Recently in the City of Parañaque, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) Special Action Unit (SAU) raided and dismantled an illegal operation that used artificial intelligence (AI) tools, cryptocurrency schemes and other means to victimize people online, according to a news report by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the GMA News. Some parts in boldface…
Authorities have dismantled an alleged online scamming operation in Parañaque City that combined romance fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, and artificial intelligence tools to target foreign victims.
In a statement, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said operatives from its Special Action Unit (SAU) conducted a raid on May 15 at a residence after securing a warrant to search and seize computer data from a Parañaque City court.
Seventeen individuals were arrested during the operation – including 14 Filipinos and three foreign nationals – who were allegedly caught in the act of operating computer systems and communication devices linked to the scheme.
Investigators said the suspects were running a call center-like setup on the third floor of the property, equipped with multiple computers, mobile phones, and internet routers believed to be used in online fraud activities.
Authorities also discovered a separate room allegedly used for “models,” where a computer installed with an application capable of AI-based face swapping or deepfake technology was found.
Initial forensic findings by the NBI’s Digital Forensic Laboratory showed that the group allegedly targeted victims abroad, particularly in the United States, Bangkok, and parts of Europe.
The group used dating apps and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Grindr.
The scheme reportedly involved creating fake identities, initiating romantic relationships, and using scripted conversations to build trust before convincing victims to send money.
Investigators said victims were later directed to transfer funds through cryptocurrency wallets linked to a suspected fraudulent investment platform identified as “cexonline.uk,” a method believed to help obscure financial trails.
The arrested individuals were brought to the NBI-SAU office for documentation and were presented for inquest proceedings on May 16 before prosecutors from the Department of Justice.
They may face charges for violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you believe that there could be more scam hubs operating secretly within the city? What do you think makes Parañaque an ideal city for criminals and scammers to set up illegal operations targeting people online? Who do you think is the mastermind of these scam hubs in Parañaque?
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 Thailand, the authorities permanently banned a Chinese national who caused damage on two automated immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to a VnExpress news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese tourist has been permanently banned from re-entering Thailand after allegedly damaging automated passport control gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Southeast Asia’s second largest airport by land area.
The 30-year-old man, identified as Zheng Liwei, was accused of vandalizing two automated immigration gates at the airport on Wednesday while attempting to clear passport control for a flight back to China, Bangkok Post reported.
According to reports, Zheng became increasingly agitated after repeatedly failing to complete the airport’s automated screening process.
Video footage circulating online appears to show him slamming his passport against the scanner before kicking the glass barriers and forcing his way through the checkpoint.
Immigration officers quickly intercepted the man after he allegedly crossed the gate without authorization, police told local media outlet The Nation.
Airport security officers, assisted by the man’s wife, later restrained him after he allegedly shouted abuse in both Chinese and English and attempted to assault immigration personnel.
He has been charged with property damage, an offense punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht (US$1,800), or both.
Zheng also faces a separate charge of insulting a public official while on duty, which carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
Thai immigration authorities have revoked his visa and placed him on a permanent blacklist, effectively banning him from re-entering the country.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the authorities in Thailand made the correct responses to the Chinese national? Did you ever witness a fellow foreign traveler causing trouble at an airport while you traveled overseas over the past six months? Have you ever been to Suvarnabhumi Airport?
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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers apprehended four suspects for the theft of communication cables and illegal tapping, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Police arrested four men allegedly involved in illegal tapping and theft of communication cables during an early morning police operation in Parañaque City on Friday, May 16.
The suspects were identified only as Rommel, 28; John Zedrick, 18; John Rose, 27; and Rodel, 32.
Personnel of Parañaque City Police Substation 5 were conducting routine patrol operations at around 4 a.m. along Dr. Arcadio Santos Avenue in BF Homes when they spotted three men opening a Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) manhole.
Police said one of the suspects entered the manhole and later emerged carrying copper cables, while the other two acted as lookouts.
Upon noticing the approaching policemen, the suspects fled aboard an aluminum van. A brief chase followed, leading to the arrest of three suspects in the Bicutan area.
Authorities said a fourth suspect later appeared at the police substation and claimed ownership of the getaway vehicle. He was positively identified by police officers as the group’s alleged backup driver and was also placed under arrest.
Recovered from the suspects were two pieces of PLDT copper cable, a bolt cutter, a chain, a steel bar, a metal saw, four improvised steel hooks, and various construction gear allegedly used as disguises during the operation. Police also impounded a white Foton Tornado van believed to have been used in the crime.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, who do you think is the mastermind behind the illegal tapping and the theft of cables? Do you think Parañaque will be a hot spot for cable thieves?
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 my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching.
Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following videos I found.
#1 How To Get The Strongest And Most Optimized Spaceship Crew In Starfield – This year, Bethesda launched several important updates to make their 2023 science fiction role-playing game Starfield better and they also offered new DLC for those who crave for new content. One of the more defining aspects of the game is space travel and this includes setting up your own crew for your spaceship and there is impact on its functions and capabilities. If you want to learn how to get the stronger and most optimized crew for your ship, I encourage you watch the video below.
#2 Mari Iijima And The Defining Song of Macross: Do You Remember Love? –I really love watching the 1984 anime feature film Macross: Do You Remember Love? Apart from the great animation, the spectacle, the memorable characters and the solid storytelling, the movie also has a great soundtrack made to delight the long-time Macross fans. Still, the movie has its very own song performed by none other than Mari Iijima (Minmay) and it is a classic among Macross fans. In the videos below, you will see Mari Iijima perform the song live in a 1980s TV broadcast and the song playing with selected footage of Macross: Do You Remember Love? Enjoy these!
#3 The Tuna City In Japan Is Changing With Tourism In Mind – If you plan to visit Japan at all, you might want to discover Miura City located in Kanagawa Prefecture. Miura City is famous for its fresh tuna and in recent times there has been a series of changes as several room-only hotels and new trends have sprouted as the locality is finding new ways to turn visitors into overnight guests. This is a place I would like to visit someday if ever I get the opportunity to return to Japan. Watch and learn from the Nippon TV video below.
#4 Women’s Rights Activist Marries Islamist And Things Went Wrong – Did you notice that there is a gradual rising number of feminists and women’s rights activists who not embrace Islam (wicked and ugly) but also marry Islamists believing that things will be alright and they can just continue their activism. Of course, many of them activists and feminists do not fully understand Islam nor the full content of the Quran. As such, when things go very wrong, they are get into deep trouble. Watch and learn from the video below.
#5 Islamists Violate Hindu Women In India And Get Arrested – Let’s be very clear here. Islamists are oriented to conquer others even though they may not be numerous within a locality. Believe it or not, a group of such people who wielded power inside a business violated the Hindu women (plus at least one male employee) with regards to cultural norms and doing things that go against their faith. Even forced religious conversion happened. Watch and learn from the video below.
#6 Meatballs Reaction And Retrospective – When it comes to cinematic comedy, Bill Murray is iconic and his early work in 1979’s Meatballs already involved the late Harold Ramis and the late director Ivan Reitman. That said, there is something about Meatballs – produced for less than $2 million – that helped it achieve tremendous commercial success with ticket sales of $70 million. Remember, three of the creative minds behind the classic Ghostbusters are involved in this old movie and you will see how You, Me and The Movies react to it in the video below. Be aware that as of this writing, there are not too many movie reaction videos about Meatballs on YouTube. Also posted below is an in-depth retrospective about Meatballs by GoodBadFlicks.
#7 Ashleigh Burton Reacts To The Thin Man – Have you ever heard of The Thin Man? It’s not a UFO reference. It’s the 1934 American pre-Code comedy-mystery movie that was eventually named to the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress having been deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” in 1997. Apart from its reputation in American film history, The Thin Man also resulted in five sequels. If you want to discover the 1934 movie but you don’t have the time nor resources to watch the movie, watch Ashleigh Burton’s reaction video and see how it impacts her.
Recently in the City of Parañaque, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) successfully organized an operation that targeted a local joint resulting in the rescue of twelve victims (including minors) and the apprehension of seven suspects over trafficking violation, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven individuals and rescued 12 trafficked victims, including several minors and an infant, during a series of entrapment and rescue operations on May 7 in Parañaque City for violation of Republic Act 10364, otherwise known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
The operation, conducted by the NBI Homicide Division, stemmed from intelligence information provided by a non-governmental organization (NGO) regarding the activities of a suspected human trafficking group engaged in the sexual exploitation of minors under the guise of spa and wellness services.
The group allegedly offered victims to clients as “therapists” for so-called “nuru massage” and “lingam massage,” which, upon investigation, were found to involve sexual services in exchange for money.
Acting on the report, NBI-Homicide Division agents conducted extensive surveillance and monitoring and coordinated online with the subjects through social media platforms.
“This led operatives to an establishment identified as ‘Rainbow Spa,’ where undercover agents confirmed that illegal activities were being conducted there,” the NBI said in a news release Sunday.
During the operation, undercover agents were offered the services of two female therapists and were subsequently brought to a nearby apartelle.
After the marked money was handed over as payment, the operatives arrested the suspects, including two male individuals responsible for transporting and delivering the minor victims to clients.
The NBI said further investigation revealed that several victims and suspects were staying together in a residence located in Fortunata Village, Parañaque City.
The operation further uncovered that two minor victims were still being transported to service clients in separate locations.
“Follow-up investigation identified the alleged operators of the trafficking syndicate, a couple residing in Fourth Estate, Brgy. San Antonio, Parañaque City. A subsequent operation led to their successful arrest,” the NBI said.
“Simultaneously, another team of NBI-Homicide Division agents conducted a rescue operation at a motel in Pasay City, where a minor victim was rescued, and her male client was arrested. Additionally, another female victim was recovered during an inventory and verification operation conducted at the Fortunata Village residence,” it added.
The arrested subjects have already been inquested before the appropriate prosecutorial office for violations of RA 10364 and other applicable laws.
NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag commended the operatives of the NBI-Homicide Division for the successful conduct of the operations and reaffirmed the Bureau’s unwavering commitment against human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that illegal sexual operations could still be operating within the city in great numbers? Do you think there could be a few thousand more victims of human trafficking trapped in Parañaque?
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
Crime is absolutely a disease. When the wrong people are in power, crime can not only cause harm on the citizens and bring down property values, but also cause economic depression, social deterioration and spread immorality. Even worse, there were foreign terrorists and illegal immigrants who escalated crime in many parts of America during the years of the failed US President Joe Biden.
Fortunately, Donald Trump returned as US President and his unwavering support for law enforcement continues to create results with making America safe again.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the official announcement by the White House. Some parts in boldface…
This National Police Week, America honors the brave men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives daily to protect our communities. Under President Donald J. Trump, these heroes are respected, empowered, and supported — not defunded, demonized, or betrayed by the Radical Left.
After four years of Democrats’ war on police, President Trump has delivered decisive leadership that puts officers back in control — and the results are undeniable:
In 2025, the U.S. murder rate posted its largest single-year drop on record — plummeting to the lowest level in 125 years — with sharp declines across all violent crimes. Major cities saw massive homicide reductions, while rapes, robberies, assaults, shootings, officer deaths (an 80-year low), traffic fatalities, and overdoses all plunged. These historic gains are accelerating into 2026 — especially in cities like Washington, D.C., and Memphis, where President Trump deployed federal support to restore order and back local police.
These victories are the direct result of the Trump Administration’s unbreakable commitment to law and order:
Imposing the death penalty for cop killers: President Trump directed the Department of Justice to aggressively seek capital punishment for those who murder police officers.
Scrapping Democrats’ soft-on-crime mandates: The Trump Administration rescinded radical Biden-era orders pushing “alternatives to arrest” for violent offenders and restrictions that tied officers’ hands when using lawful force to make arrests.
Empowering cities to clear the streets: States and localities now have stronger tools to remove disorderly vagrants and direct them toward treatment instead of enabling chaos.
Restoring critical funding and delivering relief: The Working Families Tax Cuts Act restored and expanded Byrne JAG and COPS grants to fight violent crime — while delivering No Tax on Overtime for America’s hardworking officers so they can keep more of what they earn protecting us.
Ending cashless bail: The Trump Administration halted federal support for the Radical Left’s “cashless bail” scheme that turned streets into revolving doors for dangerous criminals — and imposed consequences on jurisdictions that refused to act.
Dismissing anti-police lawsuits and DEI mandates: Biden-era DOJ actions targeting local police and fire departments and weakening hiring standards were dropped to protect public safety — not political correctness.
Reclaiming law enforcement’s authority: President Trump took bold action to promote aggressive, proactive policing based on proven best practices — while shielding officers from unjust expenses and liabilities so they can enforce the law without fear.
Deploying backup to high-crime cities: The Trump Administration surged federal resources into high-crime Democrat-run cities — standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local police to crush chaos, restore order, and rescue communities long victimized by Democrat failures.
Giving police the equipment they need: The Department of Justice reversed Biden-era restrictions and restored access to critical surplus military assets so local law enforcement has the tools to win.
Targeting criminal illegal aliens: Federal agents are now empowered to support local police in removing violent criminal illegals, resulting in hundreds of thousands of arrests and removals that make communities safer.
Slashing restrictive consent decrees: The Trump Administration launched an overhaul of federal consent decrees that micromanaged and hindered effective policing in cities across America.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What is your opinion about the current state of crime in the United States today? Are you satisfied with the Trump administration’s support for law enforcement and police forces? Did you witness any violent crime in your local community committed by foreigners or Islamic terrorists? Do you consider the Democrats as the party of criminals, murderers and terrorists?
Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested four suspects over the illegal cutting and the attempt to steal underground copper telecommunications cables, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief P/Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin commended the swift coordination between security personnel and responding police officers, which resulted in the prompt arrest of four adult male suspects and the recovery of stolen telecommunications equipment.
The incident occurred at around 4:20 a.m. on Friday, 24 April, in front of a gasoline station along Doña Soledad Avenue corner West Service Road, Barangay Don Bosco.
While conducting routine area monitoring, arresting officers intercepted the suspects in the act of illegally cutting and taking underground copper telecommunications cables.
Initial reports showed that security personnel in the area immediately alerted authorities upon noticing the suspicious activity, prompting a coordinated swift police response that resulted in the on-site arrest of four individuals. However, nine of their cohorts managed to flee and are currently the subject of follow-up operations.
Recovered from the scene were several pieces of cut underground copper cable wires measuring approximately two meters in length, with an estimated amount of P262,006.63.
Seized were tools and equipment used in the illegal activity, including a bolt cutter, an improvised steel hook, a white closed van and a motorcycle believed to have been used in the operation.
The suspects are now under police custody and are facing charges for violation of Section 4(d) of Republic Act 10515, also known as the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did the cutting of the telecommunication cables affect your household somehow? Do you think Parañaque City is becoming a new hot spot for the stealing of telecommunication cables?
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 from the 1980s to the 1990s.
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 to the 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. Space Duel Arcade Flyer
The front.
The rear.
When the 1979 arcade classic Asteroids achieved massive success for Atari, the company went on to make ports of it on different platforms as well as follow-ups in the arcades. The first follow-up Asteroids Deluxe had a positive reception but never reached the huge impact of its predecessor. Since Asteroids Deluxe was well regarded for improved visuals and higher level of challenge, Atari went on to make the 1982 follow-up Space Duel. To promote the game, Atari’s artists made fascinating original artworks for both the arcade cabinet and the arcade flyer itself. Apart from looking great, I noticed the spaceships of Space Duel’s art looks similar with those of Xevious (a Namco arcade game distributed by Atari in America) and I can only speculate that the same artist made those.
2. Midway Auxiliary Show Monitor Print Ad
Did you experience watching arcade gameplay footage displayed on an overhead monitor?
As video arcades in America became massively popular with people and became a major economic sector, it was not surprising that crowding became a trend especially whenever a very popular game attracted both players (waiting in line) as well as onlookers. Midway, which was an arcade giant in the 1980s, came up with their own concept of a specialized secondary display called the Midway Auxiliary Show Monitor designed to let onlookers watch a video of ongoing gameplay without physically standing by the player. As the print ad above shows precisely the use of the monitors, those were used at trade shows or in arcades with a setup to make turn the single-player experience into a makeshift show for the people nearby. Back in the 1980s, there was indeed a spectator approach to the arcade experience but players had to deal with the disturbance of many onlookers standing near to see the on-screen action. At the very least, Midway’s concept and hardware was a bold attempt to solve overcrowding.
3. Sega Genesis North American Print Ad
Did this 1989 ad convince you to buy a Sega Genesis console?
While the Sega Genesis has always been identified with 1990s console gaming in America, the console was officially launched there in August 1989. At the time, Sega of America was not too creative nor aggressive when it comes to marketing the Genesis. The above 1989 print ad showed a lot of screenshots to promote the games, showed the console with a TV and a few peripherals and a text description that emphasized the Genesis as the so-called ultimate dimension in game play. Considering how dynamic and aggressive Sega’s marketing of the Genesis and games became a few years later when Tom Kalinske became the CEO, it is not surprising that this old ad has been forgotten.
4. The Punisher NES Print Ad
Fact: The Punisher started as an assassin in the comic books in 1974 before being turned into an anti-criminal killer.
By the year 1990, The Punisher became one of Marvel Comics’ most popular figures and the character had two monthly series published. As such, an actual video game featuring the character was made for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and to promote it, three screenshots were shown, a brick wall with stylized short messages was shown and a hand-drawn art of the Punisher was displayed. As seen in the screenshots, elements from The Punisher comic books were displayed such as shooting and fighting the criminals. Considering how wholesome the NES audience was at the time, this print promotion of The Punisher game looks odd although it is a fact that entertainment products featuring violent entertainment properties or characters were made and marketed towards children less than 12-years-old. Remember the Rambo animated series and video games of the 1980s?
5. Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters Arcade Flyer
Did you enjoy this Lethal Enforcers sequel?
After achieving both critical and big-time commercial arcade success with Lethal Enforcers in 1992, Konami proceeded with the sequel Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters which was released in arcades two years later. While the 1994 game used 2D sprites and digitized photographs like its predecessor, Konami used the 19th century Old West as the setting making it totally different from the 1992 original. To promote the game and emphasize the Old West setting, Konami came up with this arcade flyer that showed actors in cowboy costumes with a background that looks like a cowboy movie set. Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters went on to become successful in the arcades and it later got ported to game consoles.
6. Wipeout XL Print Ad
This is an ad and not an article.
1996 was a tremendous year for console gaming. As Nintendo launched their highly anticipated Nintendo 64 console (N64) that year, game publishers came up with new games that further utilized the features of both Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Wipeout XL was a sequel sci-fi racing game exclusive to the PlayStation and developer/publisher Psygnosis went all-in promoting the game with a lot of creativity and energy. They came up with this 2-page print ad to make gamers excited while creatively informing them what features, rave music and fun gameplay it has. On face value, this print ad looked more like a dazzling article.
7. Nights into Dreams Print Ad
The team behind the popular Sonic platform games on the Sega Genesis made Nights into Dreams.
If there is anything notable about the history of the Sega Saturn, it is the fact that there were no new dedicated platform games of Sonic The Hedgehog released for it which is very odd as the Sonic platform games on Sega Genesis were big sellers, critically acclaimed and even made their mark on pop culture. During the mid-1990s, Sonic Team (which had Sonic game creators like Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima) were laser-focused on making Nights into Dreams (stylized as NiGHTS into Dreams) which was an all-new intellectual property that allowed them to utilize the 3D capabilities of the Saturn while making room for their creativity. Sega knew Nights into Dreams was special so they came up with this 2-page print ad which had an eye-catching display of screenshots of the game on the left (with the Saturn in the middle) while using the other half for descriptive text and explanations (with the special Saturn controller in the middle) to grab people’s attention. This old ad from 1996 is a mixed bag for me as the left side was captivating to see while the description on the right side requires some effort to read properly due to the small size of the text.
8. Super Mario 64 Print Ad
This one was simple, clean and yet memorable.
What is arguably the most memorable video game released in 1996 was Super Mario 64 which was not only a fully featured launch game of the Nintendo 64 console, but also the first-ever Super Mario platform game made with 3D polygons complete with a large 3D environment that can be explored a lot. There was a huge anticipation for this game by both gamers and the media, and whenever it was previewed before release, it drew lots of crowds and many ended up being very impressed and wanting more. Nintendo knew they had some very special under the production and direction of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto. As such, Nintendo had an ambitious marketing campaign that includes print media, video advertising on MTV, Fox and Nickelodeon and even sending video tapes to thousands of Nintendo Power magazine subscribers. This 2-page print ad was part of the campaign and it had a fine visual design that strongly emphasized the iconic Mario in polygonal form in most spaces, leaving the screenshots in the bottom. This old ad from 1996 never looks outdated and its clean approach is really effective in helping people understand that something great would be launched along with the N64. Both the console and this game sold a lot of copies ultimately and it remains one of Nintendo’s biggest achievements ever.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it apprehended a South Korean fugitive in Las Piñas City for illegal online gambling operations
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BI’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. to intensify the crackdown on foreign fugitives and transnational crimes, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of a South Korean national wanted by international authorities for operating illegal online gambling operations.
BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) agents, in coordination with the Korean National Police Agency and the Philippine National Police–Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, arrested Lee Jonghak, 37, on Tuesday morning , April 14, at a residence in a subdivision in Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City.
Lee is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued in 2025, stemming from an arrest warrant released by the Incheon District Court on the same year for violations of South Korea’s National Sports Promotion Act related to illegal online gambling operations.
Investigations by Korean law enforcement revealed that from August 2021 until recently, Lee and his accomplices operated at least 23 illegal online gambling websites from different locations.
The group reportedly managed sports betting and casino-style games, recruited members, and facilitated financial transactions, generating over KRW 5.33 billion in profits. Authorities estimate the syndicate’s total earnings to have exceeded KRW 350 billion.
Lee reportedly served as an assistant manager overseeing multiple operational teams composed of around 300 employees. The exact amount he personally received remains under investigation.
Records from the BI showed that Lee last arrived in the Philippines in 2024 and was admitted under a probationary permanent resident visa. He was later included in the Bureau’s blacklist and watchlist as an undesirable alien and fugitive from justice.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you thankful to the Bureau of Immigration for arresting the fugitive?
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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://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 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, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) busted an online scam hub, arrested forty-eight individuals and recovered pieces of evidence, according to a news report by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday announced the arrest of 48 individuals allegedly involved in an online scam hub in Parañaque City.
In a statement, the bureau said it received information about a group engaged in illegal schemes such as “love scams,” “pig butchering,” and cryptocurrency investment fraud.
“Love scams” involve fraudsters building fake online relationships to gain victims’ trust before requesting urgent money for fabricated emergencies.
“Pig butchering” scams involve long-term grooming of victims who are then lured into fake cryptocurrency investments that show false profits before funds are stolen.
Cryptocurrency investment scams involve the use of fake trading platforms that promise high returns, display fabricated gains, and later block withdrawals or demand additional fees.
After validating the information, the NBI secured a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) and carried out an operation.
Agents recovered pre-written scripts containing step-by-step guides used to engage and deceive victims.
The NBI said the suspects used “deceptive representations and emotional manipulation” to gain victims’ trust and induce them to send money.
Of those arrested, 41 were Filipino women and seven were foreign nationals.
The suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for alleged computer-related fraud under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more scam hubs still operating secretly in the city? Which part of Parañaque do you think could be hot spots of scam hubs? Who do you think founded and managed the scam hub?
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Author Carlo Carrasco 