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Let's start with the Philippines to the English
new zebra
It rained a lot last month, didn't it? Right next door in San Fernando...
Miss Jin Sundae Guk will be closed for renovations until this Friday.
My gas money... ㅠ
Philippine Immigration raids Pasay Newport Casino on the night of May 5th, arresting 5 foreign nationals, including Koreans, for illegal employment.
- Surprise Raid in Metro Manila's Newport Casino Complex on May 5, 2026
- Official Announcement by Bureau of Immigration on May 13... Five Individuals from Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and China Apprehended
- Caught for 'Sponsorship-Based Sham Employment' and 'Overstaying'... All Detained at Bicutan Facility for Deportation Proceedings
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines has conducted a surprise operation in Newport City, a prominent casino complex in Pasay City, Metro Manila, arresting five foreign nationals for illegal employment.
According to an official announcement by the Bureau of Immigration on May 13, the crackdown operation took place on the night of May 5, 2026, in close coordination with local police. The BI's intelligence division received information about foreigners engaging in commercial activities inconsistent with their visa status within the casino area and launched an unannounced raid.
The apprehended foreigners were identified as one Korean, one Taiwanese, one Malaysian, and two Chinese nationals (including a 51-year-old male).
Investigations revealed that they were working in casinos and related commercial establishments without an Alien Employment Permit (AEP), or were involved in so-called 'visa fraud and undeclared employment', working for companies different from the one that sponsored their visa applications. Some, including the apprehended Chinese male, were found to be illegally staying (overstaying) after their formal visas had expired.
The five individuals apprehended at the scene on May 5 were immediately transferred to the BI's detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City, Manila. They have completed official registration procedures, including identity verification and fingerprinting, and are currently undergoing deportation proceedings.
Joel Anthony Viado, Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration, stated in an official briefing, "We will relentlessly pursue illegal activities where individuals exploit the Philippine employment visa system by using shell companies or fake sponsors to work in casino-dense areas. Those apprehended will be deported without exception and blacklisted for permanent re-entry prohibition."
Mandatory Verification of Local Employment and Sponsor Alignment: The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are currently intensifying crackdowns, particularly around casinos and major commercial hubs, on 'discrepancies between actual workplaces and sponsoring companies for visas'.
Risk: Even with a valid 9(G) working visa, if the actual place of employment differs from the Petitioning Company listed on the documents, it will be immediately considered "Unauthorized Employment," leading to on-site arrest, detention, and blacklisting (deportation). When hiring employees or operating a business, it is safest to conduct a thorough prior inspection to ensure that a formal AEP has been issued and visas have been converted under the name of the actual operating company.
Philippine Immigration Bureau Conducts Surprise Raid in Northern Luzon, Arrests 5 Including Korean Restaurant Owner in Angeles City
- Simultaneous raids in 4 key locations: Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, and Subic
- Two Korean nationals, aged 40-50, caught operating restaurants without visas or permits in Angeles City
- Bureau of Immigration Commissioner: "Zero tolerance for illegal operations and overstaying; all will be deported"
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines has launched a crackdown on undocumented and illegally employed foreigners who have been operating discreetly in Northern Luzon.
Acting on intelligence reports, the BI's Intelligence Division conducted simultaneous raids on July 30th and 31st across four key hubs in Northern Luzon: Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Zambales (Subic), and Pampanga (Angeles City). The operation resulted in the apprehension of five foreign nationals, as officially announced.
The most significant impact was felt in Angeles City, Pampanga, a popular area for Korean businesses.
BI operatives arrested two Korean men (Mr. Jin, 51, and Mr. Oh, 49) on-site while they were working at a local restaurant. Investigations revealed that they were directly managing and operating the establishment without the proper Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), nor any valid commercial visa. They were also unable to present any legal documentation proving their right to stay to the enforcement officers at the time of the raid.
The net of enforcement extended seamlessly to other regions.
Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija: An Indian national was apprehended for engaging in illegal high-interest lending (known as '5-6' loan sharking) targeting local merchants, without any valid documentation for his stay.
Balagtas, Bulacan: Another Indian national was caught for long-term illegal overstaying, having lost or failed to present his passport and all his visa documents.
Subic, Zambales: A Chinese national, who had been in hiding after his visa expired long ago, was apprehended.
The five arrested foreigners were immediately transported to the BI detention facility in Taguig, Manila, where they underwent fingerprinting and thorough background checks. All are currently undergoing deportation proceedings. If a deportation order is issued, they will be blacklisted and permanently barred from entering the Philippines.
A BI official stated, "Engaging in illegal profit-making activities or overstaying without a valid visa, business, or work permit is a clear violation of our sovereignty and immigration laws. We will continue to maintain nationwide enforcement operations, not just in Northern Luzon."
News of the raid on the Angeles City restaurants has sent ripples of concern throughout the expatriate and foreign communities, particularly among those involved in self-employment or corporate affairs without proper visa procedures.
Little Joys
Humor
The Choice is Obvious
Maybe a better and more useful pic would be the same setting but with lots of kids around. When you're old in the west more often the young see you as of little value. Here they'll flock around you and "bless" you. Sometimes we can even find a way to bless them back.
Suddenly, I had a thought and asked ChatGPT.
I asked it to tell me about the train line from Angeles to Manila, including fares, routes, and completion dates...
It said full operation is scheduled for 2032, with partial operation starting in 2028...
I'm excited, but I'm also skeptical because I've stayed near the construction sites and never seen any actual work being done.
Just learned a lesson about RFID sticker in headlights. They don't work anymore due to rain
True, thats why i went to angeles toll gate and replaced it with a new
Philippines gas stations are going to be crazy tonight... Gasoline prices are set to surge by 5.68 pesos, and diesel by 4.32 pesos.
Filipino drivers are facing a wallet emergency. According to the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) and local oil companies, a significant price hike (Big Hike) will be implemented simultaneously at gas stations nationwide starting 6:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
This increase is one of the largest weekly price adjustments seen in recent months, and drivers are expected to feel a substantial impact.
Gasoline: An increase of ₱5.68 per liter
Kerosene: An increase of ₱4.62 per liter
Diesel: An increase of ₱4.32 per liter
Example of Impact: For a typical passenger car (with a fuel tank capacity of 45-50 liters), filling up the tank with gasoline will result in a price difference of over approximately ₱250-₱280 (around ₱6,000-₱7,000 in Korean Won) between tonight and tomorrow morning.
The primary reason for this sudden surge is the 'escalating military tensions in the Middle East.'
Officials from local oil companies (such as Jetti Petroleum) explained that the heightened concerns over potential disruptions to oil supply routes due to the intensifying armed conflict between the US/Israel and Iran have led to a sharp increase in international oil prices, which are now reflected in this week's local prices.
When Oil Companies Implement Price Changes: Most major gas stations (Petron, Shell, Caltex, etc.) will apply the increased prices starting 6:00 AM on Tuesday. (Some 24-hour brands may implement the changes shortly after midnight.)
Expected Queues at Gas Stations: According to reports from the Philippine News Agency (PNA), starting this afternoon (14th) after the announcement of the significant price hike, vehicles and motorcycles have begun flocking to gas stations in major cities like Manila to fill up before prices go up.
Recommendation: If you plan to use your vehicle, it is recommended to fill up your tank in advance during your commute home tonight (14th) or during the late-night hours.
Gunfight erupts as people line up to vote, leaving 18 casualties the day before Philippine elections.
"What started as a simple dispute over who was next in line quickly escalated into a deadly pistol shootout."
On September 14, 2026, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the southern Philippines was set to hold its historic first parliamentary elections. It was a day of great excitement for the entire region, marking 12 years after a peace agreement ended over 40 years of armed conflict, and finally allowing residents to elect their own regional representatives.
However, just hours before voting was scheduled to begin, an unimaginable tragedy struck the night before.
Late on the night of Sunday, September 13, the day before the election, outside Datu Usman Mampen Elementary School in Barangay Bagua 2, Cotabato City.
This school was designated as an official polling station for the following morning. Dozens of supporters from different political parties, eager to cast their votes first thing in the morning, had gathered at the school gates since midnight to form a queue.
Around 11:40 PM, a small argument broke out in the line. "We were here first," "Respect the order."
Initially, it was a common verbal spat. But as emotions flared, harsh insults and physical altercations ensued, quickly escalating into a brawl.
As the physical fight reached its peak, someone in the crowd pulled out a firearm they had concealed.
Then, with a roar that split the dark night sky, bullets from .45 caliber and 9mm pistols were fired into the crowd. The dark alley in front of the school transformed into a scene of utter pandemonium, filled with screams.
The shootout resulted in 3 deaths on the spot and 15 others wounded, totaling 18 casualties.
Police investigations revealed that while the tragedy appeared to be an accidental clash, the Cotabato City area was already in a state of extreme tension that night.
5:00 PM: Unidentified individuals opened fire in a nearby village.
8:00 PM: An explosive device carried by a man near another school detonated prematurely, causing severe injuries to himself (MindaNews report).
9:00 PM: Another unexplained bomb explosion occurred in a different area.
11:40 PM: A shootout resulting in 18 casualties occurred after a dispute over queue order at a polling station.
Armed groups and weapons were already present throughout the city, and the taut tension, like a drawn bowstring, met the minor spark of a "queue-jumping" dispute and ignited a massive explosion.
This election was the first popular vote where political factions originating from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group that fiercely fought the Philippine government forces in the past, directly clashed for power.
Supporters, still armed with weapons they were accustomed to from their rebel days, were divided among different political parties. The emotional trigger was finally pulled.
To prevent bloodshed, the Philippine government deployed approximately 20,000 soldiers and police officers to patrol the area, but they could not avert the tragedy.
Even on the morning of the election, further clashes occurred at another elementary school polling station, leading to the suspension of voting. On a nearby island, a large number of pre-stamped fake ballots were discovered.
Ultimately, the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared an emergency ‘Comelec Control’ over the entire Cotabato City, placing the military and police command directly under its authority.
This is what a water filter looks like after one month of use in my kitchen sink. I use about 50 liters per week. Is this normal, or are the internal components rusting due to other metals? Or is it mold growing? What is this, exactly?
✍️ Original poster: Jacob Queen
From now on, I'll be watching shows at Atlantis.
This could be called a cabaret show. I heard the owner of XS Bar moved over to Atlantis.
XSpot Angeles City Latest News: Come have a great time with …
XSpot Angeles City Latest News: Come have a great time with cold beers and a lively atmosphere!
Original:
Where is everyone? Cold beers and hot girls are waiting for you.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1455365054764104/posts/4284293438537904/
I saw on Haracook that KimsMart also supplies side dishes, and a friend said their Korean buffet is delicious, so I should try it for lunch sometime. I forgot to check the price, but it's probably around 300-400 pesos.
Hit the gym for the first time in 10 years... just did a light workout.
I saw a job posting for a government position in the Philippines, and the starting salary for the water district is 17,500 pesos.
Agency: Angeles City Water District (a GOCC under the Philippine Government)
Position Title: Clerk Processor C
Plantilla Item No.: 42 (Permanent Position)
Salary Grade: SG-4
Monthly Basic Salary: PHP 17,506
Work Location: Angeles City Water District (Angeles City)
Education:
Under the old curriculum (pre-2018): Completion of two years of college studies
Under the K-12 curriculum (post-2016): Graduation from Senior High School (Grade 12)
Training: None Required
Experience: None Required
Eligibility: Must possess a Career Service Subprofessional (First Level) eligibility (Passer of the Philippine Civil Service Exam - First Level/Subprofessional)
Specific duties will vary depending on the department assignment within the water district (e.g., Billing, Treasury, Administration), but generally include the following:
Collection/Cashier Assistance: Receiving water bill payments from customers, issuing official receipts (OR), encoding daily collection details, and preparing the Daily Collection Report.
Billing/Data Entry: Verifying meter reading data, assisting in the generation of water bills, and encoding new service applications/change of name applications.
Document and Voucher Management: Scanning, organizing, and maintaining electronic copies of disbursement vouchers and related supporting documents in a virtual library.
Customer Service and Assistance: Responding to inquiries from walk-in customers and phone calls, and issuing basic certificates and clearances.
Job Security: Permanent position under the government plantilla, ensuring job security.
Statutory Allowances (in addition to basic salary):
PERA (Personal Economic Relief Allowance): PHP 2,000 per month
13th Month Pay and Year-End Bonus (equivalent to 14th Month Pay)
Annual Cash Gift: PHP 5,000
Performance-Based Bonus (PBI/PBB): Subject to agency performance evaluation
Social Security Benefits: Membership in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PhilHealth, and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG).
Leave Benefits: Accrual of paid Vacation and Sick Leaves.
Application Deadline: June 28, 2026 (Note: CSC filing stamp deadline is June 18, 2026)
To: Edgar C. Lopez (General Manager)
Mailing Address: Pampang Rd. Brgy. Lourdes Northwest, Angeles City
Email Application: acwaterdistrict@yahoo.com.ph
Required Documents:
Signed Personal Data Sheet (PDS, CS Form No. 212 Revised 2025) with Work Experience Sheet (WES) and passport-sized photos
Photocopy of latest Performance Rating (if applicable)
Photocopy of Civil Service Eligibility
Photocopy of Transcript of Records (TOR) from college/high school
Korean Weather Lately
It must be the humidity. I didn't realize humidity was so important.
Nov
8
Mega Dance Center, Angeles
Nov
9
SMX Convention Center, 클락
Nov
9
Bacolor Municipal Hall grounds, Pampanga