Tag: press release

COVID-19 Crisis: Gamaleya Center’s preliminary study shows Sputnik vaccines are effective against Omicron variant

COVID-19 Crisis: Gamaleya Center’s preliminary study shows Sputnik vaccines are effective against Omicron variant

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Have you been inoculated with the vaccine of Sputnik V or Sputnik Light before? In case you missed the news, the people behind the Russian vaccines made some profound announcements in relation to the Omicron variant which continues to infect a lot of people in many parts of the world (note: a 3rd Omicron case has just been confirmed here in the Philippines). Also revealed were comparisons with other brands of COVID-19 vaccines.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the first of two excerpts from the official press release published on the Sputnik Vaccine website. Some parts in boldface…

Moscow, December 17, 2021 – A preliminary laboratory study conducted by the Gamaleya Center has demonstrated that the Sputnik V vaccine and the one-shot Sputnik Light booster (based on human adenovirus serotype 26, the first component of Sputnik V) are effective against Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of COVID, providing for better protection when compared to other vaccines.

Heterologous boosting with Sputnik Light is the solution to increase other vaccines’ efficacy, including against Omicron, and extend the booster protection period.

Sputnik Light as a booster significantly increases virus neutralizing activity against Omicron based on sera 2-3 months after revaccination and is a universal booster to other vaccines inducing stronger antibody and T-cell response.

Efficacy of mRNA vaccines has proven to be waning, demonstrated by a number of scientific publications. A Swedish study in The Lancet journal [4] has shown that Pfizer vaccine’s efficacy against Delta is falling to 47% after 4 months, to 29% after 6 months and to 23% after 7 months. The recent study in US among 65+ years olds demonstrated the decrease in mRNA vaccine effectiveness accelerating against Delta after month 4, reaching a low of approximately 20% in months 5 through 7 [5].

Recognizing the waning efficacy of mRNA vaccines, EU, UK, Greece, South Korea and other countries have recommended reducing the boosting period from 6 to 3 months.

Sputnik Light booster is recommended to strengthen efficacy of vaccines against Omicron. Boosting by Sputnik Light as well as heterologous boosting can strengthen and lengthen the quickly waning efficacy of many vaccines in light of combined Delta and Omicron challenge.

Sputnik Light has already been registered in more than 20 countries as a standalone vaccine and a universal booster to other vaccines helping to increase their efficacy (including in Argentina, UAE, Bahrain, Philippines, and San Marino). Sputnik V has been authorized in 71 countries with total population of over 4 billion people.

Sputnik Light has already shown strong results used as a booster in mix & match trials in Argentina. A combination of Sputnik Light with vaccines produced by AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna and Cansino, conducted in 5 provinces (City and Province of Buenos Aires, as well as Córdoba, La Rioja and San Luis) has demonstrated that Sputnik Light induces stronger antibody and T-cell response as compared to homologous regimen (two shots of the same vaccine). Each “vaccine cocktail” combination with Sputnik Light provided higher antibody titer on the 14th day after administering a second dose when compared to original homogenous (same vaccine as first and second dose) regimens of each of the vaccines.

Authors of a study in Argentina have noted that protection against coronavirus remains stable over at least 4 months following vaccination with the Russian Sputnik V vaccine as a consequence of antibody maturation, resulting in improved potency of antibodies to viral escape mutations. The study results were summarized in an article at https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.22.21262186v1

Sputnik Light efficacy data:

  • Sputnik Light has been proven to be safe and highly effective by real-world vaccination data. In particular, data from the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires (Argentina) has demonstrated standalone efficacy of Sputnik Light between 78.6-83.7% among the elderly (over 40,000 people of 60-79 years old), which is higher than that of many two-dose vaccines.
  • Findings by the Gamaleya Center based on data collected in Moscow have demonstrated Sputnik Light vaccine administered standalone has 70% efficacy against infection from the Delta variant of coronavirus during the first three months after vaccination. The vaccine is 75% effective among subjects under the age of 60. Sputnik V and Sputnik Light are based on a safe and effective human adenoviral vector platform and have not been associated with rare serious adverse events following vaccination, such as myocarditis or pericarditis.

Take note that this is not the first time that the group behind Sputnik V and Sputnik Light claimed their current vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Regardless, they went ahead developing a new and upcoming version of the Sputnik vaccine with Omicron in mind.

Going back to the above press release excerpt, the findings (conducted by other studies done by different research groups) exposed the weakness of mRNA vaccines particularly on efficacy against the Delta variant. If mRNA vaccines really cannot protect the vaccinated people from the Delta variant, how can they protect them from the much more contagious Omicron variant?

And now for the other details from the Sputnik Vaccine press release posted in the other excerpt below. Some parts are in bold face. Please read closely…

  • The Gamaleya Center’s recent preliminary laboratory study shows that Sputnik V demonstrates high virus neutralizing activity (VNA) against the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant and is expected to provide strong defense against severe disease and hospitalization.
  • Sputnik V has demonstrated 3-7x less of a reduction in virus neutralizing activity against Omicron as compared to data from other vaccine producers: 11.8 times decrease of VNA for Sputnik V in contrast with 41 times decrease for Pfizer-BioNTech (according to the study led by scientists from Africa Health Research Institute published on Dec 7, 2021 [1]) and 49-84 times decrease for Moderna (according to the study published by research group from scientific institutes including Vaccine Research Center on Dec 15, 2021 [2]). So far, Sputnik V is showing the best virus neutralization results against Omicron in comparison with other vaccines.
  • The study was conducted using sera with a longer period after vaccination (more than 6 months after vaccination) as an indicator of Sputnik V’s long-lasing protection, in contrast with short studied periods for other vaccines producers (12-27 days for Pfizer-BioNTech and 28 days for Moderna).
  • Sputnik V elicits strong and long-lasting T-cell response, and as 80% of epitopes in the spike protein are not affected by the mutations in the Omicron variant, Sputnik V is expected to provide long-lasting protection against severe disease by Omicron. Sputnik V’s long-lasting T-cell immunity contributes to 80% efficacy against Delta on months 6-8 compared with efficacy of less than 29% demonstrated by certain mRNA vaccines after 6 months.
  • Sputnik Light as a booster significantly increases virus neutralizing activity against Omicron based on sera 2-3 months after revaccination. Virus neutralizing activity against Omicron 2-3 months after a Sputnik Light booster in this preliminary laboratory study is higher than VNA against the wild-type virus 6 months after Sputnik V vaccination. Based on these data the expected efficacy of Sputnik V with Sputnik Light booster against Omicron infection could be more than 80%, as Sputnik V showed efficacy of more than 80% against wild-type virus 6 month after vaccination.
  • 100% of individuals revaccinated with Sputnik Light as a booster developed neutralizing antibodies against Omicron and demonstrated their high level 2-3 months after the revaccination in contrast with only 25% of Pfizer booster recipients showing detectable level of neutralizing antibodies 3 month after vaccination (as demonstrated in the study published by research group from scientific institutes including Institute for Medical Virology (Frankfurt) on Dec 13, 2021 [3]).
  • Sputnik Light booster is expected to provide strong protection against infection, severe disease and hospitalization by Omicron. Sputnik Light booster is recommended to strengthen efficacy of vaccines against Omicron. Boosting by Sputnik Light can strengthen and lengthen the quickly waning efficacy of many vaccines in light of combined Delta and Omicron challenge. Sputnik Light is a universal booster to other vaccines, including Sputnik V. In Argentina, a combination of Sputnik Light with other vaccines has demonstrated its effectiveness as a universal booster inducing stronger antibody and T-cell response compared to a two-shots homologous regimen.
  • Sputnik V and Sputnik Light were developed on the basis of a safe and well-studied over 30 years technology and have not been associated with rare serious side effects as myocarditis or pericarditis.
    • The highest safety and efficacy of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light was demonstrated in more than 30 studies and real-world data publications from more than 10 countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this latest announcement by the team behind the Sputnik vaccines? Do all the above details convince you to get a Sputnik vaccine as your first dose or as your booster shot? Has the Omicron variant infected people there in your local community?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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/

Muntinlupa City: Motorists with open pipe mufflers, modifications will be apprehended

Muntinlupa City: Motorists with open pipe mufflers, modifications will be apprehended

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Ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebration, the City Government of Muntinlupa warns motorists that altered tailpipes emitting loud sound are prohibited in the city.

The Muntinlupa Traffic and Management Bureau (MTMB) has announced that those who will use aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise and cause disturbances in the holiday season will be apprehended.

“Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang paggamit ng Open Pipe Mufflers at iba pang modipikasyon sa Lungsod ng Muntinlupa. Ito ay nakapaloob sa ating ordinansa 04-022 o mas kilala bilang Muntinlupa Traffic Code, Art. III Sec. 9,” the MTMB posted in its Facebook page.

Under City Ordinance 04-22, “no private person shall use sirens, bells, horns, whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds.” Violators will be fined with 2,500 pesos.

To report violations, the public may coordinate with the following offices: MTMB (8831-9884), PNP Muntinlupa (8862-2611), and BFP Muntinlupa (8842-2201).

Further, the City Government reminds the public of the on-going ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Under City Ordinance No. 14-092 the display and distribution of firecrackers in Muntinlupa is prohibited as part of the local initiative to reduce casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to public health and the environment.

Apprehended individuals using firecrackers will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000. While commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.

Since the implementation of the firecracker ban, the City Health Office has recorded a significant decrease in firecracker-related injuries and casualties.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urges residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers. The local exec encouraged Muntinlupa residents to safely celebrate the holidays especially with the threat of the Omicron variant.

As of December 15, Muntinlupa City has 13 active cases, 27,596 confirmed cases with 27,004 recoveries, 579 reported deaths, 15 suspect cases, and 259 probable cases.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

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

Better than Streaming: SM Cinema is reopening nationwide!

Better than Streaming: SM Cinema is reopening nationwide!

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Welcome back, fellow geeks and movie buffs! If you are present here in the Philippines and you really crave for watching movies inside the cinema, then you will be happy to know that major cinema operator SM Cinema is gradually reopening its cinemas around the nation complete with safety measures related to COVID-19 (note: SM Cinema has been certified by the Safety Seal program) and the stuff that people enjoy watching inside an SM-operated movie theater.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from SMSupermalls.com. Some parts in boldface…

A premium cinema with leather seats. (photo source – SM Cinema)

First to reopen is SM Cinema Aura Premier on November 17, Wednesday. The newly redeveloped theaters at SM Cinema North EDSA, Mall of Asia and Megamall will be reopening on November 24, while SM Cinema Grand Central, the newest SM Cinema branch, will be on November 26. SM Cinema Fairview, Southmall, Manila, BF Parañaque, Clark, San Lazaro, Baguio, Dasmariñas, Sta. Rosa, Sucat, Sta Mesa, and Bicutan will reopen to the public on November 30.

As one of the first establishments to acquire a Safety Seal, SM remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of their mallgoers. SM Cinema, in partnership with Hygiea Innovations and Technology, Inc, have installed MERV filters and air purifiers to ensure safe and clean cinema for everyone. A health and safety officer will be present for every screening while movie theaters will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized regularly. SM Cinema employees are fully vaccinated and will be at your service in full PPE gear.

Before you head off to the cinemas with the entire family in tow, take note of these important reminders:

  • Safety protocols will be strictly implemented within the cinemas.
  • Moviegoers, from adults to kids, must be fully vaccinated to be allowed inside the cinemas.
  • They must also wear well-fitted face masks at all times and face shields are non-mandatory and voluntary. A health declaration must be presented upon ticket purchase.
  • Temperature and symptoms will be checked upon mall entry

SM Cinema is making every step of the theatergoing experience as contactless as possible to give customers what they’re ultimately looking for these days – a safe and clean environment. Reopened SM Cinemas will have capacity restrictions to allow customers to social distance one seat apart from each other. Bringing of food inside will be prohibited for now, although drinking water will be allowed in consideration of possible emergencies and health risks. Audiences will be asked to remain in their seats during the duration of the movie, and cashless payment options will be available via GrabPay, GCash, or credit or debit card.

With a wide selection of movies genres perfect for both adults and kids, much anticipated films like Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Eternals,” “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” “Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City,” and “No Time To Die;” are just some of the movies waiting for cinephiles at SM Cinemas!

K-Pop fans will also have “Black Pink The Movie” and Monsta X: The Dreaming to look forward to, and Pinoys can get their fill of local movies like “Encanto” and “Kunwari Mahal Kita,” which will premiere starting November 24. Plus, the Metro Manila Film Festival will run from December 25 to January 7, 2022, with more Filipino movies to enjoy!

Given how dedicated SM Supermall and SM Cinema really are when it comes quality, sanitation and efficiency, it comes to no surprise that no expense was spared to make SM Cinema branches safe and the best they could be during this time of pandemic. The cinema workforce is fully vaccinated and they have the equipment needed to sanitize the movie theaters and keep it safe for incoming moviegoers.

For the newcomers reading this, cinemas in Metro Manila officially reopened on November 10 in relation to the easing restrictions as the daily count of new COVID-19 infections nationwide fell down dramatically. With the lessening restrictions, more people are allowed to go out and more businesses were given more freedom to accommodate more customers (both indoor and outdoor depending on the locations of their respective joints). Movie theaters or cinemas are obviously part of the businesses and now is the time for them to cater to people who want to experience once again the greatness of watching movies on the big screen which is something that streaming movies or TV shows at home can never match.

There are also other advantages that cinemas have over those streaming apps such as premium seating (note: SM Cinema has the Director’s Club line that offers extraordinary cinema comfort with leather seats, in-house butler service, and an exclusive food menu for guests), technologically advanced big-screen technologies (examples: IMAX, 3D and 4D) and premium sound systems (note: Netflix, HBO Go, HBO Max, Disney+ and all other streaming apps really have nothing to offer when it comes to top-notch audio.)

For those of you who really have decided to return to cinemas for your movie viewing pleasure, remember that what you pay for will not only help the cinema operators but also contribute to the economic recovery our nation badly needs to rise from this COVID-19 crisis. The money you pay for streaming services really do not help at all.

Once again, I encourage you all to take time out to support local cinemas with your family members or your friends. The cinema viewing experience is always better than streaming!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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/

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

City Demo Farm in Muntinlupa inaugurated

City Demo Farm in Muntinlupa inaugurated

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The City Government of Muntinlupa, through the Department of Agriculture – Extension Services Office (DA-ESO), officially launched the City Demo Farm which is the first LGU-operated intensive hydroponics system in Metro Manila.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (center) leads the inauguration of the City Demo Farm in Brgy. Tunasan last November 11 together with other local officials. Muntinlupa City Demo Farm is the first LGU-operated intensive hydroponics system in Metro Manila. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the inauguration of the Muntinlupa City Demo Farm located at Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Brgy. Tunasan last November 11. The local Demo Farm consists of various agricultural systems which can be visited by the public for viewing. City residents and visitors may also conduct their research on the farm for agricultural technologies and harvesting methods.

Other officials joining the ceremony were City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, Vice Mayor Temy Simundac, DA-ESO chief Malou Lobo, Rotaract Club exec Dra. Teresita Filoteo, Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish officials, SDRC official Lize Conde, and Adriano Mini Farm Owner Nars Adriano, among others.

The City Demo Farm has an Edible Landscaping area with organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants. The construction of the landscaping facility was conducted in partnership with the UPLB Edible Landscaping Team.

A view of the City Demo Farm. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Further, the demo farm is also comprised of an Herb Garden, Seedling Nursery, Mushroom House, SNAP Hydroponics, and NFT Hydroponics.

The installation of SNAP Hydroponics was conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the “Gulayan sa Pamayanan Program.” The set-up can be replicated by small communities in their open spaces. While the NFT Hydroponics is a bigger system project capable of producing 2,000 lettuce heads per harvest.

Muntinlupa City aims to revive urban agriculture and urban farming to ensure food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, the City Government also partnered with DOST and University of the Philippines Institute of Plant Breeding (UP-IPB) for the training of communities on hydroponics farming technology.

DA-ESO is working with 20 Home Owners Associations, 17 youth organizations, 10 schools, 12 communities, and manages various urban gardens in local public spaces. Last September, at least 325kg of produce amounting to 14,926 pesos were harvested from the partner communities.

The City Government regularly conducts urban farming site visitations, online trainings and monitoring of communities to ensure the sustainability of the program.

For more information, visit DA-ESO Facebook Page or reach them at 5th Floor, Annex Building, City Government of Muntinlupa with tel. nos. 8861-6498 / 8861-3042.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

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

SEGA and Microsoft in a Strategic Alliance to create New Strategic Titles for SEGA and establish a Next-Generation Development Environment

SEGA and Microsoft in a Strategic Alliance to create New Strategic Titles for SEGA and establish a Next-Generation Development Environment

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Even as the whole world continues to struggle to move on during this global COVID-19 crisis, Japanese video game business icon SEGA remained bullish and it made its biggest business announcement in a long time yesterday by declaring that it has agreed with Microsoft to engage in a strategic alliance related to game development and cloud gaming with the whole world in mind.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official press release SEGA published on its website. Some parts in boldface…

SEGA Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “SEGA”) and Microsoft Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Microsoft”) have agreed in principal, a strategic alliance that explores ways for SEGA to produce large-scale, global games in a next-generation development environment built on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. The alliance would form a key part of SEGA’s mid to long-term strategy, allowing the business to move forward with “Super Game”, a new initiative for developing new and innovative titles where the key focuses are “Global”, “Online”, “Community” and “IP utilization”.

With the world now more connected than ever following the widespread deployment of 5G and cloud services in recent years, consumers can more easily enjoy high-quality entertainment content at any time. Within this highly connected environment, the ecosystem surrounding the games industry continues to evolve and expand as more sophisticated tools and technologies become available. As such, video games continue to grow as a major medium for gamers globally, with access to a vast range of gaming experiences and communities becoming more diverse and attainable. This proposed alliance represents SEGA looking ahead, and by working with Microsoft to anticipate such trends as they accelerate further in future, the goal is to optimise development processes and continue to bring high-quality experiences to players using Azure cloud technologies.

Microsoft and SEGA have agreed upon the foundation for this alliance and through mutual cooperation, will look to build further technological evolutions with areas such as the network infrastructure and communication tools required for global online services being a key priority. Additionally, by shifting to a next-generation development platform, SEGA can effectively adapt to diversfying work styles and potential infrastructural changes.

Wow! The press release can be a bit challenging to understand in just one reading. To say the least, this is SEGA’s way of expressing that is modernizing itself to keep up with the times and ensure they can be flexible not only with developing their games and projects but also to be able to reach as many customers they can worldwide with the help of Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.

While SEGA today is no longer the aggressive arcade, console, handheld and game maker it used to be, it has no intention of fading away. As a business entity, they may not be cash-rich anymore but they are rich in terms of intellectual properties that include famed game franchises like Virtua Fighter, Daytona USA, Sonic the Hedgehog and more. They can still do something new and productive with those.

While the press release does not specifically state anything about Xbox, it still confirms SEGA’s business partnership with Microsoft goes to a much higher level with the future in mind. Even without any mention of Xbox and its related services in SEGA’s press release, I would not be surprised to see SEGA release more games – both classic and new – on the Xbox platforms as well as on Xbox Game Pass (XGP) over the next few years. Also it is nice to see the Japanese corporation confirming next-generation development of games!

Take note of the big significance of SEGA releasing Phantasy Star Online 2 (PSO2) on Xbox One in 2020. PSO2 on Xbox One marked the first time the game got released outside of Japan starting with North America in April 2020 and with Europe in August 2020. Through the Xbox One and the Windows PC platform (August 2020), PSO2 further reached even more gamers worldwide.

By now, SEGA realized that to grow as a business, they will need to reach out to the many consumers worldwide who are willing to pay for their games and online services. In order to achieve that, SEGA partnered with Microsoft whose cloud computing infrastructure and cloud gaming models are so advanced, even competitor Sony partnered with the American corporation.

Think about that! Two of Japan’s major corporations partnered with Microsoft whose Xbox consoles did not sell much in Japan. Rivalries in video gaming were set aside for something much better between the corporations – business partnerships driven by advanced technologies that can help the partners achieve growth and breakthroughs with the whole world in mind. In the case of Microsoft, the new business partnership with SEGA is an opportunity for them to build up trust with other Japanese businesses who share similar interests with the company of Sonic and the company of PlayStation, as well sharing their objectives of achieving business growth and reaching out to consumers around the world.  

Going back to the SEGA-issued press release, posted below is an excerpt from comments made by SEGA Corporation President and COO Yukio Sugino. Some parts in boldface…

We are very pleased to announce today that we are considering a strategic alliance with Microsoft to help develop SEGA’s new “Super Game” initiative as well as build a next-generation game development environment. By considering a strategic partnership with Microsoft, we seek to further advance our game development so that our titles can be enjoyed by fans all over the world; in this regard, we aim to build an alliance that utilizes both SEGA’s powerful game development capabilities and Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology and development environment.

In closing this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your viewing pleasure.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Star Ocean The Divine Force is coming to Xbox consoles and PC (via Steam) in 2022

Star Ocean The Divine Force is coming to Xbox consoles and PC (via Steam) in 2022

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Star Ocean, the long-running Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) series under Square Enix, has a brand-new RPG coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and PC (via Steam) sometime in 2022 titled Star Ocean The Divine Force. Take note that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Star Ocean game franchise and the new game is being made by tri-Ace.

To start with, watch this official Star Ocean The Divine Force trailer below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official press release issued by Square Enix. Some parts in boldface…

Developed by tri-Ace Inc., STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE will transport players to an expansive sci-fi fantasy world and take them on an exhilarating journey with fast-paced action combat, rich exploration and an original story. With STAR OCEAN celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, THE DIVINE FORCE builds on that rich history with new features that are sure to delight for many years to come.

To watch the STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE Debut Trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/jIJe4ZUD0Gc

The Debut Trailer showcases various new and returning elements to the STAR OCEAN franchise that players can look forward to:

  • Super-high-speed action battles
  • No random encounters – players will seamlessly enter battles with enemies that populate the world
  • Players can float in the air, dive at enemies and fly around areas
  • Richer exploration – climb towering mountains, venture into dark, vast valleys and investigate the castles and towns present in the world

Showcasing a diverse cast of playable characters, STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE will tell a gripping story that seamlessly melds science fiction and fantasy elements and can be enjoyed by newcomers to the series and veterans alike. The game features dual protagonists, which offer different story perspectives and gameplay experiences: Raymond, the captain of the space trading ship, Ydas, and Laeticia, the princess-knight of a kingdom on an underdeveloped planet. Fate will bring Raymond, Laeticia, and several other ally characters together, all designed by renowned artist Akiman (STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness, STREET FIGHTER series).

For the newcomers reading this, the very first Star Ocean video game made by tri-Ace and published by Enix was released on July 19, 1996 for the Super Famicom console in Japan. The first Star Ocean game translated into English and released outside of Japan was Star Ocean: The Second Story which I myself played on the original PlayStation console in 1999. In 2003, Enix and Square Co. merged and became Square Enix. In 2008, Square Enix announced Star Ocean: The Last Hope for Xbox 360 and its release in Japan and North America took place in February 2009.

Going back to Star Ocean The Divine Force, which is the sixth main game of the franchise, the trailer shows the ever-present fast-moving action scenes taking place in real-time during battles. As with past games of the franchise, there will be lots of slashing and fantasy inspired elements even though the game has a science fiction concept. At least tri-Ace keeps on striving with making key locations look grand.

Expect to see so much of hack and slash action in this RPG.
What a grand looking place, tri-Ace! How about showing how much exploring and fun gamers can have within it?

The artistic approach on rendering the characters in polygons within the game, however, shows a lack of willingness to evolve on the part of the developer to do better. To begin with, take a look at the character concept artworks below for the game.

Those are interesting character design concept artworks.

Now take a look at how the above two characters looked like in polygons within the game below…

She looks too cartoonish and even plastic-looking than her concept art version.
Could someone please tell me who at tri-Ace is responsible for this kind of polygonal character work?

When compared to other Japanese RPG franchises, Star Ocean’s unique approach on action, battles and the presentation of locations still stands out and that’s pretty incredible considering the 25-year history of the franchise and all those other JRPGs that came out along the way. The new game’s story and overall concept will have to live up to gamers’ impression and expectations and we will find out how the game will turn out next year. When it comes to the growing number of upcoming RPGs – from both East and West – on the Xbox ecosystem, Star Ocean The Divine Force adds variety to say the least. I believe that the tri-Ace-made game, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising will easily capture the interest of Xbox gamers who love JRPGs. Don’t forget that many other future RPGs exclusive to Xbox are coming such as Starfield, Avowed, Fable, The Elder Scrolls VI, The Outer Worlds 2 and more. Truly the Xbox ecosystem is becoming the premier place for gamers who love RPGs which is something Sony and Nintendo CANNOT stop as those two competitors don’t have their own wide range of RPGs to make. As for Square Enix and other RPG makers in Japan, they should be seriously considering releasing more games on Xbox and Windows PC because Team Xbox’s heavy investments on RPGs will eventually achieve tremendous sales in the near future.

How many of you Xbox fans are looking forward to Star Ocean The Divine Force?

In closing this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos as well as a few videos related to past Star Ocean games for your viewing pleasure.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City launches pediatric A3 vaccination vs COVID-19 at Ospital ng Muntinlupa

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City launches pediatric A3 vaccination vs COVID-19 at Ospital ng Muntinlupa

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The City Government of Muntinlupa has officially started inoculating minors aged 12-17 years old with co-morbidities two days ago at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang.

Joining the pilot pediatric vaccination at OsMun include Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, DOH-NCR Asst. Regional Director and NTF Consultant Dr. Maria Paz Corrales, OsMun director Edwin Dimatatac, City Health Officer Dr. Juancho Bunyi, and Coun. Allan Camilon.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urges parents and guardians to register their children to the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) as protection from the adverse effect of COVID-19.

The City Government of Muntinlupa has started inoculating minors aged 12-17 years old with co-morbidities on Monday, October 25, at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang. A 17 year old female resident with allergic rhinitis and asthma was the first pediatric A3 vaccine recipient in Muntinlupa. Joining the pilot pediatric vaccination at OsMun include Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (3rd from right), DOH-NCR Asst. Regional Director and NTF Consultant Dr. Maria Paz Corrales (2nd from left), OsMun director Edwin Dimatatac (left), and Coun. Allan Camilon (center). (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

A 17-year-old female resident with allergic rhinitis and asthma was the first pediatric A3 vaccine recipient in Muntinlupa.

As of Oct. 25, the City Government received vaccination registration from 14,896 minors including 555 who are with co-morbidities.

Co-morbidities eligible for the Pediatric A3 vaccination are as follows: Medical complexity, Genetic conditions, Neurologic conditions, Metabolic/endocrine diseases, Cardiovascular diseases, Obesity, HIV Infection, Tuberculosis, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Renal Disorders, Hepatobiliary Diseases, and Immunocompromised state due to disease or treatment.

To date, Pfizer and Moderna are the only vaccines with emergency use authorization for 12 to 17 years old issued by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration to be used for the Pediatric A3 population.

City residents may register online through MunCoVac vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to receive a schedule. After receiving their schedule, vaccine recipients with their parents or guardians should proceed to the OsMun vaccination site.

A medical certification given by the attending pediatrician/physician detailing the comorbidity of the vaccine recipient shall be secured prior to the vaccination schedule and shall be presented in the registration area during the vaccination schedule.

Parents or guardians should also present a valid ID and proof of filiation such as birth certificate.

OsMun was selected by the national government as one of the hospitals for the second phase of the vaccination of minors, classified as Pediatric A3 group, which started on Oct. 22.

Other hospitals to accommodate pediatric vaccination against COVID-19 under the second phase of vaccination of minors include Caloocan City Medical Center (North and South), Ospital ng Malabon, Navotas City Hospital, Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital, Marikina Sports Complex which is near Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Quezon City General Hospital, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City, Ospital ng Maynila, Ospital ng Makati, SM Megamall Mega Vaccination Site which is near Mandaluyong City Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Ospital ng Parañaque 1, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, and Pasay City General Hospital. While St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City in Taguig will also cater to vaccinees from the Municipality of Pateros.

Meanwhile, around 92 percent of Muntinlupa’s target population have already been vaccinated, translating to more than 640,000 vaccines administered.

MunCoVac reported that as of Oct. 22, the City Government has administered a total of 646,730 vaccines. 353,490 individuals have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine or 91.6% of the target, while 297,599 individuals or 77.2% of the target have been fully vaccinated. Of the total number of vaccinated individuals, at least 15,394 (first dose) and 5,474 (second dose) were inoculated in Muntinlupa private companies.

The target population to be vaccinated in Muntinlupa is 385,725 individuals or 70% of 551,036 Muntinlupa’s estimated population for 2020.

As of October 24, Muntinlupa City has 27,208 confirmed cases with 26,387 recoveries, 257 active cases, 564 reported deaths, 139 suspect cases, and 871 probable cases.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City and DOLE launch Bikecination, Bigasan livelihood program for indigent residents

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City and DOLE launch Bikecination, Bigasan livelihood program for indigent residents

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The City Government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR), officially launched the Bikecination and Bigasan livelihood program for fully vaccinated workers coping with the effects of the pandemic and indigent city residents.

Congressman Ruffy Biazon led the launching of the program together with DOLE-NCR Dir. Leonides Castillon Jr. and Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon this past Tuesday (October 5) at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

The local government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with DOLE-NCR, launched the Bikecination and Bigasan livelihood program for fully vaccinated informal sector workers and indigent city residents last October 5 at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan. The program aims to incentivize fully vaccinated informal sector workers and provide an alternative source of income as assistance to help them recover from the challenges brought by the pandemic. Shown in the photo: (L-R, front row) PESO Muntinlupa chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, and DOLE-NCR Dir. Leonides Castillon Jr. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

For the Bikecination project, 28 fully vaccinated beneficiaries are parents/beneficiaries of child labor, micro-entrepreneur clients of the local Joint Resource Financing Program (JRFP), from 4Ps, and youth entrepreneurs under the Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office (YASDO) received a bike unit with accessories such as carrier bag, bottle, head gear, back and front light, vest, and rain coat.  They also received a cellphone unit with P5,000 prepaid load.

DOLE’s Bikecination project aims to provide an alternative source of income for informal sector workers or their next of kin under the A4 category who have received their COVID-19 vaccine. The project targets to incentivize and encourage informal sector workers to get vaccinated to help in the country’s fight against this pandemic.

For the Bigasan livelihood program, 25 beneficiaries who are parents/beneficiaries of child labor each received eight 25 kilos sacks of rice worth P10,000.

Other officials joining the launching event include JRFP acting head Maylene Viñas, Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office chief Cynthia Viacrusis, City Cooperative Office chief Atty. Nemei Santiago, Social Service Department chief Analyn Mercado, and Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Department chief Juvy Engo.

Further, the City Government continues to provide financing assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs through Tulong Negosyo Program’s zero-interest loans (formerly Dagdag Puhunan) to help city residents cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro-finance assistance ranging from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. The program aims to provide additional capital for business expansion for aspiring and established business owners in Muntinlupa.

For more information, visit the Joint Resources Financing Program – JRF Facebook Page or visit them at 2F Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion with contact numbers 8772-3457and (0921) 888 6124.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

Biazon and Fresnedi unite for “One Munti,” ensure continuity of forward progress in Muntinlupa

Biazon and Fresnedi unite for “One Munti,” ensure continuity of forward progress in Muntinlupa

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Muntinlupeños now have one thing less to worry about for the duration of the pandemic as the current leadership unite under one banner and ensure the continuous delivery of excellent public service.

Incumbent Representative Ruffy Biazon and Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi have allied under the “One Muntinlupa” unity party led by Biazon to make sure the economic gains and best practices of the last nine years continue to be enjoyed by Muntinlupeños and even by transient workers based in the City.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi will run for Congress in the May 2022 elections while incumbent Congressman Ruffy Biazon will run for Mayor of Muntinlupa. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

“Mas makakampante ngayon ang ating mga kababayang Muntinlupeño sa harap ng pandemya (Muntinlupeños can be more confident now in this pandemic),” Biazon said of the unity force. Under the One Muntinlupa slate, Biazon will be the mayoral candidate while Fresnedi runs for Congress.

“The services such as scholarships, benefits, and relief packages that have helped many of our kababayan survive will definitely continue. Together, we will survive and overcome,” Biazon said.

“Elections tend to cause significant uncertainty in the people, which is why they can be divisive as voters choose candidates they think can make life better for them,” Fresnedi added. “By joining our vision and resources, Congressman Biazon and I make sure that the benefits that Muntinlupeños have enjoyed for the last nine years will continue, and can even be made better.”

In an interview, Fresnedi said his first order of business should he win as Congressman is to lobby for the creation of an additional congressional district in Muntinlupa. “Isa sa mga una kong isusulong ay ang additional congressional district para sa Muntinlupa. Ang population ng aming lungsod ay tamang tama na para sa isa pang congressional district,” Fresnedi noted.

To date, Muntinlupa City has a population of 543,445 according to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing. The population requirement for the creation of a congressional district is 250,000 residents per Article VI, Sec.5 of the 1987 Constitution. Fresnedi also vowed to sponsor bills of national relevance that will not only benefit the people of Muntinlupa but also the whole country.

In Fresnedi’s six terms as mayor (1998-2007, 2013-present), Muntinlupa experienced unprecedented economic and social growth, culminating in recognitions such as the ISO 9001:2008 certification, Most Business-Friendly LGU by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance, among others. Fresnedi advocated an Eight-Point Program of Governance which prioritized education, health care, and economic development, driven by numerous scholarships and training programs and the construction of schools and health facilities.

Likewise, in his five terms as lone district Representative (2001-2010, 2016-present), Biazon has continuously championed in Congress measures that would promote and protect the plight and welfare of his constituents in Muntinlupa City and the Filipino people in general.  As of this writing, Biazon has already filed more than a hundred proposed measures and various resolutions on defense and security; local governance and public order; poverty alleviation/social justice; education; environment; agriculture; housing; and maritime, air and land transportation and safety.

Biazon also served from 2011 to 2013 as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs where he initiated a wide range of reforms, including pushing for the passage of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863). Fresnedi meanwhile started his service to Muntinlupa when he was appointed Municipal Attorney and later as OIC Vice Mayor in the aftermath of the 1986 People Power uprising.

Both Biazon and Fresnedi currently offer scholarships for poor but deserving students, purposely investing for the future through education, and laying the foundations of long-term economic development as a means to peace and security in Muntinlupa City.

Joining Biazon and Fresnedi in One Muntinlupa are Artemio “Temy” Simundac for Vice Mayor, District 1 Councilors: Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, Coun. Allan Rey Camilon, Coun. Paty Katy Boncayao, Coun. Alexson Diaz, Coun. Ivee Arciaga-Tadefa, Coun. Ting Niefes, Ms. Rachel Arciaga, and Mr. Jedi Presnedi, District 2 Councilors: Coun. Francis Ian Bagatsing, Coun. Mark Lester Baes, Coun. Engr. Marissa Rongavilla, Coun. Engr. Arlene Hilapo, Coun. Engr. Mamerto Sevilla Jr., Coun. Cornelio Martinez, Ms. Luvi Constantino, and Ms. Letty Santiago.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 Council passes resolution recognizing US Open Nine-Ball champion Carlo Biado

Muntinlupa City Council passes resolution recognizing US Open Nine-Ball champion Carlo Biado

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In recognition of his recent feat in the highly coveted US Open title in billiards, the Muntinlupa City Council recently passed a resolution congratulating Filipino pool player and Muntinlupa resident Carlo Biado.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved Resolution No. 2021-542 this past Monday formally  congratulating Biado for emerging as champion in the U.S. Open Nine-Ball Competition held in Atlantic City on September 19. Biado’s achievement ended a 27-year drought for the Philippines in the US Open Pool Tournament winning over Aloysius Yapp from Singapore.

Since its founding in 1976, championship titles were dominated by Americans until 1994 when the most-winning non-U.S. player in the event’s history, Efren Bata Reyes from the Philippines, was the first non-American victor.

The City Council lauded Biado’s achievement noting that “such a feat is a testament that talent, coupled with sacrifice and hard work, is always a formula to success.”

The local resolution was sponsored by Councilors Atty. Raul Corro, Alexson Diaz, Paty Katy Boncayao, Louisito Arciaga, Allan Rey Camilon,, Ting Niefes, Stephanie Teves, Ivee Rhia Tadefa, Marissa Rongavilla, Francis lan Bagatsing, Mark Lester Baes, Mamerto Sevilla Jr., Arlene Hilapo, Cornelio Martinez, Walter Arcilla and Kenichi Takagi Jr.

Carlo Biado, originally hails from Nueva Ecija, is presently residing in Southern Hills in Soldiers Village, Muntinlupa City.

Biado’s professional career includes playing in the WPA [World Pool-Billiard Association] World Ten-ball Championship in 2015, the Men’s 9-Ball event of the 2017 World Games, 2018 WPA World Nine-ball Championship, and 2019 WPA Players Championship.

His current WPA ranking is No. 3 and he is the only player from the Philippines in the top 10. He earned medals for billiards and snooker at the 2019 Southeast-Asian Games-Men’s 9-ball doubles.

Biado is slated to compete in the 2022 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand, Vietnam SEA Games, and World Games in Alabama.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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