Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over four hundred senior citizens availed of the free pneumonia vaccines during the local vaccination program held at Barangay BF International-CAA, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…
The City Health Office, under the leadership of Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, successfully conducted a free pneumonia vaccination program for senior citizens at the CAA Events Place on Thursday, August 15 in Barangay BF International/CAA. The event saw the vaccination of over 400 senior citizens, demonstrating the city’s commitment to the health and well-being of its elderly residents.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event, offering her support and personally interacting with the senior citizens. The vaccination drive was part of the ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of the community from pneumonia, especially during the flu season.
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 hope the City Government will organize a vaccination program at your local community? Are many senior citizens of your local community seeking vaccines for pneumonia?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, alongside City Engineer Rose Bantog, conducted a comprehensive site inspection on Thursday, August 8 to assess the location for the proposed new building at the TESDA Las Piñas campus. This new facility is intended to accommodate additional classrooms to support the growing number of students enrolled in various technical and vocational courses.
During the site visit, the officials discussed plans for the repair and repainting of existing facilities, ensuring that the campus remains conducive to learning. They also reviewed proposals for the fabrication of new classroom equipment and chairs, which will enhance the educational experience for students.
The proposed development underscores the city government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and improving infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are many members of your local community taking courses with the local TESDA?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government in tandem with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released financial aid to more than five thousand beneficiaries in Barangay Pamplona Tres, according to a social media announcement. Vice Mayor April Aguilar witnessed the distribution.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s announcement. Some parts in boldface…
The City of Las Piñas, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), successfully distributed Php 2,000 in financial aid to over 5,000 eligible beneficiaries at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo and DSWD Payout on Thursday, August 15 at Verdant Covered Court in Barangay Pamplona Tres. The pay-out event, part of the national Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative, was aimed at providing economic relief to low-income families across the city.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar was present, personally overseeing the distribution and engaging with the beneficiaries. In her address, Vice Mayor Aguilar expressed her heartfelt appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the DSWD for their unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of the less fortunate. She emphasized the importance of this program in ensuring that essential financial support reaches those who need it most, especially in the face of rising costs of living and other economic challenges.
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 many members of your local community qualified as beneficiaries of the national Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government approved an ordinance establishing a moratorium on the collection of the amusement tax on Filipino films (note: movies produced by Philippine companies/organizations) within the city for the next three years, as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
In short, local companies here in the Philippines whose films are shown in theaters within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City could earn more as the amusement tax won’t be imposed for most of the year for the next three years while the cinema operators themselves can benefit along the way.
I say most of the year because the moratorium does not cover the time period of December 25 to January 7 which is precisely the time when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) happens.
To put things in perspective, read the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report posted below. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon and the City Council approved an ordinance granting a three-year moratorium on the collection of amusement tax from Filipino films in the next three years.
The Muntinlupa City Council passed and Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2024-229 “Declaring Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in the City of Muntinlupa from January 08 to December 24 of every year for the next three (3) years.“
Under the existing Local Government Code, “The province may levy an amusement tax to be collected from the proprietors, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, boxing stadia, and other places of amusement at a rate of not more than ten percent (10%) of the gross receipts from the admissions fees.”
In February, the Metro Manila Council adopted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 24-11 “Declaring a Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in Metro Manila from January 08 to December 24 of Every Year for the Next Three Years.”
In the Muntinlupa ordinance, it was stated that the MMDA resolution “was adopted to recognize the importance of the local film industry in promoting cultural and economic development and in response to the appeal of the local filmmakers to boost the film industry after the impact of the COVID-i9 Pandemic on the production and exhibition of Filipino Films, and the dominance of foreign films.”
Under the ordinance, all cinemas in Muntinlupa can avail of the moratorium on the collection of amusement taxes for Filipino films from Jan. 8 to Dec. 24 of every year for the next three years.
When it comes to the state of cinemas within Muntinlupa City, Commercenter has four screens and I noticed over the past two months that only 2 or 3 were operating during my visits there. Over at Festival Mall, their 4-screen modern cinemas are fully operating but their original cinemas (located several feet away by foot on the same floor) are still dark and depressing as only 2 or 3 screens (out of ten screens) were operating almost all the time.
As for the cinemas in Alabang Town Center, they seem to be operating normally and continue to attract a steady amount of moviegoers.
Going back to the approved moratorium, it remains to be seen if it could lead to a potential reduction of ticket prices in relation to Filipino movies within Muntinlupa. Even if ticket prices get reduced, would it be enough to convince people to come to the Muntinlupa cinemas and buy tickets for the cinematic experience. There is also the factor of the quality of Filipino movies showing in Muntinlupa movie theaters plus the factor of foreign movies.
As a resident of Alabang who saw lots of movies in the local cinemas, I noticed that Muntinlupa City is lacking when it comes to hosting film festivals (note: the annual MMFF does NOT count). Special events about movies focusing on variety, quality and artistry being held in Muntinlupa can help cinema operators attract moviegoers as well as the enthusiastic film buffs.
Perhaps the City Government or barangays could someday organize a special event of short films made by Muntinlupa-based filmmakers and have such films screened in local cinemas. Organizing another film festival showcasing films by independent filmmakers from around the country and having them screened in theaters within the city could help too.
Still on the topic of Filipino movies, when will the time come when the major local movie producers will have premieres of their new movies held in cinemas here in Muntinlupa and give locals the chance to see their favorite movie stars in person?
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about the 3-year moratorium approved by the City Government of Muntinlupa? Do you think that cinemas in Muntinlupa are losing money? Do you think the newly approved moratorium could be disadvantageous to the City Government in terms of revenue?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the celebration of the 50th Nutrition Month was held at SM Center which Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended, the City Government announced via social media. The event emphasized the City Government’s attention towards the wellbeing of its constituents.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
The City of Las Piñas marked its 50th Nutrition Month celebration with a culminating activity at the SM Center in Pamplona Dos on Tuesday, July 30. The event featured a Grand Zumba Dancercise and an awarding ceremony, drawing participation from various community members and officials.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar, a key supporter of the city’s nutrition initiatives, attended the event, expressing her commitment to promoting health and wellness among residents. The event was also graced by City Nutrition Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Julio Javier II and City Health Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Juliana Gonzalez.
The celebration included a video presentation of the 2024 Nutrition Month activities, followed by a Zumba session that saw participation from attendees of all ages. Awards and recognitions were presented to participants who actively engaged in the month’s various nutrition activities.
The activity underscored the city’s dedication to (promoting) a healthy community, aligning with the theme “Sa PPAN Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” which encourages adequate nutrition for all.
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 consider the celebration of Nutrition Month important in your city? How many members of your local community participated in the 50th Nutrition Month activities at SM Center?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than three hundred senior citizens availed the free vaccine shots for pneumonia during the City Health Office’s vaccination drive held at Barangay Talon Uno, the City Government confirmed via social media. Vice Mayor Aprl Aguilar was present during the health activity.
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, led by OIC Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, held a free pneumonia vaccination drive for senior citizens at the Talon Uno Covered Court on Tuesday, July 16. City Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the event to express her support for the initiative.
Over 300 senior citizens received vaccinations, providing them with essential protection against pneumonia. This effort is part of the City Health Office’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the health of the most vulnerable sectors of the community.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Would you happen to know if the City Government will organize a pneumonia vaccination drive in your barangay soon?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, educational assistance in the form of school supplies was released to the local students during an activity that was attended by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, the City Government confirmed via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
The City Social Welfare and Development Office, in partnership with the Local Youth Development Office, hosted the awarding of educational assistance on Monday, July 15 at the Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar DRRMO Building in Barangay Talon Dos.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution, alongside City Social Welfare and Development Office OIC Lowefe Romulo. The event, attended by numerous parents, guardians, and students, emphasized the local government’s commitment to supporting the educational needs of its youth.
The distribution of school supplies, consisting of backpacks filled with essential educational materials, aimed to equip students for the upcoming school year. Vice Mayor Aguilar highlighted the importance of education in her short address, encouraging students to persevere in their studies and utilize the resources provided to them.
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 there any students within your local community who received educational assistance from the local authorities?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Were there many people in your local community whose lives got disrupted by the weather effects of Typhoon Carina?
Recently New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – announced through social media that it has provided assistance and relief to typhoon victims in Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Manila and Cavite.
Typhoon Carina has since left the Philippines but the people who got affected by it are still struggling to get back to normal. That being said, NLCOM’s assistance for the victims who called for help was crucial and their staff worked hard with the preparations of relief.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the July 27, 2024 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldface…
NLCOM immediately swung into action as Super Typhoon Carina left its trail of destruction on Thursday morning.
Its emergency response team was mobilized, coordinating with partners, conducting assessments, and delivering relief bags and hot meals to nearby areas gravely affected by the flooding.
A total of 200 relief bags were distributed to families in Baseco Compound (Port Area, Manila), Muntinlupa, and Pulang Lupa (Las Pinas) on July 25. We also served a total of 1,300 hot meals to flood victims the same day in Wawa (Bacoor Cavite), San Isidro, San Dionisio, and Sto Nino (all in Parañaque).
For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here, here, here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has an established record of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.
NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…
If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:
For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.
In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true. Be remind that Lord Jesus is the hope of all nations.
The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.
Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.
Proverbs 19:17 (AMPC)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police pulled off a successful entrapment operation resulting in the arrest of a man for rape and robbery extortion, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A call center agent was arrested by members of the Southern Police District Special Operations Unit (SPD-SOU) during an entrapment operation in Parañaque City, on Friday, July 19.
Authorities identified the suspect as alias Edward,25, he was arrested at around 1:30 a.m. at Annex 35, Parañaque City after a complaint of rape and robbery extortion was referred by Secretary of Interior and Local Government Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos.
According to the Police report, the victim, a 19-year-old female student met the suspect through an online dating application and after establishing several communications they agreed to meet.
The victim told the police that the suspect allegedly raped her and demanded a large amount of money in exchange for not posting her sensitive photographs on social media.
The SPD said that after receiving the report, they immediately conducted an entrapment operation in collaboration with the victim and her father which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be rapists, robbers and extortionists waiting to victimize members of your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
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 – including arcade flyers – 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. Lufia & The Fortress of Doom for Sega Genesis print ad
Considering the eventual scrapping of the Sega Genesis port of Lufia & The Fortress of Doom, this old print ad might as well serve like a tomb stone.
I want to start with this mostly black print ad about the Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Lufia & The Fortress of Doom coming to the Sega Genesis console. This game was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America and on the Super Famicom in Japan in 1993 and achieved commercial success for the Japan-based publisher Taito. In an attempt to keep on building up the success, a port of the game for the Sega Genesis (Sega Megadrive in other countries) was announced but ultimately it got canceled. It should be noted that Taito’s American division close down in 1995 and the sequel Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals was released in America by a different publisher. That being said, this particular print ad is a sad reminder of a broken promise for Sega Genesis gamers as well as Lufia and JRPG fans who wanted to play the 1993 RPG on a different console.
2. Cloak & Dagger arcade flyer
The front of the arcade flyer. There is even a mention of the Cloak & Dagger movie.
Details of the game explained with arcade operators in mind. I find it odd that there is a vacant amount of blank space on this side of the flyer.
Cloak & Dagger, the Atari arcade game that appeared in the 1984 movie of the same name (read my retro movie review by clicking here), has always been an arcade conversion kit as this arcade flyer showed. For the newcomers reading this, an arcade conversion kit allows the arcade operator to replace an old game without having to buy a brand-new arcade machine. Very cleverly, Atari targeted arcade machines of Robotron: 2084, Defender, Stargate and Joust (all were from the competitor Williams Electronics) with Cloak & Dagger. The Cloak & Dagger flyer’s front shows a picture of the pieces of hardware (for insertion into the arcade cabinet plus some physical adjustments) plus decorations for the exterior of the arcade cabinet. The other side of the flyer contains the technical details that make it convenient for arcade operators to understand on how to convert the older games (limited to the above-mentioned Williams games).
3. NBA Live 95 for Sega Genesis print ad
This print ad is still exciting to look at, especially when you are still passionate with basketball.
Back in late 1994, Electronic Arts (EA) revamped their NBA-licensed basketball game franchise with NBA Live 95 which came with a major game redesign that includes the isometric on-court perspective, T-meter for free throw shooting and more. NBA Live 95 was also the first entry of the NBA Live franchise and brand which lasted for decades. This print ad of the Sega Genesis version of NBA Live 95 has the clever display of several screenshots along with pics of the shot clock emphasizing suspense. The basketball action images themselves are not only eye-catching but strong enough to get gamers excited. This is still a solid print ad to look at.
4. X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse print ad
An X-Men game by Capcom.
If there is anything significant about X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse, it is the fact that it was Capcom’s first-ever X-Men-based production that was also released a month before their own hit arcade game X-Men: Children of the Atom came out. Setting aside Capcom’s involvement, this game contains notable elements from the comic books that strongly resonated with dedicated X-Men fans. Apart from the two screenshots and the game box cover, this print ad has X-Men artwork by Andy Kubert who already was the regular artist of the X-Men monthly series.
5. Space Ace multi-platform print ad
Anyone who is a fan of Don Bluth’s works in animation should be able to recognize the art style of this ad.
First released in the mid-1980s, Space Ace was a LaserDisc video game that was designed and produced by the legendary animator Don Bluth (An American Tail, The Land Before Time, Anastasia). After achieving success in the arcades, new versions of Space Ace were subsequently released on many other platforms, including the consoles and computers that used disc drives in the mid-1990s which this print ad emphasized. By looking at the lower part of the print ad, you will see Sega CD, 3DO, Macintosh and PC as targeted platforms. The most notable visual feature of the ad was, unsurprisingly, official art of Space Ace.
6. BurgerTime arcade flyer
The front of this flyer could make you crave for burgers.
The technical and creative details on the rear of the flyer.
Bally/Midway came up with this arcade flyer of BurgerTime which itself went on to become a beloved classic game. The front showed a very enticing looking hamburger that looked like it could fill a person’s belly and tingle his or her taste buds. Then they showed the hand-drawn in-game characters looking like they really are interacting with the hamburger. The back of the flyer shows details that emphasize what the game is about, why it could be a fun arcade addition and what the specs are. This is an engaging arcade flyer.
7. NCAA Final Four Basketball print ad
Do you know anyone who played this college basketball video game?
If there is anything notable about video gaming in the 1990s that is missing today, that would be the presence of multiple basketball video games released by different game publishers. Along the way, there were some college basketball video games such as NCAA Final Four Basketball developed by Bitmasters and published by Mindscape. This print ad had enough screenshots to show what the game looked like and how it played. The ad also mentioned that the game had 64 real NCAA teams and logos as well. This 1994 video game did not have a strong reception from game critics although it received a very high rating by GamePro magazine. NCAA Final Four Basketball has long been forgotten.
8. Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures print ad
An eye-catching print ad from a more memorable time when the Indiana Jones franchise was still under the full control of George Lucas and his enterprise.
Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures was an ambitious 2D side-scrolling adventure game that also served as an adaptation of the first three Indiana Jones movies (1981-1989) of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Like the Super Star Wars trilogy of games that preceded, this one was a challenging and lengthy game filled with lots of action. This print ad only showed Indy’s whip and hat but the screenshots, the text description and the game box cover (which has a young Harrison Ford as the iconic Jones) were more than enough to convince viewers that this was an Indiana Jones game.
Author Carlo Carrasco 