COMELEC issues warning against premature campaigning before the campaign period of BSKE

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996)

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1996 and explore a part of the Marvel 2099 comics universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 monthly series.

To put things in perspective, there were these notable changes with both the storytelling and the character development of the futuristic webslinger as a result of the Venom 2099 saga (read my retro reviews here, here, here, here and here) as well as Doom 2099 becoming the new President of the United States (click here). Issue #39 saw the return of Vulture 2099 and the sudden appearance of Green Goblin 2099 (AKA Goblin 2099).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #40, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Andrew Wildman.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with the tycoon Tyler Stone helplessly on bed in a medical center’s room still recovering from the gun shot incident. He tells the doctor near him that he wants to speak to Dana and demands to know what has been going on. Stone also demanded to get into contact with President Doom. In response to Stone’s demand to know the truth, the doctor regretfully tells him that Dana is dead.

Meanwhile, a swinging Spider-Man gets hit from the back by Goblin 2099. As the webslinger asked who he is, the Goblin introduces himself and tells him that he intends to expose him as a fraud. As the green/purple colored mask freak keeps on attacking, Spider-Man moves out of the way. While in movement, Goblin tells Spidey that he has betrayed the good people of downtown New York and must be forced to confess.

As he falls down fast, the webslinger suddenly finds himself clamped and restrained by the Goblin…   

Quality

Goblin 2099’s main weapon against the futuristic Spidey is influence on people and being able to convince them to reject the webslinger.

This comic book has a very intriguing tale crafted by Peter David. While this marks the first ever encounter between the futuristic versions Spider-Man and Green Goblin, this one has a strong social theme that prevented the conflict from becoming a generic good-versus-evil match-up. Goblin 2099 went after the webslinger not for the satisfaction of killing, not for the intention of dominating the whole world but for achieving social change for the members of the downtown community by destroying Spider-Man’s credibility once and for all (by exposing him as a fraud and a tool of the corporate world who should not be trusted).

This version of the Green Goblin clearly has an agenda that he seems very willing to die for and the mere fact that he interacted with Kasey (an important person for both Miguel and Gabriel O’Hara) further adds to the complexity on both the new villain as well as the downtown community. Given his obsession of destroying the hero by blaming him as a corporate stooge, Goblin 2099 here is symbolically with the Satanic Left (Communist/Marxist/liberal). These factors effectively raise the stakes and risks for Spider-Man who already has a lot of problems to deal with.

Through the fight between Spider-Man and Goblin, you will see how the people of downtown react in accordance to their perception as well as their inability to realize the truth behind Spider-Man’s social standing. The way they reacted shows impact on Spidey who himself struggles to understand their collective thinking and why they allowed themselves to be strongly influenced by the Goblin.

Along the way, there was a scene that emphasized Xina showing how Dana’s death affected her and another scene that took place at a very old New York City cathedral that clearly was crafted to build up on something for future tales of this series.

Characterization and plot aside, this comic book has a good amount of superhero action that will keep you entertained and Andrew Wildman really knows how to make action attractive to your eyes.

Conclusion

Spotlight on Xina.

Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996) is another solid tale from the David-Wildman duo. Apart from the big impact Goblin 2099 had on Spider-Man and the people of just one community, this story successfully built-up the tension and complexity on the part of the protagonist while executing suitable pay-offs in relation to the build-up that started in the previous issue. Also I should state that it is very clear that the feature match-up in this comic book is not a rehash of classic Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. This is indeed a very intriguing Spidey 2099 tale that convinced me to look forward to the next issue.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996) is highly recommended!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

With FIBA World Cup 2023 in the Philippines, Department of Tourism (DOT) anticipates 600,000 tourists/spectators

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Visit the newly renovated foodcourt at SM Southmall

If you are looking for a comfortable and really modern indoor place to eat in complete with lots of choices available, then you must visit the newly renovated foodcourt of SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.

Still located at a very particular large area at the 2nd level of the mall, the highly modernized foodcourt was opened recently and already there were several food businesses that collectively created a great variety of meals, drinks and desserts that should appeal to many people looking for a place to eat while inside Southmall. I personally visited the foodcourt to explore it and look around. Check out the pictures I took and posted below…

Customers checking out what meals or drinks to choose.
The tables and seats are new and comfortable.
Small slides for children to enjoy at the other end of the foodcourt.
Potato Corner and Kipps at the foodcourt.

After exploring the whole foodcourt, I decided to buy myself coffee and a doughnut, then I took a seat. As I was consuming what I bought, I noticed a steady stream of customers coming into the foodcourt and several of them looked around to see what appeals to them and what they could afford. The meals offered by different sellers include rice meals, pizza, pasta, ramen, Samgyupsal, sandwiches, chicken wings, soup, bulalo, shawarma, fries and more. As the customers lined up for food, there were parents and kids enjoying their time together at the other end of the foodcourt (by the window).

Before the pandemic, I had meals at the Southmall foodcourt a number of times. With the renovations completed, I can say that the foodcourt today is not only more modern…it has been made more comfortable, more hip and more attractive. The wide variety of meals and drinks available are ideal for anyone who wants to do food trips or have meals with friends or family members together. I would not hesitate to return to the Southmall foodcourt in the near future. If you have not been to the foodcourt, then I encourage you to visit it the next time you go to Southmall.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? When was the last time you had a meal at SM Southmall’s food court? Does the modernized Southmall foodcourt look attractive to you? Do you see any meals or drinks at the foodcourt that attract your attention?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

To fight vote buying-selling, COMELEC seeks imposition of “money ban”

In relation with their campaign against the buying and selling of votes, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it seeks to impose a ban on money (“money ban”), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is related with the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) which is scheduled to happen on late October. The election body previously announced its plan to allow warrantless arrests in response to vote buying and selling.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency news report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the COMELEC’s planned “money ban” is unrealistic or doable? What do you think the COMELEC should do to effectively fight vote buying-selling?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

New diagnostic center in Las Piñas City inaugurated

Recently in Las Piñas City, a brand new diagnostic center located at the ground floor of the City Health Office within the area of City Hall was formally inaugurated by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar according to the City Government’s social media post dated August 17. The new facility aims to provide free laboratory services for qualified patients of the city.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the City Government’s Facebook post (translated from Tagalog into English). Some parts in boldface…

The Vice Mayor and Mayor (in the background) with City Government personnel posing outside of the new diagnostic center. (photo credit: Las Piñas PIO).

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 there several people in your local community who are motivated to avail of the free laboratory tests at the Las Piñas Diagnostic Center right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Man who attempted robbing a delivery rider arrested in Parañaque City

Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers arrested a man who attempted robbing a delivery rider (note: incident was captured on video), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened during the law enforcers’ follow-up operation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you believe that more delivery riders could be targeted by thieves while doing their duties in Parañaque?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes release delayed to 2024

If you are an Xbox gamer who loves playing Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) who missed the news, better brace yourselves for enduring another long wait as the release of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (bound for Xbox Game Pass) has officially been delayed to 2024. The game being made by Rabbit & Bear was previously announced for a 2023 release. The video below ended with “Coming 2023.”

To put things into perspective about the delay, posted below is the excerpt from the game developer’s recent update at Kickstarter.com. Some parts in boldface…

Ever since Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes was first announced, I got excited for it knowing it was the spiritual successor to Suikoden RPGs and its development team Rabbit & Bear had Suikoden creators involved. The JRPG (along with the spin-off 2D adventure game Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising) was the most pleasant surprise I saw during the 2021 Xbox Bethesda Games Showcase and the confirmation of it coming to Xbox Game Pass added to my excitement. Take a look at the 2021 video below.

I was really looking forward to playing Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes on my Xbox Series X this year because I wanted a different kind of Japanese RPG to play (note: I played and finished the remastered Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch on my Xbox months ago and I am still playing Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Collection) and also I wanted a gameplay experience inspired by the first two Suikoden RPGs of the 1990s (note: Konami has yet to release the remastered games this year) which I really enjoyed (note: read my Suikoden II retro review).

While it is a little discouraging to wait until the 2nd quarter of 2024 to play Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, I say let’s just leave it up to the game developers to finish their work and make it the best possible JRPG it could be. Besides, there is the massive sci-fi Bethesda RPG Starfield and Turn 10’s Forza Motorsport (2023) to enjoy before the year ends and those two are the hottest Xbox-exclusive games to look forward to. Antstream Arcade is already entertaining Xbox fans with over a thousand retro games made available and for more future releases, watch out for announcements at Gamescom 2023 where Team Xbox will have a huge presence. By mid-2024, the number of Xbox Game Pass subscribers worldwide should get higher. That being said, the delay of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is not too painful in my view.

Let’s hope that developer Rabbit & Bear will ensure Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes to be a great JRPG to play once its 2024 release happens.

In ending this piece, posted below are recent Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Free medical services for senior citizens of two specific communities in Las Piñas City set for September 6 and 12, 2023

Transgendered woman arrested for extorting money from a minor

Recently in the City of Manila, local police officers arrested a transgendered woman (note: biological male identifying as female) for the alleged extortion of money from a minor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The victim’s mother learned about the details of what happened and called the police for assistance. The arrest was the result of an entrapment operation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The above report ended stating that the transgender suspect is facing charges for violating Article 317 (swindling of minors), Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), and Republic Act 11930 (The Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a parent whose children are still minors, does this crime news report make you feel concerned about what kind of people your children communicate with online? Do you think that there could be more transgendered individuals out there looking to victimize children and other people that they believe could easily be fooled?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco