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Has anyone watched 'Michael Palin in the Philippines' yet? I'm a bit torn about it. I'm not sure opening with the slums of Tondo and pagpag food was the best approach for viewers who know nothing about the Philippines. Leaving politics aside, the segment with the president could have been cut, since it didn't really mean much. It neither added nor took away anything. The cut to Palawan and its beauty was good, and then came the nickel mine in a supposedly protected area. I've always liked his shows and I'm curious what the final episode brings. What's clear is that the series is far too short to paint a real picture, and if Michael were 20 or 30 years younger it would have been much better.

Pampanga Police Provincial Office warns of belongings and online scam risks ahead of Undas cemetery season

📌 On Wednesday, October 14, the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (Pampanga PPO) urged people visiting cemeteries and memorial parks ahead of Undas (the All Saints' and All Souls' Day period of cemetery visits in early November) to follow safety guidelines. It especially asked them to be careful with their belongings, such as phones and wallets, and to watch out for online scams.

■ Police Advisory
· According to the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, the following guidelines were issued to ensure that cemetery and memorial park visits during Undas are safe and orderly:
· Avoid dark and isolated areas and stay aware of your surroundings.
· Follow traffic rules and drive carefully when traveling.
· Keep valuables such as phones and wallets secure.
· Be wary of online scams and do not casually share personal information with strangers.
· Report suspicious activity to the police immediately.
· Keep the cemetery clean.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· During the cemetery season, areas around cemeteries and roads become very crowded. In crowded places, carry bags in front of you and do not hold your phone in your hand.
· If you plan to travel within Pampanga during this period, allow plenty of extra time.

■ Source
Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook, 10/14)

■ Photo
· Pampanga Police Provincial Office Undas safety guidelines poster — Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook)

LRT-2 train shortage causes long lines at every station — DOTr orders buses deployed along the line

📌 On October 14 (Wed.), Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered buses to be deployed along the LRT-2 line, where long lines have formed at every station due to a shortage of trains. Currently, only 8 of the 10 LRT-2 train sets are in operation.

■ What's changing
· LRT-2 is an east-west line connecting Recto in Manila to Antipolo in Rizal, covering 13 stations and 17.6 km.
· Of the 10 train sets, one is undergoing upgrades to its operator control panel and one is under repair, so only 8 are running, leading to longer wait times and crowded stations.
· During an inspection at Antipolo Station, Secretary Lopez instructed the LRTA and LTFRB to cooperate in quickly deploying buses along the LRT-2 route.
· The LTFRB is considering a special bus route with boarding and alighting near stations, similar to the EDSA Busway. The start date and number of buses have not yet been announced.
· The Secretary directed that service not be interrupted and that priority lines for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, as well as ventilation, escalators, and elevators, be kept in normal operation. He also said they are looking for funding to purchase new trains.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· When riding LRT-2, avoid rush hours or allow extra time.
· Once the special bus route begins operating, check LTFRB and LRTA announcements and use it as an alternative.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/14), Philstar (10/13)

■ Photos
· 1. Stock photo · LRT-2 train running on elevated tracks — Philstar
· 2. Stock photo · Buses on Metro Manila roads — The Manila Times

Trump Confirmed to Attend Manila ASEAN Summit, November 16–18 — Metro Manila Declared Three-Day Special Non-Working Days

📌 On October 14 (Wed), Malacañang confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the ASEAN summit in Manila in November. The meetings will be held centered on the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City from Monday, November 16 to Wednesday, November 18, and these three days are special non-working days in Metro Manila.

■ What's Changing
· The 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits will be held in Manila from November 16 to 18. The Philippines is this year's chair.
· Claire Castro, Press Officer of the Presidential Communications Office, confirmed Trump's attendance but did not disclose any other details of his visit. It will be his first visit since the Philippines hosted the ASEAN summit in 2017.
· UN Secretary-General António Guterres will also attend the ASEAN-UN summit. The Department of Foreign Affairs expects leaders from Korea, China, and Japan (ASEAN+3) and the East Asia Summit to attend as well, but no official notification has been made yet.
· To ease traffic congestion and ensure the safety of attendees, the government has designated November 16–18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila (the National Capital Region) through Proclamation No. 1447 (signed September 17).

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· Traffic control and heightened security are expected in Manila during the meeting period, especially around the PICC in Pasay. If you need to travel to Manila Airport or have business appointments during this time, allow plenty of extra time.
· The special non-working days apply only to Metro Manila; other areas such as Angeles and Clark are not affected.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/14, 9/22), Philstar (10/14)

■ Photos
· 1. File photo · U.S. President Trump giving a speech — The Manila Times
· 2. File photo · ASEAN logo — The Manila Times

Supreme Court: "Seniors' 20% discount cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions"

📌 On October 14 (Wed.), the Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled that the 20% discount for seniors (aged 60 and above) cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. For products or services with a promotional price, seniors can choose only one — whichever saves them more: the senior discount or the promotional discount.

■ What Changes
· The case involved a general manager of a hotel in Bacolod City, who was charged with violating the Senior Citizens Act after refusing a senior discount to two senior guests.
· The hotel had already reduced the room rate by 20% based on a rate negotiated with the motorcycle club (Cebu Bikers Club) that the two guests belonged to.
· All lower courts found him guilty, but the Supreme Court acquitted the general manager, stating that since the guests had already received a 20% discount, the hotel was not obligated to reduce the price by an additional 20%.
· The Supreme Court stated that while the Senior Citizens Act is a law meant to protect seniors, it must also be applied fairly so as not to impose excessive burdens on businesses.
· The Senior Citizens Act (RA 7432, amended in 2010) guarantees a 20% discount for those aged 60 and above on services at hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· When staying at hotels or dining at restaurants, check whether the promotional rate or the senior discount is cheaper, and request the more advantageous option.
· If you booked at a group or club discount rate, the senior discount may not be applied in addition.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/14), Rappler (10/14)

■ Photos
· 1. Stock photo · Backs of seniors walking on a street — GMA News
· 2. Stock photo · Hands of seniors filling out documents — Rappler

Swedish Fugitive Wanted for Fraud in Finland Arrested in Negros Oriental by Immigration

📌 The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that on Sunday, October 4, it arrested a 35-year-old Swedish man wanted for fraud in Finland in Bacong, Negros Oriental. The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 14. He was subject to an Interpol Red Notice and had also overstayed his permitted stay, so deportation proceedings are underway.

■ Details of the Arrest
· The BI's Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) made the arrest in Barangay Banilad, Bacong.
· The Nordic Liaison Office in Manila alerted authorities that the man was in the Philippines, and BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado issued the operational order.
· According to Finnish authorities, the man is charged with aggravated fraud for leasing property without intent to pay or return it, causing losses of about €320,000 (approximately PHP 22.5 million, per Philstar's conversion), and with attempted aggravated fraud for trying to obtain tools, mobile phones, and fuel in the same manner, causing losses of about €11,863.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· BI records show his last entry was on August 21, 2022, and he has been overstaying since August 2025.
· He is being held at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. Once deportation is complete, he will be sent back to his home country to stand trial.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· The BI continues to work with foreign law enforcement agencies to locate fugitives hiding in the Philippines.
· Overstaying alone is grounds for arrest and deportation. Be sure to check your visa extension dates.

■ Source
Bureau of Immigration (10/14), Philstar (10/14)

■ Photo
· BI personnel and the arrested Swedish fugitive — Bureau of Immigration

Angeles City Police Station Arrests 2 in Margot Anti-Drug Sting, 1 Pakistani National Arrested on Warrant

📌 On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 13, police in Angeles City arrested two people in an anti-drug sting operation and one Pakistani national on an arrest warrant. The information was announced by the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) on its official Facebook page on the 14th.

■ Incident Details
· At around 3:45 p.m., the 5th Police Station's intelligence and anti-drug unit conducted a buy-bust operation in Deca Clark, Barangay Margot, arresting two individuals using the aliases "PARE" and "WILLIAM." Both are residents of Barangay Sapangbato, and police said "PARE" was on the police watch list.
· At the scene, officers seized the buy-bust money, three sachets of suspected shabu (3 grams total, estimated by police at 20,400 pesos), and one Honda Click 160 motorcycle without license plates.
· At around 4:30 p.m., a joint team from the city intelligence unit, investigation unit, 3rd Police Station, and the provincial special operations team arrested a Pakistani national (alias "TAYAB") residing in Barangay Sapalibutad on a court-issued bench warrant. Police said the warrant relates to eight charges.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· This is based on police announcements, and the charges will be addressed in the court proceedings.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· Anti-drug enforcement is ongoing in Margot and Sapangbato, areas adjacent to Clark. Refuse items or errands requested by people you don't know.
· Foreign nationals may also be arrested on a bench warrant if they fail to comply with a court appearance summons. If you have a pending case, be sure to keep track of your court dates.

■ Source
Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook page, 10/14)

■ Photo
· Angeles City Police Office enforcement announcement graphic (suspects' faces obscured) — Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook)

Over 1.2 million pesos' worth of unregistered fabric softener seized from warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga — 2 Chinese nationals arrested

📌 On Monday, October 12, approximately 1.2 million pesos' worth of fabric softener not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was seized from a warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) served a search warrant and arrested two Chinese male nationals on the spot, and is pursuing two more individuals.

■ Details of the Case
· The location is a warehouse in Barangay San Isidro, San Simon.
· The CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) unit served the search warrant together with the Air Force, military intelligence units, and the FDA.
· The seized goods were 9,628 packs of "Harmony" laundry fabric softener, worth approximately 1.2 million pesos (CLTV36, Pampanga Police Provincial Office).
· The two arrested individuals were the founder and a manager of a chemical products manufacturing company and were the subjects of the search warrant. Police believe they stored and sold fabric softener without FDA registration and a License to Operate (LTO).

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The two individuals are in CIDG custody, and the case is proceeding under violations of the FDA Act (RA 3720, as amended by RA 9711).
· According to CLTV36, authorities are searching for two more people related to the case.
· On the same day, 16,492 sacks of rice (about 20 million pesos) were also seized from a warehouse in Naic, Cavite, but this was a separate operation unrelated to this case.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· Check whether household products such as detergents and fabric softeners carry an FDA registration number on the packaging.
· Unbranded products or unfamiliar brands sold far below market price may be unregistered.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/14), Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook, 10/14), CLTV36 News (official Facebook, 10/14), CLTV36 (10/14)

■ Photos
· CIDG warehouse search scene and seized fabric softener (faces obscured) — Daily Tribune

Caution, slippery floor

We live in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, and for my child's birthday we'd like to throw a feeding party for 50-100 poor kids in our neighborhood. I'm looking for a local charity we can connect with so we can do it somewhere safe and sanitary. Thank you!

Foreign parents, make sure to register your kids with your home country

An American passed away and left his wife behind in the Philippines. He never got around to processing his child's Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), which is the proof of U.S. citizenship. We have to prove that he lived in the U.S. for 5 years, 2 of them after he turned 14. The child isn't 18 yet, so the CRBA is still possible.

The wife is from a remote island and had no idea how to get U.S. records. I've learned a lot along the way myself.

We paid $30 and put in a records request with a county fire department (a Freedom of Information Act request). The high school attendance record was $35 through Parchment, so we held off on that for now. We also filed a FOIA request with FEMA, but there's no answer yet (they have 20 working days to respond).

Good news. We got the county fire department records. They include college transcripts, payroll records, and certifications from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s.

A small victory.

Why do Filipinos ask for "pasalubong" (souvenir gifts)? They always seem to want chocolate!

I've lived in several Asian countries, but I've never experienced people begging for gifts like this...

Filipinos always ask for chocolate, though. And chocolate is cheaper in the Philippines. It's not like they want better stuff like Godiva or Lindt, either. They prefer cheap brands like Mars or Hershey's.

What's the most recommended way to keep a US phone number while living in the Philippines?

Is a Philippine bank account worth opening?

I recently got my SRRV visa and a Philippine driver's license, bought a car, and set up GCash, which everyone uses these days. I moved here from Thailand at the end of July.

I'm trying to open a BPI account (locals warned me to avoid BDO), and I'm curious what the advantages are of having a bank account for those who've been here a long time. If there aren't any benefits I haven't thought of, I don't plan to keep much money in it. Does anyone who's lived here for several years have thoughts on this?

I'm so pissed off 😂

The laugh I didn't know I needed

I have three weeks left on my current extension. Will BI process my next extension this far ahead? Thanks in advance

Now I no longer wear expensive watches in the Philippines.

I always wore an Omega Seamaster.

But after seeing that guy who got shot in the head while fighting to keep his chain, I've been having nightmares. I was walking around the slums wearing an $8,000 watch. That's worth as much as a house, or more. Life is crazy.

I could've been shot in the head like an NPC in GTA 6, but I'm still alive.

Last February, while walking around and sightseeing, I ended up at the tip of Angeles' Richmond Pen Street, by the Abacan River. Out of curiosity I looked under the bridge and saw people gathered, so I went over. People were clustered together inside a Sari-sari store, and there was a small, old-style arcade machine. People were watching it.

Looking at it myself, several horses were racing vigorously inside the game machine, and people were cheering for the horses they had bet on.

Just as I was wondering, "Why are they cheering for this??", I found out the reason.

Five or six men were placing bets. Since they had put their own money on the line, they had no choice but to cheer..

Watching them cheer, shouting Tagalog I couldn't understand over and over, their faces turning red as if their own destiny were riding on it, as if it were a Korea–Japan match deciding the final World Cup qualifying spot, I couldn't help feeling curious myself.

I asked the people around me and used a translation app to roughly learn the rules, and when I said I'd like to try a little, they readily made room for me. Looking closely, it was almost the same as the real thing. One game costs 1 peso (about 21.5 won)... But you can also bet more than once on the same game, bet on multiple horses, and bet 10 or 20 pesos on a single horse. You can even bet different amounts on multiple horses... This is really horse racing!!! It's exhilarating!

Now I placed bets too and played several rounds. In total I spent about 10–20 pesos. I lost, but I saw someone win and sweep away several dozen pesos. His expression was triumphant, the face of an arrogant conqueror. He looked confident, as if declaring himself the ruler of this area.

I congratulated him, and at the same time I messaged a friend saying there was horse racing going on here and that we should do a life-reversal together. But he doubted whether a life-reversal was possible with 1-peso bets.

Then this July, while looking around the Abacan River again, I got off at a Sari-sari store, and by chance that horse racing machine was there. While the two of us were watching the horse racing game, sharing Empirador and red hole chicharon with the shop owner and talking, three young girls and a young man came over.

I told the young girls I'd buy them ice cream, and rather than politely refusing out of Filipino humility even once, they chose the most expensive cup ice cream. Seeing that, I thought, "Wow!! This is really amazing!! How is this even possible??" I wanted to ask, but they were too young, so I couldn't. Still wondering about the cultural differences between East Asia and Southeast Asia, I handed one of them a game machine and quietly told them to play it beside me. Then I looked at the young man: he had collected dozens of 1-peso coins, resolved himself, and started playing the horse racing game.

Seeing him keep losing money, I thought that gambling always ends with the house winning, when the jackpot hit, and dozens of 1-peso coins, maybe over a hundred, came pouring out and began piling up in the box beneath the machine.

Even at a glance, it seemed he had won more than 50 pesos.

I said to my friend, "Look at this. We're watching a live scene of someone hitting the lottery!" But my friend still had a pessimistic look, as if this couldn't lead to a lottery win or a life reversal.

The young man who had made a big win stood up straight and went somewhere.

He's probably at home counting the winnings..

I'll buy a Candy Palace with this too!

I put in 10 pesos. The result was a donation..

I remember concluding that if you lose, you shouldn't cling to recovering your stake, but should quit without regret. I immediately quit the game and, feeling down, chain-smoked cigarettes.

Thinking it over, I've seen this game three times, and every time it was at the Sari-sari store in the slum village under the Abacan River bridge. It seemed to be the last recreation and entertainment for the people here, who have almost nothing they can do, and for the lower-class people of this area. I think it's like a local lottery concept called "Wetting."

Next time I visit, I'll definitely buy a Candy Palace!

This isn't a food review, it's a game review. No rating.

🇧🇪🧇 Bringing real Belgian Brussels waffles to Cebu — November 2027?! 🇵🇭
Hi everyone! I'm Stefan, I'm 41, and I've spent the past year refining this concept. Now it's time for the next step: finalizing the plans and asking people for honest feedback.

I'm preparing a mobile Belgian Brussels waffle kiosk, aiming to open in November 2027, and I'd really like to hear what you think. A waffle can be perfectly crispy outside and fluffy inside, but a business idea needs more than powdered sugar to succeed!

The idea is to bring real Brussels waffles to Cebu: freshly baked, golden and crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, Belgian chocolate and other tasty toppings.

I studied electromechanical engineering and have worked in that field, and I also have experience in hospitality, food and beverage, events and festivals. Now I'm using that experience to build a business concept that combines a quality product with a flexible mobile setup.

The plan is to run the kiosk on a rotating schedule, visiting different places over the week. I'd go to the same spots every week but a different spot each day, thinking of places like IT Park, beaches, local food markets, festivals and other events. The kiosk could also be booked for private and special occasions.

I think there's potential to introduce real Brussels waffles to the local food scene, and I want to build something that stands out through quality, presentation and a genuine Belgian touch.

The images attached to this post are concept images for illustration only, not final designs or definitive images of the kiosk or products.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts on a few things.

🧇 If you passed this kiosk, would you buy a freshly baked Belgian waffle?

📍 Where in Cebu do you think would be best for this concept?

🔄 Is it better to rotate between several locations through the week, or to stay at one consistent spot so customers always know where to find me? Would a fixed weekly schedule, with the same locations on set days, make it easier to follow? For example, Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4–5 p.m. near a school, university, mall or business district, then from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. near a mercado (market), event or beach promenade. And on weekends, leisure, tourist and recreation hotspots...

💰 What would be a fair price for a basic waffle or one loaded with toppings? For now, my business plan uses the prices shown in the pictures. Do they seem reasonable for Cebu?

📈 Do you think this concept has potential in Cebu, or maybe elsewhere in the Philippines?

💡 What advice would you give someone preparing to launch this kind of business?

I'm doing my research well ahead of the planned opening, so there's time to refine the concept and get it right before launch.

Honest opinions, suggestions and constructive criticism are all welcome!

And hopefully, from November 2027 you'll be able to enjoy a proper Belgian Brussels waffle somewhere in Cebu! 🇧🇪❤️🇵🇭

Thanks, everyone! Looking forward to your thoughts. 🧇