Tag: climate change

Overcharged electric bike (e-bike) sparks household fire and causes the death of a family

Overcharged electric bike (e-bike) sparks household fire and causes the death of a family

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Electric bikes (e-bikes) are popular here in the Philippines and they are perceived to be economical and environment-friendly. E-bikes are also favored by fanatics of renewable energy, the climate change fanatics, as well as those who are living with a burning hatred for fossil fuel. However, there is one tragedy that took place recently during Holy Week and it is about an e-bike that was left charging for too long which caused a house fire and the eventual death of a family of five, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

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

An overcharged electric bike was the cause of a fire that killed a family of five here early Monday morning, according to an investigation of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Pozorrubio.

In an interview on Tuesday, Fire Officer 3 Christian Verosil said the e-bike was on the ground floor of the victim’s residence and was left plugged in overnight.

“(Their) electronic bike does not have an automatic switch mechanism that would stop once the charging was completed,” he said.

He said the fire that started through the overcharged bike spread through the wirings of their house until it reached the attic where the casualties were sleeping.

“There are 10 persons in the house. The deceased father (Mark Villanueva) saved the other five members of their household including the elderly and those who were on the ground floor but when he returned to try to save his wife (Dexie) and three children aged six, two, and one, they were trapped and were unable to get out,” Verosil said.

He added that the attic was made of wood which made the fire spread almost immediately and there were no other openings aside from a small window and the attic door.

Meanwhile, Verosil said two neighboring houses were also damaged but there were no injuries or casualties.

He said the damage incurred amounted to PHP9 million.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you own an electric bike, have you been very careful about scheduling its recharge at your home or at your business place? How often do you unplug appliances at your home before going to sleep or leaving the household?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

A Look Back at What If #61 (1994)

A Look Back at What If #61 (1994)

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

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the wild 1990s and examine an alternate universe portrayal of one of Spider-Man’s many events told through the What If monthly series!

If you are looking for a portrayal of Spider-Man going over the edge and into the extremes emotionally, you are about to experience something in this retro review of mine. Some time ago, I reviewed a What If comic book about Spider-Man becoming a murderer which was compelling but ended on a whimper.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at What If published in 1994 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Kurt Busiek and drawn by Kirk Jarvinen, Andrew Wildman, Derek Yaniger and Jim Amash.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with Richard and Mary Parker (Peter Parker’s parents) arriving in the presence of Aunt May who happens to be visited by their son Peter (Spider-Man). Having learned something from a while back, Aunt May tells Richard and Mary that they are not genuine persons. Suddenly, Peter Parker’s spider sense intensifies and in an attempt to defuse the situation, he leads his aunt to walk out of the house with him. Richard and Mary watch them walk away.

It turns out, Richard and Mary are impostors and they have been working all the time for a secretive boss. Richard calls his employer under an emergency and reports that they have completed phase one of their assignment, that Aunt May knows the truth about them and is about to inform Spider-Man. Richard is then told that under no circumstances is the plan to be jeopardized and anyone who suspects must die. He is also told to flush Mary’s programming and reset her as she showed signs of acting odd to the situation.

A short time later, Richard and Mary – now in morphed forms with vastly different bodies and half their heads resembling their human selves – suddenly break into an apartment surprising Peter, his wife Mary Jane and Aunt May. Violent action by one of them accidentally ripped open Peter’s shirt, revealing his Spider-Man suit to Aunt May. Just as Peter’s aunt figures out the secret, he tells Mary Jane to grab her and get out.

However, the sight of the morphed Mary Parker shocked Aunt May and Mary Jane so much, they failed to move. Mary Parker then morphs her two hands into large, makeshift hammers, and swiftly killed Aunt May and Mary Jane. Peter is instantly shocked by their sudden deaths but deep inside, rage begins to burn…

Quality

Spider-Man already over the edge and reacting violently to the abusive Daily Bugle.

I can start by confirming that Kurt Busiek’s writing is very strong and his alternate take on the events of Amazing Spider-Man (1994) is indeed very solid. In one way, I find the emotional stakes for Spider-Man has been raised a lot higher than what was portrayed in the canon story. The concept of losing his beloved family members to enemies who were impostors that looked like his long lost parents is indeed disturbing as well as emotionally charged. In relation to this, Busiek and the illustrators brought to life a Spider-Man who really went over the edge by taking matters into his own hands as the loss of beloved ones led to the blurring of the boundary between good and evil. Even the boundary between innocence and guilt gets blurred which adds more depth to the emotions of the story. As I read the story, there were moments when I felt that Spider-Man became as bad as the evil ones even though he is clearly the victim and his family was targeted.

Apart from showing Spider-Man getting outraged and pushed to the limits, Busiek inserted elements about how people perceive incidents without knowing all the facts and how easily they get manipulated by a news outlet – the Daily Bugle where Peter Parker worked as a freelance photographer – whose leader does not care about ethical journalism nor the pursuit of the truth. In this age of widespread fake news and liberal news media outlets in America doing propaganda for American Communists (read: Democrats, abortionists, LGBTQ, Black Lives Matter, Antifa, the terrorists, the climate change extremists and the socialist hordes), this particular aspect of the story makes this comic book strongly relevant to read today.

The story also sheds light on Spider-Man’s connections with other Marvel superheroes who happen to be in New York City. You will see Captain America and Johnny Storm express their concern about Spider-Man’s state of mind as they themselves still tried to figure out what really happened. In short, the superheroes here showed restraint even as Spider-Man goes to the extreme being a victim as well as a fugitive.

If there are any weak points in this comic book, it would be the art which has this cartoon-like aesthetic for much of the story. Considering the serious subject matter, the visuals are quite contradicting as they make this look like it was made for much younger readers. In fairness, the quality of the art improved during the 2nd half of the story.

Conclusion

Spider-Man takes on the impostors who looked like his parents.

As far as storytelling and characterization goes, What If (1994) succeeded a lot on portraying the iconic Spider-Man as the superhero who went over the limits of his emotions and his reasoning which is the result of the tragic deaths of two beloved family members caused by individuals who pretended to be his parents. This is a very solid story which also has a powerful ending. Where What If failed, this comic book succeeded and even exceeded it with Spider-Man truly becoming unheroic. I should state that this comic book should convince readers to go to the Amazing Spider-Man series and follow the Lifetheft storyline in issues to (which were released months before this comic book). Kurt Busiek’s script is indeed great and it is easily the driving force of the comic book.

Overall, What If (1994) is highly recommended.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Muntinlupa City Mayor Biazon tells residents to be vigilant as a new weather disturbance approaches

Muntinlupa City Mayor Biazon tells residents to be vigilant as a new weather disturbance approaches

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This past weekend was harsh for many people here in the Philippines due to the intense rain and wind caused by typhoon Paeng. The result was a lot of flooding, fallen trees and unstable power supply to say the least. Yesterday, the Manila Bulletin reported that Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon advised residents (who are still recovering from the last typhoon) to be vigilant as a new weather disturbance has entered the area of responsibility of Philippines.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon advised residents to be vigilant as another weather disturbance entered the Philippines.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Oct. 31 that tropical depression “Queenie” has entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

“At 5:00 AM today, the center of the Tropical Depression near Palau entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and was named #QueeniePH. Tropical Cyclone Bulletins will be issued beginning at 11:00 AM today,” PAGASA posted on its Facebook page.

The entry of “Queenie” came as tropical storm “Paeng” is still in the Philippine area of responsibility.

“Pumasok na sa Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) si #QueeniePH. Tututukan po natin yan para po sa nararapat na paghahanda (#QueeniePH has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility [PAR]. We will focus on this for the appropriate preparedness),” Biazon said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Is your household ready for a new weather disturbance? How much damage did typhoon Paeng have on your household this past weekend?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

President Marcos on nuclear power plants in the Philippines

President Marcos on nuclear power plants in the Philippines

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Last March, I highlighted an article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) related to nuclear power for the Philippines. Personally, I favor the use of nuclear power and the construction of nuclear power plants in the Philippines not just because it will provide clean and abundant energy but also because technologies and other means related to it all have advanced through the years. 

That being said, it was good that our new President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., mentioned nuclear power during the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) specifically referring to the nation’s strategy towards building new nuclear power plants.

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

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. again expressed his desire to adopt nuclear energy as part of the country’s power mix, but said the government’s strategy has to be rethought.

“I believe it is time to re-examine our strategy towards building nuclear power plants in the Philippines,” Marcos said in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Marcos, however, did not mention the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), a project during his late father Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s regime which has been mothballed for more than three decades.

In 1976, Marcos Sr. ordered the construction of the $2.3-billion BNPP, but it was shelved after three years due to safety concerns.

The Duterte administration had pegged the cost of reviving the BNPP at around $1 billion.

The President, instead, said that “there have been new technologies developed that allow smaller scale modular nuclear plants and other derivations thereof.”

In October 2019, Russian State Nuclear Energy Corp. (Rosatom) Overseas JSC and the Department of Energy (DOE) signed a memorandum of intent on cooperation to conduct a pre-feasibility study on the construction in the Philippines of nuclear power plants based on small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

Nevertheless, Marcos said the Philippines will comply with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations for nuclear power plants “as they have been strengthened after Fukushima.”

The President said that public-private partnerships will play a role in realizing the goal of adopting nuclear power.

In the Philippine Senate, there is already support for President Marcos’ plan. Posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency article. Some parts in boldface…

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Tuesday he will fully support the plan of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to explore the country’s potentials on nuclear energy as a cheap and reliable source.

Marcos said in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday that if the country wants to attract investors, both local and foreign, energy-level production must be increased.

“Why not? We are one of the few countries that have not looked at the nuclear option in Southeast Asia. The countries that are developing nuclear power in Asia — Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, even Singapore, are looking at the nuclear option, smaller nuclear power plants, and even Myanmar. We’re already left behind,” Zubiri said in an interview with a news channel.

Despite being a renewable energy advocate, as evidenced by the Renewable Energy Act which he authored, Zubiri admitted that there are not enough efforts to produce the energy requirement the country needs over the next six years.

“If you want to have an 8-percent GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth rate, we better have an energy sector that is robust, that can deliver the power the different industries need to be able to power other programs and projects,” he said.

A nuclear power plant, Zubiri said, might take six years to develop starting from its infancy, but can deliver thousands of megawatts from a single plant.

He said the facility must be built right, strong enough to withstand calamities, and away from earthquake faults.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, a known environmentalist, said she is open to exploring the possibility of nuclear energy but it must be considered “clean energy”.

“I may not be an expert in nuclear energy. I am open to hearing discussions and consultations with various stakeholders and experts in science on nuclear energy. I have read that nuclear energy is said to be clean. However, what about the nuclear waste? I am interested to know how it will be handled. At the same time, the safety measures,” she said.

Senator Francis Tolentino is likewise in favor of nuclear energy, which he learned has zero emission.

Meanwhile, the government of France is willing to help the Philippines on nuclear power development. France itself has been a major nuclear power player and therefore their willingness to share their expertise is significant for Filipinos. Posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The French government is keen to help the Philippines develop its nuclear power program as the Marcos administration looks for other reliable sources of energy.

French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz said the embassy has met with some of the Cabinet members and nuclear power was listed among the key areas Paris and Manila could cooperate on.

“(T)here’s obviously an interest. As I said, we have an experience and expertise in many different sectors of renewable energy, including the nuclear sector,” Boccoz said at a reception in Makati City on Tuesday.

She said working on small modular reactors is “probably much more realistic” than reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

“I think that this is a thing of the past because the technologies have evolved so much that it wouldn’t really make sense to work to build this kind of project and it’s probably too big and it probably needs too much of the grid to be operational,” she added.

“So having a sort of more modular systems is probably much more realistic and also in terms of the terrain here and the systemic risks and others. These are much smaller units that can be much more easily protected.”

Boccoz, meanwhile, clarified that talks are still in the “very early stages” as Manila has to put in place a framework first.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the renewed national interest about nuclear power? Are the climate change extremists and modern day Leftists still lying to you that nuclear power is bad while unreliable energy forms like solar and wind power are better? Are you willing to give nuclear power in the Philippines a chance?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

Las Piñas City’s campaign against dengue renewed

Las Piñas City’s campaign against dengue renewed

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A few days ago, the City Government of Las Piñas and its strategic partners renewed the local campaign against dengue and this includes a pledge of commitment signing that happened on June 20, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery symbolically led the pledge signing.

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

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the signing of a pledge of commitment for the city’s campaign against dengue on Monday, June 20.

Aguilar said the city government conducted a meeting with the City Health Office (CHO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and barangays officials on June 9 to launch a synchronized clean-up drive against dengue on June 24.

During the kick-off ceremony held at the Mayor Nene Aguilar DRRMO (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) Building in Talon Dos, barangay officials and other attendees were given a lecture by health professionals on how to fight the spread of dengue disease in the city.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar encouraged residents to participate in the synchronized dengue clean-up drive in destroying the nesting places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes (aedis egypti mosquito) and make Las Piñas dengue free.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, how do you feel about this recent development? Is there a dengue hot spot in your local community right now? Are there lots of mosquitoes in your neighborhood? Are you concerned that more cases of dengue will increase over the next several months in relation to the change of weather?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

I Love Israel: Philippines looking for Israel-based companies for potential partnership related to emergency preparedness

I Love Israel: Philippines looking for Israel-based companies for potential partnership related to emergency preparedness

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The Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is looking to companies in Israel for a potential partnership to meet the nation’s emergency preparedness needs, according to a recent report by BusinessWorld. The report has details related to what Israel’s ambassador Ilan Fluss stated to the local media lately. This is a clear sign that more cooperation and exploration of opportunities are happening under the ties between Israel and the Philippines.

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

THE PHILIPPINES is looking to partner with Israeli companies to help address the country’s emergency preparedness needs.

“Israel is also facing challenges in climate change and manmade disasters, and for that we have a lot of knowledge and know-how in dealing with emergency situations,” said Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss in a May 30 event organized by the Israel Embassy in Manila and the Philippine Office of Civil Defense (OCD). “Today is an opportunity to share… how the national and regional agencies can confront [these] challenges.” 

Emergency solutions offered by four Israeli companies were presented: ImageSat International, which provides space-based, geospatial intelligence solutions for defense and security; ELPAM Electronics Ltd., which designs and implements siren systems and trapped people locators; Cinten, which improves emergency response capabilities through the data-driven, real-time simulations in its SaaS (software-as-a-service) platform; and GALMOBILE, which offers a mobile, plug-and-play solution for purifying any water source into potable water within thirty minutes.   

“These four items are the technologies we really need at the OCD,” said Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV, OCD assistant secretary and deputy administrator for operations. “We can engage them further through the DoST [Department of Science and Technology] to check on these tools.”  

“In the shopping list of [natural] hazards, we have it all: typhoons, floods, storm surges, earthquakes, tsunamis …,” added Joe-Mar S. Perez, chief of the 24/7 operations center of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. “Because of these risk factors, the Philippine government has a proactive approach to risk management.”  

Included in this approach is a response protocol adopted from the US for on-scene, all-hazard incident management, as well as PhilAWARE, a system created by the Pacific Disaster Center that visualizes disaster situations through layers of maps. 

The government plans to establish alternate government command and control centers, in addition to the one in Central Luzon, according to Mr. Perez.

THREATS VERSUS GOALS

In Israel, identifying the gaps between its national goals and its benchmarked threats has helped the country manage disasters at the national and municipal level, per an emergency management expert. 

“If the goal is fresh water and food … it’s not enough to say, ‘I’m going to supply food,’” said Joseph David Shapiro, deputy director of Israel’s national emergency management authority. “You have to explain at what service level [you’re going to] supply that.” 

Governance during an emergency starts with identifying the different agencies that are a part of a particular goal, and then dividing responsibilities into missions to be carried out by the different offices, he said at the same event.

“If I am in the ministry of energy, how do I supply fuel and energy to the industries that package and supply food? Or, how do I supply fuel to the different trucks that move food from one place to another?” he said. 

Israel’s national goals are grouped into three categories: continuous functionality goals (like transport and security); life texture goals (like shelter and hygiene); and vital goals (like water and medicine). 

The above story is very timely as the Philippines’ rainy season is already on and potentially there will be typhoons and floods in the months to come. It should be remembered that the State of Israel assisted the Philippines previously such as typhoon relief, boosting the dairy sector, and COVID-19 to name a few. Already Israel is looking forward to the next administration led by incoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. Meanwhile visitors from Israel are very welcome to enter the Philippines without a visa. This latest development is a clear sign of exploration between Israel and the Philippines that could lead to joint agreements that will further strengthen the ties between the two nations. Truly this is something we should be thankful to the Lord for.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut. With regards to the incoming President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, I urge you all to pray for them. Pray that they will open their hearts to the Lord, look up to Him and follow His guiding light as they govern the entire Philippines in the years to come.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/  and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Las Piñas City Government achieves 4th place in the Gawad Taga-Ilog 2.0 Search for the Most Improved Estero (Creek) in Metro Manila

Las Piñas City Government achieves 4th place in the Gawad Taga-Ilog 2.0 Search for the Most Improved Estero (Creek) in Metro Manila

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Recently, the City of Las Piñas achieved another citation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as it achieved a 4th place finish Gawad Taga-Ilog 2.0 Search for the Most Improved Estero (Creek) in Metro Manila, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. To be specific, this is related to the Zapote River within the city’s jurisdiction that passes through a few barangays.

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

The Las Pinas City government was cited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as 4th placer in the Gawad Taga-Ilog 2.0 Search for the Most Improved Estero (Creek) in Metro Manila.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the awarding was held at the Makiling Hall, Park Inn Radisson, North EDSA, Quezon City on March 22 in celebration of the World Water Day.

Aguilar said the Zapote River passes through Barangays Zapote, Pamplona Uno, Pamplona Dos and Pulanglupa Uno.

She said Zapote River got the 4th place while Estero de San Miguel in Manila was hailed as the champion in the search, followed by Tripa de Galina in Pasay and Makati, Park Creek 23 in Marikina City, and Polo River in Valenzuela City.

The mayor said the award was related to the Supreme Court mandamus and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) guideline for rehabilitation and preservation of Manila Bay.

The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar expressed her thanks to the residents of the four mentioned barangays (that shared the Zapote River) for maintaining cleanliness.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about this latest development? Do you live in close proximity to the Zapote River? How is the quality of the water of the Zapote River 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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

High time for Philippines to use nuclear power to ensure clean, abundant and affordable energy for the people

High time for Philippines to use nuclear power to ensure clean, abundant and affordable energy for the people

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the other economic and geopolitical developments related to it caused oil prices to spike. Here in the Philippines, the latest round of fuel price hikes resulted in diesel averaging around P65 per liter while unleaded gasoline is now past the P70/liter mark. Inevitably, the spike in crude oil prices will lead to a series of increases on food, transportation, delivery services, electricity and more.

Inflation really affects everyone and as far as the Philippines is concerned, the timing is really bad because Metro Manila and other parts of the country under Alert Level 1 status is experiencing a revival of commerce and increased number of people moving around. Along the way, the national average of new COVID-19 cases has been averaging in the hundreds the past several days.

Times like these, major decisions on ensuring abundant, clean and affordable energy for the Philippines are needed. In relation to this, President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed a major executive order (EO) that includes nuclear power for the country’s energy mix, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

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

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order (EO) 164 that now includes the potential of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix.

Released on Thursday, EO 164 was signed by the Chief Executive last February 28.

“This policy is the start of the national nuclear power program,” said Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. in a press conference.

Under the new policy, it stated that the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability”.

Duterte issued the policy following the recommendation of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), which conducted a pre-feasibility study and public consultation on the matter.

Through EO 164, the Chief Executive has recognized that nuclear power can be a reliable, cost-competitive, and environment-friendly source of energy based on the experience of highly developed countries.

“For the country to achieve its sustained growth targets, it must ensure that it has a reliable, secure, sustainable, quality and affordable electricity supply, including sufficient reserve to guarantee that there will be no disruptions in the power supply,” the policy read.

It added the use of nuclear energy will address the increasing demand for clean energy, rising by 4.4 percent annually, or an additional capacity of 68 gigawatts by 2040.

The EO still included the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in the national nuclear program, but other nuclear power installations will be pursued.

The BNPP was the only nuclear power plant in the region during the 1980s, as the Philippines was one of the first Southeast Asian countries to embark on a nuclear energy program.

However, the project was mothballed because of corruption allegations and safety concerns on the use of nuclear energy.

A study conducted by Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) in 2017 said the rehabilitation of BNPP will require around USD3 billion to USD4 billion.

The public is also becoming more open to the potential of nuclear energy.

“(A) Public Perception Survey on Nuclear Energy in 2019 indicated that almost 79 percent of Filipinos expressed approval or acceptability of the possible use or rehabilitation of an existing nuclear power plant,” the EO said.

The above report ended stating that 65% (of those who took the survey) approved the construction of new nuclear power plants and 78% are open to learning more about nuclear energy.

Of course, there is still this long-lasting fear and paranoia about nuclear power being too dangerous for the Philippines to have. Nuclear-related disasters like the one in Fukushima (2011) and Chernobyl (1986) are still remembered and there are also lots of anti-nuclear activists who continue to make noise.

No matter what those climate change extremists, social justice warriors (SJWs), modern day socialists and anti-nuclear power activists say, nothing changes the fact that nuclear power is the answer to meet nations’ constant demand for energy that is also clear, abundant and cost efficient. Watch and learn from the videos below…

Going back to the executive order Duterte signed, Albay Representative Joey Salceda (who is the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee) and presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. support nuclear power gave their respective reactions (click here and here).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about nuclear power as an added option for the Philippines energy mix? Are you still worried about nuclear power being too dangerous because the people who oppose it scared you? Are you able to tell if the anti-nuclear activists have been spreading lies and misinformation just to manipulate you to oppose nuclear power?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

A Look Back at Sludge #2 (1993)

A Look Back at Sludge #2 (1993)

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

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the Ultraverse of Malibu Comics and examine one of its many stories through the Sludge comic book series.

For the newcomers reading this, I published my retro review of Sludge back in December of 2020. I really enjoyed that Ultraverse comic book and now is a good time to revisit that series and find out what will happen next to Sludge, the UV’s most notable monster protagonist. I should state that Steve Gerber (Man-Thing) and Aaron Lopresti made a solid creative duo in Sludge .

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Sludge , published by Malibu Comics in 1993 with a story written by Steve Gerber and drawn by Aaron Lopresti.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with a quick flashback of a young blonde boy who got bullied by other kids due to his unusual appearance and the way he expresses himself. Fast forward to the present day, an armed man (the same kid in the flashback) fires his guns on a man who was on his bed inside his residence.

After finishing the killing, the armed man enters his unusual looking car and leaves in high speed. After passing through the city streets, he drives his vehicle into his secret hideout filled with several weapons. Shortly after cleaning himself, he takes his seat in his private study and starts communicating with Mr. Barnett who tells him that bad news that something happened to his father. The killer then states, “Payment is due.”

Somewhere in lower Manhattan, a man is being beaten by two men who are enforcers of a man wearing a trench coat in their presence. The beaten man named Mikey swears he will get the money to pay off his debt but the coated man tells him that he is a week late and will be penalized.

Suddenly out of nowhere, Sludge comes out and grabs the two enforcers which frees Mike whose ear just got cut off by the coated man. Sludge then calls the coated man by his nickname…

Quality

The situation only gets more intense whenever Sludge comes in.

I’ll go straight to the point on the storytelling by Steve Gerber. The biggest surprise is here is that the focus was shifted from the titular protagonist Sludge in favor of the first appearance of Bloodstorm who is more than just a typical villain. Gerber heavily emphasized Bloodstorm’s personality as one who enjoys inflicting violence or death to others (and get paid for it) as a result of his painful childhood and his eventual acceptance of the beliefs that violence itself is always part of life. Even so, this comic book shows that Bloodstorm does not believe in inflicting misery for money and he calls it a cowardly way of earning money. Even as he finds his client’s business appalling, he still proceeds to do the dirty work to make money. This, of course, puts Bloodstorm in the dark work organized, target-focused mobbing which also puts him on the same course as Sludge. 

As with issue , the violence here is pretty intense and adulterated which goes along almost perfectly with the story’s dark and gritty tone. There is a fine mix of suspense, shock moments and the revealing of key details. I assure you all reading that that even though Sludge himself was not so dominant as the centerpiece of the story, the payoff for all the build-up was still worth reading.

Conclusion

Get to know Bloodstorm through this comic book.

Sludge (1993) is a pretty surprising comic book. One might think that it would become the natural progression of what was established in issue (which itself was the first appearance and origin of Sludge) but ultimately it took a completely different approach. I should also state that the duo of Steve Gerber and Aaron Lopresti continued to deliver compelling stuff in this comic book. While the fact that Sludge is not the dominating force in the story might turn off some readers, I can say to you that Sludge (1993) is still a very worthy read and it builds up on something waiting to be revealed in succeeding issues.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Sludge (1993) be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $16 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $48

Overall, Sludge (1993) is recommended!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

Illegal fish structures in Parañaque City targeted by DENR

Illegal fish structures in Parañaque City targeted by DENR

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In the city of Parañaque, specifically on the waters of the Manila Bay zone, the illegal fish structures became the topic of interest for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which called out to the owners to have their structures dismantled.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is urging owners of illegal fish structures in Manila Bay waters off Parañaque City to voluntarily dismantle these already.

Removing such structures will help reduce navigational hazards in Manila Bay and is aligned with the 2008 Supreme Court order which seeks to make this water body fit again for contact recreation, noted DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda.

“We’re calling on owners of the structures, maybe you can already self-dismantle these instead of the government doing the work,” he said at a virtual press conference late Tuesday afternoon.

He noted self-dismantling will enable the owners to somehow recover materials they used in building the structures. That would not be possible if government undertakes the dismantling, he continued.

Last week, Antiporda said authorities have spotted about eight fish structures off the waters of Parañaque. Each of those structures covered an area of almost one hectare, he noted.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Were you able to spot any illegal fish structure within Parañaque City? Apart from being a hot spot for crime and drug-bust operations, do you think Parañaque is already a hot spot for illegal fish structures? Could there be a lot more of them than what the DENR has seen?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

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