During my time at the Toycon 2019 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City this past Saturday, I checked out the X-Men stuff. I am a long-time X-Men fan and that particular franchise is my favorite among all of Marvel’s superheroes.
As before, I looked for some back issues of X-Men at one of the few comic book sellers at the convention.
Lots of old X-Men comic books displayed for sale.A copy of X-Men #1 (1991) drawn by Jim Lee featuring Magneto. I did not bother to buy this one.
After carefully searching what was available and calculating with my limited budget, I bought a few copies of Uncanny X-Men drawn in the early 1990s by Whilce Portacio. I intend to have these comic books signed by him in the near future.
As I went around the floor of the main exhibition hall of the convention center, I saw several X-Men statues and action figures. The one that caught my attention was the Dark Phoenix figure.
Too bad the filmmakers could not find a way to replicate this classic Dark Phoenix form for the big screen.
And then I went up to the 2nd level of the convention where there was one function hall that had several displays of toys and action figures for people to look at. Of course, the X-Men were there and here are some pictures I took for your viewing pleasure.
I like this set up showing two opposing sides. I just wished Magneto had been placed closer fronting Charles Xavier.The 1990s X-Men look.Dazzler, X-Factor, Cable and some X-Men.Another 1990s X-Men set.I like the set up here with the X-Men and a fallen Sentinel.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
In South Metro Manila, Daang Hari is one very long road used by thousands of motorists each day. It stretches from a corner of Alabang Zapote Road in Las Pinas which goes through portions of Alabang (Muntinlupa City), goes past Evia Lifestyle Center and the connection with Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway (MCX) and more notably the road leads further into the province of Cavite.
Along Daang Hari within the jurisdiction of Imus City, Cavite, is the world-class Vermosa Sports Hub which is home to a very modern looking swimming pool, track oval and some facilities.
Just outside Vermosa Sports Hub, however, along Daang Hari is a new branch of Starbucks Coffee which I visited.
The front of Starbucks Vermosa coffee shop.
As expected, the Vermosa Starbucks branch has a very modern design on its exterior and interior. Its interior is quite spacious with lots of seats and tables that can accommodate groups of friends and family members. The place is good enough for employees or business executives to have group meetings in while having coffee.
This is where you choose, line up, pay and pick up your order.Nice interior.
Upon my examination of the place, I noticed some parking slots in the rear of the coffee shop (with the Vermosa Sports Hub visible). Like the Starbucks coffee shop at Evia Lifestyle Center, this coffee shop has a drive-thru.
Parking slots.The drive-thru lane.
So if you are coming from Cavite heading to Las Pinas or Muntinlupa and you want coffee to help you complete your long drive along Daang Hari, know that the Vermosa Starbucks branch is operating.
Through the June 29, 2019 edition of their official bulletin – Tahanan Flash – the Tahanan Homeowners Association (THA) announced some adjustments related to the use of the community swimming pool which is just outside their office at the village clubhouse in Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City.
The Tahanan Village community swimming pool.
The THA stated that their Board of Directors (now headed by their president Aurora Beatriz L. Sarmiento) decided to implement key changes such as the rate of P250 per guest/per usage for guests (described as friends and relatives who are not residents of the village) when it comes to using the pool. For the residents, the rate it still set at P60 per resident/per usage.
With regards to regulating the use of the pool, the THA will exert its best effort to limit the number of swimmers to twenty (20) people in any given point in time.
Groups composed of ten (10) people must advise the THA office of the use of the pool two days before the scheduled use. This is meant to regulate crowding.
In ending their statement, the THA said: There will also be days we need to close down the pool due to water shortage. We also ask those who have swimming pools to do the same thing during times of water crisis. Please monitor our village boards and Facebook account for announcements.
To contact the THA, call 842-5955 or visit their Facebook page.
The Alabang Hills Village Association, Inc. (AHVA) announced some more good news for motorists who travel around South Metro Manila. Since July 1, the 2-year Passing Thru Vehicular Stickers for Non-Residents has been made available for motorists and applications are being processed!
Over the counter at the AHVA office today, I was told that the 2-year sticker costs P2,400 each.
When asked as to why there is no indication of 1-year and 2-years on the application form for the Alabang Hills stickers, the AHVA official told me that each applicant who submits the filled-up form and requirements must mention verbally to them if he/she is applying for a 1-year (dated 2019-2020) or a 2-year (2019-2021) sticker.
Do not forget that you must secure an endorsement from your village’s homeowners association (HOA) for your application of AHVA stickers.
For clarifications and inquiries, it is best for you to call the association at phone numbers 850-8254, 850-9631 and fax number 850-7685. They can be reached by email at ahvainc08@yahoo.com
Apply now for the AHVA non-resident stickers while they are still available!
Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi with the 9th City Council in their Inaugural Session on July 1 at Session Hall, People’s Center, Muntinlupa City Hall, Brgy. Putatan. Fresnedi called for the support of new councilors to advance his 9-Point Program of Governance.
On July 1, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi reached out to the new members of the City Council calling for their support for his 9-Point Program of Governance during the inaugural session of the legislative body at the Session Hall, People’s Center, Muntinlupa City Hall.
Now on his 3rd and final term, the mayor delivered his response message in the resumption of the City Council sessions led by newly elected Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac. Simundac expressed the Council’s support to compliment initiatives carried by executive departments through local legislation.
Local majority floor leader Coun. Raul Corro said the 9th City Council will be a “Working Council” and committed to uphold professionalism and pro-activeness.
For the next three years, the Fresnedi administration will focus on delivering programs and projects for the following development areas: Health and Wellness, Local History and Culture, Education and Youth, Livelihood and Employment, Peace and Order, Socialized Housing, Good Governance, Economic Development, and Environmental Protection.
Very recently, Mayor Fresnedi was sworn into office and his third term was inaugurated. He was sworn in by Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Judge Antonietta Medina on June 28 before his supporters and other guests.
This past weekend I managed to attend, for the fourth straight year, the annual Toycon at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Attending it was more crucial not only for me but for many other geeks here in the Philippines since the other pop culture convention – AsiaPOP Comicon Manila – got postponed to next year.
One of the first things I did after spending some time in the long line was finding the Wonder Woman exhibit which was at one of the function halls on the 2nd level of the convention center.
Here are some pictures I took for your viewing pleasure.
The Wonder Woman Collectors PH exhibit.A close look. Even Artemis is there.A closer look!This one resembles Gal Gadot somewhat.This one has a dolly look.A nice recreation of the cinematic Diana.Wonder Woman on the horse looks impressive.Someone looks at the Wonder Woman exhibit.
As I mentioned before, Wonder Woman is my favorite superhero of all time and she is truly the queen of all superheroes.
As I explored the main exhibition floor on the ground level of the convention center, I found a few more Wonder Woman figures there. Check out these pictures I took.
Cinematic Justice League Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman in fighting pose.Wonder Woman mixed with the DC Comics villains.
If there were any shortcomings for a Wonder Woman fan like me at Toycon 2019, it’s the lack of Wonder Woman comic books. Unlike the previous editions of the Toycon, the convention this year had noticeable lesser comic book sellers on the floor. I was unable to find a single Wonder Woman comic book.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
To truly connect to God and His Son Jesus (our Lord and Savior), one must have a genuine heart of worship and deep faith. In this piece, let me discuss with you the beautiful and holy Christian worship song The Heart of Worship (written by Matt Redman) which was part of the album Intimacy.
We start with these two YouTube videos.
Below are the lyrics for your reference.
+++++
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless your heart
I’ll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart
–
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
–
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is yours
Every single breath
I’ll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart
–
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
I’m sorry, lord, for the thing I’ve made it
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
–
I’m coming back to the heart of worship,
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
–
It’s all about you
It’s all about you
It’s all about you
It’s all about you
It’s all about you
It’s all about you
–
It’s all about you
It’s all about you
It’s all about you
It’s all about you
–
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
I’m sorry, lord, for the thing I’ve made it
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
+++++
Clearly faith is meant to be done by the heart and not by the mind. There are verses in the Holy Bible about the heart of worship. Here are some for your reflection and enlightenment.
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
(Psalm 86: 12)
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
(Ephesians 5: 19-20)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Colossians 16: 3)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
(Proverbs 3: 5)
And Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22: 37)
Going back to The Heart of Worship, in my view the song emphasizes a person’s return to the Lord Jesus Christ with the will to worship Him. Lines like I’m coming back to the heart of worship,And it’s all about you, It’s all about you, Jesus, make this clear. It also acknowledges that the Lord looks into a person’s heart to determine if it is a heart of worship or not. In other words, there is no hiding on the part of people from the Lord.
This brings me to the lesson that worship is not limited in the form of words about a promise to worship but rather it is about dedication to worship the Lord, to trust in Him, to thank Him for His blessings, love and care, and live life with continued faith in Him. In short, worshiping the Lord is an essential part of genuine Christian living.
The song and the above bible verses strongly resonate with me for I had gone through the frustrations of religion-based living, descended into living in darkness (caused by religion), became a lost soul (for years I stopped believing in God and Jesus) before finding my way back to Lord by accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Being Born Again and being part of the Kingdom of Light, I received the Holy Spirit in my heart and I worshiped the Lord a lot more than my entire old life. My faith, my trust and my dedication to the Lord are stronger than ever before. This is my experience about living with a heart of worship.
It is indeed true that religion is not essential because the personal relationship with God matters more which requires faith (certainly not religion). As such, you need to be born again and I encourage you to read John 3: 3-7 in the Holy Bible.
Do not forget that you should only worship the Lord. Avoid worshiping idols, both living and non-living. Don’t worship people. For true Christian living, your heart of worship and faith are truly meant for the Lord only.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Cyberzone Mobile Fest 2019 at SM City BF Parañaque a Success
The Cyberzone Mobile Fest 2019 at the Atrium of the mall.
This past weekend at SM City BF Parañaque, the Cyberzone Mobile Fest 2019 held at the Atrium turned out a successful event filled with excitement and surprise that delighted both attendees and the spectators.
The event started on Friday (June 22) with technology event partners Huawei, Smart, Samsung, Real Me, Xiaomi, Vivo and Power Mac Center each having their own booths showcasing their latest products and services to customers who passed by.
The 2019 Mobile Legends tournament.
The excitement really ramped up the following day (June 23) as the highly anticipated Mobile Legends Tournament took place. Right from the start, many players (predominantly males) lined up to register themselves and eagerly waited. Once the tournament started, the action and excitement really made the Cyberzone Mobile Fest 2019 more energetic. As the competitors focused on their smartphones, action of the 2019 Mobile Legends Tournament were displayed on the large screen which was nicely spiced up by the two tournament commentators. There were bouts of cheers and awe in between. By the evening, the tournament was won by Avalance which received P5,000 as the grand winner.
Next to them were KZTL at 2nd place and Fantasy Sports at 3rd place. They received P3,000 and P2,000 respectively.
2019 Mobile Legends tournament grand champion Avalanche.Team KZTL won 2nd place.3rd placer was team Fantasy Sports.
Along the way, special programs took place. The event organizers formally unveiled the brand new and more modern looking logo of Cyberzone which wowed the audience.
The new logo.
For the newcomers reading this, Cyberzone is the largest chain of IT retail stores in the Philippines. Aside from holding the biggest I.T. fairs, gaming events, and social networking engagements; Cyberzone is known for its notable product mix and quality.
Back to the event, a digital quiz took place as well as fun tech talks. A raffle draw was held and after several attempts of calling out the names of the winner, it was Joie Reyes who was called and she made her way to the stage to claim the Realme 3 smartphone. Being physically present is a requirement to claim the raffle prize.
Very lucky raffle prize winner Joie Reyes with her Realme 3 smartphone. With her were Cyberzone marketing officer Shaquiel Segarra and SM City BF Paranaque’s Inah Bunyi.
One of the major partners of the event, Huawei, had its officer named Elton present the company’s achievements and vision for the world of technology. He announced that Huawei’s smartphone shipment surpassed 206 million in 2018 alone and that the company ensured that each unit is designed to give users full functionality, the best digital photography capability and enduring battery life.
Huawei’s Elton gave an in-depth presentation of the company’s technology strategy.
Huawei was not limited to smartphones. Its business is quite diverse as its non-smartphone product shipments in 2018 exceeded the 100,000,000 mark. The figure includes tablets, laptops, watches and accessories. Huawei also strives to create more value through the innovative “1+8+N” all-scenario intelligent product ecosystem. From smartphones to cars and to home appliances, the company has a strategy to give a wide variety of users the means to enhance their lifestyles through technology.
For the future, Huawei is leading the next phase of the 5G innovation with the Balong 5000 which is the most powerful 5G modem in the world. It contains the world’s first chipset to support both NSA and SA architectures, the world’s fastest peak downlink speed of 4.6 gigabytes per second and uplink speed of 2.5 gigabytes per second, and the world’s first R14 V2X on 5G chipset.
Overall, the Cyberzone Mobile Fest 2019 at SM City BF Parañaque was a tremendously successful event that had fun, excitement and enlightenment brought together at the Atrium with a strong emphasis on technology. Cyberzone meanwhile will remain a very significant commercial chain for anyone around the nation looking for the latest in technology.
The Cyberzone Mobile Fest 2019 will continue in the following SM malls: Cebu (June 28-30), Sucat (July 5-7), Davao (July 12-14), Legazpi (July 19-21), and North EDSA (July 26-28).
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenoris still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrascoand follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Here’s a big update for people of South Metro Manila! The Alabang Hills Village Association, Inc. (AHVA) just started processing applications for the 1-year pass thru vehicular stickers for non-resident motorists and already they released the said stickers to the successful applicants.
The fee for the said AHVA stickers (marked with 2019-2020 as the period of validity) is at P1,200 each according to the association’s personnel I talked with over the counter at their office. Application forms (see the pictures below for reference) are available at the AHVA’s office.
Take note of the requirements listed on the form.
For those who are wondering, the 2-year AHVA pass thru vehicular stickers for non-residents are not yet available as of this writing and the association has yet to make a formal announcement as to when such stickers will be made available.
For the San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) students, faculty, campus workers, service providers and the like, the AHVA special pass thru stickers for them will be available on July 20, 2019.
The AHVA also announced that the pass thru stickers dated 2018 shall expire on July 31, 2019.
If you are based in BF Homes, securing Alabang Hills pass thru stickers for your vehicle can be beneficial as it will help you reach the Alabang Town Center, Ayala Alabang Village, Madrigal Business Park, Avida Towers Alabang, Commercenter, Filinvest City, Festival Mall and Molito through the village and Alabang Zapote Road in case Concha Cruz Drive gets too congested. Passing through Alabang Hills can also help you reach the West Service Road within Muntinlupa’s jurisdiction and along the way you can visit Madison Galeries and other villages.
For your inquiries regarding the vehicular stickers, the processes and requirements to acquire new ones and more, visit the Alabang Hills Village Association’s office along Don Jesus Boulevard inside the village.
You may also call the association at phone numbers 850-8254, 850-9631 and fax number 850-7685. They can be reached by email at ahvainc08@yahoo.com
Back in the mid-1980s, the Marvel Comics universe had revisions as a result of the best-selling series Secret Wars. As a result of that series, Spider-Man went home with the alien costume or symbiote (read: Venom), Colossus’ feelings for Kitty Pryde weakened and the Thing decided not to go home yet with the Fantastic Four.
This resulted a temporary change in the lineup of the Fantastic Four. To make up for the loss (and strength) of the Thing, She-Hulk came in as the replacement. Reflecting this particular change, here is my retro review of Fantastic Four #275.
The cover.
Released in 1985 with a story written and drawn by the legendary John Byrne, Fantastic Four #275 begins when a sun-bathing She-Hulk got photographed by a man riding a helicopter flying at the top of the Baxter Building in New York. The sheer force of air from the helicopter’s blades temporarily causes She-Hulk’s cover to loosen which exposes her body to the photographer.
“Here I was all braced for a super-baddie, and I end up getting photographed deshabillee by an airborne peeping-tom,” She-Hulk said during the encounter.
The green-skinned lady then decides to take a huge risk by leaping off the building and grab on to the helicopter.
While this is indeed a Fantastic Four comic book, it is very focused on She-Hulk. There is a short scene about Johnny Storm as well as an epilogue at the end of the comic book showing Reed and Sue Richards however.
In terms of storytelling, John Byrne did not tell the usual good-versus-evil story rather he focused more on how being a superhero can be challenging when it comes to personal privacy. This was emphasized through She-Hulk who became the object of a magazine whose editor-in-chief views her as a public figure and that puts her in the public domain along with other famous public figures whose faces and even their private lives got exposed to the masses.
From page 11.
If you are looking for superhero action, you won’t find much. There are some incidental forms of action in the form of collateral damage as She-Hulk crashes through walls.
Overall, Fantastic Four #275 is a fun read and its focus on how the print media treats superheroes viewed as public figures is a nice break from the typical good-versus-evil type of story. No clear villain here. Just the She-Hulk dealing with a magazine that violated her privacy.
