By achieving a high rate of COVID-19 vaccination of its residents, the City Government of Las Piñas received a commendation from the Department of Health (DOH), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Standard report. Some parts in boldface…
Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire commended the Las Piñas city government for recording a high number of fully vaccinated residents against Covid-19.
Vergeire witnessed the special holiday season vaccination drive as part of the DOH’s “Bakunahang Bayan: Biyayang Proteksyon sa Paskong Pamilya” that was held at the Almanza Uno covered court in Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Vergeire praised Mayor Imelda Aguilar for administering vaccines to around 58.92 percent of its population which is more than the average set by the national government.
Aguilar said the city government has vaccinated over 464,000 individuals from the 18-59 age group, with 70 percent getting their first booster.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you satisfied with what the City Government achieved with regards to the local COVID-19 vaccination efforts done so far? Did you encounter any anti-vaccine fanatics lately? Did any anti-vaccine activist harass you?
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
In the City of Las Piñas, an integrated resort and casino will be established as the project has been officially announced by business tycoon and former Philippine Senator Manny Villar, according to a Manila Standard news report. The project has the potential to make the city a hot spot for tourism, entertainment and gambling.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Standard report. Some parts in boldface…
Billionaire Manuel Villar is betting on the recovery of the gaming business as he plans to start developing a $1-billion integrated resort and casino in Las Pinas City next year.
Villar said in an interview with reporters he would convert Vista Mall Global South mall, which sits on a 80-hectare property, into a casino with hotels.
The group will initially develop nine hectares where the mall, which has 18,000 square meters of gross floor area, is located.
Villar said he was looking at the Las Vegas model where the casino would have other attractions like theme park, theatres, restaurants, retail, hotels, condotels and non-gaming components.
The group is now in talks with potential foreign partners for the venture, he said.
He said the planned casino would be adjacent to the international airport just like the four other integrated resort and casinos in the government-sponsored Entertainment City in Paranaque.
The casino industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic following the closure of international borders and the implement of quarantine restrictions. With the easing mobility this year, the gaming industry began to slowly recover, but has yet to get close to pre-pandemic levels as China, the country’s second top source market for tourists, continued to implement strict border controls because of its zero-Covid policy.
Villar said that aside from the casino, he is also bullish on the real estate sector, as his listed property Vista Land & Lifecapes Inc. is set to launch 41 projects next year. This would be an all-time high for the company in terms of project launches.
“We have not done this before. We have not launched this scale,” Villar said.
He said nearly all Vista Land’s businesses including retail, office and property development were back to pre-pandemic levels.
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 planned integrated resort and casino will add significantly to the economy of the city? How many new jobs do you think the project will create for the city?
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 fans, 20th century arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1989 and explore a part of Marvel Comics’ universe through the reimagined tales emphasized in the What If monthly series (Volume 2).
For the newcomers reading this, I previously reviewed a variety What If comic books which you can find by clicking here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. The joy of reading a What If comic book was the exploration of alternate outcomes in relation to the stories that have been counted by Marvel Comics as canon or official fictional history within their shared comic book universe. In this retro review, we will explore a key event from Spider-Man’s time with the alien costume (symbiote) which is related with the events of Secret Wars and the eventual establishment of his deadliest nemesis Venom.
With those details laid down, here is a look back What If #4, published in 1989 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Danny Fingeroth and drawn by Mark Bagley.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with the Watcher examining Spider-Man’s involvement with the Secret Wars that took place on a faraway planet created by the Beyonder. There, his costume got damaged beyond repair and he acquired a new one made of what he perceived to be an advanced form of material. After successfully returning home, Spider-Man goes through some mysterious developments and he could not understand why he remains fatigued even as he spent more time sleeping.
With the help of Mr. Fantastic at the Fantastic Four headquarters, Spider-Man learns that his new costume is a living entity that has attached itself to him mentally and physically. As Mr. Fantastic uses a sonic blaster, Spider-Man and the alien costume got separated at last. Some time later, the alien costume re-attached itself to Spider-Man who eventually used church bells loud sounds to separate it. The alien costume would go on to the find Eddie Brock to form Venom.
The alternate reality begins with Spider-Man having a joyful reunion with Black Cat shortly after coming back from Secret Wars. Learning from her advise to have himself checked properly, he visits Dr. Connors (the Lizard) for examination and testing…
Quality
The possessed Spider-Man takes on Dr. Strange and the Hulk without hesitation.
To say that Danny Fingeroth’s script is very deep is an understatement. Specifically, this story is a great exploration of alternative events that not only affects the iconic Spider-Man/Peter Parker but also other elements of the Marvel Comics universe of the time. The concept of the alien costume fully bonding with Peter Parker with Mr. Fantastic and even Dr. Strange failing to help is indeed suspenseful and intriguing to read thanks to Fingeroth’s very solid writing. In fact, the story even shows Spider-Man as being possessed by the symbiote (complete with dialogue) and when you witness Peter Parker struggling to control himself consciously (while wrestling with the alien costume), you will really feel his pain. I should also state that there is a lot more about Spider-Man told here that goes beyond the possession which really turned out to be very compelling to read in my experience. This is easily the most engaging alternate portrayal of Spider-Man as we know him and it should be read by as many people as possible.
Along the way, this comic book portrays the alien costume as an insatiable being and the implementation of dialogue for it (structured in a way as using the vocal ability of the powered being it bonded with) gave it a very unique personality of its own. This is something that was not portrayed in the early appearances of Venom in which Eddie Brock does the talking and reacting to unseen messages from the symbiote. That being said, the alien costume here symbolizes possession within the Marvel Comics shared universe and its unknown state really challenges not only the intelligence of the superheroes but also their ability to decide on what final action to take with regards to sentient life.
As staged by the writer, the story’s narrative occasionally shifts away from Spider-Man to follow other characters such as Black Cat (Peter Parker’s love at the time), Mr. Fantastic (in a great portrayal of his proficiency in science and as a responsible superhero), Thor and others which made the reading experience really immersive in relation to emphasizing how this alternate reality affects others. You will get to see the Captain America, the Hulk, Iron Man, the Wasp, Captain Marvel, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers here.
Those who are fond of superhero spectacle will have a lot to enjoy here. Mark Bagley carefully paces the action scenes and he uses visual dynamism during the right moments.
Conclusion
Through dialogue, the alien costume is portrayed as a sinister force.
I can say it out loud…What If #4 (1989) is one of the best Marvel Comics alternate reality stories I have ever read and the creative team of Fingeroth-Bagley crafted an epic tale that goes beyond the featured question of “What if the alien costumer had possessed Spider-Man?”. The comic book works excellently as both a Spider-Man story as well as a Marvel superheroes struggle. The story touches on relevant topics such as possession, killing and scientific exploitation. This is a must-have comic book!
Starting December 12, 2022, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will start a new round of voter registration processes going into the new year. Along the way, they will launch their new project called the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) on December 17, 2022 and it will last a little over a month. According to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report, RAP will be limited to new voters and transfer-of-registration registrants.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reminded the public that the Register Anywhere Project (RAP), which is set to be pilot-tested next week, is only limited to new voters and transfer of registration registrants.
In Comelec Resolution No. 10869, the Commission en banc said these applications are the ones to be accepted in the RAP booths, to be initially located at five malls in Metro Manila.
“The Commission shall initially implement the RAP by conducting pilot testing, where only applications for New Registration and Transfer from Another City/District/Municipality shall be accepted,” it added.
Under the project, qualified applicants residing in the Philippines may register by submitting their application form, documentary requirements and have their biometrics taken on-site.
After which, submitted documents and captured biometrics data will be endorsed and transmitted to the Office of the Election Offcier of the district/city/municipality having jurisdiction over the residence of the applicant.
The pilot test of RAP will be held every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 17, 2022 to Jan. 22, 2023.
They are initially to be established at SM Fairview in Quezon City, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, SM South Mall in Las Piñas City, Robinsons Place in Manila and Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City.
There will be no registration on Dec. 24, 25, and 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023. The poll body has formed five RAP teams in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“Each RAP team shall be designated as a remote reception point of all OEOs (Offices of Election Officer),” the Comelec added.
Each team will be composed of at least two personnel to receive and process the applications and interview the applicants; one Acting Election Officer, who shall be authorized to administer the oath of applications on-site.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest series of from the COMELEC? If you are going to get registered as a new voter, are you planning to try out the RAP process?
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 progressive City of Muntinlupa, the 1st Mayor Ruffy Biazon Swim Cup was held at the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center and it easily attracted over a thousand swimmers who engaged in varied contests, according to a Manila Standard news report. The big reception of the event – which was attended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Congressman Jaime Fresnedi and a lot of other notable officials – could be the first of many signs that Muntinlupa City will emerge as a hot spot for swimming and other aquatic events as far as Philippine sports development is concerned. The next aquatic event in Muntinlupa will happen a few days from now.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…
A record number of 1,200 swimmers participated in the 1st Mayor Ruffy Biazon Swim Cup on Saturday at the newly built Muntinlupa Aquatic Center in Muntinlupa City.
The organizing Swim League Philippines, headed by president Fred Ancheta, said the listup has already reached the maximum number of entries (700) as early as last week, but due to insistent public demand from swim clubs and organizations and after consultation with the city administration, the registration was extended further.
Equipped with modern equipment under FINA world standards, the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center is expected to be the center of swimming competitions from clubs based in the South.
This early, Ancheta said the Office of the Mayor is expected to sign a memorandum of agreement to make the center the official home of the SLP swimmers and its affiliated clubs and organizations.
“We’re grateful with Mayor Ruffy Biazon for hosting this event. With the enthusiasm from swimmers, coaches and parents to be part of this historic opening of the world-class swimming pool in Muntinlupa, the number of participants reached more than what we expected,” said Ancheta.
“Sa sobrang tuwa ni Mayor Ruffy Biazon he will host another event. Those who wish to compete at the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center, you may join The Holiday Swim Cup on December 10, 2022,” added Ancheta.
A nice shot from the event. (photo credit: Muntinlupa PIO)
MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER AWARDEES
Highest FINA Points (Boys)
🏅 Kyle Bagusto
🏅 Marcus Johannes De Kam
🏅 Amber Araño
🏅 Wyatt Santos
🏅 John Patrick Leo Hondrade
🏅 Julian Louwers De Kam
🏅 Kristoff David
🏅 Emerson Matienzo
🏅 Joaquin Sto. Domingo
🏅 Chris Jimuel Mallari
🏆 MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER AWARDEES
Highest FINA Points (Girls)
🏅 Riannah Chantelle Coleman
🏅 Clara Yzabela Delos Santos
🏅 Ucary Phearl Sevilla
🏅 Shinloah Yve San Diego
🏅 Alyssa Cabatian
🏅 Daniella Anne Gregorio
🏅 Michaela Trinidad
🏅 Rafee Balbuena
🏅 Darcy Aliyah Tongos
🏅 Renee Margaret Diaz
Team Standing:
Class ABC
🏆 Champion, Poseidon Swimming Team
🏆 First Runner-up, Eastern Aquatics Swimming Team
🏆 Second Runner-up, Dax Swim Team
🏆 Third Runner-up, Sharpeedo Swim Team
🏆 Fourth Runner-up, Pasig Rave Barracudas Swim Team
🏆 Fifth Runner-up, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
🏆 Sixth Runner-up, Bosay Resort Aquatic Club
Class D
🏆 Champion, Swim RX Swim Team
🏆 First Runner-up, San Pablo Titans Swim Club
🏆 Second Runner-up, Aqua Athlete Swim Club
🏆 Third Runner-up, Poseidon Swimming Team
🏆 Fourth Runner-up, Mako Sharks Swim Team
🏆 Fifth Runner-up, Pontefino Razorback Swim Team
🏆 Sixth Runner-up, Body and Mind Swim Club
“I would like to congratulate the City of Muntinlupa, for this amazing facility na first time in Metro Manila that we have this kind of facility, and the hardworking people behind this world-class facility. And I hope na it will really help the grassroots swimming program in our country to help boost the grassroot development of our swimmers and athletes,” Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon stated via the City Government’s December 5, 2022 Facebook page post.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his remarks. (photo credit: Muntinlupa PIO)
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are you excited about the prospects of the city becoming a major destination for aquatic and swimming events? Have you visited the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center already? If you are organizing a triathlon club, would you consider the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center as a venue for your training?
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
In Las Piñas City, the City Government announced that it will be ramping up its efforts to elevate local tourism and attract tourists (both local and foreign) according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, the most popular tourist destination in the city is the Bamboo Organ which hosts an annual festival of music.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas supervising tourism operation officer Paul San Miguel said the city government will improve the approach in promoting local tourism.
San Miguel said he took a two-day master class together with other tourism officers in the National Capital Region (NCR) at the Mariot Hotel Clark in Pampanga to have a better perspective of the tourism industry and their role toward recovery.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) called on the tourism officers association to attend the master class on Nov. 28 and 29 to help promote tourism now that the country is slowly recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
San Miguel said DOT-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin initiated the gathering of NCR tourism association officers to give them additional ideas in promoting most visited tourist attractions in their respective areas that will help in the recovery of the economy.
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? When it comes to local tourism, how many times per year do you get to visit the Bamboo Organ? What other sites within the city do you find worthy of being tourist attractions? Do you think Las Piñas City should host special events like fashion shows, comic conventions (Comic Con) and film festivals which could potentially attract tourists into the city?
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
In Las Piñas City, operations conducted by the police resulted in the busting of an online live scam arresting three suspects – including two foreign nationals – recently, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday announced the arrest of three suspects, including two Nigerian nationals, who were engaged in an online love scam, during operations in Las Piñas City on Saturday.
In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. identified the suspects as Leanna Veronica Padua, 23; Nigerians Precious Samuel and Ushahemva Ijirzua, both 23, who were arrested by PNP Anti-Cyber Crimes Group agents.
They were nabbed during joint police operations of the Southern District Anti-Cybercrime Team and Las Piñas City police for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code on swindling/estafa in relation to Section 5(a) and (b) and Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, also known as Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
According to the report, the complainant is a 55-year-old female who allegedly was befriended by a certain “Philip Brian” in one social media site, and their online affairs continued using a smart mobile phone application.
The suspect managed to borrow money from the victim, amounting to PHP230,000 via a money transfer.
The investigation showed that after a few days, the suspect continued to ask for money from the victim.
Eight money transfers were solely sent under the name of Leanna Veronica Padua, four transactions were claimed in Pulang Lupa Uno, Las Piñas City, and another at a mall in Las Piñas.
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? Do you know anyone who is engaging in online love scams? Do you know anyone who has been engaging with individuals emotionally online through social media?
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 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.
To put things in perspective, the origin of Venom started within the events of the 1980s series Secret Wars which took place in a far-away planet. As a result of that series, Spider-Man returned home wearing the alien symbiote as a costume which turns out to have a mind of its own. After Spider-Man successful separate himself from the symbiote (again) using the loud bells of a church, the living costume eventually found a desperate Eddie Brock and bonded with him to form Venom. In the late 1980s comics of Amazing Spider-Man, Venom became the deadliest enemy Spider-Man ever faced.
Going into the early 1990s, Venom’s popularity continued to grow tremendously. He became one of Marvel’s most popular non-hero type of characters and helped sell a lot of comics for the publisher. Knowing they had something to sell, Marvel approved a 6-issue limited series showcasing Venom. It was also the most anticipated comic book among collectors right after DC Comics killed Superman with Superman #75 (1993).
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Venom: Lethal Protector #1, 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 in San Francisco, California. Deep within the city, a man cornered a lady at the dead end of an alley. Just as he was about do something bad to her, Venom leaps in at them. Totally surprised, the man was easily grabbed by Venom who lifted him and hit the wall bodily. Using his costume, Venom then chokes the man to death through the mouth and nose. Venom then picks up the lady’s purse and gives it to her. As soon as Venom leaves, the shocked lady runs away screaming.
Venom swings and leaps as he travels through the city. While traveling, Eddie Brock tells his living costume that while their hatred towards Spider-Man got reconciled a bit, the said superhero also helps the innocent. Eddie then reveals that he was born in San Francisco and they can start a new life together in it. Secretly, Venom turns into Eddie Brock in his civilian form. As Brock walks down the sidewalk, police officers nearby recognize him. It turns out. Eddie Brock was listed by police as a wanted person…
Quality
Spider-Man and Venom face each other unexpectedly.
Focusing on the plot, this story took place after the events in Amazing Spider-Man #375 (1993) which was released AFTER this particular comic book. As a standalone Venom story, this one clearly portrays him more of a vigilante in the sense that he goes up against a new force of evil that happens to be pouncing on people that Venom believes to be innocent and powerless. Unsurprisingly, Venom does not seek the help of law enforcers to help the innocent but rather he takes violent action to help the victims, going as far as to kill the so-called bad guys. The bad guys in this story work under a powerful man whose son was killed by Venom a few years prior. Within the context of this comic book, the new force of evil was introduced in subtle ways.
With extensive experience writing tales about Spider-Man and Venom, David Michelinie clearly redefined Venom’s beliefs here. Venom believes in protecting the innocent but he is much more violent and is relentless with cruelty which makes him a clear opposite of Spider-Man. Yet in a way, Venom sure talks and acts in a rather psychotic way and this alone makes him a very unlikable comic book protagonist.
Along the way, the iconic Spider-Man got a rather huge chunk of the spotlight in this comic book making him the 2nd lead next to Venom. I remember back in 1993 when there were Venom fans who complained about Spider-Man literally stealing the thunder away from his greatest enemy while there were a few Spider-Man fans who defended the icon’s guest participation in the story as he has always been linked with Venom’s origin. Considering the lack of depth in the plot, I can say Spider-Man appearance her served as a somewhat helpful filler.
Conclusion
Helping victims does NOT justify killing. This makes Venom a major turn-off as a comic book protagonist.
Venom: Lethal Protector #1 (1993) is a comic book that can be alienating, especially when you are not a Venom fan. I find Venom too evil and too unbelievable to be a heroic figure even though he strong believes in protecting and helping the innocent. In my view, he is more of vigilante living with the delusion of achieving something worthwhile as he interacts with people who happen to be not assisted by the many, many Marvel Comics superheroes. It is not surprising that Venom definitely will never be a good role model. He is a murderer and the act of helping victims never justifies murder. The comic book’s plot lacks weight and Mark Bagley’s art looked a little rushed. What made this comic book interesting are Venom and Spider-Man themselves. Yes, there is a lot of superhero spectacle here but don’t expect anything new when you see Spider-Man and Venom resume their violent rivalry. This comic book is unsurprisingly a warm-up of things to come within its series. It is not a terrible literary work. It’s just not really good and it did not deserve the hype and sales of its time.
Overall, Venom: Lethal Protector #1 (1993) is serviceable.
This past weekend (Saturday night of December 3, 2022) inside Tahanan Village, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, the Century Club of Tahanan, Inc. (CCTI) organized its first Christmas party in years and it attracted a huge reception from its members and guests, and several top officials of the City Government of Parañaque – including the new Mayor and Vice Mayor – attended and greeted the constituents. Indeed, the city, its communities and the nation are gradually moving forward from the downturn of COVID-19 and there is greater confidence among the people to gather and celebrate Christmas together now that restrictions have eased a lot.
According to CCTI president Florencia Umali, there were around one hundred fifty seniors who attended. Around two hundred people in total attended. The party was held at the covered basketball court located a short walk away from the village clubhouse.
“After two years of pandemic, (the) people (were) happy to see their neighbors and friends,” Umali stated.
A view of the party with the guests enjoying a dance which involved Mayor Eric Olivarez.
Several guests lined up for drinks and meals.
Guests dancing to the music.
Having been present at the party myself, the atmosphere was festive, lots of people enjoyed the food and drinks as well as the music, dancing and raffle draw. Compared to what I attended in 2019, the Saturday night Christmas party atmosphere has this strong sense of normality. Guests were more confident to socialize with each other.
As with their Christmas part of 2019, the CCTI’s credibility as a private senior citizen’s club of Tahanan Village was realized yet again as City Mayor Eric Olivarez, Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte-Densing and City Councilors Rico Golez, Nina Sotto, Bong Benzon plus former Councilor Wahoo Sotto graced the party.
Notable Parañaque figures with the locals. Among them were (from L to R) Belle Golez (Rico Golez’s wife), Councilor Nina Sotto (wife of Wahoo Sotto), Mayor Eric Olivarez, Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte-Densing, Councilor Rico Golez, and former Councilor Wahoo Sotto.
CCTI president Flor Umali (2nd from right), a member and the Sottos pose with the lady whose raffle number was called for the prized bike.
The City Government officials interacted with guests and delivered their special greetings. Noticeably, new Councilor Nina Sotto gave a slew of public service updates while new Vice Mayor Villafuerte-Densing admitted that this was just her third time to be in Tahanan Village given the fact that she is based in District 1 of the city (note Tahanan Village and Barangay BF Homes are part of District 2). New Mayor Eric Olivarez delivered his remarks to the guests and danced to entertain everyone.
When asked about future activities or events of the CCTI, Umali confirmed that there will be a Valentine’s party for senior citizens.
New Mayor Eric Olivarez greeted the guests.
Looking back at the Christmas party of CCTI, it was really nice to see the return to normalcy as well as the spirit of Christmas getting celebrated inside Tahanan Village which is the premier residential community of Barangay BF Homes. For those who want to discover more about Tahanan Village and its history, check out their official publication-of-record Our Home Tahanan.
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
For the newcomers reading this, the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), HOKA, Filinvest New Clark City, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Fissan and Fitbar with Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), New Clark City and the local government of Capas, Tarlac as the venue partners, attracted hundreds of registered participants locally as well as some from overseas. It is also part of the selection process of choosing athletes who will compete in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia (for references, click here and here). Casares and Alcoseba, who are members of the national team, are among the top triathletes of Southeast Asia. Casares is the SEA Games gold medalist in men’s triathlon and Alcoseba the SEA Games bronze medalist in women’s triathlon.
To put things into perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Filipino-Spanish Fernando Jose Casares lived up to expectations after ruling the sprint distance men’s elite category of the 2022 National Duathlon Championships at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac on Sunday.
Born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games gold medalist Casares finished the 5,000(run)-20,000-(bike)-2.500(run) race in 58 minutes and 3 seconds to beat fellow national athlete John Chicano Leerams of Olongapo City (58.09) and promising duathlete Maynard Pecson of Baguio City (58.13).
“I’m glad I had a good performance here,” said the 26-year-old Casares, whose mother is from Valenzuela City. He got his dual citizenship in 2018.
Casares had competed at the World Games in Alabama, USA last July. He also won the mixed relay gold medal with Chicano, Kim Mangrobang, Clair Adorna at the 2019 Manila SEA Games.
In the women’s category, Cebuana Raven Faith Alcoseba clocked 1 hour, 6 minutes and 32 seconds to claim the gold medal.
“The course was challenging, I’m happy to win,” said the 20-year-old civil engineering student from De La Salle University. She debuted in the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games with a bronze medal in triathlon.
The 5-foot-2 Alcoseba, who hails from Talisay in Cebu, defeated Singaporean Louisa Middleditch (1:07.10) and Merry Joy Trupa of Tarlac City (1:08.50).
Matthew Justine Hermosa, also a native of Talisay, registered 1:01.46 to pocket the gold medal in the junior elite men’s category of the tournament organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) headed by Tom Carrasco Jr.
Irienold Reig Jr. of Batasan Hills in Quezon City took the silver medal with a time of 1:02.40 while Aidan Reed Mercado, a grade 12 student from Muntinlupa National High School, settled for the bronze medal with a time of 1:03.24.
The top three winners in the junior women’s elite category were Jena Valdez (1:11.35), Lady Samantha Jhunace (1:11.39) and Sophia Kyra Capistrano (1:14.49).
Meanwhile, Bases Conversion and Development Authority Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Group Arrey Perez appreciated the feedback from the participants of the race supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.
“They are happy that the event was held here. The set up was very nice. The venue was really world-class,” said Perez, who served as mayor of the 2019 SEA Games Athletes Village inside the New Clark City Sports Complex.
Author Carlo Carrasco 