Praise and thank the Lord for the latest miracle – the successful rescue of four hostages! Keep on praying to the Lord to support Israel and for their rescue operations for more hostages. Also pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Tag: geek
Man who pretended to be a police officer arrested in Las Piñas City
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, an armed man who pretended to be a police officer got arrested after he threatened a jail officer, 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…
A man who pretended to be a police officer and threatened a jail officer was arrested early Thursday morning in Las Piñas, May 30.
Las Piñas police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Jerome, 45, at around 1:30 a.m. along P. Diego Cera Avenue, Barangay E. Aldana, Las Piñas
Report showed that the suspect blocked the path of a jail officer and identified himself as a police officer.
The victim reportedly demanded for the identification card of the suspect and when he failed to show any, tried to flee on board his motorcycle.
Tafalla said the victim was able to arrest the suspect and call for police assistance. Members of the Zapote police substation immediately responded.
He said members of the Zapote police substation found in the possession of the suspect one .45 caliber pistol and two magazines with 15 live (ammunition).
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 concerned that there could be more troublemakers who will commit the usurpation of authority to threaten or harm others? Does it bother you that some people would go as far as pretending to be police officers and disturb others?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
New Health Center in Barangay BF International-CAA inaugurated
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a new health center in Barangay BF International-CAA was formally inaugurated with Vice Mayor April Aguilar present as the special guest, the City Government announced on social media. This development was described as a significant step in addressing the health needs of the local residents and the broader Las Piñas community.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
On Thursday, May 23rd, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the inauguration of the new CAA-C Health Center in Barangay BF International CAA, a significant development aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the area. City Health Office OIC Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, highlighting the city’s commitment to accessible healthcare.
The new health center offers a comprehensive range of free services, including infant and child immunization, medical consultations, and dental services such as tooth extractions, fluoride treatments, and free dentures. Additionally, it provides pre-natal and post-partum care, tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment, and adolescent mental health and teenage pregnancy counseling.
Other services include STI/HIV screening, management of lifestyle-related diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, cervical screening, and nutrition assessment and counseling. The center also serves as an initial point of care for Green Card or Las Piñas City Health Program (LPCHP) holders and provides referrals for diagnostic laboratory services.
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? Is there a new health center being constructed within your local community right now?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Muntinlupa City Government adds several new ambulances and motorcycles to its fleet
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government added several new ambulances and motorcycles to its fleet with the intention of enhancing public service, 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 distributed 10 new ambulances and 34 motorcycles to barangays and various departments to enhance public service.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the 10 ambulances to all nine barangays in the city and to the Muntinlupa Department of Disaster Reduction and Management to enhance medical and emergency response services.
The ambulances, which feature high-visibility Battenburg designs, are fully equipped with basic life support supplies and equipment, blinkers, and sirens.
“These ambulances will significantly enhance medical response services for our residents,” said Biazon during the turnover ceremony.
He said the Battenburg design is for high visibility, easier identification, and safety.
In addition, the city government also distributed 34 Honda Click 125 motorcycles to various departments, including the Business Permits and Licensing Office, Community Affairs and Development Office, and Colegio de Muntinlupa. The motorcycles are part of an ongoing effort to improve mobility and efficiency in public services.
“These motorcycles will help our offices fulfill their mandates more effectively. Let’s use them properly to better serve our community,” the mayor added.
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 new vehicles distributed by the City Government will improve public service and response time?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
COMELEC eyes prohibition on the use of AI and deepfake technology during 2025 election campaign period
With the next local and national elections set for May 2025, local authorities will have to work harder to preserve election integrity and Philippine democracy itself as more people and even companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology on their projects. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is eyeing a ban on AI and deepfake technology, 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 Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking into prohibiting the use of deepfake technology and artificial Intelligence (AI) during the campaign period for the May 2025 midterm polls.
In an interview Wednesday, Comelec chairman George Garcia said the measure is timely as these technologies might create confusion among voters.
“Maganda mapag-usapan na kung dapat ipagbawal ang paggamit ng AI or deepfakes sa kampanya. Dapat ‘yung makatotohanan na kampanya. Kukumbinsihin ko ang ating Commission en banc na ipagbawal namin sa campaign ang paggamit ng deepfakes at Al sapagkat madami po ang nalilito, misrepresentation, madaming hindi makatotohanan na nangyayari kapag ginagamit po ‘yan (It would be good if we can tackle the ban on the use of AI or deepfakes in election campaign. Campaign should be realistic. I would convince our Commission en bacn to ban the use of deepfakes and AI in election campaign because many are being confused and it can cause misrepresentation. We are veering away from reality if we use these),” he said.
Deepfakes are an advanced form of digital content manipulation through generative AI, where a person in an image or video is swapped with another person’s likeness.
Garcia said personal interactions between poll bets and the electorate is much better than communicating using new techonologies.
“Alam po natin ang (We are aware of) modern technology. Bakit ba hindi? Subalit dapat po, kapag kampanya, ikaw mismo ang nakikita ng sambayanan. Ikaw mismo ang nanliligaw sa kanila. (Why not? But during campaign period, you the candidate should be visible to the people. You should court them personally),” he said.
Garcia, however, said he is open to the ideas of other members of the en banc who would like to allow AI use during campaign.
”Kaya lang sa ating palagay, masyado itong threat sa ating demokrasya, sa tunay na dapat ginagawa kapag halalan at may kampanya (But in my view, this is a big threat to our democracy, to the reality of what should be done during elections and campaign),” he said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that AI and deepfake technology will be abused by people who have cruel intentions to ruin Philippine democracy as we know it? Do you think antagonistic forces like China (which has been in conflict with the Philippines on the sea west of our country) will use AI and deepfake technology to mess with future elections in our country? Are you aware that AI has no soul? Would you vote for candidates who use deepfake technology during the election campaign period?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Japan wins NTT Asia Triathlon ParaTriathlon Asian Championships 2024 gold medals at Subic Bay
Japan won several gold medals across different contests during the NTT Asia Triathlon ParaTriathlon Asian Championships 2024 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this past weekend.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the official release of Triathlon Philippines. Some parts in boldface…
Japan bagged six gold medals in the 2024 NTT Asia Triathlon Para Championships at the Waterfront and Boardwalk inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on June 2.
Tsutomo Nagata ruled the men’s PTS5 category in 1:08:31, while compatriots Takumi Nagata (1:13:25) and Tetsuki Kaji (1:14:59) settled for second and third places, respectively.
Satoru Yoneoka claimed victory in the men’s PTVI, clocking 1:03:53 to beat compatriots Yosuke Yamada (1:04:49) and Junpei Hoshi (1:05:29).
In the women’s PTS2 category, Yukako Hata (1:24:46) defeated fellow Japanese Asumi Yasuda (1:33:58) for the gold medal.
The other gold medalists were Kimura Jumpei (men’s PTWC), Mami Tani (women’s PTS4) and Riyo Kogama (women’s PTS5).
Meanwhile, four-time Paralympian Jiachao Wang of China ruled the men’s PTS4 category in 1:06:39.
Japanese Keiya Kaneko (1:12:30) placed second followed by Filipino Alex Silverio (1:15:55) in the 750m swim (one lap), 20km bike (2 laps) and 5km run (2 laps) competition organized by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and sanctioned by the Asia Triathlon and World Triathlon.
The 32-year-old Wang from Kunming, Yunnan province finished the race trouble-free. His left arm was amputated after an accident when he was five.
“I’m happy to win. This is my first time to compete here, the weather is hot and humid,” said Wang, who won medals in the pool in three Paralympic Games before shifting to triathlon nine years ago.
After making his debut in Athens (2004), he scooped one silver (200m individual medley) and one bronze (400m freestyle) medals in Beijing (2008).
Wang captured the gold medal in the men’s 4x100m medley relay and got two silvers (4x100m individual medley and 4x100m freestyle relay) at the 2012 London Paralympics.
Wang, who placed fourth at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, has completed the World Triathlon Level 2 coach certification course in South Korea last May 23.
Despite his bronze medal performance, Silverio was satisfied.
“I did not expect a podium finish because there are many good athletes in my category,” said the 34-year-old native of Compostela town in Cebu. He continued to train right after winning the gold medal at the Subic Bay International Triathlon last month.
“I am so happy that I was able to get a medal now,” said Silverio, who also joined the 2018 edition of the Asia Triathlon Para Championships in Legazpi City, Albay.
Silverio, a gold medalist at the National Age Group Triathlon last February, is a member of the Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group (TLTG) Go For Gold Philippines team.
In the men’s PTS2 category, Filipino Edison Badilla (1:35:36) defeated compatriot Jake Lacaba (1:41:18).
South Korea’s Kim Hwang Tae (1:27:13) beat Filipino Raul Angoluan (1:31:31) in the men’s PTS3), while Kyrgysztan’s Aitunuk Zhoomart Kyzy (1:21:38) prevailed over compatriot Gulnaz Zhuzbaeva (1:23:25) in the women’s PTVI category of the event sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission, Pinay in Action, Asian Center for Insulation, Gatorade (official hydration), Standard Insurance and Western Guaranty Inc., and partners Subic Bay Travelers Hotel, CM Timing of Jay Cheng and Stat Med ambulance service.
For Philippine triathlon updates, click https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Very strong possibility that the Philippines and Japan will seal defense deal this July
As the respective foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the Philippines will formally meet this July, the signing of a defense deal will most likely happen, according to a Kyodo News report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Thursday that there is a “very strong possibility” for his country and Japan to sign an agreement allowing their defense forces to train in each other’s territories during a meeting involving the two nations’ foreign and defense ministers in July.
In an interview with Kyodo News, Teodoro stated that negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement were nearing conclusion, with no remaining contentious issues. These negotiations commenced in late November, following an agreement earlier that month between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to initiate talks aimed at enhancing security ties.
“It will allow your maritime forces…land (forces) and your air forces to train with us in a different environment (from what) you are used to,” Teodoro said, referring to possible cooperation between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military.
It will be Japan’s first RAA with a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the third following pacts with Australia and Britain, which took effect last year.
Once both countries ratify the RAA, it will enable Japanese forces to participate in the annual large-scale Balikatan military exercise conducted by the Philippines and the United States, he said.
Teodoro, his Japanese counterpart, Minoru Kihara, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa will attend the bilateral security meeting scheduled for July in Manila.
Teodoro said the Philippines and Japan would eventually consider holding talks about a military intelligence-sharing accord called the General Security of Military Information Agreement, which Manila is currently negotiating with Washington.
Japan and the Philippines, both U.S. allies, have been strengthening bilateral defense ties in recent years in response to China’s intensifying provocative activities and territorial claims in the East and South China seas.
The Philippines is deepening its security ties with other like-minded countries such as Australia. In April, the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea, of which China claims almost the entire area as its territory.
In order to “demonstrate to the world freedom of navigation,” Teodoro said his country hopes to conduct naval activities with the three allies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone “as often as possible.”
Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea were invalidated by a 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the anticipated defense deal between Japan and the Philippines will somehow deter China’s aggression on the sea?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Muntinlupa City Government receives donation of bike racks from private entities
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government received a donation of bike racks from the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Dow Chemical Philippines, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government received 25 bike racks from the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Dow Chemical Philippines.
The bike racks, produced by Envirotech Waste Recycling, are completely made from upcycled materials such as styrofoam, bubble wrap and sando bags, and non-recyclable and multi-layer packaging like sachets, candy wrappers, and foil packaging.
About 1,770 kg of plastic waste was recycled to manufacture 55 bike racks with Las Pinas as the other recipient.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon thanked the Makati Business Club and Dow Chemical Philippines for the donation, saying Muntinlupa is also advocating the use of bicycles to lessen carbon emissions as its contribution to the protection of the environment.
“MBC and Dow Chemical collaborated to turn plastic waste into bike racks because of our mutual advocacy for sustainable transport and circular economy,” said MBC chairman Edgar Chua.
“Apart from reducing plastic waste, installing secure bike parking can reduce traffic congestion and help employees bike to work, and those for whom biking is work.”
According to Dow Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand marketing manager Arnold Benitez, “This project reflects Dow’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. By transforming potential pollutants into community benefits, we are significantly reducing waste and promoting a healthier environment.”
He added, “Celebrating Dow Philippines’ 60th anniversary, our ‘Together Towards Tomorrow’ theme emphasizes our dedication to a sustainable future through collaboration and innovation. This milestone highlights our enduring commitment to the Philippines and the importance of working together to achieve our shared goals.”
The Muntinlupa City government turned over 50 kg of plastic waste to support the production of upcycled bike racks, an advocacy that was highlighted by Mayor Biazon.
“Bahagi ito ng pagsulong natin sa circular economy kung saan ang ating waste materials ay nagagamit pa rin natin for other purposes, at nababawasan ang ating pollution sa environment (This is part of our advocacy for circular economy wherein our waste materials can still be used for other purposes and it lessens pollution of the environment),” said Biazon.
The bike racks will be installed at Cupang Health Center, Poblacion Health Center, Schools Division Office, Muntinlupa Business High School, and Victoria Homes Elementary School, benefiting at least 50 cyclists at a time.
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 concerned FLiRT variants of COVID-19 could be detected in the city soon?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Ombudsman suspends controversial Bamban mayor Alice Guo
Remember the raid of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac? Since that happened, the incumbent Bamban mayor Alice Guo became the subject of the senate investigation as there were documents found that linked her with the raided POGO. Now a controversial figure, Guo officially suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for up to six months, according to a GMA Network news report. Two other local government officials were suspended as well.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two other local government officials for up to six months.
This development came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed graft complaints against Guo over her reported involvement with a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her locality.
According to the DILG, the complaints were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman on May 24 and stemmed from the issuance of a permit to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. despite the company failing to complete the requirements and having an expired license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
“Given [the] respondents’ power and authority, there is a strong probability that they may influence witnesses or tamper with any evidence material to the case,” the Ombudsman said in a nine-page order.
Other than Guo, others ordered suspended were Business Permit and Licensing Officer Edwin Ocampo and Municipal Legal Officer Adenn Sigua.
On March 13, authorities raided a 10-hectare area operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc. and found several devices said to be linked to POGO operations. Over 600 Filipinos and foreigners were rescued during the raid.
The complex was previously raided in 2023 when it was operated by Hongsheng Technology Inc., which is now being linked to Guo as she applied for the letter of no objection for the complex’s license to operate.
“The foregoing considered, this Office finds sufficient grounds to preventively suspend Alice Guo, Edwin Ocampo and Adenn Sigua considering: that, there is strong evidence showing their guilt; that the charges against them involves grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best Interest of the service, and gross neglect of duty which may warrant their removal from the service,” the Ombudsman said.
“Their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them,” the Ombudsman added.
Guo, whose nationality as a Filipino is being questioned by lawmakers, was also found to be the incorporator of Baofu Land Development Inc., which owns the land where the complex — home to over 36 buildings, a swimming pool, and luxury cars — is located.
Guo has denied links to the POGO operation.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the suspension of mayor Guo will turn out helpful as the quest for answers continues? Do you think the national government will make adjustments that will restrict POGOs? Do you think mayor Guo is a spy of mainland China? Do you think that the scam hub in Parañaque is linked with the controversial Bamban POGO?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
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
Retro Gaming Ads Blast – Part 10
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.
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. Double Dragon II: The Revenge print ad
The beat-them-up sub-genre of gaming was already popular in the 1980s and one of the most defining game franchises of this type of game was the Double Dragon series which proved to be popular with Nintendo Entertainment System (NES in America) and Family Computer (Famicom in Japan) gamers. As the first game was a very big hit on Nintendo’s consoles, the sequel Double Dragon II: The Revenge was promoted in America with strong confidence on the part of publisher Acclaim that it would become another massive hit. This print ad had a very nice looking comic books-style art that not only captured the concept of the game but also visualized the heroes Billy and Jimmy with enough details to focus on. I can say this was an eye-catching ad.
2. X-Men: Children of the Atom print ad
Developed by Capcom in cooperation with Marvel, X-Men: Children of the Atom was a huge hit in the video arcades and it was not surprising that it got released on the Sega Saturn by Acclaim. Acclaim organized an aggressive promotional campaign by pouncing on the fans’ love and knowledge of the X-Men and the high fun factor of Capcom’s game. What this print ad got wrong, however, was the line “100% direct conversion of the #1 arcade smash!” which was wrong and misleading. In reality, the Sega Saturn version of the game had about one-third of the animation frames cut due to the console’s smaller RAM capacity.
As the years passed by, the Sega Saturn became the more suitable console for home ports of Capcom’s further 2D fighting games as Sony’s PlayStation had even more severe limitations and a graphics processor that was not suitable for 2D graphics. By the end of 2000, Capcom’s 2D fighting games on PlayStation all were inferior to the Sega Saturn versions.
3. Sky Shark NES print ad
Released in Japan as Flying Shark, Sky Shark was released on multiple platforms in 1988 and there was an NES version of it which this particular print ad promoted. The American branch of Taito wisely used positive quotes from media outlets to promote the game while coming up with an engaging text description and displayed NES screenshots. And then there was that very engaging painted cover art that gave this print ad a lot of punch. An effective ad overall.
4. Conflict print ad
There is no denying the fact that the Cold War was a strong influence on arcade games and video games. Titles like Contra, Jackal, Metal Gear, Operation Wolf, Cabal and Rush’n Attack were militaristic games that entertained millions of gamers from the young adults to the little children. In 1990, Vic Tokai released the game Conflict on the NES which had a military theme but an unusual game design composed of digital maps with hexagons in which gamers will play with strategy to win battles. That being said, this print ad’s visual concept was very captivating yet also misleading. If you see how the game is played, you will know what I mean.
5. College Slam print ad
This is one of the more eye-catching print ads I’ve seen due to the artist’s illustration of a basketball with a mouth biting the basketball rim which dominates the space. For the newcomers reading this, College Slam was a basketball video game that was actually a repacked version of the popular NBA Jam with focus on NCAA basketball players. With the biting basketball at the center, it was easily an attraction and the screenshots implemented were larger than usual which easily gave gamers a clear look at what the game looked like. While this print ad is eye-catching, it did not help sell College Slam and there never was a follow-up.
6. Tecmo Super Baseball print ad
Long before it started the Dead or Alive game franchise, Tecmo was once heavily invested in making sports video games. Tecmo Super Baseball was their first American pro baseball video game released for Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis, and it was notable that the publisher secured only the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) which resulted in the game featuring real-life players but the teams had no names and no logos. Regardless, this print ad showed how aggressive Tecmo was in trying to attract consumers’ attention by showing ten screenshots with short text descriptions each. The ad’s write-up boasted realism as well as the promise of gaming quality.
7. The Punisher print ad
In the early 1990s, Capcom and Marvel Comics started their partnership resulting in the releasing of the arcade game The Punisher. Developed by Capcom, the said arcade game became a big hit with gamers as it featured fun gameplay, multiple enemies appearing on screen simultaneously and other fun elements. Unsurprisingly, the game was ported (note: Sculptured Software was the lead developer) to the Sega Genesis with significant downgrades in terms of graphics, sound, enemy variety and other related elements due to technical limitations. That being said, this print ad used detailed art of the Punisher (with Col. Fury in the background) in a clever way to promote the Sega Genesis version while keeping their attention away from the obvious visual downgrades of the two screenshots displayed. The Punisher on Genesis was poorly received.
8. Stargate print ad
Remember the sci-fi movie Stargate (1994)? The film was a surprise box office hit and eventually video game adaptations of it were made for the SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Gear and the GameBoy. This particular print ad, however, showed screenshots of the SNES and Genesis versions which is made obvious with the side-scrolling adventure plus 3D flying sequence (one screenshot showed it). Combined with images sourced from the movie poster plus an insert of the movie in home video format (lower-right corner), this print ad was obviously an aggressive way to promote the film with the post-theatrical business in mind. In case you are wondering, the cinematic Stargate is not related at all with the early 1980s video game (a follow-up to the classic game Defender) of the same name.
9. Aerobiz Supersonic print ad
The airline simulation game Aerobiz Supersonic is a highly addictive and surprisingly fun game that I enjoyed playing on the SNES (read my retro review by clicking here) and strangely enough I first learned about not through its print ad but by reading a preview published by Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) magazine. As for this print ad made by Koei’s American team, this is really odd to look at due to the ad makers’ choice of showing a not-so-attractive flight meal. In contrast to that, the ad makers did a good job describing the game creatively and showed three screenshots that were strategically selected in my view. Having played the game many times, I can say that this print ad is very truthful.
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