Twitter – Page 38 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Retro Classics now available on Game Pass covering Xbox consoles, PC and other devices

May 28, 2025May 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, RPG players, retro gaming enthusiasts and other gamers!

In what is clearly the most serious effort exerted by Team Xbox on retro gaming, they recently released Retro Classics on the Game Pass subscription service covering gamers with Xbox consoles, personal computers (PCs) and device with cloud gaming.

To get things started, watch the official launch trailer of Retro Classics below.

For insight about Retro Classics, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement on Xbox.com. Some parts in boldface.

Retro Classics games are available to play for Xbox Game Pass members. Players who stream on the Xbox app on PC now have an additional streaming option with GeForce Now. Game Bar introduces quick settings, visual updates for Widgets in Compact Mode, and coming soon, Microsoft Edge Game Assist, an in-game browser that brings an immersive game-centric experience to Edge. And Xbox gift cards can now be redeemed for any amount via Xbox Rewards.

Announcing Retro Classics available for Game Pass Members – We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Retro Classics, a collaboration between Xbox and Antstream Arcade, available to play for Game Pass members globally.

Starting today, Game Pass members can dive into a collection of 50+ classic Activision games from the ’80s and ’90s, including beloved titles like Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall! This initiative is a step in our commitment to game preservation and backwards compatibility, allowing players to experience many timeless games on modern devices.

With Retro Classics, Game Pass members can expect a seamless gaming experience across console, PC, and on supported devices with cloud gaming. Whether playing on Xbox console, the Xbox app on PC, or streaming on supported LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets, Retro Classics offers a versatile and accessible way to enjoy these nostalgic titles. Game Pass members can access Retro Classics through their Game Pass membership by searching and installing the feature via their console or on the Xbox app on PC. Additionally, players can take on friends, rivals, or the entire world with unique challenges. For the achievement hunters, there are some great new ones to collect, and for newer players, the ability to save and reload your progress, a first for many classic titles.

Game Pass members can look forward to discovering additional games added from Activision and Blizzard, expanding the Retro Classics collection to more than 100+ titles over time.

Now that Activision and Blizzard were mentioned in the official announcement, it is clear that this retro gaming approach by Team Xbox (in strategic partnership with Antstream Arcade) is one of the benefits of the 2023 acquisition of Activision-Blizzard-King.

Having played video games for decades, I know for a fact that Activision alone has lots of old video games from the 1980s and the 1990s. I still remember playing Activision’s Keystone Kapers on the Atari 2600 when I was very young. The same company also released Pitfall! and River Raid on different consoles in the 1980s. The Activision games of the 1990s I often remember were MechWarrior, MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat and Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure. As for Blizzard, I remember playing Blackthorne and I witnessed some people who played Warcraft and StarCraft games in the 1990s.

*See a retro game that interests you? (Photo source – Xbox.com)*

There definitely be more old-but-fun video games coming into Retro Classics for Game Pass subscribers to enjoy. It remains to be seen how fast Team Xbox and its partner will be able to add the games.

If you are already a Game Pass subscriber and if you have decided to enjoy retro gaming, you can do so by availing of Retro Classics by clicking https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/retro-classics/9MTVJ3HHTQGS

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Las Piñas City Government distributes unclaimed senior citizens’ financial aid

May 28, 2025May 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that it has organized an unclaimed payout event for senior citizens within the City Hall compound. The incoming City Mayor April Aguilar personally attended the event.

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

In its continued effort to support the welfare of the elderly, the Las Piñas Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), in collaboration with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), held an unclaimed payout event on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Las Piñas Café, City Hall Compound.

The program focused on disbursing financial assistance to octogenarians and nonagenarians who reached the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, specifically for the months of February and March 2025. A total of 39 senior citizens benefited from the payout, each receiving P10,000 in financial aid.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar graced the event, offering words of encouragement and expressing her gratitude to the senior citizens for their valuable contribution to the community. Also present were OSCA Head Dr. Esther Oliveros and representatives from the NCSC, who ensured a smooth and respectful distribution of funds to the elderly attendees.

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 will continue serving the local senior citizens?

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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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

Free school supplies for incoming public school students of Muntinlupa City for school year 2025-2026 announced

May 27, 2025May 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the newly re-elected Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that there will be free school supplies and shoes for the incoming public school students (early childhood education to senior high school level specifically) for school year 2025-2026 provided by the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that all incoming public school students from early childhood education to senior high school will again receive free school supplies and shoes.

He said the Muntinlupa City government will provide the free Balik Eskwela packages for public school students for school year 2025 to 2026.

Alam nating malaki ang gastos tuwing pasukan, kaya’t layunin nating matulungan ang mga magulang at tiyaking handa ang bawat batang Muntinlupeño sa pagbabalik-eskwela (We know that the expenses every start of schooling are big, so our goal is to help parents and ensure that every Muntinlupeño child is ready to return to school),” he said.

This is the third consecutive year that the Muntinlupa City government under the Biazon administration will give free school supplies to public school students.

Each Balik Eskwela package contains backpacks, notebooks, pad papers, pens and pencils, pencil case and black leather shoes. The packages have variations depending on the grade level.

The distribution schedule of the free Balik Eskwela packages will be announced later.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you approve of the City Government providing school supplies and shoes to public school students for the new school year?

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

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Suspects arrested for stealing Alabang monument brass markers

May 26, 2025May 27, 2025carlocarrasco

This past weekend in the City of Muntinlupa, local police officers aided by barangay officials apprehended suspects who were responsible for the theft of brass markers of a city monument, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The brass markers of a monument honoring World War II guerillas in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City were found stolen.

The suspects were arrested through the efforts of the police and barangay officials, and will face charges, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said he went to the Philippine National Police (PNP) station at Alabang Junction where the suspects were brought for investigation.

The suspects revealed that they sold the brass markers to a certain junk shop. The junk shop owner will also face charges for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law. Biazon however said the brass markers may have already been melted.

Earlier, the local government unit offered a P100,000 reward to anyone who can give information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects in the theft of the brass markers.

The monument is located at the plaza of Barangay Alabang. Every February 4, the city recognizes the sacrifice and heroism of the guerillas during World War II.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the suspects should pay the penalty for stealing the brass markers of the monument?

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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Philippines trade officials meet with Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH)

May 25, 2025May 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) met with the executives of Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH) – the company behind the popular Don Quijote stores – and they discussed opportunities of trade expansion, 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 PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque has met with executives of Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH) to expand trade opportunities for Philippine products.

PPIH is the Japanese retail powerhouse behind Don Quijote and Don Don Donki store chains.

In a statement on Tuesday, DTI said the meeting, held on May 19 in Tokyo, centered on expanding the sourcing of Philippine products for inclusion in PPIH’s global store network, particularly in Japan, the United States, and other Asian markets.

The recent engagement with PPIH officials is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to deepen trade and investment ties with key global partners, with the representatives from both parties eyeing collaborative solutions to address regulatory and packaging requirements, facilitating smoother entry of Philippine products into foreign retail markets.

During the meeting, PPIH expressed strong interest in increasing the visibility of Filipino-made goods in their retail ecosystem, both as standalone Philippine-branded products and as ingredients or components for Japanese-packaged offerings tailored to local markets.

PPIH identified food and wellness items, natural and sustainable home goods, and unique lifestyle products as key areas of sourcing interest.

They also expressed interest to connect directly with more Philippine exporters and manufacturers, beyond current intermediaries, to gain better access to new and trending products.

“We welcome every opportunity to introduce Filipino products to the world — especially through partners who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence. As we work toward a more dynamic and future-ready Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), engagements like this underscore our dedication to creating new market avenues for Filipino enterprises,” Roque said.

DTI said that while PPIH noted that opening a Donki store in the Philippines remains a long-term consideration, executives acknowledged that a successful sourcing partnership with the Philippine government and exporters could play a significant role in including the Philippines in future regional expansion plans.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that PPIH will proceed with trade expansion opportunities with the Philippines this year? Do you think that a strategic partnership will be realized soon?

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

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Nine foreigners who were caught with undeclared P441 million cash and foreign currency up for deportation

May 24, 2025May 20, 2025carlocarrasco

The nine foreigners – who had two Filipino companions – who were recently caught in the Cebu airport carrying undeclared amounts of cash of over P440 million and some foreign currency will be deported after their local cases get resolved, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Tuesday it is seeking to deport the nine foreigners arrested at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport for carrying undeclared bags of cash amounting to over P440 million.

According to Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval, the deportation proceedings are ongoing.

The nine foreigners and two Filipinos were arrested by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security as they were attempting to board a private plane to Manila at about 10:30 p.m.

The suspects—including six Chinese and individuals from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan—were found carrying seven bags instead of the declared three bags containing up to P441,922,542, USD$168,730 (around P9.342 Million), and HKD$1,000 (around P71,000).

The BI said that aside from deportation proceedings, the group may also face criminal and anti-money laundering charges before local courts.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more foreigners in the country carrying with them huge amounts of undeclared cash?

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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New Korean volunteers in Muntinlupa City

May 22, 2025May 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a new batch of Korean volunteers were deployed for activities in childhood development centers and Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The second batch of Korean volunteer-teachers was deployed to childhood development centers (CDC) in Muntinlupa.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed the 10 new Korean volunteers coming from different backgrounds including education, media and arts, advertising and sanitation engineering.

“Ready na silang makipag-collaborate sa ating CDC teachers and workers, at matuto rin mula sa ating communities (They are ready to collaborate with our CDC teachers and workers, and also learn from our communities),” posted on Facebook.

The program is part of the partnership between the Muntinlupa City government, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), aiming to improve child development in the city.

“We are excited to welcome this new wave of knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange with our Korean friends. We hope our Korean friends will also discover and appreciate the richness of Filipino culture and the warm spirit of Muntinlupeños,” Biazon added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the activities of the newest batch of Korean volunteers will be beneficial to local childhood development?

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

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Las Piñas City Congressman-elect Mark Santos hopes his victory will inspire future leaders who were never given a chance before

May 22, 2025May 20, 2025carlocarrasco

As some of you may already be aware, long-time City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos pulled off a major upset over Senator Cynthia Villar in the recent local elections and has since been proclaimed as the next Congressional Representative of the city. The Congressman-elect was interviewed by ABS-CBN through their ANC Headstart program and he hopes to inspire future leaders who previously were not given chances to serve.

For historical context, different members of the influential Villar family represented Las Piñas in the House of Representatives since 1992, and there were also members who went on to get elected as Philippine Senators. Senator Cynthia Villar was first elected to the Senate in 2013 and her 2^nd 6-year term is ending soon. Before she entered the Senate, she was also the city’s Congressional Representative. In the past election, Santos was the teammate of Mayor-elect April Aguilar. To get to know Santos better, check out his Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/KonsMark2022

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

Mark Antony Santos, the newly-elected congressional representative of Las Piñas, said Thursday it was “not in my wildest dreams” to challenge the Villar family’s decades-long hold in the post.

“Not in my wildest dream talaga na tumakbo and to fight against a well-entrenched family in Las Piñas,” he told ANC’s Headstart.

Santos was proclaimed Las Piñas congressman-elect after defeating Sen. Cynthia Villar. As of Thursday’s partial and unofficial count, Santos had obtained 108,206 votes while Villar only had 78,526 votes.

It was one of the most stunning upsets in the 2025 midterm polls considering that the Villars had occupied the said congressional post since 1992.

If you can imagine pinakamayaman, number 1 sa Forbes list… It’s a historical record sa Las Piñas, since 1992 nasa Villar ang mga congress representatives namin dito,” Santos said.

But Santos said he remained “grounded” and gave in to the public clamor for change.

“Kasi grounded tayo, nagkaroon tayo ng consultation. Siguro public clamor na rin ito for a change,” he said.

Santos was long-time councilor in the city, and aligned with the Aguilars, a family who is also related to the Villars.

The new congressman denied that his victory was only a result of the alleged infighting between the 2 political families, adding that he was an “independent” candidate.

Santos said his advocacy in the upcoming Congress is to push for socialized housing.

He said he hoped that his win could be an inspiration for leaders who were “never given a chance” due to the country’s political landscape.

“Maraming qualified na magagaling na tao. Pero dahil sa situation, political landscape, talagang wala eh, never given a chance. I hope sa susunod na eleksyon, pero alam mo, ano to kumbaga nagising na mga tao,” he said.

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 that the incoming Congressman Santos will initiate reforms to make new projects and improve the quality of service to the people of Las Piñas?

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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DILG urges LGUs to adopt cashless payments for government transactions

May 21, 2025May 17, 2025carlocarrasco

By emphasizing transparence, efficiency and public conveniences as key factors, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) nationwide to adopt cashless payments for government transactions, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The DILG clarified, however, that the traditional modes of payments must still be accepted by LGUs.

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

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on the local government units (LGUs) on Saturday, May 17, to promote electronic payment and collection systems as an alternative to the traditional mode of payment in government transactions.

The DILG memorandum circular encourages the LGUs to implement EPCS for collecting local taxes, fees, and other charges, in accordance with Executive Order No. 170, series of 2022 on the use of digital payments for government transactions.

Further, the DILG asserted that digital payments improve transparency, efficiency and public convenience with the LGUs being encouraged to offer secure, accessible digital options, ensure payment channels are user-friendly, and partner with authorized providers, including government servicing banks.

“All efforts must align with the National Retail Payment System Framework and the Data Privacy Act,’’ the DILG emphasized.

“LGUs are also expected to define clear procedures for issuing electronic invoices and billing notices, consistent with guidelines from the Commission on Audit and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,’’ it added.

While promoting digitalization, the DILG clarified that the LGUs must still accept cash and other traditional modes of payment to ensure accessibility for all.

To support its full implementation, the DILG prodded the LGUs to pass enabling ordinances and issue local policies.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? When it comes to doing transactions with your local government, do you prefer to pay in cash or use digital methods such as e-wallets? Is your local government already accepting payments in electronic form?

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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2025 election candidates reminded by BIR of tax obligations

May 20, 2025May 16, 2025carlocarrasco

With the 2025 National and Local Elections over, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminded all candidates that they are subject to tax regulations and must prepare themselves to meet with the requirements, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Failure to do so could mean tax evasion charges.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is reminding all candidates and political parties who ran in the 2025 elections that they are subject to tax regulations and must comply with key requirements as part of their duties as candidates for public office.

In a television interview, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. emphasized that all candidates and political organizations, including party-list groups must issue BIR-registered invoices for contributions they receive, whether in cash or in kind.

“At pag nagbabayad sila sa kanilang mga suppliers ay kinakailangan nilang mag-withhold ng 5 percent dun sa kanilang suppliers (They also need to withhold 5 percent when they pay to their suppliers),” he said, as quoted in a news release on Thursday.

He added that candidates must keep track of their expenses and submit detailed reports, or Statement of Contribution and Expenditure (SOCE), not just to the Commission on Elections but also to the BIR.

“Para makita natin na lahat kung compliant ang kanilang obligasyon dito (This is for us to determine if everybody is compliant with their obligations),” he said.

Lumagui further reminded that while candidates and parties are allowed to keep excess campaign contributions, they need to pay taxes on these.

“Pagka sobra naman ang natanggap nila na mga contributions sa mga ginastos nila, kinakailangan nilang bayaran ang income tax patungkol dito sa sobrang natanggap nila (If the contributions they received are more than what they spent, they need to pay income tax on the excess funds).”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think all the candidates will be able to comply with both the COMELEC and the BIR? Do you know any local candidate who received funds from your local community during the election campaign season?

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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