Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my sources within Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. 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.
The coronavirus disease COVID-19 that started in China clearly halted societies and economies around the world, reaching to the point of pushing the less fortunate people to despair.
Here in the south of Metro Manila, villages that had confirmed cases of COVID-19 among their residents tightened access into their territory as a means of preventing the risk of infection. This is not surprising at all and it is quite understandable.
At this time of the year, it is normal for motorists to prepare themselves in anticipation of the new edition of the vehicular stickers (residents and non-residents) from the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA). For the newcomers reading this, Alabang Hills Village (Muntinlupa City) strategically connects to BF Homes (via Tirona Street gate), Alabang-Zapote Road, the long road (Don Jesus Boulevard) leading to other communities, Madison Galeries and the service road by the highway. Alabang Hills is also where San Beda College Alabang and New Life Church are located at. These factors make AHVA vehicular stickers a must-have. Back in July 2019, I published the story about the 2-year vehicular sticker for non-residents. I also published about the 1-year non-resident vehicular sticker.
Of course, due to this ongoing pandemic, things are still looking uncertain this year as to when the AHVA will issue the next edition of their vehicular stickers (Year 2020) for both residents and non-residents. The people whose old AHVA vehicular stickers are about to expire are unsurprisingly concerned.
I reached out to the AHVA for answers:
As of this writing, the AHVA still has yet to make a formal announcement about the 2020 edition of their vehicular stickers. This means no registration process yet, no issuance of new stickers too.
That being said, the AHVA did confirm to me however the following:
1) Motorists with valid non-resident vehicular stickers are allowed to enter the village. – Just today, I did exactly this before doing a U-turn to exit the same gate I entered (because the places I tried to visit inside were both closed). It was the Alabang Hills Alabang-Zapote gate specifically.
2) The old AHVA vehicular stickers are still valid at as long as there are still no new stickers (Year 2020) formally announced. – This news I got from the AVHA and from two of their gate security guards should provide some relief to those who were worried about their AHVA stickers expiring this year. Your old stickers are still valid as of now.
So there you have it, my readers and fellow residents of South Metro Manila! If you want to help others who have vested interests in Alabang Hills Village, please share this article to them.
While waiting, you are free to contact AHVA at landlines 8850-8254 and 8850-9631, and email address ahvainc08@yahoo.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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
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.
If you’re looking for a powerful, dramatic tale of Spider-Man 2099 from the 1990s, you will find it right here in this retro review.
Before getting to the review, it is important to remember that Spider-Man 2099 was mainly driven by Peter David, who is one of the best-ever writers in the history of superhero comics in America. Many geeks I know admired his work on other Marvel titles, most notably The Incredible Hulk.
So how did he get involved in Marvel’s 2099 universe that was first launch in 1992? Check out Peter David’s words from an online interview in Doom2099.com:
The Marvel editors approached me, as they did a number of free lancers, and said we’re going to be doing a 2099 line. And we would like you [meaning me and other writers] to submit a proposal on how you would do Spider-Man 2099. We knew he was Spider-Man 2099. We knew he worked for a company called Alchemax. Beyond that there was nothing about him established. So I sat down and I thought, the last thing I want to do is have him be a relative of Peter Parker. Because that’s the obvious thing. So I created someone completely from scratch. I made him of mixed ethnicity, because I felt that by the end of the 21st century mixed ethnicity is going to be more common than it is now. So I made him half-Irish and half-Mexican because I thought that was the most combustible combination I could come up with. And I decided I would zig wherever Stan and Steve zagged when they created Spider-Man. Peter Parker was a white bred WASP. So Miguel O’Hara was a combined ethnicity. Peter was an orphan. Miguel would have a living mother. Peter was alone. I gave Miguel a brother. Peter had no idea how to handle girls and was a teenager. Miguel was in his 20s and had a fiancée. I just made the contrary move all the way. And I submitted my proposal. A week later I get a call from the Marvel editors and they said ‘we love your take on Spider-Man 2099. For starters, it’s the only one that doesn’t start with a relative of Peter Parker.’ And I went ok, that’s interesting. They asked me if I would be interested in writing. I said, sure. And that’s how I became involved in it.
Right from the start of the Spider-Man 2099 series, Peter David and illustrator Rick Leonardi established 2099’s New York City society and went on to develop Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 deeply as well as his relationships with his family and companions, complete with his struggle working for a sinister boss at Alchemax. Things escalated further personally for the futuristic Spider-Man during my last review and we will find out what happens next.
Here is my retro comic book review of Spider-Man 2099 #37, published in 1995 by Marvel Comics with a story by Peter David and art by Andrew Wildman.
The cover of the regular edition.
Early story
The comic book opens with a quick flashback in the past when Miguel O’Hara, his then girlfriend Xina and his brother Gabe spend time at a club talking about relationships. Eventually Gabe’s date Dana arrives late. Miguel could not help but react with his mouth open.
In the present day, Miguel faces Venom 2099 who has Xina and Dana wrapped with his symbiote. In reaction to Venom’s ploy, Miguel frees Dana which broke of Venom’s right arm. Miguel and Dana moved quickly to the next room and the door shut provided them temporary refuge from Venom. Before the two separated (Miguel to fight and Dana to leave for safety), they kissed.
Even without his costume, Miguel decides to go after Venom to free Xina…
Quality
Venom 2099 is truly dangerous.
Another well-crafted comic book carrying the same strong creative energy since Venom 2099’s debut in issue #35. While it is no surprise that Peter David’s writing remains top-notch and highly compelling in showing the continued conflicts between Spider-Man and Venom of the future, he inserted some flashbacks into the past showing how Miguel O’Hara got romantically involved with Dana and how it complicated matters in his family given the fact that Dana was the GF of his brother Gabe. Those flashbacks, which some might think served as padding, are actually helpful to not only inform readers about the Miguel-Xina-Dana triangle but also give readers a new look at Miguel’s personality. All of that added in the build-up leading to the very powerful ending. After being absent in issue #36, Andrew Wildman returned strongly in visualizing this comic book. His art on the ending is something I will keep remembering for a very long time.
Conclusion
A flashback…
The first time I read Spider-Man 2099 #37 when it was initially released, its story and ending proved to be powerful. In this review, I do confirm it still maintains that powerful impact by today’s standards. This comic book is not only great on its own, it also showed how much Venom 2099 made life for Spider-Man 2099 go upside-down. By the time this comic book got published, Miguel O’Hara transformed a whole lot since the first issue reaching the corporate leadership of Alchemax. Clearly, this means that Spider-Man 2099 carried tremendous power with him to go against his era’s Venom (who in turn really proved to be a very dangerous menace not only to the superhero but the public as well).
If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Spider-Man 2099 #37, be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $34. The near-mint copies of the “Venom 2099” regular edition and the “Venom 2099” newsstand edition cost $85 and $255 respectively.
Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #37 (1995) is highly recommended!
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – June 12, 2020
Happy Independence Day, Philippines! The Las Piñas City Police Department continued serving the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these latest photo releases and read carefully the details written on each.
And remember, communities and residents need the police for their security. Do not be fooled by all of those social media rantings that the police should be defunded or dismantled that has been spreading lately. Those who push for dismantling their community’s police department CANNOT even protect their own constituents from looters, rapists, vandals and other criminal elements!
No matter what the critics say, there is no doubt that the police are essential!
SALAAM personnel PCpl Moli Esmail led by PMAJ ALLAN P MERCADO, Chief SCADS/PIO under the supervision of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR, COP conducted PNP Good Deeds by giving food donation to homeless persons held at Tuazon Village, Brgy. Pamplona Uno, Las Pinas City. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)June 9, 2020/11:00 AM – The Las Pinas City Police Station under the supervision of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR, COP represented by PCpl Joy Marinay led by PCPT ELEAZAR B CAMILING C, SIDMS together with PCpl Stephanie M Gano led by PMAJ ALLAN P MERCADO C, SCADS/PIO conducted E-Inquest held at SIDMS Office, Las Pinas City Police Station. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)On June 11, 2020 at 9:00 AM, in line with PNP Full Alert Status and Presidential Proclamation no 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”, elements of Sub-Station 6 led by PEMS Joel Caronan with three (3) others utilizing MC 446 under the supervision of PMAJ SALVADOR L GARCIA, Sub Station 6 Commander and under the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR. COP, conducted Oplan Sita in relation to Implementation of General Community Quarantine along Marcos Alvarez Ave., Talon Uno, Las Piñas City. Said operation was terminated at about 11:00AM of same date with four (4) issued OVR, two (2) impounded MC and no untoward incident. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)On June 11, 2020 at about 10:00AM onwards, in line with PNP Full Alert Status and Presidential Proclamation no 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”, elements of Sub-Station 6 PCpl Lary Reparejo and Pat Efren Fernandez with two (2) augment personnel under the supervision of PMAJ SALVADOR L GARCIA, Sub Station 6 Commander and under the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR. COP, conducted monitoring of Social Distancing, Mandatory Wearing of Facemask and Limitation of Mall Goers in compliance to General Community Quarantine at Robinsons Place, Talon Uno, Las Piñas City. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.
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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
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.
According to the online edition of Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an oasis is something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. In the case of X-Men 2099, the open areas of the southwestern region of the United States is a dangerous place to be in even though they are free from oppressive systems of control that dominate cities. As such, it is the southwestern region in 2099 can be compared to the Old West in history where there are lots of desolate places as well as lots outcasts and outlaws. Unlike their mainstream counterparts, the X-Men of the far future are nomads and they don’t have a long-term place of residence they could call home. Considering how dangerous the region is for the mutants, a haven of peace, security and prosperity is always ideal to them but only if it is indeed real.
That is what we will explore in the one-shot comic book X-Men 2099: Oasis here.
But before proceeding with the review, it has to be emphasized first that the one-shot comic book which was made special with the painted art of the Hilderbrandt brothers Greg and Tim. For long-time X-Men 2099 scribe John Francis Moore, Oasis was like a big dream come true. When asked during an online interview about his recollections on making X-Men 2099: Oasis and working with the Hildebrandt Brothers, Moore stated:
I was a fan of the Hildebrandt’s fantasy illustration, and I was blown away when Joey told me that they wanted to do an X-men 2099 project. I met with them in Joey’s office and they were both really great guys. I think they said they really liked Bloodhawk, so I knew he’d be a major player in whatever story we developed. They didn’t enter the project with a lot of conditions. They seemed genuinely happy to get to play in this corner of the Marvel universe.
I can’t remember ever writing a full script for any of my Marvel work. I gave them a plot and sometime later received Xeroxes of pencil art (Hildebrant art!) to dialogue. Then it went back for them to paint, and they did a phenomenal job. I only wish that it could’ve been published before the 2099 line was axed. It was a beautiful book that I think was sadly under promoted.
To find out if it is any good, here is a look back at X-Men 2099: Oasis published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by John Francis Moore and painted art done by Greg and Tim Hildebrandt.
The cover.
Early story
The comic book begins with a flashback set in Hong Kong in the year 2090. A much younger Shakti/Cerebra is on the loose trying to reach a ferry to Kowloon with a plan to hide in the back alleys of Tsimshatsui. Suddenly Lokjaw intercepts her and grabs her. They had a short history together and Lokjaw insists that Shakti should be grateful to her father who raised her to run his bio-shops. After a brief chase, something hits Lokjaw who fell into the water. It turns out Ryu Kobolt helped Shakti, and he has been instructed by his boss to offer her asylum.
Luna and Skullfire explore a place.
In the present day of 2099 in New Mexico, Bloodhawk flies to his desert home not knowing he is being monitored. Two people, an old man with white hair and a lady, work together to stun the X-Men member and take him with them. A short time later, inside a high-tech facility, Bloodhawk wakes up finding himself restrained and being watched over by the lady and the old man. They tell him he is in the Promised Land, a place where the sins of the old world will be washed away. Using her powers, she touches Bloodhawk’s head and slowly turns him into his normal human form.
Meanwhile outside a deserted town near the border between Colorado and Kansas, Shakti, Tim/Skullfire and Luna arrive riding motorcycles. They are checking the potential presence of a mutant nearby…
Quality
Really great visuals by the Hildebrandt brothers!
It is very safe to say that this is one very ambitious X-Men 2099 story ever told by John Francis Moore. It sure has an epic concept showing that Oasis in the open region not only exists, but also serves as the closest thing humanity in America has to imitating Heaven built on top of the land. Oasis is the indoor paradise where mutants and humans gather together, live in peace and work together in tremendous ways that the X-Men could only hope to achieve in Halo City (note: this story is set some time after X-Men 2099 #25).
The titular place is clearly the centerpiece of the story backed with characters and threads from the past that explain how it got established. Part of the creation of Oasis is connected with Ryu Kobolt whom Shakti got close with many years back. Of course, someone else got involved with Ryu which directly connects with the creation of Oasis.
While it is also clear that the story took some inspiration from Christianity, I should say that the approach was done by rehashing old storytelling concepts like emphasizing a charismatic person who looks godly or messianic, people getting converted with ways that are not holy, false prophets misleading those seeking salvation, etc. With the ages-old concept of the mad scientists added, then there is conflict here for the X-Men to engage with. The story touches on themes like destiny, conversion, having the power to judge people and committing genocide.
As for the characters, John Francis Moore made the right move to utilize Shakti, Bloodhawk, Skullfire and Luna of the X-Men, however the other new characters such as Memphis, Pandora and Ryu pale in comparison with regards to importance (even though Memphis and Ryu each had a good amount of the spotlight and even some character development).
When it comes to the artwork, this is one great looking superhero, sci-fi story in painted form thanks to the Hildebrandt brothers! Not only is their painted art beautiful to look at, there are also eye-catching shots of scenery, very detailed facial expressions and a very lively presentation of the action scenes and explosions! Each and every character painted – specifically Shakti, Skullfire, Bloodhawk, Luna, Memphis, Pandora and Ryu – has that touch of visual realism (note: not photo realism) that make them look more human to the eyes (especially the X-Men members when compared to how they were drawn by Ron Lim and Jan Duursema in the monthly series). This is one great looking comic book and easily one of the very best of the X-Men of 2099!
Conclusion
The Oasis!
X-Men 2099: Oasis is a one-shot comic book that did not match its high ambition. While it has some of the best painted superhero art of the 1990s ever, the storytelling just did not engage me that much. For one thing, its approach on taking inspiration from Christianity is very flawed not only due to rehashing storytelling concepts but also due to the fact that everything – including the titular Oasis – had to be concluded already. Even though there was a build-up leading to a final conflict, the payoff was not that great and ultimately there was a sense of rush in the 2nd half of the story.
What is also disappointing is the fact that the events told here did not really impact Shakti, Skullfire, Luna and Bloodhawk at all, nor was there anything added to the narrative of the X-Men 2099 monthly series. This is too bad because the existence of a haven where people can live in and be protected from the prejudice and violence in the region fits nicely with the concept of X-Men 2099 in the first place. Even though there was a reference to issue #25 during the first half, this comic book ended up looking like a dream story or a parallel universe tale with a $5.95 cover price! It seems to me like this was more like a cash-grab attempt to exploit comic collectors and the fans of X-Men 2099.
If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of X-Men 2099: Oasis, be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy costs $14.
Overall, X-Men 2099: Oasis is a serviceable one-shot comic book. That being said, if you really intend to buy it, you should not pay more than $5 for it.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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.
If you are looking for a great origin story set within the Ultraverse, you can’t go wrong with Prototype #0. Before we explore the said comic book, let me remind you that during my review of Prototype #1, I stated that it was great and it had a nice balance between spectacle, storytelling and characterization. There were also references to some threads to the past with regards to Bob Campbell (the original Prototype pilot) who could not help but witness his replacement Jimmy Ruiz have the spotlight being the new Prototype.
That being said, we can take a trip to the events that happened in the past with this look back at Prototype #0, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski with illustrations done by Gordon Purcell and Keith Conroy.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins some time in the past with an interview with top executive Stanley Leland who recalls how Bob Campbell got involved with his corporation Ultratech. As it turned out, Campbell was working in Hollywood as a stunt performer in science fiction films. Campbell fit in nicely with Hollywood job having previously served as a member of the United States Army’s special forces and has been experienced with tactical weapons and hand-to-hand combat.
The advertising agency of Leland’s company hired Campbell to wear a multipurpose exoskeleton prototype armor for the filming of a promotional project meant for the military. Campbell used what turned out to be the original Prototype armor which was very bulky and had a dome-style metallic head (that reminds of Marvel’s Mysterio). Even though it was bulky, the armor was still loaded with weapons and enhanced the pilot’s physical strength by twenty times complete with artificial intelligence (AI) assisting with the operation.
Taking care of Bob Campbell, the original Prototype pilot.
Even though there was a hitch (something went offline) during the filming, Bob Campbell still managed to make great use of the armor and delivered results so spectacular, Leland hired him with a high-paying contract to work officially as Prototype.
Ultratech benefited nicely in terms of sales with Prototype as their key figure and Campbell had that Rambo style which impressed the military. Shortly after, the success started entering Campbell’s head resulting more costs for Ultratech…
Quality
The original Prototype saved a pretty lady!
This is one great and very cleverly crafted superhero origin story! When it comes to the presentation, the exploration of past events by means of recollections and memories of different people interviewed is excellent! Having worked before as a reporter for a local community newspaper, I myself interviewed a lot of people to dig for information about the past and as such, this comic book’s approach is something I personally strongly relate with.
Through the words of Leland, Campbell’s ex-wife, Marjorie Fredericks and Hastings the caretaker, the details of what happened with Bob Campbell as the original Prototype are clearly defined. The same goes with the nature of Ultratech as a corporation and owner/developer of the powered suits of armor, not to mention how they affect the public’s perception and how they treat their employees. The last chapter focused on Jimmy Ruiz and how he became the present-day Prototype was handled in a more conventional way.
Along the way, the dialogue is very well written and the characters are nicely defined which is no surprise considering the combined high talents of Tom Mason and Len Strazewski. The art provided Gordon Purcelli and Keith Conroy is very good. Apart from the in-depth writing, the dynamic action and strong visuals, I should say that this comic book is a lot of fun to read and it perfect connects with issue #1.
Conclusion
Bob Campbell hired full-time as Prototype pilot.
Prototype #0 is undoubtedly a great comic book to read and easily one of the very best Ultraverse stories I read (apart from being one of the best superhero origin stories of the UV) so far. I was really engaged from start to finish, and I should state that Bob Campbell’s importance is real even as he became the has-been character in the later Prototype issues. This comic book successfully achieved its purpose on telling the origin of Prototype and made sense out of what Roland Mann said: the race has only just started!
If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #0, be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $4.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – June 10, 2020
The Las Piñas City Police Department continued serving the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these latest photo releases and read carefully the details written on each.
In connection with the above reference, on June 9, 2020 at about 4:00pm onwards, personnel of Sub-Station 4 namely PLT JUANITO VERGARA together with PCPL Mark Joseph Corpuz,PCPl Dexter Allan Geron, PCPl Monarch Sajulan on board MC444 with direct supervision of PMAJ TEOSON M ROSARITO, Sub-Station 4 Commander thru the leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR, COP participated in the simultaneous “Adopt an Indigent Family” as a kick-off ceremony in adherence to “Kapwa ko, Sagot ko” relief assistance program that provide food packs, grocery items that would sustain the needs of poorest of the poor within AOR. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)On June 9, 2020 at about 3:50PM, elements of Sub-Station 4 PCpl Mark Joseph Corpuz and Pat Jayson Fernando under the supervision of PMAJ TEOSON M ROSARITO, Sub-Station 4 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR, COP conducted Distribution of Flyers at Puregold along Naga road Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos Las Piñas City re: Strict Implementation of Social Distancing under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in relation with the Presidential Proclamation No. 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)On June 9, 2020 at about 03:00 PM onwards, Personnel of SS-1 led by PEMS Noel Supan, Shift supervisor together with 4 others under the supervision of PMAJ GILBERT VALERA Sub Station 1 Commander and under the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR, COP conducted Oplan Sita and Strict Implementation of Anti Loitering Act, mandatory wearing of facemask and No Backride Policy prior to Social Distancing along Padre Diego Cera Ave., Brgy. Daniel Fajardo, Las Piñas City in relation with the Presidential Proclamation No. 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.
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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
COVID-19 Crisis: Lockdown in Morning Breeze, Alabang extended until June 16 amid rising COVID-19 cases
The Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Emergency and Infectious Diseases (RATF-EID) has approved the extension of the Extreme Localized Community Quarantine (ELCQ) in a Barangay Alabang compound until June 16 following the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases in the community.
The RIATF-EID has permitted the extension of the localized ECQ in Morning Breeze, Brgy. Alabang until June 16, 2020, 11:59 PM through RIATF Resolution No. 8 upon the request of the City Government of Muntinlupa.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi recently ordered a 72-hour ELCQ in Morning Breeze, a compound with 249 families situated near Laguna de Bay, starting June 3, 12:01 AM to June 5, 11:59 PM.
As of June 8, the City Health Office recorded 19 residents from Morning Breeze who tested positive for COVID-19, the highest among Muntinlupa communities.
The local health office notes that the community shows clustering of cases where confirmed cases live close to each other. Social distancing and strict use of face masks were not strictly followed during the 72-hour lockdown.
CHO has conducted a mass testing for all residents of Morning Breeze and strengthened its isolation strategies and treatment of residents who tested positive for the disease.
Muntinlupa CHO chief Dra. Teresa Tuliao said the severe containment of all residents is ideal while awaiting the release of the results of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests of 33 probable cases, which are the remainder of the originally conducted tests among 131 residents.
Tuliao added that the extension would complete the quarantine period of the community up to 14 days, the known incubation period of the disease.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged for the cooperation of the residents and strict observance of health protocols to curb the disease in the compound.
“We ask for the cooperation of our residents in Morning Breeze to stay at home for the duration of the lockdown. The lockdown aims to ensure their safety and the successful containment of the virus in their community,” the mayor said.
Muntinlupa Social Services Department, together with Barangay Alabang government, continues to provide relief food packs to cover all meals and other supplies during the effectivity of the ELCQ. While, members of the Philippine National Police – Muntinlupa City Station and Philippine Coast Guard – Bayanan Sub-Station deployed in the compound continue to enforce security measures.
The City Government also plans to put other areas in the city with high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases under localized community quarantine.
Muntinlupa City has 262 confirmed cases with 171 recoveries, 40 active cases, 33 reported deaths, 58 suspect cases, and 389 probable cases as of June 8.
This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website.
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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – June 8, 2020
The Las Piñas City Police Department continued serving the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these latest photo releases.
Adoption of Indigent Family within AOR On June 7, 2020 at about 02:30PM, personnel of this office PCpl Mulingbayan and PCpl Pontanesl under the supervision of PMAJ JOEL P GOMEZ, Sub-Station 7 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR, COP conducted Adoption of Indigent Family within AOR by providing them food packs or grocery items and money good for atleast one (1) week. Said item was given to Ms. Alonso, Menchie Anny Casuyon 21 y/o, with live-in partner and 1 child, jobless without any other source of income and resident of Samatiera Compound, Las Piñas City. Said conducted activity is one way of showing our love and generosity to the indigents who has no source of living. re: Strict Implementation of Social Distancing under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in relation with the Presidential Proclamation No. 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”. (Source – Las Piñas City Police Station)PNP Good Deeds: Assistance to Senior Citizens On June 8, 2020 at about 11:15 AM, elements of Sub-Station 3 PCpl Querico V Segismundo and Pat Benedicto A Villanueva under the supervision of PMAJ ROMEO A BRITANICO, Sub-Station 3 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR, COP performed PNP Good Deeds by assisting senior citizens at Landbank-Las Piñas Branch located at Valenzuela Building, along Alabang-Zapote Rd. Pamplona Tres, Las Piñas City under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in relation with the Presidential Proclamation No. 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”. (Source – Las Piñas City Police Station)Observance of GCQ Protocols and Guidelines at SM Southmall On June 8, 2020 at about 10:00 AM, elements of Sub-Station 7 PMSg Yalo and Pat Latoja under the supervision of PMAJ JOEL P GOMEZ, Sub-Station 7 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR, COP conducted Observance of GCQ Protocols and Guidelines at SM South Mall along Alabang-Zapote road Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City re: Strict Implementation of Social Distancing under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in relation with the Presidential Proclamation No. 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”. (Source – Las Piñas City Police Station)PNP Good Deeds re “Giving Food Pack”. On June 8, 2020 at 2:00 PM, in line with the PNPs Oplan Paglilingkod and Full Alert Status under Presidential Proclamation no 929 “Declaring a State of Calamity throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19”, elements of Sub-Station 5 led by PLT ALBERTO M VIDA , Deputy Commander together with PCMS Wirrel Jualo and PCpl Christian Dario Meneses under the direct supervision of PCPT ERNIE B ORTEGA, SS 5 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR. COP, conducted PNP Good deeds by giving rice to a certain Ms. Christine A Guttierez, 59 years old and presently residing at Durian St Talon Uno LPC. (Source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.
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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
Hey fellow Christians! Welcome back to my latest piece in my Christian Music Appreciation (CMA) series and we are about to take a close look at another Christian praise-and-worship song and then examine how its lyrics related to the Holy Bible.
The song to be featured now is Go Beyond, composed by Benjie Alipit and musically arranged and recorded by the COG Worship Band. It is an original song of Church of God World Missions Philippines.
Before we take a look at the song, let me explain that Church of God World Missions Philippines is a Christian church (main venue is in Dasmariñas City, Cavite) that strives to connect all of its COG churches around the Philippines and bring God’s Word outside the walls of the church and into the communities online. They are dedicated to evangelize and minister to every lost soul in the name of Lord Jesus. When it comes to social media, they heavily use the hashtags #BornAgainPilipinas and #COGPhilippines.
With the explanation and done, we can finally start with the lyrics of Go Beyond posted below for you all.
Intro:
Woah oh woah oh (6X)
–
Verse1:
Never failing God
All Your promises make me relentless
With Your unending grace
I receive the love that I don’t deserve
–
Pre-Chorus:
There’s no stopping now
Though I walk to the darkest valley
I will still go on
–
Chorus:
I will go beyond the mountain
Beyond the farthest distance I can be
I will tell the world how much You love me
I will go beyond the highest praise
For the things You’ve done are priceless
I will go beyond my capacity
To tell the world of all You’ve done for me
We will praise You
–
Verse 2:
Overwhelming peace
Fear is gone when you’ve overtaken me
With Your undying mercy
Now I’m confident that I am saved
–
Chorus:
I will go beyond the mountain
Beyond the farthest distance I can be
I will tell the world how much You love me
I will go beyond the highest praise
For the things You’ve done are priceless
I will go beyond my capacity
To tell the world of all You’ve done for me
We will praise You
–
Coda:
No walls
No fear
Can hinder me
I declare Your goodness and mercy
To analyze the biblical relevance of this song, let’s start with the early lines Never failing God All Your promises make me relentless. Those words from the lyrics show that we Christians all reasons to be excited or to be totally dedicated to God knowing that He always keeps His promises to us. When His promises come true, they are indeed very well worth the wait. Remember also that God is truly faithful to us. Check out the following holy scripts below starting with God’s promise to Abram.
I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Genesis 12: 2-3 (NKJV)
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
Hebrews 11: 11 (NKJV)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3: 16 (NKJV)
Whatever God promises, whether it’s prosperity, happiness, justice, recovery, rebirth, positive reform and blessings, He truly keeps them for those who are faithful (not religious) to Him. This alone should inspire us all to go beyond with the Lord. Genesis 12: 2-3 marked God’s promise to Abram who was already faithful and in due time, after traveling far following His instructions, Abram and his wife Sarai got blessed. Even though she was already 90-years-old, the faithful Sarah (formerly Sarai) gave birth to Isaac (Hebrews 11: 11) which itself shows that God sometimes decides to wait before fulfilling His promise. The fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham (formerly Abram) and Sarah with Isaac as their offspring together marked the beginning of what we in the modern world refer to as Israel (both country and people).
Going further into the New Testament, the arrival of Jesus (John 3: 16) marked God’s plan to have humanity redeemed from the curse that started with Adam’s rebellion towards God which gave dominion to Satan. This shows that God Himself promised to have His creations saved with Jesus (God in the flesh) as His ultimate instrument to make it happen. As such, we the faithful can always look forward to God fulfilling His promises, and truly go beyond! With God, nothing is impossible!
From the chorus are the following lines: For the things You’ve done are priceless I will go beyond my capacity To tell the world of all You’ve done for me We will praise You. To put things in perspective, once we get blessed by the Lord, it is only right to be a blessing to others. We all live in a very screwed-up world and there are lots of people who did not really know the Lord because they were consumed by unbelief, religion, idolatry, politics, greed, covetousness, evil and the like. That means that there are indeed a whole lot of unsaved and lost souls around the world! We are surrounded by the unsaved and the lost! Being Born Again (refer to Jesus’ words in John 3: 3) and getting reformed with the Holy Spirit, it is only right that we spread God’s Word to others, share to others how the Lord changed us and blessed us, and why God is the true Heavenly Father and Ultimate Creator who deserves all of our praise! With the Lord, the unsaved and the lost can be saved, and once they submit to Him and become new creations, they can go beyond as well. We the faithful can help the Lord save the unsaved and the lost! Check out the following holy scriptures.
I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know him through your deepening intimacy with him. I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling—that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that he finds in us, his holy ones! I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you! This is the mighty power,
Ephesians 1: 17-19 (TPT)
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 (NKJV)
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
Acts 3: 19-21 (NKJV)
And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2: 4 (NKJV)
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, will all your mind, and with all your strength.
Mark 12: 30 (NKJV)
Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new creation. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new.
2 Corinthians 5: 17 (TPT)
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2: 9-10 (NKJV)
Now we can proceed with the next lines from the lyrics: Overwhelming peace Fear is gone when you’ve overtaken me.
As written in the Holy Bible, peace from the Lord is undeniably real and powerful. When one gets born again and becomes a child of God, he or she will get reformed to be holy (with the Holy Spirit in the heart), to study the Holy Bible and apply its lessons in real life, and find true peace that will last. Along the way, fear becomes nothing. In fact, fear has no place in Christianity and very certainly fear will NOT help you become part of God’s family and kingdom. The sad reality about the screwed-up world we live in is that fear is common and hindered the many unsaved and lost souls from becoming Christians. Fear is part of religion, unbelief, traditions, rituals and idolatry. Even the unsaved and lost souls who think they are fearless don’t realize their arrogance and ignorance about it. It is only by submitting to God that fear will be truly thrown out and peace will come in.
Apart from the Lord’s peace overwhelming it, fear will also be replaced by courage that comes with being part of the spiritual family…the Lord’s family! Here are some holy scriptures for your reference (the final verse is about being fearless, aggressive and protected with the Armor provided to us by Him).
I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!
John 14: 27 (TPT)
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5: 23 (NKJV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NKJV)
Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser! Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage. Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious.
Ephesians 6: 11-13 (TPT)
With the above scriptures, the lines from the song – Overwhelming peace Fear is gone when you’ve overtaken me – make sense with the Holy Bible! In fact,John 14: 27 emphasized peace from Jesus and His instruction for us not to yield to fear is so clear!
Now that it is obvious that the song Go Beyond is, indeed, a holy song, let me take the opportunity to describe the music. As performed by the COG Worship Band, Go Beyond is pretty energetic and the way it plays, it is an ideal song to play early during Sunday worship at church and get all the spiritual family members energized for further worship!
In ending this CMA, embedded below is the official music of Go Beyond (note: my thanks to Church of God World Missions Philippines for referencing their song) Enjoy it and always remember to thank, honor and praise Lord Jesus! Always be the fearless and aggressive church of the Lord and help Him save the many unsaved and lost souls around the world!
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Sharing this Christian piece means spreading the good news of the Lord to others. It can help you save the unsaved souls out there.
Las Piñas City Police Conducts Online Dalaw and Good Deeds
As people around Luzon slowly adjust with the GCQ (General Community Quarantine) in effect for almost a week now, the police officers of Las Piñas City continue to perform their duties diligently.
Recently the Las Piñas City Police Station led by PMAJ ALLAN MERCADO, C, SCADS/PIO under the supervision of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI JR., COP conducted the operation called Online Dalaw. To put things in perspective, Online Dalaw was designed to help Persons Deprived of Liberty (note: those who are under custody of the police) ease the worries of their families who could not visit them due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the pictures below released by the Las Piñas City Police Station today.
A person under the custody of the local police monitors a video on a smartphone in the presence of police officers as Online Dalaw gets done. (photo contributed by Las Piñas City Police Station)A closer look and a different angle.(photo contributed by Las Piñas City Police Station)
Apart from Online Dalaw, the police force continued to perform helpful public service by doing good deeds. On the morning of June 5, they provided free transportation to some locals. That same morning, at another location, the police distributed relief goods to a family that needed them.
PNP Good Deeds: Libreng Sakay On June 5, 2020 at about 7AM, elements of the SS-1 led by Pcpl Kennith Bautista together Pat Melvin Sim Dapon under the supervision of PMAJ GILBERT ARAGON VALETA, SS-1 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI, JR, COP performed PNP good deeds by providing free transportation to residents of Las Piñas City under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in relation with the Presidential Proclamation No. 922 “Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency through the Philippines due to COVID-19” (Source – Las Piñas City Police Station)Adopt an Indigent Family On June 5, 2020/9AM, the Las Piñas CPS under the supervision of PCOL SEGUNDO C LAGUNDI, JR, COP represented by PMAJ ALLAN P MERCADO C, SCADS/PIO with ten (10) others led the Distribution of Relief Goods re ADOPTION of an Indigent Family in line with the “KAPWA KO SAGO KO” held at BFRV, Brgy. Talon Dos, Las Piñas Coty. Said families were seen by SCADS personnel during the conduct of the Feeding Program last week where they promised to be back for them. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.
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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
Author Carlo Carrasco 