Carlo Carrasco – Page 310 – Author Carlo Carrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: 165 face mask, face shield violators apprehended in Muntinlupa Police’s Oplan Sita

June 1, 2021May 31, 2021carlocarrasco

In an attempt to reduce COVID-19 transmission associated to non-compliance with health protocols, the City Government of Muntinlupa has augmented operations to apprehend violators of face mask and face shield rules.

Members of Muntinlupa City Police Station recorded 165 individuals who are not wearing, or improperly wearing, face masks and face shields in eight barangays during the conduct of Oplan Sita from May 30 – May 31. Of the total number of violators, 43 individuals were fined while 122 received first warning.

While the City Government awaits new guidelines on arresting those caught violating face mask rules from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Justice (DOJ), provisions under Muntinlupa City Ordinance No. 2020-109 have been imposed.

Under the local ordinance, every person in Muntinlupa is required to wear face masks at all times whenever outside of their residence, at the workplace, when entering government buildings and offices, and in public places.

Penalties for offenders include P300 for first offense, P500 for second offense, and P1,000 for third and subsequent offenses. For violators who are minors, a stern warning will be given for the first offense, withdrawal of scholarship grant from the City Government or P300 for non-grantee for second offense, and P500 for third and subsequent offenses. The penalty fee for minors will be charged against their parents or guardians.

The City Government of Muntinlupa has imposed stricter implementation of its local ordinance on the mandatory wearing of face masks following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to arrest people who will be caught not wearing a face mask properly in public spaces.

Further, the City Government lifted liquor ban but with restrictions for the duration of less stringent community quarantines.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi reminds city residents to continue to observe health protocols such as frequent hand-washing, wearing of face masks, and physical distancing.

“COVID-19 is still an imminent threat so I urge everyone to be responsible and to continue observing health protocols even as quarantine measures and the liquor ban are relaxed,” Fresnedi said.

Muntinlupa City has recorded a decrease in COVID-19 cases within the last two weeks. From 1,036 active cases last May 16, it has reduced to 604 cases as of May 30.

To date, there are 12,850 confirmed cases with 11,903 recoveries, 343 reported deaths, 102 suspect cases, and 1,631 probable cases in Muntinlupa.

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A Look Back at The Night Man #4 (1993)

May 31, 2021May 29, 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, comic book collectors, 1990s pop culture enthusiasts and fans of Malibu Comics! Are you ready for another retro review of The Night Man?

Last time around, Night Man pursued the group Freex during the events of the Break-Thru crossover. By the time the story ended, there were these intriguing details about the powerful J.D. Hunt and his son Guy Hunt.

To find out what happens next to the Ultraverse vigilante after the end of Break-Thru, here is a look back at The Night Man #4, published in 1993 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Steve Englehart and drawn by Kyle Hotz.

Early story

The story begins with newspaper coverage of the Night Man (pictured with Mangle) whose acts caught the attention of people at the Bay Area. Johnny Domino (Night Man) carefully listens to people around him commenting about his published acts and his radio transmissions as the vigilante. Even driving around San Francisco does not spare him from the continued public chatter of the Night Man. He then remembers a lady named Ginger and visits a unique place.

There, he notices a lady approach him. She introduces herself as Rita Diamond and recognizes him for his work with the saxophone. Rita tells him that she and her fiancé Roger Carrington are sponsoring a benefit event and that Johnny’s music would be fabulous for it.

After expressing some hesitation, he then accepts and plays at the event…

Quality

*The Night Man on his unexpected exploration.*

Another solid story crafted by Steve Englehart here, only this time without the extra baggage of Freex and Break-Thru. I really enjoyed the way the build-up was staged during the first nine pages of the comic book (note: complete with key references to issue #1) leading to an encounter with the new villain.

Before the encounter started, Englehart developed Johnny’s personality even more and took time examining him as a person and as a member of local society (as opposed to being a vigilante) of the Bay Area. When he changes into Night Man, he is portrayed to be reactive and very observant which I found enjoyable to read.

As for the new villain, I don’t want to emphasize details given the structure of the plot. This is something you readers should find out for yourselves.

The art done by Kyle Hotz is pretty good. There was this nice contrast of the art style between the day-time scenes and the night-time scenes. I also liked Hotz’s gritty look not only on Night Man himself but also on the villain and the many other characters in general.

Conclusion

*Johnny Domino’s personal observations are nice to read.*

The Night Man #4 (1993) is very enjoyable to read and intriguing as well. It has a very good concept, more in-depth development of the protagonist, a solid twist and its references to issue #1 should encourage you to revisit it. Adding value to this comic book is a short story about Firearm which should attract fans of the character.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of The Night Man #4 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $16.

Overall, The Night Man #4 (1993) is recommended.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Residents who get vaccinated in Las Piñas City can win goods, motorcycles and a brand-new house-and-lot through special incentive program

May 31, 2021May 28, 2021carlocarrasco

Good news for all those based in Las Piñas City! It has been reported through the media recently that Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar launched a special program designed to entice city residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and get chances to win a new house-and-lot plus consumable goods and motorcycles. There are certain requirements to qualify for the program and in order to get vaccinated, unvaccinated residents are welcome to register via the City Government’s online system at bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

To start knowing the details, watch the interview of Congresswoman Villar in the news video below…

And below is an excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

Residents of Las Piñas who have received COVID-19 vaccine could get a brand new house and lot as well as groceries and motorcycles.

The incentive program “May Bahay sa Bakuna: Bakunado Ka Na, May Bahay ka Pa” is open to all residents of the city who already received a single dose of any COVID-19 vaccine brand.

It was initiated by Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar to convince her constituents to get vaccinated.

“We want to reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated for people, their families, and the community. It will not only protect people but help our economy slowly recover,” Villar said in a press release.

“Through this effort, we also have a chance to increase awareness and confidence in vaccines,” she added.

Residents must be at least 18 years old to be able to join the program. Raffle tickets are available in all barangay halls for those who have already been vaccinated and in vaccination centers for those newly-inoculated.

The tickets may be dropped in barangay halls as well as in AllHome and AllDay supermarket branches in Las Piñas City.

Monthly draws will be held starting July 15 wherein 50 winners will be given “pangkabuhayan showcase” worth P5,000.

On the other hand, the grand draw will be on December 24 wherein the winner will get two motorcycles and a house and lot from Bria Homes.

Wow! Congresswoman Villar’s program sure has very attractive incentives! The economy has dampened a lot since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020 and so many people lost their jobs and income. The opportunities to gain house-and-lots and other goods through the program are not only valuable but will also prove to be helpful not only to the eventual winners but also helpful to the local society. Incentives aside, it is high time for people to overcome their fears and hesitation on vaccines.

*From the Facebook page of Representative Camille Villar.*

More on Las Piñas City, new and comfortable vaccination sites recently opened in cooperation with SM Southmall and SM Center LP. The City Government already announced that more vaccination sites will open soon.

For the newcomers reading this, get to know the ways to get registered by clicking right here. There are details and images with instructions included.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are an unvaccinated Las Piñas resident, does Congresswoman Villar’s incentive program convince you to come out, get registered and line up for the free COVID-19 vaccine in your city? Are the house, consumable goods and motorcycles offered through raffle very enticing to you personally? How many people in your local community are aware of Villar’s incentive program?

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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Xbox-Bethesda games showcase on June 13, 2021!

May 28, 2021May 27, 2021carlocarrasco

It has been more than two months since publisher Bethesda got integrated into Team Xbox as a result of Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media (Bethesda’s parent company). Since then, the executives of Bethesda and Xbox worked together and made declarations during a special event in which Xbox head Phil Spencer confirmed that there will be Bethesda-produced exclusive games coming to Xbox fans via platforms that have Xbox Game Pass (XGP).

And now, something more exciting is scheduled to happen next month! In fact, it will happen in just a few more weeks’ time!

It has been announced by Team Xbox that the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will take place on June 13, 2021! It is a digital event that will be streamed worldwide.

*The official cover image of the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase!*

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com article written by Xbox Games Marketing General Manager Aaron Greenberg. Some parts in boldface…

Today, we are thrilled to announce the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will stream on Sunday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m. PT. The show will be focused on games from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and many game creators from our partners around the world.

You’ve told us how excited you are about welcoming Bethesda into the Xbox family, so we know you’re going to want a front-row seat to the Xbox & Bethesda Games showcase – a 90-minute show packed with everything you want to know about the epic gaming lineup coming out of this partnership, the incredible games coming to Xbox this holiday, upcoming releases on Xbox Game Pass, and more.

You’ll be able to watch the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase in a variety of ways. Be sure to visit any of the links below before the show starts:

Wow! That announcement by Greenberg went straight to the point! This is something to delight the many, varied fans of Xbox and Bethesda. How exactly will be organized remains to be seen and this alone is interesting because in previous years, Team Xbox and Bethesda had their own separate showcase events which drew huge audiences (both physically and online). From this point on, the suspense leading to the official announcements truly begins.

*The combined powers and talents of Xbox and Bethesda will be emphasized heavily on June 13, 2021.*

Speaking of announcements, I hope that the following will happen at the 90-minute Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase…

Starfield coming to Xbox consoles and PC this year (note: a 2022 release would not be surprising). Trailers and gameplay demonstration emphasizing Starfield’s concept and uniqueness would really excite the fans. Todd Howard should lead the presentation.
Halo Infinite to be shown with trailers, in-depth gameplay demonstration and a November 2021 release date. Improvements on quality and overall design should be emphasized and help gamers forget the disappointing 2020 first unveiling of the game.
Forza Horizon 5 with trailers, gameplay demonstration, the rumored Mexico setting and a 4^th quarter of 2021 release date.
Avowed with trailers and more details about its concept, game design and characters.
The Outer Worlds sequel announcement.
The rumored Hideo Kojima-Xbox partnership confirmed as real and with a game announcement.
Fable update with details about its concept, gameplay and characters.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II update with gameplay footage, and a 2022 release date.
Forza Motorsport franchise update with clarification as to what the next game could be called.
Collaboration or special projects between Team Xbox and Konami, Capcom, Sega and other game publishers to ramp up Xbox-exclusive content as well as add more games to Xbox Game Pass.
Psychonauts 2 unveiling.
IO Interactive project exclusive to Xbox get unveiled.
The Gunk (Xbox-exclusive) update with new gameplay footage shown. It only makes sense because the game is supposed to come out this year.
Square Enix announcing more RPGs coming to Xbox Game Pass.
Indiana Jones video game update with trailers and details about its concept and game design.
Updates about Doom, Wolfenstein and other Bethesda game franchises.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you hope to see in the June 13 games showcase of Xbox-Bethesda? Are you eager to see Starfield, Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite as the must-have Xbox exclusives for late 2021 to early 2022? Are you hoping that Starfield will be released for Xbox consoles and PC this year? Are you hoping to see Bethesda also announce sequels to Doom, Wolfenstein and Dishonored franchises? Is 2022 considered too late a release for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II? If the rumored Hideo Kojima-Xbox partnership turned out to be real, what kind of games do you hope will be realized? Do you think the rumored projected of IO Interactive for Xbox will be revealed? Do you hope to see Konami digitally release its Suikoden RPGs on Xbox Game Pass and the Microsoft Store?

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 closing this article, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

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A Look Back at Punisher 2099 #13 (1994)

May 28, 2021May 27, 2021carlocarrasco

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, comic book collectors, 1990s pop culture enthusiasts and fans of Marvel Comics! We finally made it at last with the conclusion of The Fall of the Hammer crossover storyline that highlighted Marvel’s 2099 franchises.

Last time around, Doom 2099 #14 saw the raising of the stakes and tension of the storyline leading up to the sudden team-up of the 2099 universe’s pioneering heroes – Spider-Man 2099, Ravage 2099, Doom 2099 and Punisher 2099 – facing the so-called Thor (the flying idol of the people in 2099), the minions and the secret forces behind the conflict.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Punisher 2099 #13, published in 1993 (cover dated 1994) by Marvel Comics with a story written by Pat Mills and Tony Skinner, and illustrated by Tom Morgan.

Early story

The story begins with Spider-Man, Punisher, Doom and Ravage together facing a horde of Berzerkers approaching them. The four engaged with the horde using violent action. When things calmed down, Doom 2099 tells them that they need to split into duos so that they can prevent the city of Valhalla from harming the millions of people below (in New York).

Before they start their tasks, the schemer Avatarr appears to them through holographic imagery and tells them that Valhalla was created as a base for the heroes that would destroy them and lead mankind along more productive lines. Thanks to Ravage’s move, Doom detects Avatarr’s frequency…

Quality

*As Punisher 2099 arms himself, look closely and you will see the conflict between him and Jake Gallows.*

When it comes to the storytelling, this conclusion to The Fall of the Hammer storyline felt unsatisfying. There were clear signs of rush on the resolution to the plot that preceded the ending which itself had a sudden shift of focus on Punisher 2099.

The real meat of this comic book is the team-up of the Marvel 2099’s pioneering protagonists, including the duos that were spawned as the plot required it. For most of this crossover storyline, Spider-Man 2099 and Punisher 2099 were just riding together going to Valhalla. In this comic book, you will really see the two work together which was satisfying enough as pay-off (to the build-up the preceded this issue). The duo of Doom 2099 and Ravage 2099, however, was nowhere as satisfying and, more notably, there was no real chemistry between them.

This comic book continues the theme of false deities and a series of unfortunate events pulled off from a distance by some sinister force located in a secret place. While this storyline had touched on the faith of the Thorites (most notably in Doom 2099 #14), this one simply abandoned it to focus more on 2099’s original heroes doing something heroic.

When it comes to Punisher 2099 himself, fans will have a lot of stuff to enjoy. There is a short but notable moment in the story implying that Punisher 2099 and Jake Gallows are separate entities presented in the character’s mind.

Conclusion

*This opening image is easily the best image of the comic book. Things went downhill from after this image.*

Punisher 2099 #13 (1994) is not the solid conclusion The Fall of the Hammer storyline deserved. There were clear signs of rush as well as compression of details that had to be done in order to fit the 22 story pages. The so-called final conflict felt hollow and 2099 fans who got invested with the era’s self-declared Thor (who was initially the main antagonist) in the previous chapters will be disappointed with the way he turned out here. That being said, Avatarr as the main villain is just not convincing and was unsatisfying. Having Punisher 2099, Spider-Man 2099, Doom 2099 and Ravage 2099 together to do some saving was pretty interesting and symbolic, as well as the main attraction of this comic book. Sadly, not even those pioneers could save this comic book and the storyline from ending with a whimper.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Punisher 2099 #13 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $6 while the near-mint copies of the signed-and-numbered and the newsstand editions cost $50 and $16 respectively.

Overall, Punisher 2099 #13 (1994) is worth getting below its cover price.

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Japanese fugitive arrested in Parañaque City

May 27, 2021May 27, 2021carlocarrasco

As far as this month is concerned, Parañaque City sure has been hit hard by news reports related to crime such as the cold-blooded shooting that happened along Airport Road, the raid of a cybersex den in one of the villages of the city, the illegal sale of test kits for COVID-19, and the smuggled face shields and another shooting incident that happened last week. The only good crime-related news about the city was the successful rescue of a kidnapped foreigner.

Speaking of unfortunate events, I want to thank the many people who read my article about the May 17 launch of the Pfizer in Parañaque and I also want to thank those who took time out to write to me about what they witnessed or experienced during the said launch.

Going back to Parañaque crime news, the Manila Bulletin reported yesterday that a wanted man from Japan was arrested by law enforcers at a certain hotel in Parañaque. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the said report. Some parts in boldface…

A Japanese fugitive, who is allegedly wanted in several countries for various crimes such as online fraud and extortion, has been arrested at a hotel in Paranaque City by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

In an announcement on Wednesday, May 26, the NBI identified the arrested Japanese as Watanabe Yuki, who is also known as Kenji Shimada and Shi Shimada.

The NBI said Yuki was arrested last March 17 together with two other Japanese nationals identified as Tomonobu Saito and Kousuke II.

It said that Saito and Kousuke II failed to present their passports and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR). Saito, on the other hand, has a summary deportation order. Both were turned over to the BI.

The NBI said Yuki is “an international wanted fugitive with Blue Notice in Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization).”

Google says “a Blue Notice is issued when Interpol grants a member country’s request for assistance with the following: seeking the location of someone connected with a criminal investigation, identifying someone connected with a criminal investigation, finding witnesses to a criminal act, and locating friends, relatives, or associates of offenders or suspected offenders.”

NBI Officer-in-Charge Director Eric B. Distor said that “subject Yuki was hiding in the country due to his involvement in various crimes in Japan and other countries, and he is also allegedly operating syndicate activities in the Philippines, such as but not limited to, online fraud and extortions.”

“Verification conducted by the NBI-STF (Special Task Force) to ascertain the veracity of the information revealed that subject Yuki is said to be the ‘Big Boss’ of the largest telecommunication fraud syndicate, whose international operations cover several countries including Japan and Philippines,” the NBI said.

It said that Yuki will be turned over to the BI which issued a commitment order against the Japanese “for undesirability (fugitive) and Illegal Entrant.”

The above reported ended by stating that Yuki has since been placed under the custody of the Security Management Section of the NBI (NBI-SMS) after being found positive for COVID-19.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Manila Bulletin’s crime news report? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City? Are the local police, barangay tanods, NBI operatives and BI operatives doing enough to secure your local community from criminals?

Do you believe that Parañaque City has something that attracts crooks and fugitives from overseas? Do you believe that Parañaque continue to be a safe haven for criminals, smugglers and murderers?

Have you ever heard about the Parañaque Renaissance?

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: No selling of COVID-19 vaccines in Las Piñas City

May 27, 2021May 25, 2021carlocarrasco

A few days ago, Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar declared that there was no selling of COVID-19 vaccines in the city. This was reported by the Manila Bulletin on May 24 in the late afternoon online.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar said Monday there was no reported incident of selling of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines or offering jab slots in the city.

To prevent such illegal activity, Aguilar ordered the deployment of additional barangay watchmen at their 15 vaccination sites.

Paul San Miguel, Public Information Office chief, said the mayor reminded city residents not to entertain calls from unscrupulous individuals engaged in the selling of COVID-19 vaccines or offering slots.

San Miguel said Aguilar also asked the residents to report to the police or Office of the Mayor immediately once they were approached or received a call selling vaccines or offering slots for inoculation.

“The mayor is thankful that the city residents are very disciplined and do not engage in such illegal activity of selling vaccines or offering slots,” San Miguel said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you a Las Piñas resident who is happy to learn that the mayor took action to prevent the illegal act of selling COVID-19 vaccines or offering slots to others?

If ever you get approached or called in relation to the selling of vaccines or the offering of slots, would you report it to the local authorities immediately?

Does this latest announcement from the City Government encourage you to get registered and line up for the free COVID-19 vaccine?

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: House-to-house vaccination of bedridden residents in Muntinlupa launched

May 27, 2021May 26, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa officially started providing at-home COVID-19 vaccination services for bedridden residents and individuals who are not capable of travelling to the city’s major vaccination sites.

Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 84 individuals from Brgy. Sucat, Brgy. Putatan, and Brgy. Tunasan who were vaccinated in their homes for the initial rollout of the house-to-house vaccination service as of yesterday. The CHO expects more requests for at-home service in the coming days.

The local health office also launched a pilot drive-thru vaccination service to accommodate more vaccine takers and decongest local major vaccination sites.

*The health workers assigned to do house-to-house vaccination services. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the City Government, through the CHO and in partnership with the barangays, continues to expand the local vaccination program through the house-to-house vaccination services and installation of drive-thru vaccination centers. Fresnedi added that the City Government is targeting to finish vaccinating 385,000 eligible residents by November to achieve herd immunity.

*A patient gets vaccinated while on a bed at home. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

As of May 24, a total of 41,443 residents received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, of which 15,394 have received their second dose. For those inoculated with their first dose, 22,011 received Sinovac, 12,994 were inoculated with AstraZeneca, 2,979 with Gamaleya’s Sputnik V, and 3,507 with Pfizer-BioNTech.

The public is urged to register online in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

Walk-ins in the city’s major vaccination sites including Ayala Malls South Park, Festival Mall UGF Covered Parking, SM Muntinlupa, and Sucat Covered Court will not be accommodated. Only those who are registered online will be given schedule in the major vaccination sites and will be notified via SMS. For more inquiries, the public may reach the MunCoVac hotlines: 0956 358 9228 / 0915 805 5932 / 0915 806 7419 / 0960 588 5935 / 0960 588 5937 / 0998 249 4580.

Further, Brgy. Sucat has launched a raffle campaign for vaccinated residents to win 25 kgs. of rice in a bid to boost the local COVID-19 vaccination drive. 20 lucky vaccinated residents from the barangay will be randomly chosen in the raffle. Brgy. Sucat captain Raffy Sevilla added that the raffle is the barangay’s gesture to thank the residents for their cooperation in the government’s vaccination program.

Muntinlupa City has 12,695 confirmed cases with 11,703 recoveries, 651 active cases, 341 reported deaths, 119 suspect cases, and 1,971 probable cases as of May 25.

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The above details were from the official press release issued by the Muntinlupa Public Information Office. Some parts were edited for this website.

Better than Streaming: The Transformers: The Movie 4K Blu-ray coming out soon

May 26, 2021May 26, 2021carlocarrasco

If you love the Transformers in hand-drawn animation and if you have a 4K Blu-ray collection to build up, then you should be happy with the news that The Transformers: The Movie 4K Blu-ray will be available for purchase in a few months’ time.

The said 4K Blu-ray release (which also contains the Blu-ray for 1080p viewing) is from Shout Factory, a company that is well known for releasing Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray discs of movies loaded with lots of extra stuff that make them very ideal for collecting.

So what exactly will you be getting with The 4K Blu-ray combo of The Transformers: The Movie? To put things in perspective, here first are the technical specs from the Blu-ray.com page…

Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Audio

English: Dolby Atmos

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)

Subtitles

English SDH, Spanish

Discs

4K Ultra HD

Blu-ray Disc

Two-disc set (1 BD-66, 1 BD-50)

Playback

4K Blu-ray: Region free

2K Blu-ray: Region A (B, C untested)

*The Autobots and Dinobots in a scene in the movie.*

Now here is an excerpt from another page at Blu-ray.com that shows what you can expect from the new release.

Shout Factory will also issue two additional 35th anniversary editions of THE TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE —a standard 4K Blu-ray + Blu-ray combo pack, and a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. THE TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE 35th Anniversary Edition 4K Blu-ray + Blu-ray combo pack includes the all-new 4K transfer of the movie in widescreen alongside the HD full frame version and new bonus material. THE TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE 35th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray + DVD combo pack features the movie in HD full frame on Blu-ray as well as a widescreen edition on DVD, alongside new bonus material. These configurations will be available for pre-order later this summer from Shout! Factory. (The SteelBook can already be pre-ordered at Amazon).

Under license from Shout Factory, THE TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE SteelBook and standard 4K Blu-ray will also be released in the UK this September.

Description: In the year 2005, the Autobots and the Decepticons are still locked in battle, but a deadly new force enters the fray–a giant killer planet known as Unicron. The heroic Autobots must fight for their own survival and to save their home planet from destruction. A classic of 1980s animation, based on the popular TV series.

Special Features and Technical Specs:

NEW 4K TRANSFER FROM ORIGINAL FILM ELEMENTS
New Feature-Length Storyboards, including deleted, alternate and extended sequences
New Fathom Events 30th Anniversary Featurette, including Stan Bush’s acoustic performances of “The Touch” and “Dare”
‘Til All Are One – A comprehensive documentary looking back at THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE with members of the cast and crew, including story consultant Flint Dille, cast members Gregg Berger, Neil Ross, Dan Gilvezan, singer/songwriter Stan Bush, composer Vince Dicola and others!
Audio Commentary with Director Nelson Shin, story consultant Flint Dille and star Susan Blu
Featurettes
Animated Storyboards
Trailers and TV Spots
Optional English and Spanish subtitles for the main feature

As of this writing, Amazon.com has a live page for those who want to order the SteelBook edition of The Transformers: The Movie 4K Blu-ray. You can also order it via Shout Factory.

As a kid, I got to watch many episodes of The Transformers animated series on television. I eventually saw The Transformers: The Movie on home video and its presentation came with a lot of impact related to the deaths of several characters (including the most controversial death), the noticeable rise of on-screen violence and the more futuristic, sci-fi setting and environments.

Even if you are not a fan of The Transformers, this upcoming 4K Blu-ray release is a blessing. Even if you are not interested in the older, hand-drawn presentation of The Transformers, the animated movie itself should interest you as it has solid performances not only from long-time favorites Peter Cullen (Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron) but also from Hollywood legends Orson Welles, Leonard Nimoy and Robert Stack. Think about that! Welles, Nimoy and Stack…Citizen Kane, Spock and the Unsolved Mysteries icons in this Transformers film!

For more on The Transformers: The Movie, watch this in-depth video retrospective by Oliver Harper. I highly recommend it and I also encourage you all to follow Oliver Harper via his social media channels.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Does the upcoming 4K Blu-ray release of The Transformers: The Movie excite you? If you saw the 1980s animated series of The Transformers, how many episodes were you able to watch? Were you able to watch The Transformers: The Movie in the cinemas back in 1986?

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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Skyway Stage 3 Quirino southbound exit now open to motorists

May 26, 2021May 25, 2021carlocarrasco

Hey readers! Have you been driving along Skyway Stage 3 lately? In case you missed the news, the southbound Quirino exit of Skyway Stage 3 was officially opened this past Monday. To be specific, it allows motorists from Balintawak and Quezon Avenue to travel to Manila much faster and safer than before.

In a May 24, 2021 Facebook page post, San Miguel Corporation president Ramon S. Ang wrote: Together with the DPWH, we opened today the Quirino southbound exit of Skyway Stage 3. This will cut travel time from Balintawak and Quezon Ave. to Manila to less than 20 mins from the usual 1.5 hours. In the midst of the pandemic, we remain committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure that will ensure better lives for the present and future generations. This is the world we want.

*The Quirino exit on the southbound lane of Skyway Stage 3 formally opened. (source – Ramon S. Ang Facebook page)*

To put things in perspective some more, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article about the same subject matter. Some parts in boldface…

San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through SMC Infrastructure, opened Monday the southbound Quirino exit of the Skyway Stage 3 elevated expressway to Class-1 vehicles, allowing motorists coming from Balintawak and Quezon Avenue to directly reach Manila within less than 20 minutes from 1.5 hours without traffic.

The opening was led by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar and SMC president Ramon S. Ang.

“The full completion of Skyway Stage 3 will divert at least 75,000 vehicles away from EDSA or C5. This is a realization of President Duterte’s promise to decongest EDSA. Skyway Stage 3 is proof that the private sector and the government can work together towards a unified solution,” Villar said.

Ang said the opening of the Quirino southbound exit will greatly improve accessibility from Quezon City and Manila.

“With more private vehicles diverted to Skyway Stage 3 on their way back from NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), or coming from Quezon Avenue, to Manila, traffic on our major public roads as well as on streets usually utilized as ‘shortcuts’ or ‘alternate routes’, will be a thing of the past. This will redound to relief from congestion and faster and easier commutes for many of our countrymen on our major thoroughfares. We thank President Duterte and the government team led by Secretary Villar for all their support,” he said.

And said SMC will continue to deliver on its commitment to bring motorists quality infrastructure that addresses congestion and lack of accessibility.

“We remain dedicated to providing convenient and seamless travel for motorists to help decongest Metro Manila and enable growth in all areas that we reach,” he added.

SMC, which fully-funded and built 100 percent of the Skyway Stage 3, said the expressway now has 15 operational ramps.

These include Northbound entry/on-ramps — Buendia (Zobel) and Quezon Avenue; Southbound entry/on ramps –Balintawak, Quezon Avenue and Plaza Dilao; Northbound exit/off ramps –Quirino Avenue, Nagtahan, Quezon Avenue, A. Bonifacio, and Balintawak; and Southbound exit/off ramps –Quezon Avenue, E. Rodriguez, Nagtahan, Quirino and Buendia (Zobel).

Now here is a related news video for your viewing pleasure and learning…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you traveled along Skyway Stage 3 and exited through Quirino already? If you did, what was the experience like? How fast did it take you to travel from Balintawak or Quezon Avenue to exit through Quirino? Is the southbound travel along Skyway Stage 3 even better now that the Quirino exit is open?

To all motorists based in Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Parañaque, how often did you travel along Skyway Stage 3 this 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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