Author Carlo Carrasco

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 6

December 26, 2022December 21, 2022carlocarrasco

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 watch the following videos below…

#1 Worship music videos of Shifting – New Life Music is an anointed music team of New Life Philippines. Through my Christian Music Appreciation (CMA) series, I already reviewed their original worship songs Now I’m Alive, God of the Breakthrough, Touch From Heaven and The Coming King, and each of those songs have music videos on YouTube. There is another original worship song by New Life Music titled Shifting (composed by Nash Soliven, Camille Cuna, Daniel Grospe, Daryl Pinon, MJ Malubay) and there are these YouTube videos of it for your viewing and enlightenment.

#2 Christmas in Israel – Yes, it is true. The Christmas season is also present in Israel, the land that God designated for the Jewish people (refer to Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 35:10-12 in the Holy Bible). Posted below are recent videos about what the Christmas season in Haifa, Jerusalem and Nazareth look like, complete with exploration of varied places and scenes of people enjoying the season. No matter what your faith or culture is, Christmas is truly all about our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Rejoice with Lord Jesus every Christmas.

#3 The common links between Atari and Chuck E. Cheese

In my life, I never ever got to visit any branch of Chuck E. Cheese which is best known for serving meals to customers as well as providing in-door entertainment with arcade games, stage shows and more. As a kid, I got to play lots of video games in the comfort of our home with the Atari 2600 video game console. As a young adult, I learned that Chuck E. Cheese and Atari were historically linked with each other. If you are wondering how or why were they connected, you should watch the two videos below. Watch and pay close attention to the details.

#4 A look back at The Fly (1986)

In the history of cinema, The Fly movie franchise spawned a total of five films from 1958 to 1989. The most notable and most popular of those movies was the 1986 cinematic remake simply titled The Fly (directed by David Cronenberg and starring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis). That being said, it is not surprising at all that YouTube has lots of retro movie reviews, movie trivia videos and movie reaction videos about it. Posted below are a mix of The Fly (1986) reaction videos, an explanatory retrospective video, a retro movie review and a trivia video.

#5 Videos and info about the upcoming Xbox-exclusive video game Forza Motorsport (2023)

The Xbox-exclusive simulation racing game Forza Motorsport (2023) is easily one my most anticipated video games of twenty twenty-three. I really am very eager to play the upcoming game (developed by Turn 10) on my Xbox Series X console and the last FM game I played was Forza Motorsport 6 on my Xbox One. Ever since the June 2022 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, Team Xbox and Turn 10 only released a few videos of gameplay footage about Forza Motorsport (2023) and they have yet to release new pre-release videos or trailers about it. A lot has already been promised as to what the upcoming game will have (examples: overhauled physics, fully dynamic time of day system, track temperature changes, advanced car damage, tire and fuel management, multiple tire compounds, and real-time ray tracing). While a 2023 release has been confirmed, Team Xbox has yet to announce a final release date. Regardless, Forza Motorsport (2023) is the racing game to watch out for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass (XGP). XGP subscribers will only have to download the game on launch day and play it without paying anything extra. If you are an Xbox gamer who has not yet subscribed, I encourage you to do it.

#6 Worship music video of All

Here is another worship song from Planetshakers that you must listen to, especially when you want to reach out to our Lord…the song is titled All (part of Planetshakers’ 2020 worship songs album Glory Pt. 2). I previously reviewed and analyzed the song in my Christian Music Appreciation (CMA) article back in April 2020 and I can say that All was written to lead people to Lord Jesus, God the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit by powerful faith. Posted below is the official music video of All for your viewing and your faith in Him. By the way, Planetshakers will have its faith conferences in Australia this coming January and you can learn how to join them by clicking here.

#7 Filipino stores in Israel

If you are a fellow Filipino who is already in Israel and also struggling to find Filipino-made products as well as other goods imported from Asia. You should watch the videos below. Pay close attention to the details.

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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

LTO summons jeepney driver accused of hitting pedestrian in Parañaque City, jeepney owner summoned too

December 26, 2022December 23, 2022carlocarrasco

In Parañaque City, there was a traffic incident that occurred when a woman got hit by a public transport jeepney while crossing the pedestrian lane. The incident was caught on CCTV video and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the driver and jeepney owner to appear at the Intelligence and Investigation off on December 28, 2022, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report.

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

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday said it issued a show cause order against the jeepney driver that rammed a crossing individual in Parañaque City.

According to the LTO, the driver and the jeepney owner were summoned and are expected to appear at its Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) office on December 28, Wednesday, at 10 am.

Both individuals were also required to submit a written explanation of why they should not be charged with the administrative case of Employing Reckless Driver in accordance with the DOTC Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.

The jeepney driver should also explain why cases of Failure to Yield Right of Way for Pedestrian Crossing (pursuant to DOTC JAO No. 2014-01) and Reckless Driving (pursuant to Section 48 of Republic Act 4136) should not be filed against him, and why his driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked for being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle which is also stated in RA 4136.

The passenger jeep’s license plate and the driver’s license are now on alert due to the incident that injured the pedestrian, preventing any transactions while the investigation is ongoing.

The owner and driver of the jeep will forfeit their right to tell their side of the story and have the complaint decided using the LTO’s evidence if they fail to show up when the IID summons them.

This developed after the LTO, through a CCTV video, caught the incident, which showed a woman crossing a pedestrian lane suddenly get hit by a public jeepney. The incident occurred last week, but the LTO did not specify the exact date.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be a lot of reckless drivers among the public transport jeepney drivers who drive regularly through Parañaque City every day?

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 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/.

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

A Look Back at X-Men Adventures #15 (1993)

December 23, 2022December 21, 2022carlocarrasco

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, superheo enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts, X-Men fans and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the X-Men Adventures monthly series which was the literary adaptation of the popular X-Men animated series of the 1990s.

Today is my review about the 15^th and final issue of the X-Men Adventures adaptation of episodes of the 1^st season of the popular animated series. The comic book at hand was the literary translation of the 13^th episode and final episode of season one which was broadcast in March 1993.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men Adventures #15, published by Marvel Comics in 1993 with a story written by Ralph Macchio and drawn by Andrew Wildman.

Early story

The story begins somewhere in Manhattan where a riot is happening. It turns out that multiple riots have occurred as a result of the of the recent kidnapping of United States Senator Robert Kelly who established himself as the nation’s most prominent anti-mutant public figure.

Deep inside their headquarters, the X-Men watch live news footage of the riot. Even though they were not involved in the kidnapping of Senator Kelly, Charles Xavier and his team are concerned that mutants like them will still be held responsible. The leader tells his team that they must find the missing senator quickly before the wave of intolerance affects all of them mutants. Xavier then starts using Cerebro which he programmed to search for any distortions in the magnetic field of planet Earth.

Elsewhere, inside a vessel that got shipwrecked along the Atlantic seaboard, Magneto has Senator Kelly as his captive. He tells the politician that he holds the key to the future and that they are in agreement that man and mutant cannot co-exist peacefully. For Magneto, the war for dominance must begin as humans remain weak and divided. Suddenly, a huge Sentinel breaks into the place…

Quality

Being the conclusion of the monthly series based on season one of the X-Men animated series, this comic book’s story packs a lot of stuff, intrigue and some memorable character moments. Thematically, the story emphasizes absolute power, intolerance and instability which got dramatized carefully as the narrative progressed.

For the X-Men, the pressure is tremendous as the stakes have gotten so high not just for them but for all mutants as a population. To fail to save the kidnapped Senator Kelly would cause society to become even more hostile to mutants which could compel the federal government to declare a state of emergency. Complicating matters here is Magneto’s obsession with power in connection with his biggest obsession that mutants are essentially superior over humans and that societies will be reformed – even with violence involved – accordingly. Adding even more the complexity of the situation are the presence of government, technology handlers backed by private financiers, and the one gigantic machine (that produces new Sentinels) that becomes self-aware.

The good news here is that the story is very well written, the narrative does not lose focus and the creative duo of Macchio-Wildman managed to craft a tale that consistently remained engaging complete with ensuring sufficient superhero spectacle for entertainment. As expected, the pay-offs executed for all the build-ups proved to be highly satisfying.

When it comes to characterization, everyone here acts and talks as expected. The team dynamics of the X-Men here make for a cerebral reading experience especially when they have these intense private meetings trying to solve their problems and anticipate what would happen next. The dialogue, filled with varied details, are richly written and yet easy to follow. I should state that having the Sentinels as a force of opposition under the control of a rogue AI added a lot to the stakes involved in the plot. The portrayal of machines acting superior over humans proved to be a unique parallel to the humans-mutants conflict.

Conclusion

*The fictional US Senator Robert Kelly in trouble in the presence of Magneto and a Sentinel.*

X-Men Adventures #15 (1993) is not only a worthy conclusion to the monthly series based on animated series’ season one episodes. It is indeed the best comic book of the said series that I have read thanks to the great adaptive works of the Macchio-Wildman team. The story had these very high stakes raised and ultimately the pay-off to all the build-up were great resulting in great satisfaction on my part as a reader. At the same time, there are certain key plot elements and character elements here that eventually made their way into the first X-Men live-action movie of 2000. The core story is the clear feature while the bonus pin-up section was the fun additive. This comic book is a must-have!

Overall, X-Men Adventures #15 (1993) is highly recommended!

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Three Chinese nationals arrested in Las Piñas City for allegedly detaining and sexually abusing local woman for several days

December 23, 2022December 20, 2022carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested three Chinese nationals along Alabang-Zapote Road as a result of a local woman who reported to the Southern Police District-Special Operations Unit (SPD-SOU) that the foreigners detained and sexually abused her for several days, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Three Chinese were arrested on Monday, Dec. 19, by members of the Southern Police District-Special Operations Unit (SPD-SOU) in Las Piñas City after a Filipina accused them of detaining and sexually abusing her.

Police identified the suspects as Shou Caifu, 25; Chen Dongsheng, 26; and Wang Long Long, 26.

The suspects were arrested around 11 p.m. in an apartment on Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City.

Police said the suspects were arrested after a Filipina (name withheld) appeared at the DSOU office and filed illegal detention and rape complaints against them.

The victim claimed she was detained by the suspects and sexually abused her for seven days.

Members of the DSOU immediately conducted an operation leading to the arrest of the suspects.

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 concerned that foreign nationals living within your local community could have detained a local person and abused him or her secretly? What do you think should be done to prevent such incidents from happening again?

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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COMELEC to intensify information drive regarding Register Anywhere Project (RAP)

December 22, 2022December 21, 2022carlocarrasco

As the voter registration processes are happening nationwide, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it will intensify the information campaign to make the public more aware about their newly launched Register Anywhere Project (RAP), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Here in South Metro Manila, there is a RAP processing spot at SM Southmall in Las Piñas City and the turnout started really low.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday admitted the need to intensify its information campaign regarding the holding of the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) to encourage the public to enlist themselves in several participating malls in key areas across the country.

“We still need to intensify the information drive on the RAP,” Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said in a message to reporters.

This came following a low turnout of registrants in RAP hubs in Metro Manila, Tacloban City in Leyte province and Legazpi City in Albay over the weekend.

Data released by the poll body showed a total of 611 applicants were able to register in RAP booths inside shopping establishments.

SM Fairview recorded the highest number with 190 registrants, followed by Robinsons Galleria with 133, both in Quezon City; Robinsons Place Manila with 118, and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City with 75.

On the other hand, few registrants were recorded in other venues such as Robinsons Place Naga with 38, SM Southmall in Las Pinas with 27, SM City Legazpi with 20, and Robinsons Place Tacloban with 10.

The pilot test will be held every Saturdays and Sundays between Dec. 17, 2022 and Jan. 22, 2023, except on Dec, 24, 25, and 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023.

Under the project, qualified applicants residing anywhere in the Philippines may register at the RAP booths by submitting their application form, documentary requirements, and have their biometrics taken on-site.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: When was the last time you went to the COMELEC for registration or adjustment of your voter’s record? Did you try getting registered through the RAP?

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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Philippines aiming to attract 4.8 million foreign visitors and generate $5.8 billion tourism revenue in 2023

December 22, 2022December 20, 2022carlocarrasco

With the economic recovery from COVID-19 still continuing and the year coming to an end, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed its targets for foreign visitors and tourism revenue in 2023, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). For the newcomers reading this, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., declared already that it is time for the to return to pre-pandemic life and having a strong tourism sector is a crucial part of the post-pandemic strategy. It has also been several months since the Philippines opened its borders to

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

The Philippines eyes to double its tourism revenues and reach at least 4.8 million in foreign visitor arrivals in 2023.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco Friday revealed the projections as she presented the efforts of the agency to expedite tourism’s recovery.

Frasco said DOT seeks to attract 4.8 million visitors and generate at least USD5.8 billion in revenue.

Latest data showed that the Philippines has already breached its 1.7 million arrivals target for 2022, hitting over 2.46 million tourists and PHP149 billion in receipts.

With the administration’s focus on tourism and the various measures implemented to ease travel, Frasco is optimistic Manila could even surpass the pre-pandemic tourism figures before 2025.

DOT’s initial forecast indicated that Manila will not reach more than 8 million tourists until after 2025, a projection Frasco described as “alarming”.

“[T]o me, that was an alarming projection in a sense that 2025 is so far off for us to obtain our pre-pandemic levels until after 2025 and that really forced us to take an inward look as to how we can expedite the recovery,” she told reporters.

“Having set out policies under the Marcos administration, precisely to serve the more aggressive approach towards tourism recovery, we’re seeing now that we have been able to breach the previous projection as well as the high projection (for this year),” she added.

Aside from constructing rest areas and improving connectivity for inbound tourists, Frasco presented more initiatives DOT sets to undertake in the next few months.

These include showcasing the country as a top cruise destination by 2023, coordinating with the relevant office to ease visa processing, and strengthening the promotion of Mindanao — especially for halal tourism.

Frasco also said DOT and the Department of National Defense are soon to sign a Memorandum of Agreement to obtain necessary data to determine the “most ideal areas to begin the process of reopening Mindanao.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development about the Philippines and its tourism plans for 2023? Do you think it is doable for the Philippines to attract 4.8 million foreign visitors by the end of 2023? What do you think the DOT should do when it comes to emphasizing tourism through conventions and special events? Do you think the DOT is doing enough with getting involved with sports tourism, medical tourism, food tourism, and the like?

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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DILG calls on local government units to take part in SIM card registration information campaign

December 21, 2022December 19, 2022carlocarrasco

Anyone based here in the Philippines using mobile devices that each carry SIM cards are required to have the said cards registered starting December 27, 2022 in accordance to Republic Act 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act. To ensure that as many people get informed about this, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) nationwide to participate in the information drive, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) to help the national government in its information campaign on the implementation of Republic Act 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, which takes effect on Dec. 27.

RA 11934, the first law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to regulate the registration and use of SIMs by mandating all end-users to register their SIMs with their respective telecommunications networks before their activation.

In a statement on Monday, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said an intensive information drive must be carried out at the grassroots level and LGUs should step up in educating the public on the requirements and importance of the law.

“As we seek to ensure public safety even in the online space, I encourage LGUs to exert all efforts to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration and guide them through the whole registration process,” Abalos said.

He said the SIM Registration Act will aid the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement authorities in curbing rising electronic communication-aided criminal activities in the Philippines such as mobile phishing, spam text messages, online scams, bank frauds and identity theft,” Abalos said.

Abalos said the implementation of the law will not only prompt accountability from all sides — the mobile users, the telcos, the government and authorities — but will also help the PNP to quickly locate offenders of crimes committed in anonymity through the use of electronic devices.

Section 4 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) released by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) provides that DILG, along with other government agencies such as DICT, NTC, DepEd, and telecom companies, shall “facilitate all SIM registrations in remote areas with limited telecommunication or internet access.”

“Together with the LGUs, DILG will cooperate with DICT and the NCT to fast-track the establishment of registration facilities in geographically-isolated areas, which should be done within 60 days after December 27,” Abalos said.

The DILG chief sought the assistance of local chief executives (LCEs) and barangay captains in remote areas in processing needed documents and other requirements to set up the registration centers.

“We know not everyone has access to the internet and other means of communication so let us reach out to them and inform them of this new law,” he said.

To register, all existing SIM subscribers must submit an accomplished form through a database platform or website provided by the telco company within 180 days. The DICT can extend the registration period for another 120 days. If a subscriber fails to register, SIM cards will be deactivated.

Subscribers must provide the following: full name, birthday, sex, address, mobile SIM number and serial number and valid identification cards (for individuals); business name, business address and full name of authorized signatory (for businesses and other juridical entities); full name, nationality, birthday, passport, proof of Philippine address, return ticket to own country (for foreigners and tourists).

Abalos also urged parents and guardians to be responsible and register the SIM used by their minor children or relatives under their name to protect them from ill-intentioned individuals. They will be asked to present an ID and consent form.

“To our parents and guardians, let us help each other in this endeavor to safeguard minors. Magtulungan po tayo upang masiguro na hindi sila mabibiktima ng mga panloloko (Let’s work together to protect them from fraud) online,” he said.

Likewise, Abalos asked the public to support the mandatory SIM card registration as this will be beneficial in the long run.

“I encourage every Filipino to register their SIM cards and be one with the government in fighting text and online scams which are becoming more prevalent in recent years,” he added.

Abalos warned people who will attempt to provide false or fictitious information and documents to register a SIM and those who will try to spoof a registered SIM to defraud or cause harm.

The above report ended stating that registering with false or fictitious information or the use of fake identities constitute a penalty of six months to two years imprisonment, and a fan of P100,000 to P300,000.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development from the national government? Are you worried that SIM card registration will be tough and inconvenient to do given the nationwide scope of the processing?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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A Look Back at Venom: Lethal Protector #2 (1993)

December 21, 2022December 19, 2022carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 and explore a part of Marvel Comics’ universe through the first-ever limited comic book series featuring one of Marvel’s most iconic villains – Venom.

In my previous retro review, Eddie Brock returned to his hometown of San Francisco following the events of Amazing Spider-Man #375 (1993). Living with his very distorted belief of protecting the innocent by doing unrelenting acts of violence on others, he begins to get involved with helpless people who happened to be hounded by agents of a certain private organization that wields power. Along the way, Spider-Man arrives in the city find Venom.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Venom: Lethal Protector #2, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley.

Early story

The story begins deep underneath the city of San Francisco. Venom, who is caught by the large mechanical fist of a walking mech (piloted by a man working for Roland Treece’s organization), finds himself on the deeply buried section of the city and around them are vagrant people who settled and became residents of a local society that the rest of America does not even know exists.

As the local residents caught the attention of the pilot, Venom breaks free by smashing the mechanical fist into pieces. Another mech suddenly jumps into place near the first one. In response to the first mech’s sudden killing of a local resident (who was armed with a shotgun), Venom jumps to it and kills the pilot inside by punching into the cockpit. Venom then grabs a long sharp object and kills the pilot of the other mech with it.

While the locals were hostile and afraid of Venom, the other people (who were assisted on the surface by Venom) come to support him and tell their fellow underground residents that he is not their enemy. One of the local council members stated that a meeting at the council hall will be held and Venom will attend it…

Quality

*With exposition in mind, Spider-Man here does most of the detective work. Understandably, he is not involved with the superhero spectacle.*

Compared to issue #1, this story has a more interesting setting which is the buried and forgotten section of San Francisco which was the result of the 1906 earthquake. Showing that the lost section has a local population composed of homeless people and those who reject the modern society above was a bright idea nicely executed by the Michelinie-Bagley team as it added some depth into Marvel Comics’ own version of San Francisco.

It was also in the underground city and with the residents where we get to see Venom do his own distorted acts of heroism backed by killing, and see how he fared when trying to win the trust of the locals whose members include those who read about him in the news and those who completely know nothing about him.

Through his interactions with the underground people, Eddie Brock is portrayed to be a bit more human compared to what happened in issue #1. For a man who has gotten very used to using extreme forms of violence and committing multiple acts of murder, it is surprising to see Brock looking and acting more civil in the presence of Americans (and perhaps illegal immigrants) who settled deep underground and established their own rules (note: Eddie Brock does not care about rules while having the alien costume). Still, you will see Venom engage in violent superhero action and even do a bit of detective work.

As with the previous issue, the iconic Spider-Man got a good share of the spotlight in the story as he searches for details about Venom which leads him to finding his rival’s estranged father. Spider-Man’s presence here is noticeably lessened compared to issue #1 and his own search for answers creatively served as exposition. Don’t expect to see any superhero spectacle from Spider-Man.

Without spoiling details and names, I should state that this comic book marks the debut of a ream of armed mercenaries led by a powerful man who lost a son because of what Venom did in Amazing Spider-Man #315 (1989).

Conclusion

*The violent nature of Venom displayed.*

Venom: Lethal Protector #2 (1993) is a marginal improvement over the first issue in terms of storytelling and setting. Part of the big build-up that happened in issue #1 started to get paid-off in this comic book which allowed for the plot to move forward at a more satisfying pace. Venom and Spider-Man share the spotlight again, but this time the edge goes to the black-wearing murderer who also has the benefit of being part of the superhero spectacle here. At this point of the mini-series, Venom is not only facing elements of the Treece organization (which has been organizing something that could impact San Francisco and its people) but also a new force of opposition that is related to something he did a few years prior. That being said, Venom is first and foremost a murderer that Marvel wanted to make big money out of.

Overall, Venom: Lethal Protector #2 (1993) is satisfactory.

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Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon warns public about scammers

December 20, 2022December 16, 2022carlocarrasco

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon told the public to be aware of scammers who defraud them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It should be noted that scammers are using new tactics (example: the usurpation of authority) to fool people and take something away from them, especially now that the Christmas season is ongoing.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon warned the public against scammers who are using his name or those of officials of the city government to defraud people.

“Binabalaan ko po ang publiko na mag-ingat, lalo na ngayong panahon ng Pasko, may mga scammers o mga nananamantala (I warn the public to be careful, especially this Christmas season, against scammers or those who take advantage),” he said.

On Dec. 15, he said, several people went to the Muntinlupa City hall to report scamming incidents.

A scammer who pretended to be Biazon called one business establishment in Muntinlupa and reserved its venue for six hours and even ordered food. The establishment eventually found out it was a scam.

Other residents received text messages from people who also pretended to be Biazon and asked them to send cell phone loads.

“Nakakatawa nga, Mayor Biazon nanghihingi ng load (It is funny, Mayor Biazon asking for load),” he said.

Some restaurants also received orders from people who pretended to be the mayor. One restaurant even recorded one phone call of the scammer.

“Wag basta basta maniniwala sa mga natatanggap na tawag at nagpapakilala bilang Mayor Biazon o opisyal ng Pamahalaang Lungsod, lalo pa kung mukha itong kahina-hinala (Don’t believe easily when you get phone calls and say they are Mayor Biazon or official of the city government, especially when it appears to be suspicious),” the mayor warned.

He added, “Nakakalungkot dahil kahit panahon ng Kapaskuhan ay walang pinalalampas ang mga scammer na ito. Mag-ingat po tayong lahat (It is saddening that because it is the Christmas season, these scammers will not miss any opportunity. Please be careful).”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Did you encounter any scammers online or in person this Christmas season? If you are running business eager to make money during the Christmas season, have you developed a strategy to determine if there are scammers among your customers?

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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Las Piñas receives 2022 SubayBayani special award, the only NCR city to receive it

December 20, 2022December 15, 2022carlocarrasco

Last week, the City of Las Piñas got awarded and it turns out to be the only city in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) to receive it, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Department of Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) awarded the city government of Las Piñas with the 2022 SubayBayani special award for its notable performance in the result –based monitoring and evaluation of local government unit (LGU) infrastructure project.

The city government is the only city in the NCR that received the award on Monday, Dec. 12, during the awarding rites held at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the special award for SubayBayani is given to recognize the excellent and consistent performance of the LGUs’ focal persons in the conduct of overall implementation and monitoring of LGU infrastructure projects enrolled in the SubayBayan platforms.

Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar received the award for the city from the DILG for citing the notable accomplishments of the city government’s programs through the SubayBayan.

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? How familiar are you with the SubayBayani award?

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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