Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government participated in the nationwide gift-giving program of “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” which resulted in the release of Christmas gifts to one thousand five hundred children at a local venue, according to the local government’s social media announcement. The local gift-giving was facilitated by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
A total of 1,500 children in Las Piñas took part in the nationwide “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” gift-giving initiative on Sunday, December 8, at the Verdant Covered Court. The event, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was held simultaneously across various local government units in the Philippines to spread holiday cheer to children.
In Las Piñas, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar facilitated the distribution of kiddie gift sets that included a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, watch, hygiene kit, coloring book, crayons, and a small toy. The event also featured interactive games, activities, and entertainment, making it a memorable celebration for children and their families.
Vice Mayor Aguilar thanked the President and First Lady for their efforts in spreading joy to children in Las Piñas. “President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos, maraming maraming salamat. Marami tayong pinasayang bata ngayong umagang ito. Maraming maraming salamat sa tulong mo sa Las Piñas. Mahal na mahal ka ng mga Las Piñero,” she said.
The “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” program is an annual initiative led by the Office of the President and the First Lady, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units.
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? Were there any children from your local community who received gifts from the gift-giving?
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 conclude their Health Awareness Month, which was primarily aimed to develop self-awareness in their students, Mindbuilders Preschool located in BF Homes organized a special event entitled “All my Feelings are All Me.”
Prior to this culmination, the teachers of Mindbuilders Preschool implemented activities throughout October that would encourage their pupils to identify and even discuss their feelings in class. One tool the students made and used during their daily Circle Time period was a “feelings scale”, which allowed each child to identify a specific emotion he or she was feeling at the time. The children were also taught to use a decorated paper cup nicknamed the “jellyfish”. By breathing in and out of the cup, they could use it to calm themselves down in situations that made them feel scared, nervous or anxious. Other activities promoting self-awareness, specifically in the Gross Motor domain, were also implemented.
Then, on the morning of November 15, the assembly of preschool pupils, teachers and volunteer parents witnessed two very special presentations: one by psychologist Patricia Pacheco-Beton and another by a living legend of Philippine cinema and television, Miss Gina Alajar.
Teacher Pach efficiently taught the young audience about the kind of feelings they have and how to react when they feel something. In separate turns, a few students were called to the front to answer the guest psychologist’s key questions. The answers stated amused the other children as well as the parents and teachers who were present. More importantly, the little children themselves learned a lot from Teacher Pach’s presentation.
Using a children’s picture book, Teacher Pach engaged the students with a story and how it relates with feelings.
Teacher Pach also engaged the students in a read-aloud of an illustrated children’s book about the myriad of feelings a child can have in just one day! And as the narrative went on, students were able to identify the kind of emotions that the main character displayed.
Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar facilitated an acting workshop with three alternating groups of kids in attendance. In relation to the topic of feelings, she first asked the students what kind of emotions were they able to spot in films they had watched before. Collectively, the children gave answers which proved that they had been paying attention to the cinematic emotions even while enjoying the movies.
Ms. Gina Alajar had a group sit-down with the students of Mindbuilders Preschool about their feelings in relation to the senses. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
The veteran filmmaker getting feedback from one of the students. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
To determine how far everyone could go with their emotions, Alajar focused on the five senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. For each sense explored, the actress used specific items to get reactions from the kids. As children would respond differently to each item, she processed valuing each one’s feelings and respecting the feelings of others as well. Having seen Gina Alajar act so dramatically in movies from long ago, I was very impressed to see how experienced and patient she was when it came to teaching the students of Mindbuilders Preschool. It was as if they were all her grandchildren!
Elsewhere within Mindbuilders were other activities that tapped the students’ other intelligences. These took place inside different classrooms. One classroom had each child decorate a puzzle piece and then assemble the pieces together to form one big puzzle. In another classroom nearby, students were taught to express themselves with music and movement amidst multicolored lights. Finally, a coloring session of positive quotes on affirmation stones was held in another classroom.
In this particular workshop, the students learn to express themselves with music and movement. (Photo credit: Macon Leaño)
Students putting the puzzle pieces together in another classroom. (Photo credit: Tintin L. Cabase)
A student coloring positive quotes on an affirmation stone. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
The session of coloring positive quotes on affirmation stones offers students a unique opportunity to practice their analysis and creativity. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
After all the workshops and sessions were completed, the students were treated to a free film viewing at the play area.
A special activity fulfilled!
According to Mindbuilders Preschool Directress Marah Estuesta, the team worked hard in preparation for their Health Awareness Month Culmination. This included making schedule adjustments due to a major weather disturbance. What transpired on November 15, however, was a huge pay-off complete with a strong reception and the fulfillment of goals on educating the children about self-awareness.
Mindbuilders Preschool’s Health Awareness Month Culmination was supported by Chef Thess Uy Catering.
Philippines film and TV living legend Gina Alajar poses with the teachers and parents of Mindbuilders Preschool. At leftmost is directress Marah Estuesta. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
Words from the Directress
“This activity was one for the books! In today’s world, where mental health is increasingly prioritized, I am happy to have an activity that fosters socio-emotional development in our preschoolers. It is very relevant that children begin developing self-awareness early, as it lays the foundation for understanding and managing their emotions, as well as expressing them effectively.
From understanding their own feelings to recognizing those of others, this activity is a significant step in helping young minds navigate the complexities of emotions. By engaging in activities that promote emotional intelligence, children learn valuable skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and healthy communication.
Our month-long activities encouraged our preschoolers to explore and express their feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. Through fun, interactive exercises, tapping their Multiple Intelligences, they begin to articulate their emotions, understand their impact, and learn appropriate ways to respond to various emotional states. This kind of early intervention is vital, as it equips children with the tools they need to grow into emotionally resilient and socially adept individuals.“
Mindbuilders Preschool is an early learning environment committed to maximizing a child’s potential by creating exciting experiences that inspire enthusiasm for learning. Founded in 2002, it has grown as the leading Multiple Intelligences Preschool in the South (BF Homes, Las Piñas & Parañaque), following Howard Gardner’s Theory. Mindbuilders Preschool offers one of the best classes in the community for preschoolers.
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
Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) will be searching for new talents in Cebu, Davao Del Norte and Cavite by organizing try-outs under its Talent Identification Program this coming January.
TriPhil’s Talent Identification Program aims to discover and nurture young Filipino athletes in the youth (13-15 years old) and junior (16-19 years old) categories, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and represent the country in national and international competitions.
To be eligible, youth applicants must be Filipino citizens born between 2010 and 2012, while junior applicants must be born between 2006 and 2009. Deadline of registration is December 31, 2024.
For inclusion to the triathlon pool, a contender must pass the qualifying times for swimming and running plus bike handling skills tests. Participation in local races of TriPhil will be required as a selection committee will review the aspirants’ results per race.
TriPhil will announce the official members of the National Development Pool for 2025 no later than May 30, 2025.
Expanding the National Development Pool is part of Triathlon Philippines’ preparation for the 4th Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Uzbekistan in September 2025 preparatory to possible participation in the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal.
The Philippines is also girding for the sprint distance triathlon competitions of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Rayong, Thailand in December 2025.
In times of prosperity or hardship, Festival Mall (originally named Festival Supermall) in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City continues to attract families and shoppers. Since the mall’s early days in 1998, its amusement center X-Site kept on succeeding on attracting visitors and providing them bouts of varied fun in return to what the customers paid for. X-Site is a lively form of entertainment-focused capitalism that just keeps on moving forward and attracting visitors.
Located at the 3rd floor (note: officially referred to as the 2nd Level or 2L or 2nd Floor by the mall. The 1st floor and 2nd floor of the mall are referred to as Lower Ground Floor and Upper Ground Floor respectively), the X-Site Amusement Center has a wide floor space with a high ceiling.
The way it was designed, X-Site has several arcade games (lots of fun retro games included), merchandiser games, a virtual reality ride, KTV booths, motion-sensing dance spot, the ring toss, entertainment stores, indoor sports games, redemption games, bumper cars, and the indoor roller coaster (which explains the need of having a high ceiling). Watch below the YouTube video and the images I prepared below.
At the arcade games section inside X-Site.
Having a high ceiling made it possible to have an indoor roller coaster (tracks above the machines and people in this image). Other amusement centers in Alabang had lower ceilings which made their places feel small or tight when compared to X-Site.
Some newer machines plus indoor sports games added into the arcade games section.
This is the place for those who love dancing and music.
Back in 1998, I know a few friends whose had not even visited Festival Mall (at the time we talked) yet they already heard of the positive word-of-mouth feedback about the indoor roller coaster of X-Site.
The indoor roller coaster of X-Site remains a favorite ride for those who kept coming back.
On December 25, 2023, I visited Festival Mall to look around. I passed by X-Site and I saw an unusually large number of people there composed of young people, children and their parents/guardians.
For the newcomers reading this, December 25 here in the Philippines is a time of having fun during the Christmas season and also it is the day when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) opens in cinemas. This explains why a lot of people spend time at the shopping malls and it is a cultural thing here in the Philippines.
Considering the fact that the original cinemas of Festival Mall have deteriorated leaving only 2 or 3 screens operating (note: the mall also has modern cinemas at the expanded side), a lot of people still visited the mall to watch the MMFF movies that opened on December 25. As for the large number of people who flocked to X-Site that same day, I can only speculate that some of them might have been moviegoers passing the time as they wait for the next screening of movies to watch.
I took this shot of X-Site on December 25, 2023. Look at the high number of people on the floor.
If you plan to visit Festival Mall in Alabang and if you are craving for fun rides or games, then you might want to visit X-Site Amusement Center.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The 2025 season opener of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series is set to take place on January 25 and 26 at the Subic Bay Boardwalk inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and registration is ongoing.
A part of Triathlon Philippines’ (TriPhil) triathlon try-outs and talent identification program for the Philippine Triathlon Team, the 2025 National Age Group Triathlon – Subic Bay race will have race distances as follows:
● Super Trikids:
○ 6-under 50m swim- 1km bike – 400m run
○ 7-8 yrs. old 100m swim – 2km bike – 800m run
○ 9-10 yrs. old 200m swim – 6km bike – 1 Km run
○ 11-12 yrs. old 400m swim – 8km bike – 2km run
● U15: 500m swim – 10km bike – 2km run
● Sprint Distance: 750m swim – 20km bike – 5km run
● Standard Distance: 1.5km swim – 40km bike – 10km run (Individual and Team Relay)
The participants’ categories (Top 3) are listed as follows:
● Super Trikids (6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12)
● U15 (13-15 Boys & Girls Only)
● Sprint Distance:
○ Elite Men & Women
○ Jr. Elite Men & Women 16-19 y.o.
○ Age Group Men & Women
• 16-19
• 20-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50 & over
● Standard Distance
○ Age Group Men:
• 18-24
• 25-29
• 30-34
• 35-39
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50-54
• 55-59
• 60 & over
○ Age Group Women:
• 18-24
• 25-29
• 30-34
• 35-39
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50&over
● Team Relay: All Male, All Female & Mixed Team
Race dates and schedules are as follows:
25th January 2025 (Saturday) at 6:00am for Super Trikids and U15 Distances
26th January 2025 (Sunday) at 6:00am for Sprint and Standard Distances
Be aware that you must have a RaceYa account in order to register. Newcomers can sign into RaceYa using their existing Google accounts or by entering details. After signing up, you can customize your RaceYa profile and then start registering for events.
The 2025 National Age Group Triathlon – Subic Bay event is a joint project of Triathlon Philippines (formerly Triathlon Association of the Philippines), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and FUNtastic Subic Bay. The supporters of the event are the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc., Standard Insurance and LeGARDE.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo Program was held which emphasized the city’s commitment to youth empowerment and public safety, according to the City Government’s announcement via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and public safety with the successful hosting of the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo Program held on Wednesday, October 16, at the Mayor Nene Aguilar DRRMO Building in Barangay Talon Dos. Organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Local Youth Development Office, the event brought together young leaders and key local officials to promote community safety and awareness.
Alelee Aguilar, showing her continued support for youth engagement and community programs, was present alongside City Social Welfare and Development Office head Lowefe Romulo, SK Federation Chair Rey Angelo Reyes, PMSg Ivan Francis Gaon, Chief Clerk of the Station Community Affairs Section (SCAS) from the Las Piñas City Police Station, and PCol Vicente Raquion from the Las Piñas Anti-Drug Abuse Office.
PCol Raquion and PMSg Gaon were the key speakers of the program, delivering talks that emphasized the role of the youth in keeping their communities drug-free and secure from terrorism. Their discussions focused on the dangers of drug addiction, the significance of awareness, and how the youth can actively contribute to local anti-drug and anti-terrorism initiatives.
The program served as a platform for discussions on how the youth can effectively combat the challenges posed by drugs and terrorism in their communities.
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? Do you support youth empowerment in relation to public safety, terrorism and drug addiction? Do you think today’s generation of youth or kabataan are mature enough?
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
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced that the 4th Asian Youth Games (AYG) will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from September 7 to 17, 2025.
A total of 24 sports have been confirmed for the AYG which goes as follows: Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football and Futsal, Hand to Fight, Karate, Sambo, Volleyball, Aquatics, Belbolgi Kurash, Chess, Gymnastics, Judo, Kurash, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Boxing, Canoe, Fencing, Handball, Jiu-Jitsu, Rowing, Taekwondo and Wrestling.
As per the OCA Constitution, athletes in the age group of 14 to 17 years will only be allowed to participate in the AYG. This is being done in order for these athletes to participate in the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.
To compete in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), athletes must be 15 to 18 years old as of 31 December in the year of the Games. The OCA aims to prepare future AYG athletes for the YOG, which is why it has aligned age limits with the YOG criteria. This allows National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to adequately prepare their athletes for participation in the YOG.
The OCA states that athletes should be born not before 2008 and not after 2011 and should be between 14 to 17 years of age as of 31st December 2025.
BPI Wealth – the wealth management arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – will establish a new mutual fund to lure in young and tech-savvy investors, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Amid favorable conditions for long-term investments, the wealth-management arm of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will roll out before this year ends a new mutual fund eyeing young and tech-savvy investors.
BPI Wealth personal wealth head Irene Ang told a press briefing on Friday, October 18, that the forthcoming BPI Wealth Builder Multi-Asset Mutual Fund Inc. isexpected to be approved “soon” by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which regulates mutual funds, for it to be sold to the public.
This first-of-its-kind balanced, global-based and peso-subscription and -redemption fund aims to convince millennials and the Gen X generation in the country to invest and prepare for their retirement, Ang said.
Among the innovative and unique features of this mutual fund include availability for a minimum of only P1,000; accessibility on BPI’s online platforms and accredited channels to conveniently open an investment account, monitor investments, and receive cumulative rewards and benefits at no extra cost; as well as an automated and automatic top-up system allowing additional investments of at least P100 monthly.
Ang is optimistic that up to P1-billion investments in their upcoming newest mutual fund would be “easy.”
BPI Wealth president and chief executive officer (CEO) Maria Theresa D. Marcial noted that among their investors, those who onboarded via digital channels continued to engage more regularly than branch-opened accounts.
“We should push more into digital initiatives,” said Marcial, who is spearheading BPI’s “Wealth Wellness Month” this October to promote financial inclusion and literacy as well as opportunities for small investors.
Marcial disclosed that as of end-September, BPI Wealth’s assets under management (AUM) rose to a new high of P1.4 trillion, from P1.2 trillion in end-2023.
On top of the earlier goal of 20-percent AUM increase for this year, Marcial said a further 15-percent growth next year will be “reasonable.”
BPI Wealth targets P3 trillion in AUM by 2026.
Marcial cited that while mutual funds and other assets experienced a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs during the past three years due to global financial conditions, the clarity in the ongoing monetary policy easing here and abroad this year has improved prospects.
“We’re seeing markets becoming more buoyant, and fund managers are becoming more constructive across asset classes,” she said.
“Bonds are expected to do better, as interest rates go lower. And because interest rates are lower… so [in] equity we’re seeing some renewed interest,” she added.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think BPI Wealth’s newest move makes a lot of sense with today’s economic environment? Do you think a lot of millennials are willing to engage in investments?
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government distributed free shoes to public school students, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the said shoes.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government distributed free shoes to students in public schools as part of its Balik Eskwela program.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the MUNWalk sneakers to students in different schools including Muntinlupa Science High School, Muntinlupa Business High School, Lakeview Integrated High School, Muntinlupa Business High School Sucat Annex, Pedro E. Diaz High School, and Tunasan National High School and Senior High School.
“This is our assistance to students of the City of Muntinlupa,” said Biazon during the distribution at Muntinlupa Science High School.
The city government said a total of 90,000 students in Muntinlupa public schools will receive the free sneakers.
Last year, the city government gave free leather shoes to the students. This year, it decided to distribute rubber shoes.
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 with the City Government’s release of free shoes to the public school students?
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 Muntinlupa, the City Government formally started the distribution of free school supplies for the benefit of roughly one hundred thousand public school students, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The school supplies include bags, notebooks, crayon sets, pencils, pens, and paper to name some.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government started the distribution of free school supplies to public school students on July 23 to support education and ease the financial burden of families.
Around 98,000 public school students in Muntinlupa will each receive a Balik Eskwela Package from the city government.
Each package consists of a school bag, notebooks, a set of crayons, pencils or pens, pad paper, and “MUNwalk” sneakers for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. The sneakers will be given to the students in August.
For daycare students, the package includes a school bag, notebooks, jumbo pencils, pad paper, a box of crayons, and a water tumbler.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited public schools to lead the distribution of the free school supplies. .
“This distribution is more than just providing school supplies; it’s about showing our students and their families that we are here to support their educational journey every step of the way. We believe that every child deserves the tools they need to succeed, and we are committed to making that a reality,” said Biazon during the distribution at Tunasan National High School..
Parent Mylene Gratil, whose children were among the first batch to receive their free Balik Eskwela packages, expressed gratitude to the program:
“Malaking tulong po ang Balik Eskwela package para sa aking tatlong anak. Lahat po sila makatatanggap ng school supplies at sapatos (The Balik Eskwela package is a big help for my three children. They will all receive school supplies and shoes),” she said.
Biazon emphasized that education is a priority of his administration under the 7K Agenda. Besides the free school supplies, the city provides assistance through scholarships, with more than 80,000 students regularly receiving financial and educational aid.
“Lagi nating paalala sa kabataan, ‘wag sayangin ang pagkakataong ito. Sa Muntinlupa, prayoridad ang edukasyon. Naniniwala tayo na ang magandang edukasyon ay susi sa kinabukasan (We should always remind the youth not to waste this chance. In Muntinlupa, education is a priority. We believe that good education is key to the future),” 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, do you approve of the City Government’s distribution of free school supplies for the public school students?
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
