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Team B

Has anyone here experienced stray dogs in the Philippines suddenly running into the road? 🐕 I couldn't do anything about it. One dog ran right under my motorcycle and I fell. I have bad bruises all over my body. Please be careful on the roads, everyone 😩👍🏽🤨

Hello!

Has anyone here had a laptop shipped from the US to the Philippines? Used or new is fine. My cousin is going to send me an older laptop that was discontinued two years ago, but it still runs well.

Which shipping service did you use (USPS Priority Mail)?

How long did it take to arrive?

What value did you declare to customs?

Did you have to pay any duties or VAT? How much?

Was it delivered to your door, or did you pick it up at the post office?

Any tips or things to avoid?

Thank you so much! 🙏

I am a 42-year-old veteran with an 80% service-connected disability rating. Is it possible for me to move to the Philippines? I'm even considering retiring completely.

A robot that plays pranks on its owner

I'm thinking of keeping my US phone on T-Mobile and getting another phone and number in the Philippines. What do you think?

I'll leave my US phone where I'm staying and carry the Philippine phone when I'm out and about.

Why is everything privatized?

Beach areas and resorts are all managed by companies, for reasons like reservoirs and marinas.

All the beaches are inaccessible.

In Europe, in Croatia, beaches cannot be privatized or blocked off.

You can't even walk to the end of the beach, because they block anyone who isn't staff from getting in.

Automation

I don't want to get my seat taken on the sofa, but I also really want to snuggle up with Mom.

[OC] How to Learn to Fly an Airplane

Yesterday's Major Philippine News (10/20)

📌 Here are five important stories from the Philippines on October 20, gathered in one place. Click a headline to go to the full article.

1. Angeles Police Arrest 7 Over Two Days, Including Pampanga's No. 2 Most Wanted Fraud Suspect
From the 19th to the 20th, Angeles police arrested seven people, including a fraud suspect ranked No. 2 on Pampanga's most-wanted list, and seized shabu worth 442,000 pesos.

2. Super Typhoon Rosal Enters Philippine Area of Responsibility — Signal No. 1 Raised in Northern Luzon
On the 20th, Super Typhoon Rosal entered the Philippine area of responsibility, and Signal No. 1 was raised in northern Luzon and the Cagayan islands, including Batanes. It is expected to exit around the 24th.

3. Two Farmers Die During Water Endurance Ritual to Settle Land Dispute in Sarangani
On the 16th in Alabel, Sarangani Province, two farmers who took part in a ritual of staying submerged in a river for a long time to settle a land dispute were pulled out after about 12 minutes but died.

4. Pampanga Police Warn of Pickpockets in Markets and on Public Transit — Six Prevention Tips
The Pampanga Provincial Police Office warned of pickpocketing in crowded places such as markets and public transportation, and announced six prevention tips, including keeping bags secure, as well as the 911 emergency number.

5. Korean Embassy Consul General Pays Courtesy Call on Central Luzon Police Chief — Angeles Police Station Chief Also Attends
On the 19th, a delegation led by Consul General and Minister Lee Han-il of the Korean Embassy paid a courtesy call on the police regional director for Central Luzon, using the occasion to strengthen public safety cooperation.

Another small eruption at Taal Volcano's main crater — plume 300m high, Alert Level 1 maintained

📌 At around 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, a small phreatic (steam-driven) eruption occurred at the main crater of Taal Volcano in Batangas Province, sending a plume rising about 300 meters above the crater. This followed two eruptions on Sunday the 18th, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has kept Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest) in place.

■ What's changed
· The eruption was captured by the thermal camera at Daang Kastila. Reports differ on the exact time, with some giving 12:20 a.m. and others 12:29 a.m.
· The 24-hour monitoring report released on the 20th recorded eight volcanic earthquakes, including one small eruption lasting two minutes and six volcanic tremors. The plume rose to 600 meters and drifted to the southwest.
· Even under Alert Level 1, sudden steam or gas explosions, volcanic earthquakes, small amounts of volcanic ash, and dangerous volcanic gas emissions can occur.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· Entry is prohibited to Taal Volcano Island, a permanent danger zone, particularly the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure zone. Staying on or boating across Taal Lake is also advised against. Warnings have also been issued that flying close to the volcano is dangerous.
· If you are planning a trip around Taal Lake, including to Tagaytay, check PHIVOLCS's latest advisories.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/20), Daily Tribune (10/20)

■ Photos
· 1. File photo · Panoramic view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano Island — Daily Tribune
· 2. File photo · PHIVOLCS thermal image of Taal Volcano's crater — GMA News

LTFRB Approves 1,131 Special Bus Trips Ahead of Undas — 290 to Central Luzon

📌 On October 19 (Monday), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted special operating permits to 1,131 buses to meet travel demand for Undas (All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2). The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) expects more than 1.9 million passengers during the Undas period.

■ What's Changing
· Of the 384 special permit applications, the approved requests have been granted, while 28 applications (about 90 buses) are still under review.
· Of the approved buses, 1,080 will depart from Metro Manila.
· Routes departing from Metro Manila include 402 to Northern Luzon, 290 to Central Luzon, 185 to Southern Luzon, and 61 to the Bicol Region.
· Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the measure follows President Marcos's directive to ensure sufficient public transportation during the holiday period, and that bus safety was strictly reviewed for suitability for long-distance travel.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· 290 buses have been approved for routes between Metro Manila and Central Luzon (including Pampanga). Terminals get very crowded before and after Undas, so buy tickets in advance.
· Roads and terminals will be congested around the holiday, so plan your schedule with extra time.

■ Sources
Philstar (10/20), The Manila Times (10/20)

■ Photo
· Stock photo · Long-distance bus at a bus terminal — The Manila Times

Pampanga's Porac Balubad residents suffer as sand and gravel truck convoys clog village roads — request for time-of-day traffic ban

📌 According to reports from October 19–20, around 100 to 200 trucks loaded with sand and gravel are traveling the narrow village roads of Balubad in Barangay Porac, Porac town, Pampanga province, causing traffic jams and generating complaints about damaged drainage ditches. Barangay Captain Romel Garcia has requested a ban on truck traffic during rush hours.

■ What's changing
· Balubad is a clean and green village that has received several awards.
· The trucks enter from Porac's main road and travel through Balubad, Pulong Santol, and Sepung Bulaon, moving to and from Guagua and Sta. Rita.
· Captain Garcia said, "When large, heavy trucks meet on these narrow roads, traffic gets stuck," adding that the road was not built for heavy cargo trucks. Residents claim the covered drainage channels and roadside drains have been broken.
· Captain Garcia has asked the Porac town government to ban truck traffic from 5–9 a.m. and 4–10 p.m., and has asked the Pampanga provincial government to repair the channels and build larger drainage ditches. Provincial government engineers have already surveyed the site.
· Reports have not yet confirmed whether the traffic ban has actually been adopted.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· When passing through this village road in the direction of Guagua and Sta. Rita from Porac, allow extra time as you may encounter large trucks.
· Check the Porac town government's announcements to see whether the traffic ban has been enforced.

■ Source
The Voice Newsweekly (10/20)

■ Photos
· Stock photo · Damaged drainage ditch along a road in Porac village — The Voice Newsweekly

Visayas Grid Red and Yellow Alerts on October 20 (Tue) — 25 Power Plants Shut Down Due to Failures

📌 On Tuesday, October 20, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued a red alert from 5 to 6 p.m. and yellow alerts from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. for the Visayas grid. With expected peak demand at 2,545 MW and available supply capacity at only 2,468 MW, power supply in the Visayas region, including Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay, was stretched thin.

■ What's Changing
· A red alert is issued when supply cannot meet consumer demand and the grid's operating reserve, while a yellow alert is issued when the operating reserve falls below the grid's emergency reserve level.
· 25 power plants went offline due to failures, and 22 others ran at reduced output, together failing to deliver 685 MW to the grid.
· Large coal-fired plants in the Visayas, PEDC Unit 3 and KSPC Unit 1, were shut down, and power imported from Mindanao also declined due to scheduled maintenance at some Mindanao plants.
· The reports did not say whether rotating power outages were implemented.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· If you are staying in the Visayas, check power interruption notices from your local distribution utility during the alert hours (3 to 8 p.m.) and charge your power bank ahead of time.
· When choosing accommodation, check whether it has a backup generator, which can help during outages.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/20), The Manila Times (10/20)

■ Photos
· Stock photo · Transmission towers and lines — GMA News

Korean Embassy Consul General pays courtesy call on Central Luzon Police Chief — Angeles City Police Chief also attends

📌 On October 19 (Mon.), a delegation led by Minister and Consul General Lee Han Il of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines paid a courtesy call on Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3, under Central Luzon) Director Jess B. Mendez. According to the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), Acting Chief of Angeles City Police Station Robert C. Domingo also attended the meeting.

■ What Happened
· The Angeles City Police Station said the courtesy call was an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Philippine police and Korea, especially in the area of public safety.
· Minister and Consul General Lee and other embassy officials attended on the embassy side, while the Regional Police Director and the Acting Chief of Angeles City Police Station attended on the police side.
· The police announcement did not disclose specific details of the discussions.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· If you become a victim of crime in Angeles, Clark, or elsewhere in Central Luzon, report it to the nearest police station or dial 911. Korean nationals can also notify the Korean Embassy in the Philippines to receive consular assistance.
· The Angeles City Police Station posts arrests, enforcement updates, and safety advisories on its official Facebook page, which is a useful resource for keeping track of local security conditions.

■ Source
Angeles City Police Station (official Facebook, 10/19)

■ Photos
· 1. Korean Embassy delegation meeting with Central Luzon police leadership — Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook)
· 2. Arrival scene at Central Luzon Police Regional Office — Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook)

Pampanga Police Provincial Office Urges Caution Against Pickpockets in Markets and on Public Transport — 6 Prevention Tips

📌 On October 20 (Tuesday), the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO) posted on its official Facebook page, urging people to be wary of pickpockets in markets, on public transport, and in crowded places, and sharing six prevention tips. Pampanga PPO Director Ricardo M. David said, "Let's not give thieves the chance to take advantage of our carelessness."

■ Six Prevention Tips from the Police
1. Keep your bag close to your body and watch it carefully.
2. Keep valuables such as mobile phones and wallets safely tucked away.
3. Stay alert to your surroundings in crowded places.
4. Keep valuables inside your clothing or in a bag with a zipper.
5. Be extra careful at night and in dark areas.
6. Trust your instincts: if you see suspicious behavior, move away and ask for help.

■ Reporting
· The police advised that if anything suspicious happens, you should ask for help at the nearest police station or call 911.
· They urged people to stay alert at markets, on public transport, and in crowded places, as well as while walking on the street.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· In jeepneys, tricycles, or crowded places like markets where people are pressed together, it is safer not to hold your phone in your hand.
· Carry your bag in front of your body, and do not put your wallet in your back pocket.

■ Source
Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook, 10/20)

■ Photo
· Pampanga PPO pickpocket prevention infographic — Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook)

Two farmers die during "underwater endurance" ritual to settle land dispute in Sarangani

📌 On Friday, October 16, two farmers who took part in the traditional ritual "sulif" to settle a land dispute in Alabel, Sarangani Province, Mindanao, died after remaining underwater in a river for about 12 minutes. Sulif is said to be a kind of "trial by ordeal" in which disputes are decided by who can stay underwater longer.

■ What happened
· The two men entered the Glamang River in Barangay Datal Anggas and did not surface for about 12 minutes.
· The ritual reportedly took place after dispute mediation at the barangay level had failed.
· After being pulled from the water, one man was already dead when he arrived at the hospital, and the other died later. Daily Tribune reported that the two were 69- and 49-year-old men, and that one was taken to the Sarangani Provincial Hospital and the other to a hospital in General Santos City.

■ Investigation and current status
· According to Daily Tribune, the Alabel Police Station is investigating the exact circumstances and the nature of the land dispute.
· Community leaders have given conflicting explanations of the nature of this custom, and reports say it needs to be verified through consultation with the indigenous community concerned.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· Holding your breath underwater for long periods can cause you to lose consciousness in a short time — do not hold-your-breath contests while swimming or snorkeling.
· If you see someone drowning, call 911 immediately.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/17), GMA News (10/17) — ages, hospitals of transfer, and investigation status confirmed by one source only

Super Typhoon 'Rosal' Enters Philippine Area of Responsibility — Signal No. 1 Raised for Northern Luzon and Other Areas

📌 At 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, Super Typhoon 'Champi' entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and will be called 'Rosal.' The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 for Batanes and parts of Cagayan, Isabela, and Catanduanes, and expects the typhoon to exit the PAR on the evening of Friday the 23rd or early Saturday the 24th.

■ What's Changing
· As of 10 a.m. on the 20th, the center was about 1,385 km east of central Luzon at sea, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center and gusts up to 230 km/h. It was moving west-northwest at 25 km/h.
· Signal No. 1 areas: Batanes, the eastern Babuyan Islands (Babuyan, Camiguin, Didicas Island), eastern mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Aparri, etc.), northeastern Isabela (Palanan, Ilagan City, etc.), and northeastern Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, etc.). Wind damage is expected to be minor at this stage.
· PAGASA said the signal could expand to more areas and that some areas could be raised to Signal No. 2 or No. 3.
· The typhoon is forecast to move west-northwest until Wednesday the 21st, then north-northwest until Friday morning the 23rd, before turning north. It could strengthen over the Philippine Sea and is expected to weaken to typhoon strength on Thursday the 22nd.
· According to The Manila Times, as of 4 p.m. on the 20th, the center was about 1,270 km east of central Luzon, with maximum winds of 195 km/h (gusts of 240 km/h). PAGASA said there would be no landfall but that its wide radius would graze coastal areas on the 22nd and 23rd. It issued strong wind warnings for waves of 2.8–4.5 m along the eastern coasts of Catanduanes, Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, and eastern Isabela, advising small vessels to remain in port.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· As of the 20th's announcement, central Luzon (including Angeles and Clark) and Metro Manila are not under any signal, but signal areas could expand, so check PAGASA's latest bulletins.
· If you plan to travel to Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, or Catanduanes, or to take a ferry, check with airlines and shipping companies in advance about domestic flight and ferry cancellations for the 22nd–24th.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/20), The Manila Times (10/20) — the 4 p.m. position, strong wind warnings, and the no-landfall outlook are confirmed by one source only.

■ Photos
· 1. PAGASA's projected track map for Super Typhoon Rosal — GMA News
· 2. Stock photo · Satellite image of a typhoon over the sea east of the Philippines — The Manila Times

Angeles police arrest 7 in two days — including a No. 2 most-wanted fraud suspect from Pampanga

📌 From October 19 (Mon) to 20 (Tue), the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) arrested a total of 7 people through a fugitive apprehension and anti-drug operation. Among them was a suspect ranked No. 2 on Pampanga Province's most-wanted list for syndicated estafa, and in two drug operations, about 65 g of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) worth 442,000 pesos was seized.

■ What happened
· At around 3:30 p.m. on the 19th, a joint team from the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), the 1st Police Station, the Magalang Police Station, and the Pampanga Provincial Police Office served an arrest warrant at San Jose Street in Barangay Santo Domingo and apprehended the No. 2 most-wanted suspect in Pampanga. The charge is syndicated estafa, and the warrant was issued on July 28, 2025 by the Regional Trial Court (Branch 55) of General Santos City, South Cotabato, with no bail recommended.
· At around 12:30 a.m. on the 20th, the 5th Police Station's anti-drug unit conducted a buy-bust operation at Deca Clark in Barangay Margot, arresting 3 people, including a 57-year-old, and seizing about 10 g of suspected shabu (68,000 pesos).
· At around 12:40 a.m. on the 20th, the 1st Police Station's anti-drug unit arrested 2 people, including a suspect classified as a High-Value Individual (HVI), next to a 7-Eleven on Sadie Street in Barangay San Nicolas, and seized about 55 g of suspected shabu (374,000 pesos).
· Early on the 20th, another fugitive was also arrested.

■ Investigation and current status
· According to the Angeles City Police Office, the drug suspects are being processed for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165). The charges have not yet been confirmed by a court.
· Acting Angeles City Police Chief Robert Domingo said the crackdown will continue and urged residents to report suspicious activity.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· If you see suspicious activity such as drug dealing, you can report it to the nearest police station or call 911.
· If you are offered an investment or business opportunity to raise money, be sure to verify the other party's identity and business registration before signing any contract.

■ Sources
Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook, 10/20), Daily Tribune (10/20)

■ Photos
· 1. Arrest record photo of the suspect with face covered — Daily Tribune
· 2. Angeles City Police Office fugitive arrest announcement graphic — Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook)