Zark’s Burgers now serving customers inside Festival Mall

If you crave for burgers and fries, and if you are searching for a unique burger experience here in Alabang, then you should try visiting the brand new Zark’s Burgers branch inside Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa.

This is what Zark’s Burgers looks like inside Festival Mall at the ground floor.

Zark’s Burgers had its grand opening inside the said mall on May 10, 2024. Specifically speaking, the burger joint’s newest branch is located at the ground floor right beside Dairy Queen (DQ) and it is just steps away from Festival Mall’s food court in close proximity to National Bookstore. The new branch is easy to spot as the burger joint has its eye-catching sign composed of red and white colors.

For the newcomers reading this, Zark’s Burgers started in 2009 as an 18-seater hole-in-the-wall and they had a 3-man crew. As time passed by, the business gradually expanded as more customers flocked to them for burgers which they found tasty and even unique.

See anything interesting on Zark’s menu?

Already featured in the media and in blogs, Zark’s Burgers has an established reputation of being creative with the way they cooked their burgers which in turn delighted not only mainstream customers but also food enthusiasts who have specific expectations about how burgers should be presented and how tasty they should be. Of course, the business is not just selling burgers as they also offer hotdog sandwiches, rice meals, fried chicken, boneless fried chicken sandwiches and more.

Now that Zark’s Burgers’ Festival Mall branch is already operating, it will be interesting to see how they will keep up with the competition inside the said mall which already has lots of places where burgers and fries are being sold. In fact, a few steps away from Zark’s is a branch of Wendy’s which consistently attracts customers.

Zark’s Burgers Festival Mall branch is just steps away from the food court and right beside Dairy Queen (DQ).

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 excited to visit Zark’s Burgers branch inside Festival Mall? Do you think Zark’s Burgers has what it takes to keep up with the competition as the mall already has lots of food joints that sell burgers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Chinese national wanted for cyber fraud arrested at airport

In recent times, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it apprehended a wanted Chinese national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspect is wanted for involvement in cyber fraud.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is doing a good job apprehending wanted foreigners?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Chinese vessels spotted near Balikatan training area off Palawan

Since it formally started on April 22, Balikatan 2024 resulted in several military exercises and activities involving armed elements of the Philippines, the United States and France. This of course caught the attention of China and according to a recent Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article, several Chinese vessels were spotted near a training area off Palawan.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that China’s navy might someday disrupt the naval activities of Balikatan 2024? Do you think there could be a lot of spies among the Chinese nationals living here in the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Commandos: Origins announced for Xbox consoles, Windows PC and Game Pass

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks and gamers! During the recent IGN x ID@Xbox Digital Showcase, several new games were shown and the one that stood out the most for me was Commandos: Origins which will be released on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC and Game Pass sometime in the near future.

To get yourselves oriented, watch this teaser trailer of Commandos: Origins.

While no firm release date has been announced, there are lots of details about the real-time tactical stealth game developed by Claymore Game Studios under publisher Kalpyso Media. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official game details sourced from the Xbox online store page. Some parts in boldface…

A huge and detailed environment that players will have to infiltrate and beat the bad guys.
An explosive sequence with a tank.

Having seen the trailer of Commandos: Origins, I had these XCOM vibes. Then the game showed that action sequences can be executed with a good amount of detail supposedly to ensure satisfaction for players who love strategy backed with militaristic stuff. While the game design emphasizes 3D space, turn-based gameplay and strategy, Commandos: Origins still managed to remind me of past military games such as Operation Wolf, Cabal, Rush’n Attack and original Metal Gear.

Watch out for the release of Commandos: Origins on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC and Game Pass in the near future. For more information, click https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/commandos-origins/9nnrcr6mbndr

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Bureau of Immigration (BI) says tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to help ensure national security

The government here in the Philippines are trying to balance the nation’s need of security and the gains from attracting foreign tourists. Specifically speaking, the spotlight is currently on the handling of visa requirements from Chinese tourists as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) made clear the need to help ensure national security, according to a GMA Network news report.

The BI responded to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals could harm the nation’s tourism as well as the businesses connected with tourist activities. Take note that criminal/illegal activities involving Chinese nationals happened many times here in the Philippines (click here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese visitors could hurt Philippine tourism? Do you think that Chinese tourists could not behave themselves while they are in the country? Do you want visa rules on all Chinese visitors be tightened for the long-term? Did a Chinese national cause trouble in your local community lately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Almost 2.5 million voter registrants for 2025 elections counted by COMELEC

Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that almost 2.5 million people submitted applications as registered voters for the next national and local elections of 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. People still have until September 30, 2024 to register.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many young adults or adults in your local community who intend to get registered with the COMELEC but have yet to do so?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

A Look Back at RoboCop 2 #1 (1990)

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1990 to take a close look at the comic book adaptation of the movie RoboCop 2 (1990).

Before getting to the new retro comic book review, I should state that my friends and I had a fun time watching RoboCop 2 in the cinema shortly after it opened here in the Philippines. Back then, I was not yet a comic book collector and I rarely visited comic book specialty stores. That being said, I was unaware that Marvel Comics actually published an adaptation in the form of a 3-issue mini-series.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at RoboCop 2 , published in 1990 by Marvel with a story written by Alan Grant and drawn by Mark Bagley based on the movie screenplay by Frank Miller and Walon Green.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins in Detroit where the cops are run by corporations and the streets have turned into red-alert war zones. Crime is overwhelming the city and the highly addictive narcotic poses the greatest threat facing societies. The surgeon general who made the public warning about nuke was killed and the crime boss Cain (leader of a cult of nuke addicts and pushers) claims responsibility. Through the news media, Cain tells the public that nuke will make people’s problems go away and people want its paradise.

Under the management of Omni Consumer Products (OCP), several of Detroit’s police officers go on strike demanding better terms from their employer. The City Government of Detroit under Mayor Kuzak missed a payment (in relation to them owing $37 million) and OCP begins to move to foreclose the city and its assets in accordance to the terms of the contract. Mayor Kuzak accuses OCP of engineering the police strike which made crime rampant.

Elsewhere in the evening, the cruel activities of the thugs got disrupted by the arrival of a police car. Even though the police car got destroyed by the thugs, RoboCop emerges and begins to fight back…

Quality

There is simply no holding back for RoboCop when it comes to doing police work at a time when many police officers are on strike while crime has turned more rampant in Detroit.

This opening issue of the mini-series sticks close the basic plot of the movie (right until after Cain’s gang dismantled RoboCop) although there were a few notable differences with the sequence of events and there were scenes that showed the creative team took liberties to make the story suitable with the literary format in mind. That being said, don’t expect to see the key moments of the movie look exactly the same in this comic book and don’t expect to see the characters here looking like the actors who played them on the big screen. In terms of visual and literary presentation, this adaptation has a lot in common with the Total Recall comic book adaptation which coincidentally was released the same year.  

For me, this is indeed a really readable comic book that has its stylized approach on telling the movie’s concept. OCP is the most powerful entity in the story while Cain and his gang are clearly the force of evil that strongly pose danger not only to Detroit’s people but even to the very divided police force. Nuke as the dangerous object of the plot clearly was inspired from elements of the real life war against drugs in 1980s America which made this story socially relevant.

Very clearly these villains look nothing like actors Tom Noonan, Galyn Görg and Gabriel Damon.

Like in the movie, RoboCop here performs his law enforcement duty in an uncompromising manner even though memories of his past life as officer Murphy re-emerged deep inside. That being said, there are a few moments in which you might sympathize with the titular hero as this comic book pays close attention to the conflict between humanity and technology.

The action scenes here are sufficient but clearly don’t come anywhere close to the intensity of the film in terms of violence. Still, there is enough action for readers to enjoy.

When it comes to the visuals, the artwork done by Mark Bagley eerily looks comparable with Tom Lyle’s art in the Total Recall comic book of 1990. For the newcomers read this, Bagley became a popular artist through the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series and the Venom: Lethal Protector comic books that were released after years after this one. Having seen many of Bagley’s works published in 1992 to 1995, I can hardly recognize his art style in this comic book adaptation. The way he drew people’s faces in this comic book looks very different from those seen in Amazing Spider-Man issues. At the same time, Bagley’s own take on RoboCop has that balanced approach on depicting humanity with machinery while also making the hero look less bulky compared to the movie’s version.

Conclusion

Julie Faxx of OCP sure talks like a woke nut and rabid feminist in this scene.

RoboCop 2 (1990) is clearly not a faithful adaptation of selected parts of the movie but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This is more about the Grant-Bagley team doing their own visual presentation of the movie script copy they had and ultimately they succeeded in making this comic book a stylized and worthy reading experience. This is indeed a surprisingly entertaining read and I can say that I am looking forward to reading the next issue.

Overall, RoboCop 2 (1990) is recommended.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Las Piñas City hosts clean-up drive with DILG Secretary Abalos

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a major clean-up drive attended by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos took place within Barangay BF International-CAA, the City Government announced through social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post of April 30, 2024. Some parts in boldface…

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 wish to see more major clean-up activities held in other parts of the city? Do you think the presence of the DILG adds credibility to such activities in the city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Muntinlupa City Job Portal online

If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City who must have noticed members of your local community being able to find jobs within the city, it is most likely because of the online job portal launched recently by the City Government as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The job portal can be accessed at https://jobportal.muntinlupacitygov.com/

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

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 know anyone who applied for a local job through the 1Munti Job Portal? Have you visited the job portal already?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Philippines eyes high-spending tourists from America

As part of its pursuit to attract more foreign tourists and generate higher tourism revenue this year (click here and here), the Philippines is targeting tourists from the United States with the perception that they are heavy spending tourists, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines should do more to attract American tourists?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco