COVID-19 Crisis: More than 40 million fully vaccinated people in the Philippines

According to a recent report published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA), that the number of people here in the Philippines who got fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (two doses of most brands of vaccines specifically) has surpassed forty million.

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

The Philippines has already administered 95,982,996 doses of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine nationwide, with 40,693,310 Filipinos now fully protected against the dreaded disease.

Data from the National Covid-19 vaccination dashboard as of December 10 also showed that 54,553,456 doses were used as first shots while 736,230 were for booster or additional shots.

The government targets to complete the two primary doses of at least 54 million adult Filipinos, at least 80 percent of children aged 12 to 17 years old, and booster shots for 1.6 million health care workers by the end of the year to achieve population protection.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer, earlier said the government will aim to increase the number of fully vaccinated Filipinos up to 77 million by the end of the first quarter next year and up to 90 million by the second quarter.

The government reminded the public to avail themselves of booster shots six months after receiving their second doses or three months for those who received the single-dose Janssen jab.

Senior citizens and adults with comorbidities have priority lanes in vaccination centers.

In relation to the above news, it was announced recently that COVID-19 vaccinations has exceeded 1,000,000 in Las Piñas City and that figure includes vaccination of minors as well as booster shots for a growing number of fully vaccinated people. Almost 478,000 patients got fully vaccinated in Las Piñas City.

While having more than 40,000,000 fully vaccinated people around the Philippines is pleasing to hear, it remains to be seen how the national and local authorities will react in the event that the media-magnified Omicron variant gets detected within the country. The national authorities have been monitoring the Omicron variant developments while many other countries saw their government impose restrictions. Meanwhile the people behind Sputnik vaccines insisted that their current vaccines remained effect against all variants and went ahead with developing another version of their vaccine with Omicron in mind.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Does this latest development make you feel confident about what lies ahead for the Philippines during this pandemic? If you were vaccinated, are you eager right now to get a booster shot? Are you convinced that world governments overreacted towards the Omicron variant?

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/

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

Eight suspects arrested and over P40,000 worth of illegal drugs confiscated in Parañaque City

As Christmas is nearing and slowly bringing families together, drug-related arrests took place yet again in the city of Parañaque recently as reported by the Manila Bulletin. This is the result of separate operations that took place last week in the city.

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

Eight drug suspects were arrested by the Paranaque City police in separate operations conducted on Thursday (Dec. 9) and confiscated P40,800 worth of shabu.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said the suspects arrested during a buy-bust operation were identified as Armando Tamayo, 53; Mark Anthony Manaois Pabua, 28; Edmundo Virtudazo Cahoy, 40; Arsenio Salvador Manaois, 40; Mona Donaisa Mangudadatu, 39; all residents of Paranaque City; and Geraldo Noveda Rivera, 40, of Salinas 4, Bacoor Cavite.

Two other suspects were arrested by the police in an earlier operation for sniffing shabu inside a shanty along Father St., Barangay Baclaran. They were identified as Carlito Velaso, 27, and Angelo Mactal, 26.

Macaraeg said the six suspects were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by members of the Station Drug Enforcement (SDEU) Unit at about 7:00 p.m. along Sampaguita St., Tramo I, Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City.

He said confiscated from the six suspects were six grams of shabu amounting to P40,800 which were turned over to the SPD Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe that Parañaque City will remain a hot spot for illegal drugs and arrests in the long term? Do you think that crooks and drug smugglers/pushers will somehow disrupt the Christmas season in the city?

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/

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

Muntinlupa City Government asks Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) about development project along road inside New Bilibid Prison reservation

The Manila Bulletin reported that the City Government of Muntinlupa sent an official letter to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) about a certain project along a specific road inside the reservation of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP)

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

The Muntinlupa City Zoning and Administration Office has sent a letter to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) inquiring about a development project along Biazon Road inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation in Bgy. Poblacion, Muntinlupa.

According to a Dec. 1-dated letter by City Zoning Administrator Noel Cardona, the development project is being undertaken by BuCor and the Aqua-Tierra Oro Mina Development Corp. (ATOM) based on billboards erected on the project site.

Since the project is within the geographic territory of the City of Muntinlupa and covered by its City Ordinance No. 17-098 (Revised Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Muntinlupa), said development shall properly observe the rules and regulations provided in said Ordinance and other applicable laws, such as Presidential Decree No. 957, Presidential Decree No. 1216, and Presidential Decree No. 1096, among others,” Cardona informed BuCor.

Cardona said the NBP Reservation, “with an area of 366.7 hectares is classified as Planned Unit Development (PUD), as stated in Section 9.1.”

“The proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD) (Section 13.14) shall be accompanied by a Comprehensive Development Master Plans (CDMPs), showing at the minimum, proposed land uses, building density and bulk, road network layout, road and sidewalk section details, and master layouts of all utilities such as those for potable water, storm drainage, sewerage, power supply, telecommunication and solid waste management,” he said.

Cardona emphasized in his letter that “the proposed CDMPs shall be properly referred to the City and approval of the said plans by the Council is required.”

He said that under Section 36, Article IX of the city ordinance “All owners and/or developers of subdivision projects shall, in addition to securing Locational Clearance, be required to secure Development Permit, which shall be subject of evaluation by the concerned City Departments or Offices and thereafter endorsed by the Mayor’s Office thru the Zoning Administrator/Zoning Officer to the City Council.”

Under Section 38, he said, “No building Permit shall be issued by the Local Building Official without a valid Locational Clearance in accordance with this Ordinance.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? What do you think about the BuCor’s recent actions?

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/

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City’s active COVID-19 cases fall down further

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar shared the good news that COVID-19 cases in the city fell down and credited their local efforts on encouraging their constituents (including minors) to get vaccinated, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced on Thursday, Dec. 9, that active cases of COVID-19 in the city are down to 21 based on the report of the City Health Office (CHO).

Aguilar said the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in the city “only shows that the effort of the city government in encouraging all its residents to get the jab against the virus is a success.

She said out of the 20 barangays in the city, nine recorded zero cases.

The mayor said among the remaining barangays with the highest actives case is Barangay Almanza Uno with 6.

Aguilar said barangays with active cases are being strictly monitored by the CHO. Most of the patients are already on their way to recovery.

She said the city government already achieved herd immunity with a total of 524, 405 equivalent to 117.3 percent of the 70 percent population who were already vaccinated with their first dose, and 477, 678 equivalent to 106.8 percent who received their second dose.

The mayor said the city is among the 23 cities around the country reported to have achieved herd immunity.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this recent development? With the fall of local COVID-19 cases, do you think that Christmas in the city will be more joyful compared to last year?

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/

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

A Look Back at X-Men #33 (1994)

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

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts, X-Men fans and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the X-Men monthly series of the 1990s and look back into the past between Sabretooth and X-Men member Gambit which was hinted in X-Men #28 (1994). Within the context of that comic book I previously reviewed, Sabretooth was already living in a contained manner in the mansion of Professor X who views him as a patient who could be rehabilitated even though he has an established record of murder and damage. At that particular time, Gambit and Rogue were in a relationship but certain things from the Cajun’s past could negatively affect them both.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men #33, published by Marvel Comics in 1994 with a story written by Fabian Nicieza and drawn by Andy Kubert.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins in the past with a much younger Gambit (wearing a dark coat and holding a rod) traversing through the city of Paris in France. As he moves, Gambit spots a pretty lady in distress in the presence of a huge man with an unusual look. He kicks the man out of the way and tells him to back off. It turns out, the man was none other than Sabretooth (in his more classic comic book look) who responds saying that Gambit won’t score any points with the lady he just saved if he were dead and buried.

Gambit sticks close with the lady and says some words back to Sabretooth. He flashes a card and charges it, revealing his mutant power to the beastly man. Sabretooth leaves promising he will be back.

In the present day, it turns out the restrained Sabretooth has been recalling the past and sharing the details to Rogue standing some feet away from him inside the mansion. Using a highly advanced devise, images of Gambit and the lady from the past are displayed in the form of holograms right in the view of Rogue. She tells him to keep telling her more about what happened in Paris…

Quality

Andy Kubert’s own take on Sabretooth and his classic look remains impressive.

This comic book has a very rich script by Fabian Nicieza who smoothly transitions from the past to the present while succeeding in telling a very cohesive story. Without spoiling the plot, I can say that by reading this comic book as well as the earlier issues, you will question the state of the relationship of Gambit and Rogue, and you will also reflect about Sabretooth’s purpose in X-Men lore.

The tale from Gambit’s past was beautifully told and it really gave me a new look into the personality and mindset of the character. Long before he joined the X-Men, Gambit was an impulsive and cocky guy who became a member of a guild of thieves through adoption (meaning he has yet to earn his place). This version of the Cajun was undisciplined and did not take life seriously. Young Gambit also had a thing with ladies and he showed no signs of cleverly betraying a woman in favor of materialism.

Believe it or not, the most interesting character here is actually Sabretooth who appears in both the past and the present. The way he was portrayed here, young Sabretooth was cunning and knew how to be strategic and paced himself even though he had key physical advantages to overwhelm young Gambit. Sabretooth in the present day is more mature and more articulate, especially during his storytelling and interactions with Rogue. The way Sabretooth’s dialogue was structured in telling about the past was very engaging and you can see he clearly understood what happened between him and Gambit.

While the story is great, the art done by Andy Kubert is very good. However, I believe it was a missed opportunity for Kubert to redesign Gambit from the past because the famous X-Men member does not look any different from the other version. In the scenes about the past, Gambit does NOT look like a 17-year-old at all and his hair style and length are just the same! As for drawing the younger version of Sabretooth, Kubert made him more menacing and more detailed while sticking close to his original comic book look.

Conclusion

The 17-year-old Gambit with the pretty lady in France.

X-Men #33 (1994) is one of the most intriguing X-Men stories I read that took place after the Fatal Attractions storyline and the wedding of Jean Grey and Cyclops. In fact, it is also the most memorable X-Men comic book I ever read in 1994 all thanks to the great work by Fabian Nicieza whose script was finely visualized by Andy Kubert. This is one very engaging read and by the time I finished it, I really felt the impact it had on Gambit and Rogue’s relationship. More notably, it made rethink about Gambit and his place with the X-Men.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of X-Men #33 (1994) be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $30 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $90.

Overall, X-Men #33 (1994) is highly recommended!

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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/

COVID-19 Crisis: Omicron-related fear and panic cause several governments to enact mandatory vaccinations

The fear and panic over Omicron is still strong and already several government units reacted heading towards the enactment of mandatory vaccinations, according to a recent CBN News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the statement published by CBN News. Some parts in boldface…

The World Health Organization admits there has yet to be a single death from the Omicron variant, but that hasn’t stopped some governments–especially in Europe–from using it as another reason to enact mandatory vaccinations.

Here in the U.S., Omicron cases are now confirmed in at least 17 states. 

“We have several dozen cases and we’re following them closely. And we are, every day, hearing about more and more probable cases,” said CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

But so far, Omicron does not seem to be dangerous. Initial studies show it has a similar genetic structure to the common cold, making it more transmissible. But in South Africa, where Omicron first emerged, hospitalizations have not increased significantly.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said, “We really need to be careful before we make any determinations, but thus far the signals are a bit encouraging regarding the severity.”

Peter McGinn of Minnesota tested positive for Omicron after a visit to New York City. 

He had been fully vaccinated and received a booster.

“I felt kinda tired. I felt bad for about a day. I did my absolute best to follow the guidelines, I had my mask on the entire time,” McGinn said.

COVID guidelines and restrictions have become a significant issue in Europe, where some nations are requiring citizens to be vaccinated.  And that has sparked massive and sometimes violent demonstrations across the continent.

At a protest in Brussels, a Belgian woman said, “I don’t agree with the mandatory vaccinations because these vaccines, I don’t think they’re great yet. “

A Spanish protestor in Barcelona said, “The dead from COVID-19 are mostly vaccinated people instead of non-vaccinated. That’s in all hospitals.” Another said, “We don’t want the COVID-19 passport. We want freedom. It’s a human right. We don’t want vaccines, neither for us or our children. This is a genocide.”

Austria has announced it plans to become the first country in Europe to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory.  Germany plans on making vaccinations compulsory for some jobs.

European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen says it’s time for the E.U. to discuss a Europe-wide vaccine mandate.

Posted below is the related news video of CBN News…

Omicron also a factor as mentioned by New York City’s outgoing mayor

In the City of New York, the exiting Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his own vaccine mandate for private employers and vaccine passports on the people (including children) according to a separate CBN News report. De Blasio mentioned the Omicron variant as a new factor as well as the cold weather creating additional challenges on dealing with the Delta variant in the city.

The weird thing about the NYC mandate is that the federal private employer mandate has been put on hold. Kathryn Wylde, the head of the business group Partnership for NYC, questioned the mayor’s authority to impose the local mandate on private employers. The United States Representative of Long Island Lee Zeldin called the mandate a “job-killing, small business-suppressing mandate.”

“When you dangerously combine a far-left, lame-duck politician, who is anti-business, one-dimensional, unaccountable, not bright and has a perpetual ‘I always know best’ attitude,’ you get Bill de Blasio, the Worst Mayor in America,” Zeldin further said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about these newest developments overseas related to the Omicron variant? Do you think that the government units from New York City to Europe panicked or overreacted? If you are physically in New York City or Europe right now, did you witness any protests or riots related to the vaccination mandates? Do you believe that the secular, Left-leaning and liberal news outlets magnified the Omicron variant too much and distorted the details to spread fear and panic?

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/

COVID-19 Crisis: More than 27,000 minors of Muntinlupa City vaccinated

Since the local vaccination program for minors (aged 12 to 17-years-old) of Muntinlupa City first started, the number has grown to over 27,000 minors locally according to a recent Manila Bulletin news report. That figure, accurate as of December 4, 2021, is almost half the total qualified local minors of the city.

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

According to the Muntinlupa COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac), as of Dec. 4, a total of 27,161 minors received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or 49 percent of the estimated population of 55,391 for the age group in the city.

Of the total, 10,899 minors are fully vaccinated, equivalent to 20 percent of the total population of 12-to-17-year-olds and 40 percent of those who got the first dose. The Muntinlupa City government started vaccinating minors aged 12 to 17 last Oct. 25.

A total of 41,727 minors have registered for vaccination with MunCoVac or 75 percent of the estimated population for the minor age group. Of the total, 2,721 or 6.5 percent have comorbidities and are classified as Pediatric A3, and 39,006 or 93.5 percent are without.

The country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for use in people 12 years and above.

According to the Department of Health, the comorbidities eligible for the Pediatric A3 vaccination are medical complexity, genetic conditions, neurologic conditions, metabolic/endocrine diseases, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, HIV infection, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory diseases, renal disorders, hepatobiliary diseases and immunocompromised state due to disease or treatment.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Muntinlupa minors may register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system at www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and choose category “C – Rest of Population.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? Do you feel confident that Christmas in Muntinlupa will be safe and joyful at the same time this month?

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/

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Food supply chain program to be launched soon in Las Piñas City

Very soon the City Government of Las Piñas will launch a food supply chain program as a result of signing a key agreement with the Department of Agriculture (DA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. This development is crucial as everyone is still living under the COVID-19 crisis and the fear of the Omicron variant generated by the mainstream media.

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

The Las Pinas City government signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the launch of the Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program to ensure food availability and accessibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said that under the agreement, the DA will provide financial grant assistance to participating eligible organizations and local government units (LGUs) to enhance their capacities in value-adding activities in the food supply chains from aggregation, processing, packing, store, warehousing, and transport to distribution.

Aguilar said the project, under the agreement, shall focus on the implementation of two Kadiwa Stores in the city where the project aims to enable selected market vendors to have funds for the renovation and improvement of the Kadiwa store.

She said the DA shall download funds to the city which shall be granted to the Pagsasarali Talipapa Multi-purpose Cooperative and the Las Piñas Meat Dealers Association of which both organizations will receive P1 million each.

The mayor said that under the agreement, DA’s obligation through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service or AMAS shall provide financial grant to the city in the amount of P2,000,000 to be funded under the Market Development Services of FY 2021 General Appropriation Act 11518.

Vice-Mayor April Aguilar said the DA’s financial grant will be used in the implementation of the “Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance Program” to be released in full accordance with the approved project proposal as well as the work and financial plan contained in the agreement.

“On our side, the city’s obligation is to implement the approved project and shall see to it that it will be in accordance with the approved project objectives, standards, systems, and procedures for project implementation, and the approved Work and Financial Plan contained in the agreement,” Vice-Mayor Aguilar said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this recent development? Is there a Kadiwa store near you?

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/

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

A Look Back at X-Men #29 (1994)

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

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts, X-Men fans and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the X-Men monthly series of the 1990s and look back at what happened after the ending of X-Men #28 (1994). For those who missed out on my previous X-Men retro review, issue #28 showed the X-Men being disturbed by the presence of Sabretooth living as a prisoner/patient in the mansion under the authority of Charles Xavier. Along the way, the wedding of Jean Grey and Cyclops is nearing.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men #29, published by Marvel Comics in 1994 with a story written by the Fabian Nicieza and drawn by Andy Kubert.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins inside the danger room wherein Psylocke and Sabretooth (wearing cybernetic restraints on his arms as well as a mask) engage in a sparring session while being monitored by Professor X, Warren Worthington/Archangel and Hank McCoy/Beast. Warren expresses concern about the session and Xavier replies by saying that they could not have Sabretooth develop the control he needs over his violent tendencies by having him contained in a cell every day.

After some struggle, Psylocke gains the upper hand and tells Sabretooth that she sparred without using her mutant abilities (solely out of deference to his reduced capabilities caused by the restraints) and insisted she still fought to win.

After the danger room session, Warren leaves and thinks a lot as he takes time out to watch Cyclops and Jean Grey leading the wedding preparations outdoors. Jubilee passes by with lots of mail, hands over to Warren an unusual looking envelope, then leaves. As he opens the envelope, Psylocke arrives hearing Warren talking to himself as he reads the letter. It turns out to be an invitation from the Hellfire Club…

Quality

Expository dialogue and details laid down to help readers understand the Hellfire Club.

To put things in perspective, the Hellfire Club within the Marvel Comics universe is a fictional high-class society which became a formidable force of opposition for the X-Men. Their debut during the Dark Phoenix Saga is very memorable and since that time, varied comic books – specifically X-Men comics – revisited the club from time to time.

Within the pages of this particular comic book, the Hellfire Club itself went through some changes in terms of membership and organizational structure kind of similar to the X-Men themselves. In this case, the son of Sebastian Shaw – Shinobi – gains tremendous power and even went as far as revealing to Warren/Archangel his ambitious plan to re-establish the Inner Circle and have the mentioned X-Men member (one of the pioneering students of Charles Xavier) part of it as the White King.

A key element in this story is self-pity which Archangel and Shinobi Shaw both share. For these two, there are key parts of their past that are so hurtful they respectively question their existence and purpose. Quite symbolically, Archangel and Shinobi both have fathers involved with the Hellfire Club and Psylocke herself was familiar with the club’s presence in London. More on Archangel himself, his self-pity really puts him in a very awkward place among the X-Men, especially at a time when he is supposed to be happy for his long-time teammates Jean Grey and Cyclops about to get married.

In a way, X-Men #29 was an inspired attempt to reconnect the past with the contemporary times with the Hellfire Club as the enduring factor. In my opinion, Fabian Nicieza’s work here is solid.

Conclusion

Easily the best-looking images in the comic book. Andy Kubert really rocked with this!

X-Men #29 (1994) is symbolically a quick and yet inspired way of updating readers about the state of the Hellfire Club and hint what potential conflicts they could have with the X-Men of the 1990s. Psylocke and Archangel are the most prominent X-Men members to follow here and they both have past connections with the Hellfire Club which itself is changing as Shinobi Shaw gained power. Its story is pretty intriguing and there is a descent amount of spectacle to be enjoyed. The selling point here is the story concept itself backed with solid writing by Nicieza who seem to have researched the Hellfire Club carefully. Given the legacy behind the X-Men and the fictional club, this comic book will appeal more to long-time fans of the X-Men. Reading this as a first-time discovery of the club will surely challenge newcomers.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of X-Men #29 (1994) be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $30 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $90.

Overall, X-Men #29 (1994) is recommended.

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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/

COVID-19 Crisis: The return of face-to-face classes in Muntinlupa City done in two public schools

Recently the Manila Bulletin reported the return of face-to-face classes in Muntinlupa City, specifically limited to two public schools. For protection of the students, new materials were installed on their respective tables in the class room and they have health protocols to follow apart from regular school rules.

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

Two public schools in Muntinlupa started holding face-to-face classes on Monday, Dec. 6, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Tunasan National High School (TNHS) and Putatan Elementary School (PES) are two of the 177 additional public schools included by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in the next two weeks.

Face-to-face classes were suspended last year when the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Dr. Dominico Idanan, Muntinlupa schools division superintendent, and Dr. Ador Querubin, TNHS principal, welcomed the students during a flag raising ceremony.

“This morning, this is the happiest at Tunasan National High School because finally we are conducting our face-to-face classes,” said Querubin.

Idanan said, “Today is a blessed day. Today is history in Tunasan National High School, even in the entire National Capital Region. We wish you the best for this program.”

“This is only a pilot program. This will last until Dec. 17. We are under study. We are still observing strict health protocols because we are still under a pandemic. We have to wear face masks, we have to observe physical distancing, we have to wash our hands very often and disinfect ourselves, keep away from crowded places,” said Idanan.

He said that by January, the city government plans to expand the coverage of the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in Muntinlupa.

“Hopefully by January, all schools will have to pilot at least one or two sections,” added Idanan.

The two public schools underwent strict safety assessments. They are equipped with facilities including hand washing stations, proper ventilation, physical barriers, markers and signages, thermal scanners, and air purifiers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? Do you feel confident about the current setup at the two public schools to ensure the protection of the students from COVID-19?

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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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