Carlo Carrasco – Page 296 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Xbox Gamescom 2021 digital event set for August 24

August 12, 2021August 11, 2021carlocarrasco

Are you gamers and Xbox fans looking for something exciting? You won’t have to wait too long as it has been announced recently that Team Xbox will be organizing a new digital event in the form of a livestream in connection to Gamescom 2021 (stylized as gamescom 2021) which will take place on August 24, 2021!

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com article written by Xbox DACH Communications Lead Sandro Odak. Some parts in boldface…

August is always a very special time for us at Team Xbox. This time of the year we would normally pack our stuff and meet our fans and community in Cologne, Germany at gamescom. This year, however, gamescom will be a 100% virtual experience that you can tune in to from all over the world. The good news is that Xbox will be at gamescom 2021 and you can join with your very own front-row seat as we share the latest updates and gameplay for some of the biggest games coming soon to Xbox.

Here’s an overview of what you can expect from us at gamescom 2021:

Tune in for all the action at the gamescom 2021 Xbox Stream

To warm you up for gamescom week we’ll be airing the official gamescom 2021 Xbox Stream, hosted by Parris Lilly and Kate Yeager. Join us on August 24 at 10:00am PT/6:00pm BST/7:00pm CEST to learn more about our biggest exclusive games line up ever.

You’ll get in-depth updates from some of our previously announced Xbox Game Studios titles alongside some of our third-party partners, including some of the incredible titles coming to Xbox this holiday, upcoming releases to our monthly subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, and much more.

You can watch the show on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Gaming, Twitter, and select regional sites like VK.com in Russia and Bilibili in China. To make sure all of our fans around the globe can enjoy the stream, we plan to offer support for 30 languages, along with our English Audio Descriptions and American Sign Language. We hope to provide additional accessibility support for the live broadcast in additional languages.

Gamescom Opening Night Live and Bethesda MainStream

As many of us gather virtually for the largest annual gaming event in Europe, Geoff Keighley will again be hosting gamescom: Opening Night Live. Tune in on August 25 at 11:00am PT/7pm BST/8:00pm CEST. You can watch gamescom: Opening Night Live on Twitch, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook Gaming.

You can also join our friends over at Bethesda Germany in a livestream program over several days, starting August 26. Tune in to Bethesda’s MainStream on Twitch.

Connect with the global Xbox community and special guests

Something that we always loved about the physical event of gamescom was the energy of the gaming community coming together. When we all met in the past, we were able to connect, talk and play together and celebrate one of our greatest passions: videogames. We couldn’t imagine gamescom without this and therefore, we’re happy to announce that we will be hosting a gamescom special edition Xbox FanFest this year – an activity that has had a long tradition during the in person show. We’ll be sharing more details very soon, so keep your eyes open on http://www.xbox.com/fanfest and Xbox social channels, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

As you can see above, there are no signs that any new Xbox-exclusive games will be announced as the there is focus on first-party games that were announced already. I also do not expect much updates regarding first-party and third-party games coming out in 2022 and beyond. In fact, Team Xbox’s Aaron Greenberg posted on Twitter stating: Our @Xbox stream is focused on game updates coming this year. So to set expectations, no new reveals or major surprises, but team has a fun stream planned with our amazing hosts @vicious696 @kateyeager!

By focusing on what is coming out this year from Team Xbox’s own games, I see that Gamescom 2021 will be the ideal event for the following: promoting Forza Horizon 5 hard and formally announcing the finalized 2021 release date for Halo Infinite.

*The one racing game to buy and play this November.*

Forza Horizon 5 is all set for a November 9, 2021 release and reviving marketing and publicity of the game with the anticipated millions of gamers tuning into Gamescom 2021 makes a lot of sense for Team Xbox to execute. It is likely that new videos of the game will be released that should keep gamers and potential new customers remembering the open-world racer in the final months heading towards launch day. The event is also an opportunity for any motoring or corporate-related sponsorships to be announced in connection with Forza Horizon 5.

*Do you think Halo Infinite will be released this November or December?*

Gamescom is, in my view, a crucial opportunity for Team Xbox and 343 Industries to finally put an end to all the uncertainty by announcing a solid release date for Halo Infinite in the form of a brand-new trailer with an emphasis on the single-player campaign and the plot involving the iconic Master Chief. Showing off brand-new gameplay footage related to the single-player campaign would also be helpful. It’s been some time since the well-received Xbox-Bethesda showcase happened and the lack of a specific release date is disturbing. The positive feedback and excitement about Halo Infinite’s multiplayer feature are pretty helpful in building up anticipation but all of that could just fade away when gamers get fed up waiting for the release date to be finalized not to mention waiting for answers about Master Chief’s next adventure. Literally speaking, the ball is now on the court of Team Xbox and 343 Industries to make their move and Gamescom is the most timely event to pull it off at (note: Tokyo Game Show 2021 will take place more than a month later).

In ending this piece, here are some Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below 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

Parañaque police officer passed away

August 12, 2021August 11, 2021carlocarrasco

In a recent report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, there was this police officer assigned to the Philippine National Police (PNP) station in Parañaque City who died two days after he got run down by a vehicle driven by someone drunk along Dr. A. Santos Avenue (DASA).

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

A police officer assigned to the Parañaque City Police Station died after being run down by a car with a drunk driver on Dr. A. Santos Avenue, the Southern Police District (SPD) said on Tuesday.

Cpl. Nestor Guslab Jr. was manning a quarantine control point in front of the Loyola Memorial Park in Barangay San Antonio last Friday night when a silver Toyota Corolla Altis approached the checkpoint at high speed.

Police officers at the checkpoint tried to flag down the speeding car, which was said to be driven by a certain Dominic Alastair David. But instead of stopping, the driver even sped up and hit Guslab who fell on the ground.

The car continued moving towards the direction of Baclaran until stopped by responding officers at the corner of San Antonio Avenue — about 2 kilometers from the quarantine control point.

Police officers found in the car a small sachet containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana

Guslab, who had serious head and body injuries, was brought to the Parañaque Medical Hospital and then transferred to the Uni-Health Medical Hospital, where he eventually died on Sunday, two days after.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Did you witness any reckless driving incidents or car accidents in Parañaque City recently? Does the death of the Parañaque police officer impact you somehow? When you hear the words Parañaque Renaissance, does crime or reckless driving enter in your mind?

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: PNP to strictly implement Metro Manila prohibition on outdoor exercise during ECQ

August 12, 2021August 11, 2021carlocarrasco

Did you spot anyone running or biking or hiking outdoors in your local community recently? I spotted nobody doing any fitness activities outdoors which is not surprising since the Metro Manila mayors passed the resolution prohibiting outdoor exercise for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which is supposed to end on August 20, 2021.

Yesterday I spotted the Philippine News Agency (PNA) follow-up story to the NCR outdoor exercise ban and it focuses on the side of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are following the orders to implement the said ban.

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

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Wednesday, ordered all police officers to strictly enforce the prohibition on outdoor exercises for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Ang pagbabawal sa mga outdoor activity ay desisyon ng ating mga Metro Manila mayors na kailangang ipatupad ng inyong PNP para sa kapakanan ng lahat, lalo na at marami na ang kumpirmadong kaso ng mga bata, kabilang ang mga sanggol, na nahahawa ng Covid-19 (The prohibition on all outdoor activities is the collective decision of all Metro Manila mayors that need to be implemented by the PNP for the safety of all, especially now that there are a lot of cases involving children, and even babies, who got infected with the coronavirus disease 2019),” Eleazar said in a statement.

He called the prohibition on all outdoor activities very timely, considering that the Philippines has been declared as “high-risk” for Covid-19 due to the increasing number of infections.

The measure, he added, is needed to ensure that the situation would not worsen the country’s health and economic situation.

Eleazar also directed police commanders to maximize the information drive on the measure through the PNP’s social media accounts and through Oplan Bandillo where policemen warn the public through a megaphone or speaker system installed in roving police vehicles.

He appealed to Metro Manila residents to abide by this rule and cooperate with authorities.

In Resolution 21-17, series of 2021 issued on Monday, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) banned outdoor exercise for the remainder of the ECQ in the NCR.

The resolution was signed by the 17 NCR mayors and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.

“It is hereby resolved that the MMC prohibits outdoor exercise in NCR during the ECQ until 20 August 2021 through the local government units of Metro Manila,” the resolution read.

The decision was made after the “steady rise” in the number of Covid-19 cases, including confirmed cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus,s in the region.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said the Philippines has gone up to high-risk classification as a rise in Covid-19 cases has been observed with a positive two-week growth rate (TWGR) at 47 percent.

In closing this piece, let me ask you readers: Do you believe that the Metro Manila Council made the right decision prohibiting outdoor exercise for the duration of the current ECQ? Are you concerned that the police will abuse their authority once they spot someone exercising outdoors? What do you think about the PNP right now?

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Metro Manila mayors approve resolution prohibiting outdoor exercise during ECQ

August 11, 2021August 10, 2021carlocarrasco

Are you conscious about your health and you constantly need to exercise to meet your personal fitness goals? If you are residing here in Metro Manila, you will be screwed because the Metro Manila Council (MCC) composed of many mayors with Parañaque mayor Edwin Olivarez as the chairman approved a resolution prohibiting residents from going out of their homes for exercise in relation to the current enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Take note that lesser outdoor space to exercise means lesser opportunities to keep yourselves healthy and boosting your immune system (this we all need so badly in this COVID-19 pandemic apart from the vaccines).

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

Metro Manila Council (MMC) Chairman and Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the mayors of the National Capital Region (NCR) are ready to implement the ban on exercising outside residences during the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Olivarez said Metro mayors agreed and passed a resolution prohibiting residents from going out of their homes to exercise until August 20.

“Ipinagbabawal po natin ang exercise, ang walking. Dahil po sa Delta variant, talagang hard lockdown po talaga. Ganon ang naging usapan talaga dahil nagkakaroon po kasi ng gathering kapag nageexercise. (We prohibit exercise and walking. Because of the Delta variant, it’s really a hard lockdown. That’s what we talked about because there’s a gathering when people exercise), the mayor said in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo.

“Kung hindi po talaga essential yung paglabas mo talaga, hindi po talaga papayagan talaga (If it is not really essential, it really won’t be allowed),” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Daily Inquirer made its own report of the same issue except their source is Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos (who recently visited Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Parañaque for inspection of local vaccination operations). Watch this Inquirer news video clip…

Let me ask you readers: What do you think about the latest news? Do you believe that the Metro Manila mayors carefully analyzed the health-related science, the situations in their respective cities and the COVID-19 data before deciding on a resolution prohibiting outdoor exercise? Do you believe the Metro Manila mayors consulted with doctors and scientists about outdoor exercise being a COVID-19 risk?

Do you agree with mayor Olivarez’s claim about people gathering when they exercise? How far should local government leaders go with their authority over their constituents over the topic of outdoor exercise? If you are a resident of Parañaque City, do you believe that the local vaccination organizers are doing a good job with the registration, contacting registrants and handling all the people who lined up at local vaccination sites?

Could the Metro Manila mayors be more concerned about the next national and local elections of May 2022 than public health and COVID-19? If ever MMDA chairman Abalos runs for a national position in 2022 like, let’s say for Senator, would you vote for him?

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

In concluding this, I want you readers to pay close attention to what I’m posting here…

No matter what the other news outlets report about the prohibition on outdoor exercise within Metro Manila and no matter the public officials do, we must never lose faith in the Lord high above us all. It is to Him we should look up to and pray to Him for continued protection and lifting us up. We also need to pray to Him to enlighten all the public officials in office so that they may see the light. Always remember that Lord Jesus is the true savior of all. Posted below is a holy scripture for you all…

When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai,

you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.

He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me,

the only God for me, and my great confidence.

He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,

and he will protect you from false accusation

and any deadly curse.

His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.

You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.

His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.

You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night

nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.

Don’t fear a thing!

Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,

nor will the powers of evil be launched against you.

Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,

you will remain unscathed and unharmed.

You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,

for they will be paid back for what they have done!

Psalm 91:1-10 (TPT)

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COVID-19 Crisis: Delta variant cases in Las Piñas City counted at 24

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021carlocarrasco

Just as the total number of vaccinated people in Las Piñas City approaches the 500,000 mark, it was reported by the Manila Bulletin that there are 24 cases of the highly contagious Delta variant within the city confirmed.

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

The Las Pinas City government confirmed that there are already 24 cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in the city and the patients are recovering.

Dr. Julie Gonzales, City Health Office (CHO) officer, said the 24 cases of Delta variant came from seven barangays in the city. She refused to name the barangays.

Gonzales said it was initially reported that the total number of Delta variant case in the city was 26 but upon case investigation, it was found out that the two cases came from another local government unit (LGU).

She also said that the city is seeing other coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variants mutations and could not still identify if it is the Delta variant.

The CHO officer said the city is still waiting for the genome sequencing result on the new cases reported in the city.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered for an intensified prevent-detect-isolate-treat-reintegration (PDITR) system and vaccination to stop the transmission of the virus.

Aguilar was also informed that hospitals in the city — the Perpetual Help Medical Center, Las Pinas General Hospital, E. Zarate Hospital, and A. Zarate Hospital have reached full capacity.

The mayor said the city government is not yet implementing granular lockdown on barangays with Delta variant cases because those afflicted were already isolated and are recovering.

The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar said that their city government is only implementing house lockdowns as their local health office keeps on investigating COVID-19 cases. Speaking of COVID-19, posted below for your reference is the official number of vaccinated people in the city accurate as of August 7, 2021. Also the local advise regarding Delta variant is posted further below.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas, are you still moving around the city using public transportation knowing that there are Delta variant cases in the city? Does the Delta variant news convince the unvaccinated members of your community to get registered and join the line for the free vaccines?

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: Muntinlupa ramps up vaccine rollout, PNP inspects 2,337 PUVs and apprehends 277 violators

August 11, 2021August 10, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa ramps up its vaccine rollout by adding additional vaccination sites across the city while the local PNP implements stricter inspection during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

“Siyam na bagong vaccination sites ang bubuksan sa buong lungsod sa mga susunod na araw. Karagdagan ito sa existing seven sites na kasalukuyan nang operational. Ngayong may karagdagang vaccination sites ay madadagdagan pa ang ating mabibigyang proteksyon kontra COVID-19. Idi-distribute po sa lahat ng sites ang pag-iischedule,” the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) announced on its Facebook page.

In total, there will be 16 vaccination sites in Muntinlupa which can accommodate up to 10,000 residents every day, subject to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

The vaccination sites in Muntinlupa are the following: Cluster 1 – Mega Site: SM Center Muntinlupa, Satellite Sites: Tunasan – Victoria Health Center, Tunasan Pavillion (Arandia St.), Tunasan National High School, Centennial Ave. (formerly MNHS Tunasan Annex), and Poblacion – Muntinlupa National High School – Main, Biazon Covered Court, NHA – Southville 3; Cluster 2 – Mega Site: Ayala Malls South Park, Satellite Sites: Putatan – Soldier’s Hills Covered Court, and Bayanan – Bayanan ES Unit 1 (Baywalk); Cluster 3 – Mega Site: Festival Upper Ground Floor Parking; Cluster 4 – Satellite Sites: De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Alabang Town Center (for A4 non-residents); Cluster 5 – Satellite Site: New Cupang Health Center; Cluster 6 – Satellite Sites: Sucat Covered Court, Buli Elementary School, Colegio de Muntinlupa.

Earlier, MunCoVac announced that walk-ins will not be accommodated in the vaccination sites, except for senior citizens. The City Government urges those who do not have a confirmed vaccination schedule from MunCoVac to refrain from proceeding to the vaccination sites. City residents are encouraged to register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to receive their schedule.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encouraged the public to avail the vaccination service of the local government especially during the ECQ for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19.

As of August 6, there are 339,909 vaccines deployed in Muntinlupa, of which 199,236 are first dose (51.7% of the target) and 145,026 are second dose (37.6% of the target).

Further, members of the Muntinlupa City Police Station (MCPS) inspected at least 2,377 public utility vehicles (PUVs) and recorded 277 violations committed by authorized and unauthorized persons outside of residence.

In a report by MCPS chief Col. Melecio Buslig, the PUV inspections and violations were recorded from 5 a.m. of Aug. 8 to 5 a.m. of Aug. 9 at the Muntinlupa-San Pedro, Laguna boundary quarantine control point (QCP), Susana Heights Road QCP, Biazon Road law enforcement checkpoint (LEC), Alabang-Zapote Road LEC and Sucat-Taguig boundary.

As of August 8, Muntinlupa City has 945 active cases, with 14,229 recoveries, 15,569 confirmed cases, 395 reported deaths, 34 suspect cases, and 1,621 probable cases.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

A Look Back at X-Men Adventures #7 (1993)

August 10, 2021June 7, 2025carlocarrasco

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, X-Men fans, superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today, we take a look at the topic of slavery and its connection with the mutants within the universe of Marvel. To be more specific, slavery was emphasized in one of the episodes of the popular X-Men animated series which itself had a monthly series of comic book adaptations – X-Men Adventures!

With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men Adventures #7, published by Marvel Comics in 1993 with a story written by Ralph Macchio and drawn by Chris Batista.

Early story

The story begins in Genosha, an island nation where mutants are designated as slaves constantly monitored by armed personnel of the state. X-Men team members Gambit, Storm and Jubilee are forced to do hard labor as they have been rendered powerless (with high-tech collars on their necks). Along with many other mutants, they are working on a key infrastructure project of the state.

As soon as the local authorities deactivated the collars of the slaves, Storm immediately attempts to escape by flying. Immediately, the collar on her neck got reactivated which neutralized her powers and caused her to fall down to the water below. As soon as she climbs up on a rock to rest, a cable wraps itself on her right leg. Suddenly, a huge Sentinel rises above the water and pulls her…

Quality

Like the TV episode it was based on, this comic book does a decent job of portraying slavery and oppression with mutants in mind while avoiding the very sensitive topic of racism. To see Gambit, Storm and Jubilee portrayed as much more vulnerable characters is a nice change from their usual portrayals. While the story has a strong slavery theme, it also sheds light on the ongoing, secretive development of the Sentinels program which clearly emphasizes the growing danger that await not only the X-Men (the prime target of Trask and his team) but mutants in general.

When it comes to the art, Chris Batista did a nice job drawing not only the characters (all recognizable) but also their surroundings, the Sentinels and the framing of action scenes.

Conclusion

*Gambit, Storm and Jubilee as slaves on Genosha.*

I personally find X-Men Adventures #7 (1993) somewhat fun and slightly engaging to read. As this is an adaptation of the X-Men animated series episode about Genosha and mutant slavery, it clearly has a strong wholesome approach to its presentation. That being said, its depth is actually limited as it presented its themes with younger readers and new X-Men readers in mind. Unsurprisingly, the action is limited and was portrayed to avoid violence. If you want a more serious and grittier portrayal of Genosha and mutant slavery, you should read Uncanny X-Men #235 to #238, and the X-tinction Agenda storyline.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of X-Men Adventures #7 (1993) 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 copies of the newsstand edition and the Greek edition cost $90 and $200 respectively.

Overall, X-Men Adventures #7 (1993) is satisfactory.

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COVID-19 Crisis: GCash will be used by the Muntinlupa City Government to distribute ayuda to local recipients

August 10, 2021August 9, 2021carlocarrasco

Calling all residents of Muntinlupa City who use GCash! Be aware that it has been reported by the Manila Bulletin that the national government’s financial assistance (AKA ayuda) will be released to qualified recipients through their GCash accounts. Take note that the City Government of Muntinlupa will use the mobile wallet app as a crucial method to send the money to the qualified recipients which should relieve them from having to personally travel to a single venue to physically collect the money. For the newcomers reading this, the national government releases financial assistance to the residents of specific areas or regions that got affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

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

The Muntinlupa City government announced Monday that it will use the mobile wallet app GCash in the distribution of the national government’s “ayuda” or financial assistance.

“For the expected distribution of ‘ayuda’ for affected Muntinlupa residents under ECQ [enhanced community quarantine], the local government will use GCash. The city government decided to hold an online distribution to ensure the safety of everyone against COVID-19,” according to an announcement by the city government.

It said it will issue additional updates about the online payout and urged the public to make their own GCash accounts.

According to Local Budget Circular No. 138 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Aug. 6, Muntinlupa has been allotted P441.6 million for distribution to affected residents.

The “ayuda” allotment was given to Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) after the region was placed under ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20.

A total of P10.89 billion has been allotted by the national government to 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila.

If you are a qualified recipient of the ayuda here in Muntinlupa and you don’t have GCash, then you should download the app as soon as possible. Posted below are the ways to get yourselves moving with GCash. The images below were posted by the City Government through their official Facebook page.

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/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident who is qualified for the financial assistance, do you think that GCash is the most ideal way to receive the money through the City Government? Do you prefer cash in physical form over digital? What is the one thing you like or dislike the most about GCash?

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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Better than Streaming: Why I look forward to The Suicide Squad’s eventual 4K Blu-ray release

August 9, 2021August 7, 2021carlocarrasco

I want to start by saying that I am not a fan of the Suicide Squad entertainment franchise of DC Comics for the simple reason that I rarely read any of its comic book. In 2016, out of curiosity, I got to watch Suicide Squad in the cinema and even got some enjoyment out of it.

This year, The Suicide Squad got released and what caught my attention was the fact that it was directed and written by the highly creative James Gunn who made his mark in American cinema with the Guardians of the Galaxy films which established their own notable place within the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sadly, being based here in the Philippines, I won’t be able to watch the newest DC Comics movie on the big screen because local cinemas have stopped showing movies since the COVID-19 pandemic started (note: some local cinemas were used as vaccination sites). Although millions of people here in the Philippines have been vaccinated, there are still no new signs that movie theaters will reopen and resume the showing of movies.

*The movie poster of The Suicide Squad.*

The next best option for me is the eventual 4K Blu-ray release of The Suicide Squad.

Now don’t get me wrong. As of this writing, there is still no official announcement yet that The Suicide Squad will come out on Blu-ray (for 1080p viewing) and 4K Blu-ray. Still, that movie has a 4K Blu-ray page at Blu-ray.com and can see it by clicking right here. Trust me, The Suicide Squad 4K Blu-ray will be announced soon!

Posted below are key details from the said page.

Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: HDR10

Original aspect ratio: 1.90:1

Audio – TBA

Subtitles – None

Discs

4K Ultra HD

Blu-ray Disc

Two-disc set (2 BD)

Digital

Digital 4K

Digital copy included

Playback

4K Blu-ray: Region free

2K Blu-ray: Region A

Why I look forward to this movie’s 4K Blu-ray release

Firstly, being a geek, I find James Gunn’s superhero-related work to be really creative and that includes combining bombastic spectacle with presenting groups of characters whose interactions and respective personalities prove to be memorable. He is also a solid storyteller and has proven to be capable of not only getting solid performances from the actors but also making good use of their respective talents.

Secondly, for some time now, I’ve been checking for updates about how Gunn’s style and approach would make the new Suicide Squad movie of Warner Bros. fun and engaging to watch. The good news here is that, as of this writing, critical reception has been positive.

Of course, movie critics’ tastes are different from my own and it will be some time before I will finally get to watch the The Suicide Squad 4K Blu-ray.

Thirdly, I find the cast of the new movie interesting and intriguing. John Cena as Peacemaker looks zany. Michael Rooker’s Savant looks intimidating. There is also the iconic Sylvester Stallone providing the voice of King Shark! Of course, there is also Idris Elba as Bloodsport and I wonder how the cinematic version of the character will turn out. Bloodsport debuted in the 1987 comic book Superman #4 (Volume 2) during the time John Byrne spearheaded comics of Superman.

Fourthly, my 4K Blu-ray collection is pretty small as of this writing and when it comes to Warner Bros./DC Comics superhero movies available in 4K Blu-ray format, I want something much better than Wonder Woman 1984 (note: director Patty Jenkins clearly did not take inspiration from the fine works of the legendary George Perez as far as telling a Wonder Woman story set in the 1980s goes. The presentation was also bloated and disappointing.).

From this point on, The Suicide Squad has its chance to recover its huge production and marketing costs by playing in several movie theaters (that managed to stay open or reopened) around the world. How the movie-loving public, geeks and DC Comics fans will react remains to be seen.

There is also the possibility that James Gunn-directed DC Comics movie might not score highly in ticket sales given the fact that it has been launched also on the streaming service HBO Max. Matching the $746.8 million global ticket sales of 2016’s Suicide Squad is pretty daunting for the new movie in this age of pandemic. Streaming the movie for home viewing is convenient but the best visual experience is still in the movie theaters, especially in the IMAX cinemas (because the movie was filmed with IMAX cameras).

It should be noted that paying for HBO Max does NOT mean you are paying The Suicide Squad producers and investors. Buying movie tickets, Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray discs actually pay the film’s producers, investors and business partners. That being said, I encourage you to go for Blu-ray and/or 4K Blu-ray instead of streaming when it comes to enjoying movies at home.

Too bad the local IMAX cinemas and all regular theaters here in the Philippines remain closed. Clearly the best option for me to watch The Suicide Squad is on 4K Blu-ray in the near future. Streaming is definitely not an option for me and I am not going to waste my money on any streaming service.

Stay tuned for future updates about The Suicide Squad on 4K Blu-ray.

For more entries of my Better than Streaming series of articles, check out my pieces on The Beastmaster 4K Blu-ray, The Transformers: The Movie 4K Blu-ray, Mortal Kombat 2021 4K Blu-ray, Space Jam 4K Blu-ray, V: The Original Miniseries Blu-ray (read my retro review), V: The Final Battle Blu-ray and Highlander 4K Blu-ray.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Beware of fake vaccination cards made and sold by certain computer shops within Muntinlupa City

August 9, 2021August 8, 2021carlocarrasco

In the City of Muntinlupa, it has been reported by the Manila Bulletin that certain local business joints have allegedly been producing fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and have been selling them. Already the local authorities are aware of this and there is potential danger with regards to fake vaccination cards being used to deceive local businesses (who grant discounts for vaccinated customers) and community organizations who relied on official vaccination cards (the ones from MunCoVac) for verification and statistics.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has warned that people who fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and sell them will face legal action.

In an announcement Saturday, the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) said it “received a report of alleged faking and selling of fake vaccination cards in several computers shops in the city.”

“This is illegal. The BPLO [Business Permits and Licensing Office] went to the computer shop to investigate. Their business permits can possibly be revoked. People can also be charged if they are proven to be involved in faking public documents like the vaccination record,” said MunCoVac.

MunCoVac said fake vaccination cards are dangerous as those who have not been vaccinated do not have protection against COVID-19.

“They are also putting their family and other people they meet in danger. Moreover, this negates our sacrifices over several lockdowns in order to stop the spread of COVID-19,” it added.

It said the city government will launch a verification system in the next few weeks in which the validity of the vaccination record using QR code can be confirmed.

As of Aug. 6, 199,236 individuals, including 5,192 inoculated in private companies, have received their first dose, or 51.7 percent of the target population of 385,725.

To the locals who have gotten vaccinated and have their genuine cards from MunCoVac, please take special care of those cards. Right now, Metro Manila’s COVID-19 problem has gotten much worse and the presence of fake vaccination cards will only make things difficult not only for the City of Muntinlupa but also on other cities. Just imagine someone using a fake Muntinlupa vaccination card to illegally avail of discounts offered by business joints in other cities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you spent time recently in Muntinlupa, were you able to visit local computer shops that made and/or sold fake vaccination cards? Do you think the City Government’s upcoming verification system will be able to detect which vaccination cards are fake or genuine?

Are you aware that Coffee Syndicate in Alabang offers a 10% discount to customers who can prove they were vaccinated for COVID-19? Visit Coffee Syndicate at the ground floor at Commercenter mall.

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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