To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas Commission on Elections (Comelec) scheduled a satellite voter’s registration in nine areas in the city on August 1 to 10.
According to the Las Piñas Public Information Office (PIO), the satellite voter registration conducted by the Comelec will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The registration will be conducted from Mondays to Fridays, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, except when declared by the Comelec.
The Comelec will hold voter registration in the following areas: Metals Road, Camella 4 Subdivision in Barangay Pamplona Tres; Villar Gymnasium function room located at Barangay Talon Dos; Bernabe compound in Barangay Pulanglupa Uno; Gatchalian Subdivision in Barangay Manuyo Dos; Colours Town Marcos Alvarez; San Antonio Valley 17 in Barangay Talon Kuatro; Carmencita Village in Barangay Talon Tres; Almanza Dos Barangay Hall; and at Robinsons Mall ground floor located along Alabang-Zapote Road.
The Comelec advised residents to check their FB page on the dates when the mentioned areas will hold the voter satellite registration.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? How many people in your local community need to get registered with the local COMELEC office?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The office leasing market sustained a strong momentum in the first half of 2025, with demand reaching 67 percent of full-year 2024, despite the withdrawal of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said Thursday.
“Demand has been strong for the first half of the year. We believe it will continue. We never know what will happen, but we are optimistic about it,” Mikko Barranda, LPC director for Commercial Leasing, said during the presentation of the LPC Q2 2025 Philippine Property Market Report in Makati City.
The Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) took up 50 percent of the total leasing activity, or 365,000 square meters, in the first half of 2025.
Traditional industries, on the other hand, accounted for 48 percent, or 354,000 sqm, of the demand, while government offices took the rest of the share at 21,000 sqm.
At least 79 percent, or 581,000 sqm, of the overall demand came from Metro Manila, with Bonifacio Global City representing 146,000 sqm, while provincial demand was at 21 percent to 159,000 sqm, with Cebu covering 81,000 sqm.
Barranda reported that the net demand has breached more than 50 percent to 271,000 sqm of the firm’s projection for the year.
“Contractions are tapering off and net take-up in terms of what we have projected back in Q1, which we feel will be at 490,000 sqm levels, were already touching 55 percent,” he said.
In the absence of POGOs, LPC Chief Executive Officer David Leechiu said this surge is already the highest since 2017.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? How far do you think the current surge of office leasing market will go by the end of the year? Do you think there are a lot more companies out there actively searching for office spaces to rent?
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…
The local government of Muntinlupa announced that three prominent hotels were recognized for their exceptional resilience in navigating various crises, from the recent pandemic to natural calamities.
In a statement, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said that the awards highlight not just business success but also the steadfastness of these enterprises in the face of adversity.
Crimson Hotel secured the first prize for the Most Resilient Business Enterprise, followed by The Bellevue Manila in second place and Somerset Alabang in third.
“This isn’t just an award for business success, but for resilience amidst crisis,” Biazon said. “From the pandemic to various calamities, they have continuously remained open, provided assistance, and served as a pillar for our city.”
He also stressed that true success is measured not only by how high one reaches but by one’s fortitude during challenges.
“I salute businesses that not only recovered but also became part of the solution,” Biazon said, acknowledging the crucial role these establishments played.
“Muntinlupa’s hospitality industry, particularly its hotels, often finds itself on the front lines during disasters. These establishments frequently serve as evacuation sites and partners in emergency response efforts,” he added.
The mayor also said that resilience is not accidental as it requires deliberate planning, preparation, and effort, encompassing robust business continuity planning, comprehensive staff training, and close coordination with local government units.
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 delighted to know that the prominent hotels played key roles in dealing with crisis?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor April Aguilar welcomed several barangay captains at City Hall and met them, the City Government confirmed via social media. Former Mayor and current Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar was present.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from social media post of the City Government Some parts in boldface…
Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar warmly welcomed the Barangay Captains of Las Piñas during a courtesy visit held at the Las Piñas City Hall.
The delegation, led by Las Piñas Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jose Mauricio Riguera, visited Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar to extend their congratulations on their recent electoral victory and to express their collective commitment to working closely with the city government in pursuit of good governance, grassroots development, and responsive public service.
During the visit, the barangay leaders recognized Mayor Aguilar’s ability to connect with communities and shared their intention to work closely with her office to help ensure continued development and effective delivery of public services in every barangay.
Mayor Aguilar expressed her appreciation for their show of support and committed to maintaining strong coordination with all 20 barangays of Las Piñas.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Was your barangay captain among those who met with Mayor Aguilar at City Hall? What do you hope to see from the City Government that would benefit your local community? Do you think there will be closer relationships between the City Government and the barangays of the city over the next three years?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers apprehended two persons (both previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs) for selling fake money online, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of the PNA Some parts in boldface…
Two former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers were arrested for allegedly selling fake money online in Las Piñas City, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) said on Friday.
In a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said suspects alias “Usa,” 18, a resident of Cotabato City; and “Agila,” 30, of Zamboanga Del Sur were arrested by the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team, in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in an entrapment operation in Barangay Manuyo Dos on Wednesday.
“’Yung dalawang nahuli natin, we can confirm that they are former employees of POGO. Ito ay mga driver ng ating POGO companies. They started selling these fake money nung nag-stop na sila sa POGO (These two we caught, we can confirm that they are former POGO employees … They were drivers of POGO companies. They started selling this fake money when POGOs were shut down),” Yang said.
He said the suspects mainly operated in Metro Manila, according to reports.
In November last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 74, ordering the immediate ban of the Philippine offshore gaming, internet gaming and other offshore gaming operations.
The entrapment operation stemmed from a report by the BSP regarding the rampant online sale of fake currency.
In response, the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team intensified its cyber patrolling efforts until they came across a social media post by one of the suspects offering a counterfeit PHP1,000 bill for sale at PHP150.
A total of 150 counterfeit thousand-peso bills were confiscated from the suspects, who sold them for PHP22,500 during the operation.
“May online group talaga na nagbebenta. Several groups ito. So, sinumbong namin ito sa ACG (There really are online groups where they sell these. There are several groups. So, we reported this to the ACG),” BPS Payments and Currency Investigation Group officer Mark Fajardo said at the press conference.
“Hindi maganda. Medyo apurahan ang pagkakagawa kasi hindi sila sanay (It’s not good. How it was done seems sloppy because they were not experienced),” Fajardo told reporters when asked about the quality of the counterfeit money confiscated
He said they are able to tell the fake banknotes apart because the watermark on them was more apparent and the security thread was only printed.
When asked whether the police have already determined who had supplied the fake banknotes, Yang said they are looking into a bigger figure.
The suspects are detained at the ACG custodial facility and will be facing charges for violation of Article 168 (Illegal Possession and Use of False Treasury or Bank Notes and Other Instruments of Credit) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Yang said the operation aligns with the directive of PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to intensify cyber patrolling and implement immediate action to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting social media platforms.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that the selling of fake money could grow into a serious problem within the city?
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
There is no denying that consumers here in the Philippines prefer to use digital methods of paying over cash as more than 57% of retail transactions by volume are digital, according to a business news report by Malay Business Insight. The details were revealed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Malaya Business Insight’s news report. Some parts in boldface…
More Filipinos are going cashless and transacting in e-money or digital cash as the most preferred payment for retail accounts, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in a report on Monday.
Based on the latest BSP status report, digital payments now account for 57.4 percent of retail transactions by volume as of end-2024, up from 52.8 percent in 2023. In terms of value, e-money’s share also increased to 59 percent from 55.3 percent.
The figures surpassed the government’s target range of between 52 and 54 percent as set under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the steady year-on-year growth “reinforces the momentum built after surpassing the 2023 digitalization target of 50 percent for volume.”
He also said the upward trajectory “reflects the long-term impact of market developments, policy initiatives, and the growing trust and familiarity of Filipinos with digital payment options.”
Remolona said the BSP will continue to harness technology and finance to connect markets and ensure that “every Filipino becomes part of the formal financial system.”
They will do this by empowering banks, non-banks and the fintech sector to leverage innovation in designing financial products that are not only accessible but also more responsive to the needs of consumers.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? When it comes to retail transactions, do you prefer to pay with cash or with a digital payment method? Do you have any e-wallets (electronic wallets) right now?
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Domestic travel continues to lead the recovery of the Philippine tourism industry, with its receipts able to make up for the “shortfall” in international arrivals, real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said Thursday.
“Domestic travel is so big. It’s so big and strong that it can make up for, now in the short term, the shortfall of international arrivals,” Alfred Lay, LPC director for Hotels, Tourism, and Leisure, said during the presentation of the LPC Q2 2025 Philippine Property Market Report in Makati City.
“It can do that for a long time, and the long-term goal for domestic tourism would probably to double (its) size within the next five to 10 years.”
Lay noted that domestic tourism expenditure in 2024 reached PHP3.16 trillion, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of PHP3.14 trillion in 2019. Tourism contributed 8.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year.
International tourism expenditures, on the other hand, stood at PHP699 billion, up from PHP600 billion pre-pandemic levels, despite missing the 2024 targets.
In an interview, Lay said he expects inbound arrivals this year to reach at least six million.
He noted that the arrival of South Korean visitors, the Philippines’ top market, has seen a decline in the past five months, likely due to the “negative media coverage” in South Korea over security issues in the country, but long-haul tourists are increasing and have offset the decline.
According to the LPC report, Korean arrivals in the first five months of 2025 dipped 19 percent to 552,000 from 682,000 in the same period last year, while inbound arrivals from the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada surged between 9 percent and 19.4 percent.
Additional routes and flight frequencies, he said, are likewise expected to sustain this upward momentum.
Meanwhile, Lay addressed news coverage about the affordability of travel to the Philippines, stating that the country only ranks in the “middle of the pack” in terms of hotel average daily rates (ADR) compared to Southeast Asian neighbors and competitors.
The LPC report showed that the Philippines ranks fourth in hotel ADR at PHP6,048, with Thailand (PHP8,171), Cambodia (PHP6,591), and Vietnam (PHP6,359) in the top three places.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the tourism industry of the Philippines will do better this year with domestic travel as the main factor? Do you think it is still possible for the Philippines to attract at least six million foreign tourists by the end of this year? Do you think both the national government and private sector should work together to improve local infrastructure so that the cost of travel will go down?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, school supplies were released by the City Government (through its City Social Welfare Development Office the Local Youth Development Office) to eight hundred and fifty local students, the local government announced via social media. Mayor April Aguilar was present during the release.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from social media post of the City Government Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City Government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), distributed educational assistance to 850 beneficiaries during a school supplies awarding ceremony held on Friday, July 4, at the Mayor Nene Aguilar Aguilar DRRMO Building in Talon Dos.
Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution of school bags containing essential items for the new academic year, including five notebooks, a lunchbox, tumbler, scientific calculator, ruler set, scissors, and an umbrella. Joining her in personally handing out the supplies were Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Chairperson Rey Angelo Reyes and CSWDO head Lowefe Romulo.
This initiative aims to support Las Piñas students from low-income families by easing the financial burden of back-to-school expenses and promoting preparedness and motivation for the coming school year.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are there many students in your local community who expressed their need for school supplies from the City Government?
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
Are you a victim of ticket scalping? Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a new ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon effectively prohibiting ticket scalping locally, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa city government approved an ordinance prohibiting ticket scalping.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2025-358, which was approved by the Muntinlupa City Council, “prohibiting the scalping of tickets in Muntinlupa City imposing penalties therefor.”
The ordinance defines scalping as “the resale of a ticket at a price greater than the original price printed or listed by the authorized ticket seller.”
Tickets covered by the ordinance are “any physical, digital, or electronic means of entry to a public event, including but not limited to concerts, sports events, theater performances, or exhibitions.”
“Scalping of Tickets is detrimental to Consumer Welfare and to the Development of Local Recreation and Sports Industries in the City Of Muntinlupa,” the ordinance states.
Under the ordinance, it is “unlawful for any person or entity to resell, offer to resell, or purchase with the intent to resell any ticket to an event for an amount greater than the original ticket price. It is likewise prohibited to sell or attempt to sell complimentary tickets regardless of any amount or form of payment, in kind or in cash.”
Exempted from the ordinance is the reselling of tickets at face value or less or when it is permitted by the venue’s official resale policy.
Any person found guilty of violating the ordinance will be fined P5,000 or imprisoned for a year or both depending on the decision of the court.
Official ticket booths are mandated to put up signs warning buyers of the prohibition against scalping and the penalties.
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 consider ticket scalping a serious problem?
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
It has been more than a week since Microsoft announced its latest round of layoffs affecting not only thousands of employees but also Team Xbox, its game studios and certain game projects as well.
To be clear, this is not the first time Microsoft had layoffs this year but it is much more significant because the latest layoff round hit Xbox really hard and already Xbox fans and gamers saw their excitement about future video games drop. It is important to keep in mind that Microsoft and its Xbox division are both profitable which makes the new round of layoffs baffling to some. So far this year, over 15,000 employees were laid of by the technology giant. With the layoffs affecting Xbox’s developers and projects, there are matters that concerned both the Xbox fans and gamers who could have joined in.
Firstly, the Xbox game studio The Initiative will be closing down and their high-profile game Perfect Dark (which involved Crystal Dynamics) has officially been cancelled. This is tragic because Team Xbox had the opportunity to reboot the decades-old Perfect Dark franchise, delight the long-time PD fans while offering other gamers something new and exciting to play. A lot of gamers have been anticipating Perfect Dark for many years now only to end up frustrated.
The Perfect Dark reboot is no more!
Secondly, the successful and reliable Xbox game studio Turn 10 saw several of its employees laid off and their team will reportedly work as a supporter for Playground Games. For the newcomers reading this, Turn 10 created and built up the Forza Motorsport franchise of simulation racing games that started in 2005. To see Turn 10 get demoted and work on support duty for Playground Games on the Forza Horizon franchise is just very odd and baffling. Could this mean that Forza Motorsport (2023) is the last game of its franchise? Do you think a leaner Turn 10 will still be able to make another Forza Motorsport game?
Thirdly, the much-delayed Xbox game Everwildgot cancelled and its developer also suffered from the Microsoft layoffs. This unfortunate development only added to the perception that developer Rare (the team behind many hit games it made with Nintendo decades ago) kept going downhill creatively, critically and commercially. Considering how long the game development lasted, I can only imagine that many millions of Dollars were spent on Everwild and Microsoft decided to pull the plug.
Fourthly and most notably, Xbox head Phil Spencer’s official email (addressed to employees) related with the huge layoffs was revealed and its content has been posted below for you to see. Some parts in boldface…
Today we are sharing decisions that will impact colleagues across our organization. To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business and follow Microsoft’s lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness. Out of respect for those impacted today, the specifics of today’s notifications and any organizational shifts will be shared by your team leaders in the coming days.
I recognize that these changes come at a time when we have more players, games, and gaming hours than ever before. Our platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger. The success we’re seeing currently is based on tough decisions we’ve made previously. We must make choices now for continued success in future years and a key part of that strategy is the discipline to prioritize the strongest opportunities. We will protect what is thriving and concentrate effort on areas with the greatest potential, while delivering on the expectations the company has for our business. This focused approach means we can deliver exceptional games and experiences for players for generations to come.
Do you miss the good old days of Xbox? Are you a long-time Xbox gamer who became disappointed over Team Xbox’s decisions and releases? You are not alone!
Prioritizing our opportunities is essential, but that does not lessen the significance of this moment. Simply put, we would not be where we are today without the time, energy, and creativity of those whose roles are impacted. These decisions are not a reflection of the talent, creativity, and dedication of the people involved. Our momentum is not accidental—it is the result of years of dedicated effort from our teams.
HR is working directly with impacted employees to provide severance plan benefits (aligned with local laws), including pay, healthcare coverage, and job placement resources to support their transition. Employees whose roles were eliminated are encouraged to explore open positions across Microsoft Gaming, where their applications will be given priority review.
Thank you to everyone who has shaped our culture, our products, and our community. We will move forward with deep appreciation and respect for all who have contributed to this journey.
This is my opinion about Spencer’s message…as head of Xbox, Spencer is really powerless and he has no choice but to follow orders from Microsoft’s top management whose views about video game culture and interests do not really match with what we gamers and the game makers have. For Microsoft’s leadership, they have a business to run but it is clear that gaming (electronic entertainment) won’t be going away soon and they will keep investing more money in video game projects. Of course, Microsoft expects healthy returns on its investments which is why they will keep the Game Pass subscription service moving, offer games to varied users (console, computer, mobile and cloud) and they will push through with the next-generation Xbox with AMD as a bigger strategic partner.
Regarding layoffs reaching thousands, it is depressing on face value because those who lost their jobs will have to deal with the high costs of living in first world economies like the United States and in parts of Europe. However, I see an opportunity that others cannot see…the opportunity for Team Xbox to get rid of their least-productive employees as well as laying off the woke activists scattered among the employees of the many Xbox game studios. As seen in entertainment over the past several years, woke activists working in movies, video games, comic books and TV shows do not prioritize quality, do not care about the fans, and they keep on abusing the company resources as they prioritized their Leftist agenda. Is it any wonder why modern entertainment sucks? Did you notice the use of pronouns in Xbox games?
To be fair, Microsoft and Team Xbox both have been woke for years already. In America, the tone of society has changed drastically ever since Donald Trump successfully returned as United States President. Perhaps Microsoft and Xbox executives realized that they should get rid of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) from their business practices and corporate culture before the wave of change under Trump’s America leaves them behind. As of this writing, Trump is making America great again and the woke know they are losing the culture war.
As US President Trump is reshaping America to be great again, meritocracy has become essential too. This means DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) really has no place in government, business, entertainment and culture. DEI must DIE!
I can only speculate that as Xbox game studios each have less employees to work with, there could be a renewed effort to focus more on making high-quality video games that are both enjoyable to play and worth the money of customers. The Outer Worlds 2, which will be released this October, has an eye-catching American price of $79.99 (regular edition) and already a lot of gamers – including The Outer Worlds fans – find the price excessive.
The way things are right now, the future of Xbox looks gloomy and the excitement of the Xbox fans and other gamers have weakened. That being said, we can only wait and see what will happen next in the near future. Perhaps a month from now, Team Xbox will clarify what direction they are headed to and what exciting projects or events fans can still look forward to.
How do you gamers feel about Xbox gaming right now? If you are an Xbox fan, are you feeling disappointed with the cancellation of Perfect Dark and Everwild? Do you think it is time for Team Xbox’s leadership to be changed now that Microsoft impacted the gaming projects and work forces?
Author Carlo Carrasco 