disaster – Page 3 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor and officials visit Typhoon Carina victims at evacuation sites

July 28, 2024July 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar and some local officials took time out to visit evacuation sites which served as temporary places of relief for locals whose lives were disrupted by Typhoon Carina, the City Government revealed through social media.

While the typhoon has since left the country, many people who suffered from flooding, strong winds and excessive rain are still struggling to regain normalcy in their lives.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, along with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) head Alejandro Dela Merced, conducted visits to flood evacuation sites on Wednesday, July 24 in Barangays Manuyo Dos, Pulanglupa Dos, and Elias Aldana, following severe flooding caused by Typhoon Carina and the intensified southwest monsoon.

Vice Mayor Aguilar assessed the conditions and immediate needs of the elderly and families at the evacuation centers, ensuring they received necessary assistance. The city government has prioritized the safety and well-being of its residents, deploying resources promptly to address the impacts of the flooding.

The local government’s efforts include providing shelter, food, and medical assistance to those affected by the floods.

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? Were there lots of people in your local community who got impacted by flooding, excessive rain and strong winds caused by Typhoon Carina?

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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Note: Photo used for the cover was sourced from Las Piñas City PIO.

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City’s iRespond app launched, now available for download via Google and Apple

July 18, 2024carlocarrasco

In a major move to improve local emergency response capabilities with the use of technology, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally launched at Crimson Hotel today their new iRespond mobile app which is now available for download via Google and Apple online, 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…

In its latest digital innovation, the Muntinlupa City government launched the iRespond mobile app, setting a new standard in emergency response capabilities.

Built for emergencies, Muntinlupa iRespond provides residents with immediate access to essential services directly from their smartphones.

The app allows residents to report emergencies such as disasters and fire, or the need for the police and ambulance.

“The iRespond app is a significant leap forward in emergency management, providing users with seamless access to emergency reporting with just a single tap. Whether in need of medical assistance, fire rescue, police intervention, or other critical services, Muntinlupeños can now initiate help swiftly and effectively through this platform,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the app launch on July 18 at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang.

According to the city government, the iRespond app’s key functionalities include one-touch emergency reporting, allowing responders to pinpoint the exact location of those needing help; real-time incident tracking for back-end dispatchers to supervise incoming alarms and respond appropriately; and community alerts and notifications that allow the city’s Department of Disaster Resilience and Management to inform residents of potential scenarios and help them to prepare or respond adequately.

The digital tool ensures that emergency situations are addressed promptly, leveraging real-time incident tracking to facilitate quick and precise responses from dedicated dispatch teams, the city government added.

“By empowering residents with a tool that expedites emergency response, we are not only enhancing public safety but also reinforcing our city’s resilience in times of crisis.” added Biazon.

Residents are encouraged to download the free iRespond app for from the App Store or Google Play Store, ensuring they are prepared and empowered to respond effectively to any emergency situation.

The iRespond app can be downloaded at:

App Store https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/irespond-muntinlupa/id6478265785

Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=muntinlupa.cad.citizen.ph

Upon download, users need to create an account by providing their name, birthday, gender, photo, valid document, address, email address and mobile number.

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 newly launched iRespond app will improve local emergency response capabilities? Have you downloaded the app?

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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Muntinlupa City Government to prohibit all new construction on earthquake fault zones

June 14, 2024June 13, 2024carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa just announced that all new construction located on earthquake fault zones will be prohibited and already the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of City Ordinance 2024-174 are being drafted, 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 prohibit all new construction on earthquake fault zones in the city.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced this on June 13 as he led the meeting of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The Muntinlupa City government is drafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of City Ordinance 2024-174 or the Fault Zone Ordinance of 2024.

“Through this ordinance, we aim to ensure the safety of our constituents from earthquake risks by prohibiting construction in areas affected by the West Valley Fault and ground fissures,” said Biazon.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), “the West Valley Fault system is an imaginary line marking the area where the different fault systems are located underground and are actively moving from where a big earthquake may originate.”

The Valley Fault System “is an active fault system composed of two fault segments: the 10-km long East Valley Fault (EVF) in Rizal and the 100 km long West Valley Fault (WVF) that runs through different cities and towns of Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, and Laguna. The WVF can generate a large earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 or commonly known as ‘The Big One’ which poses threat to people, livelihood, buildings and infrastructures.”

In April, the Muntinlupa City Council passed the ordinance, which was signed by Biazon on April 16.

Under the ordinance, new construction will be barred on earthquake fault zones transected by the West Valley Fault and Fissure in Muntinlupa.

The identification of the no-build zones will be based on the 2015 Valley Fault Atlas published by the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which “shows an expanded reach and scope of these earthquake fault and fissures in Muntinlupa City.”

The Muntinlupa City Council passed Ordinance 2024-174 or the Fault Zone Ordinance of 2024, which was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 16.

“There are existing faults and fissures zones in City of Muntinlupa, which need to be effectively identified, zoned and delineated to promote the safety and provide guidance to the inhabitants of Muntinlupa City and the general public,” according to the ordinance.

The ordinance mandates that “permanent fault markers shall be installed for the purpose of awareness and preparedness following national and international standard roadside traffic designs and materials.”

It added that “buildings, structures, and other properties transected by the West Valley Fault and Fissures, as appearing in the Valley Fault Atlas published by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS), are considered dangerous and unsafe for human occupancy.”

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 agree with the City Government’s prohibition on all construction on earthquake fault zones? Is your local community located near an earthquake fault zone?

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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 20

May 27, 2024May 23, 2024carlocarrasco

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 topics and the related videos I found.

#1 NHK World’s Game Planet Documentary – If you are very passionate about video games and you want to see gaming through the views of the Japanese and the Chinese, then you should see NHK World’s documentary here. This video documentary is also a must-see for those who love playing the Street Fighter video games. Lots of creative talents from Capcom and Tencent interviewed.

#2 Square Enix decides to drop PlayStation exclusivity and go multiplatform with their business – It was indeed bound to happen and I was not surprised about it. In case you missed the news, Square Enix announced it will drop PlayStation exclusivity in favor of going aggressive with a multiplatform strategy. This is because there was a massive 70% profit drop on the part of Square Enix and sales of the PlayStation 5-exclusive Final Fantasy VII Rebirth were undeniably disappointing. To understand the details better, posted below is one analytical video and one critical video.

#3 Nick Anderson’s notorious 4 missed free throws and disrespect towards Michael Jordan – If you are long-time basketball fan, you would at least be aware of significant events during the NBA Playoffs and the Finals in 1995. I am talking about Nick Anderson who is still remembered as the guy who missed four free throws as his team (Orlando Magic) was already leading by three points ahead of the Houston Rockets (defending champions) during Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals. As history recorded, the Houston Rockets swept the Magic 4-0 to win their 2^nd straight NBA championship. Going back to Anderson, he is also the same guy who disrespected Michael Jordan during the Eastern Conference semifinals. Posted below are three videos for you to watch.

#4 Reggie Miller’s 8 points in 8.9 seconds – Still with the 1995 NBA Playoffs, here is a look back at the miraculous achievement of Reggie Miller scoring eight points in less than nine seconds during a game against the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden. For the newcomers reading this, the playoff rivalry between the Knicks and Indiana Pacers started in 1994 and by the time their rematch in 1995 was realized, collective fan anticipation was already high. There was no better way to raise the stakes in the rematch than Miller’s unexpected 8 points in 8.9 seconds. Watch the video below.

#5 Popcorn in Bed’s reaction video of Deep Impact – In 1998 here in the Philippines, I saw the sci-fi film Deep Impact in a cinema during its first week of release. It was entertaining to watch given the sci-fi spectacle, the concept and, of course, the wide cast of actors that includes the legendary Robert Duvall in a really solid supporting role. What is most notable about Deep Impact is the fact that it was made to spark emotion from viewers and that is most inevitable in the movie reaction video by Popcorn in Bed. With the current number of Deep Impact reaction videos available on YouTube as of this writing, the best one is viewable right below…

#6 HolyLandSite’s video of the tour of the Oaks of Mamre in Israel – Recently HolyLandSite released their newest Holy Land video focused on the Oaks of Mamre in Israel which is the historical and biblical site where the Abrahamic Covenant was given. Oaks of Mamre is filled with evidence that it is indeed the very place where Abraham met God. God’s covenant has always been with the Jewish people (read Genesis 17:15-21 in the Holy Bible). This video also has biblical lessons for those who follow Lord Jesus and the Word of God. May this also remind you that the ties between Jews and Christians are biblical.

#7 Retrospective video about Konami’s X-Men arcade game – Just a few years before Capcom and Marvel Comics teamed up for the production of arcade games featuring superheroes and the publisher’s own characters, Konami literally rocked the arcades with a lot of fun with the X-Men arcade game of 1992. Using the established character designs from the 1989 cartoon X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, the arcade game allowed players to choose one of six superheroes to play as (listed were Cyclops, Wolverine, Dazzler, Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler) and engage in side-scrolling beat-them-up action fighting the many minions of Magneto. The X-Men arcade game was undeniably successful and impacted the way people enjoyed multiplayer sessions in the arcades. You can learn more from this in-depth retro gaming video by PatmanQC.

#8 FilmComicsExplained’s Demolition Man video analysis – When I first saw Demolition Man (1993), I perceived it as a Sylvester Stallone action movie laced with futuristic science fiction (sci-fi) concepts. I noticed the film’s portrayal of what future society could become and what futuristic technologies could be used by people. By today’s standards, Demolition Man is perceived to be prophetic with its presentation and the video by FilmComicsExplained takes an in-depth look into it. It is a must-see!

#9 The death of wicked Iran’s president – Since 1979, Iran became wicked and its government has officially been sponsoring terrorists and terrorism activities in the Middle East for far too long. In case you missed the news, the president of Iran died in a helicopter crash recently and there were other fatalities with him. The president of Iran not only publicly called for the destruction of Israel, he is also responsible for harming minorities and political opponents, hurting protesters in Iran and more. There are reasons why the dead president has been called the Butcher of Tehran. For a clear view and analysis over the death of the president of Iran, watch the selected videos below. Do not trust Islamo-Leftist mainstream news media as they support terrorism.

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DILG tells LGUs to update disaster plans and hazard maps in preparation for La Niña phenomenon

May 27, 2024May 16, 2024carlocarrasco

While the entire Philippines is sweltering under the intense summer heat, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) told the local government units (LGUs) to update their disaster plans and hazard maps in light of the looming La Niña phenomenon, 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 Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday urged local government units (LGUs) to update their disaster action plans and hazard maps to mitigate the effects of the looming La Niña phenomenon.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan said local officials must also regularly hold meetings with their respective disaster risk reduction management councils and conduct a La Niña pre-disaster risk assessment.

“Kinakailangan din na magkaroon ng close coordination with PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) at with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) particularly iyong ating Mines and Geosciences Bureau nang sa ganoon ma-update iyong kanilang mga (There should also be a close coordination with PAGASA and with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, particularly our Mines and Geosciences Bureau to update their) local hazard maps on rain-induced landslides and floods,” Iringan added.

He also called for an aggressive clean-up of estero and other waterways to reduce flooding as part of mitigation measures under the agency’s “Operation Listo”.

The”‘Operation Listo” is an advocacy program of the DILG that aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness of LGUs using the whole-of-government approach which institutionalizes local protocols for disaster preparedness, response, and monitoring.

Iringan also cited the need to assess the structural integrity and the capacity of vital facilities such as evacuation centers.

“Kinakailangan nasusunod iyong mga specifications. At dapat ang mga ito ay hindi located doon sa (The specifications must be followed. And these should not be located in) high-risk areas as identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR,” he added.

While most LGUs have already established at least one evacuation center, Iringan said the DILG is assessing the need for some areas to have around two to three evacuation centers to accommodate more evacuees.

He also said the use of schools as evacuation centers is only a last resort.

“But in extreme cases na kinakailangan pong gamitin iyong mga paaralan ay kumukuha po ng pahintulot mula sa (where we need to use the schools, we secure permission from the) Department of Education,” he added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier directed LGUs to brace for La Niña, which is expected to bring above normal rainfall conditions in the country.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that La Niña will arrive soon? Do you think your local government has been doing its job with regards to disaster preparedness and emergency measures related to wet weather? Has your local government failed consistently when it comes to flood prevention and the cleaning of waterways?

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

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Ten people hurt as a result of water tank explosion in Parañaque City

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, ten people got hurt due to a water tank’s sudden explosion, according to a GMA Network news report. The explosion, which happened in Barangay Tambo, also caused some structural damage on a building.

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

Ten people were injured after a water tank on the roof deck of a building exploded in Parañaque City on Saturday night, according to a report on Super Radyo dzBB.

Portions of the building, located along Quirino Avenue in Barangay Tambo, were damaged due to the blast that happened past 9 p.m.

Witnesses said debris fell on the street and hit several vehicles, including a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and an e-trike, according to a report on Super Radyo dzBB. A power line was also affected.

According to Barangay Tambo Peace and Order officer-in-charge Denson Cano, he was in a nearby eatery when he heard an explosion, which he initially mistook as a bomb.

“Kumakain ako dito sa bulaluhan. ‘Yung putok, akala namin, akala ko may sumabog na bomba or something kasi malakas and then mga two to 10 seconds later, may second explosion which was itong, ‘yung ano, transformer,” he said Jhomer Apresto’s report on “24 Oras Weekend”

(I was eating, and we thought there was a bomb that exploded because it was powerful, and then two to 10 seconds later, there was a second explosion, which was the transformer.)

Among those injured was a 13-year-old identified as Sebseb, who was on an e-bike when the explosion happened. The rush of the water swept the e-trike away and caused him to fall into a nearby hole.

“Nakasakay po ako sa e-bike eh. Hindi ko po alam kung anong nangyari eh, basta may bumagsak po samin tapos basang basa po kami ng tubig talaga,” he said in the same report.

(I was riding an e-bike. I don’t know what happened, just that something fell on us, and we were wet.)

Also injured was a nearby shopkeeper who sustained a lump on the head after being hit by the debris that fell. Some streets had to be closed for clearing operations.

GMA Integrated News Bulletin reported that the building management has assured that it would cover the medical expenses of the injured victims.

Let me end this piece 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 more water tanks around the city that could explode somehow and cause damage?

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

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City gains recognition for exceptional disaster risk management

February 1, 2024January 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that it was recognized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for outstanding performance in local disaster risk management.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt the City Government’s social media post dated January 26. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas has been conferred the Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The award, which recognizes the city’s outstanding performance in local disaster risk reduction and management, comes after Las Piñas scored a 2.37 rating in the 23rd Gawad KALASAG Seal for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices (LDRRMCOs) for the calendar year 2023. This honor underscores the city’s compliance with the standards set by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, also known as Republic Act No. 10121.

City Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed her gratitude and pride in receiving the award, emphasizing the city’s proactive approach to disaster risk management.

Under her leadership, the city has implemented comprehensive disaster risk reduction programs, including regular drills, community awareness campaigns, and investments in infrastructure that mitigate the impact of natural calamities. These initiatives have been instrumental in preparing the city’s residents and institutions to effectively respond to emergencies.

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? Are you delighted to see your city getting recognized for disaster management excellence?

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

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) provides relief and meals to Barangay Alabang fire victims

December 14, 2023December 11, 2023carlocarrasco

This past November in the City of Muntinlupa, a fire broke out in Barangay Alabang which affected ten households. Local firefighters were able to put out the fire and subsequently an evacuation center was set up for affected families and other victims.

New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM), the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village, sent a team to the said evacuation center to support the victims in more ways than one. NLCOM is dedicated to responding to the immediate needs of communities that got hit by disasters and the organization has a track record for all to see.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the December 6, 2023 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldface…

We extended a helping hand to the resilient families impacted by the fire that razed Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa, and affected ten households.

NLCOM visited the evacuation center on November 11, delivering not just relief bags for the 25 affected families, but also a comforting meal of lunch and heartwarming ginatasang mais. As always, we stand strong in support and compassion to communities in need.

*NLCOM personnel with bags of relief goods for Barangay Alabang fire victims (photo source – NLCOM Facebook page)*

*NLCOM serving food to the victims. (photo source – NLCOM Facebook page)*

For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has a history of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.

As their website states, the organization is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. You can learn more by watching NLCOM’s official YouTube video below…

If you have decided to help potential disaster victims through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CARE FOUNDATION INT’L. INC.

PESO CHECKING ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

00-133000543-3

US DOLLAR ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

13-133000530-7

Swift Code: ubpphphmm

Via PAYPAL:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nlcomPH

For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.

In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true.

And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity].

Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (AMPC)

Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor.

Proverbs 11:25 (TPT)

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.

Proverbs 19:17 (AMPC)

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Better than Streaming: Do you have Godzilla (1954) Criterion Blu-ray in your collection?

November 17, 2023November 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs! Way back in 1954, the original Godzilla movie (Japanese title: Gojira) made its debut in theaters in Japan. Not only did it make a huge impact with moviegoers, it paved the way for more Godzilla movies (which compelled Hollywood players to join in), imitators and made a solid contribution to global pop culture.

Of course, the original Godzilla film was decades before I was even born and as a boy, I got to watch on home video “Godzilla 1985” which was a Westernized version of The Return of Godzilla (1984). Then in 1998, I saw Roland Emmerich’s twisted version of Japan’s giant monster.

Going back to the original film from 1954, an American version of it was released in 1956 under the title Godzilla: King of the Monsters which was a recut version that had actor Raymond Burr in it as an American journalist witnessing events. That American version, which I saw partially by chance on cable TV, only made me want to see the 1954 original Godzilla movie intact.

That being said, I acquired a copy of the Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray from Criterion Collection and I can say I am really enjoying it. It definitely is a very good addition to my collection of Blu-ray movies.

*The cover of the Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray release from Criterion Collection.*

To begin with, posted below are the specs from the Blu-ray.com page…

Video

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC (24.01 Mbps)

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect ratio: 1.37:1

Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1

Audio

Japanese: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)

English: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)

Subtitles – English, English SDH

Discs -Blu-ray Disc, Single Disc (1 BD-50)

Playback – Blu-ray: Region A

*The back of the Criterion Collection Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray. Pay close attention to the details because you will get a lot of stuff to enjoy with this one added into your Blu-ray movie collection.*

I really enjoyed the 1954 movie directed by Ishiro Honda and I can talk more about it in detail in a future retro movie review. Going back to Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray, I can say that the company did a great job not only with the restoration and audio, they also loaded the disc with a whole lot of content that will appeal strongly with dedicated Godzilla fans as well as the newcomers who wish to learn more about Japan’s giant monster, its legacy and place in global pop culture. The disc also has a restored copy of Godzilla: King of the Monsters (1956) but I strongly recommend you watch the 1954 film first and foremost.

The extra stuff in the disc contains a lot of content for you to enjoy. There are interviews with certain cast and crew members, an illustrated audio essay about the tragic Lucky Dragon No. 5 vessel, an audio commentary by David Kalat, and more.

When it comes to the physical aspect of Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray, the packaging is both nicely done and inspired. I just love it whenever I opened the set to get to the disc, an image of Godzilla folds and forms in shape for your viewing pleasure. The set also has a booklet that contains really interesting information. Very clearly, this is so much better than streaming!

*I really like this excellent packaging by Criterion Collection*. *Very clearly better than streaming!*

In case you are interested or if you have made up your mind, you can order a copy of Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray of Criterion Collection by clicking https://www.amazon.com/Godzilla-Criterion-Collection-Blu-ray-Takashi/dp/B005VU9LKE

For the dedicated Godzilla fans as well as enthusiastic film buffs and collectors of movies on physical media, Criterion’s Godzilla (1954) Blu-ray is highly recommended! This is currently the best way to enjoy the classic movie in the comfort of your home!

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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Better than Streaming: Watch out for the newest cinematic Godzilla from Japan

September 22, 2023September 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs from around the world! If you are an enthusiast of giant monster movies and if you have gotten tired with what Hollywood has been releasing, there is a brand new Godzilla (Gojira in Japanese) movie from Japan’s Toho which will be released in cinemas before the year ends…Godzilla Minus One (Japanese title: Gojira Mainasu Wan).

*The official movie poster for the Japanese market.*

This newest Toho Godzilla film directed by Takashi Yamazaki (also a special effects expert) will be released in Japan in a gradual manner: as the closing feature film of the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival on November 1, 2023, and then in cinemas around the nation on November 3, 2023. Godzilla Minus One will open in cinemas in the United States and Canada on December 1, 2023.

To get started about this new Japanese Godzilla movie, I encourage you to watch the official trailer (English subtitles included) below…

The way the details and visuals were presented in the movie trailer, the filmmakers showed Godzilla as a terrifying giant whose presence brings certain death and destruction to those near it. The trailer made Godzilla looking like it intends to kill people. What I find interesting about the core concept of this upcoming movie is that the iconic monster wreaks havoc in Japan a short time after the end of World War II. This emphasizes that Japan is economically weak and struggling to recover from the tremendous losses suffered from the said war. Also spotted were efforts by the filmmakers to replicate the look of post-WWII Japan.

If you know your world history, you should be aware of the facts that America dropped atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 which compelled Japan (then a major military force with the Axis powers) to surrender unconditionally. Putting that historical context into the realm of fantasy by Toho, Godzilla Minus One shows what would happen had the giant monster invaded Japan while it was still in a very weakened state.

*This is a terrifying image of people running away from Godzilla whose steps were causing destruction.*

Considering the post-World War II background, it is not yet clear to me if this movie will serve as a prequel to the original Gojira movie of 1954. What is clear is that the filmmakers are daringly making something new with Japan’s icon and their creative approach looks radically different from Toho’s previous Godzilla release in 2016 (note: read my retro review of Shin Godzilla).

Considering the many Godzilla movies released – including those from Hollywood studios – being original with telling a story about the monster is indeed very hard to do. That being said, I am interested to see how the post-World War II setting, the new story and characters, and the giant monster itself will be executed on-screen. If the trailer indicates anything, it looks like Godzilla Minus One could turn out as a dramatic disaster movie (than a monster movie) and could come close to what the 1954 original movie presented.

As of this writing, there are not too many international markets for cinematic releases listed in Godzilla Minus One‘s IMDB page. Being based here in the Philippines, I can only hope that the Japan-made movie will be released in local cinemas which could be a bit tricky given the fact that Shin Godzilla had a limited release here in 2016. I really want to watch this upcoming movie in the local cinema, especially IMAX, but that would depend on how the distribution here in the Philippines will be executed. At the same time, watching a Japanese-made Godzilla movie would be a nice break from the MonsterVerse Godzilla that has been around for years now. Honestly, I’m getting tired of Hollywood’s current version of Japan’s icon.

*A very menacing Gojira image from Toho promoting Godzilla Minus One. If you look very closely, you can see some of the giant monster’s teeth red with blood.*

If Godzilla Minus One does not get screened locally for some reason, its potential Blu-ray (and possibly 4K Blu-ray) release in the future would be the next option to watch it. Regardless, watch out for this new movie in cinemas in a few months’ time.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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