Author Carlo Carrasco

Eiyuden Chronicle and Suikoden creator Yoshitaka Murayama passed away

February 16, 2024February 15, 2024carlocarrasco

Once the anticipated Japanese role-playing game (Japanese RPG) Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes finally comes out on April 23, 2024, the absence of the main creator will be felt by many players as the Japan-based Rabbit & Bear Studio announced very recently that its head Yoshitaka Murayama passed away on February 6. For the newcomers reading this, Murayama is also the creator of the Suikoden RPG series of Konami where he used to work at. For my previous blog posts of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, click here, here, here and here).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the official announcement by Rabbit & Bear Studios. Some parts in boldface…

Hello everyone,

It’s with a heavy heart and deep sadness we must inform you that the scenario writer and head of Rabbit& Bear Studios, Yoshitaka Murayama, has passed away on February 6^th due to complications with an ongoing illness.

Murayama first began this journey of the creation of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes in 2020

through the support of his very loving fans on Kickstarter. Throughout the three-plus-year-development of the game, it was always the passion from his fans that continued to drive his creative vision and motivate him to put his all into the project.

His hard work on Eiyuden Chronicle as scenario writer was finished but as his co-workers and friends, it saddens us to know that he won’t get to see the reactions from his fans.

However, even with those feelings we need to accept the reality that he is no longer with us and continue to push his dream forward by releasing Eiyuden Chronicle to the world.

We want to maintain his legacy and vision with this game and know that he would have wanted the rich world he has created with Eiyuden Chronicle to live on.

His family sincerely appreciates your prayers and support but asks for privacy and that no flowers, mail, or other offerings be sent.

We will have more information on organizational changes to Rabbit & Bear as well as changes to some of the Kickstarter rewards in the near future.

So there you have it. The developer behind Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes made it clear that they will not give up with fulfilling the dream of the late Murayama and there is no stopping the launch of the game (which was supposed to have been released in 2023).

More on the previous works of the late Murayama, I played Suikoden and Suikoden II (read my retro review by clicking here) on the PlayStation console in the 1990s and I had enjoyable times with them. For me, Suikoden II was the not only the best Suikoden RPG of the 1990s but also one of the best RPGs on any platform during the decade. It’s just too bad that the 1999 North American launch of Suikoden II was overshadowed by another company’s JRPG on PlayStation that same year. Considering the many Japanese RPGs that were released on PlayStation in 1999, Suikoden II was the most enjoyable one I played.

Even during his days as a young man working for Konami in the 1990s, Murayama had a very unique vision for digital role-playing and adventuring, as well as fantasy storytelling.

“Eiyuden Chronicle is really (an) evolution of my many design experiences. The many games I’ve made have helped create the foundation for this title. Since I draw my experience from previous games I’ve worked on, of course you will see a little bit of those elements in Eiyuden Chronicle,” Murayama said in response to a question that mentioned Eiyuden Chronicle and Suikoden titles.

With Murayama gone, the spotlight on the April 2024 launch of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes will be more crucial than before. I myself will be playing the RPG on my Xbox Series X console as soon as it launches. To get yourselves oriented with the said JRPG, watch the videos below (the last one shows Murayama and his fellow creators as special guests at an event in Taipei)…

Watch out for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass (XGP) on April 23, 2024. For more about the JRPG, visit https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/eiyuden-chronicle

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DTI intensifies scrutiny of online sellers who engaged with offering mystery boxes to customers

February 16, 2024February 8, 2024carlocarrasco

If you are fond of ordering items online, better stay away from those mystery boxes offered to you because the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is closely watching online sellers offering those things, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its scrutiny of online sellers, particularly those offering mystery boxes or parcels, to ensure consumer protection and uphold fair trade practices.

In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon Wednesday, DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said all online shops selling mystery items are subject to stringent verification procedures requiring them to provide evidence regarding the sourcing of the items they offer on their platforms.

Nograles said sellers must substantiate the items’ origin, demonstrating that they have acquired them through legal means. This could include proof of purchase from valid auctions or confirmation that the items were legally obtained from sources such as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) or through legitimate means like through abandoned parcels or “balikbayan” boxes.

“Kailangan iyong online seller ay makapagbigay ng ganoong ebidensiya; ngayon kung hindi, puwede natin siyang ipa-takedown doon sa platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms and kapag ni-request po ng DTI, napapakiusapan po natin na tini-takedown iyong mga seller na ganito at nang hindi po makabiktima ng mga consumers natin (The online seller needs to provide such evidence; now if not, we can have them taken down from the platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms, and when requested by the DTI, we ask them to have such sellers taken down so that they cannot victimize consumers),” she said.

Nograles said the DTI is regularly monitoring online stores.

Some items inside mystery boxes or parcels are illegally sourced, such as stolen products from warehouses, which is against the Anti-Fencing Law, the DTI official said.

The Anti-Fencing Law prohibits the selling of stolen goods or items obtained through illicit means. Both sellers and buyers can be charged if these items were stolen.

The DTI’s move to tighten regulations on online sellers aims to safeguard consumers from potentially fraudulent or unsafe products while also promoting transparency and accountability within the e-commerce sector, Nograles said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that mystery boxes are harmful to consumers who are often looking for the best deals online? Do you think that items placed inside mystery boxes may have been stolen or smuggled? How many times have you availed of mystery boxes offers online?

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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113 people avail of health services in Tahanan Village

February 15, 2024February 13, 2024carlocarrasco

This past Sunday (February 11) inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, over one hundred people availed of varied health services at the poolside area of the Tahanan Homeowners Association (THA) clubhouse as a result of the newest health check activity of the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) headed by its President Florencia Umali.

*The women waiting in line for ECG at the Tahanan Village clinic.*

According to Umali, a total of 113 people arrived, paid fees for the special health package or other individual health services, and then joined the lines to be served. The activity lasted from 5:30 AM to 10AM and blood test results will be released on February 18.

Several people availed of the special diagnostic package worth P350 which includes Electrocardiogram (ECG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, CBC, urinalysis, SGPT and free platelet count. There were other tests offered with prices ranging from P150 to P800.

*Patients signing up and checked on the spot.*

*According to CCTI President Flor Umali, this is where the blood extraction and male ECG happened.*

When asked about when will the health check activity inside Tahanan Village happen next, the CCTI president said it might take place during the 3^rd quarter of 2024.

For the newcomers reading this, if you want to learn more about Tahanan Village, check out my post about their coffee table book Our Home Tahanan.

For my previous blog posts about CCTI, click here, here, here, here and here.

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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 Government receives Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping

February 15, 2024February 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government of Muntinlupa received the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a result of passing the set criteria, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government passed the 2023 Good Financial Housekeeping Assessment done by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on all local government units in the country.

It received the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping after passing the criteria set by the DILG including transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial regulations.

According to Muntinlupa City Treasurer Erwin Vibora, passing the assessment meant timely submission of financial reports, compliance with budget guidelines, effective revenue generation strategies, financial efficiency and internal control.

“Muntinlupa City’s attainment of the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping for the year 2023 underscores its commitment to responsible financial stewardship, which in turn fosters public trust and confidence in the local government’s management of public funds,” he said.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed the results.

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 delighted with the latest achievement by the City Government?

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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Wanted man arrested in Parañaque City over rape charges

February 15, 2024February 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended a man in Barangay San Dionisio in relation to charges of four counts of rape, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect has since been detained at a local police facility.

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

A courier facing charges for four counts of rape was arrested by members of the Parañaque City police Warrant and Subpoena Unit (WSU) on Monday, Feb. 5.

The Southern Police District reported the arrest of alias Arnold, 32, tagged by the police as the No. 1 wanted person under station level at around 2:15 p.m. along Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

Members of the WSU arrested the suspect by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Moises Domingo De Castro of Family Court Branch 10, Parañaque City, on Jan. 17, 2024, for four counts of rape.

De Castro recommended a bail of P200,000 for each count.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more rapists living within your local community?

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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A Look Back at The Man of Steel #2 (1986)

February 14, 2024February 23, 2025carlocarrasco

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.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1980s to explore a part of the DC Comics shared universe through a tale of the iconic Superman.

Previously, I reviewed the first issue of The Man of Steel mini-series written and drawn by John Byrne. Using a unique structure for storytelling, Byrne gradually told how the post-Crisis version of Superman came to be while also retaining specific classic elements that made DC’s icon inspirational. That very comic book had its influences on other portrayals of Superman beyond comic books such as he Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman TV series and even the very divisive Man of Steel movie.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at The Man of Steel #2, published in 1986 by DC Comics with a story written and illustrated by John Byrne.

Early story

The story begins in the middle of Metropolis when the newly established hero Superman (now in full costume) flies just above the busy road which distracted Daily Planet editor-in-chief Perry White (who was having a coffee break with reported Lois Lane inside a coffee shop). Remembering how the space plane and its crew got saved by Superman (Clark Kent in civilian clothes) sometime prior, White tells Lane (who first encountered Superman immediately after the space plane was saved) to go after him to get the hot scoop.

While Lane crosses the road, a limousine’s opens with the driver telling her that Mister L (Lex Luthor the tycoon) wants to her. Lane declines and proceeds with her chase for Superman…

Quality

*An act of help by Superman for someone who was in trouble.*

This story is set during the early days of Superman as the new, randomly appearing hero of Metropolis whose impact on local society is just growing stronger. At the same time, this shows Clark Kent being a very new resident of the city still looking for a job. This is inspired work by Byrne on building up the Man of Steel for what was back then the modern age.

That being said, the most intriguing fact here is that this Superman story has Lois Lane as the actual protagonist. While Lane’s literary presence here is slightly stronger than DC’s icon, this tale is clearly all about her unrelenting approach with newspaper journalism, her use of the Daily Planet’s valuable connections and resources, and how much risk she would take to get the facts, the statements and other details all for the sake of getting the hot story. This is Byrne’s modernization of Lois Lane highlighting the concept that Clark Kent will have serious competition with her within the Daily Planet.

That being said, there is no romance between Clark and Lois here. This is after all their 2^nd encounter (the saving of the space plane in issue #1 was shown in flashback with Lois Lane already present) and Byrne took a careful approach on establishing the first lengthy encounter and interactions between the two. Their encounter here is really engaging.

More on Superman himself, the writer kept the pace of developing him flow smoothly and steadily. You will see how Superman keeps himself in control whenever he talks with normal people or when he encounters criminals who cause danger on others. While he has a priority to help others in need using his powers, he does not neglect his actual identity (and personal life) as Clark Kent and this includes moderating or limiting the use of his special abilities as he levels himself with the rest of the civilian population.

Conclusion

*Lois Lane portrayed as the unrelenting and very determined newspaper reporter. Even though Superman always flew away, she just won’t give up.*

The Man of Steel #2 (1986) is clearly a very solid follow-up to issue #1. The continued development of Superman remains solid and the dramatization of Lois Lane as the strongly determined newspaper journalist is compelling to see. With regards to the build-up of the post-Crisis DC Comics shared universe, this particular Superman tale is one of essential parts of it.

Overall, The Man of Steel #2 (1986) is highly recommended!

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DILG tells local governments to strictly enforce ban on tricycles and pedicabs on national roads and highways

February 14, 2024February 6, 2024carlocarrasco

In response to the recorded numbers of accidents involving tricycles and pedicabs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) told local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on such vehicles on national roads and highways, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded anew local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on pedicabs and tricycles on national roads and highways.

“It is unfortunate that many LGUs have not been strictly implementing such regulations which often result in traffic congestion and accidents,” DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a statement.

This came after a tricycle was hit by a passenger bus plying the national highway in Labo, Camarines Norte on Feb. 4.

Abalos said that while tricycles and pedicabs provide accessible and affordable modes of transportation, the safety of drivers, passengers and road users are of utmost importance.

The DILG chief, however, emphasized that in cases where there are no alternative routes available and as a last resort, LGUs through their respective Sanggunian (councils) may issue an exception.

This is in compliance with the Land Transportation Office’s Memorandum Circular 94-199 issued 1994, which sets the guidelines on the devolution of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s franchising power over tricycles-for-hire to LGUs, pursuant to the Local Government Code.

The DILG in 2020 issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-036 prohibiting tricycles, pedicabs and motorized pedicabs from operating on national highways.

It also recently released MC 2023-195 urging all local chief executives to reorganize or reconvene their Tricycle Task Force (TTF) to update their Tricycle Route Plan (TRP) that would include penal provisions for violators.

Based on data from the Metro Manila Accident and Reporting System, Abalos said 2,829 road accidents involving bicycles, e-bikes and pedicabs were logged in 2022 alone, which is aside from 2,241 road accidents involving tricycles.

On Monday, the municipal government of San Mateo in Rizal province started apprehending e-bikes, tricycles and pedicabs plying national roads.

For further insight, posted below are images of DILG’s Memorandum Circular 2023-195.

Below is the PDF copy of the MC 2023-195 available for viewing and download.

dilg-memocircular-2023127_451c87933c Download

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that the rise of tricycles, pedicabs and electric bikes (e-bikes) on national roads and highways are the direct result of the local government’s negligence? Do you think your local government made a secret pact or deal with the operators of pedicabs, tricycles and e-bikes which granted them freedom to travel along national roads and highways? Do you think that e-bikes and electric tricycles (e-trikes) were designed to be safe and stable?

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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Overstaying South African national apprehended by immigration agents in province

February 13, 2024February 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) located and arrested a South African national in the province of Albay for overstaying in the country by at least a few years, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Immigration authorities arrested an overstaying South African national in Albay province.

In a news release Monday, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said operatives from the regional intelligence operations unit nabbed Benjamin Michael Theron in an operation along Sikatuna Street, Brgy. 13 Ilawod West, Legazpi City on Jan. 24.

The foreigner was the subject of a mission order issued by the BI chief after receiving a complaint from Theron’s former partner, saying he was causing disturbance in the community.

A check on Theron’s records showed he has been in the country since 2018 and is already overstaying after his visa expired in 2021.

Another foreign national who presented himself as Theron’s employer, attempted to interfere with the operations but eventually yielded after seeing the mission order against the suspect.

BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said any individual who conceal, harbor, employ or give comfort to overstaying foreign nationals may face sanctions for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which prohibits harboring of illegal aliens.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that there could be overstaying foreigners living within your local community? Do you think the BI is doing a good job locating and arresting illegal aliens?

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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Electric bike (e-bike) crashes in Metro Manila total 556 in 2023

February 13, 2024February 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Philippine Star published a news report revealing that electric bike (e-bike) crashes in Metro Manila reached a total of 556 with Quezon City having the most number of such crashes at almost 100.

While the report was published almost a month ago, the details are still relevant as more people are discussing the disadvantages of e-bikes (note: this includes the electric tricycles or e-trikes) which until now remain unregulated under the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Here in South Metro Manila, the e-bike crashes in the cities of Las Piñas, Parañaque and Muntinlupa combined for 90.

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

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday said that there were 556 crash incidents of electric bikes (e-bikes) in Metro Manila in 2023.

According to LTFRB’s data sent to reporters, the e-bike crashes in the National Capital Region (NCR) resulted in 281 instances of property damage, 273 non-fatal injuries and two fatal injuries.

Crash incidents peaked in August 2023 with 64 cases, while the (lowest) recorded (total) to 26 cases in November 2023.

Quezon City posted the highest number of incidents among cities in the NCR with 96 e-bike crash cases. Of these, 42 are recorded as property damage with 54 non-fatal injuries.

Following Quezon City in the total number of crash incidents are these areas:

Marikina- 72
Taguig- 71
Manila- 52
Parañaque- 46
Makati- 39
Caloocan- 36
Pasig- 36
Las Piñas- 29
Pasay- 22
Muntinlupa- 15
Mandaluyong- 14
Valenzuela 11
Pateros- 7
San Juan- 7
Malabon- 2
Navotas- 1

In November 2023, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) proposed the mandatory registration of e-bikes, saying that only registered e-bikes should be allowed to use public roads.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you convinced that by design, electric bikes and electric tricycles were not really made to be safe for its drivers and passengers when traveling along major roads? Are you convinced that e-bikes and e-trikes are so slow moving, they made the flow of traffic on major roads worse? When do you think the LTO will come up with major reforms needed to have all e-bikes and e-trikes regulated and registered? Have you reached out to your city’s council members to have all electric bikes banned from traveling on major roads? Did you spot any e-trike in your city driven by minors recently?

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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Muntinlupa City Government collected P6.4 billion revenue in 2023

February 12, 2024February 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that its total revenue collected in 2023 reached P6.4 billion which is an improvement of over 3% over the 2022 revenue, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government collected P6.4 billion revenue in 2023, translating to a higher collection efficiency rating.

According to the City Treasurer’s Office, the P6.4 billion revenue is higher by P200 million compared to P6.2 billion collected in 2022.

The 2023 revenue translated to a 100.98 percent collection efficiency rating for the Muntinlupa City government.

City Treasurer Erwin Vibora said the higher revenue was realized through the strict implementation of local taxation and fiscal policies.

“The strategies used by the City Treasurer’s Office – Muntinlupa City to meet or exceed the targeted income is through strict implementation of local taxation and fiscal matters of the Local Government Code or Republic Act No. 7160 and the Revenue Code of Muntinlupa, following the policy and guidelines of Local Treasury Operations Manual (LTOM) of the Department of Finance – Bureau of Local Government Finance, existing laws and ordinances,” said Vibora in his report.

He said offices that achieved high revenues for the city government are: Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) – P2.4 billion, City Treasurer’s Office – P2.3 billion, Colegio de Muntinlupa – P108 million, City Engineering Office / City Building Office – P57.5 million, and City Zoning Office – P34.2 million.

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 delighted with the higher revenue collected by the City Government for the year 2023? Do you consider Muntinlupa’s City Government to be transparent with regards to collections and financial transactions?

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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