Philippines – Page 109 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Justice for APA achieved as son Nelson Antonio found guilty

March 22, 2024September 26, 2024carlocarrasco

On the morning of March 21, 2024 at Branch 274 of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court (RTC), suspect Nelson Antonio was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the September 11, 2013 killing of his father Antonio P. Antonio (also referred to as Tonton and APA) and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua.

As expected, the verdict rendered by the honorable Judge Regina Paz Ramos Chavez drew reactions of happiness and relief from the surviving members of the Antonio family who worked hard to achieve justice for the late APA. In a statement to the journalists who were present, the prosecutor Atty. Carlo Ybañez said that the verdict of guilty beyond reasonable doubt on Nelson Antonio was inevitable as it was clear that their side had many witnesses of the murder that happened in the Antono residence along Concha Cruz Drive, and there was also the fact that the suspect fled and hid overseas to elude justice (note: the charge of parricide was filed in late 2013) for years.

*The promulgation happened in Branch 274 of the Parañaque RTC.*

*Xialen Antonio (daughter of the late Antonio P. Antonio) spoke to the media after the judgment was rendered. With her are the lawyers and her brother Vladimir (2nd from right).*

Atty. Ybañez said they are anticipating the next move of the defense which could possibly be an appeal.

“We thank the entire community, the police and the lawyers who helped us for more than ten years in our pursuit for justice. We also thank the public officials who assisted us,” Xialen Antonio stated.

Xialen also reminded the journalists that a certain TV program aired the case of APA which caused an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the Middle East to recognize Nelson (already in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and contacted the Philippine police attache to the UAE which led to the suspect’s arrest and return to the Philippines. For a detailed look at what happened, click here.

*A group picture of the Antonio family with the lawyers and others supporters who helped with the pursuit of justice for the late APA that last many years.*

For the newcomers reading this, Antonio P. Antonio was a prominent business tycoon and he was one of the most distinguished residents of BF Homes subdivision. APA served as director and president of the old federation United BF Homeowners Association, Inc. (UBFHAI). His sudden departure at age 63 resulted in chaos and uncertainty for the Antonio family. To know more about APA through the 10^th death anniversary remembrance I attended, click here. I also have a 2020 feature article of the late Antonio P. Antonio which you can read by clicking here.

*The late Antonio P. Antonio (1950-2013).*

As of this writing, the news of the verdict is spreading. Justice for APA posted an official update and public statement that viewers can read by clicking here. Already the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) published an online report, so click here.

For more updates, follow Justice for APA at https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforAPA

+++++

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

Bazaar, Mayor’s Gallery and other activities at Las Piñas City Hall set for March 25 and 26, 2024

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that special activities related to the dual celebrations of Las Piñas’ founding and cityhood anniversaries will take place at City Hall on March 25 and 26, 2024, according to the social media post of March 6, 2024.

On March 25, a cultural dance presentation will happen at City Hall at 7AM.

On March 25 and 26, a bazaar will take place at the City Hall Quadrangle starting 8AM up to 5PM. There will be a variety of goods that visitors will find.

On March 26 at 3PM, the unveiling of the Las Piñas City Mayor’s Gallery will take place at the lobby of the Mayor’s Office inside City Hall. At the quadrangle just outside, the Bayan ng Las Piñas one-act play will start at 5PM and last until 7PM. At 6PM, the launch of “Tahanan” will commence.

March 27 is a special non-working day as previously announced by Malacañang Palace recognizing the dual celebrations of the city’s founding and cityhood anniversaries.

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 plan to attend the special activities at Las Piñas City Hall on March 25 and 26? What do you expect to see at the bazaar as well as at the Mayor’s Gallery?

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

+++++

Implementation of ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on major roads of Metro Manila to take effect on April 15, 2024

March 21, 2024March 12, 2024carlocarrasco

It is finally happening with orderly travel and the safety of many others in mind. In relation to the resolution approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the ban on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) on the major roads of Metro Manila will take effect on April 15, 2024, and there will be deputized traffic enforcers to implement it, 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…

Starting April 15, Metro Manila traffic enforcers will start apprehending e-bikes and e-trikes that will be caught travelling along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday, March 11.

At least 19 major thoroughfares were already identified by the MMDA as off-limits to e-bikes and e-trikes but local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila can still add more roads based on the ordinances that they would approve.

The initial MMDA list are C1: Recto Avenue; C2: Pres. Quirino Avenue; C3: Araneta Avenue; C4: EDSA; C5: Katipunan/CP Garcia; C6: Southeast Metro Manila Expressway; R1: Roxas Boulevard; R2: Taft Avenue; R3: Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway); R4: Shaw Boulevard; R5: Ortigas Avenue; R6: Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd; R7: Quezon Ave./Commonwealth Ave; R8: A. Bonifacio Ave.; R9: Rizal Ave.; R10: Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway; Elliptical Road; Mindanao Avenue; and Marcos Highway.

These are the major thoroughfares that are under the jurisdiction of the MMDA.

MMDA chairman Don Artes said the April 15 date would be an ideal start of the enforcement as it would give them more time to conduct aggressive information dissemination drives, especially to e-bikes and e-trikes owners and users.

The enforcement against e-bikes and e-trikes is based on the Metro Manila Council (MMC) Resolution 2024-022 that was approved by all NCR mayors in a bid to regulate the e-vehicles amid mounting concerns on road safety.

“The IRR (implementing Rules and Regulations) of the MMC Resolution will be released before April 15, and before April 15 we want to have a minimum of 15 days before effectivity for information drive before we implement this,” said Artes.

He explained that the April 15 date is what was stipulated in the MMC Resolution as the start of the implementation.

The MMDA held on Monday a consultation with various stakeholders in connection with the MMC Resolution and it was during the dialogue that various considerations were raised by some stakeholders.

One of that considerations, according to Artes, is the classification of the e-bikes and e-trikes and the areas where they will still be allowed.

For instance, pedal-assist e-bikes will still be allowed on major thoroughfares provided that they stay on the designated bike lanes.

The MMC and the MMDA agreed to regulate e-bikes and e-trikes amid the rising cases of road accidents in the past few years.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that all drivers of e-bikes and e-trikes must be required to have licenses in order to drive? Do you want to see all e-bikes and e-trikes get registered with the local authorities before they could be used on the roads? Did you see any e-bike or e-trike driver driving recklessly over the past two weeks?

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

+++++

COMELEC wants credible 2025 National and Local Elections, will enforce law against those who commit poll sabotage

March 20, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Now that the P17.99 billion contract with new provider Miru Systems has been signed, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it aims to ensure the integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections and they will not hesitate to apply the full extent of the law against those who intend to commit irregularities and poll sabotage, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday warned it would not hesitate to apply the full extent of the law to those who are out to jeopardize the country’s electoral process.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia issued the warning during the signing of the contract for the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project with officials of South Korean firm Miru Systems Inc., headed by president Jinbok Chung, its service provider for the next polls.

Garcia said electoral sabotage is a non-bailable offense and can be meted with a penalty of life imprisonment under Republic Act 9369 or the Election Automation Law of 2007.

He also warned Miru and its Filipino partners against politicians and political parties who might approach them to rig the polls.

“Inemphasize ko sa kanila, kung kaya nyo gawin yan, huwag na huwag nyo gawin yan under the present leadership of this Commission. We want ang pinaka maayos na elections, credible, pinaka pinagkakatiwalaan election ng 2025. Sabi ko kung gusto nyo pa mag participate sa mga susunod na procurement ng Comelec, ayusin nyo 2025 elections (I emphasized to them ‘if you can do that, never do that under the present leadership of the commission. We want the 2025 elections to be most organized, credible and reliable. I told them, ‘if your want to participate in future procurements of the Comelec, make sure that the 2025 elections would be smooth),” he added on the sidelines of the signing rites.

The poll body chief also said Miru must prove to Filipinos that it deserves to bag the poll automation deal by establishing a highly credible and transparent system.

At the same time, Garcia acknowledged the support of the South Korean government for the poll automation project.

“We are pleased with the presence of the South Korean ambassador (Lee Sang-hwa) because it proves that he is supportive of this endeavor and we can trust the company that we have as partners simply because the government of Korea is very supportive of this endeavor,” he said.

Hackers – Garcia, meanwhile, said they are coordinating with law enforcement authorities against hackers who might manipulate the polls.

“Sumulat na kami sa National Bureau of Investigation asking for assistance para maaresto or mapigilan mga taong ito. So siguro napreempt na kanilang plano (We have sent a request to the NBI asking them to arrest or prevent these people from carrying out their illegal acts. I think their plans were preempted),” he said.

The poll body is looking to start the customization of the automated counting machines (ACMs) next month. Garcia said this customization process usually takes six months.

“If we can have it shortened, it would be better. But in our experience, it’s really six months. If we start by April, six months from April. We have two months for international certification and one month for source code review,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chung vowed they would comply with the rules set by the Philippine government.

“Our goal is also to build up our company and to expand and we’re looking towards the future. We will not do anything that will jeopardize our future and also the election process of the Philippines. We promise, we can guarantee that we will be transparent all throughout the process. We will abide by the rules of the Comelec, of this nation,” Chung said in Korean and was translated to English by Miru overseas sales representative Jason Lee.

Under the contract, the joint venture (JV) of Miru Systems Co Ltd, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. (MIRU-ICS-STCC-CPSTI) will provide 110,000 ACMs, ballot boxes; laptop and printer; and ballots.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will remain laser focused on doing its part in the contract and help the COMELEC preserve the integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections? Do you think Miru Systems will do a better and more efficient job than Smartmatic?

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

+++++

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

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more water tanks around the city that could explode somehow and cause damage?

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

+++++

COMELEC and Miru Systems sign P17.99 billion contract for 2025 automated poll system

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Once the 2025 National and Local Elections here in the Philippines finally happen, expect to see some differences when voting as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and new provider Miru Systems Company Limited signed the P17.99 billion contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) related to the said polls, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections and South Korean company Miru Systems Company Limited on Monday signed the contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) for the 2025 national and local elections.

The P17.99-billion contract will cover around 110,000 machines and peripherals including ballot boxes, laptops, and other printing requirements for the 2025 elections.

Miru is joined by Integrated Computer Systems and St. Timothy Construction Corporation and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. in the joint venture for the Comelec procurement.

The signing was led by Comelec Chairman George Garcia, Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay, and Miru President Chung Jin Bok.

This came more than two weeks after Comelec announced that it awarded the contract to Miru, the lone bidder for the procurement.

Lawmakers, election watchdogs, and other groups earlier expressed concern and called on the Comelec to stay vigilant and review Miru’s track record.

But, Miru Systems said the allegations of election failures due to its technology were false.

For perspective about allegations of Miru Systems, click here. The company itself has stated that allegations against them related to elections in Iraq and Congo were false and you can read about that by clicking here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to the requirements of the contract and prove helpful in the 2025 National and Local Elections?

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

+++++

Over 1.2 million international tourist arrivals in the Philippines counted (January 1 to March 5, 2024)

March 18, 2024March 7, 2024carlocarrasco

If the newest data about the 1.2 million international tourist arrivals released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the period of January 1 to March 5, 2024, is indeed true and accurate, then it looks like achieving the 7.7 million international tourist arrivals target for the Philippines for 2024 is doable. The DOT recently announced that that 1,227,815 international tourist arrivals (which includes both foreign tourists and Filipinos based overseas) were counted during the first 65 days of the year, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines is off to a good start in reaching its year-end arrival target after getting 1.2 million foreign visitors in the first two months of 2024 alone, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported Thursday.

As of March 5, international tourist arrivals to the Philippines have tallied 1,227,815.

Foreign tourist arrivals took the lion’s share with 1,160,129 or 94.49 percent while overseas Filipinos make up the remaining 67,686.

Speaking at the Philippine Pavilion at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) 2024 Convention in Germany, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said this is 22.86 percent higher than the 999,390 arrivals received by the country in the same period in 2023.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude first to all our Philippine sellers who continue to champion Philippine tourism. As of today (March 5), the Philippines has received over 1.2 million international visitors, a robust indication of the future of Philippine tourism. Cheers to all the reasons to celebrate and Love the Philippines,” she said.

South Korea remains the country’s top source market for visitors, with 349,956 or 28.50 percent of the total, followed by the United States with 195,603 (15.93 percent), China with 85,876 (6.99 percent), Japan with 73,159 (5.96 percent), and Canada landing in the fifth spot with 50,555 (4.12 percent).

Australia took the sixth spot with 50,488 (4.11 percent), Taiwan with 42,955 (3.50 percent), the United Kingdom with 30,507 (2.48 percent), Singapore with 25,253 (2.06 percent), and Germany with 20,816 (1.70 percent).

In January, the country’s visitor receipts also grew by 4.84 percent to USD652.26 million from the USD622.14 million recorded in the same month last year.

By doing the math, 1,227,815 international tourist arrivals divided by the first 65 days of 2024 is equivalent to 18,889.46 per day. Multiply that by 366 days for 2024 (a leap year), the total would be 6,913,542 which is several hundreds of thousands of international tourist arrivals short of the declared target. The DOT and the rest of tourism industry’s stakeholders still have lots of work to do to ensure that more than enough visitors from overseas will come into the country and add to the nation’s economy. It should be remembered that the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and China Banking Corp. found the nation’s Philippine tourism recovery still lacking.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development? Do you think the reforms and initiatives the Department of Tourism (DOT) executed last year are generating positive results right now? Did you notice the lack of Arab nations among the top markets of international visitors the DOT declared? Do you think there is enough momentum and time for the Philippines to be able to attract 7,700,000 international tourist arrivals by the end of the year?

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

+++++

Over 700 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas

March 18, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred senior citizens got vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas, the City Government announced through social media on March 7, 2024.

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

The City Health Office of Las Piñas successfully conducted the final leg of its series of pneumonia vaccination drives for senior citizens at the Robinsons Place Las Piñas on Saturday, March 2nd.

The drive saw the vaccination of over 700 senior citizens, protecting their vulnerable population from pneumonia, a leading cause of morbidity among the elderly.

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 many senior citizens in your local community who managed to get vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas? Are you hoping that the City Government will conduct another pneumonia vaccination drive?

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

+++++

FDA working with BIR to make medicine more affordable for senior citizens

March 18, 2024March 17, 2024carlocarrasco

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are working together to cut the prices of medicine for senior citizens by means of exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). It should be noted that previously President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., ordered the FDA to implement a 20 percent discount and VAT exemption for senior citizens under RA 9994 or Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to bring down prices of medicines for senior citizens through exemption from value-added tax (VAT).

FDA Director General Samuel Zacate said the exemption of VAT coverage will be through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) or Republic Act (RA) No. 11534.

“Basically, the exemption for VAT is through a law – iyong (the) CREATE Law. So, those medicines have been declared by the FDA, endorsed to the BIR para matanggal or mawala iyong kanilang (to remove) VAT,” Zacate said in a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday.

RA 11534 provides VAT exemption to certain medicines for hypertension, cancer, mental illnesses, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol, as well as Covid-19 drugs and medical devices.

Pursuant to the CREATE law, Zacate said the FDA is directed to identify and transmit the list of approved medicines for VAT exemption to other implementing agencies, such as the BIR.

“Basically…we only endorse it to the BIR kasi kami po iyong nagdi-determine kung ano, para saan talaga iyong gamot. So, FDA ang magsasabi, kung papaano iyong mekanismo, kung paano tatanggalin iyong gamot (because we are the ones who determine what, what your medicine is really for. So, FDA will say, how your mechanism, how to withdraw your drug). So, it’s a joint process po of the FDA and the BIR,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Are there lots of senior citizens in your local community who are aware of this development?

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

+++++

A Look Back at Charlemagne #1 (1994)

March 15, 2024March 6, 2024carlocarrasco

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, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1990s to explore a part of Defiant Comics through the Charlemagne series.

For the newcomers reading this, Defiant Comics was a comic book publisher founded by former Marvel Comics and Valiant editor-in-chief Jim Shooter. Defiant was established as a result of Shooter’s departure from Valiant and there were even some creators from the previous company who joined him as staffers in the new company. Defiant’s initial titles were Warriors of Plasm, The Good Guys and Dark Dominion. Charlemagne was part of the second wave of titles launched.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Charlemagne #1, published in 1994 by Defiant Comics with a story plotted by Jim Shooter, Philip Nutman, Adam Pollina, Deborah Purcell and D.G. Chester, written by Chester and drawn by Pollina.

Early story

The story begins in 1973 in the state of Kentucky. 12-year-old boy Charles has been feeling uneasy since it was reported that his older brother Pete serving in Vietnam has been missing-in-action. The father tries to comfort Charles who responds by asking him if he read Pete’s letters. By reading the letters, Charles paid attention to the details that described Vietnam and he even felt like was he was there. The young boy feels like he could find his missing brother.

A short time later as he and his father play baseball pitching outside, an important telephone call was received by the mother. It was Major Forney from the Pentagon searching for the father to give him updates about his missing son in Vietnam. It turns out the reports from Hanoi did not list Pete among the prisoners held there and chances on finding him are very slim. The father refused to accept his son’s status.

After hearing his father’s phone talk with the major, Charles refuses to believe his brother’s dead and immediately goes up to his room and starts preparing for a daring, solo travel to Vietnam…

Quality

*Incredibly, Charles travels from America to the Philippines by air, then to Vietnam by ship. How he got past security is beyond me.*

If there is anything that would best describe the story of this comic book, it is a pretty enduring tale that moved with a slow-to-medium pace. That’s not to say it is not worth following. In fact, the narrative the writers came up with is quite gripping and as it flows on, you will really get to know the protagonist Charles and witness how his personality develops as he pushes through with his very daring pursuit of his missing brother in the middle of Vietnam.

Indeed, there is a superhero element in this story and the way it was emphasized by the creative team is actually unusual and experimental. The most defining element of Charles’ character is his uncompromising determination to find his older brother no matter what the odds. Without spoiling the plot, I can say that the superhero elements of Charles develop late in the story and the way they were presented is truly intriguing.

Of course, there are some questionable things about the story. Charles’ solo journey (note: he ran away from his parents at home leaving a letter) from America going into Vietnam as a young boy undetected is already unbelievable. His unrelenting search in Vietnam that lasted not days but actually a few years is even more unbelievable. These raises questions as to how much money did the young boy have to support himself with, and where did he stay to rest during the few years he spent in the Southeast Asian nation ravaged by war. If anything, this tale comes with a strong element of fantasy made to look like it happened during the Vietnam War.

Apart from Charles, there are a few supporting characters who happen to be interesting to focus on. Through the one Vietnamese support character – the doctor – you will get to see certain aspects of local society as well as the American and Communist Vietnam sides.

Conclusion

*Charles experiences a taste of luxury in Vietnam.*

Charlemagne #1 (1994) is ultimately an engaging and pretty intriguing read. This comic book’s superhero elements and spectacle are pretty light but the build-up of Charles (and his development into Charlemagne) is quite powerful to read. This tale turns out to be an origin story of Charlemagne and you will realize that when you read it from start to finish. Considering how this comic book turned out, I’m convinced to find out more in the next issue.

Overall, Charlemagne #1 (1994) is recommended.

+++++

	ZZ Bottom on A Summer PAWradise Awaits in L…
	ZZ Bottom on A Summer PAWradise Awaits in L…
	FediBoard Travel on Expansion Contract Worth Almos…
	#blogpost on A Summer PAWradise Awaits in L…
	#blogpost on Summer Swimming Lessons 2026 A…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: