Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, RPG enthusiasts and other gamers!
The long wait for the next Xbox-exclusive fantasy role-playing game (RPG) experience is finally over as Avowed has officially been released for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass (XGP Ultimate) today. Five days ago, the game developed by Obsidian Entertainment was released on early access for those who paid the premium for the privilege.
For the newcomers reading this, Avowed is the newest game from RPG specialist Obsidian Entertainment and it has a fantasy setting and a unique concept for gamers who enjoy in-depth exploration, intense action, consequential decision-making, engaging role-play and strong storytelling. Avowed is set in the fictional world called Eora and is also part of the same universe as seen in Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity.
To get oriented, watch the launch trailer below.
Is it really great? Is it worth purchasing at all?
As of this writing, the critical reception remains questionable even though a lot of gaming publications posted their respective reviews resulting in a collective average that keeps on changing. As of now, the collective critical average for Avowed is mostly positive but additional reviews could change that.
For some insight, watch the video reviews of Avowed from MrMattyPlays, Colteastwood, GameSpot, XboxEra and Pure Xbox.
If you want to watch some extensive gameplay footage of Avowed that could help you decide to go for the game or not, watch the videos below.
Having waited more than four years to play Avowed (read my previous posts by clicking here, here and here), I will play it on my Xbox Series X console but not immediately. I’d rather wait for Obsidian to patch the game first to fix the bugs and other technical problems. I’d rather play an improved version over its launch version. Here is hoping that Obsidian will be listening to gamers’ feedback and improve the game accordingly.
I should mention that Obsidian is also working on its other high-profile video game The Outer Worlds 2 which is actually a multi-platform release (including PlayStation 5).
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, roughly six hundred residents of Barangay Pamplona Uno got served when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
The City of Las Piñas, through the City Health Office, conducted another Health and Wellness Caravan on Thursday, February 6, at the Centraza Covered Court in Pamplona Uno. Around 600 residents availed themselves of free health services during the event.
The caravan offered a variety of services, including medical consultations, FBS/RBS screening, cholesterol examination, chest X-rays, ECG, dental services, and nutrition counseling. Other services included risk assessments for non-communicable diseases, pneumococcal vaccination for senior citizens, mobile birth registration, and assistance with Green Card and PhilHealth registration.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event along with City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, and City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez. Alelee Aguilar and Martin Andanar were also present to express support for the initiative.Their presence emphasized the city’s commitment to prioritizing accessible healthcare for its residents.
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? Do you know anyone who get served during a recent Health and Wellness Caravan?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In connection with the recent raid on a particular travel and consultancy firm that was allegedly involved with the issuance of fake Philippine government documents, it seems that crime syndicates may have infiltrated certain agencies of the government, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that criminal syndicates may have infiltrated key government agencies following the recent raid on a travel and consultancy firm that allegedly facilitated the issuance of fraudulent Philippine government documents.
“The recent raid strengthens our suspicion that criminal syndicates have infiltrated agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine National Police (PNP),” Gatchalian said in a statement on Friday.
This came after members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) found birth and marriage certificates and a passport with a foreign national’s photo but a Filipino name during a raid at JRB Travel and Consultancy Services Inc. based in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.
Gatchalian, who has filed a bill to expand Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) authority and impose penalties on civil registrars involved in fraudulent registrations, urged law enforcement to intensify efforts in dismantling these illegal networks.
He cited cases wherein individuals reported paying large sums to the travel agency to secure the release of their detained partners, with one complainant claiming to have paid PHP900,000 to free her fiancé and another paid PHP1.1 million for her husband’s release after a Jan. 17 raid in a Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) center in Parañaque City.
In a press conference on Thursday, PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz described the raided travel agency as the “missing link” in the Senate’s ongoing investigation on POGOs.
He said the firm enabled foreigners to obtain government-issued documents, allowing them to stay in the country despite crackdowns on POGOs.
Aside from document forgery, Cruz revealed that personnel of the travel agency also impersonated PAOCC personnel to extort money.
Cruz, however, clarified that no actual PAOCC officers were involved in the scheme.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to find and arrest all the criminal elements who infiltrated government agencies? Do you think the law enforcers can put a stop on the forgery of government documents?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Parañaque, two Chinese nationals were arrested by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for allegedly selling unregistered medicines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested two Chinese nationals allegedly involved in selling unregistered medicines in Metro Manila.
Agents of the CIDG-Detective and Special Operations Unit nabbed suspects Hu and Quan in a buy-bust at Concorde Village, Tambo, Parañaque City past midnight Saturday.
According to a news release Sunday, the CIDG agents confiscated two boxes of OTC 999 – Ganmaoling Keli, 20 boxes of Glucophage – Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-release tablets, two boxes of Amlodepine Besilate tablets, three boxes of Linou – Gliclazide tablets, two boxes of OTC – Longdan Xiegan pills, four boxes of Zhibai Dihuang pills, one box of Bear Bile powder, 12 boxes Diamicron – Gliclazide tablets and 16 boxes Bayaspirin – Aspirin Enteric-coated tablets.
The medicines, with an estimated market value of PHP15,000, are not registered with the Food and Drug Administration.
The suspects will be charged with violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9711 (FDA Act of 2009) which prohibits manufacturing, importation, export, sale, distribution and transfer of unregistered drugs.
CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to the sale of unregistered medicines.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, how many Chinese nationals are living within your local community right now? Did you notice any foreigners selling unregistered medicine locally? Why do you think Parañaque remains a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!
In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads – including arcade flyers – from the 1980s and to the year 2000.
For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers, posters and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.
With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…
1. Tutankham print ad
This print ad appeared in several comic books in 1983.
First released in the arcades in 1982, Tutankham is a 2D adventure game that had a mix of shooting, maze exploration and puzzle-solving with Egyptian settings and concepts. It made its way to the Atari 2600 published by Parker Brother, and it was this specific version I played. This game print ad appeared in comic books I read in 1983, and the people who made it implemented a hand-drawn art of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun dominating the space to emphasize the Egyptian setting. In fact, this ad made me think more of Egypt and left little to give me an idea of the game design.
2. Star Trek arcade flyer
The clever use of classic Star Trek imagery was used in this initial flyer by Sega.
Back in the 1980s, a futuristic design for an arcade machine like this one was mind-blowing.
I never played the Star Trek arcade game (full title: Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator) Sega released in 1983. I only saw its graphics and gameplay during an episode of Starcade. With its game design and visual presentation, Star Trek was a very ambitious arcade project for its time and Sega really went in to promote it. The initial arcade flyer (first one above) was meant to grab the attention of both gamers and arcade operators. The next arcade flyer (2nd one above) showed the ambitious design of the arcade machine made with player immersion in mind.
3. Battlezone arcade flyer
While the hand-drawn artwork was too detailed for the arcade game’s graphics, it still emphasized strongly the concept of the game.
In the history of video games, Battlezone was a groundbreaking game both visually and with game design. It was designed to give gamers an immersive experience of driving a tank with 3D graphics, fun gameplay and a first-person view. Its own history is worth researching. Atari knew it had to heavily promote their ambitious game and the arcade flyer above featured nice hand-drawn artwork while also showing the two types of Battlezone machines that arcade operators can choose from. Battlezone went on to become a highly influential arcade game.
4. Chrono Cross North American print ad
Arguably, this print ad was aimed at RPG enthusiasts, Chrono Trigger fans and gamers looking for something adventurous to play.
First released on PlayStation in Japan, Chrono Cross made its way to the said console in America just a few months before the PlayStation 2 launched there. While there was a risk that came with releasing the ambitious follow-up to the classic Chrono Trigger so late in the PlayStation’s life, Squaresoft (now Square Enix) still went on to aggressively promote Chrono Cross in America. This 2-page print ad that appeared in many gaming magazines remains captivating to look at. As typical of the time, 3D polygonal models and the epic-looking art were used in dominating fashion leaving the small space (lower-left corner) to display a few gameplay screenshots and other 3D art. Still it a fun game to play and this should remind you that Chrono Cross was recently remastered for modern consoles.
5. Ms. Pac-Man arcade flyer
The wife of Pac-Man and the machine.
Given the fact that Pac-Man was so massively successful, it was not surprising that a sequel had to be made and released on as many arcades as possible. Ms. Pac-Man was the sequel and it was released in arcades in 1982 eventually achieving huge commercial and critical success. To promote the game, Midway’s ad makers came up with an ad showing unique art of Pac-Man’s wife looking glamorous (with a driver and a vehicle in the background) and a photograph of the arcade machine on the right. This also was one of the early arcade flyers to use the words “femme fatale”.
6. Centipede arcade flyer
Three machines of Centipede for arcade operators to choose from.
Centipede is another arcade classic from Atari. Released in 1981, a lot of players enjoyed the game’s simplistic and yet addicting design of shooting an incoming centipede and its remaining portions that move down the field. Similar to the Battlezone arcade flyer, this game’s flyer had nice art of a centipede on the top and images arcade machines. Even by today’s standards, this flyer remains eye-catching.
7. Tempest 2000 print ad
This 2-page print ad of Tempest 2000 is still captivating to look at.
Back in the 1990s, Atari went on to release their Jaguar console which was promoted as a 64-bit machine. At a gaming convention, the company met with prospective game developers over Jaguar projects and one of the developers volunteered to do Tempest (a memorable Atari arcade game). This resulted in the development of Tempest 2000 which was a remake of the classic.
As a Jaguar-exclusive game, Atari came up with an eye-catching 2-page ad showing off the 3D visual presentation (6 gameplay screenshots and one original artwork) while boasting in the text description that Tempest 2000 was named the “Best of Show” at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The game was released in 1994 attracting mostly positive reviews from game critics and was one of the best-selling Jaguar games (note: Tempest 2000 can now be played in the Atari 50 collection). With the Atari legacy and presentation combined, this print ad remains captivating to look at.
8. Alien vs Predator print ad
Arguably the most defining and most entertaining game on the Atari Jaguar.
If there is any game that truly defined enjoyment and the technological features of the Atari Jaguar, it is the 1994 first-person shooter Alien vs Predator. At the time of its release, it was one of the most immersive games of the Alien vs. Predator crossover franchise and it allowed players to experience what fighting the Predator or the Xenomorph was like. The game also allowed gamers to play as a Colonial Marine (human soldier).
To sell the game, Atari came up with a 2-page ad highlighting the Aliens on one page and the Predator on the other. As the Predator was shown with a grotesque human skull, the use of photographs (most likely sourced from the movies) strongly emphasize the game was aimed at the mature audience among gamers. Six screenshots of gameplay were displayed by the ad makers who were clearly aware of the high popularity of first-person shooting games. Alien vs Predator was a critical and commercial success, and its print ad is arguably the most memorable one of any Atari Jaguar game ever made.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, almost four hundred residents of Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos got served when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, spearheaded by the City Health Office, reached San Antonio Valley 7 Covered Court in Pulanglupa Dos on Thursday, January 30. This initiative catered to thehealth and wellness needs of nearly 400 residents, affirming the city’s mission of providing accessible healthcare services.
Beneficiaries availed themselves of free medical consultations, dental services, laboratory tests such as cholesterol and blood sugar screening, chest X-rays, and ECG tests. The event also offered free medicines, PhilHealth registration, Greencard program assistance, and vaccinations for senior citizens. To promote sustainable wellness, vegetable seedlings, including high-value crops, were distributed by the City Agriculture Office.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, Alelee Aguilar, and City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos graced the event, extending their support to residents. City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, ensuring the seamless delivery of services throughout the day.
During the event, Dr. Gonzalez emphasized the importance of preventive care and early detection in fostering a healthier community.
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? When was the last time the Health and Wellness Caravan was organized in your local community?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a new ordinance was approved resulting in the City Government to implement a zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government will implement a zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2025-303, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “Institutionalizing Business E-Payment System (BeST) for Effective Implementation of the ‘Zero-Contact Policy’ in the Issuance of Business Licenses and Permits in Muntinlupa City.”
The ordinance stated that “in compliance to the mandate of all existing laws and national directives, the City Government of Muntinlupa through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) established Business E-Payment System (BeST) as an online platform to facilitate applications for new and renewal of business permits.”
BeST “allows electronic payments through various partner banks, e-wallets, and payment gateways and also provides an option of door-to-door delivery service.”
The ordinance added that “there is an urgent need to institutionalize the said system to support and enhance city services in pursuit of being a ‘smart city’ and be compliant with the said laws and national directives.”
It mandates the Muntinlupa BPLO to “adopt and establish Business E-Payment System (BeST) as an online platform of the City Government of Muntinlupa to facilitate application for, processing of, and issuance Of business licenses and permits for business entities, including, but not limited to, those owned and operated by individuals, partnerships, cooperatives, associations or corporations in the City of Muntinlupa.
“The BeST will guarantee the effective implementation of the ‘zero-contact policy,’ transparency and good governance that eliminates the possibility of graft and corruption with lesser personnel the taxpayer deals with,” the local law stated.
Under BeST, “electronic versions of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations with the same level of authority and containing the electronic signature of the authorized officer/s and seal of the City, which may be printed by the businesses in the convenience of their offices” shall be provided.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, does the new zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses make a lot of sense?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Yesterday in Muntinlupa City, the “road safety park” project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) was formally started with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Muntinlupa Sports Center, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday broke ground for a new ‘road safety park’ in Muntinlupa City that seeks to promote active transportation through the construction of road safety features and cycling facilities.
Transportation Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Jesus Ortega (2nd from left) and Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon (2nd from right) lead the groundbreaking for Muntinlupa City’s first-ever ‘road safety park’ at the Muntinlupa Sports Center. (photo source – DOTr)
The park is being built on a 3,140-square meter lot at the Muntinlupa Sports Center and will be connected to public road transport.
It will feature bike lane classes, public transport stops, a road signage park, and a footbridge, and will be connected to public road transport.
“Through these initiatives, we are not only building infrastructure — we are fostering a culture of safety, sustainability, and inclusivity,” DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Jesus Ortega said during the groundbreaking rites.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony. (photo source – DOTr)
He said cyclists will be able to enjoy end-of-trip cycling facilities featuring a bicycle parking shed with u-shaped racks and a bicycle repair station.
“These efforts will benefit thousands of people, including students, employees, and visitors, as we work together to transform Muntinlupa into a model city for active transport and road safety.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the DOTr’s “road safety park” will turn out useful? Are you delighted that the project is being built in the city?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, roughly five hundred senior citizens of Barangay Almanza Uno got vaccinated for pneumonia for free during the vaccination drive organized by the City Health Office at the local community facility, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…
Nearly 500 senior citizens from Barangay Almanza Uno received free pneumonia vaccines during a vaccination drive held on Wednesday, January 29, at the Almanza Uno Covered Court. This initiative aims to protect the elderly from respiratory diseases and strengthen their overall health.
The City Health Office led the administration of pneumonia vaccines, ensuring that seniors received proper medical attention. In addition to the vaccination, attendees were also provided with health consultations and wellness guidance.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar personally attended the event to show her support and commitment to the well-being of senior citizens. Other city health officials were also present to assist in the program.
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? When was the last time the City Health Office organized a vaccination drive in your local community?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed online recently that the overall collection of its coin deposit machines (CoDMs) has exceeded P1.2 billion. The latest statistics are accurate of as January 15, 2025.
Based on the latest statistics, a total of P1,235,393,307.96 (14.07%% higher than the previous count of P1,082,972,600.36) in coins got deposited into BSP machines on 284,974 transactions from customers. In terms of physical quantity, 310,679,523coins were deposited.
Doing the math on the latest statistics, customers averaged P4,335.1088 per transaction at the machines (compared to the November 15, 2024 average of P4,231.9156 per transaction). As for the grand total Peso amount divided by the number of coins deposited, the average is P3.9764 per coin deposited (previous average was P3.8654 per coin deposited)
When it comes to the number of coins involved with each transaction, 310,679,523 coins divided by 284,974 transactions resulted in an average of 1,090.2030 coins per transaction (a slight drop compared to the previous average was 1,094.8293 coins per transaction).
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSP coin deposit project deposits could hit P2 billion by the end of this year? When was the last time you deposited at least 50 coins into the nearest CoDM of the BSP? Do you think it is time for the BSP to add its coin machines in the Visayas and Mindanao regions?
Author Carlo Carrasco 