Here in the Philippines, illegal immigration in the form of foreigners pretending to be Filipino citizens is a growing problem. Recently in Laguna province, a Chinese national who pretended to be a Filipino was arrested by the authorities, according to a news report by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
A Chinese national allegedly posing as a Filipino was arrested in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, with authorities now investigating how he obtained a driver’s license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that was reportedly used in the deception.
According to a report on “24 Oras Weekend” by John Consulta, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) implemented a deportation order and served a warrant at a residence in a subdivision in Sta. Rosa.
However, the target was not immediately found, and only a woman was initially encountered at the house.
Authorities later tracked down the suspect within the subdivision, where he was reportedly cornered while jogging. He allegedly tried to evade arrest but was eventually subdued by operatives.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the Chinese national was arrested for allegedly using falsified documents identifying himself as Filipino, including a Philippine-issued driver’s license.
Authorities also recovered his Chinese passport, which remains valid until 2027, along with the LTO-issued driver’s license.
While the surname on both documents matched, the driver’s license reportedly carried a Filipino-sounding first and middle name and listed the holder’s nationality as Filipino.
LTO chief Asst. Sec. Markus Lacanilao said a review of records showed the foreign national applied for a driver’s license that was later used in assuming a false Filipino identity.
The agency clarified that the document was not a conversion of a foreign driver’s license.
“This is not a conversion of a license. A foreign-issued license converted into a Philippine license—that is not the case,” he said.
Records also showed that the suspect first applied for a driver’s license in 2010 and renewed it in 2018 in Bulacan, where his nationality was listed as Filipino.
“They use Filipino names. They try to hide by pretending to be Filipino-Chinese, but they are actually Chinese nationals posing as Filipinos,” Lacanilao said.
The arrested foreign national is currently detained at the Bureau of Immigration detention facility. He has yet to issue a statement and is reportedly filing an appeal before the Department of Justice.
Authorities said a deeper investigation is ongoing, including a review of other documents that may have been issued to the suspect, and the possible cancellation of his driver’s license.
“(Revocation) is automatic. We will cancel his driver’s license, and the places where it was issued must also be investigated,” he said.
Lacanilao also warned that such documents may be used for acquiring properties, vehicles, and other fraudulent activities. Matibag said this scheme also poses national security concerns.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be several thousands more Chinese nationals who are living in the Philippines with false identities as Filipinos? Do you think all government agencies should be prepared to spot false documents from foreigners who intend to gain false Filipino identities? What do you think is the main reason why some Chinese nationals exerted efforts to gain Filipino identities?
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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
During the recent state visit of Vietnam President To Lamb here in the Philippines hosted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., a key agreement was made between them to enhance tourism cooperation and improving air connectivity for the next three years, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation and improve air connectivity following the signing of a Tourism Cooperation Program covering 2026 to 2029.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said both countries would work to increase flight frequencies and facilitate greater tourism exchanges.
The move comes as Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Filipino travelers, while arrivals from Vietnam to the Philippines have also continued to rise.
“Building upon a strong performance in 2025, which saw nearly half a million Filipino travelers going to Vietnam and a rising number of Vietnamese tourists coming to our shores, we have agreed to work closely to enhance air connectivity and increase commercial flight frequencies,” Marcos said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new agreement made between the Philippines and Vietnam will lead to more foreign travelers benefitting both countries? Do you think that European travelers who transit through Vietnam’s international airports will eventually make their way to the Philippines in greater numbers? Do you believe that the Vietnamese have any great interest in visiting the Philippines?
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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Recently in Las Piñas City, the City Government and its City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) successfully completed the dredging and desilting of the 870-meter stretch of Las Piñas which is crucial as the rainy season has officially started, according to a news report by Manila Bulletin. This was done to prevent potential flooding while also improving the flow of water.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
As part of its preparations for the rainy season, the Las Piñas City government has completed dredging and desilting operations along an 870-meter stretch of the Las Piñas River, reinforcing its commitment to flood mitigation and environmental protection.
The cleanup, led by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), covered portions of Barangays Pulanglupa Uno, Pulanglupa Dos, and Manuyo Dos.
The initiative aims to improve water flow, remove accumulated silt and debris, and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities.
Mayor April Aguilar personally inspected the ongoing dredging activities to ensure the effective implementation of measures designed to keep waterways clear and functional, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to Aguilar, maintaining unobstructed waterways is a key component of its disaster preparedness program. By removing sediment buildup from rivers and drainage channels, the city hopes to minimize flooding and protect residents and properties from the effects of severe weather.
She emphasized that similar environmental and flood-control initiatives will continue through CENRO as part of the city government’s long-term strategy to safeguard communities and preserve the environment.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the City Government and the CENRO are doing good enough to prevent flooding this new rainy season?
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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Rockwell Land Corp. confirmed that it has a years-long plan to redevelop the famous Alabang Town Center (ATC) and turn it into a suburban lifestyle center, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Rockwell Land Corp., the luxury property development arm of the Lopez Group, plans to redevelop Alabang Town Center (ATC) over the next decade to revitalize the commercial hub and restore what management describes as its original appeal.
Nestor J. Padilla, Rockwell Land chairman and chief executive officer, said the developer envisions transforming the 17.5-hectare property in southern Metro Manila into a suburban lifestyle center over a five- to 10-year period.
“We will bring back the old charm of the town, as the locals like to call ATC. Over the next five to 10 years, our vision is to transform the town to become a suburban lifestyle center,” Padilla said.
The front and drive-way of Alabang Town Center along Madrigal Avenue.
To lead the master planning, Rockwell Land has engaged Carlos Ott, the Uruguayan-Canadian architect behind the company’s ultra-luxury Proscenium project in Makati and the designer of the Opéra Bastille in Paris. Ott is collaborating with local firm PRSP Architects, led by Vicente Rodriguez Jr., which has a history of design partnerships with the country’s major builders, including Ayala Land Inc.
Preliminary planning and reviews for the estate began two months ago, Padilla said. The initial phase of the redevelopment over the next two years will focus on upgrading parking facilities and improving vehicular traffic circulation around the complex. Concurrently, Rockwell Land plans to adjust the retail tenancy mix to enhance the shopping experience.
Valerie Soliven, Rockwell Land president and chief operating officer, said the acquisition of the commercial asset marked the expansion of the developer in the southern part of the capital.
“ATC has long held a special place within the Alabang community, and we are approaching its next chapter with both excitement and respect for what it already means to so many people,” Soliven added
Meanwhile, Rockwell Land remains vigilant in its outlook amid geopolitical turmoil and local real estate industry challenges.
“Moving forward, Rockwell is carefully navigating industry headwinds, maintaining a disciplined approach to project delivery and market expansion. The current times are a reminder that resilience and adaptability continue to define not only our industry, but also our company’s journey over our first three decades,” said Padilla.
The company registered a 29 percent jump in earnings last year to ₱5.3 billion while posting an even higher 67 percent rise in net income to ₱1.29 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Does Rockwell’s plan to redevelop Alabang Town Center sound good to you? Are you convinced that Rockwell truly cares about the interests of Alabang’s residents? Do you think the redevelopment plan could spark a wave of more commercial developments throughout the city of Muntinlupa?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippines failed in its bid to attain a seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member.
Zimbabwe, Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kyrgyzstan were named new members of the UNSC, which can issue legally binding resolutions that may include military action, economic sanctions, and deployment of peacekeeping operations.
A fourth round of votes was cast for UNSC members to choose between the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan, in the Asia-Pacific Group, after they failed to reach the required two-thirds of the majority.
Kyrgyzstan eventually achieving the necessary two-thirds majority and securing its first-ever Security Council seat by 142 votes to 49.
The remaining 10 members are elected, with five new members joining every year. This year, one comes from the Africa Group, one from the Latin American and Caribbean Group, one from the Asia-Pacific Group, and two from the Western European and Others Group.
Zimbabwe will replace Somalia and Trinidad and Tobago will replace Panama, while Portugal and Austria will replace Denmark and Greece. Kyrgyzstan will replace Pakistan.
Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia and Liberia will continue to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council until the end of 2027.
The Permanent Members are: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The rest of the non-permanent members are: Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia.
Last March, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a personal pitch for the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, saying the country is ready to contribute as a voice of balance among the world’s nations and as a “voice for principled peace.”
Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that the Philippines has an advantage in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The loss at the UN is the latest setback for the Philippines and 2026 has been a pretty bad year so far. Apart from diplomacy, the Philippines is experiencing weakening economic growth, rapid inflation and it remains very vulnerable on energy as it imports most of its oil from the Middle East. The warning signs about the national economy are only growing.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the Philippines a highly credible participant in international affairs? Do you think the Philippines deserves a seat at the United Nations Security Council under the current administration?
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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Recently in the City of Parañaque, a man stabbed his neighbor within the Silverio Compound and the incident was streamed live on social media on the part of the victim who eventually passed away, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect was eventually apprehended in Makati City.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
A 34-year-old man was arrested after allegedly slashing and stabbing his 45-year-old neighbor to death in an attack that was captured on the victim’s social media livestream.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, May 28, in Silverio Compound, Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City, while the victim, alias “Tata,” was reportedly doing laundry outside his home.
Footage from the victim’s livestream showed the suspect, identified as alias “Omay,” suddenly attacking him with a bladed weapon, slashing his neck and repeatedly stabbing him.
The victim attempted to evade the attack, and at one point, the suspect dropped the knife he was holding. However, authorities said the suspect drew another knife and continued the assault.
He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital by concerned neighbors, where he was declared dead on arrival.
The victim’s cousin said they had exchanged messages shortly before the incident and were shocked to learn about the attack through relatives who had seen the livestream. She later received a call from a doctor informing her that the victim had died.
According to Parañaque City Police chief Col. Nicolas Piñon, investigators found that the victim and the suspect had a longstanding dispute as they were neighbors.
Police said the two had reportedly exchanged heated remarks a day before the killing, and the conflict had not been resolved.
Investigators recovered one of the knives allegedly used in the attack at the crime scene. Following the incident, the suspect fled and went into hiding. He was arrested during a hot pursuit operation in Barangay Singkamas, Makati City, on June 1.
Piñon said police received information on the suspect’s whereabouts and continuously tracked him from the time of the incident until his arrest.
The victim’s family welcomed the arrest and called for justice, expressing grief over the sudden loss of their loved one.
Meanwhile, the suspect’s brother said the suspect contacted him on May 31 and expressed his intention to surrender and take responsibility for what had happened.
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 tensions between neighbors could someday lead to physical violence?
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
Following the recent meeting between Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippines Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro in Singapore, the two nations will soon discuss the export of Japanese-produced surface-to-ship missiles to the Philippines which itself has been harassed a lot by Communist China at sea, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro affirmed Sunday that talks will be launched on the export of surface-to-ship missiles from Japan to the Southeast Asian nation.
Koizumi revealed this in talks with reporters after holding a meeting with the Philippine defense chief in Singapore earlier in the day.
Type-88 surface-to-ship guided missiles of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (SDF) are expected to be a candidate.
The Philippine side is believed to have shown an interest in procuring the missiles as the Japanese Self-Defense Forces used them in the Balikatan multilateral exercises conducted in Manila between April and May.
The SDF, which had taken part in the annual exercises organized by the United States and the Philippines as an observer since 2012, joined the drills on a full scale for the first time this year following the entry into force of the Japan-Philippine reciprocal access agreement in September 2025.
The possible procurement of Type-88 missiles is expected to help reinforce the deterrent and response capabilities of the Philippines, which is in confrontation with China in the South China Sea.
Koizumi also said he and Teodoro broadly agreed that Abukuma-class destroyers of Japan’s Maritime SDF will be transferred to the Philippines as soon as they are decommissioned.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is inevitable the Philippines will proceed to acquire Type 88 surface-to-ship missile systems from Japan within the year?
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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
The Philippines’ capability to defend itself will be enhanced soon as Japan committed to transfer crucial military equipment to them as part of the defense cooperation, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Japan has pledged to beef up its defense cooperation with the Philippines through the provision of military equipment and technology aimed at enhancing the Philippine forces’ capabilities.
The commitment was made after a summit meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday.
In a joint statement, the two nations committed to step up collaboration to facilitate the transfer of defense equipment, including destroyers, TC-90 aircraft and radar systems.
This was in accordance with the two nations’ Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and the Official Security Assistance (OSA), a collaborative effort to enhance defense capabilities and strengthen security cooperation.
Takaichi reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to contributing to the capacity building of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially in the maritime area.
The two leaders vowed to advance cooperation in defense sector to support the development of mutually beneficial industrial capabilities, enhance supply chain resilience, and contribute to interoperability and long-term defense readiness.
The Philippines welcomed Japan’s newly revised Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its implementation guidelines, acknowledging that such efforts contribute to regional peace and stability.
Marcos and Takaichi recognized that the closer cooperation between their defense authorities in recent years has laid “a robust foundation for their bilateral partnership.”
They agreed to the early convening of the next Philippines-Japan ‘2+2′ (Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting) to strengthen strategic coordination and ensure effective high-level policy discussions.
Maritime cooperation – Both leaders also stressed the need to advance maritime cooperation, considering that the Philippines and Japan are “neighbors connected by the sea.”
They acknowledged that enhancing maritime cooperation, underpinned by respect for international law, promotes peace, stability, and mutual trust.
Marcos also expressed gratitude to Japan over its continued support in enhancing Philippine Coast Guard’s capabilities through the provision of patrol ships.
The two leaders vowed to promote mutual exchanges between the maritime law enforcement agencies through joint training and capacity-building activities aimed at ensuring maritime safety and upholding the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be better in defending itself once it receives military equipment from Japan?
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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
With the window remaining open for bidders to challenge Cerberus’ unsolicited offer for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officially adjusted the bidding timeline, according to a news report by the Manila Standard. Previously, the SBMA announced a Swiss challenge for the airport development project.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is inviting rival bidders to challenge the unsolicited offer of Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC for the P6.2-billion Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) development project.
In a recent bid bulletin, the SBMA announced that the issuance and availability of tender documents has been rescheduled to June 17, 2026, moving back from its initial May 18, 2026 timeline.
“The extension ensures technical specifications, financial parameters, and contractual frameworks are comprehensive, accurate, and clear,” the SBMA said.
“This adjustment protects the integrity of the Comparative Challenge process and ensures an equal footing for all participants. No prejudice is caused to any party as documents have not yet been released,” it added.
The asset-management firm Cerberus originally submitted its unsolicited proposal on March 26, 2025, under an Operate-Rehabilitate-Add-Transfer scheme.
The project spans a 25-year concession period—with a possibility for extension—and involves upgrading, expanding, operating, and maintaining the SBIA before its eventual turnover to the SBMA.
The primary goal is to transform the airport into a modern, high-capacity cargo hub that meets international standards and streamlines logistics across the Luzon region.
The comparative challenge will operate under a “right-to-match” mechanism in accordance with the PPP Code Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
The original proponent will be given 30 calendar days to match or top the most superior proposal submitted by a challenger. If no challengers emerge, or if the original proponent submits a superior counter-offer, the contract will be awarded to Cerberus.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think several corporate entities overseas will eventually challenge Cerberus’ bid for the Subic Bay International Airport?
Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!
In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads from the 1980s to the 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, posters and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s to the 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. Taito’s 4-in-1 Print Ad
I remember seeing this ad in some comic books I read back in the 1980s.
There is nothing like taking the clever approach of promoting multiple video games using only one single print ad in the size of a single page. Taito did exactly that in the 1980s when it promoted Elevator Action, The Legend of Kage, Arkanoid and Renegade for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) promising excitement as the mentioned games were making the jump from arcade to console. What is very notable in Taito’s single-page print ad was that it did not show any screenshots of the games. Instead, they used hand-drawn artwork to emphasize each game’s theme or setting, and leave it up to the viewers’ imagination as to how those games would look like on NES. This old ad is intriguing and amusing at the same time.
2. Chase H.Q. II: Special Criminal Investigation Print Ad
Cars and high-speed action emphasized in this ad.
Following the huge success of the original Chase H.Q. on both arcade and consoles in the late-1980s, the sequel Special Crime Investigation was released in the arcades in 1989 and ported to game consoles and computers in the early 1990s under the title Chase H.Q. II: Special Criminal Investigation. To promote Chase H.Q. II: Special Criminal Investigation for home computers, game publisher Ocean came up with a colorful print ad showcasing a few cars, a city background and elements of gun-related action presented in nice art. The ad has an image of the original arcade machine to remind gamers that they are playing the sequel to Chase H.Q.
3. Dancing Eyes Japanese Arcade Flyer
The front.
The rear.
Released by Namco in Japan in 1996, Dancing Eyes is a puzzle arcade game that became notorious due to its overtly sexual nature. With the way it was designed, players control a small monkey called Urusu-San and crawl along a 3D grid mapped over characters (mostly ladies) or various objects. If the 3D grid is mapped over a young lady, any tile of the grid destroyed by the player exposes the lady’s underwear or skin. Such sexuality is reflected in the arcade flyer of Dancing Eyes which has a suggestive hand-drawn art on the front while the game’s mechanics are explained in the rear. Even the rear of the flyer shows sexual nature of the game with screenshots. While the game was officially released only in Japan, Dancing Eyes actually was made available for gamers to play at the arcade of X-Site amusement center inside Festival Mall in Alabang during the early 2000s and it attracted a lot of guys. I bet Namco did not know about that.
4. Sega Saturn North American Print Ad
This print ad always caught people’s attention.
When the Sega launched the Saturn console in America roughly four months ahead of schedule in 1995, the company suffered as the sales were disappointing, ties with business partners were strained and the available Saturn games were very few. By the fourth quarter of that year, more games became available for the Saturn and this gave Sega the opportunity to aggressively market the console as the one that gamers should get for their enjoyment. To promote the Saturn, Sega came up with a two-page print ad that had a dominant image of a naked woman whose private parts were cleverly covered by screenshots of the available games. Since most gamers were predominantly male from teenagers to adults, it made sense for Sega to come up with an eye-catching sexy ad to promote their console and the video games (including those from other companies). This old ad is considered by the woke and rabid feminists as very offensive today.
5. Blockbuster Video Print Ad
If you won the grand prize and wanted a lot of entertainment, you would not want to leave your home.
Back in the late 20th century, Blockbuster Video was the dominant retailer that offered customers movies in home video format for sale and for rent. Along the way, the company offered video game rentals and attracted millions of gamers around the nation. Given the tremendous growth of video gaming in America in the 1990s, Blockbuster got itself more involved by launching the Games of Summer Sweepstakes in 1996. Utilizing print ads, the sweepstakes offered the Ultimate Game Rooms – composed of a 41-inch big-screen TV, Surround Sound speakers, hi-fi VCR, NBA Jame Extreme arcade game, the Sega Saturn, the PlayStation, a gaming chair, Acclaim games for Saturn and PlayStation, and a 1-year free Blockbuster Video game rentals privilege – as the grand prizes. Do you know anyone who won in Blockbuster’s sweepstakes?
6. Independence Day (ID4) Print Ad
A nice looking ad for a game that was actually mediocre.
Remember how big a blockbuster Independence Day (ID4) was in cinemas in 1996? The film grossed over $800 million worldwide and it revived the disaster movie genre using modern filmmaking techniques and the latest technologies of the decade. Given the massive success of the movie, it was not surprising that an official video game adaptation was released in 1997. To promote the game, Fox Interactive (the video game company of the movie studio behind the film) came up with a 2-page print ad using official artwork from the movie showcasing the alien spaceship being attacked by a military fighter plane. The ad showed only 3 screenshots and the descriptive text was written to make gamers feel like they have the role to lead Earth’s fight against the aliens. While the art looks good, it can only go so far to hide the mediocrity of the game itself.
7. GoldenEye 007 Print Ad
Bond, James Bond.
When GoldenEye achieved both critical and financial success in movies, it revived the James Bond movie franchise big-time and Pierce Brosnan was easily accepted by the public as the newest Agent 007. Several months before the movie was even released, an official video game adaptation started development. After much revisions and hard adjustments, the project evolved into a first-person shooting game for the Nintendo 64 console titled GoldenEye 007. To promote the game, Nintendo came up with a 2-page print ad that cleverly showed Brosnan as James Bond on the left and displayed the screenshots and other details on the right. This ad was easily eye-catching and it made lots of gamers excited. As history showed, GoldenEye 007 got released in 1997 and became a huge critical and commercial success while also proving that first-person shooters on game consoles can be a lot of fun.
8. North American Sega Saturn Games Promo Print Ad
There definitely was something fun offered to gamers. Who could go wrong with titles like Tomb Raider, Nights into Dreams, Virtual On and Virtua Cop 2?
As mentioned earlier, the Sega Saturn had a bad launch in America in 1995 which caused a lot of problems for the company. In 1996, Sega of America went on the offensive to really capture gamers’ attention by launching their Saturn games promo. The message of this 2-page print ad was very clear…Sega offered one free first-party game (limited to four specific games including Nights into Dreams) to those who bought two games (from a lineup of twelve specific titles). It should be noted that the Christmas season of 1996 was the most successful sales period of the Sega Saturn in America as gamers really responded to the promo. Even though some called this promo an act of desperation, nothing changes the fact that Sega succeeded during the most critical sales season of 1996.
Author Carlo Carrasco 