In an attempt to reiterate that visitors from overseas do not have the same rights and privileges as Filipino citizens, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded foreigners that engaging in political rallies are strictly prohibited and they will face deportation if they commit it, 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 Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday issued a stern reminder to foreigners that engaging in political activities is strictly prohibited under Philippine law.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said there were past incidents of foreign nationals deported for participating in protests and mass actions. He said visitors do not have the same rights and privileges possessed by Filipino citizens.
“We are issuing this reminder to prevent any recurrence of incidents where we had to deport foreign protesters. Joining political demonstrations is a blatant display of disrespect towards the country’s authorities and constitutes meddling in our internal affairs as a sovereign nation,” the BI chief said in a statement.
The BI chief issued the warning hours before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.
In 2013, Dutch citizen Thomas van Beersum was deported when he joined a political protest and taunted a crying policeman, while Canadian student Kim Chatillon-Miller was sent home for participating in an anti-SONA demonstration.
In 2018, Zimbabwean national Tawanda Chandiwana, American Adam Thomas Shaw and Malawian national Miracle Osman were ordered to leave the country for their involvement in leftist activities.
“Follow our laws. It is straightforward and clear. Foreign visitors are prohibited from participating in political demonstrations. We welcome your stay in the Philippines, but we expect you to respect our government and our laws,” Tansingco added.
If found guilty of “joining, supporting, contributing, or involving themselves in whatever manner in any rally, assembly, or gathering,” the BI will blacklist the foreigners.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newest action by the immigration authorities will deter incoming foreign visitors from participating in political activities here in the Philippines? Do you think the Leftists here in the Philippines having been luring foreigners to help their cause in political rallies around the country? Do you think Islamo-Leftist activists overseas plan to come into the Philippines to organize political rallies and spark destabilization efforts against the government? Do you consider Black Lives Matter, Just Stop Oil and pro-Hamas activists as undesirable aliens for the Philippines?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police pulled off a successful entrapment operation resulting in the arrest of a man for rape and robbery extortion, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A call center agent was arrested by members of the Southern Police District Special Operations Unit (SPD-SOU) during an entrapment operation in Parañaque City, on Friday, July 19.
Authorities identified the suspect as alias Edward,25, he was arrested at around 1:30 a.m. at Annex 35, Parañaque City after a complaint of rape and robbery extortion was referred by Secretary of Interior and Local Government Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos.
According to the Police report, the victim, a 19-year-old female student met the suspect through an online dating application and after establishing several communications they agreed to meet.
The victim told the police that the suspect allegedly raped her and demanded a large amount of money in exchange for not posting her sensitive photographs on social media.
The SPD said that after receiving the report, they immediately conducted an entrapment operation in collaboration with the victim and her father which led to the arrest of the suspect.
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 rapists, robbers and extortionists waiting to victimize members of your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of 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?
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
Calling all the multisport enthusiasts, the triathletes, swimmers and other active lifestyle enthusiasts! The National Age Group Aquathlon 2024 event is all set to happen on September 29 at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite. Registration for the event is ongoing and you can get yourself registered by clicking here (note: RaceYa account and log-in required).
Race distances are as follows:
STK-Aqua:
6 yrs. old & under 50m swim – 100m run
7- 8 yrs. old 100m swim – 200m run
9-10 yrs. old 200m swim – 400m run
11-12 yrs. old 300m swim – 1.5k run
Youth Category: 300m swim – 2.5k run
Elite Category: 500m swim – 2.5k run
Age Group: 500m swim – 2.5k run
Race categories are as follows:
Elite Level
Elite Men and Women: 18 years old and over
Jr. Elite Men and Women: 16-19 years old
Youth
Youth Men and Women :13-15 years old
Age Group
Age Group Men: 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & Above
Age Group Women: 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 & Above
STK-Aqua
6 yrs. old & under, 7-8 yrs. old, 9-10 yrs. old, and 11-12 yrs. old
Team Competition
Top 3 teams in the Age Group category. Each team must have a minimum of 5 members. Cumulative time of the first 5 members to cross will be considered the total team time. Team Names will be submitted upon registration. Minimum of 1 female in each team.
Organized by Triathlon Philippines and sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade-the official hydration partner, LeGarde L-Carnitine, Standard Insurance and Fitbar, the National Age Group Aquathlon 2024 offers the perfect platform for athletes to push their limits and experience the thrill of multisport racing.
Media partners for this event are Radyo Pilipinas 2 and PTV Sports. Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub is the official venue partner.
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar met with the he members of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and confirmed her full support for the development projects of the barangays, 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…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar vowed her full support for the projects of the barangays in the city that will lead to more development and livelihood for city residents.
In a talk with the members of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) held on Tuesday, July 16, at the Office of the Mayor, Aguilar said the ABC, led by Mori Riguerra, discussed the progress of various projects that are being implemented in each barangay in the city.
The mayor highlighted the city’s administration’s dedication to the continued development and improvement of Las Piñas.
Vice-Mayor April Aguilar also expressed her full support to the ABC and assured its members that the needs and initiatives of the barangays will be given priority in the city’s agenda.
The mayor said the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between city officials and barangay leaders for the welfare of the community.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you looking forward to the mayor’s support for the development projects in your barangay?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The recognized gold medalists of Muntinlupa at the Palarong Pambansa were Maxine Amira Filiciano Bondoc and Avielle Paduit Caballes in the Gymnastics Elementary Girls category, Alessandra Therese A. Martin in the Swimming Elementary Girls category, and the team of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in the Baseball Secondary Boys category.
The Muntinlupa silver medalists recognized were Jobelle Mitch De Sisto Villanueva and Krista Joy Chavez Tabios in the Arnis Secondary Girls category, and Avielle Paduit Caballes and Maxine Amira Filiciano Bondoc in the Gymnastics Elementary Girls category.
The bronze medalists were Hernalou E. Lumandao and Pi Durden Forward Wangkay in the Athletics Secondary Boys category, Avielle Paduit Caballes in the Gymnastics Elementary Girls category and Ma. Ana Therese V. Gomobao in the Table Tennis Secondary Girls category.
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, are you delighted with the medals won by local athletes at the 2024 Palarong Pambansa?
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 topics and the related videos I found.
#1John List true crime documentaries – In America, the late John List is one of the most notorious criminals ever in their history. At a very desperate point in his life, List murdered his own family members in 1971 and it took some time for the local authorities to find out what he left behind in their huge home. Having left his home and investigators behind, List traveled across the nation, came up with a fake identity and lived away from the law for almost twenty years. How the law enforcers tracked him down (involving America’s Most Wanted TV show) and arrested him is a great story to follow. All of these are documented in the two videos below.
#2 The Stepfather explanatory video by GoodBadFlicks – Believe it or not, the story of John List inspired the creation of the 1987 psychological horror film The Stepfather. This video by YouTuber GoodBadFlicks is a must-see.
#3 The assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump – I really cannot ignore the assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump which resulted in the injury on his right ear, the death of a campaign rally attendee and one other person getting injured. Whatever your political views are, this is a tragedy and it clearly was not staged. It was indeed an attempt to kill and already the Satanic Leftist mainstream news media are distorting the facts and lying to you. To get clear insight on what happened and who the suspect (a very young guy who was a registered Republican voter who also donated money to support Democrats and far-left movement), watch the selected videos below.
#4 HolyLandSite’s Mount of Olives video – Recently, the YouTube channel HolyLandSite published their newest video featuring the Mount of Olives in Israel. I personally visited some of the sites at the Mount of Olives featured in this video and in my experience, I witnessed the Holy Bible come to life and gained insight on what the place was like during the time of Lord Jesus. Mount of Olives was where Lord Jesus last stepped on before ascending into Heaven and He will arrive there sometime in the future. Watch the video below.
#5 Capcom’s failed case against Data East over Fighter’s History – Remember how popular Street Fighter II was in the arcades in the 1990s? Capcom made tons of profit from SFII which led to the production of sequels, spin-offs and other 2D fighting games that followed. Of course, as the fighting game genre became tremendously popular, there were other fighting games that competed with Capcom’s creations. Believe it or not, Capcom sued Data East alleging that their competitor’s game Fighter’s History infringed the copyright of Street Fighter II. To find out what happened, watch the video from Top Hat Gaming Man below.
6. Donald Trump nominated again by Republicans for President of the United States– By the time you are reading this, the 2024 Republican National Convention has concluded a few days ago. Donald Trump has been nominated again for US President by the party, only this time the Republicans are very united and they were reinvigorated arguably because of the failed assassination attempt on their candidate. The Democrats meanwhile are divided and already their powerful members stopped supporting the re-election campaign of Joe Biden. The contrasts between the two parties are so great during the last week. If you want to see all the Republican speeches and the nomination acceptance speech of Trump (whose running mate is US Senator J.D. Vance), watch the Republican National Convention (night 4) below.
During the recent presentation of newly designated police officers in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded them to follow the values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust) as they perform their duties, 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…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the police to follow the values of ACT or Accountability, Confidence, and Trust, in doing their duties as law enforcers.
Biazon made the reminder during the presentation of the newly designated police officers by Muntinlupa Police chief Col. Robert Domingo.
The new officers in the Muntinlupa Police are:
⬪Major Allan Rainier Cabral – chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS)
⬪Capt. Reynaldo Par – chief of the Custodial and Detention Facility Unit (CDFU)
⬪Capt. Fernando Niefes – chief of the Station Tactical Operations Center (STOC) and concurrent assistant chief of the Patrol Operations Section (POS)
⬪Capt. Rolando Ty – commander of the Tunasan Police Substation (SS1)
⬪Capt. Alemar Cabanit – commander of the Putatan Police Substation (SS2)
⬪Capt. Roderick Tubon – commander of the Sucat Police Substation (SS4)
⬪Capt. Rizalyn Soledad – commander of the Ayala Alabang Police Substation (SS5)
⬪Capt. Marlo Abella – commander of the Poblacion Police Substation (SS6)
Biazon congratulated the newly designated police officers and told them about the expectations from the public.
“And, of course, our expectations from the newly designated. Remember the word ACT. The expectation is not only from you but from the whole Muntinlupa Police Station. The rank and file,” he said.
He added, “One is your accountability to your duty. We will expect that you will take action in fighting crime. Definitely, the public is expecting that. That is why you are in the police because you are our hope in addressing problems of drugs, criminality and, of course, the safety of our citizens. You have assumed that accountability.”
“Letter C, you have our confidence. As what Col. Domingo said earlier, we approved the designation by putting confidence in you. So don’t fail us on that,” he said.
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, are you looking forward to observing how the new city police officers will do their duty?
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 topics and the related videos I found.
#1More Unsolved Mysteries Season 1 episodes – I have always been a fan of the Unsolved Mysteries TV series since the early 1990s. Apart from the great hosting and narration by the late Robert Stack, Unsolved Mysteries’ creative team was consistent in producing live-action interpretations of true crime stories, UFO stories, missing persons stories, ghost stories and other tales with a high level of quality. I also love their attention to details sourced from police reports, law enforcers and interviews of eye witnesses. Not only that, Unsolved Mysteries also helped in capturing wanted criminals and reunited family members who were separated for a long time. This was evident from their first season and posted below are further Season 1 episodes for you to enjoy.
#2 Videodrome reaction video by You, Me and the Movies – Recently, YouTuber team You, Me and the Movies published their movie reaction video of Videodrome which was a very intriguing and shocking movie directed by David Cronenberg. If you don’t mind the spoilers, this is an entertaining reaction video to watch.
#3 RollerGames episodes in high-definition – When I was very young, I was able to watch on local TV here in the Philippines the episodes of RollerGames which showcased a series of action-packed and intriguing roller derby rounds. This was one of those alternative sports competitions that was entertaining to watch and it even shared certain elements with professional wrestling shows with regards to tension between competitors and the show’s notable personalities. The good news here is that the RollerGames episodes have been restored in high-definition and posted below are the first four episodes for your enjoyment.
#4 The Aliens arcade game from Konami – I remember back in the early 1990s – before the debut of Street Fighter II and all those other fighting games that followed – Aliens (by Konami) was a big attraction in local arcades. Loosely based on the 1986 sci-fi action movie directed by James Cameron, Aliens the arcade game was an action-packed 2D scrolling game in which players have to move to their destination while firing their guns against multiple waves of Xenomorphs, Facehuggers and other variants of monsters. This was a highly entertaining game that never got ported into any console, and you can learn more about Konami’s Aliens by watching PatmanQC’s video below.
#5 Xbox Game Pass adjustments – Recently, Microsoft announced big changes to Xbox Game Pass (XGP) which has divided both subscribers and gamers in general. Apart from the price increases, there are also changes on the policies and what subscribers get in return for paying more or less. Personally, I don’t like what Team Xbox came up with. Watch the videos below.
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 and 1990s. In addition, there will be a few flyers of arcade games.
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 and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.
With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…
1. Japanese Contra arcade flyer
The front of the Japanese arcade flyer of Contra.
The other side of the flyer.
As mentioned before, Konami’s long-running Contra games franchise first started in the arcades in Japan. As seen in the Japanese arcade flyer, it was clear that the company not only had a clear vision of Contra’s visual concepts but also was pretty organized with explaining lots of details (examples: the 8-direction controls, types of weapons or ammunition available, level design differences) that both players and arcade operators can learn from. If you look closely at the rear of the flyer, you will see the two characters already identified as Lance and Bill which clearly showed the Japanese creators had the creative details really organized.
2. Virtual Bart print ad
Anyone who loved The Simpsons would easily recognize the characters of this print ad.
Decades ago, The Simpsons made big waves on television and quickly emerged as a fine addition to American pop culture. That being said, it was not surprising at all that video games based on the show got made and Virtual Bart was one of them. This Virtual Bart print ad appeared in some comic books I read in 1994 and the ad makers made efficient use of the single-page layout showing that the game was not a mere 2D side-scroller as its concept emphasized Bart Simpson’s virtual reality escapades. This game, which had mini-games and different gameplay styles, received review scores ranging from negative to positive.
3. Wild Arms 2 print ad
This is NOT an effective way to promote a video game.
Now this is one of the most weird and the most uninteresting game print ads of the 1990s. For the newcomers reading this, Wild Arms 2 was a sequel to the 1997 hit game Wild Arms released on the original PlayStation console. Due to the 1997 game’s success, a fan base of Wild Arms was established and the 1999 sequel was anticipated by the fans. In a very odd and illogical move, Sony Computer Entertainment came up with the Times Square setting for Wild Arms 2’s North American print ad and because they allowed so much other text and images (appearing as billboard ads) on the buildings in the background, details about the game itself got overshadowed. By simply looking at this print ad, it is simply too easy to overlook Wild Arms 2 as the featured game. Can you see the references to Wild Arms 2 here?
4. RollerGames arcade flyer
Pretty ladies posing on the front of the flyer.
Clearly the details were prepared with arcade operators in mind.
Based on the competition-oriented TV show, the RollerGames arcade game from Konami was both unique and fun to play. As with their other arcade flyers, Konami hired models to emphasize RollerGames’ core concept by appearing in full costume (as roller-skating participants), and then inserted screenshots of the game. The rear of the flyer had the technical details in simplistic fashion and they were clearly written with arcade operators in mind. The 3-paragraph text descriptions emphasized what players could expect, what options are available and how the game connects with the TV program it was based on.
5. The Jetsons: Invasion of the Planet Pirates print ad
Anyone among you is a Jetsons fan?
Based on the animated series, The Jetsons: Invasion of the Planet Pirates was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America as well as on the Super Famicom in Japan in the mid-1990s. This game’s print ad had eye-catching artwork, carefully laid down key details (including the promise of cartoon quality graphics) and showed a few screenshots. The game attracted mixed reviews from critics and I don’t know any fellow gamer who played it.
6. Sega Saturn games print ad
An aggressive single-page ad promoting the exclusive games on Sega Saturn.
If you are a game console manufacturer that also owns several game development teams, you really have to promote your hardware and software aggressively. This is exactly what Sega did in the North American market sometime after the embarrassing launch of the Saturn console there. As seen in this print ad, Sega aggressively promoted their Saturn-exclusive games – including their juggernaut Virtua Fighter 2 – to make it clear to their fans (and Saturn console owners) that they are focused to entertain them. The ad also served as Sega’s effort to lure in new gamers and potential Saturn owners given the fact that Virtua Fighter 2, Virtua Cop and Sega Rally Championship were already big arcade hits. As history turned out, the Saturn ended up a commercial disappointment in America but still succeeded in Japan.
7. Galaxian arcade flyer
Have you ever played Galaxian in the arcades?
In September 1979, Namco released Galaxian in the arcades in Japan and it became a big hit there eventually finishing as the nation’s 2nd highest-earning arcade game of the year. Before the year even ended, Namco approached Midway of releasing Galaxian outside of Japan and this led to the game appearing in American arcades in November. Unsurprisingly, Galaxian drew lots of American players and their money which really helped Midway selling 50,000 arcade units in a few years’ time. This arcade flyer from Midway clearly showed what the Galaxian arcade unit looked like and how the controls were physically set up. I like the way the details and images were organized and how the limited page space was put to good use.
8. Heavy Barrel print ad
A really eye-catching and amusing print ad to look at.
Originally released in the arcades by Data East, Heavy Barrel was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990. Similar with Contra and Jackal, this game had a strong military theme and shooting-oriented gameplay complete with missions that instantly reminded players about war. The military aesthetic and the showing of guns are easily the most eye-catching part of this print ad geared towards the NES userbase which had lots of young children among the players. To say the least, Heavy Barrel’s print ad was entertaining to look at.
Author Carlo Carrasco 