Philippine Team athletes who won medals in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (AKA SEA Games or Cambodia 2023) will be receiving over P12 million in bonuses from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that the POC SEA Games bonuses are different from the incentives of Republic Act Number 10699 (RA10699) or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is set to hand out P12.4 million in bonuses to athletes who copped medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last month.
These bonuses will be distributed to the 58 gold medalists, 85 silver winners, and 117 athletes who took home bronze medals. Of the total bonus, P7.2 million is from the Manuel V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation (MVPSF), while P5.2 million is from POC funds.
“The athletes, particularly the medalists, deserve the reward, and the POC will always be diligent on that,” said POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in a statement.
“The amount is from the generosity of MVPSF, Manny V. Pangilinan, through the efforts of [president] Al Panlilio.”
Under the POC’s incentive program, P100,000 will go to an individual gold medalist, P50,000 to doubles and relay teams, and P30,000 to a team; P50,000 to a silver medalist, P30,000 for doubles, and P20,000 for relay; and P30,000 to an individual silver medalist and P10,000 for doubles and relay.
The POC bonuses are separate from the government incentives given through the Philippine Sports Commission under Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
For individual events, a gold in the SEA Games is worth P300,000, a silver P150,000, and a bronze P60,000, according to the law.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you happy with all the medals the Philippine athletes won in the 2023 SEA Games hosted by Cambodia?
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
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar extended financial assistance using her personal funds to the grieving family of a minor who recently was found dead inside a washing machine, according to a city government Facebook page post dated June 1, 2023.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the social media post. Some parts in boldface…
Mayor Imelda Aguilar has taken swift action to provide financial assistance from her personal funds to the grieving family of a 4-year-old boy who was found dead inside a washing machine on Sunday, May 28th in Brgy. BF International CAA.
Through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Mayor Mel Aguilar reached out to the victim’s family in Brgy. CAA, expressing her condolences and assuring them of the city’s support during this difficult time.
Recognizing the emotional and financial burden they now face, the CSWDO representatives personally visited the bereaved family to provide immediate financial aid and offer additional support services including the cremation of their beloved child at the Las Piñas public crematorium.
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 happy that Mayor Aguilar made a generous move by using her personal funds to assist the grieving family?
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
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, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1990 to take a close look at one of the more significant non-superhero crossover comic book events ever published – Aliens vs. Predator!
In my previous review, most of the humans living and working in Prosperity Wells are unaware about the creeping danger coming at them. Alien eggs were laid in the wilderness while a ship carrying multiple Predator hunters has landed. At the human outpost, the leader Machiko Noguchi remains disrespected as the staffers and ranchers still trust her predecessor Hiroki Shimura.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Aliens vs. Predator #2, published in 1990 by Dark Horse Comics with a story written by Randy Stradley and drawn by Phill Norwood.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with the huge spaceship still at the launch platform of Prosperity Wells. The ship should have launched already with a huge cargo of indigenous animals – the Rynth – for export. It turns out that the two human pilots were captured by the Xenomorphs and in the presence of the Alien queen inside the ship, they witness one rynth (part of the herd from the ranching) die as a Chestburster alien comes out of its body.
Meanwhile, Machiko wakes up as her respected predecessor Shimura arrives and tells her that Dr. Revna still has not returned. During her talk with the wife (also a doctor), Machiko learns that the missing doctor was on his way to Iwa Gorge to find more aliens (note: the Facehugger alien) and that a lady worker (who made the first discovery of a Facehugger) informed him of the place.
As Machiko and Shimura analyze what they know, two outpost personnel discover the remains of a destroyed Predator space ship and, more notably, one unconscious Predator hunter…
Quality
The Predators looks really odd with the colors implemented on them by the creative team of this comic book.
If you were deeply engaged in issue #1, then you will have a lot to be engaged with in this issue. The script by Stradley is very solid and with a medium pace, details were consistently laid out for readers’ understanding while the build-up for the inevitable chaos – between Xenomorphs and Predators with humans in the middle literally – is strongly felt.
Machiko Noguchi’s management and ability to analyze situations really get tested in this story and along the way, you will see how much the outpost changes reflecting the moves made by her administration which is ultimately a response to a brewing crisis. At this stage of the comic book mini-series, the danger of the two galactic species begin to make impact on innocent humans in violent ways. The scene showing the home of people (located some distance away from the main complex of the outpost) getting invaded by the Predators has uncompromising violence which makes the incidental action look really disturbing.
More on the human characters, this comic book has very rich dialogue backed with special attention to details implemented by Stradley. This is very evident in the scene in which Machiko, Roth, Ackland and Shimura talk intensely about what happened and what factors caused those things to happen. Through the verbal exchange, you will witness Machiko’s bravery and leadership come to life as she confronts a rebellious rancher (who insulted her in a very personal way) over the truth about what happened. Not only that, you will also feel the stress she experiences as she manages the outpost at a time of crisis.
For the fans of Predators and Aliens reading this, you will see a lot more of them in this issue and I can assure you that Norwood is really great in visualizing them and showing them with violent action that will remind you of the movies. As with the previous issue, the colors implemented on the Predators remains very odd to look at.
Conclusion
Live humans helplessly watching an animal die as a Chestburster alien comes out of it in the presence of the Alien queen.
Aliens vs. Predator #2 (1990) is a great follow-up to issue #1. As expected, the stakes were raised higher and the tension really intensified as the narrative went on. The creative team really should be admired for not only crafting this high-quality chapter of the mini-series, but also for their believable and engaging build-up of the plot, the characters and conflict altogether. This comic book is a lively reminder of how great a non-superhero comic book crossover could be.
Overall, Aliens vs. Predator #2 (1990) is highly recommended!
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded tools and equipment to the Las Piñas Manpower Training Center (LPCMTC) which will boost the existing livelihood training programs for the locals, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The awarding was done in the presence of Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded tools and equipment to the Las Piñas Manpower Training Center (LPCMTC) to boost the skills and livelihood training programs being offered to Las Piñeros.
According to Vice-Mayor April Aguilar, the awarding ceremony of tools and equipment was held on May 10 at the LPCMTC quadrangle located in Barangay Talon Dos.
DOLE distributed equipment for various livelihood programs of the training center such as cookery, bread and pastry production, hairdressing, automotive, and air conditioning servicing.
Aguilar thanked DOLE headed by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, for the equipment which will help boost the city government’s effort to promote sustainable livelihood and address the high unemployment rate in the country.
She said the manpower training center being managed by the local government has been offering various technical and vocational courses to residents of the city.
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 quality of skills and livelihood training in the city will improve significantly now that the LPCMTC has new equipment?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a 4-year-old boy who was previously reported as missing was found dead inside a washing machine in one of the houses in Barangay BF International-CAA, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A 4-year-old boy was found dead inside a washing machine two days after he was reported missing on May 26 in Las Piñas City.
The Las Piñas police said the body of the victim was discovered at around 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 28, inside the house of his 15-year-old uncle in Kalamansi Street, Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City.
Col. Jaime Santos, city police chief, said the mother of the suspect reported the discovery of the decomposing body of the victim after smelling a foul odor inside the washing machine.
Santos said the mother of the suspect claimed the child had an accident and the suspect, who was frightened and in panic after seeing the boy was no longer moving, placed the child inside the washing machine.
He said the family of the victim claimed the child was left in the custody of his uncle on May 26. The police chief added that the child was reported missing by his father at around 4:00 p.m.
The victim’s father told the police that the child was last seen playing with his cousins.
The family of the child claimed the death of the victim was not an accident after the suspect made a post on his social medial account, implying that he allegedly killed his nephew. The post was later deleted.
The police is currently conducting an investigation and waiting for the autopsy report to determine whether foul play was behind the death of the child.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Does this recent news make you feel to become more mindful about the whereabouts of your little children?
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
The highly anticipated Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will happen nationwide on October 30 and the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a warning to candidates about engaging with Communist elements, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned on Monday, May 29, those who aspire to run for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to refrain from engaging with communist rebels, particularly in seeking assistance to ensure victory.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said there are laws that could be used against those who would be found to be dealing with the local forces of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) such as the Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Acorda is particularly referring to the direct payment by candidates to the CPP-NPA, through the permit to campaign and permit to win for the barangay and SK elections scheduled in October this year.
“Let me caution candidates who will fall for this election racket of the CPP-NPA that any form of monetary or material support to the CPP-NPA, a terrorist organization, is tantamount to ‘terrorist financing’ that is punishable under Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” said Acorda.
“And if the donor or giver is an incumbent Barangay or SK official, the crime is further aggravated by willful disloyalty to their Oath of Office,” he added.
The Chief PNP, however, said they do not foresee serious security problem for the barangay and SK elections.
The elections for sets of officials for the 42,022 barangay across the country will start with the 90-day election period on Aug. 28 until Nov. 29.
“This early, we do not foresee any serious peace and order concerns on a national scale in the barangay and SK elections. The actions of some remaining active guerilla fronts of the CPP-NPA are closely being monitored for possible conduct of atrocities,” said Acorda.
“Security measures are now being prepared regarding this,” he added.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that the Communists, the Marxists, the socialists and other Leftists out there will negatively affect the BSKE by engaging with the candidates? Are you hoping for a free and honest BSKE election? Do you think it is possible for Democrats in America to be funding their Leftist partners here in the Philippines?
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
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, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 and explore a part of the Marvel Comics universe through one of the many tales of the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series.
In my previous retro review, Spider-Man gets involved not only with the Incredible Hulk but also with Doc Samson who has a history of treating the green giant and carries a strong sense of responsibility towards him. Something, however, infected Samson and eventually the Hulk which leads to a new wave of destruction in New York City which itself is still recovering from the chaos of Maximum Carnage.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #382, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with the Hulk (note: infected with the gamma virus which is driving him to violence) striking the pavement hard causing Spider-Man and Doc Samson to move away. After a quick exchange of words with Samson regarding the virus, Spider-Man jumps towards the Hulk and hits his face in an attempt to stop him before he causes any more damage to the city.
Doc Samson desperately tries to contain the Hulk by choking him only to be grabbed and get thrown to a solid structure nearby. Now down on the pavement, Samson notices the Hulk jumping in towards him…
Quality
Mary Jane Parker in trouble with her acting career.
This story is indeed a solid and satisfying conclusion to what was started in issue #381. Not only does this comic book showcase a battle between Spider-Man and the manipulated Hulk, it also highlights Doc Samson’s importance not only as a supporting player but also as a scientist struggling with his responsibility over helping the Hulk. There is a strong sense of burden you will sense in Samson who himself caused a lot of damage when he was infected with the virus before the Hulk got infected by it.
The presentation of the virus/bacterium as the factor behind the chaos is a believable concept that highlights what would happen if people carrying gamma radiation in their bodies get infected by it.
If you are looking for fun, there is a lot of action here with lots of dynamic looking images crafted by Mark Bagley. Yes, you will see action and incidental moments between Spider-Man and the Hulk here and there, with Samson also getting a notable share of the spotlight. How the conflict concluded was cleverly done and ultimately surprising. This is something you readers will have to discover for yourselves.
Conclusion
As Doc Samson goes away, Spider-Man takes on the Hulk.
Amazing Spider-Man #382 (1993) is a well-paced and satisfying conclusion to the events that started in the previous issue. At the time of its release, the comic book highlighted a modern crossover between the Hulk and Spider-Man with Doc Samson inserted as a functional third participant. The concept of the gamma virus/bacterium works well here and added a more science fictional layer to the plot. This comic book is pretty entertaining and the suspense really built-up nicely towards the climax.
Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #382 (1993) is recommended!
Recently in the city of Parañaque, the police pulled off a successful buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of a fire volunteer and the seizure of illegal drugs worth more than P23 million, according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The suspect has since been detained at the city’s police station.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested a 41-year-old fire volunteer after he yielded suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP23.4 million during a drug sting in Parañaque City at dawn Saturday.
Suspect Jonnie Romo was arrested during a buy-bust operation along Balimbing Street, Phase 3, Olivarez Compound, Barangay San Isidro, at 2:50 a.m., Southern Police District (SPD) Director, Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft, said.
Romo yielded eight plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu, two medium-sized plastic tea bags sealed with the label “Guar Yun Wang,”one medium-sized transparent plastic sachet, a genuine PHP1,000 bill on top of 139 pieces of buy-bust money, blue-green eco bag, a brown envelope, and a weighing scale.
The seized illegal drugs have an estimated combined weight of 3,450 grams, with the standard drug price amounting to PHP23,460,000.
The confiscated illegal drug items have been turned over to the SPD Forensic Unit for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think Parañaque City will still remain as a hot spot for illegal drugs?
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
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, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1990 to take a close look at one of the more significant non-superhero crossover comic book events ever published – Aliens vs. Predator!
For the newcomers reading this, the respective movie franchises of Aliens and Predator started many years before the comic book crossover event happened. By the year 1990, moviegoers had enjoyed Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Predator (1987) and Predator 2 (late 1990). Cinematic between Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Predator in the jungle and that of Sigourney Weaver and the Queen Alien became unforgettable sequences for many millions of people. It should be noted that an Alien head was shown near the end of Predator 2 emphasizing a crossover.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Aliens vs. Predator #1, published in 1990 by Dark Horse Comics with a story written by Randy Stradley and drawn by Phill Norwood.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins in space when a fast-moving ship enters the atmosphere of Ryushi, a planet at the edge of the Chigusa Corporation’s holdings in the Beta Cygni System. On the planet is Prosperity Wells, a human outpost with a population of one hundred fifteen composed of freelance ranchers, their families and a staff of corporate overseers.
The ship’s presence gets detected by operators at Prosperity Wells and one of them speculated it to be a meteor that shows no signs of breaking up. Seeking Hiroki Shimura (no longer the head of the outpost), the operator instead contacts his replacement Machiko Noguchi and informs her about the perceived meteor. After talking with the operator, Noguchi tells her predecessor near her that even though she has been leading the outpost for nearly six months, people are still reporting to him as they treat her like a stranger. Shimura tells her that she’s been trying to adapt the job to her rather than adapting herself to it, and that she cannot just run an operation while hiding from it.
Meanwhile in the wilderness, a machine starts to climb out of the pit and starts releasing Alien eggs…
Quality
Whenever there are Alien eggs, trouble is inevitable.
I can say that this comic book is essentially one long build-up that intends to execute the conflict between the Aliens (also referred to as the Xenomorphs) and Predators later. While the two galactic species are indeed here, the narrative is told mainly through the humans whose operations – ranching, business administration, outpost activities – are emphasized with heavy and precise details. The result here is that by the end of the comic book, you will be fully immersed with the sci-fi concept, the characters and the related developments which ultimately will prepare you for the inevitable Aliens-Predator conflict. To put it clearly, Stradley crafted a script that efficiently introduces the characters (note: Noguchi is the clear protagonist), emphasize what has been going on while also moving the story forward in a well-paced manner without compromising the details.
That being said, don’t expect the Aliens and Predators to fight each other immediately here. This is one big build-up as a whole and very notably, there is nothing boring and there were no useless scenes portrayed. Everything told and shown in this comic book made sense, and if you are the kind of person who likes paying close attention to details of the story as well as the gradual development of the key characters, you will find this one an engaging read. The narrative moved at a medium pace and cleverly the suspense happens whenever the creative team gradually build-ups the tension for the inevitable Aliens-Predators fight.
As with many other entertainment tales across varied media forms, this story has a critical portrayal of the corporation slightly emphasizing greed while making the contractors (technically the laborers) look disadvantaged. It is not a one-sided portrayal against corporatism, however, as there were moments showing the contractors relying on deception (note: disregarding quality and the safety of consumers who will soon consume the products from the ranching operation) just to achieve their goals.
More on the protagonist Machiko Noguchi, she is not the typical corporate figure for readers to hate. In fact, she is somewhat sympathetic as she is has yet to earn the respect of others even though she had been working as the head of the outpost for months. The grudge against her is subtle yet clear. The comic book also made clear that she is destined for something significant in the upcoming fight between the two galactic species.
The art by Phill Norwood is very good. While the characters have that comic book aesthetic, the Aliens and Predators are easily recognizable and were drawn with sufficient visual details. What I find weird is the creative team’s approach on applying color on the Predators. Norwood also has a really nice approach on illustrating futuristic stuff (examples: the technologies, office equipment, clothes of the characters) while also emphasizing the wilderness of Ryuchi.
Conclusion
Machiko Noguchi takes charge even though she is despised by many.
Aliens vs. Predator #1 (1990) is one very detailed build-up type of comic book that happens to be pretty engaging to read and the set-up for the expected conflict between the two species worked nicely. By the time I reached the end of this tale, I got immersed into its concept, the situations and characters. The build-up also came out with really interesting parts here and there which made the reading experience a very good one. Right now, I am eager to read the next issue.
Overall, Aliens vs. Predator #1 (1990) is highly recommended!
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, police officers pulled off another successful buy-bust operation that resulted in the arrests of two suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs worth roughly P200,000, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened within Barangay BF International-CAA.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) conducted a buy-bust operation which led to the arrest of two siblings on Wednesday, May 24.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as Alvin Flores, 33, alias “Tol,” and Rosalyn, 40.
Col. Jaime Santos, city police chief, said the suspects were arrested at around 11:30 p.m. along Avocado Street, Barangay CAA, FB International, Las Piñas City.
Santos said the SDEU conducted the operation in response to complaints the police received from citizens concerning the alleged illegal drugs trading by the siblings.
Confiscated from the suspects were 29 grams of shabu worth P197, 200 and the P300 buy-bust money.
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 your local community is a hot spot for illegal drugs right now?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 