It’s all systems for the 2025 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT)opening race which will be held this weekend at the Subic Boardwalk inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Day 1 (January 25, Saturday) of the swim-bike-run event organized by the Triathlon Philipines headed by Tom Carrasco features the Super Tri Kids boys and girls (6 and under, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12) and the U15 (Youth) men and women (13-15 years old) categories.
In Day 2 (January 26, Sunday) are the Elite/Junior men and women; Para Triathlon men; Sprint Age Group men and women (16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59) and 60 and over for men only; Sprint Age Group men and women (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49); 50 and over (women); 50-54, 55-59 and 60 and over (men); and Standard Team Relay (men, women and mixed) categories.
The race distances are Sprint Elite, Junior Elite, Para, and Age Group (750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run); Youth 13-15 (500m swim, 10km bike and 2km run); and Standard Age Group/Team Relay (1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run).
In the Super Tri Kids division, the race distances are 50m swim-1km bike-400m run (6 years and under); 100m swim-2km bike-800m run (7-8 years old); 200m swim-6km bike-1km run (9-10 years old); and 400m swim-8km bike-2km run (11-12 years old).
The NAGT is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Milo, Standard Insurance, LeGarde, Gatorade, Asia Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc. and Fitbar.
Event partners are Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, RaceYa, Stat Med and MTiming.
Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended twelve Chinese nationals and five locals for alleged scamming operations and an attempt of bribery, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Twelve Chinese nationals and five Filipinos were arrested for alleged scamming operations and attempted bribery, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) bared Tuesday.
The foreigners were arrested in an operation on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Rance Corporate Center Aseana City in Tambo, Paranaque City for alleged violation of the Philippine Immigration Act.
During the operation, NBI personnel found “romance or love scam scripts, messaging applications with fictitious accounts, bank accounts, and fraudulent cryptocurrency scams, and fake investment schemes.”
The discovery resulted in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals namely: Xu Chao, Meng Wei Shi, Xing Chao, Qin Hai Feng, Li Xiang Hua, Zhang Wei, Wang Qin Xiang, Wang Jia Fa, Jiang Qi Long, Luo Shang Fen, Qixin Wang, and Chen Jiang Song.
The NBI said while the operatives were preparing to return to headquarters with the arrested subjects, a certain Ezechiel Bernales volunteered to come with them, claiming that he is the suspects’ official interpreter.
Bernales allegedly told the NBI operatives that Wang Qin Xiang and Qixin Wang were offering to pay PHP300,000 for the release of each arrested individual or a total of PHP3,600,000.
An entrapment operation was then conducted at the parking lot of the NBI office in Pasay City on Jan. 10 resulting in the arrest of Bernales and four others, namely: Robustiano Hizon, John Abunda Villanueva, Kristoffer Habelito Baguna, and Hanif Bautil.
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 still be a lot more Chinese nationals secretly conducting scam operations? Who do you think could be the mastermind behind the bribery attempt? Are you thankful that the NBI arrested the suspects?
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
Last November, Donald Trump pulled off the greatest American comeback ever by winning the US Presidential Election again. A few days ago, the inauguration in Washington, DC, took place indoors and Trump formally returned as US President (starting his non-consecutive 2nd term). Indeed, the craziness and wickedness of the Biden-Harris administration has ended much to the relief of the many Americans who suffered over the previous four years (the lost years).
For insight, watch the selected YouTube videos below…
To read the content of President Trump’s 2025 inaugural address, click here.
Trump did not just return to the Oval Office. He really accelerated the start of his 2nd term by signing so many executive orders (EOs), proclamations, memoranda and executive actions to initiate serious reforms with improvements, prosperity and common sense in mind. Think very carefully about all the woke garbage, all the blunders and all the nonsense left behind by Joe Biden and the demonic Democrats. President Trump is reversing the Biden standards to make America great again while also fulfilling the promises he made to the people with regards to policy.
The early presidential actions done by Trump is all about making America better in many ways. This is about change that people can really believe in. American citizens are meant to be prioritized, the national sovereignty is meant to be protected, while the illegal immigrants are meant to be deported. Common sense, not the wicked DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and not the disease called wokeness, should be the standard when it comes to education, corporate ethics and the labor force.
Democrats and woke mob can shout and cry all they want, but President Trump’s mission is to make America great again and that means restoring sanity, common sense and meritocracy around the nation.
Overseas, America’s enemies are already feeling intimidated by Trump’s return. The terrorist state of Iran knows that a reinvigorated Israel-America alliance will cripple them severely. The renewed Israel-America alliance involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu collaborating with President Trump could potentially change the Middle East in the near future.
Thank the Lord for the return of President Trump.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you delighted to see the return of Donald Trump as the President of the United States? Do you believe that the many executive orders Trump signed on his first day will result in reforms? Are you convinced that the woke influence on America will significantly fade away as Trump restores sanity and common sense around the country?
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 Popcorn in Bed reacts to An Officer and a Gentleman – Released in 1982, An Officer and a Gentleman is a romantic drama film with a militaristic flavor showing a young Richard Gere and Louise Gosset, Jr., in a very memorable role. Some parts of the movie were filmed on location here in my native Philippines. While I am not exactly a fan of the movie, I can say that it still has some shining moments as well as some memorable dramatic scenes. Recently, YouTuber Popcorn in Bed posted its reaction video of the movie, and I can say it is worth watching.
#2When hackers made ATMs release so much money – Recently, YouTuber fern published a new video explaining a certain financial crime that resulted in physical activities that was hard to imagine – automatic teller machines (ATMs) shooting out multiple bills of cash for thieves to collect. What happened, what can financial institutions do to prevent their system from getting hacked, and how the events turned out are explained in detail by fern.
#3 Criterion Collection shows how to restore and remaster very old films – The Criterion Collection (AKA Criterion) is a company that specializes on licensing, restoring and releasing selected films that movie buffs, fans and new film enthusiasts could enjoy. I myself own the Criterion Blu-ray discs of The Blob (1958) and Gojira, and I can say that the company did a great job restoring the said films while adding stuff for collectors and fans to enjoy. When it comes to restoring decades-old films and making them presentable with quality in mind, Criterion really works hard and you can learn a lot from them by watching the videos below.
#4 VKunia reacts to Man of Steel – Do you movie fans enjoy watching Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel? The 2013 Superman movie remains divisive among fans and superhero movie enthusiasts to this day. I’ve seen the movie many times from the local cinemas to my Blu-ray copy, and I can say it truly is a mixed bag when it comes to providing viewers fun and defining Superman in the 21st century. Still, there is a chance that the Man of Steel reaction video by YouTuber VKunia could spark your interest in the film as well as in Zack Snyder’s visceral vision of DC Comics superheroes. I encourage you to watch her reaction video below.
#5 Commie Kamala Harris proves herself pathetic yet again during California wildfire briefing – By the time you are reading this, Donald Trump has officially returned as United States President. That being said, even during times of disaster, the defeated Commie Kamala Harris proved to be pathetic and worthless during the recent briefing about the wildfire in California. She is so pathetic and worthless, Harris proved she is not trustworthy. Imagine all the amounts of American taxpayers’ money that got wasted by Harris during her 4 years as US Vice President.
#6 Battlezone revisited – Released by Atari in 1980, Battlezone was a groundbreaking game both visually and with game design. It gave gamers an immersive experience of driving a tank with 3D graphics, fun gameplay and a first-person view. If you wish to learn about the history of Battlezone, who the creators were and how were they able to produce the game, watch the video of gaming history expert PatmanQC.
#7 Minty Comedic Arts and the 1980s – I really enjoy watching the videos of Minty Comedic Arts. His series of “10 things you didn’t know about…” videos on pop culture (mostly movies) is fun to watch and he often entertains with his delivery of trivia information. In recent times, he posted trivia videos about certain films from the 1980s – each one being memorable in their own ways – namely Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Club, The Blue Brothers, Beverly Hills Cop and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Watch Minty’s videos now!
#8 The failure of Segway remembered – Remember decades ago when the Segway was first launched and heavily featured through the media? Invented by Dean Kamen, the Segway was a 2-wheeled personal transporter which was released looking fantastic but ended up as a failure. The Segway also ended up looking very bad in media reports about accidents with it. To find out what led to the Segway’s debut and how it failed, watch the video below.
#9 GoodBadFlicks examines five major flops – When it comes to movies that failed miserably, were those really terrible to watch or were they actually decent productions that failed to attract enough moviegoers? There are factors as to why movies fail. There are films that generated so much negative press, the moviegoers were convinced to avoid them. There are movies that were really badly made and there are others that got promoted or distributed very poorly. GoodBadFlicks recently post a video examining five major flops and it might convince you to watch The 13th Warrior, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Titan A.E., The Chronicles of Riddick and Cutthroat Island.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
Despite the nationwide ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), 29 foreigners, including the alleged Chinese boss, were arrested after authorities raided a guerilla operation inside a resort in Silang, Cavite.
According to John Consulta’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) first discovered the illegal operation of the POGO and shared the information with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
“Mayroong confidential informant na nagpunta sa office, na sinabi niya na may kakaibang nangyayari na doon sa resort, may mga nagda-drop na mga Chinese,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel J Gatdula, CIDG Cavite chief.
(There was a confidential informant who went to the office and said that there’s something sketchy happening at the resort as there were Chinese people dropping by.)
While most of those who were arrested are Chinese, six others are citizens of Myanmar. A Chinese man who was alleged to be the boss denied the accusations.
“No, no boss,” he said.
CIDG Cavite said the POGO workers arrived at the resort last December. They were using laptops instead of desktop computers, with each person using a mobile WiFi instead of an internet router.
Authorities confiscated electronic equipment that were allegedly used for scamming activities.
“Ito yung sinasabi nating nagtatago sa mga resorts, sa mga apartments […] Sa harap pa lang makikita mo na mayroong mga transaction ng cryptocurrency scam,” said PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.
(This is what we have been saying that they could hide in resorts or in apartments […] You can even notice at the facade that they were cryptocurrency scam transactions happening.)
“Dapat wala na sila dito. Kung may mga passports ‘yan, dapat tourist passports lang sila,” he added.
(They should no longer be here. If they have passports, it should be tourist passports.)
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any suspicious activities happening within your local community? Do you think there could be a lot more POGO-related operations happening inside resorts around the country? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now?
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, local police officers arrested three “Akyat Bahay” gang members who broke into a house along El Grande Avenue and robbed it of valuables, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened within the jurisdiction of Barangay BF International-CAA and the suspects were caught hiding in the house ceiling.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Three members of “Akyat Bahay” gang were caught by members of the Las Piñas City Police hiding in the ceiling of the house they robbed of valuable items on Jan. 7.
Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as alias “Anthony,” 24; alias “Andrei,” 21; and alias “Paul,” 19, all residents of Parañaque City.
They were apprehended at around 3:00 p.m. at a house on El Grande Avenue in Barangay BF International/CAA Las Piñas City.
Tafalla said the victim, identified as alias “Ernesto,”67, visited his house and discovered that it was ransacked, prompting him to immediately report the incident to the police.
He said the suspects were found hiding in the ceiling of the house of the victim during the investigation by responding policemen, village security personnel and barangay officials.
The victim claimed that his 42-inch Sony flat-screen TV worth P60,000, a 43-inch Devant flat-screen TV worth P50,000, and a Mac computer valued at P100,000 were stolen and not recovered. Tafalla said an air conditioning unit worth P70,000 was recovered at the scene.
He said the suspects also damaged a circuit breaker worth P120,000.00, the ceiling worth P50,000, and floor tiles and sliding door each valued at P50,000.
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? Was there an Akyat Bahay incident that happened in your local community over the past six months? Do you own a home that got robbed?
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 water concessionaire Maynilad announced that its P4.84 billion water reclamation facility (WRF) in Las Piñas City is progressing with its construction and should start operating in July 2026. The said facility is located in Barangay Almanza Uno.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the press release of Maynilad. Some parts in boldface…
West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is making progress on its Php4.84-billion Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Las Piñas City, a vital project aimed at expanding wastewater services and contributing to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
Now 33% complete, the Las Piñas WRF is slated to begin operations by July 2026. Once operational, it will treat up to 88 million liters of wastewater per day, serving approximately 360,000 residents across 20 barangays in Las Piñas City. Treated wastewater from this facility will be safely discharged into the Zapote River, which flows into Manila Bay, helping to reduce pollution and improve water quality.
Strategically located in Barangay Pamplona Uno, the Las Piñas WRF will utilize advanced Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic (A2O) technology to effectively remove pollutants. The facility is designed to meet the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08), as mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“Our construction timeline was unfortunately delayed by pandemic restrictions in 2020, but we resumed work in 2023 with renewed focus. This project reinforces our commitment to providing reliable wastewater services for our customers and easing the pollution burden on Manila Bay,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.
The Las Piñas WRF is part of Maynilad’s larger program to accelerate the rollout of sewerage and sanitation services in Metro Manila. The project is financed through a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the water reclamation facility will be completed in time to start operations in July 2026?
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
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 20th century pop culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1990s to take a close look at the launch issue of the comic book series that was an adaptation of the WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams animated series.
To put things into perspective, Jim Lee and several creators left Marvel Comics to establish Image Comics. In 1992, Lee launched his creator-owned project WildC.A.T.s: Covert Action Teams #1 which also was a part of the creative foundation of the WildStorm universe. Just a little over two years later, an animated series of WildC.A.T.S. was launched on TV. Similar to what Marvel Comics did in relation to adapting stories of the X-Men animated series, Image Comics launched a comic book series based on the WildC.A.T.S. animated series.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at WildC.A.T.s Adventures #1, published in 1994 by Image Comics with a story written by Jeff Mariotte (adapting the animated story by David Wise) and drawn by Ty Templeton.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins one night inside an office where Reno Bryce (Warblade) works obsessively on a circuit board. He is surrounded by the technology he knows and loves. As he works, three armed men wearing coats and hats enter his office and ask him for his identity. One of the men grabs a circuit board and destroys it, which triggers Reno to react with violence.
Knowing he is outnumbered, he quickly runs out of the office for safety. He heard one of the men referred to him as a crossbreed whelp. As soon as he finally leaves the building, Reno sees the WildCATS team composed of Grifter, Spartan, Zealot, Voodoo and Maul. Thinking that the WildCATS are out to kill him like the armed men, Reno keeps on running away.
Suddenly, a group of people are rushing towards the WildCATs. Powered with the Sight, Voodoo realizes that the mob is composed of Daemonites disguised as humans. The WildCATs and the mob engage in battle.
From high above, Reno see the battle happening. Suddenly, the three armed men appeared behind him telling him that he has no escape from them…
Quality
Reno Bryce still adjusting to his new form as Warblade.
Having seen the first episode myself, I can say that this comic book is actually a faithful adaptation and the creative team did their jobs well.
As an alternate introductory story of the WildCATs, this one obviously has the violence and visceral essence of the comic book series toned down due to the fact that the animated series was made with a younger audience in mind. There is still plenty of action here and the creative team’s focus on telling the story was consistently strong.
Within one story, the creative teams of both the animated episode and this comic book succeeded in gradually emphasizing the lore of WildCATS which had strong sci-fi elements (example: the long conflict between the Kherubim and the Daemonites), introducing the characters and the super villain, showcase the capabilities of the characters, emphasizing the purposes of each side, and having Reno Bryce as the newcomer who is about to discover his real role in the conflict (which reminds me of Jubilee in the opening episode of the X-Men animated series).
Conclusion
Ty Templeton’s art is nice to look at and he captured the essence of the animated episode. The WildCATS themselves are easily recognizable.
Like its animated source, WildC.A.T.s Adventures #1 (1994) is enjoyable and the creators did a very good job translating the story and essence from animation into literary format. Having read the Jim Lee-drawn issue #1 of 1992, this one worked well as an alternate introduction of the WildCATS and their conflict with the Daemonites. Like the animated TV episode, the presentation was done in a wholesome manner without ever becoming childish. I can say that there is still enough good stuff of WildCATS to enjoy here, and the characters are recognizable (both in looks and portrayals). Right now, I’m looking forward to reading the next issue.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the newly certified IT (information technology) sector One Townsquare Place is about to receive a major investment of P500 million from an IT and business process management (IT-BPM) firm, according to a BusinessWorld news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…
AN information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) company is set to invest P500 million in One Townsquare Place, a recently proclaimed IT Center in Las Piñas City, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said.
“The fully built IT Center will host companies in various IT-BPM services, with one prospective locator expected to employ more than 500 Filipinos and invest more than P500 million,” PEZA said in a statement on Wednesday.
On Dec. 20, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued Proclamation No. 765, which designated around 3,729 square meters of land in barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City, as an IT Center.
“The approval of this new ecozone will boost Las Piñas City’s growth and employment in the National Capital Region,” PEZA said.
According to PEZA, the construction of the IT Center cost P1 billion. It has been fully developed since 2017.
Including IT Center, 28 economic zones (ecozones) have been proclaimed during the administration of Mr. Marcos. Eleven ecozones were proclaimed in 2023, while 17 were proclaimed last year.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the P500 million investment into the IT center will make an impact on Las Piñas’ economy this year? Are you hoping that more IT firms will open new offices at the One Townsquare Place?
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
Very recently in Parañaque City, thirty-two foreign nationals were arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their involvement with clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), 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…
A joint Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operation netted 32 foreign nationals found to be working for clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in Parañaque City on Friday night.
BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. reported that the foreigners were involved in online gaming and scamming operations in a building in Aseana City, a mixed-use central business district. The operation nabbed 20 Chinese, 11 Malaysians and a Cambodian.
“Let this be a warning to foreign nationals who blatantly continue illegal operations despite the ban of the President,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a news release on Saturday. “We will not stop until all illegal aliens are arrested and deported.”
The BI said more arrests and deportations are expected as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had already banned POGO operations in July 2024.
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 still be many illegal POGO operations being done secretly? Why do you think Parañaque is such a hot spot for illegal POGO operations as well as criminal activities involving foreigners? Do you believe that there are thousands of illegal aliens living and working discreetly 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
