In a move to boost the Philippines’ standing in international tourism, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the priority measure of providing Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists, 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…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law a measure providing refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) for foreign tourists to attract more travelers and position the country as a “premier global shopping destination.”
Republic Act (RA) 12079 or the VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists will establish a VAT Refund System on locally purchased goods, Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial signing in Malacañang.
Under the new law, tourists can claim a refund on the VAT for goods personally purchased at accredited retail outlets, provided these goods are taken out of the country within 60 days and meet a minimum transaction requirement of PHP3,000.
This initiative opens a new chapter in the Philippines’ tourism landscape, according to the President, allowing the country to compete with other tourism markets that attract tourists who are eager to take home authentic, high-quality Filipino products.
With the new law, an estimated 30 percent increase in tourist spending is projected which will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises.
“These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” Marcos said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? With the new law signed already, do you expect it to help the Philippines attract more foreign tourists as well as better spending from each of them during they stay in the country?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local police arrested a foreign national for illegally possessing a firearm and committing a grave threat, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recovered from the suspect was an air gun revolver, 25 air gun pellets and some live ammunition.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from new report the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A Japanese national was arrested for grave threat and violation of RA 10501 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Las Piñas City Police Chief Col. Sandro Tafalla said the suspect, identified as alias “Yasuhiko,” 62, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulanglupa Dos, Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said Yasuhiko was arrested after a 20 year-old motorcycle rider filed a complaint against him for poking a gun at him during a heated argument for refusing to bring him home in Parañaque City.
He said the victim sought police assistance from patrolling policemen along Naga Road, Las Piñas City which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Were there any gun-related incidents that happened within your local community over the past thirty days?
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 1990s.
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. Jangou Lady arcade flyer
If you were to play Mahjong digitally, does sex appeal motivate you to do so?
Are you fond of playing the tile-based game Mahjong? Believe it or not, there were indeed ways to play Mahjong in digital form inside the arcade or in gambling joints in Japan. The game Jangou Lady allows users to play rounds of Mahjong but with a notable additive – the digital art of women which serves as an attraction. In the sex appeal is clearly evident on this arcade flyer from the 1980s.
2. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi arcade flyer
Really nice art based on the movie.
Way back in 1983, Return of the Jedi delighted moviegoers in the cinemas throughout America. Behind the scenes, video game giant Atari acquired the movie license to make the 1984 arcade game Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The arcade flyer’s front featured a highly detailed hand-drawn art of Darth Vader, the Death Star, Luke Skywalker and Storm Troopers on hover bikes, and the Millennium Falcon which reflect the selected elements of the movie that were turned into playable sections. The image of the arcade machine was understandably inserted as it came with an unusual controller. This flyer is still captivating to look at.
3. Over Drive arcade flyer
This arcade flyer is a reminder that Konami was notable for hiring pretty and sexy women for their print ads.
In 1990, Konami produced a racing game for the arcades with a unique style of presentation. That game was Over Drive and it stood out among the many racing games in the arcade mainly because of its first-person view (with a digital version of the steering wheel and driver’s hands at the bottom of the screen) and unique approach on sprite-scaling. To promote the game, Konami hired sexy models for photography for use in both the arcade flyer and the exterior images on the machine. Having sexy models posing with a winning driver added to the motorsport racing vibe needed to promote the game.
4. American Gladiators for NES print ad
I saw American Gladiators on TV but never played this game.
American Gladiators was a syndicated TV show that featured a variety of games in which amateur athletes compete with the established gladiators to succeed and become the next American Gladiator. Due to its success, it was not surprising that video game adaptations of the show were realized just a few years after its debut. In 1991, GameTek released the American Gladiators game on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and promoted it with this print ad that showcased their established gladiators of the time. This ad’s design was made to catch the attention of the fans.
5. Arch Rivals for NES print ad
I remember seeing a lot of people crowding in front of an Arch Rivals machine in the local arcade long ago.
Years before NBA Jam, there was Arch Rivals. Arch Rivals was a full court basketball video game in which players are allowed to punch players from the opposition in order to steal the ball and score. Over a year after the game’s 1989 arcade debut, the NES version was released and the publisher came up with a print ad showcasing a hilarious and cartoony artwork (the same art used for the game’s box cover) which gave readers a clear idea of what to expect. The art used is timeless and it still is funny to see.
6. Sega Sports print ad
See any Sega Sports video game you like?
Back in the 1990s, Sega excelled with sports video games. They were so aggressive, they established their sub-brand Sega Sports and this particular print ad showed one page promoting assorted sports video games (basketball, golf, baseball, tennis, boxing and American football) for the Sega Genesis and the other page with an exaggerated image of a guy with the line “Relive your jock itch” posted. Historically, a lot of American players and owners of the Genesis are slightly older than those on NES and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) during the 1990s and the strong sports games approach is a key factor.
7. Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties print ad
When I first saw this print ad, it did not interest me as the presentation is lousy.
The 3DO console is remembered for having a lot of games that used full-motion videos and photo slides regardless of what game designs came with them. Back in the 1990s, games designed as visual novels or dating simulations were still new in console gaming in the West. Following the PC version’s release, a 3DO port of Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties came out in 1994 and it received overwhelmingly negative reviews. The print ad here promoted the game as “an interactive romantic comedy” and fake quotes were displayed to fool ignorant readers that the game was entertaining. The print ad’s visual design had a mess of poorly implemented images. Ironically, this ad accidentally gave readers the idea that it was a slideshow game.
8. Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story and Demolition Man games print ad
If you saw the movies, did you play their respective video game adaptations?
The 1990s is remembered for the many movie-based video games that got released. Back in those days, a lot of Hollywood movie productions had video game adaptations as part of the business process and this is evident with the Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story and Demolition Man games released by Acclaim. For this particular print ad, the marketing team came up with a single-page ad to promote the two games with heavy emphasis on movie imagery leaving little room left for screenshots and other details. The way I look at this old print ad, it seems that Acclaim was aiming for not just movie fans but also gamers who like 2D fighting games and 2D action-adventure games.
9. Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes print ad
This print ad by 3DO is still funny to see.
In the late 1990s, The 3DO Company focused mainly on producing video games on multiple platforms and they had their own video game franchise based on the green plastic figures with a military theme. In 1999, they released Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes for PlayStation and Nintendo 64 (N64). To market the game, they had a hilarious visual concept of several solders freezing on an ice tray as a long green soldier marching on. This print ad always caught my attention while reading game magazines and it still is funny to stare at.
10. Sega Ages print ad
I can only speculate that Sega accepted Working Design’s financial offer for the publishing rights in North America.
Sega Ages is a series of ports and remakes of Sega’s own games (arcade and console) bundled together as compilations released on the modern consoles of the time. While Sega itself published Sega Ages on their Saturn console and Europe, the North American compilation was published by Working Designs under their separate brand Spaz which this particular print ad showed. While the classic Sega games of After Burner II, OutRun and Space Harrier often caught my attention, this ad made me wonder why did not Sega publish this compilation on the Saturn in North America themselves. Looking at this ad now remains awkward.
11. Sega Saturn North American print ad
Did you ever own a Sega Saturn in 1995?
While a lot of gamers and retailers were caught off-guard by Sega’s surprise early launch of the Saturn console in America, they still went ahead aggressively marketing the machine knowing they have a few months’ head start before the American launch of PlayStation. This print ad was designed to intrigue readers showing a bald lady whose head was made to look like the planet Saturn and next to her were images of Sega’s hottest games of the time – Virtua Fighter 2 and Virtua Cop. Sega relied strongly on imagery to promote their console with this print ad. It was somewhat weird yet eye-catching.
12. NBA Action ’95: Starring David Robinson print ad
David Robinson was the MVP of the NBA in 1995 but he failed to lead his team to the NBA championship back then. He would late win the NBA championship in the shortened 1999 season.
As mentioned early, Sega was aggressive the sports videos games and almost all of them were their own console exclusives. Their tradition of hiring professional athletes as endorsers continued during the age of the Genesis and Game Gear when they hired an NBA superstar as an endorser resulting in the Sega Sports basketball game titled as NBA Action ’95: Starring David Robinson. By the time the video game was released, Robinson was already the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA. This print ad of Robinson in action still looks impressive but with a big catch – the superstar’s 1995 MVP achievement was arguably forgotten as he and his team (San Antonio Spurs) got eliminated by the Hakeem Olajuwon-led Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Finals. It did not help that Olajuwon outplayed Robinson a lot in that very playoff series. That is a sad reminder that also came with this Sega Sports print ad.
Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended four individuals for the illegal sale of firearms, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Four persons have been arrested in Paranaque City for illegal sale of firearms, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Friday, Dec. 6.
They were identified by the NBI as Jerome V. Nuyque, Maximo G. Ayawon, Michael Douglas E. Loleng, and Nilo M. Barnacha who were arrested by operatives of the bureau’s National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) during an entrapment operation last Nov. 28.
“Confiscated from the Subjects are one (1) Daniel Defense M4 Carbine Cal. 5.56mm with SN 527520; one (1) Bushmaster Cal. 5.56mm model xm15-E2S with SN L548760; four (4) 5.56mm magazines; twenty (20) live ammunitions cal. 5.56mm; one (1) black rifle tactical bag; two (2) dusted 1,000 peso bills with serial numbers TQ903190 and AU209221 with boodle money; one (1) Shooters Cal. 45 pistol with SN M04184865; twelve (12) Cal. 45 live ammunitions; one (1) CZ pistol Cal. 6.35 browning; and six (6) 6.35mm live ammunitions,” the NBI said.
It said its operatives conducted the operation in response to “a report about a certain group that operates illegal sale of high-powered firearms in NCR and nearby areas, in violation of RA No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the illegal sale of firearms could be rampant? Do you think Parañaque is becoming more unsafe to live in?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas which is sponsored by terrorist state Iran. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals, nobody from the political correctness extremists, and nobody from evil societies would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news…
In recent times, Israel and the Philippines officially signed a major agreement in relation to tourism developments and cooperation between them according to the announcement of the Israeli Embassy via social media. No less than the Minister of Tourism of Israel Haim Katz personally visited the Philippines and signed the agreement opposite Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Christina Frasco.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire social media post of the Israeli Embassy. Some parts in boldface…
Israel Tourism Minister Katz Visits the Philippines, Signs Joint Declaration with DOT
Signing of the joint declaration between Israel’s Minister of Tourism Haim Katz and Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco.
Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, is currently visiting the Philippines from 2-5 December 2024 as part of a strategic effort to enhance tourism relations between the two countries. Highlight of the visit is the signing of a joint declaration with the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco.
On December 3, Tourism Minister Katz and DOT Sec. Frasco signed the joint declaration to foster cooperation in the field of tourism between Israel and the Philippines.
“We are excited to see such strong interest from Filipino travelers to Israel,” said Minister Katz. “With the upcoming Jubilee Year, we anticipate even more Filipinos will be eager to experience the holy land and the rich history, culture, and hospitality Israel offers. We hope to see direct flights between Israel and the Philippines very soon, this will boost tourism and people to people exchange,” he shared.
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Ilan Fluss shared that the official visit of Minister Katz is proof of the strong, historically friendly bilateral relations between Israel and the Philippines, especially in the field of tourism. “I hope that this will encourage tourism exchanges between our nations, particularly with the visa-free travel for Filipinos to Israel and vice versa. I invite Filipinos to experience Israel not just as the Holy Land but to enjoy culinary and experience the Land of Innovation and Start-Up Nation,” he explained.
Minister Katz’s visit highlights Israel’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Philippine market, especially for divers and nature lovers. “Israelis find the Philippines an attractive destination for diving and water activities,” Ambassador Fluss said.
Since opening its tourism office in the Philippines in 2017, Israel has witnessed a remarkable 65% rise in Filipino visitors in its first year alone. In 2023, a record-breaking 33,000 Filipinos traveled to Israel.
During his stay, Minister Katz will promote Israel as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and engage with Filipino distributors of Israeli wine. He will also meet with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), connect with religious leaders in Manila, and hold discussions with the President of Philippine Airlines (PAL) to advance the goal for establishing direct flights between Israel and the Philippines. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and people to people exchange by making travel between the two countries more convenient and accessible.
This latest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through travel and cooperation. This opens more opportunities for my fellow Filipinos to visit the Holy Land in Israel while doing the same for Israelis to visit the Philippines for leisure and business opportunities (which will be helpful in building up the economy of the Philippines). As I said before, Israel-Philippines ties are essential!
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray to Him so that Israel-Philippines ties and cooperation will keep growing stronger in the years to come.
On the afternoon of December 8, 2024 along Concha Cruz Drive in BF Homes subdivision, the Concha Cruz Drive Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) had its Christmas fellowship that brought its legitimate members, guests and the heroes of the community together.
The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship was more than just a social gathering as it symbolized the truth that the homeowners’ association (HOA) and its residents need each other so that cooperation, unity and progress could be achieved. At the same time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and security guards of Praise Security and Investigation Agency, Inc. were called the community heroes for their essential contributions to the peace and security of the local community.
There were also several officials from the City Government of Parañaque who attended and interacted with the community members.
Indeed, under the current board of directors (BOD) of the CCDHAI led by its president Luis Isidro Bersamin, the Concha Cruz Drive community progressed over the past two years as it has turned more peaceful, more stable and the value of properties have soared along the way.
“You have seen our community has turned active and we are connecting with each other. Hopefully, we could do more next year,” CCDHAI president Bersamin said. “You may have noticed that our community has turned peaceful. I am happy to see the positive changes in our local community as we worked hard for these to happen.”
CCDHAI president Luis Isidro Bersamin delivering his remarks to the members and guests.
Bersamin also noted the increase in the number of legitimate members who responded to the invitations to be more involved in the association’s activities. His remarks drew cheers from the directors, the members and the guests (including Barangay BF Homes chairman Jeremy Marquez, Parañaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante, Parañaque City Councilor Bong Benzon with wife Sheila Benzon, and Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez’s legal counsel Atty. Rommel Frias).
Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez speaking during the fellowship.
“I admire your community’s activeness. I saw how your association is involved not only with the federation but also with our barangay. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank your president for helping the barangay when we have programs from the national government to take part in,” Barangay BF Chairman Jeremy Marquez stated in his short speech.
Parañaque City Councilor Bong Benzon addressed the CCDHAI community as his wife Sheila looked on. (photo source – CCDHAI)
The Parañaque Chief of Police PCOL Melvin R. Montante. (photo source – CCDHAI)
Other important figures who made it to the Christmas fellowship include Parañaque City Mayor Olivarez’s HOA consultant Marilu Glorioso, City Councilors Rico Golez, Beng Amurao, Jet Frias, Raffy Apiong Dela Peña and former City Councilors Wahoo Sotto and Jean Yllana. They each admired the CCDHAI for the progress and reforms achieved over the past two years.
The group of CCDHAI people and guests. Seated (Left to Right) were director Grace Morales, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, Parañaque City Councilor Rico Golez, this writer, City Councilor Beng Amurao and homeowner/member Nisa Moletti. Standing (L to R) were director Seth Bersamin, Seanma Bersamin, Sidong Bersamin, director Carlos Jamora and director Ryan Samia. (photo source – CCDHAI)
An indoor group selfie shot taken by director Carlos Jamora (foreground). Standing (L to R) were HOA consultant to Parañaque Mayor Olivarez Marilu Glorioso, director Grace Morales, this writer/blogger, Merle de Asis, Atty. Rommel Frias with his wife, Nikki Bersamin, Samito Bersamin, President Luis Isidro Bersamin, City Councilor Jet Frias, Atty. Jon Jamora and Ann Lopez. (photo source – CCDHAI)
The CCDHAI and the guests – including elements of the Philippine National Police and local security guards who are the community heroes – went to enjoy delicious meals, and socialize with one another. Adding zest to the fellowship was the release of Christmas prizes and all of the guests were able to pick something they desired before heading home.
“The CCDHAI Christmas fellowship proves that community participation in the HOA’s events benefits the homeowners, especially when the local government unit (LGU) steps in to help them with their needs. The best benefit of all, homeowners and the LGU officers get to know each other in a spirit of camaraderie,” director Grace Morales stated.
CCDHAI director and host Grace Morales gave the attendees an update about their association’s activities.
About CCDHAI
The Concha Cruz Drive community and the guests together. (photo credit – CCDHAI)
The Concha Cruz Homeowners Association, Inc. (CCDHAI) was founded in 2014. Its local community (composed of 67 households) includes specific parts of both Parañaque City and Las Piñas City.
The current BOD of CCDHAI include Luis Isidro Bersamin as President, and Alexis Sanchez as Vice President. Other members of the board include directors Seth Bersamin, Jaime Calaqui, Carlos Miguel Jamora, Grace Morales and Ryan Samia.
To contact the CCDHAI, call 85425277 or send email to ccdhainc@gmail.com
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, the City Government of Las Piñas officially received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the prestigious 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award during the awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel, according to the social media video post of the local government. In the news report of the Manila Bulletin, it was stated that this marks the first-time ever that Las Piñas City won an SGLG award.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar received the award on-stage during the ceremony. With her was her daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar. To watch the Facebook video post, click https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14uVkywyRA/
Previously the DILG announced the official list of city governments nationwide which qualified for the 2024 SGLG award and Las Piñas City was one of them. It should be noted that the DILG set the criteria that local government units (LGUs) should meet in order to qualify for the prestigious award.
For insight, the SGLG award is “a recognition given to local government units that meet the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) stringent criteria for excellent governance in 10 key governance areas: financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, health, education, business-friendliness, safety and order, environmental management, tourism and culture, and youth development.”
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 delighted to see your local government receive the 2025 SGLG award from the DILG? Do you think this newest achievement makes the future of the city look bright? Does the SGLG award make you trust your city government officials some more?
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 arts and culture enthusiasts, Image Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1995 to take a close look at one of the many tales of the original WildStorm universe through one of the comic books of the first mini-series of Team 7.
For the newcomers reading this, Team 7 is set in the past within the original WildStorm universe. This is the one special forces team that had major WildStorm heroes – Grifter (WildCATS: Covert Action Teams), Backlash, Jackson Dane (Wetworks), John Lynch (Gen13) and Deathblow – who were younger, were proficient with combat and were destined to gain special abilities that later defined them. Issue #1 reviewed last time worked well by efficiently introducing the characters while also building up the plot and there were some nice pay-offs here and there.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Team 7 #2, published in 1994 by Image Comics with a story written by Chuck Dixon and drawn by Aron Wiesenfeld. This is the 2nd chapter of the 4-issue mini-series.
The cover.
Early story
Set in the 1970s, a team of armed escorts and some personnel wearing protective gear isolate and examine a battlefield full of dead bodies. Miles Craven and Gabriel Newman analyze the evidence around them. Craven states that what they have is too important an operation to be left to underlings and he wants Gabriel to stay with the project which could use his special talents. Shortly after, the bodies of the Team 7 members were retrieved barely alive.
Seven days later, John Lynch wakes up in a hospital bed feeling traumatized over what happened to his team during the last mission. He was told that they were exposed to a chemical agent and he had been in a deep coma for a week.
Craven then enters the room to provide Lynch crucial updates…
Quality
Do you recognize Deathblow and Dane on this page?
As expected, the gritty and dark storytelling from the previous issue continued in this story. Without spoiling the plot, I can say that this issue has some handsome pay-offs to what was built-up in issue #1 and there were new build-ups established along the way. Because the script was crafted to build-up the plot and sub-plot, the military action scenes are lessened which is not surprising. I can assure you that Chuck Dixon’s writing here remains pretty strong.
While the previous issue served as an efficient introduction of the younger versions of WildStorm’s heroes who are in the middle of a world full of violence and espionage, this issue shed some light as to how the heroes dealt with their new abilities (in connection with the climax of issue #1) and how International Operations is handling matters behind closed doors. The suspense kept on building up and this made the narrative more intriguing to follow. Expect to see elements of high-level espionage, unethical science and war throughout.
When it comes to the characters, Lynch (being the captain of Team 7) has a huge share of the spotlight followed by Cole Cash (Grifter). The two have different views about their special forces duty – Lynch follows the superiors while Cole realizes something is wrong about their leadership and the intelligence fed to them.
Conclusion
This scene showing Cole Cash (Grifter) emerging from dark with a defiant tone is a very defining moment of this comic book.
Team 7 #2 (1994) is clearly a very engaging read. It has the fine mix of war (with uncompromising violence drawn by Wiesenfeld), intrigue and the dark side of global espionage. The science fiction element here worked well in explaining the powers Team 7 members got after what happened in issue #1. This comic book also marks the beginning of showing Lynch and Cole Cash as the co-leads among the teammates. Die-hard fans of Deathblow, Dane and Backlash will have to wait a bit before their favorites get their share of the spotlight. Regardless, this is a very powerful read and a fine example of doing a prequel within the original WildStorm universe.
Based on available details and key factors, an executive of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that the Philippines is unlikely to be hit by the planned tariff hikes of the returning United States President Donald Trump whose administration will formally start on January 20, 2025, 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…
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said Monday that the Philippines is unlikely to be targeted by the planned tariff hikes under the incoming administration of United States President-elect Donald Trump, citing the balanced and healthy trade relationship between the two countries.
Rodolfo noted that the Philippines’ trade deficit with the US stood at USD4 billion in 2023, far smaller than the deficits the US faces with other Asian countries, including China (USD300 billion), Vietnam (USD109 billion), Japan (USD75 billion), South Korea (USD55 billion), India (USD47 billion), and Thailand (USD43 billion).
“We believe that countries with which the US has a huge trade deficit—particularly those which worsened during the past four years—will be likely targets of additional US tariffs,” he said.
He added that this puts the Philippines in a strong position as the US looks to address trade imbalances.
“With the Trump administration’s focus on reducing trade deficit, the Philippines can leverage the balanced and healthy Philippines-US trade, indicating a mutually beneficial trade relationship,” the DTI official added.
Strengthening ties – Rodolfo said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go are working closely with the US government to ensure “even closer economic relations” with the long-time ally in preparation for Trump’s assumption into office.
He also pointed out that Trump’s pick for Department of State Secretary, Senator Marco Rubio, has been a strong proponent of closer economic and strategic ties between the US and the Philippines.
Rubio filed Senate Bill 4703, or the Philippines-US Strategic Partnership Act, which aims to enhance economic relations between the two countries.
The bill, filed on July 11, 2024, proposes to negotiate a critical minerals agreement with the Philippines; to prioritize support from the US International Development Finance Corporation for projects involving critical minerals and fossil fuels in the Philippines; and to identify additional US agencies that could invest in the Philippines, including the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines won’t be hit by Trump’s planned tariff hikes? Are you hoping that under a Trump presidency, the Philippines and America will be able to have a free trade agreement?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government participated in the nationwide gift-giving program of “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” which resulted in the release of Christmas gifts to one thousand five hundred children at a local venue, according to the local government’s social media announcement. The local gift-giving was facilitated by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
A total of 1,500 children in Las Piñas took part in the nationwide “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” gift-giving initiative on Sunday, December 8, at the Verdant Covered Court. The event, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, was held simultaneously across various local government units in the Philippines to spread holiday cheer to children.
In Las Piñas, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar facilitated the distribution of kiddie gift sets that included a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, watch, hygiene kit, coloring book, crayons, and a small toy. The event also featured interactive games, activities, and entertainment, making it a memorable celebration for children and their families.
Vice Mayor Aguilar thanked the President and First Lady for their efforts in spreading joy to children in Las Piñas. “President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos, maraming maraming salamat. Marami tayong pinasayang bata ngayong umagang ito. Maraming maraming salamat sa tulong mo sa Las Piñas. Mahal na mahal ka ng mga Las Piñero,” she said.
The “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” program is an annual initiative led by the Office of the President and the First Lady, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Were there any children from your local community who received gifts from the gift-giving?
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Author Carlo Carrasco 