To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Over 20,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) that will be used in the May 12, 2025 national and local elections are now in the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Saturday.
In a press briefing during a visit to a warehouse in Biñan, Laguna, Comelec Chair George Garcia reported that so far, 24,000 ACMs have been delivered by the joint venture of Miru Systems, service provider for next year’s polls.
Garcia showed 7,400 of the machines while there are still 7,000 to be released by the Bureau of Customs.
“Dapat ang commitment sa atin ng Miru para sa buwan ng August ay 20,000 lang so lumalabas sumobra sila sa kanilang commitment ng (Miru committed just 20,000 for August so they exceeded by) 4,000,” he said.
As for other electronic machines and items that will be also be used in polls, Garcia said the South Korean-based company has fulfilled its commitment 100 percent.
Among the items are consolidated canvassing system laptops and printers, cable ties, toners, test ballots, application servers and database servers, Garcia said.
A total of 110,000 ACMs are expected before the end of the year — 30,000 each in September and October and the rest by December.
Comelec officials visited the warehouse with election stakeholders such the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections and Legal Network for Truthful Elections.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to its obligations with regards to the P17.99 billion contract it signed with the government? Do you think the new automated counting machines will work efficiently in next year’s national and local elections?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, a 49-year-old woman got hit by a car from behind resulting in very serious injuries, according to a GMA Network news report. The incident happened in Barangay Don Bosco and the suspect driver was described as a Pakistani national (click here and here). A video of the incident can be viewed by clicking here.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A 49-year-old woman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident while walking to work as a laundry woman in Don Bosco, Parañaque last week.
Victim Loida Faustino was seen in CCTV footage walking along Levitown Avenue last Friday morning, August 23, 2024, when she was hit by a red vehicle that fled the scene after the incident. She was immediately brought to a nearby hospital.
“Grabe po ‘yung nangyari sa kanya. Bali po ‘yung tuhod, kamay, katawan, ulo (What happened to her is severe. She had broken knees, hands, in the body, and in the head),” the victim’s brother Arnold Faustino said in a report by Nico Waje on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.
The family is seeking justice for what happened, and for the suspect — only identified as a Pakistani — to take responsibility.
“May anak ‘yun. Hindi makakapagtrabaho ‘yun. Hindi puwedeng hindi siya managot sa nangyari na ‘yun, (She has a child and she will not be able to work. The suspect has to take responsibility for what happened)” the victim’s brother-in-law Samuel Celzo said in the same report.
According to Barangay Don Bosco Chairman Mar Jimenez, the suspect was immediately apprehended after the incident.
“Upon apprehension, medyo meron siyang alcohol breath so lumalabas na (Upon apprehension, his breath smelled slightly of alcohol. So it shows that he was) under the influence of liquor,” he said.
However, the local police said medical examinations and a breathalyzer analysis gave negative results.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, would you know if anyone from your local community witnessed any hit-and-run incidents that happened over the past six months?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, alongside City Engineer Rose Bantog, conducted a comprehensive site inspection on Thursday, August 8 to assess the location for the proposed new building at the TESDA Las Piñas campus. This new facility is intended to accommodate additional classrooms to support the growing number of students enrolled in various technical and vocational courses.
During the site visit, the officials discussed plans for the repair and repainting of existing facilities, ensuring that the campus remains conducive to learning. They also reviewed proposals for the fabrication of new classroom equipment and chairs, which will enhance the educational experience for students.
The proposed development underscores the city government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and improving infrastructure to meet the needs of the 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? Are many members of your local community taking courses with the local TESDA?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government in tandem with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released financial aid to more than five thousand beneficiaries in Barangay Pamplona Tres, according to a social media announcement. Vice Mayor April Aguilar witnessed the distribution.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…
The City of Las Piñas, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), successfully distributed Php 2,000 in financial aid to over 5,000 eligible beneficiaries at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo and DSWD Payout on Thursday, August 15 at Verdant Covered Court in Barangay Pamplona Tres. The pay-out event, part of the national Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative, was aimed at providing economic relief to low-income families across the city.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar was present, personally overseeing the distribution and engaging with the beneficiaries. In her address, Vice Mayor Aguilar expressed her heartfelt appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the DSWD for their unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of the less fortunate. She emphasized the importance of this program in ensuring that essential financial support reaches those who need it most, especially in the face of rising costs of living and other economic challenges.
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 many members of your local community qualified as beneficiaries of the national Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative?
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 Muntinlupa, a man who risked his life to save his young relatives during a fire that destroyed their home was commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, 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…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended a man for his heroic act of saving his two nephews and a niece from their burning house in Barangay Buli.
A fire hit a residential area in Manatra in Barangay Buli, Muntinlupa on Aug. 19, razing houses and displacing families.
Biazon visited the Buli evacuation center where 58 families or more than 200 individuals are staying. During his visit, Biazon met Freddie whose arms are bandaged due to burns.
According to the mayor, Freddie suffered burns when he rescued his two nephews and a niece–Precious, Vhon and Kerth–from their burning house during the fire.
He said the three children were trapped inside the comfort room and could not get out.
Precious was attending her online class when the fire erupted and quickly spread. Some of the family members were able to get out of the burning house but Precious and her two cousins were left inside and quickly went to the comfort room.
According to Precious, because of the intense heat, she didn’t know what to do and she seemed to have accepted what would happen to them.
Suddenly, their uncle Freddie arrived and he pulled them out of the burning house. The fire was already big but they all tried to get out.
Precious and her two cousins were very thankful to their Uncle Freddie for saving them and getting out without any injury.
They called their uncle a “superhero” and they are wishing that his burns would heal soon.
“Hanga ako kay Freddie sa kanyang tapang at walang pag-aatubili na pagligtas sa kanyang mga pamangkin. Although may injury, mabuti nakaligtas siya at sina Precious, Vhon, at Kerth (I am truly amazed at Freddie for his bravery and no hesitation to rescue his nephews and niece. Although he has injury, it’s good that he and Precious, Vhon and Kerth safely escaped),” Biazon said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you find the local hero’s act of saving his young relatives inspiring?
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
Something significant could happen within the City of Muntinlupa in the near future as SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) is acquiring 184 hectares of land there as part of a property-for-shares swap with subsidiary Intercontinental Development Corporation (ICDC), according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), the flagship of the Sy family, is acquiring 184 hectares of land in Muntinlupa City from a nearly wholly-owned subsidiary, Intercontinental Development Corporation (ICDC), through a property-for-shares swap.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SMIC said its Board has approved the swap of SMIC with 96.75 percent-owned subsidiary ICDC, which will convey to SMIC its lands in Susana Heights, Muntinlupa City, in exchange for new SMIC common shares.
“In accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and regulations, the respective Boards of Directors of the SMIC and ICDC deemed it necessary and advisable to enter into the Transaction,” SMIC said.
It added that the swap aims to optimize the properties’ utilization and development and align with their broader business strategies.
SMIC said it will increase its real estate assets through the acquisition of the properties, although the acquisition will have no material effect on its business, financial condition, or operations.
One of the country’s biggest conglomerates, SMIC, reported a 10 percent improvement in consolidated net income to P40.2 billion in the first half of 2024 from P36.5 billion in the same period last year. The firm said this reflected a 13 percent growth in net income to P21.8 billion in the second quarter.
Consolidated revenues rose five percent in the first half to P301.4 billion from P286.7 billion year-on-year and grew six percent to P157.7 billion in the second quarter.
“SM’s double-digit growth in the first half results reflects a positive environment for our businesses,” said SM Investments President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think SMIC will start a major development of the 184 hectares of land in Susana Heights?
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 Muntinlupa won prestigious awards during the 2024 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony which took place in Quezon City, 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 bagged awards at the 2024 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony organized by the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-National Capital Region on Aug. 16 at the Novotel Hotel in Quezon City.
According to NNC-NCR, Muntinlupa LGU “has been recognized as 1st Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Contender!”
The “prestigious award is presented to LGUs that demonstrate efficient and effective nutrition program management, leading to sustained nutrition improvements among their population.”
“We successfully maintained our CROWN (Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition) Contender status for the first year—patunay na consistent tayo sa mahusay na implementation ng ating nutrition programs and services since our first Green Banner Award in 2019 (proof that we are consistent in great implementation of our nutrition programs and services since our first Green Banner Award in 2019),” according to Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
In addition, Muntinlupa was bestowed the award for Best in Documentation of Nutrition Programs, “acknowledging their exemplary performance in documenting nutrition programs and projects which contributed to high-quality nutrition program management.”
Muntinlupa’s Dr. Magdalena Meana also won runner-up as the Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO).
Biazon, meanwhile, received the Nutrition Leadership Award as chairperson of the Muntinlupa City Nutrition Committee.
“These awards reflect our dedication to keeping our community healthy,” said Biazon.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the awards won by the City Government?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a task force of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) raided a vape festival and seized more than five thousand illicit vape products, according 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 Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) Illicit Trade Task Force raided Sunday the Philippine Vape Festival 2024 in Las Piñas City and confiscated illicit vape products.
In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said surveillance of the event confirmed that there were vape products without internal revenue stamps.
“The illicit vape being displayed in this festival shows the brazen attitude of the vape industry against the proper taxation of vape products. They even organized a festival filled with illicit vape. The full strength of the BIR Illicit Trade Task Force will be deployed against this industry,” Lumagui said.
About 5,385 illicit vape products have been seized. The inventory of the illicit vape products confiscated during the festival is still ongoing but the BIR said the initial estimate of tax liabilities is at least PHP7 million.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could be more illicit vape products being sold in local stores? Are many members of your local community involved in the vape trade? Do you think the vape festival organizers will be held accountable for the presence of illicit vape products?
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 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. A-Jax North American arcade flyer
Another one of Konami’s arcade flyers showing a pretty fashion model with a touch of militarism.
A-Jax (also referred to as Ajax) is another one of the many military themed games Konami released for the arcades in the 1980s. It was a 2D vertically scrolling shooter in which players use aircrafts to shoot enemies both in the air and on the ground. The game was a hit in Japanese arcades and Konami came up with the North American arcade flyer showing three screenshots, an archive footage shot of a military helicopter and a sexy lady (with a light military look) with a machine gun. The style of presentation was similar in style with the North American arcade flyers of Contra and M.I.A.: Missing in Action.
2. The Combatribes print ad
The short comic book approach was used to emphasize the setting and concept of the video game.
Technos, the Japanese company behind the wildly popular Double Dragon games franchise, proved to be successful with the arcade release of The Combatribes. In an attempt to keep the wave of success moving, Technos released The Combatribes on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992 and someone involved with the North American marketing came up with the idea of creating a comic book-style presentation for the print ad. Creatively speaking, the comic book approach was done to emphasize the story and visual concepts of the game, and entice readers to play it. By today’s standards of video game marketing, this print ad’s approach is both unusual and notable.
3. Dead or Alive 2 Dreamcast port print ad
This was a wide print ad that appeared on magazines and it sure was eye-catching. It was an effective way to promote the game and inform people of the Sega Dreamcast’s presence in the market.
When Dead or Alive 2 was released in the arcades in 1999, a lot of gamers were astounded by it as developer Team Ninja (led by Tomonobu Itagaki) made it much bigger and a lot better than its 1996 predecessor. Team Ninja really went all out making the sequel utilizing Sega’s NAOMI arcade technology, inviting martial artists to do motion-capture, and having a very ambitious game design. Since the game was developed with the NAOMI hardware, porting the game for the Sega Dreamcast was reportedly convenient and smooth for the developers who went on to add more gameplay features and modes. Publisher Tecmo came up with this wide print ad (promoting the Dreamcast release) showcasing three characters, six screenshots and text descriptions emphasizing the universal acclaim the game received. The promotional approach was simple yet effective.
4. Jet Moto (PC version) print ad
From PlayStation to PC.
In November 1996, the futuristic all-terrain hoverbikes racing game Jet Moto was released on the PlayStation which went on to sell well and attract mostly positive reviews. Sony Computer Entertainment eventually released a version of the game for the personal computer (PC) in November 1997. As seen in the above print ad, the network play option and compatibility with Direct3D video accelerators were emphasized as such features resonated with the interests of PC gamers of the era. This print ad showed how willing Sony was to release PlayStation hits on PC back then.
5. Elevator Action Returns Japanese arcade flyer
Great looking art on the front.
The rear of the flyer.
When Taito released Elevator Action Returns (also titled as Elevator Action II in other nations) in the arcades in 1994, it became a hit as gamers enjoyed its action-packed gameplay, ambitious 2D visual presentation and varied level designs that clearly went beyond its 1983 predecessor. The front of the Japanese arcade flyer has really nice art showing the three playable protagonists on an elevator on their way to do their mission. The back of the flyer shows screenshots (which emphasized the varied level designs), text descriptions explaining how the game played (English version printed), and what the features are. Another text description confirmed that terrorists are the antagonists that players will be dealing with which was reflective of the rise of Islamic terrorism in the 1990s. Oh yes, if you look closely you will the word “item” misspelled as “items”.
6. Sunset Riders print ads
The Sunset Riders arcade machine, the SNES version, screenshots and a can of pork-and-beans on this ad.
This print ad appeared in some comic books I read long ago.
After enjoying a lot of success in the arcades with their 1991 game Sunset Riders, Konami went on to release ports of it to the Sega Genesis in 1992 and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1993. With regards to conversions and procedural/artistic changes between the arcade and console ports, the SNES version had few changes implemented compared to the one released on the Genesis. As seen in one of the print ads of Sunset Riders on SNES, it came with 7 arcade levels, 2-player mode and additional shooter stages. What the print ads did not reveal were notable replacements of specific characters in key parts of the game such as the dynamite-tossing female bandits getting replaced by male bandits, North American Indian villains getting replaced with outlaws, etc.
7. Jackal Japanese arcade flyer
Whoever was the artist Konami hired truly delivered great-looking art!
Konami’s military themed game Jackal (Japanese title: Tokushu Butai Jackal) debuted in Japanese arcades in October 1986 and became a hit. The Japanese market arcade flyer had great looking artwork on the front that strongly emphasized the very concept of the game (players move military jeeps to shoot at enemies as they move into enemy territory). One of the characters (the one wearing the red beret) somewhat resembles the late Sean Connery which only shows that someone within Konami’s development team took inspiration from movies. This arcade flyer’s front still looks great.
8. Aliens North American arcade flyer
A good amount of effort was done to truly capture Aliens’ concept using hired models (as Ripley and Newt), a Xenomorph physical model and a suitable background.
The key details presented on the rear of the flyer. The Xenomorph’s presence adds tension.
In 1990, Konami released their ambitious arcade game Aliens which was loosely based on the 1986 movie that starred Sigourney Weaver and was directed by James Cameron. As Konami’s Aliens license was only temporary and the movie was so highly regarded, the Japanese company’s marketing team really had to exert extra effort to truly capture the film’s sci-fi horror concept in order to make a strong presentation towards arcade operators and their paying customers (the gamers).
Apart from showing screenshots on the front, the creative team hired a blonde model as Ellen Ripley holding a gun and a young girl as the character Newt, and have them pose convincingly in front of a Xenomorph model (darkened in the foreground). On the back of the flyer, the team heavily revealed the details using the text description to emphasize the gaming experience and story concept. The technical details, meanwhile, were presented in simplistic, easy-to-follow fashion. Aliens was a smash hit in the arcades and there are long-time gamers who regard it as one of the best game adaptations of the 1986 movie. This arcade flyer is a strong reminder that the featured game was never ever ported to any game console nor to any personal computer.
Recently in the province of Cavite, police officers arrested a transgendered woman (transwoman) for sharing nude images of a former partner to many people (the friends and relatives of the victim), according to a GMA Network news report. The arrest was the result of successful entrapment operation.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A transwoman was arrested in Cavite for sharing nude photos of her former partner to his friends and relatives, the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said on Friday.
In a statement, the ACG said the suspect identified as alias “Jerica” was arrested in an entrapment operation in a drive-in hotel in Bacoor City on Tuesday evening.
The victim said he and the 22-year-old suspect engaged in video calls and exchanged explicit photos and videos, according to the police.
“After their relationship ended in July 2024, the suspect retaliated by sharing the intimate contents with the victim’s friends and relatives,” the NCRPO said.
“The suspect then demanded a meet-up with the victim promising to delete the compromising materials only if he would agree to have sexual intercourse at a hotel,” it added.
Due to this, the suspect is facing complaints for grave coercion under the Revised Penal Code and violation of Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
“Avoid sending explicit photos or videos to anyone, as it could be exploited against you,” ACG chief Police Brigadier General Ronnie Francis Cariaga said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think criminal activities involving transgendered people are bound to multiply nationwide? Are many members of your local community identifying as transgendered people? Do you think that gay pride or “Happy Pride” celebrations are distorting the youth’s perception about morality?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 