Carlo Carrasco – Page 282 – Author Carlo Carrasco

A Look Back at X-Men 2099 #14 (1994)

November 2, 2021October 31, 2021carlocarrasco

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, fans of the 2099 universe of Marvel Comics, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the X-Men 2099 comic book series by focusing on the 14^th issue of the series. As recalled in X-Men 2099 #10, team leader Xi’an reverted back to his more sadistic personality as demons from his past came back to overwhelm him. In the issues that followed, Xi’an went away from the X-Men followed by Tim/Skullfire who himself has gotten more wild and more aligned with their leader. They also encountered Luna, the former member of the Theatre of Pain. As the three went around more, something even more significant happened to Xi’an (note: this was part of the build-up leading to the big events in X-Men 2099 #25).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men 2099 #14, published by Marvel Comics in 1994 with a story written by John Francis Moore and drawn by Ron Lim.

Early story

The story begins on an island where the big-time personality Danielle has a mansion. She is about to start spending quality time with a man named Alexi. It turns out Danielle has wings with feathers that are colored to resemble a rainbow. She floats with Alexi as they enjoy the function of the zero-gravity chamber.

After grabbing her, Alexi surprises Danielle by suddenly flying up several feet high above using a gadget he equipped. In a very cold manner, he lets go of her causing her to land hard on the sea below. Alexi then flies away to an unknown destination.

Meanwhile at the ranch house of Zhao which the X-Men have been staying at since Xi’an left them, Skullfire returns and this time Luna is with him. The sight of Luna enrages Henri/Meanstreak as he encountered her before when she was still a member of the Theatre of Pain. As the tension intensified, Henri tries to go after Luna but Skullfire stands in the way and reveals that Xi’an has joined the Theatre of Pain.

This shocks Henri and Krystalin. For Shakti, however, it was expected…

Quality

*Luna’s presence causes a disturbance with the team.*

In this comic book, John Francis Moore really kept on focusing on developing the X-Men while keeping the narrative fresh with twists and the occasional moments of shock. While the cover of this comic book expressed the return of the other X-Men member Eddie/Metalhead (who stayed behind and separated from Xi’an’s mutants), the story here surprisingly had much less focus on the X-Men of 2099 and focused more on the Freakshow (which Metalhead is now part of).

Adding more depth to the surprise change of focus, the Freakshow here developed quite a lot as the group visits a new place and meets with a new group of people led by someone Mama Hurricane (head of the Freakshow) knew. As the development of the Freakshow went on, so did the creative team’s continued emphasis of the lore of the 2099 universe in the western region of the United States.

Conclusion

*The Freakshow is the major team of focus in this comic book.*

X-Men 2099 #14 (1994) is one of the more unusual stories that John Francis Moore and Ron Lim came up with. The X-Men themselves ended up with a minority of the narrative although the revelation of Xi’an taking sides with a super villain literally left some vibrations for readers. This plus the stronger focus on the Freakshow and the addition of Alexi as a powerful newcomer to the saga added to the build-up leading to X-Men 2099 #25. The good news here is that the story was solidly told by Moore and did not have a single boring moment for me.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of X-Men 2099 #14 (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 2099 #14 (1994) is recommended.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Total inoculation count in Las Piñas City approaching 875,000

November 2, 2021November 1, 2021carlocarrasco

Yesterday the City Government of Las Piñas announced through social media that its overall COVID-19 inoculation count is approaching 875,000 overall based on their latest official statistics that include the vaccination of minors with comorbidities.

For transparency, posted below is the official image of statistics released by the City Government through social media.

As seen above, 423,478 patients received their 2^nd dose of COVID-19 vaccines making them fully vaccinated. The 454,840 patients who received their first dose includes the minors. On both the first and second dose statistics, the biggest category of patients was the A3 group.

As before, the official counts of the first dose and second dose don’t match the declared grand total of 874,295. Mathematically, adding 454,840 (first dose) with 423,478 should be equal to 878,318.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Meanwhile, the City Government recently launched the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about the latest vaccination statistics? Are you feeling confident about a more joyful Christmas and family gathers in the city this December?

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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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: Alert Level 3 extension on Metro Manila takes effect today

November 1, 2021October 29, 2021carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, the extension of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila takes effect today and will last until November 14, 2021. This is the result of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) recent decision which was announced this past Friday and subsequently reported by varied news organizations. Prior to the announcement, there was anticipation that the community control and restrictions on businesses and people will be eased to Alert Level 2. The local stock market saw shares drop by over a hundred points last Friday in response to the extension of Alert Level 3 for Metro Manila.

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

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has decided to maintain the alert level classification of the National Capital Region (NCR) to alert level 3 for the first two weeks of November.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque revealed in a virtual press conference Friday, Oct. 29 that the decision was reached during the IATF’s meeting Thursday via Resolution No. 146-A.

This came about despite high expectations from the private sector and even the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)–which touches base with the different local government units (LGUs) of the country–that the alert level in Metro Manila would be downgraded to alert level 2.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think the IATF made the right decision to extend Alert Level 3 all over Metro Manila? If you own or managed a food/beverage business here in Metro Manila, was there an increase on your sales during the recent Alert Level 3?

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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Beware of the “laglag-plaka” gang as they victimized motorists in Parañaque and Muntinlupa

November 1, 2021October 30, 2021carlocarrasco

Wherever you park your vehicles, be defensive and avoid people knocking on your window as two motorists in different cities here in South Metro Manila were victimized by a gang of thieves who executed what is referred to as the “laglag-plaka” (dropped plate) modus, according to a recent news report by GMA Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Tagalog GMA Network news report which was translated into English using Google Translate. Some parts in boldface…

Two drivers fell victim to the plaque-dropped modus operandi of thieves in Muntinlupa and Parañaque, Jonathan Andal reported in Unang Balita on Friday.

CCTV footage shows a man standing in the back of an SUV parked in front of a fast food chain in Parañaque. Three women with umbrellas followed him.

Although (it) could not (be seen on) the CCTV, the man knocked on the driver of the SUV and said that his license plate had fallen on the back.

While the driver was not yet leaving, a man was waiting in the back of a vehicle (parked beside) and when he saw the driver coming out, he quickly opened the passenger door.

The driver’s bag was stolen and handed over to a female colleague. The group quickly speared while the driver was left in the back of the vehicle and checked to see if his license plate had really fallen.

The group seized an expensive bag, wallet and 20,000 pesos, according to the report.

According to Parañaque Police, this modus operandi is called “laglag plaka”. The group allegedly was timing the vehicles and told the driver that something had fallen in the back of the vehicle.

Seven individuals were found conspiring in the modus and they use umbrellas to hide from people what they are doing.

After the incident in Parañaque, CCTV also captured the group in the parking lot of a building in Muntinlupa where they stole the victim’s gym bag and expensive earphones.

According to the victims, when they got out of the vehicle there were coins. They think they put them in to confuse and hold them back while removing the drivers ’valuables.

For added insight, watch this related news video below…

So there you have it! The “laglag-plaka” thieves work together as a group using strategic moves like distraction, careful timing, and taking advantage of unlocked vehicle doors to open and steal the valuables while the distracted driver checks the rear of the vehicle to see if the plate was indeed loose or had fallen off. It should be noted that the other gang members use umbrellas standing next to each other near the victim’s vehicle to conceal their act.

From a visual standpoint, I would find it suspicious to see at least three individuals each using an umbrella at the parking lot while it is not even raining. As for the parking area itself, if a person approaches your vehicle and he or she is not even a legitimate worker of the local administration assigned to the parking, better be defensive and watch not only your back but also the sides of your vehicle.

For your own safety, be mindful of people who approach you and knock on your vehicle’s window shortly after parking. Better not let these thieves distract you no matter what they do and always LOCK YOUR VEHICLE’S DOORS as soon you get off.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you a victim of the “laglag-plaka” gang?

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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Star Ocean The Divine Force is coming to Xbox consoles and PC (via Steam) in 2022

October 29, 2021October 28, 2021carlocarrasco

Star Ocean, the long-running Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) series under Square Enix, has a brand-new RPG coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and PC (via Steam) sometime in 2022 titled Star Ocean The Divine Force. Take note that this year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Star Ocean game franchise and the new game is being made by tri-Ace.

To start with, watch this official Star Ocean The Divine Force trailer below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official press release issued by Square Enix. Some parts in boldface…

Developed by tri-Ace Inc., STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE will transport players to an expansive sci-fi fantasy world and take them on an exhilarating journey with fast-paced action combat, rich exploration and an original story. With STAR OCEAN celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, THE DIVINE FORCE builds on that rich history with new features that are sure to delight for many years to come.

To watch the STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE Debut Trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/jIJe4ZUD0Gc

The Debut Trailer showcases various new and returning elements to the STAR OCEAN franchise that players can look forward to:

Super-high-speed action battles
No random encounters – players will seamlessly enter battles with enemies that populate the world
Players can float in the air, dive at enemies and fly around areas
Richer exploration – climb towering mountains, venture into dark, vast valleys and investigate the castles and towns present in the world

Showcasing a diverse cast of playable characters, STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE will tell a gripping story that seamlessly melds science fiction and fantasy elements and can be enjoyed by newcomers to the series and veterans alike. The game features dual protagonists, which offer different story perspectives and gameplay experiences: Raymond, the captain of the space trading ship, Ydas, and Laeticia, the princess-knight of a kingdom on an underdeveloped planet. Fate will bring Raymond, Laeticia, and several other ally characters together, all designed by renowned artist Akiman (STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness, STREET FIGHTER series).

For the newcomers reading this, the very first Star Ocean video game made by tri-Ace and published by Enix was released on July 19, 1996 for the Super Famicom console in Japan. The first Star Ocean game translated into English and released outside of Japan was Star Ocean: The Second Story which I myself played on the original PlayStation console in 1999. In 2003, Enix and Square Co. merged and became Square Enix. In 2008, Square Enix announced Star Ocean: The Last Hope for Xbox 360 and its release in Japan and North America took place in February 2009.

Going back to Star Ocean The Divine Force, which is the sixth main game of the franchise, the trailer shows the ever-present fast-moving action scenes taking place in real-time during battles. As with past games of the franchise, there will be lots of slashing and fantasy inspired elements even though the game has a science fiction concept. At least tri-Ace keeps on striving with making key locations look grand.

*Expect to see so much of hack and slash action in this RPG.*

*What a grand looking place, tri-Ace! How about showing how much exploring and fun gamers can have within it?*

The artistic approach on rendering the characters in polygons within the game, however, shows a lack of willingness to evolve on the part of the developer to do better. To begin with, take a look at the character concept artworks below for the game.

*Those are interesting character design concept artworks.*

Now take a look at how the above two characters looked like in polygons within the game below…

*She looks too cartoonish and even plastic-looking than her concept art version.*

*Could someone please tell me who at tri-Ace is responsible for this kind of polygonal character work?*

When compared to other Japanese RPG franchises, Star Ocean’s unique approach on action, battles and the presentation of locations still stands out and that’s pretty incredible considering the 25-year history of the franchise and all those other JRPGs that came out along the way. The new game’s story and overall concept will have to live up to gamers’ impression and expectations and we will find out how the game will turn out next year. When it comes to the growing number of upcoming RPGs – from both East and West – on the Xbox ecosystem, Star Ocean The Divine Force adds variety to say the least. I believe that the tri-Ace-made game, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising will easily capture the interest of Xbox gamers who love JRPGs. Don’t forget that many other future RPGs exclusive to Xbox are coming such as Starfield, Avowed, Fable, The Elder Scrolls VI, The Outer Worlds 2 and more. Truly the Xbox ecosystem is becoming the premier place for gamers who love RPGs which is something Sony and Nintendo CANNOT stop as those two competitors don’t have their own wide range of RPGs to make. As for Square Enix and other RPG makers in Japan, they should be seriously considering releasing more games on Xbox and Windows PC because Team Xbox’s heavy investments on RPGs will eventually achieve tremendous sales in the near future.

*How many of you Xbox fans are looking forward to Star Ocean The Divine Force?*

In closing this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos as well as a few videos related to past Star Ocean games for your viewing pleasure.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Around 200 hundred minors with comorbidities vaccinated in Muntinlupa City in the first two days

October 29, 2021October 27, 2021carlocarrasco

Following the launch of vaccinating local minors (aged 12-17) for COVID-19 in Muntinlupa City, the Manila Bulletin reported recently that almost two hundred minors with comorbidities got vaccinated locally based on the latest statistics.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has vaccinated 198 minors aged 12 to 17 years old with comorbidities.

According to Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, medical director of Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) which has been designated by the government as one of the pilot hospitals for the vaccination of minors with comorbidities, 72 minors were vaccinated on the first day last Oct. 25 followed by 126 on Oct. 26 for a total of 198.

The first 72 minors did not experience any reaction to the vaccine, Dimatatac said. Details on any reactions from the 126 minors were unavailable as of this writing.

As of Oct. 25, 14,896 12-to-17-year-olds have registered with the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination program, equivalent to 27 percent of the estimated total population of 55,391 for the age group in the city.

Minors, classified by the Department of Health (DOH) as Pediatric A3 group, are currently being vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, one of two vaccines approved by the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in people 12 years old and above. The other vaccine approved for minors is Moderna.

Under the DOH guidelines, the parent or legal guardian and the minor should sign the consent and assent forms before vaccination.

A medical certificate for the minor is also needed while the parents or guardians need to present a valid ID and proof of filiation such as birth certificate.

Muntinlupa residents may register for vaccination at vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

The comorbidities allowed for the vaccination of minors 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? If you are a Muntinlupa City resident with a child aged 12 to 17-years-old, are you comfortable about the idea of having your child vaccinated for 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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COVID-19 Crisis: Enough supplies of COVID-19 vaccines for booster/3rd shots according to DOH

October 28, 2021October 26, 2021carlocarrasco

As the issue of the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and 3^rd shot begins to be more talked about in the public, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that there will be enough vaccines in stock to meet the demands for such shots, according to a recent Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Department of Health (DOH) said there will be enough supply of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines in the Philippines once the government starts the implementation of giving booster doses and additional shots to certain groups of the population.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said millions of vaccine doses are expected to be delivered in the country within this year.

“Actually, ang ating vaccine cluster has already announced itong mga parating na bakuna dito sa ating bansa. So starting this November, meron po tayong inaasahan na almost 20 to 25 million doses pa (Actually, our vaccine cluster has already announced these additional vaccines for our country. So starting this November, we expect about 20 to 25 million more doses),” said Vergeire in a television interview on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

“So with the existing stocks pati yung mga parating, enough naman po yung ating supplies (as well as the ones that are coming, we have enough supplies),” she added.

Based on the data of the National Task Force against of COVID-19, a total of 97,678,340 vaccine doses were already delivered in the Philippines.

The Philippines has already administered 56,202,893 vaccine doses as of Oct. 25, as shown in the DOH COVID-19 vaccination dashboard.

Even if the DOH already approved the administration of booster doses and third shots, Vergeire said that they are still in the stage of planning on how it will be done.

“Iyan po ang rekomendasyon ng ating WHO (World Health Organization)—for the immunocompromised, senior citizens, and healthcare workers. Although tinitingnan natin, syempre operationally—– kailangan natin tingnan kung paano natin maisasagawa with this short time period, hanggang December. Baka mag-spill over din tayo hanggang sa isang taon (That is the recommendation of the WHO — for the immunocompromised, senior citizens, and healthcare workers. Although we are looking, of course operationally —– we need to see how we can do this with this short time period, until December. It may spill over into next year),” she said.

Also, before this can be implemented, an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would still be needed.

“Before we can be able to implement this, kailangan ng amended emergency use authority nung ating mga bakuna dito sa ating bansa (we need an amended emergency use authority for our vaccines here in our country),” said Vergeire.

“Lahat ng bakuna natin ngayon ay may emergency use authority. Pero yung EUA po kasi nila, ngayon, currently, specific po yun na dalawang doses lang ang ibibigay, and para sa Janssen na vaccine, isang dose lang. Kaya kailangan po natin ma-amend (All our vaccines now have emergency use authority. But the EUA currently, it’s specific that only two doses will be given, and for the Janssen vaccine, only one dose. So we need to amend that),” she added.

On Monday, Oct. 25, Vergeire said that they are looking to administer COVID-19 booster shots and additional doses to health workers and other eligible groups by November or December.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? If you were fully vaccinated, how long has it been since your 2^nd dose? Do you fully trust the WHO? Are you ready to take a 3^rd shot of the vaccine once you are contacted?

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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COMELEC says vote-buying is still an election offense

October 28, 2021October 27, 2021carlocarrasco

The topic of vote-buying is back in the minds of voters here in the Philippines mainly due to the recent statement made by a certain politician (for reference, click here and here) running for President next year. This prompted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which is already busy processing voter registration applications with the October 30 deadline approaching, to remind people that vote-buying is still an election offense and clearly punishable by law.

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

Vote buying is an election offense regardless of financial situation or noble intentions.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James Jimenez issued this reminder on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

He also disagreed with the advice of Vice President Leni Robredo for voters to accept the money but vote according to their conscience.

“I disagree with the notion of taking the money and voting according to your conscience,” Jimenez said on Twitter.

He added:”Di dapat ginagawa, at di dapat sina-suggest yan sa mga botante (It shouldn’t be done, and shouldn’t be suggested to our voters),”

Last August, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon warned those who will try vote buying via the electronic payment system in the May 2022 polls that this can be traced.

“This is a warning to politicians, know that you’re going to be found out,” she said.

Vote-buying is defined as any person, who gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.

The above report ended stating that as an election offense, vote-buying means getting yourselves penalized with 1 to 6 years imprisonment, the removal of your right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.

For added insight about vote -buying here in the Philippines, posted below are some of GMA Network’s news videos from the past related to the said issue…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? Does Leni Robredo inspire you to engage in vote-buying? Are you willing to follow Robredo’s advice knowing that vote-buying is clearly illegal? If you are a registered voter, are willing to sell out to the highest bidder when it comes to the May 2022 national and local elections?

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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Halo Infinite campaign overview confirms major improvements that gamers can look forward to and enjoy

October 27, 2021October 27, 2021carlocarrasco

Finally! Team Xbox and 343 Industries came out with a much needed preview about the single player campaign of Halo Infinite (set for a December 8, 2021 release for Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and Windows PC with Xbox Game Pass availability on launch day) very recently and it not only looks awesome visually but also succeeded in showing to gamers a fine taste of how the game will play, how immersive the new Halo is with open-world in mind and why a lot of fun awaits them all.

To start with, watch this official Halo Infinite Campaign Overview video…

Posted next is the official description from the video: The Banished have defeated UNSC forces and taken control of the mysterious Zeta Halo, threatening the survival of humankind. When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief returns to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Here’s a fresh look at the Halo Infinite campaign that introduces players to true Spartan freedom in the biggest, most wide open and adventure-filled Halo experience yet, launching on December 8 2021.

Check out Dealer Gaming’s Halo Infinite video below and listen to his opinion…

And also check out Colteastwood’s own video about the same game and campaign overview video, complete with visual comparisons that you must see.

My opinion

To begin with, the announcement by Team Xbox that they would release via YouTube the Halo Infinite Campaign Overview video (115K thumbs up and 3K thumbs down reactions as of this writing) was done on a short notice. I learned about its YouTube premiere several hours ahead of time but I made a point to anticipate its launch and view it all not on my smartphone nor on my computer but on our HDTV at home.

Ultimately, the campaign overview video proved to be a great preview and the team behind it went all-out not just to show the improved graphics (I noticed the adjustments made on the in-game lighting as well as the ramped-up detail on textures and many other elements) and in-game art, but also emphasized effectively the gameplay, what the opposition awaits players (as the iconic Master Chief) and what else to expect. Truly it was well worth the wait!

On Zeta Halo is a whole, wide and breathing world for gamers to explore. Think of the world in Halo: Combat Evolved (2001) but with a very detailed open-world design that encourages exploration, discovery and action complete with lots of freedom on doing your objectives.

*This map shows a fraction of the world of Zeta Halo and few of the potential many new sites to discover.*

*Exploring Zeta Halo on foot and discovering one of many facilities of the Banished.*

*Apart from using it to reach far places, the grappleshot can also be used on enemies for a tactical attack.*

Apart from Halo Infinite having a true next-generation look, I find the game’s concept of a massive, breathing open-world environment on Zeta Halo astounding and it clearly is the true essence of enjoying the game. For comparisons, I find Halo Infinite’s in-game world concept a cross between the memorable ring world in Halo: Combat Evolved and the inviting nature of the open-world maps in certain Assassin’s Creed games that I played. This reflects the new game’s offer of a lot of freedom for gamers to explore the wide environment of Zeta Halo, discover new places here and there, and take on the outposts or strongholds of the Banished in more ways than one. Along the way, gamers will have to find the scattered UNSC soldiers, regroup them and form a stronger force to take down the many enemy forces out there.

*The next-generation visuals of this game made this classic Halo foe look more detailed and more menacing yet!*

*The equipment of Master Chief can be upgraded. This is one of the signs that this new game has RPG-inspired gameplay elements.*

*Shooting and action in Halo Infinite look intense!*

Apart from the core mission, there reportedly will be side missions or additional activities throughout Zeta Halo for gamers to engage in. This game design, I believe, will fully immerse gamers into playing Master Chief in the most engaging and most immersive ways possible. No more playing as the Arbiter (Halo 2) and definitely no more wasting time playing as Agent Locke (Halo 5: Guardians). Master Chief is here to stay for players to portray and that’s the way I want Halo to be about. It’s great that 343 Industries learned from its shortcomings as well as those from previous Halo developer Bungie. That being said, I anticipate that Halo Infinite will offer gamers a lot more hours of gameplay based on their will to complete the game.

Meet the new AI companion called The Weapon. She looks like Cortana but has a completely different personality. Remember Cortana’s evil and destructive acts in Halo 5: Guardians? It seems The Weapon will have a key role to do in the new game.

*There is nothing like driving a Warthog and then having surviving UNSC soldiers join you for both the ride and the fight!*

More on the story, I was intrigued about the new AI called The Weapon who visually looks like Cortana (who in turn went evil in Halo 5: Guardians) and will be the new constant companion Master Chief will interact with. The Banished, meanwhile, look more varied in terms of presentation this time. Visually, they look like rehashed versions of the Covenant and the Brutes in the first 3 Halo games made by Bungie. In Halo Infinite, 343 Industries went the extra steps forward introducing enemies with personalities and boss fights (take note of the visible health bars on-screen on the boss opponents). And then there are two new enemies that were designed to be so formidable, the UNSC’s Spartans now have true challengers to face.

*This is one very dangerous Banished enemy to deal with.*

*This new enemy is known for slaying Spartans.*

The way I see the Xbox-exclusive Halo Infinite right now, it is looking great and its single-player campaign looks very ambitious and promising at the same time. This is truly the one video game to look forward to on December 8, 2021. How it will perform with the game critics, Halo fans, Xbox fans and all other gamers remains to be seen. Still, there is no denying that now is a great time for fans of Xbox and Halo, and gamers surely have something fun to look forward to in the final quarter of twenty-twenty-one. As a long-time Halo gamer myself, I can say that I am more confident about Halo Infinite.

Team Xbox and 343 Industries clearly learned from the criticism regarding Halo Infinite’s initial unveiling in July 2020, and the 1-year delay of the game’s release now looks justified. Remember that this year happens to be the 20^th anniversary of both Xbox (click here and here) and Halo. The next thing Xbox fans and gamers should look forward to is the 20^th anniversary celebration of Xbox on November 15, 2021.

*Halo Infinite is coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series, Xbox Series X and Windows PC on December 8, 2021.*

In closing this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos as well as more videos related to Halo Infinite’s campaign overview for your viewing pleasure.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City Government claims herd immunity achieved (based on target population statistics) as total citywide inoculation count surpasses 860,000

October 27, 2021October 26, 2021carlocarrasco

Recently it was reported by the Manila Bulletin that City of Las Piñas achieved herd immunity based on statements made by Mayor Imelda Aguilar. This past Monday, the City Government’s official Facebook page published the latest vaccination statistics showing that the citywide inoculation count for COVID-19 has exceeded more than eight hundred sixty thousand as of October 23, 2021.

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

Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced that barely 61 days before Christmas, her wish to achieve herd immunity for the city was granted with 99.9 percent Las Pineros given their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines and 90.6 percent who are fully vaccinated.

Aguilar said the two key factors in achieving herd immunity were the discipline shown by residents and their eagerness to get the jab against the disease.

She also thanked city residents for not being choosy with the brand of vaccines administered to them.

The mayor said the city achieved 99.9 percent for those given the first dose and 90.6 percent for those given the second dose from the total 447,086 target population.

“Hindi naman po tayo titigil na magbakuna kahit na naabot na natin ang halos 100 porsiyento na nabakunahan. Itutuloy-tuloy pa rin natin ito upang makabalik na tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay,”(We are not going to stop with our vaccination even if we have almost achieved 100 percent. We are going to continue with the vaccination so we can all go back to our normal lives) Aguilar said.

She said the CIty Health Office (CHO) recorded that senior citizens under the A2 category represent the highest number of vaccinated individuals with 95 percent followed by the economic frontliners under the A4 category with 93.4 percent.

The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar appealed to the city residents to continue their local vaccination program locally referred to as “Ligtas na Las Pineros, Lahat Bakunado”. It should be noted that previously the Mayor mentioned that herd immunity was within reach. To be clear this is based on target population statistics.

As for the official city vaccination statistics, posted below is the image that was published by the City Government’s official Facebook page. Take note that the numbers below are slightly different from what Manila Bulletin’s report.

Meanwhile, the City Government is already handling the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you satisfied with the reported herd immunity achieved that was based on the target population count? Have you fully been vaccinated?

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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