three Pakistani nationals for violating immigration rules, according to the official announcement by the bureau. The BI agents were supported by the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police in the said city.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI), through its intensified intelligence and enforcement operations under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border control and uphold the rule of law, arrested three Pakistani nationals for immigration violations in General Santos City.

The operation forms part of the government’s broader efforts to protect local labor and ensure that foreign nationals comply with Philippine laws, in line with the President’s continued push for a secure and well-regulated immigration system.

The arrest was carried out on March 17 by operatives of the BI Intelligence Division–Mindanao Intelligence Task Group (MITG), in coordination with elements of the Philippine Army and the General Santos City Police Office, by virtue of a mission order.

Apprehended were Arslan Ali, 30, and Suleman Ali, 28, both Pakistani nationals, at a surplus vehicle display center located along Apopong National Highway, Barangay Sinawal, General Santos City. The two were found actively engaged in business operations despite lacking the appropriate work visas.

Initial investigation revealed that Arslan Ali had overstayed in the country for nearly five years and admitted to having a pending deportation case. Meanwhile, Suleman Ali was found to be holding a tourist visa.

A third foreign national, identified as Mudassar Miraj, was also encountered during the operation. Records showed that his 9(g) work visa had expired in February 2026, but claims he has a pending application for extension. He was also brought in for verification.

The arrested individuals face charges for violation of of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, for overstaying, and for engaging in gainful employment without the proper visa or permit.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be a lot more Pakistani nationals in the Philippines who could be engaging in illegal activities? Have you ever wondered why were there visitors from Pakistan who overstayed in the country and even went as far as doing business operations? Do you think the Bureau of Immigration should work faster to find and arrest any remaining illegal aliens around the country?

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

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Three Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City Over Illegal Substances Worth P102,000

March 31, 2026March 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the local police successfully pulled off a buy-bust operation that resulted in three suspects arrested and the seizure of illegal substances worth P102,000, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Operatives of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) arrested three drug suspects and seized shabu worth P102,000 in a buy-bust operation early Wednesday, March 26.

Col. Nicolas Pinon, Parañaque City Police chief, identified the suspects as Wowie, 51; Miguel, 20; and Alex, 50. They were apprehended at around 1:51 a.m. on Pelaez Street in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

Pinon said the suspects were on the police watchlist for illegal drug activities.

An undercover police officer acting as a poseur-buyer was able to transact with the suspects for the purchase of shabu, which led to their arrest. Authorities confiscated about 15 grams of shabu worth P102,000, along with the buy-bust money.

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 thankful to the police for their successful operation that captured the drug suspects?

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

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Muntinlupa GO Bags Released To Residents Living Along West Valley Fault

March 30, 2026March 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government of Muntinlupa officially started distributing GO Bags (emergency kits filled with essential supplies good for 72 hours) to the local residents living along the West Valley Fault, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Muntinlupa City government started distributing go-bags to families living along the West Valley Fault, which transects several cities.

A go-bag is an emergency kit containing essential supplies that can be used in the first 72 hours of a disaster. It aims to help families be ready in times of earthquake or other emergencies.

The city government distributed the bags to families in Purok Uno, Mendiola Street, in Barangay Alabang through the Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management.

Priority in the distribution of go-bags are families living along the fault line and areas considered as high-risk in ground movement.

“Unang tanong ng marami: bakit hindi lahat? Simple lang ang sagot—may prioritization tayo. Unang binibigyan ang mga pamilyang nasa high-risk areas, lalo na yung malapit sa West Valley Fault. Sila ang pinakaunang maaapektuhan sakaling magkaroon ng malakas na lindol, kaya doon tayo unang tumutok (The first question many people ask: why not everyone? The answer is simple—we prioritize. Families in high-risk areas are given first, especially those near the West Valley Fault. They are the first to be affected in the event of a major earthquake, so that is where we focus first),” said Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

He added, “Hindi ito tungkol sa kung sino ang mauuna lang makatanggap; tungkol ito sa kung saan pinaka-kailangan (It is not about who will receive it first; it is about where it is needed most).”

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 more GO Bags should be released to more households in the city in the near future?

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

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Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City For Stealing Motorcycle

March 29, 2026March 24, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the local police apprehended two suspects behind the theft of a motorcycle, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Authorities arrested two suspects in a motorcycle theft after a 46-year-old man reported his Yamaha Fassio has been missing since March 23 in Parañaque City.

Parañaque City Police Chief Col. Nicolas Pinon identified the suspects as Abdul, 33, and Eric, 33, both residents of Taguig City. They were apprehended along Pajero Street in Barangay Sun Valley, Parañaque City.

According to Pinon, the victim said he parked his motorcycle in a designated parking area. However, when he returned, the vehicle was already missing. The victim immediately sought assistance and reported the incident to authorities at the Sun Valley Substation.

A hot pursuit operation was launched which led to the arrest of the suspects. Police said one of them was driving a white Honda PCX motorcycle while assisting his accomplice using the “tulak paa” maneuver.

Authorities recovered the stolen motorcycle. Police also found a hand grenade in Eric’s possession, while Abdul yielded six grams of shabu worth P40,800.

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 know anyone who lost a motorcycle to thieves within the city?

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

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Sister Port Agreement Between SBMA And Belgium Proposed

March 28, 2026March 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) headed by its Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño hosted a delegation from the Embassy of Belgium led by Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova. During the visit, Aliño proposed to them a Sister Port Agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, according to the official announcement by the SBMA.

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

A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026.

Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition.

The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the proposed Sister Port Agreement between the SBMA and Belgium will eventually be approved in the near future? Do you think that better trade will happen between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be realized?

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

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