Carlo Carrasco – Page 251 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Electric transport system inside the SBMA could happen

May 13, 2022May 11, 2022carlocarrasco

If initial talks progress a lot, then electric vehicles as well as charging stations could be established at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the future as the Manila Bulletin recently reported that the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and a private entity formally started discussing a key proposal that emphasized renewable energy.

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

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), holding true to its commitment to promote the use of renewable energy, has welcomed its partner Indigo Distribution Corporation in putting into the boardroom a proposal to set up an Electric Transport System inside SBMA as part of a new initiative for renewable energy projects inside the facility.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino and Indigo Distribution Corporation General Manager Gerard S. Galang have started serious discussion on a proposal that also includes setting up solar and electric charging stations inside SBMA to support and promote electric vehicle adoption for private and public transportation.

This is also in line with the ’Renewable Energy Act of 2008′ that affirms the government’s commitment to accelerate the utilization of renewable energy (RE) resources in the country. This is to effectively reduce harmful emissions and achieve economic development while protecting health and environment.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have started to gain popularity, globally, as many countries decide to pursue the use of alternative technologies that reduce harmful emissions, climate-related effects and reliance on the use of fossil fuels.

Electric vehicles are cars and other vehicles with motors that source power from electricity and not liquid or liquefied fuels.

EVs count among its technological benefits: few moving parts, charging done overnight when electricity demand is low and cheaper fuel cost, running cost and maintenance cost.

The above report ended stating that the SBMA believes that the initiative would bring down the cost of electricity by harnessing the free energy from the sun.

As I mentioned before, Subic Bay is a great place to visit for holidays, shopping, organizing special events, doing business and discovering new things. I was there when the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) happened on May 1 (for references, click here and here) and I saw SBMA chairman Paulino who took part during the awarding ceremony of the Elite Men category. I also managed to revisit my favorite restaurant there and had a great lunch. To learn about SBMA moving forward with renewable energy and potentially use electric vehicles (e-vehicles) for both public and private transportation is indeed interesting. It would be nice to see electric vehicles in the form of buses, jeepneys and vans be established for commuters to ride and move around the freeport. Think about the tourists, the shoppers and employees who need to move to their respective destinations around the freeport but don’t have their own private vehicles.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you excited to see the SBMA establish an electric transport system in the near future?

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 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 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/

NLEX toll rates hike in effect today (May 12, 2022)

May 12, 2022May 10, 2022carlocarrasco

If you are planning to travel along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) very soon, you better adjust your travel-related budget as toll rates on the said highway have been raised effective today – May 12, 2022 – according to the details of a recent report published by GMA Network news based on the recent statement issued by the NLEX Corp.

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

NLEX Corp., the operator of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), on Tuesday announced it will increase its toll rates starting Thursday, May 12, 2022.

In a statement, NLEX Corp. said the Toll Regulatory Board gave the company the green light to hike its toll by P2.00 in the open system and P0.34 per kilometer in the closed system.

Under the adjusted toll rates, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional P2.00 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), P6.00 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and P8.00 for Class 3 vehicles.

NLEX Corp. said the open system is from Balintawak, Caloocan City to Marilao, Bulacan while the closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga including Subic-Tipo.

Meanwhile, those traveling the NLEX end-to-end between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will pay an additional P27.00 for Class 1, P69.00 for Class 2 and P82.00 for Class 3 vehicles.

“To help cushion the impact of the toll increase, public utility jeepneys (PUJs) under the NLEX Passada and Tsuper Card discount and rebate program will continue to enjoy the old rates,” the company said.

“Provincial buses will also be covered by a graduated rebate scheme for a period of three months,” it added.

NLEX Corp. said the adjustments followed regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review.

The toll adjustment is also part of the approved periodic adjustments of NLEX due in 2016 and the completion of the new Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) in 2021.

“Motorists have been enjoying safer and more comfortable journeys brought about by the new SFEX since it was partially opened in December 2020 and fully completed in February 2021. A total of 16.4 new lane kilometers, two new bridges in Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel were constructed for this infrastructure project,” the company said.

The tollway company said it spent P6.9 billion to complete several major projects and enhancements at NLEX-SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) since 2015 that “improved the region’s landscape, increased accessibility, enhanced safety and provided travel convenience to motorists.”

“To name a few, these include the expansion of San Fernando Interchange; the new toll lanes in Marilao, Bocaue, Tipo, Balintawak, Meycauayan, and Mindanao; the pavement upgrade at NLEX; the new exits in Meycauayan and Valenzuela and entry in Balagtas; the rehabilitation of bridges in Bigaa, Bocaue, and Meycauayan; and the improvement of drainages in Balintawak, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan; retrofitting of San Simon and Sta. Rita bridges,” it said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you often travel along the NLEX? When was the last time you experienced a heavily congested trip along the NLEX?

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 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 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 the exception of football, 31st SEA Games venues are open to spectators

May 12, 2022May 11, 2022carlocarrasco

If you are seriously traveling to Vietnam mainly to watch the many events of the 31^st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31^st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in person, then you might be delighted to know that with the exception of football, competition venues have been opened to spectators, according to a Manila Bulletin sports news report quoting Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez. Take note that it was revealed before that spectators at the SEA Games were not required to take COVID-19 tests and Vietnam itself has reopened its borders to foreign tourists.

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

Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Ramon Fernandez bared on Tuesday that spectators would now be allowed to cheer for the athletes at the competition venues of the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

Fernandez, the country’s chef de mission to the Games, attended the first chef de mission meeting at the Hyatt Regency West Hanoi here where all 11 CDMs of the 11 national Olympic committee graced the gathering.

“The host country will open the venues to fans and spectators as long as they strictly follow health and safety protocols,’’ said Fernandez, who attended the meeting with PSC Public Communications Office head Emmalyn Bamba.

Except for football, Fernandez said no fees will be charged at the entrance in all competition venues of the 39 sports from the opening ceremonies of the Games on Thursday until the closing rites on May 23.

“Tickets will only be sold during football matches where a large volume of spectators are expected,’’ said Fernandez. With the gates opened to the public, Fernandez pushed for the safety of the athletes from contracting the COVID-19 virus, which was seconded by Indonesia and Singapore and supported by all CDMs.

“Vietnam organizers assured that health protocols will be in place by wearing masks and the strict implementation of social distancing,’’ said Fernandez.

Other concerns were discussed during the CDM meeting with Fernandez raising the issue of the presence of a medical room, which will be stationed at the headquarters of the Philippine delegation here.

Also discussed were the arrangements for the Team Welcome Ceremony for Team Philippines and other countries on Wednesday, a day prior to the opening rites.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to Vietnam’s move to open up SEA Games competition venues (except football) to spectators?

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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Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar and Vice Mayor proclaimed

May 11, 2022May 10, 2022carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, the 2022 National and Local Elections have finally passed and as I am writing this, many results have been released and already a growing number of leading candidates are getting proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

In the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar was proclaimed as winner in the local election according to a Manila Bulletin report. She won re-election by a landslide which earned her a 3^rd term to serve her constituents from mid-2022 to mid-2025. She has been serving as the city’s top official since mid-2016 and had previously served as Mayor from mid-2004 to mid-2007. Along the way, her daughter and incumbent Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery also got proclaimed as a result of re-election.

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

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (2nd from left) and Mayor Imelda Aguilar (middle) show their certificates to photographers after being proclaimed as winners in the May 9, 2022 local election. With them are COMELEC officials (photo source – Las Piñas City PIO through Manila Bulletin)

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Las Piñas City has proclaimed incumbent Mayor Imelda Aguilar as the winner in the mayoral race in the city.

Aguilar received a total of 108,644 votes against her closest rival Doc Ferds Eusebio who got 38,285 votes.

*Mayor Aguilar proclaimed! (photo source – Mayor Mel Aguilar Facebook page)*

The mayor’s daughter, Vice Mayor April Aguilar, also won with 123, 457 votes against Bishop Jerry Delos Reyes who got 44,991 votes.

Comelec officer Atty. Eli Aringay proclaimed the mother and daughter team and their councilors as winners at around 10:30 a.m. at the Las Pinas Session Hall. They were joined by their family members Dr. Aivee Teo, Anne Virgil Aguilar, Alelee Aguilar Andanar, and Bong Nery.

The Team Aguilar “Tuloy ang Serbisyo” thanked Las Piñeros for the support given to them.

Aguilar who is on her third and last term, and her vice mayor who is on her second term, vowed to continue giving better services to Las Piñeros

The mayor implemented the 5K (Kalusugan, Kaayusan,Kabuhayan,Kaalaman, and Kinabukasan) program during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar donated two years’ worth of her salary to buy additional test kits to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the city. When it comes to the national elections, a majority of Las Piñas voters elected Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte for President and Vice President respectively.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to the re-election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor? What do you hope to see from Mayor Aguilar in her third term? Are you thankful to the Mayor for serving you and your community members all these years?

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 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 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

One Muntinlupa dominates local elections, winners proclaimed

May 11, 2022May 10, 2022carlocarrasco

Very soon, the City of Muntinlupa will have a new mayor and a new congressman as a result of the dominance of the One Muntinlupa unity party in the recent local elections, according to the details of a Manila Bulletin news report. The winners have been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

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

Ruffy Biazon is the new mayor of Muntinlupa, Jaime Fresnedi is the new congressman, and incumbent Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac got reelected as their One Muntinlupa councilors made a clean sweep of the election on May 9.

Re-elected Muntinlupa City Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, Mayor-elect Ruffy Biazon and Congressman-elect Jaime Fresnedi showed their certificates on the day they got proclaimed. (photo source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The City Board of Canvassers (CBOC) proclaimed the winners of the election in Muntinlupa City on May 10 at the session hall of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the city hall complex.

Official results from the City Board of Canvassers showed Biazon, the incumbent congressman, garnered a total of 189,742 votes to win as mayor against Red Mariñas, who received 60,434 votes, or a margin of 120,308 votes. Nelson Benjamin got 1,153 votes while Oscar Marmeto received 1,069.

For congressman, Fresnedi, the incumbent mayor, won with total votes of 183,085 against Silverio Garing’s 52,530, or a margin of 130,555 votes.

Artemio Simundac won another term, winning the election with 131,882 votes, a lead of 34,315 votes against Oyo Boy Dioko who got 97,567.

Meanwhile, all 16 councilors of One Muntinlupa in Districts 1 and 2 won.

*All the winners in one grand group picture. (photo source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

The elected new councilors in District 1 are One Muntinlupa’s Raul Corro, Alexson Diaz, Paty Katy Boncayao, Rachel Arciaga, Ivee Arciaga, Allan Camilon, Jedi Presnedi and Ting Niefes.

Winning as councilors in District 2 are One Muntinlupa bets Lester Baes, Ryan Bagatsing, Luvi Constantino, Metong Sevilla, Marissa Rongavilla, Arlene Hilapo, Eliot Martinez and Dado Moldez.

The above report ended stating that over 250,000 local registered voters took part in the recent elections. Muntinlupa’s overall registered voter count is over 300,000.

With regards to the national elections, a majority of Muntinlupa City voters elected Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte as President and Vice President respectively. For the Philippine Senate, the number one candidate was Loren Legarda.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to One Muntinlupa’s complete dominance of the local elections? Were you able to vote this past Election Day? What do you hope to see from incoming Mayor Ruffy Biazon and from incoming Congressman Jaime Fresnedi?

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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George Perez (1954-2022)

May 10, 2022September 14, 2022carlocarrasco

George Perez, the incredible comic book artist who made major contributions to illustrated literature (especially the superhero comic book genre), sadly passed away due to complications related to pancreatic cancer. He was 67-years-old and I can say that superhero comic book art and dynamic expressions will not be the same without him.

*George Perez with the two Wonder Woman plastic models. (photo source – DC Comics Facebook page)*

Already there were comic book industry figures who reacted to the death of the legendary Perez. DC Comics co-publisher and legendary creator Jim Lee paid tribute stating, “We creators may all have access to the same tools of the trade: pen, paper and imagination, but what George could do with his prodigious talents was off the charts.”

For his part, Rob Liefeld stated, “I’ll remember George for his innovative and prolific storytelling. Thank you for all the great memories. Rest In Peace, George Perez.”

For the newcomers reading this as well as those who are simply unaware of Perez’s legacy, he was responsible for visualizing DC Comics’ 1985 epic maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths (note: he drew countless characters complete with varied settings or environments in high detail) and redefining Wonder Woman (note: he also wrote the stories) which made her a more essential pop culture icon. George Perez also worked for Marvel Comics over many projects and was chosen to illustrate the memorable 2003 JLA/Avengers crossover series of Marvel and DC. Perez also worked with other publishers such as Malibu Comics for several Ultraverse comic books and Image Comics for Crimson Plague and Witchblade. In recent years, he was responsible for Sirens published by BOOM! Studios.

*For me, Wonder Woman was best defined during the post-Crisis era of DC Comics which involved George Perez and Len Wein who wrote the early issues of the Wonder Woman monthly series in the late 1980s.*

In his decades-long career in comics, Perez unsurprisingly earned varied awards and honors (references here, here, here and here to name a few).

I should say that George Perez is a long-time favorite comic book illustrator of mine. I enjoyed reading the superhero comic books he illustrated and I love his art style on the characters, the environments and crowds. If there is anything I love about Perez’s art, it is his distinct style along with his implementation of high levels of details on the characters, objects, creatures and surroundings. Perez is also known to capture the distinct visual elements of superhero characters such as Spider-Man’s costume and his spaghetti-like web, Superman’s physique and distinct letter S, Prime’s overly muscular body and more. Every time Perez is involved as artist, the result is almost always a visual feast that often adds punch to the script prepared.

When I was still actively collecting comic books back in the 1990s, I often get excited whenever I learned that George Perez illustrated upcoming comic books. In 1992, he drew Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect (2 books) which was mind-blowing and intriguing for me! In 1993, I became a fan of the newly launched Ultraverse of Malibu Comics and I got very excited to learn that Perez was hired for their major UV crossover Break-Thru (2 issues). Perez also drew one issue of Prime and most of the early issues of the UV team UltraForce (issues #0, #1, #3, #4, #5 and #6). If you want to see Perez draw ALL the characters of the Ultraverse, you should read the 2-issue Break-Thru storyline.

*A page from Break-Thru #2 showing just some of the many Ultraverse characters Perez illustrated. This was published before the release of UltraForce.*

Speaking of UltraForce, check out this video by Crypto Comics (with observations on Perez’s art works)…

Going back to George Perez’s amazing run on Wonder Woman, I urge you to watch the video below…

For me, the most defining stories of Wonder Woman ever told in any art form are still the comics that Perez wrote (note: he co-wrote stories with Greg Potter and Len Wein respectively on the early issues) and illustrated during the post-Crisis era of DC Comics. Check out my retro reviews of Wonder Woman 1980s comics on this website.

Truly, George Perez will be missed by a lot of people and his countless pieces of works will be revisited in the foreseeable future. In closing this piece, posted below are varied works (comic book covers and interior art) done by the late creator through the decades for your viewing pleasure and learning. This is a tribute to Perez and may he rest in peace!

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Note: All images shown are properties of their respective companies.

With a huge delegation, the Philippines begins its quest for gold at the 31st SEA Games

May 10, 2022May 9, 2022carlocarrasco

While most of the country has been focused on the May 9 General Elections (national and local levels) as people will elect a new President who will lead the country for the next six years, the Philippines has a huge delegation gradually arriving in Vietnam for the 31^st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31^st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021), according to an article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). While the opening ceremony of the SEA Games has been set to happen on May 12, there are already sports events that were held days ahead of the said ceremony. The Philippine Team, which has a financial support of over P200 million, will start very soon its quest for gold while adjusting themselves to the new environment, culture and society there in Vietnam.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine contingent for the 31st Southeast Asian Games is scheduled to check in on Tuesday with the Philippine Sports Commission on hand to facilitate their arrival and have them comfortably settled two days before the opening ceremony of the 11-nation sportsfest.

A large wave of athletes led by 2019 SEA Games multiple medalist and world champion gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo will set foot here together with the highly admired women’s volleyball team featuring its top celebrities Alyssa Valdez, Aby Maraño and Jaja Santiago.

Yulo, who brought along his Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, won two gold medals and five silvers in men’s artistic gymnastics back in Manila 2019 and is expected to deliver again for Team Philippines.

“We are ready to receive our athletes and coaches and extend the assistance they need once they arrive here. They have to be free of distractions so they can focus on their respective competitions ahead,” said PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, the chef de mission of Team Philippines.

Women’s volleyball and men’s volleyball have a total headcount of 38 players and officials while gymnastics has 22 athletes and coaches comprising the 193 members of the delegation set to arrive on Tuesday.

Filipino athletes and officials from badminton (19), bodybuilding (13), fencing (28), table tennis (17), tennis (12), athletics (8), wushu (17), and one swimmer will likewise depart from Manila on the same day along with the PSC medical team (6) and members of the media (12).

Already settled in the Vietnamese capital and have moved to their respective billeting areas are athletes from kickboxing, handball, men’s and women’s football, rowing, chess, kurash, pencak silat, men’s 3×3 basketball, women’s basketball, golf, and triathlon/duathlon.

The main bulk of track and field athletes and officials (50) will be here on Wednesday, including pole vault Asian record holder Ernest John Obiena.

Speaking of the Philippines’ quest for gold in the SEA Games, triathlon and duathlon events are scheduled for May 14 and 15 respectively according to details at Triathlon.org (references here and here) and it has been confirmed already that Quang Ninh is the Vietnamese province which will host triathlon and other events. To know more about the Philippine Team triathletes and duathletes who are set to compete in the SEA Games, click here and here. Take note that the Philippines’ best triathletes and duathletes recently competed in the Subic Bay International Triathlon or SUBIT.

*The Philippine Team for triathlon and duathlon at the airport before they departed to Vietnam. (photo source – Philippine Sports Commission Facebook page)*

To know more about what kind of competitors Team Philippines will face in the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon events, check out my recent post related to the highly detailed interview with the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA). To find out who exactly are the Southeast Asian triathletes and duathletes in the men’s triathlon, women’s triathlon, men’s duathlon and women’s duathlon, check out the SEA Games pages at Triathlon.org which now have official lists of starters for public viewing.

Considering what is at stake and what kind of competitors the Philippine delegation will face at the SEA Games, I urge you to pray to our Lord for victories to be achieved by our nation’s finest athletes (note: each of them went through qualification processes in their respective teams and sports) and that they (along with their coaches) will be rewarded abundantly. We should not believe on luck because we have the victory of Lord Jesus to believe in and God is the definitive source and provider of blessings, breakthroughs and miracles that we must believe in. To pray to the Lord, be in your room with the door shut and pray in tongues to Him with all your heart. Also be thankful to Him wholeheartedly.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: How excited are you right now with the Philippines’ SEA Games campaign? What is the one sports event of the SEA Games you are excited for?

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

For other SEA Games-related articles, click here, here, here, here and here.

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A Look Back at Sludge #8 (1994)

May 9, 2022May 7, 2022carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, superhero fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the Ultraverse of Malibu Comics and examine one of its many stories told through an issue of the Sludge comic book series.

As seen in my previous Sludge retro review, the stakes were raised even higher and Sludge finds himself in the middle of a major conflict between the gangs of the city with the involvement of the group of the Pump. By this point, the titular character is not only desperate but also is getting torn between good and evil.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Sludge #8, published by Malibu Comics in 1994 with a story written by Steve Gerber and drawn by Aaron Lopresti.

Early story

The story begins with TV news coverage doing a recap of events that shook New York City and its people – the abduction of a drug mule, the destruction of a ship filled with illegal immigrants, the destruction in the cemetery left behind by a major conflict there, and the death of crime boss John Paul Marcello which involved action by Sludge.

Sludge then wakes up from another nightmare and finds himself inside a boiler room which has a TV set and a chair. It turns out the place was set up by a janitor who does not even know Sludge is present. Slowly, Sludge sneaks his way back to the sewer.

At a cemetery, the burial of Marcello is being attended by many people and among them is Don Celini who regarded the late crime boss as a man of vision who made a lot of money for many people. Vittorio, the former loyal assistant to Marcello, is told by Don Celini to demonstrate leadership qualities to the heads of the other gangs. In the evening at a discreet place, Vittorio meets with Bloodstorm with a lot of money on the side…

*The reporter Shelley on the pursuit for details.*

Quality

To make things clear about the storytelling, the conflict between the crime gangs not only became more intense but also turned out quite intriguing. Clearly writer Steve Gerber carefully planned out the events, character developments and twists for this series. That being said, this comic book has a fine mix of suspense, crime story and even the supernatural for the narrative’s progress, and the good news is that these elements were presented in a believable way.

As presented in the previous issues, Sludge’s desperation and death wish will keep on intriguing you especially when he gets bothered by the Pump (arguably the most evil figure of the entire Ultraverse). Even as the war between gangs heat up, the story even had space for investigative journalism moments through the news reporter Shelley (who encountered Sludge in person before) whose pursuit for the facts remains unrelenting.

Conclusion

While the previous issue made me think deeply about the state of Sludge’s character and the gang war he became involved with, Sludge #8 (1994) is an even more intriguing Ultraverse read complete with solid twists that must be seen. Without spoiling the story, this comic book will strongly resonate with readers who really started the Sludge series from issue #1 (note: Bloodstorm’s involvement in this comic book will be more relevant if you have previously read his detailed introduction in issue #2). The current storyline – Street Wars – went significant steps forward in this story and I can say that the creative team of Gerber and Aaron Lopresti were successful in making me anticipate the conclusion.

Overall, Sludge #8 (1994) is recommended.

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Buy-bust operation in Parañaque City nets 4 drug pushers

May 9, 2022May 7, 2022carlocarrasco

In Parañaque City, a recent buy-bust operation organized by local law enforcers resulted in the apprehension of four drug pushers as well the confiscation of illegal drugs and a weapon with live ammunition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Four drug pushers identified as high value individual (HVI) and street level individuals (SLI) were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by members of the Southern Police District (SPD)- Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) on Wednesday, May 4.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg identified the suspects as Nor Fajad Mulod Utto, 21, listed as HVI; Edmund Agduma, 32; Jerome Villaneda Callo, 32; and Anthony Deto, 37; listed as SLI, all residents of Parañaque City.

Macaraeg said the suspects were arrested at about 11:30 p.m. along Silverios Compound, Barangay San Isidro by members of the SPD-DEU in coordination with members of the Parañaque City police Sub-Station 4.

He said the operating teams were able to confiscate from the suspects 30.7 grams of shabu worth P208,760 and one .45 caliber pistol loaded with seven live ammunition.

The SPD chief said the confiscated shabu was brought to the SPD Forensic Unit for chemical analysis and the firearm for ballistic examination.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this report? Who do you think is the master of the arrested suspects?

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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Amiladjid and Stawicki register best times among standard distance age-groupers in SUBIT

May 7, 2022May 6, 2022carlocarrasco

Al Shrynel Amiladjid and Rhia Mae Alexandria Stawicki emerged with the best standard distance finishes in their respective age-groups and genders during the recent 2022 NTT AST Subic Bay International Triathlon at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Amiladjid finished the 1.5 kilometer swim – 40 KM bike – 10 Km run in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 9 seconds which earned him the gold in the Male 25-29 age-group. Next to him among the males were Male 40-44 champion Jet Ramos with 2:12:55 and male 18-24 champion Charles Jeremiah Lipura with 2:14:30

Among the women in the event organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, Rhia Mae Alexandria Stawicki easily outclassed her competitors with a fast 2:17:17 to win the Female 18-29 age-group. Next to her were fellow 18-29 competitor Jaquelyn Ann Cruz with 2:42:32 and female 40-44 champion Maypette Ng with 2:43:33.

Other standard distance age-group champions declared in the race recognized by the World Triathlon and Asia Triathlon sponsored by Standard Insurance, Asian Center for Insulation Phil (ACIP), Pocari Sweat, Aurora Suites & Pavilion and FINIS were Maryfel Aumentado (female 35-39), Celma Hitalia (female 45-over), Mike Kramer (male 30-34), Luigi Victor Robles (male 35-39), Rene Tayag (male 45-49), Dante Macalintal (male 50-54) and John Villanueva (male 55-above).

On the sprint distance (750 meter swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) age-group competition, the champions declared were Daniel Nazarro and Katrina Salazar (16-19), Cathery Ayessa Manalastas (women 20-24), Leonides Sollegue (male 20-29), Nicolle Arielle Andaya (women 25-29), Mitch Otsuru-Park (women 30-39), Charles Cruz (male 30-34), Micah Munoz (male 35-39), Toni Camille Favis (women 40-over), Jeffrey Real (male 40-49), Benjamin Villagracia (male 50-above) and Alex Silverio (sprint male para-triathlon)

For the complete race results and lists of winners, visit https://register.raceyaya.com/event/subit2022

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The above information was sourced from an official press release issued by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines. Some parts were modified for this website.

For related triathlon stories about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the SEA Games this year, click here, here, here and here.

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