I Love Israel: Record-breaking number of Filipinos visited Israel this year  

I Love Israel: Record-breaking number of Filipinos visited Israel this year  

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The Manila Bulletin recently published a news article about the record-breaking number of Filipinos who visited Israel this year citing the Ministry of Tourism’s data. To be clear, more than 19,000 travelers from the Philippines made it to Israel this year and I myself am one of them! I really am thankful to the Lord for the pilgrimage tour to Israel with my local church.

On my blog, I posted several Israel 2023 feature articles that include the Dead Sea, Nazareth Village, the Pool of Siloam, as well as nice commercial joints (click here, here, here and here) that were all tourist-friendly. I have yet to write about the Western Wall, the Temple Mount and other significant sites in the Holy Land.

Going back to the topic of this post, to put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Israel Ministry of Tourism vowed to make progress on issues of awareness and connectivity as it welcomed the “record-breaking” number of Filipinos traveling to the Holy Land this year.

Sammy Yahia, the director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism office in the Philippines, said this after the number of Filipino travelers broke its “all-time high” record, with 19,300 Filipino tourists traveling to Israel during the first half of 2023.

Data from the ministry showed that the figure was a “whopping growth” of 40 percent from the number of Filipino travelers in Israel during the same period in 2019.

In a statement, Yahia said the year 2023 has been outstanding so far for Israeli tourism, as he noted that the Philippines has always been an important market to them.

“2023 has been outstanding and by far the best year for Israel tourism in the Philippines,” he said.

“It has been an important market for us, and we see huge potential in the Philippine market,” he added.

With this, the tourism official vowed that the Israel Ministry of Tourism in the Philippines “will continue to make progress on the issues of awareness and connectivity.”

Filipinos can enjoy visa-free travel to Israel for up to 59 days, while Israelis can enjoy visa-free travel to the Philippines for up to 59 days.

Israel has been attracting tourists as it is known as the Holy Land. For Christians, Israel is where they celebrate their faith by visiting the birthplace of Jesus Christ, walking where He preached, sitting, and just watching modern-day scenes roll out along the sites mentioned in the Holy Bible.

Very clearly, the Lord blessed both Israel and the Philippines in multiple ways that go beyond tourism statistics. This reminds me about how grateful I am to the Lord for sending me to Israel with my local church’s pilgrimage tour group hosted by a great and very caring Israeli partner. I brought the Holy Bible with me many times to the Holy Land sites.

For the newcomers reading this, you will get the most out of visiting Israel when you are faithful to the Lord and when you seek His presence at the Holy Land. Always read Matthew 6:33 in the Holy Bible and read the many references about Israel in both the Old and New Testaments. That being said, read the holy scriptures about our Lord and Savior Jesus who was in such places like Galilee, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Temple Mount and more.

On the aspect of travel and touring, there is so much to enjoy when it comes to shopping, dining and discovering new things and people there in Israel. I should also state that Jerusalem is the holiest city in the whole world and you will realize that when you make it there. Whatever blessings you received from God during your visit in Israel, always thank Him and honor Him.

To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed by all. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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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

Las Piñas City employees receive CPR training

Las Piñas City employees receive CPR training

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In Las Piñas City, employees at city hall received training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to prepare themselves how to respond properly during emergencies, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for its city hall employees to equip them with proper knowledge to respond to emergencies.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said 30 CPR instructors received certifications from the Department of Health (DOH) recently after they finished the said seminar.

Aguilar said the instructors were composed of members from the DRRMO, City Health Office, Nutrition Office, Lying-In Clinic, and the Bureau of Fire Protection – Las Piñas,

She said with the new group of instructors, Las Piñas City can now offer free comprehensive CPR training to schools, offices, companies, and barangays.

The mayor said the group started training at least one representative from different offices in the city hall for them to be prepared anytime.

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 feel confident that the training will help city hall employees to respond better during emergencies?

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

Cash incentives for 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games medalists to be awarded on July 20

Cash incentives for 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games medalists to be awarded on July 20

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Members of the Philippine Team who won medals in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the 12 ASEAN Para Games (APG) will be awarded with the promised cash incentives by the national government on July 20, 2023, at Malacañang Palace, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The cash incentives will be released in accordance to Republic Act Number 10699 and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., himself will be in attendance.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will present cash incentives to the medalists of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) and 12th ASEAN Para Games (APG) in a ceremony scheduled on July 20 at the Malacañan Palace.

“We are grateful for President Marcos’ decision to personally award the incentives to Team Philippines, an expression of his admiration to our national athletes and their unwavering passion and dedication for representing the country,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann said in a statement on Monday.

The government cash incentives amounting to PHP74 million, including PHP14 million for Para Games medalists, is in accordance to Republic Act 10699, or the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act.

Medalists in the SEAG will get PHP300,000 for gold winner, PHP150,000 (silver) and PHP60,000 (bronze), while for the ASEAN Para Games winners, the incentives are PHP150,000 (gold), PHP75,000 (silver) and PHP30,000 (bronze).

The cash bonuses will come from the monthly remittances of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) through the PSC’s National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).

“In the past, the PSC conducted two separate awarding for SEAG and APG medalists, but I believe it is more fitting to join the two for the President’s first-ever incentives awarding during his administration,” Bachmann said.

Bachmann will be joined by PSC Commissioners Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, Edward Hayco, Walter Francis Torres and Olivia “Bong” Coo during the awarding ceremony.

Also invited to the ceremony are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate Committee on Sports Chairman Sen. Bong Go, House Committee on Youth and Sports Chairman Rep. Faustino Dy III, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Mayor Abraham Tolentino, and other sports executives and officials.

The Philippines won 58 golds, 85 silvers and 117 bronzes in the SEA Games to surpass its 52-70-105 haul in Vietnam last year, but remained fifth overall.

World champion Carlos Edriel Yulo bagged two gold and two silver medals for the gymnastics team, which also won two bronze medals.

In the ASEAN Para Games, the country collected 34 gold, 33 silver and 50 bronze medals to duplicate its fifth-place finish last year in Indonesia.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you inspired by what the Philippine Team athletes won in the recent SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games?

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

Grand Theft Auto V is back yet again on Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service

Grand Theft Auto V is back yet again on Xbox Game Pass (XGP) service

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Recently as Team Xbox announced the July 2023 lineup of games added on the Xbox Game Pass (XGP) subscription service, the inclusion of the massive best-selling open-world game Grand Theft Auto V (GTAV) turned out to be the biggest surprise of them all.

Franklin traveling on waves. This entire sequence ran smoothly at 60FPS with ray tracing enabled.

To be very clear, this is not GTAV’s first time to be in XGP. In fact, it was made available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers in limited time periods in 2020 and 2021. In my case, since I bought my Xbox Series X console and subscribed to XGP in late-2021, this is my first time to play GTAV on the service and the first time in years for me to replay the game since the Xbox One version. Oh yes, I first played GTAV on Xbox 360 way back in 2013.

What makes GTAV’s newest return to the service significant is that it includes the most updated versions of the game optimized specifically for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. This means that the next-generation console graphical enhancements include the Fidelity Mode, the Performance Mode and the Performance RT Mode, and only the Xbox Series X is capable of those three. Refer to the details below sourced from GINX.TV

GTA 5 Fidelity Mode – The highest visual quality possible and targets 30 fps. PS5 and Xbox Series X supports native 4k resolution in this mode with Ray Tracing enabled. Xbox Series S supports upscaled 4K resolution.

GTA 5 Performance Mode – Performance Mode in targets 60 fps for the most responsive, smoothest gameplay experience yet on PS5 and Xbox Series X, with an upscaled 4K resolution. Xbox Series S, on the other hand, supports a resolution of 1080p in Performance Mode targetting 60 fps.

GTA 5 Performance RT Mode – The Performance Ray Tracing Mode is only available for PS5 and Xbox Series X, and is not supported on the Series S console. This is a hybrid between the Performance and Fidelity modes. It targets 60 fps with Ray Tracing enabled, with an upscaled 4K resolution to boot.

This huge crash happened during one of the scores in the game. Captured on Performance RT Mode.

That being said, I started playing Grand Theft Auto V on my Xbox Series X via XGP with the Performance Mode setting for the graphics followed many hours later with the Performance RT (ray tracing) Mode.

As such, I am enjoying replaying the game with super smooth 60 frames-per-second (60FPS) and I can say it made the single-player gameplay experience more fun and engaging to do. Since I enjoy the 60FPS frame rate a lot, I will play the game with the Fidelity Mode some time later.

With Starfield and Forza Motorsport (2023) launching on Xbox Game Pass this September and October respectively, playing GTAV on the service with the Xbox Series X console is strongly recommended. That being said, there is no telling how long with Rockstar’s game remain on XGP. If you are already an XGP subscriber with an Xbox Series X console and you love open-world games, then you should avail of Grand Theft Auto V while it is still available. Xbox Series S-owning XGP subscribers can still enjoy 60FPS gaming with the Rockstar game.

Go and play Grand Theft Auto V on your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console while it is still available on XGP.

In concluding this post, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.

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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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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/.

DOJ Secretary laments PNP’s failure to heed department’s advise, refers to Las Piñas City raid

DOJ Secretary laments PNP’s failure to heed department’s advise, refers to Las Piñas City raid

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In the latest turn of events related to the recent raid of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Las Piñas City, Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla lamented the Philippine National Police (PNP) to head his department’s advice to build up cases first before doing raids targeting criminal suspects and rescuing victims, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The Las Piñas City raid was referred to by Remulla.

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

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla lamented the failure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to heed the advice of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to build up cases first before implementing raids to arrest suspected criminal offenders and rescue possible victims.

Remulla pointed out the raid conducted by the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) at the Hong Tai Compound in Las Pinas City where it allegedly rescued 2,714 Filipinos and foreigners from human trafficking.

“May pag-uusap na kasi ang DOJ at tsaka Anti-Cybercrime Group ng PNP na bago kumilos ay mag-case build up muna para ‘pag tayo ay nagraid at tayo ay manghuli ang lahat ng ating huhullihin ay pihadong may ebidensya laban sa kanila (The DOJ and PNP-ACG have already talked that before policemen act they should conduct case build up first so that, once they hold raids and make arrests, law enforcement will surely have evidence),” Remulla said during a press briefing on Monday, July 10.

“Hindi po ito nasunod (This was not followed),” he lamented.

With PNP’s failure to heed the advice, he said “ngayon maraming nakabinbin na hindi maifile na mga kaso sapagkat wala naman ebidensya na kumpleto (there are many pending cases that could not be filed because of incomplete evidence).”

Records showed that the PNP also filed criminal cases before the DOJ against five Chinese nationals who were arrested for alleged violations of the anti-human trafficking law.  They were identified as Li Jiacheng, Xiao Liu, Yan Jiayong, Duan Haozhuan and LP Hongkun.

Remulla said the five suspects have been released for further preliminary investigation.

“Sinabi na namin mag-usap muna tayo bago kayo kikilos. Tapos gusto nila file kami ng file ng kaso kahit wala kaming ebidensya. Hindi namin gagawin ‘yun (We told them to talk first before taking action. Now they want the DOJ to file cases even though there are no evidence. We will not do that),” he stressed.

He said that most of those rescued have been repatriated to their respective countries and over 1,000 of them remain in the Philippines.

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 think that the raid on the POGO firm in the city by the local authorities is justified?

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

Better than Streaming: Creepshow Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray now available

Better than Streaming: Creepshow Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray now available

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Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs! Back in the early 1980s, I managed to watch on home video the 1982 horror comedy anthology film Creepshow which was a fine collaboration between director George Romero and author Stephen King clearly inspired by the 1950s horror comic books of EC Comics.     

The good news for fans of the movie as well as those who love watching movies in the comfort of home without streaming is that the Creepshow Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray (2 discs inside the set) from Shout Factory is now available at retail and for ordering online. For those who want the best in visuals, Creepshow’s 4K version is in native 4K!

The 4K Blu-ray cover cleverly uses the same art from the original movie poster of 1982.

To begin with, posted below are the technical specs of Creepshow Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray sourced from  its Blu-ray.com page. Some parts in boldface…

Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265 (75.09 Mbps)

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Audio

English: Dolby Atmos

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)

Note: Atmos: 4035 kbps, 5.1: 3609 kbps, 2.0: 2002 kbps

Subtitles – English SDH

Discs -4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Disc

Two-disc set (1 BD-100, 1 BD-50)

Packaging – Slipcover in original pressing, Reversible cover

Playback – 4K Blu-ray: Region free, 2K Blu-ray: Region A

In case you are wondering how much stuff you will get in return for purchasing Creepshow Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray, posted below is an excerpt from the Blu-ray.com announcement page. Some parts in boldface…

BRAND NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE (2023)

NEW DOLBY ATMOS TRACK

Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Audio Commentary With Director George A. Romero And Special Make-Up Effects Creator Tom Savini

Audio Commentary With Director Of Photography Michael Gornick

Audio Commentary With Composer/First Assistant Director John Harrison And Construction Coordinator Ed Fountain

Terror And The Three Rivers – A Round Table Discussion On The Making Of Creepshow With John

Amplas, Tom Atkins, Tom Savini, And Marty Schiff

The Comic Book Look – An Interview With Costume Designer Barbara Anderson

Ripped From The Pages – An Interview With Animator Rick Catizone

The Colors Of Creepshow – A Look At The Restoration of Creepshow With Director Of Photography Michael Gornick

Into The Mix – An Interview With Sound Re-recordist Chris Jenkins

Mondo Macabre – A Look At Mondo’s Various Creepshow Posters With Mondo Co-Founder Rob Jones And Mondo Gallery Events Planner Josh Curry

Collecting Creepshow – A Look At Some Of The Original Props And Collectibles From The Film With Collector Dave Burian

Audio Interviews With Director Of Photography Michael Gornick, Actor John Amplas, Property Master Bruce Alan Miller, And Make-up Effects Assistant Darryl Ferrucci

Tom Savini’s Behind-The-Scenes Footage

Horror’s Hallowed Grounds – A Look At The Original Film Locations Hosted By Sean Clark

Deleted Scenes

Theatrical Trailers

TV Spot, Radio Spots

Still Galleries – Posters, Lobby Cards, And Movie Stills

Still Galleries – Behind The Scenes Photos

Wow, the above sure is a lot of stuff for the long-time Creepshow fans and the Blu-ray/4K Blu-ray collectors to digest.

For the newcomers reading this, Creepshow is arguably a landmark American horror movie as it used a very unique format of telling not one, not two but five standalone horror comedy stories that each had its unique concept and different casts. As comedy is mentioned, it means there is dark humor implemented that prevents each story from being too grim with its horror. In other words, the horror in this anthology film is unique and fun to watch. Adding further zest into its creativity was the use of comic book-inspired panels and backgrounds that really captured the vibes of 1950’s EC Comics-published horror comic books. This passionate collaboration between a movie director best known for zombie movies and an author best known for horror and suspense literature really stood the test of time. Not to be outdone, however, is the movie makeup and special effects works done by fan-favorite Tom Savini.

I should also state that Creepshow several actors who made fine contributions on-screen. Horror genre standout Tom Atkins plays the angry father in the film’s prologue and epilogue. The late Leslie Nielsen, who is often remembered for cinematic comedy, cleverly plays a villain (with a fine mix of evil and humor in his performance) opposite Ted Danson. There were also Hal Holbrook and Adrienne Barbeau as a very unique couple. In the Father’s Day segment, you will see the late classic actress Viveca Lindfors as the unfortunate aunt as well as a much younger Ed Harris in a supporting role. The late E.G. Marshall is the lead star in the fifth segment. Last but not least, you will see Stephen King himself act in one of the segments concerning the crash of a meteor. Apart from the horror concepts and stylish directing of Romero, the lineup of actors alone add tremendous value to Creepshow’s overall attraction and fun value.

Leslie Nielsen.
Hal Holbrook and Adrienne Barbeau as a married couple.
Author Stephen King as Jordy.

The impact of this 1982 horror anthology movie cannot be denied. In the years following Creepshow’s release, the Twilight Zone: The Movie anthology film of 1983 (note: this one even involved Steven Spielberg directing one story), the Tales from the Darkside horror anthology TV series (created by George Romero himself) and the Tales from the Crypt horror anthology TV series were released.

To know more about Creepshow, watch the video from Minty Comedic Arts below…

In case you are interested or if you have made up your mind, you can order a copy of Creepshow Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray right now by clicking https://www.amazon.com/Creepshow-Collectors-Ultra-Blu-ray-UHD/dp/B0BZCM3S54/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IE8C3YOK8ER7&keywords=creepshow+4k&qid=1688810895&sprefix=Creepshow%2Caps%2C363&sr=8-1

If you want the best enjoyment possible from watching Creepshow Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray, I highly recommend you avoid watching Creepshow movie reaction videos and the spoileriffic retro movie reviews posted by YouTubers.

The Creepshow movie poster from 1982.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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

PAGCOR orders shutdown of raided POGO in Las Piñas City

PAGCOR orders shutdown of raided POGO in Las Piñas City

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In the latest turn of events related to the June 26 raid of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Las Piñas City, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ordered the shutdown of the affected business joint, according to an Inquirer news report. This is the same POGO whose workers include a few foreign fugitives.

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

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has issued a cease and desist order against Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) service provider Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. (formerly known as Hong Tai), effectively shutting down its operations in Las Piñas City.

The Philippine National Police said it could now hasten the implementation of the warrants following Pagcor’s order to shut down Xinchuang, which police raided last week.

Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of the PNP public information office, considered the Pagcor intervention “a welcome development” as this would enable police units to implement the five warrants to search, seize and examine data and two search warrants issued by Las Piñas Regional Trial Court against Xinchuang Network, one of the 111 Pogo service providers accredited by Pagcor.

PNP units led by the National Capital Region Police Office and Anti-Cybercrime Group are on the 10th day of its raid, which started on June 27, at the Xinchuang’s self-contained hub along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno.

“When we implement search warrants, it is imperative that no other activities are being conducted in the area, because we want the operating elements to have complete control of the situation,” Maranan told reporters in Camp Crame on Friday, saying this would prevent tampering of evidence and escape of suspects.

“It is the obligation and responsibility, not only of the PNP, but of all government agencies that are involved, so that we can ensure that our Pogo industry is clean from committing illegal activities,” he added.

According to Maranan, 71 out of 138 seized safety deposit boxes have been opened as of Thursday, as part of the inventory managed by the Anti-Cybercrime Group and witnessed by representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Council and barangay officials.

A total of 781 have been processed out of the 1,239 foreign workers rescued at the compound during the raid on June 27. All 1,534 Filipino workers have already been cleared and allowed to leave the premises.

7 fugitives caught – Seven fugitives—four Chinese and three Taiwanese nationals—were found to be working for Xinchuang, and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation.

“Hopefully we can complete the profiling of the foreign nationals and the implementation of the search warrants in the coming days,” Maranan said.

In a statement on Monday, Pagcor said it has already issued a show cause order to Xinchuang “to explain in detail its defenses against the allegations being faced by the company and why the state-run gaming regulatory firm should not cancel its certificate of accreditation and authority to operate.”

Pagcor also ordered Xinchuang to stop all its offshore gaming activities pending the completion of the investigation being conducted by the PNP.

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? Are you satisfied with the PAGCOR’s cease-and-desist order (CDO) on Xinchuang?

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

New child development center in Las Piñas City inaugurated

New child development center in Las Piñas City inaugurated

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Recently in Las Piñas City, a new child development center was formally inaugurated in the presence of the Vice Mayor and a City Councilor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas city government held the inauguration and blessing of the newly established child development center located at Santos Homes 2 Complex in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno on July 6.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar and City Councilor John Jess Bustmante led the ceremonies for the inauguration.

Aguilar emphasized the significance of the center in nurturing the future generation. She said the center is poised to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children, facilitating their growth and development in various aspects of their lives.

The vice mayor also commended the efforts of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) under Lowefe Romulo and expressed her heartfelt sentiments about the importance of child development centers.

Aguilar stressed that the child development centers play a crucial role in shaping the future of the community by fostering early childhood education, social skills, and emotional well-being.

She said the new child development center is part of the city government’s broader commitment to investing in early childhood development and ensuring the well-being of its young residents.

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 think the new child development center will be beneficial to the city as a whole?

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

Two women apprehended in Muntinlupa City for swindling a businesswoman

Two women apprehended in Muntinlupa City for swindling a businesswoman

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Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, two women got arrested by police officers at the lobby of a certain hotel in Filinvest City in Alabang for allegedly swindling a local businesswoman, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As of this writing, the money has yet to be recovered while the third suspect remains at large.

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

Two women were arrested by the police for allegedly swindling a businesswoman of P2.52 million in house rental fees in Muntinlupa.

The suspects, Christine Rose Almoete, 35, and Maria Teresa Loria, 40, were arrested by the Muntinlupa police on July 6 at a hotel lobby in Filinvest City, Barangay Alabang. Another suspect, Ricky Morales, remains at large and is being pursued by authorities.

The two were arrested based on a complaint by businesswoman Diane Grace Sy-Alvarado, 40 years, of Ayala Alabang Village.

According to the police, Sy-Alvarado had been in contact with Loria, who acted as her broker to the house she is presently renting on Batulao Street in Ayala Alabang Village.

Sy-Alvarado decided to transfer to another house also in the same village and asked for Loria’s help. Loria introduced Almoete to the complainant who offered a property allegedly owned by a certain Manuel Palaganas.

They agreed on a monthly rent of ₱180,000. To secure the contract, the complainant was instructed to provide a one-year security deposit amounting to P1,360,000 and a one-year advance payment of P1,160,000.

Sy-Alvarado gave cash amounting to P1.36 million and a bank check worth P1.16 million to the suspects’ colleague, Morales, for a total of P2.52 million.

But when she visited the property on Sarangani Street in Ayala Alabang Village, it turned out that the house was not available for rent.

She asked for help from the village security, which swiftly conducted a follow-up operation leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The transaction between the complainant and the suspects was witnessed by the complainant’s personal assistant, Rannie Pagdanganan.

The arresting officers, Emerson Acusar and Ernesto Obusan, from Bulldog Security Agency, carried out the operation with personnel from the Muntinlupa Police Sub-Station 5 (Ayala Alabang).

The P1.36 million cash and the bank check amounting to P1.16 million were not recovered.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could still be a lot of swindlers out there? Has anyone in your local community been swindled over the past twelve months within 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

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 7

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 7

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Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Raiders of the Lost Ark videos

If you are feeling nostalgic about the Indiana Jones franchise and want to revisit the very first movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, then you are not alone. The new movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (made by the woke Disney company and handled by the unpopular Kathleen Kennedy with James Mangold as director) turned off a lot of long-time fans and this incidentally created renewed interest about the very first movie from 1981. For the newcomers reading this, Indiana Jones is the joint creation of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas and they eventually collaborated together in making four Indy movies from 1981 to 2008. To learn more about Raiders of the Lost Ark and how the movie came to be, watch the videos below…

#2 Starfield is approaching and you can prepare yourselves for it

Starfield, the epic sci-fi role-playing game (RPG) from Bethesda (Skyrim, Fallout 4), is coming out on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass with an official release date of September 6, 2023. For those of you who missed out on the recent Xbox Games Showcase, you can still catch up and learn more about the Xbox-exclusive Starfield by watching the videos below…

#3 Planetshakers’ Worthy is the Lamb music video

Recently, Planetshakers released online the music video of their worship song Worthy is the Lamb (note: Words by Noah Walker and Andy Harrison, Music by Joth Hunt). The said song is indeed holy, beautiful and will help you move closer to the Lord. Just take note that this Planetshakers worship song is not to be confused with Hillsong Worship’s song with the same title. Watch the official Planetshakers music video of Worthy is the Lamb and the story video below…

#4 Get ready for Forza Motorsport (2023) this October

It took Team Xbox and Turn 10 a long time but they finally revealed that their much-anticipated Forza Motorsport (2023) will be released on October 10, 2023 only on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. In relation to the announced release date, Turn 10 released a new trailer as well as an in-depth examination of the game. Watch the following videos of Forza Motorsport (2023) below…

#5 A look back at Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures

For those of you who are still feeling nostalgic or still craving for more Indiana Jones-related content, be aware that way back in the mid-1990s, there was an official video game of the cinematic icon – Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures. While I myself played the Super Star Wars games on the Super NES back in those days, I never got to play Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures which itself was an official adaptation of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and made with side-scrolling adventuring in mind with a few Mode 7 sections set up to prevent the game from being too repetitive. Check out the following videos below…

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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