New Police Chief for Muntinlupa City Appointed by PNP

New Police Chief for Muntinlupa City Appointed by PNP

PNP-Munti-1
Philippine National Police (PNP) Southern Police District director PBGen. Emmanuel Peralta paid a courtesy call to Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi last July 30 to formally introduce PCOL Allan Nobleza as the newly appointed OIC of Muntinlupa Police. Nobleza, who has also served as the Muntinlupa Chief of Police years back, said he will continue to enforce peace and order in the city amid challenges of the pandemic. Peralta also extended his gratitude to Mayor Fresnedi for the local government’s continuing support to PNP. Also present during the meeting was City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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A Look Back at Hardcase #12 (1994)

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

At long last, the twelfth issue of the Hardcase monthly series (note: the series lasted a total of 26 issues) of the Ultraverse is finally here. Since the opening page of issue #1, Hardcase has been very engaging, enjoyable and intriguing to read complete with very deep character development as written by the late James Hudnall. In comparison with superhero comics in general, Hardcase itself is pretty unique (a superhero team member who ends up the only walking survivor who gets into Hollywood before returning to doing superhero acts) even by today’s standards.

As the series went on, Hardcase got involved with Choice initially solving mysteries and finding answers. It was only recently they got involved romantically, which hurt Hardcase’s other girl Linda (the other survivor from The Squad). Along the way, Hardcase and Choice got involved with The Strangers and The Solution in memorable crossovers.

Now the stage is set! We will find out if the first full year of the Hardcase series will be completed with impact or not with this look back at Hardcase #12, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by James Hudnall and drawn by Scott Benefiel.

Cover
The cover.

Early story

The story begins in the night in the desolate land, just a few miles away from the secret base of Aladdin. Hardcase and Choice were together resting when suddenly Headknocker and Hardwire arrive to attack them. As Hardcase and Headknocker start their rematch (note: they first fought in issue #1), Hardwire goes after Choice.

Even though he knows Hardknocker is tough, the Hollywood superhero makes his move to take on Hardwire and help Choice.

Meanwhile over at Groom Lake Control Center, two men in suits look at the images and details of Hardknocker and Hardwire on oversized screens. As they analyze the situation happening outside their facility, they argue over the possible release and use of the other undesirable ultras they captured…

Quality

10
Choice and Hardwire meet again.

There is no doubt that this is a very high-quality comic book with a very strong script that mixes spectacle with character development, secret society intrigue, mystery and some drama. The storytelling itself was successful thanks to Hudnall.

The story started strongly with action scenes with some build-up of suspense and mystery emphasized when the narrative switches to another scene at a different location. While there is a notable twist in the comic book, it is the ending that really shook things up so much, it made me go back to issue #1 and other references to The Squad. This is great writing done by James Hudnall and he knew how to shake the foundation of the series.

When it comes to the art, Scott Benefiel work here is great and the best one yet within the first year of the series. I love the way he draws facial expressions that really show emotions or intensity and he knows how the pace the flow of events (and still manage to draw dynamic action shots).

Conclusion

4
Headknocker and Hardcase.

Hardcase #12 is a great read and it certainly is not the typical good-versus-evil type of superhero story. As the conclusion of the first year of the Hardcase series of the 1990s, this one really defined the title character’s place in the Ultraverse as Hudnall shook the foundation of the series in a very memorable way. The ending of the comic book is truly powerful and it should be seen. It is easily one of the most notable endings of any Ultraverse comic book.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Hardcase #12 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $4 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $11.

Overall, Hardcase #12 (1994) is highly recommended!


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. 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 Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – July 29, 2020

Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – July 29, 2020

The Las Piñas City Police Department continues to serve the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these recent media releases and pay close attention to the details written.

July29b
 On July 28, 2020, elements of LCPS with personnel of Sub Station 1 under the supervision or PMAJ JOYLENE A BULAN ,SS1 Commander, and under the leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC of Las Piñas City Police Station together with Brgy Capt Cesar Rubio conducted Conduct Ugnayan/Dialogue, Police Visibility and Implementation of Mandatory Wearing of Face Mask and strictly implemented social distancing remind health protocols to the public to include the presence of police in the area as part of visibility patrol. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
July29a
On July 28, 2020, elements of Sub-Station 1 under the supervsion of PMAJ JOYLENE A BULAN, SS1 Commander, and under the leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC of Las Piñas City Police Station, performed PNP Good Deed through “giving food” for Las Piñas residents of Las Piñas City. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
Jul29c
On July 28, 2020, above-name SS-2 personnel under the supervision of PMAJ JOEL P GOMEZ, SS-2 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted Conference and Briefing/PICE with SS-2 Group C personnel held at the above-said place. Likewise, disseminated COP Guidance in line with PNP Internal Cleansing Policy. Thus, personnel were advised to strictly adhere with said guidance. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
July29d
On July 28, 2020, elements of LCPS with personnel of Sub Station 3 under the direct supervision of PMAJ ALBERT DT AREVALO, Sub-Station 3 Commander through PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted Establishment Visitation and strict implementation of Social Distancing. Likewise conducted Distribution of IEC Materials/ Flyers Re: Safety Precautionary measures against Corona Virus Disease ( COVOD-19) in relation to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) as reminder to the health protocols to the public to include the presence of police in the area as part of visibility patrol. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)

If you are in Las Piñas City and you need the help of the local police, call 85516401 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pcrstation4/


The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website. 

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa authorities to penalize residents not wearing face masks in public, implements stricter quarantine measures

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa authorities to penalize residents not wearing face masks in public, implements stricter quarantine measures

All persons in Muntinlupa City are now mandated to wear face masks – whether medical masks or cloth masks – at all times whenever outside of residence and while in public places. Violators will be penalized through the passing of a local ordinance.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed into law City Ordinance No. 2020-109 or known as the Ordinance on the Mandatory Use of Face Masks in Muntinlupa City on Monday requiring residents and persons in the city to use face coverings or protective clothing to cover the nose, mouth, and chin as a preventive measure against infection from COVID-19.

The strict measure shall be in effect for the duration of the Community Quarantine and any extension thereof as may be determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force.

This initiative follows the Department of Interior and City Government’s “Disiplina Muna” advocacy campaign to include health safety protocols such as wearing face masks in public, sanitizing hands, observing physical distancing and cough etiquette, and staying at home for children and the elderly.

Under the local ordinance, violators will be meted with penalties of P300 for First Offense, P500 for Second Offense, and P1,000 for Third and Subsequent Offenses. For minor violators, a stern warning will be given for the First Offense, while withdrawal of scholarship grant from the City Government or P300 for non-grantee for Second Offense, and P500 for Third and Subsequent Offenses.

Members of Muntinlupa National Police Force (PNP-Muntinlupa) and Barangay Chairpersons and personnel, including Public Order and Security Office (POSO) will spearhead the enforcement and implementation of the ordinance.

Muntinlupa City Health Office reminds the public of the proper use of face masks by covering the nose, mouth, and chin altogether. CHO also advised that wearing of face masks is not an alternative to physical distancing or hand hygiene and that the public should still observe such health protocols.

Recently, the City Government has placed Filinvest Socialized Housing Building 2, Brgy. Alabang in an Extreme Localized Community Quarantine and imposed a 24-hour curfew in Planas Compound, Brgy. Tunasan in a bid to slow down COVID-19 transmission in the city.

As of July 27, Muntinlupa City has 1,228 confirmed cases with 526 recoveries, 629 active cases, 73 reported deaths, 583 suspect cases, and 857 probable cases.


Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

A Look Back at Prototype #4 (1993)

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

One of the things that I like most about the Prototype monthly series of the Ultraverse is that it follows the respective exploits of not one but two men who got involved as pilots of Ultratech’s powered suits of armors. Bob Campbell is the older Prototype pilot from the past who got succeeded by Jimmy Ruiz, a much younger guy doing the corporation’s wishes.

So far, the dual-narrative approach to storytelling worked well for me and it is one of the more defining elements of the Prototype series. We can find out more with this look back at Prototype #4, published in 1993 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski and drawn by David Ammerman.

Cover
The cover.

Early story

The story begins in New York City where Jimmy Ruiz looks down at the streets from the balcony of a tower. He remembered the old days when he used to live down there and spend time with his amigos. A pretty lady is on his bed with the blanket covering her naked body. After some talk, they make love with each other.

Over at the headquarters of Ultratech, a lady searches for Jimmy claiming she knows he’s living right there. The security guard tells her that Jimmy is not listed in the residential directory, and asked her to call the company in the morning. She leaves and passes by a man with a coat.

The coated guy approaches the security guard and asked for the name and contact number of their building manager. He claims to be look to sublet some office space….

Quality

15
Solidly fun action!

This is another well-written story by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski. In here, the new antagonist named Wrath was introduced and he certainly is not another generic bad guy opposite the superhero. During the heat of battle between him and Prototype (Jimmy Ruiz), you will learn nice details about Wrath through the banter. For one thing, Wrath works for a superior (like Prototype) and even though it is normal for him to use violence as a means of survival or winning, he makes it a point not to hurt civilians. The same conflict also paved the way for further development of the personality of Jimmy who is not only struggling with his job as Prototype pilot but also living with things that his employer physically implanted into his body that’s supposed to link him with the armor.

On the other hand, there is a short segment following former Prototype pilot Bob Campbell which served as a strong ending for the comic book. You really have to read it.

Conclusion

11
And the battle begins…

I really like this comic book. It’s got all the fun and compelling stuff any reader can enjoy. The introduction of Wrath alone is worth the cover price.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #4 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $4.

Overall, Prototype #4 (1993) is highly recommended!


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. 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 Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa LGU puts Filinvest Socialized Housing Building in extreme localized quarantine, one community in 24-hour curfew

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa LGU puts Filinvest Socialized Housing Building in extreme localized quarantine, one community in 24-hour curfew

Due to the alarming rise of confirmed cases and doubling time of COVID-19 transmission in the area, the City Government of Muntinlupa will be imposing another extreme localized community quarantine in Filinvest Socialized Housing, the second lockdown in the residential complex.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed Executive Order 30 s.2020 ordering a 14-day Extreme Localized Community Quarantine (ELCQ) in Filinvest Socialized Housing (FSH) Bldg. 2 in Brgy. Alabang starting July 28, 12:01 p.m. until August 11, 11:59 a.m.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer (CHO) Dra. Tet Tuliao said that as of July 26, FSH Building 2 has a total of 14 active cases and three are admitted to the hospital. She said the doubling time is narrow for the residential at 8.83 days and has a high attack rate of 5.88/100.

Tuliao added that the community shows clustering of cases as housing units are close to one another. The community also has a high-risk population of children, pregnant women, PWDs, and senior citizens.

Recently, FSH Buildings 1 and 7 were placed in ELCQ last July 7 to July 22. Flinvest Socialized Housing is an 18-building residential complex. FSH Building 2 houses 52 families with 204 individuals.

Residents in FSH Bldg. 2 were advised to buy essential goods including food, medicine, and basic supplies. While the City Government will provide additional relief food packs and other basic goods during the effectivity of the ELCQ. CHO will also conduct mass testing in the community and will intensify its detection, isolation, and treatment strategies.

Further, Planas Compound in Brgy. Tunasan will be placed under a 24-hour curfew starting July 28, 12:01 p.m. until August 11, 11:59 p.m.

The City Government has coordinated with the barangay and community leaders of Planas Compound on Monday for the imposition of the round-the-clock curfew.

Residents from the community will not be allowed to go out of their residences except for emergency cases and essential travel. Those purchasing essential goods and working at industries allowed to operate under the General Community Quarantine are exempted from the curfew.

The stringent measure aims to limit movements and interactions in public places which are hotspots for the transmission of COVID-19.

Mayor Fresnedi asks for the cooperation of residents from the affected communities and urged them to observe health protocols such as frequent hand-washing, wearing of face masks, and physical distancing.

Muntinlupa City has 1,106 confirmed cases with 476 recoveries, 558 active cases, 71 reported deaths, 555 suspect cases, and 642 probable cases as of July 26.


Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa Rescue Unit temporarily shut down due to three staff members who tested positive for COVID-19

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa Rescue Unit temporarily shut down due to three staff members who tested positive for COVID-19

Since July 25, the Emergency Medical Services under Muntinlupa Rescue was suspended by the Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO) as a result of staff members who tested positive for COVID-19.

MCDRRMO chief Erwin Alfonso confirmed that three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 after conducting RT-PCR tests.

Meanwhile, 26 personnel of Muntinlupa Rescue are now under quarantine and scheduled for swabbing.

The local Rescue Unit augments the City Health Office in handling the management and transportation of suspect and confirmed cases of COVID-19. This is in addition to assisting people during disasters, accidents, and emergency cases, and taking them to hospitals.

Alfonso said that during the temporary closure, Emergency Medical Services facilities including ambulances and equipment will undergo complete disinfection to prevent infection of other people being served by the Rescue Unit.

He added that emergency services and transportation of patients using Muntinlupa Rescue’s ambulances will be temporarily handled by Barangay Emergency Response Teams (B.E.R.T).

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi assured the public that the City Government will implement stricter measures and health quarantine protocols as recommended by the Department of Health.

As of July 25, Muntinlupa City has 1,062 confirmed cases with 467 recoveries, 525 active cases, 70 deaths, 642 probable cases, and 555 suspect cases.


Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

A Look Back at Hardcase #11 (1994)

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

After reviewing the first ten issues of the Hardcase monthly series, I should say that the title character is one of the most defining lead characters of not only the Ultraverse but also 1990s superhero comics in general. The late James Hudnall really defined the character Tom Hawke/Hardcase and established his rightful spot in the Ultraverse.

Now is time to take a look back at Hardcase #11 published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by James Hudnall and drawn by Scott Benefiel.

Cover
The cover.

Early story

The story begins with Hardcase and Choice riding a car in high speed going to Nevada to uncover a mystery. Their destination is Aladdin base, a top secret facility that the two believe contains the answers to Choice’s past.

Suddenly Hardcase slammed the brakes of the car as they encounter a helicopter in front of them. Worse than that, four powerful adversaries – Foxfire, Head Knocker, War Eagle and Hardwire – jointly confront them ready to fight to the death…

Quality

18
Really dynamic art by Scott Benefiel.

As before, James Hudnall delivered yet another compelling story and artist Scott Benefiel nailed it visually. To begin with, this comic book is packed with a lot of action and the blows and hard hits can be felt. As it is loaded with action, the narrative never felt brainless nor dumb. Rather, there was nice variety mixed with the spectacle as Hudnall made solid efforts to make each bad guy express himself respectively when fighting with Choice or Hardcase. Take for example, Hardwire is creepy and ruthless. Along the way, the coordination between Hardcase and Choice as well as between the bad guys themselves was well executed literally and visually.

As the conflicts went on, Aladdin’s presence was also felt even though there were no images used. In fact, the sudden involvement of the bad guys reflected what Aladdin does whenever it captures and uses individuals with special abilities or talents for its own gain.

More on Hardcase and Choice, I like the fact that the creators explained that Choice’s powers could only last 60 minutes and will take two hours to recharge. This adds weight to their mission of finding and infiltrating Aladdin’s base. How Choice and Hardcase deal with the challenge is worth reading.

Conclusion

2
The money shot!

Hardcase #11 is not only a really great comic book to read, it is also a clear attempt by the creators to build up something and conclude the first year of the monthly series with something strong. If course, this issue marked the 2nd part of The Angry Past storyline. We will find that out soon enough what will turn out next in Hardcase #12.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Hardcase #11 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $4.

Overall, Hardcase #11 (1994) is highly recommended!


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. 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 Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

My Observations: Xbox Games Showcase

It has finally happened. Microsoft organized this past Thursday the much-awaited digital event Xbox Games Showcase. Let me cut to the chase that, for the most part, I actually enjoyed watching. It’s not a perfect showcase of games for Xbox fans and other gamers, but it sure is a major improvement over the disappointing 3rd party games showcase of last May.

For one thing, Xbox head Phil Spencer himself confirmed that less than ten of the fifteen Xbox game studios had prepared for the showcase. This is not surprising because it takes a lot of time and work to make video games nowadays and it is a fact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had forced game developers (as well as countless other surviving businesses) to adapt the work-at-home model which tremendously slowed down production. Regardless, the showcase included unveilings of five new first-party games.

“What you’ll see today is how Xbox game studios are harnessing their passions to bring their dreams to life,” Phil Spencer said in his welcome message to viewers.

With those words declared, here is what I think about the games that I personally find the most interesting or the most notable (note: not all games discussed below are exclusive to Xbox Series X), and what it all means for the upcoming launch of the next-generation Xbox Series X console and the remaining life of the Xbox One.

The showcased games

Halo Infinite

Two long years since I first saw the original unveiling of Halo Infinite, the gameplay demonstration of the game (note: it actually ran on a PC, NOT the Xbox Series X itself) was actually worth the long wait even though there were some imperfections. What made it compelling to watch was the presentation of the ring world’s environment which recaptured the wonder and beauty of the original landscape first seen in 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved (note: I’m talking about the landscape where Master Chief first crash-landed). Apart from the in-game environment, the gameplay rocked with the classic Halo formula of shooting (fast-paced and intense) which got shook up with the implementation of the grapple plus a few new animation sequences and moves seen on the Covenant. It’s classic Halo but also modernized in terms of look and gameplay.

What caught my attention was the freedom for gamers to explore an entire Halo ring confirmed by 343 Industries’ Studio Head of Halo Chris Lee. Even though the term open-world was not stated, this confirms that Halo Infinite will have a much bigger in-game environment and locations for gamers to discover. Hopefully, this also means that there will be a wide variety of activities to do on the locations very much like other open-world games. The game demonstration is only a taste of what is to come. Not only that, Lee also confirmed that the game will run at 60 frames-per-second (60FPS) which for me is the sweet spot for playing in the modern age.

When it comes to imperfections, I saw some pop-in during some sequences of the demo and there also seemed to be some slight dips in the frame rate during the most intense sequences. Right now, 343 Industries still has months left to optimize the game not only for Xbox Series X but also the aging Xbox One. Now I wonder how the developers will be able to get good enough performance from the basic Xbox One (which I own) and the slightly upgraded Xbox One S to play Halo Infinite. One last thing…I should express my disappointment over the revelation that the demo did NOT run on the Xbox Series X hardware itself.

To Microsoft and 343 Industries, please, please make the best you can with Halo Infinite using real Xbox Series X hardware! Also, please at least try to include ray tracing at launch, not after launch. Disappointments aside, I know you guys can do better and I still am looking forward to this game. The ball of time is on your side of the court, Microsoft and 343 Industries. You still have time!

Everwild

Everwild is a brand, new game developed by Rare (Sea of Thieves, Perfect Dark games) mainly for Xbox Series X and Windows 10 PCs. First unveiled months ago, the new video of the game at the Xbox Games Showcase showed a lot more of the game with what looks like a wide-open world to explore with lots of wildlife and creatures that are out of this world. The animation also looks great. My only problem here is that the new trailer had scenes done in a cinematic fashion and left no clear sign as to HOW THE GAME WILL PLAY. Will it be a single-player game or an online-multiplayer game? Will it have a good combat system? What is the story if any? Please, Microsoft and Rare, do explain if Everwild will be fun to play. Enough with the beauty and take time to really define the game. Thanks.

As Dusk Falls

This new game by Int./Night and Microsoft is easily the most intriguing of the Xbox Games Showcase. It’s described as an interactive drama that will follow and explore the lives of two families across thirty years starting with a robbery in Arizona. Players will determine the fate of the characters by making choices (kinda like the Choose Your Own Adventure pocket books in concept). At least in this game’s trailer, there is a clever mix of 3D polygons with 2D art. If I were you gamers, don’t just ignore this game. If you are already an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, As Dusk Falls will launch on Day One on the said service.

Avowed

The rumors turned out to be true and I’m very happy to say that the RPG specialists Obsidian Entertainment is working on a brand new, fantasy role-playing game (RPG) titled Avowed. Set in the fantasy world of Eora, Avowed is a first-person view RPG. Having played Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Elders Scrolls V: Skyrim on Xbox 360 long ago plus last year’s The Outer Worlds (by Obsidian) on Xbox One, I really am looking forward to this new game and I have full trust in Obsidian’s, dedication, legacy and specialty on making RPGs that are fun and compelling.

To say the least, Avowed will mark the beginning of a new fantasy RPG property (soon to be a franchise…) for the Xbox ecosystem as a whole adding variety for Xbox fans who love fantasy RPGs alongside the already established Fable.

Speaking of Fable…

Fable

The long-time rumor is also true! Fable is being revived and the new game is being produced by Playground Games, the very same studio behind the best-selling and highly acclaimed Forza Horizon series! While the above trailer is purely cinematic and carried nothing to suggest gameplay, at the very least the Fable franchise is on its way back after years of being dormant. What I hope to see next time is real-time gameplay complete with how the Playground employees can present the fantasy world in this new generation of console gaming. I personally enjoyed playing the original Fable and still managed to get some fun from the disappointing Fable III. For the future of Fable, things are looking promising.

Forza Motorsport

While this one is too short and lacked gameplay sequences, the Forza Motorsport official video composed of real-time graphics (note the Footage Captured In-Engine posted on the lower-left corner of the video) is very impressive and the future of next-generation simulation racing looks very bright. I know the experts of Turn 10 are working hard with the new Xbox Series X technology as I write this and in terms of presentation of the Xbox Games Showcase, this extremely short look of things to come from the Forza Motorsport franchise is ironically one of the best (and most transparent) presentations from Microsoft. Too bad Halo Infinite was used with a PC and lacked transparency on its presentation which Microsoft knew. More on the game, I wonder if Forza Motorsport will be the definitive title of the next-generation sim race from Turn 10 following 2017’s Forza Motorsport 7. Gamers expected Forza Motorsport 8 as the title. The video presentation’s shortness is a missed opportunity for Microsoft and the developers to show a lot more of what simulation would look and feel like on Xbox Series X. An additional sixty seconds of in-game footage with some gameplay sequences (like driver’s seat view with steering wheel) would have made the Forza Motorsport video even greater and more engaging. Now that the Xbox Games Showcase is over, we can only wait as to what MS and Turn 10 can update us with. Right now, I am passionate with simulation racing thanks to the Forza Motorsport franchise and I am confident that the next entry coming out on Xbox Series X will be worth the wait.

Tell Me Why

Here’s another new Microsoft-published game that surprised me. Tell Me Why is developed by DONTNOD, the same team behind Capcom’s Remember Me and Square Enix’s Life is Strange. Given the French game developer’s dedication on making original, narrative-driven games, Tell Me Why follows twins Alyson and Tyler and players will get to use their unique bond to unravel mysteries in their lives. Visually, it does not have the next-generation look as the game itself was made specifically for Xbox One and Windows 10. How it will look on Xbox Series X remains to be seen. This should attract the attention of gamers who enjoyed Life is Strange games.

Psychonauts 2

This multi-platform game made by Double Fine will be released sometime next year and I should say that what was shown during the Xbox Games Showcase made me confident about it. For the newcomers reading this, Psychonauts 2 is the sequel to the award-winning 2005 game Psychonauts (then published by Majesco Entertainment) and as a platforming game this one could stand out in the modern age for its artistry, creativity and promised fun gameplay. Microsoft promised that the game will be optimized for Xbox Series X.

Honorable mentions

The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon

I love Obsidian Entertainment’s work in The Outer World which is easily one of the best RPGs I’ve ever played in this current console generation. As such, the revelation of the previously announced story downloadable content (DLC) is something I find very delighting and it sure gives me another reason to replay The Outer Worlds on my Xbox One. The Peril on Gorgon DLC’s description is as follows: A severed arm and a mysterious message lead the crew of the Unreliable to the Gorgon Asteroid, formerly the site of one of Halcyon’s most ambitious and disastrous scientific undertakings – now a lawless den of monsters and marauders. Wealthy recluse Minnie Ambrose tasks the crew with finding answers about Dr. Olivia Ambrose, her mother and the doomed project’s disgraced director, but they are soon ensnared in an intrigue that will change the colony forever.

The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon will be released on September 9, 2020.

Destiny 2: Beyond Light

It’s kinda weird to see Destiny 2: Beyond Light part of Xbox Games Showcase, the same event highlighted by Halo Infinite. This is because Bungie created Halo on its own before they got involved with Microsoft and played a major role in the respective success of the original Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles with several acclaimed Halo games that sold a lot. Now that it is no longer involved with Activision, Bungie is now a standalone developer and publisher, and the Destiny games franchise is what they are carrying now. The above video presentation looks good and energetic.

Conclusion

Overall, the Xbox Games Showcase was good, not great. The efforts to showcase the 1st party games and the potential of next-generation gaming Xbox Series X were made but felt uneven here and there. Halo Infinite had a good presentation but there were shortcomings that prevented it from being great which is too bad because the game was supposed to highlight Xbox Series X and prove that there is a promising future of fun and engagement with the Halo franchise. Ironically, the very solid but short video presentations of Forza Motorsport and Avowed proved to be better efforts on selling Xbox Series X than Halo Infinite. When it comes to disappointments, I should point to the complete lack of new stuff regarding Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.

While imperfect, the Xbox Games Showcase still had nice surprises that kept me interested enough to finish it. At the very least, Xbox Games Showcase was a big improvement over the disappointing showcase of 3rd party games last May.

Now that the Xbox Games Showcase is over, Microsoft and its Xbox teams still have time left to improve their efforts to sell their games and prove that Xbox Series X will be worth buying for the next several years of home entertainment. They also still have time to emphasize how the optimization of games on Xbox Series X and how the Smart Delivery can be beneficial to gamers.

In ending this, watch Colteastwood’s interview with Xbox’s Major Nelson.


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Muntinlupa Mayor joins Metro Manila Mayors in Project Ark Meeting

Muntinlupa Mayor joins Metro Manila Mayors in Project Ark Meeting

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On July 24, 2020, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi joins other Metro Manila in a virtual meeting and press conference of Project Ark. Fresnedi thanked Project Ark and Filinvest Foundation execs for providing 2,016 testing kits to Muntinlupa that were used in recent localized community quarantine in several areas in the city. Project ARK is a private sector initiative to make mass testing available nationwide. Joining the virtual meeting were Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, San Mateo Mayor Cristina Diaz, and Pasay Mayor Imelda Tubiano. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.

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