In case you missed the news, direct loading to e-wallet services GCash and Maya using the app of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been disabled recently as the bank made changes, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news reported of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is phasing out its direct e-wallet loading feature for GCash and Maya on Feb. 13, 2025.
After this date, BPI customers will no longer be able to use the “Load E-Wallet” option within the BPI mobile app to fund their GCash or Maya accounts.
Instead, BPI is advising users to transfer funds via InstaPay and PesoNet using the “Transfer to other banks” function. Within this feature, customers can select “G-Xchange” for GCash or “Maya Philippines Inc/Maya Wallet” for Maya.
BPI explained that this shift is in line with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular 980, which outlines the National Retail Payment System Framework, and complies with recommendations from the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) as detailed in Advisory No. 2024-1104-020.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a BPI user who also has a GCash or Maya account, were you deeply affected by the recent changes? Do you find transferring money from BPI to an e-wallet service more inconvenient to do today?
Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, RPG enthusiasts and other gamers!
The long wait for the next Xbox-exclusive fantasy role-playing game (RPG) experience is finally over as Avowed has officially been released for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass (XGP Ultimate) today. Five days ago, the game developed by Obsidian Entertainment was released on early access for those who paid the premium for the privilege.
For the newcomers reading this, Avowed is the newest game from RPG specialist Obsidian Entertainment and it has a fantasy setting and a unique concept for gamers who enjoy in-depth exploration, intense action, consequential decision-making, engaging role-play and strong storytelling. Avowed is set in the fictional world called Eora and is also part of the same universe as seen in Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity.
To get oriented, watch the launch trailer below.
Is it really great? Is it worth purchasing at all?
As of this writing, the critical reception remains questionable even though a lot of gaming publications posted their respective reviews resulting in a collective average that keeps on changing. As of now, the collective critical average for Avowed is mostly positive but additional reviews could change that.
For some insight, watch the video reviews of Avowed from MrMattyPlays, Colteastwood, GameSpot, XboxEra and Pure Xbox.
If you want to watch some extensive gameplay footage of Avowed that could help you decide to go for the game or not, watch the videos below.
Having waited more than four years to play Avowed (read my previous posts by clicking here, here and here), I will play it on my Xbox Series X console but not immediately. I’d rather wait for Obsidian to patch the game first to fix the bugs and other technical problems. I’d rather play an improved version over its launch version. Here is hoping that Obsidian will be listening to gamers’ feedback and improve the game accordingly.
I should mention that Obsidian is also working on its other high-profile video game The Outer Worlds 2 which is actually a multi-platform release (including PlayStation 5).
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, roughly six hundred residents of Barangay Pamplona Uno got served when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
The City of Las Piñas, through the City Health Office, conducted another Health and Wellness Caravan on Thursday, February 6, at the Centraza Covered Court in Pamplona Uno. Around 600 residents availed themselves of free health services during the event.
The caravan offered a variety of services, including medical consultations, FBS/RBS screening, cholesterol examination, chest X-rays, ECG, dental services, and nutrition counseling. Other services included risk assessments for non-communicable diseases, pneumococcal vaccination for senior citizens, mobile birth registration, and assistance with Green Card and PhilHealth registration.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event along with City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, and City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez. Alelee Aguilar and Martin Andanar were also present to express support for the initiative.Their presence emphasized the city’s commitment to prioritizing accessible healthcare for its residents.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you know anyone who get served during a recent Health and Wellness Caravan?
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, two Chinese nationals were arrested by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for allegedly selling unregistered medicines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested two Chinese nationals allegedly involved in selling unregistered medicines in Metro Manila.
Agents of the CIDG-Detective and Special Operations Unit nabbed suspects Hu and Quan in a buy-bust at Concorde Village, Tambo, Parañaque City past midnight Saturday.
According to a news release Sunday, the CIDG agents confiscated two boxes of OTC 999 – Ganmaoling Keli, 20 boxes of Glucophage – Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-release tablets, two boxes of Amlodepine Besilate tablets, three boxes of Linou – Gliclazide tablets, two boxes of OTC – Longdan Xiegan pills, four boxes of Zhibai Dihuang pills, one box of Bear Bile powder, 12 boxes Diamicron – Gliclazide tablets and 16 boxes Bayaspirin – Aspirin Enteric-coated tablets.
The medicines, with an estimated market value of PHP15,000, are not registered with the Food and Drug Administration.
The suspects will be charged with violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9711 (FDA Act of 2009) which prohibits manufacturing, importation, export, sale, distribution and transfer of unregistered drugs.
CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to the sale of unregistered medicines.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, how many Chinese nationals are living within your local community right now? Did you notice any foreigners selling unregistered medicine locally? Why do you think Parañaque remains a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?
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
In connection with the recent raid on a particular travel and consultancy firm that was allegedly involved with the issuance of fake Philippine government documents, it seems that crime syndicates may have infiltrated certain agencies of the government, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that criminal syndicates may have infiltrated key government agencies following the recent raid on a travel and consultancy firm that allegedly facilitated the issuance of fraudulent Philippine government documents.
“The recent raid strengthens our suspicion that criminal syndicates have infiltrated agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine National Police (PNP),” Gatchalian said in a statement on Friday.
This came after members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) found birth and marriage certificates and a passport with a foreign national’s photo but a Filipino name during a raid at JRB Travel and Consultancy Services Inc. based in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.
Gatchalian, who has filed a bill to expand Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) authority and impose penalties on civil registrars involved in fraudulent registrations, urged law enforcement to intensify efforts in dismantling these illegal networks.
He cited cases wherein individuals reported paying large sums to the travel agency to secure the release of their detained partners, with one complainant claiming to have paid PHP900,000 to free her fiancé and another paid PHP1.1 million for her husband’s release after a Jan. 17 raid in a Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) center in Parañaque City.
In a press conference on Thursday, PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz described the raided travel agency as the “missing link” in the Senate’s ongoing investigation on POGOs.
He said the firm enabled foreigners to obtain government-issued documents, allowing them to stay in the country despite crackdowns on POGOs.
Aside from document forgery, Cruz revealed that personnel of the travel agency also impersonated PAOCC personnel to extort money.
Cruz, however, clarified that no actual PAOCC officers were involved in the scheme.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to find and arrest all the criminal elements who infiltrated government agencies? Do you think the law enforcers can put a stop on the forgery of government documents?
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 readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!
In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads – including arcade flyers – from the 1980s and to the year 2000.
For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers, posters and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.
With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…
1. Tutankham print ad
This print ad appeared in several comic books in 1983.
First released in the arcades in 1982, Tutankham is a 2D adventure game that had a mix of shooting, maze exploration and puzzle-solving with Egyptian settings and concepts. It made its way to the Atari 2600 published by Parker Brother, and it was this specific version I played. This game print ad appeared in comic books I read in 1983, and the people who made it implemented a hand-drawn art of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun dominating the space to emphasize the Egyptian setting. In fact, this ad made me think more of Egypt and left little to give me an idea of the game design.
2. Star Trek arcade flyer
The clever use of classic Star Trek imagery was used in this initial flyer by Sega.
Back in the 1980s, a futuristic design for an arcade machine like this one was mind-blowing.
I never played the Star Trek arcade game (full title: Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator) Sega released in 1983. I only saw its graphics and gameplay during an episode of Starcade. With its game design and visual presentation, Star Trek was a very ambitious arcade project for its time and Sega really went in to promote it. The initial arcade flyer (first one above) was meant to grab the attention of both gamers and arcade operators. The next arcade flyer (2nd one above) showed the ambitious design of the arcade machine made with player immersion in mind.
3. Battlezone arcade flyer
While the hand-drawn artwork was too detailed for the arcade game’s graphics, it still emphasized strongly the concept of the game.
In the history of video games, Battlezone was a groundbreaking game both visually and with game design. It was designed to give gamers an immersive experience of driving a tank with 3D graphics, fun gameplay and a first-person view. Its own history is worth researching. Atari knew it had to heavily promote their ambitious game and the arcade flyer above featured nice hand-drawn artwork while also showing the two types of Battlezone machines that arcade operators can choose from. Battlezone went on to become a highly influential arcade game.
4. Chrono Cross North American print ad
Arguably, this print ad was aimed at RPG enthusiasts, Chrono Trigger fans and gamers looking for something adventurous to play.
First released on PlayStation in Japan, Chrono Cross made its way to the said console in America just a few months before the PlayStation 2 launched there. While there was a risk that came with releasing the ambitious follow-up to the classic Chrono Trigger so late in the PlayStation’s life, Squaresoft (now Square Enix) still went on to aggressively promote Chrono Cross in America. This 2-page print ad that appeared in many gaming magazines remains captivating to look at. As typical of the time, 3D polygonal models and the epic-looking art were used in dominating fashion leaving the small space (lower-left corner) to display a few gameplay screenshots and other 3D art. Still it a fun game to play and this should remind you that Chrono Cross was recently remastered for modern consoles.
5. Ms. Pac-Man arcade flyer
The wife of Pac-Man and the machine.
Given the fact that Pac-Man was so massively successful, it was not surprising that a sequel had to be made and released on as many arcades as possible. Ms. Pac-Man was the sequel and it was released in arcades in 1982 eventually achieving huge commercial and critical success. To promote the game, Midway’s ad makers came up with an ad showing unique art of Pac-Man’s wife looking glamorous (with a driver and a vehicle in the background) and a photograph of the arcade machine on the right. This also was one of the early arcade flyers to use the words “femme fatale”.
6. Centipede arcade flyer
Three machines of Centipede for arcade operators to choose from.
Centipede is another arcade classic from Atari. Released in 1981, a lot of players enjoyed the game’s simplistic and yet addicting design of shooting an incoming centipede and its remaining portions that move down the field. Similar to the Battlezone arcade flyer, this game’s flyer had nice art of a centipede on the top and images arcade machines. Even by today’s standards, this flyer remains eye-catching.
7. Tempest 2000 print ad
This 2-page print ad of Tempest 2000 is still captivating to look at.
Back in the 1990s, Atari went on to release their Jaguar console which was promoted as a 64-bit machine. At a gaming convention, the company met with prospective game developers over Jaguar projects and one of the developers volunteered to do Tempest (a memorable Atari arcade game). This resulted in the development of Tempest 2000 which was a remake of the classic.
As a Jaguar-exclusive game, Atari came up with an eye-catching 2-page ad showing off the 3D visual presentation (6 gameplay screenshots and one original artwork) while boasting in the text description that Tempest 2000 was named the “Best of Show” at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The game was released in 1994 attracting mostly positive reviews from game critics and was one of the best-selling Jaguar games (note: Tempest 2000 can now be played in the Atari 50 collection). With the Atari legacy and presentation combined, this print ad remains captivating to look at.
8. Alien vs Predator print ad
Arguably the most defining and most entertaining game on the Atari Jaguar.
If there is any game that truly defined enjoyment and the technological features of the Atari Jaguar, it is the 1994 first-person shooter Alien vs Predator. At the time of its release, it was one of the most immersive games of the Alien vs. Predator crossover franchise and it allowed players to experience what fighting the Predator or the Xenomorph was like. The game also allowed gamers to play as a Colonial Marine (human soldier).
To sell the game, Atari came up with a 2-page ad highlighting the Aliens on one page and the Predator on the other. As the Predator was shown with a grotesque human skull, the use of photographs (most likely sourced from the movies) strongly emphasize the game was aimed at the mature audience among gamers. Six screenshots of gameplay were displayed by the ad makers who were clearly aware of the high popularity of first-person shooting games. Alien vs Predator was a critical and commercial success, and its print ad is arguably the most memorable one of any Atari Jaguar game ever made.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, almost four hundred residents of Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos got served when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, spearheaded by the City Health Office, reached San Antonio Valley 7 Covered Court in Pulanglupa Dos on Thursday, January 30. This initiative catered to thehealth and wellness needs of nearly 400 residents, affirming the city’s mission of providing accessible healthcare services.
Beneficiaries availed themselves of free medical consultations, dental services, laboratory tests such as cholesterol and blood sugar screening, chest X-rays, and ECG tests. The event also offered free medicines, PhilHealth registration, Greencard program assistance, and vaccinations for senior citizens. To promote sustainable wellness, vegetable seedlings, including high-value crops, were distributed by the City Agriculture Office.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, Alelee Aguilar, and City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos graced the event, extending their support to residents. City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, ensuring the seamless delivery of services throughout the day.
During the event, Dr. Gonzalez emphasized the importance of preventive care and early detection in fostering a healthier community.
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? When was the last time the Health and Wellness Caravan was organized in 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
There are still many hostages held by Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. For each hostage released under the current ceasefire (a very fragile one), Israel releases a lot of Palestinian prisoners. No matter what deception Hamas pulls off that gets magnified by the corrupted mainstream news media, Hamas cannot be trusted. Hamas can always harm the hostages secretly before deciding to release them. Remember that Hamas (which is supported by terrorist state Iran and Qatar) is guilty of murder and genocide when they committed the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel.
That being said, I encourage you all to keep praying the Lord Jesus to support Israel (which now has Trump-led America as its main ally) and to support the remaining hostages still under captivity. As for the hostages who released already, pray for them as they are struggling to recover and reconstruct their respective private lives.
Don’t let Hamas’ propaganda and the mainstream news media distract you! Keep having unwavering faith in the Lord and rely on His Word (the Holy Bible). Be uncompromising with your faith in the Lord.
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a new ordinance was approved resulting in the City Government to implement a zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses, 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…
The Muntinlupa City government will implement a zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2025-303, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “Institutionalizing Business E-Payment System (BeST) for Effective Implementation of the ‘Zero-Contact Policy’ in the Issuance of Business Licenses and Permits in Muntinlupa City.”
The ordinance stated that “in compliance to the mandate of all existing laws and national directives, the City Government of Muntinlupa through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) established Business E-Payment System (BeST) as an online platform to facilitate applications for new and renewal of business permits.”
BeST “allows electronic payments through various partner banks, e-wallets, and payment gateways and also provides an option of door-to-door delivery service.”
The ordinance added that “there is an urgent need to institutionalize the said system to support and enhance city services in pursuit of being a ‘smart city’ and be compliant with the said laws and national directives.”
It mandates the Muntinlupa BPLO to “adopt and establish Business E-Payment System (BeST) as an online platform of the City Government of Muntinlupa to facilitate application for, processing of, and issuance Of business licenses and permits for business entities, including, but not limited to, those owned and operated by individuals, partnerships, cooperatives, associations or corporations in the City of Muntinlupa.
“The BeST will guarantee the effective implementation of the ‘zero-contact policy,’ transparency and good governance that eliminates the possibility of graft and corruption with lesser personnel the taxpayer deals with,” the local law stated.
Under BeST, “electronic versions of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations with the same level of authority and containing the electronic signature of the authorized officer/s and seal of the City, which may be printed by the businesses in the convenience of their offices” shall be provided.
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, does the new zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses make a lot of sense?
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 superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1996 and explore a part of the Marvel Comic shared universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 monthly series.
To put things in perspective, the original Spider-Man 2099 monthly series that launched in 1992 lasted a total of 46 issues. The prolific author Peter David wrote the first 44 issues as he resigned from his duty in relation to the sudden firing of Marvel 2099 editor Joey Cavalieri in 1996. The previous issue was a great read.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #44, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Ron Lim.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins in the City of New York already flooded and infiltrated by lots of marine life. Under the water, Spider-Man and Roman the Sub-Mariner fight each other intensely as the foot of a gigantic sea monster is about to step in. At the last moment, Spider-Man saw the huge foot and instantly flipped away to survive with the Sub-Mariner.
After getting separated, Spider-Man gets out of the water to breath and immediately spots an organic-looking horn that the Sub-Mariner used to control the huge monster. Suddenly, on the aquatic humanoids appears to get the horn. Spider-Man then used his web to get the horn first which triggered the aquatic humanoid to move fast towards him.
Quality
The intense battle between Sub-Mariner and Spider-Man went on even as the huge sea monster is very near them in the city.
Without spoiling the plot, this comic book is a tale about a massive disaster and also a tale about the complicated legacy of Miguel O’Hara whose personal life is even more connected with the corporation he works for.
The huge disaster of New York getting flooded (which started in the previous issue) and Spider-Man fighting the leader of the mutates (genetically designed sentient beings) concluded in a really satisfying way. The futuristic webslinger really found himself struggling with the determined Sub-Mariner (motivated by what Alchemax did to the aquatic world) while dealing with the fact that so many citizens got displaced or even got killed by not only the huge flood but also by the presence of the gigantic sea monster. The stakes were really raised high for Spider-Man and the pay-off was really good.
The rest of the comic book deals with the intense meeting between Conchata O’Hara and Tyler Stone, Xina’s time with the Net Prophet, Gabriel O’Hara’s time with “father” Jennifer. Among the three sub-plots, the conflict between Conchata and Tyler is very intense and dramatic to read. More importantly, it was crafted by Peter David to be really believable and it ultimately added tension to the background and even the future of Miguel O’Hara (now a powerful Alchemax executive). This particular sub-plot is easily the most important one this comic book has and it will compel fans to revisit the 25th issue of this monthly series as well as issue #10.
While the sub-plot of Xina and the Net Prophet does not generate enough depth for this comic book, there is a big revelation made in the sub-plot of Gabriel and “father” Jennifer which will compel fans to revisit issues #40 and #41. In fact, nothing is ever simple regarding the origin of a specific villain of the 2099 universe.
When it comes to the artwork, this comic book is a downgrade compared to what was presented in issue #43 (drawn by Andrew Wildman). I’m not saying that Ron Lim’s art is bad, it’s just nowhere as good as that of Wildman’s art. In fairness, Ron Lim managed to make the city disaster look intense and he managed to make the characters look recognizable. In fact, Lim successfully made the Conchata-Tyler scenes look intense and dramatic.
Conclusion
The giant monster aspect of this comic book added intensity to the battle and the disaster. There were a few Godzilla vibes here and there.
As the final Peter David-written issue of this monthly series, Spider-Man 2099 #44 (1996) is undeniably a very solid reading experience. There were strong pay-offs executed here to what was built-up in the previous issues, and in typical fashion, David kept building up the other sub-plots. The conclusion to the Conchata-Tyler sub-plot is actually more powerful than that of the city disaster. Clearly, Peter David kept track of the character developments and events that previously happened and dramatized them nicely here. In fact, you will feel some sympathy towards Miguel O’Hara knowing how unfortunately complicated his family legacy really is.
Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #44 (1996) is highly recommended!
Author Carlo Carrasco 