Recently in the City of Las Piñas, almost one thousand and eight hundred senior citizens five barangays received their social pension payout for the 4th quarter, the City Government confirmed via social media. Mayor April Aguilar personally attended the distribution.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from social media post of the City Government (translated from Tagalog to English). Some parts in boldface…
The first day of Social Pension Payout was happily held, where almost 1,800 senior citizens from the barangays of Almanza Dos, Almanza Uno, Talon Dos, Daniel Fajardo, and Ilaya received their 4th quarter social pension.
Our seniors received 3,000 pesos (1,000 pesos per month) for the last quarter of the year. Payout was held at the air-conditioned Aguilar Sports Complex to ensure a comfortable and smooth flow of the program, especially for our seniors.
Mayor April Aguilar wants this pension to be given immediately to be used for their daily needs, and most of all, so they can have something to use this coming Christmas.
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? Did many senior citizens from your local community receive their social pension payout?
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 engagement, 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 Parañaque, elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) apprehended two Chinese nationals over their involvement in online gambling, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune. The suspects are fugitives wanted in China.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two Chinese nationals wanted in their home country were arrested in Parañaque City for alleged involvement in running online gambling websites, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Wednesday.
The BI identified the Chinese nationals as 38-year-old Wu Huifu and 48-year-old Li Yong. The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit took the two into custody during an operation in Barangay Tambo on Tuesday evening. Li is said to be an assistant of Wu.
The arrest followed information relayed by Chinese authorities, who said both men are subjects of arrest warrants.
According to BI Deputy Spokesperson Marvin Mabulac, the two have been operating multiple overseas online gambling platforms where they “manipulate betting systems to defraud players.” This, in turn, prolongs player activity and increases bets, which results in losses for participants and profits estimated at CNY8.6 million. The operation had already victimized around 500,000 players.
Let me end this post 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 still be more Chinese criminals secretly operating illegal gambling within the city? Is online gambling affecting members of your local community?
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 engagement, 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 movie fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 to examine the first issue of a comic book mini-series that served as the official adaptation of the movie Demolition Man.
Believe it or not, I completely missed out on Demolition Man’s theatrical run here in the Philippines. I only heard about the movie from feedback from my friends who saw it and they often mentioned the virtual reality sex scene. Strangely, they did not talk much about the match-up between Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes.
The first time I saw the movie was on a rented laserdisc in 1995. As it was a Joel Silver production, the movie really had very high production values and it also had that subtle balance between hard action, science fiction and comedy. I enjoyed watching Demolition Man and its unique presentation about the future was memorable to me. Recently, I finally read the first issue of the comic book mini-series based on the movie.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Demolition Man #1, published in 1993 by DC Comics with a story written by Gary Cohn (based on the screenplay by Daniel Waters, Robert Reneau and Peter M. Lenkov) and drawn by Rod Whigham. This is the first of a 4-issue mini-series.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins in 1996. Los Angeles has turned into a city of violent crime with a lot of areas left in ruin. A police department helicopter flies over the Hollywood sign bringing John Spartan (Demolition Man) to a wide, old building filled with some armed criminals. Spartan suspects that Simon Phoenix is responsible for hijacking a bus of thirty people and they all could be inside the building. The thermogram scan on the building only shows seven people and no signs of the passengers.
Determined to find the passengers, Spartan does a bungee jump to safely land on the rooftop of the building. He takes down a few thugs as he gradually infiltrates the place.
Elsewhere, Simon Phoenix sees Spartan via security camera. As Spartan eventually breaks into a large room, Phoenix releases a large amount of gasoline on the floor. Spartan and Phoenix encounter each other and an intense talk about missing passengers begins. As the Demolition Man presses for answers with guns aimed, Phoenix prepares to spark a sudden fire…
Quality
This scene never appeared in the movie. If it made it the final cut, it definitely would have slowed the film’s pace down a lot.
Having seen the movie a number of times, this comic book covers the opening and closes with a notable scene that took place after the shocking revelation about the passengers. The good news here is that the comic book creators did a really fine adaptation of the scenes from the movie. Certain moments looked and felt like they were adapted from an older version of the script (note: Spartan bidding goodbye to his wife and little daughter is the obvious scene) while some moments seem to be creative additions or expansion by the creators.
The pacing of the story is pretty good and even the slowest scenes never felt boring. This is because the writing by Gary Cohn is quite engaging and there is always some interesting or something important to read as the story goes on. That said, when the spectacle happens, the pay-off to the build-up is truly worth it.
Still on the writing, Cohn inserted a good amount of details into the dialogue as well as the moments revealing what John Spartan is thinking. This ultimately gives readers a clearer look into Spartan’s personality as well as what were the elements from his past defined him as the Demolition Man to many.
Rod Whigham is very good with visualizing the script. For one thing, he does a good job capturing the likeness of Stallone and Snipes in specific pages of the comic book. When it comes to spectacle (action, explosions and stunts), Whigham’s work ranges from efficiency to dynamic depending on what happens. This is a good looking comic book!
Conclusion
Like in the movie, John Spartan and Simon Phoenix fight surrounded by flames.
Demolition Man #1 (1993) is a very solid adaptation and it is also a great way to start its mini-series. The comic book essentially captured the elements of several scenes from the movie and whenever the spotlight is focused on John Spartan or Simon Phoenix, I could senses Stallone and Snipes in them. The narrative flows smoothly and I had a very good reading experience. I am looking forward to the next issue.
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued reminders to the public about the existing ban on the use of midwifed mufflers and pipes in vehicles, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It is anticipated that noise will intensify in the city as the Christmas season goes on.
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 has reminded the public about the ban on the use of modified mufflers and pipes in vehicles.
The notice came from the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB), which said that the ban is based on City Ordinance No. 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code.
This Christmas season, many motorists in Muntinlupa are expected to celebrate it by using modified mufflers and pipes in their vehicles to produce loud noise.
“Paalala mula sa Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa: Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang paggamit ng modified muffler/pipe at iba pang illegal modifications sa mga sasakyan alinsunod sa City Ordinance No. 04-022, Article XV Section 85 ng Muntinlupa City Traffic Code (Reminder from the Muntinlupa City Government: The use of modified muffler/pipe and other illegal modifications to vehicles is strictly prohibited pursuant to City Ordinance No. 04-022, Article XV Section 85 of the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code),” the MTMB posted on Facebook.
Section 85 of the ordinance on Mufflers and Noise Controlling Devices states that “no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a street unless such motor vehicle is equipped, at all times, with a muffler or mufflers in constant operation and of sufficient capacity for the motor, and equipped with an exhaust system to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke and unusual noise.”
The MTMB warned that violators will face a fine of P2,000.
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, do you have a problem with noise pollution intensifying in the city during the Christmas season? Do you think the current laws of city are tough enough towards noise makers?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The inflation rate of the Philippines eased further this past November landing at 1.5%, according to a business news report by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news report of the GMA News. Some parts in boldface…
The country’s inflation rate slowed down in November 2025 on the back of slower increase in food costs during the period, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.
At a press conference, PSA Deputy National Statistician Divina Gracia del Prado said the overall inflation —which measures the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services— clocked in at 1.5%. This was slower than the 1.7% rate seen in October 2025.
November’s inflation rate brought the year-to-date national average to 1.6%, well within the government’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%.
“Ang pangunahing dahilan ng mas mababang antas ng inflation nitong Nobyembre 2025 kaysa noong Oktubre 2025 ay ang mas mabagal na pagtaas ng presyo ng Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages na may 0.1% inflation rate,” del Prado said.
(The main reason for the lower inflation rate in November 2025 versus October 2025 was the slower increase in the prices of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages with an inflation rate of 0.1%.)
The inflation rate for the heavily weighted index clocked in at 0.5% in October 2025.
The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages index contributed 85.3% to the country’s overall inflation print.
Meanwhile, food inflation —which tracks the price movements of food items in a “basket” commonly purchased by households— registered a negative rate of 0.3% from 0.2% in the prior month due to slower increase in vegetable prices at 4% from 16.4% month-on-month as well as the slowdown in the growth of meat prices at 4.2% from 5.2%.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the nation’s inflation could slow down even more to as low as 1% by the end of December?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers successfully organized a buy-bust operation which resulted in the apprehension of two construction workers who possessed illegal drugs, 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…
Authorities from the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) conducted a buy-bust operation leading to the arrest of two construction workers in possession of P102,000 worth of shabu on Dec. 3.
The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspects were identified as Tisoy, 27, and Niño, 33. They were arrested at around 8:10 a.m. at San Juan De Coastal, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
The police said that members of the SDEU launched a buy-bust operation for the arrest of the suspects after receiving reports of their illegal drug activities in the said place.
Tisoy was caught in possession of seven grams of shabu, including the subject of sale, and Niño with four grams, totaling 15 grams worth P102,000.
The suspects were detained at the Parañaque City Police custodial facility and were charged with violations of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you thankful to the police for successfully arresting the suspects? Is there a serious illegal drug problem in your local community 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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. 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 videos I found.
#1 Demolition Man Revisited – Way back in 1993, I completely missed out on Demolition Man in the local cinemas. The first time I saw it was on a rented laserdisc in 1995 and the film (starring Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes) turned out to be entertaining in a unique way. By today’s standards, Demolition Man is considered by many as a film ahead of its time as it accidentally predicted self-driving cars, video conferencing, heavy dependence on computers for solutions and more. As such, it is not surprising that a lot of retrospective and reaction videos of Demolition Man have filled YouTube. Posted below are the more entertaining videos to watch about the 1993 movie.
#2 Soy Milk Becomes More Popular In Japan – Soy milk is a dairy-free, plant-based drink made from water and ground soybeans. In recent times, soy milk has gotten tremendously more popular in Japan. Not only is it being consumed by the Japanese in its beverage form, soy milk also made its way into food items and snacks. There is a lot to learn about soy milk’s popularity in Japan in the video below.
#3 Resident Evil Illustrated Tales – Believe it or not, there was a time when comic books and illustrated tales about the Resident Evil games were published from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Back then, WildStorm (WildCATs, StormWatch, Wetworks) was licensed to make comic adaptations of Resident Evil starting with the Resident Evil: The Official Comic Magazine (published through Image Comics, 1998-1999) which featured varied short stories that expanded the lore but not necessarily counted as canon with the games. YouTube ScorePN posted a video showcasing the Resident Evil illustrated tales so you don’t have to go to all the trouble of finding the comic books and magazines. Watch and enjoy the video below.
#4 Zaxxon Revisited – In the early 1980s, Sega made a huge splash in the arcades and game consoles with Zaxxon which is now considered a classic by many gamers. I only played it on the personal computer back in the 1980s. While my enjoyment of the game was very limited because of the not-so-friendly keyboard controls, I found Zaxxon an intriguing experience due to its isometric visual design and the illusion of 3D space that came with it. Sometimes I wished that Zaxxon would get remastered for the current console generation. That said, it’s now a good time to look back at the game in the two retrospective videos below.
#5 Ashleigh Burton Reacts To Lethal Weapon – Among all the Lethal Weapon movies released by Hollywood, the first film from 1987 is still the best in my view. Apart from having a strong script, the directing by Richard Donner got fine performances from Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, and the spectacle was executed with a lot of power while never feeling outlandish. That said, it is fun to replay the movie from time to time. To see how it impacts YouTuber Ashleigh Burton, watch her reaction video below.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the Las Piñas City Lying-In Clinic will be available for check-ups of high-risk expectant mothers two days per week, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City Lying-In Clinic designated Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m to 5 p.m. for check-ups of high-risk expectant mothers.
According to the Las Piñas Public Information Office, patients qualified for the schedule include those with a history of cesarean section, or other uterine surgery, gynecological issues such as abnormal bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or myoma.
Mothers aged 35 to 39 in their first and fifth-time pregnancies, and those with existing conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or goiter are also qualified.
Patients are reminded to bring their voter’s registration record, greencard, referral from their respective health center, and previous results of ultrasound or laboratory.
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? Were there many AKAP beneficiaries among the members of your local community?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reached out to the local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and encouraged them to take advantage of the soft loans offered by the City Government, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are encouraged by Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon to take advantage of the soft loans offered by the local government unit, as well as the national government, to elevate from micro to medium entrepreneurs.
In an interview during the opening of “Tindahan ni Tarsee” in Festival Mall in Alabang on Friday, Biazon said the LGU’s Muntinlupa Entrepreneur Financing Division (MEFD) has been consistently providing financial aid through soft loans to MSMEs.
“We are providing funding for MSME capital, interest-free, starting from P5,000 for as much as P150,000. More business owners became successful because of that project, especially those who lost jobs right after the pandemic. Most of them did not return to their jobs and became full-pledge entrepreneurs already,” he said.
Biazon said most of the business owners that the MEFD has assisted are engaged in food businesses and sari-sari stores.
The number of MSMEs in Muntinlupa City is pegged at more than 30,000, an increase from the 15,708 registered businesses in 2019 or before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020.
“We can see that our MSMEs are very successful, especially in our city, as they propped up the local economy and provide jobs even at a minimal number of two to three per entrepreneur. Yung mga hindi nakakapasok sa mga malls at ibang companies, sa mga MSMEs they have the chance to have jobs,” he said.
Biazon urged aspiring business owners to take advantage of the MEFD program, which will restart next year on 2 January, as the division’s funds for this year have already been fully utilized.
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 there any micro or small entrepreneurs among your local community’s members? What do you think makes Muntinlupa an attractive city for MSMEs to do business in?
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 engagement, 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, more than seven hundred local Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) formally received financial assistance distributed by the City Government, 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 city government of Las Piñas distributed financial assistance to over 700 Las Piñeros, amounting to P3,000, to beneficiaries of the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program on Dec. 3.
Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar said the beneficiaries of the AKAOP program will help them with their daily expenses.
Aguilar said the beneficiaries include members of the ERPATs organization, persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and other vulnerable sectors in the community.
She said that through AKAP, the city government continues to strengthen programs that provide protection and much-needed support to families who need it the most.
The mayor expressed her gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and team leader Jessica Estevis for overseeing and assisting in the payout.
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? Were there many AKAP beneficiaries among the members of your local community?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 