Tag: Twitter

Hamas leader and mass murderer Yahya Sinwar eliminated in Gaza

Hamas leader and mass murderer Yahya Sinwar eliminated in Gaza

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As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas which is sponsored by terrorist state Iran. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the news…

Very recently inside the Gaza strip, soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated the Hamas leader and mass murderer Yahya Sinwar who happens to be the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel. It has also been verified by DNA testing and physical examination that Sinwar’s dead body is genuine and already Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech about this major breakthrough.

Sinwar was not just a Palestinian terrorist sponsored by terrorist state Iran. He was a demon who lived with pure hatred towards Israel and always called for violence against the Jewish state. Sinwar has a history of murder and genocide. As such, the elimination of the Hamas leader (which happened unexpectedly) is a tremendous achievement not only for Israel but also in the war against terrorists. To see more precise details about what happened, click https://looking4theblessedhope.com/2024/10/17/they-got-him-yahya-sinwar-mastermind-of-the-october-7-massacre-is-dead/

Very clearly, George W. Bush’s war on terror has long been over and Israel is now the leading the fight against terrorists while also defending Western democracy and freedom in the region. Sinwar’s death is the latest following the elimination of Hezbollah’s top leader Nasrallah and that of Hamas’ other leader Ismail Haniyeh (who was eliminated inside Iran) made 2024 the year of the fall of terrorist leaders.

For added insight, watch the YouTube videos below…

There is no doubt about it. God is on Israel’s side and already the tide is turning against terrorist state Iran (whose wicked government continues to brutalize Iranians who don’t agree with them) and the terrorist groups who are doing their dirt works. Iran already launched two barrages of missiles at Israel and God defended the nation. The war with the terrorists will still go on but Israel has God to keep on striving, winning and achieving justice for the victims of terrorists.

Before ending this post, I want to reach out to all the people out there who hate Israel, the people who were brainwashed by Islamo-Leftist forces and others who are living with evil, violence and hatred.

My message to the evildoers, the lost, the violent and unsaved is this: Stop being evil. Stop your terrorist activities. Stop being the terrorists’ pawns and useful idiots. Stop being a pawn of Satan and start purifying yourselves with the Word of God so that you can come to Lord Jesus to repent and submit willingly. It is your decision to make the right moves and head towards the light of Lord Jesus (Savior and Hope of all nations) while you still have time.

Thank you for your attention.

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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

Chinese national arrested in Parañaque City for illegal possession of firearm, grave threat and gun ban violation

Chinese national arrested in Parañaque City for illegal possession of firearm, grave threat and gun ban violation

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Recently in the city of Parañaque, an armed Chinese national was arrested by the local police for illegally possessing a firearm, committing grave threat and violating the gun ban, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect had an intense argument with a fellow Chinese national.

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

A Chinese national was arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at his friend during a heated arguement in Parañaque City on Wednesday night, October 16.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as “Liu,”32. Liu was arrested at around 8:10 p.m. near a hotel in Barangay Don Galo, Parañaque City.

Based on the police investigation, the suspect had a heated argument with his compatriot identified as “Fang” while inside a vehicle driven by “Mark.”

Mark reportedly stopped the vehicle and sought assistance to some bystanders. Luckily, officers from the Parañaque Police Station Investigation and Detective Management Unit (SIDMU) who were conducting an operation near the area heard the commotion and responded to it.

Upon arrival, the officers witnessed Fang and Mark who had already subdued the suspect and were able to get hold of a pistol which Liu allegedly pointed to Fang.

Police recovered the .9mm pistol with five live ammunition from the suspect who failed to show any documents on the firearm.

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 still a lot more Chinese nationals living in the city who could cause trouble? Have you been wondering how Chinese nationals are able to get hold of guns?

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

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

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

COMELEC requires candidates and political parties to register their digital accounts for 2025 election campaigning

COMELEC requires candidates and political parties to register their digital accounts for 2025 election campaigning

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With the 2025 National and Local Elections gradually approaching, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) told candidates and political parties to have their social media and online accounts registered and they must follow the rules that were recently announced, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

For the newcomers reading this, the heavy use of social media, digital activities and websites is election campaigns of the past several years by candidates and parties or political groups is the new normal here in the Philippines and there is simply no stopping it from further rising. Along the way, fake news, rumors and misleading pieces of information transpired. If these negative elements are left unchecked, it could make election integrity in the Philippines very questionable.

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

Candidates and political parties that would use internet and social media in campaigning for the 2025 midterm polls have to register their accounts with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In a Sept. 17 resolution made available Wednesday, the poll body said official social media accounts and pages, websites, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, and other online and internet-based campaign platforms of candidates, and parties intending to participate in the polls and their respective campaign teams that are primarily designed or used to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates should be registered with the Comelec-Education and Information Department (EID).

The registration period will commence within 30 calendar days after the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) or from Nov. 8 to Dec. 13 this year. The filing period of COCs is from Oct. 1 to 8.

The registration form for social media accounts and other online and internet-based campaign platforms may be submitted only by the candidates and their authorized representatives, as well as authorized representatives of registered political parties/ coalitions, and party-list organizations.

The forms should be submitted to the EID, through the official online channels that will be provided by the Comelec.

Prohibited acts – The Comelec also listed acts that would be considered misuse and malicious use of digital technology in campaigning:

– use of “false amplifiers”, such as fake accounts, bots, and astroturf groups filled with fake users to propagate disinformation and misinformation in endorsing or campaigning against a candidate, a political party / coalition, or party-list organizations, or to propagate disinformation, and misinformation targeting the Philippine election system, the Comelec, and electoral processes during the election and campaign period;

– coordinated inauthentic behavior and utilization of hyperactive users for the aforementioned purposes;

– creation and dissemination of deepfakes, cheapfakes, and soft fakes for the aforementioned purposes;

– use of fake and unregistered social media accounts during the election and campaign period for the same purposes;

– creation and dissemination of fake news in furtherance of the aforementioned purposes.

It warned that such acts may constitute as an election offense under Section 261 (z) (11) of the Omnibus Election Code.

Task force – The poll body also created the Task Force sa Katotohanan, Katapatan at Katarungan sa Halalan (Task Force KKK sa Halalan) tasked to oversee the implementation of the guidelines, review of registration forms, validation, approval and endorsement to the Commission en banc.

It is also tasked to monitor registered and unregistered social media and online accounts or websites which are used to endorse or campaign against candidates, political parties/ coalitions, party-list organizations; to issue show cause order, and initial investigation of detected or reported prohibited acts under these guidelines; motu proprio filing of complaints against erring candidates, parties, individuals, and other entities.

The task force will be headed by the chiefs of the poll body’s EID and Law Department as chairperson and co-chairperson, respectively.

Election, campaign period – The Comelec added the election period for the 2025 midterm polls would be from Jan. 12 to June 11, 2025.

The campaign period for those seeking national positions (senator and party-list groups) will start on Feb. 11, 2025 and will run until May 10, 2025.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think all those many rules announced by COMELEC will help reduce, if not prevent, misinformation, fake news and other distortions from impacting the election campaigns and the voters? Do you agree with the COMELEC requiring candidates and political parties to have their digital accounts registered before they could campaign?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, 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

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

Official website and social media presence launched by New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC)

Official website and social media presence launched by New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC)

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In its pursuit to keep the public informed and oriented, the new operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) – San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC) – recently launched its official website as well as social media accounts, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

For the newcomers reading this, the operations of NAIA were recently turned over to NNIC which is a private entity. NAIA is still owned by the national government.

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

San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC), the new private operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has launched the official website and social media pages of NAIA as the transformation of the Philippines’ primary gateway begins.

The new website, www.newnaia.com.ph, focuses on providing comprehensive information about NAIA — including details on the ongoing transformation project, its progress, and the future vision for the airport.

It serves as a hub for travelers, offering real-time flight information as well as updates on airport services and amenities.

In honor of the Philippines’ modern-day heroes, the website will feature a regular section called Bagong Bayani dedicated to inspiring stories about Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

NNIC has also launched its social media pages on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) under the name newnaiaph. These will serve as additional channels for sharing updates, engaging the public, and building a community around the NAIA transformation.

The public can also connect via email (feedback@newnaia.com), hotline (+63 2 8877 1111), and SMS (TextNAIA) at +63 917 839 6242.

“The launch of our website and social media pages is part of our commitment to open communication and transparency,” said San Miguel Corporation Chairman and NNIC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

For your general reference:

https://www.newnaia.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/newnaiaph

https://x.com/newnaiaph

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? As a traveler, have you tried searching for relevant information on newnaia.com.ph? Have you been following NNIC’s accounts on Facebook and Twitter? Is the flight status tool of the official website working properly?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, 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

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

Muntinlupa City Mayor tells graduates to live life with integrity instead of wanting social media likes

Muntinlupa City Mayor tells graduates to live life with integrity instead of wanting social media likes

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During a graduation ceremony held recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon told the graduates to live life with integrity instead of wanting likes of social media, 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…

Amid the popularity of social media like Facebook and Instagram, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded graduates to live life with integrity and purpose beyond online validation.

“Live for others instead of for ‘likes.’ Think about how we can serve our families, communities, and fellow citizens,” he said in his speech to the Class of 2024.

He added, “Work hard to be a champion, not to chase clout. Strive for excellence and become champions in everything you do.”

Biazon attended the graduation and moving up ceremonies of more than 20,000 students in public elementary and high schools in Muntinlupa from May  29 to 31.

He acknowledged the importance of social media and noted that while likes are not inherently bad, they should not dictate people’s actions or compromise their values and principles.

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 strongly agree with Mayor Biazon’s advice to the graduates? Do you think that the Filipino youth has gotten too addicted by social media? Do you think that social media companies genuinely care about the mental health of teenagers among their many users?

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

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

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

PNP tells public to avoid scammers and transact only with legitimate companies when booking for travel

PNP tells public to avoid scammers and transact only with legitimate companies when booking for travel

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In recent times, the Philippine National Police (PNP) advised people to avoid scammers, protect their personal information and only transact with legitimate companies with regards to making arrangements for travel as the summer season approaches, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) noticed that scammers have been using digital methods and social media to deceive customers and take their money.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday advised the public to ensure that they are transacting with legitimate companies to avoid falling victims to scams ahead of the summer travel season.

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) issued the warning due to the upward trend in vacation or travel accommodation scams last year.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, citing ACG data, said from 39 cases in 2021 and 91 cases in 2022, the police recorded 313 cases in 2023. This year, the police has so far recorded 35 cases.

Criminals utilize social media and digital technology to impersonate legitimate establishments, offering online accommodation services at much lower rates than usual.

However, upon arrival, victims discover that their reservations do not exist in the establishment’s system.

“We would like to take this opportunity to warn and remind our public na mag ingat (to be wary). Katulad ng sinasabi natin (As we have been saying), this is not only limited sa mga (to) vacation scam. Pati nga ‘yung mga nagbebenta ng mga murang services, nagbebenta ng mga ano-anong produkto, mag-ingat tayo especially kung ang kapalit agad nun is magpapadala kayo ng pera without you not knowing kung sino ang mga iyon (This includes those offering cheap services, selling different kinds of products, let’s be wary especially if the scheme means you have to send money without you knowing who are these),” she added.

ACG director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia Director urged netizens to exercise utmost caution and refrain from providing personal or financial details online without verifying the legitimacy of the recipient.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the scammers have been victimizing a lot of local travelers lately? Have you seen lots of enticing travel promos on social media that promised huge discounts? If you have been traveling lately, do you do your bookings online or over the counter with a travel agency?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, 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

A Look Back at Spider-Man #2 (1990)

A Look Back at Spider-Man #2 (1990)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the early 1990s and explore a part of the Marvel Comics shared universe through a tale of the Spider-Man monthly series.

In my previous retro review, Todd McFarlane told a tale of the iconic web-slinger with intense build-up leading to another rematch with his old nemesis the Lizard (Dr. Connors). While the writing was pretty weak, McFarlane still managed to tell a tale with a strong element of horror and supernatural stuff. McFarlane’s approach with visual violence and graphic stuff was clearly adulterated. What was presented daringly tested the limits allowed under the Comics Code Authority (CCA).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man #2, published in 1990 by Marvel Comics with a story written and drawn by Todd McFarlane. This is also the 2nd chapter of the Torment storyline.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins in New York City where two men got suddenly murdered by the Lizard in an alley during the night. The next morning Peter Parker reads the newspaper (showing the photograph and the news story of the Lizard’s murder of the two men) while having a breakfast moment with his wife Mary Jane. As soon as his wife mentions the word “monster”, Peter takes a 2nd look at the newspaper’s photograph and finally notices the bloody writing “CNNR” on the alley wall which makes him realize that the Lizard is back again.

Feeling very troubled, Peter leaves Mary Jane quietly and dresses up as Spider-Man to go out once again.

Elsewhere in the city, a sorceress uses her evil method of crafting a potion which creates an unrelenting sound of disturbance which Spider-Man hears. As the sound goes on, his focus and Spider Sense get overwhelmed…

Quality

A quick look at the origin of the Lizard by McFarlane.

While the writing by McFarlane remains weak, he still succeeded in making this story a marginal improvement over the previous issue in terms of moving the plot forward, paying off a good chunk of the build-up in issue #1, and establishing his own visual corner (inspired by horror and adulterated stuff) within the Spider-Man franchise of comics of the time.

The biggest feature here is the physical conflict between Spider-Man and the Lizard. As expected, McFarlane drew the big fight with a lot of intense action, powerful violence (note: it was clear the editorial team recommended moves to tone down the graphic violence), suspense and a good amount of horror. Not only does the big fight move the story forward, it allowed McFarlane to dramatize Spider-Man as a vulnerable hero who not only has to cope with the disturbance from the sorceress far away, but also deal with the poison he got from the Lizard. That being said, Spidey also struggles with his sanity and the new fact that the Lizard has turned into a murder machine which disturbs him a lot as he personally knew Dr. Connors.

Considering what happened here and in the previous issue, there is still a greater force of evil that awaits Spider-Man and the Lizard happens to be an ultra-violent tool.

Conclusion

Many times Spider-Man finds himself in a disadvantage while fighting the Lizard.

Being the 2nd chapter of the Torment storyline, Spider-Man #2 (1990) is a slight improvement over the previous issue in terms of moving the story forward, spectacle and dramatization. While the big fight between Spider-Man and the murderous Lizard is clearly the big feature of the story, McFarlane does a good job portraying Spider-Man as vulnerable and on the edge towards defeat. McFarlane’s writing here is still weak but the other positive elements achieved outweighed the weakness.

Overall, Spider-Man #2 (1990) is satisfactory.

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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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Team Xbox sets the record straight with business update podcast, Starfield and new Indiana Jones game are still Xbox-exclusive

Team Xbox sets the record straight with business update podcast, Starfield and new Indiana Jones game are still Xbox-exclusive

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Wow. That was a wild ride. For several days, Xbox fans were disturbed by persistent rumors and so-called news reports that Microsoft will end its Xbox console business and go all-in with releasing multiple games (including Xbox-exclusives) on platforms outside of the Xbox ecosystem (meaning consoles like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch). A lot felt that Microsoft would go the way Sega did when it quit the console business and became a multiplatform publisher.

And then there were nonsensical and wild social media posts like the one below…

Fortunately, Team Xbox had its Business Update podcast on February 15, 2024 with top executives like Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond and Matt Booty answering key questions and made notable clarifications about the future of Xbox. Watch the podcast of Team Xbox below…

In relation to the above video, you can read Team Xbox’s official article online.

Xbox fans can rest assured that contrary to rush of “Xbox to end and spread its games to other consoles” news and rumors by content creators, vloggers, bloggers and the so-called journalists, Team Xbox went straight to the point that the Xbox console business will remain, there will still be Xbox-exclusive games, Xbox Game Pass service will remain within the Xbox ecosystem (you should stop dreaming about Game Pass on Nintendo and Sony consoles), Activision Blizzard games are about to be released for XGP subscribers to enjoy, and there are simply four Xbox games that will be released on platforms outside of the Xbox ecosystem.

While a lot of people speculate that Hi-fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Pentiment and Grounded will be the Xbox games that will be released on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles, no titles have been confirmed and no specific non-Xbox platform was revealed. That being said, Starfield, Forza Motorsport (2023), Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are still Xbox-exclusive.

“So we made the decision that we’re going to take four games to the other consoles. Just four games, not a change to our kind of fundamental exclusive strategy. We’re making these decisions for some specific reasons. We make every decision, really, with the long-term health of Xbox in mind,” Xbox chief Phil Spencer said. “And long-term health of Xbox means growing a platform, our games performing, building the best platform for creators, reaching as many players as we can.”

The way I look at Spencer’s words, it seems Team Xbox has been looking for ways to not only build up the Xbox ecosystem but also reach out to millions of players who own non-Xbox consoles by releasing a limited number of Xbox-original games that could sell and bring in much-needed revenue. The fact is the cost of making games, marketing them, distributing them and other business expenses just keep going up. As to why a heavily structured single-player game like Starfield is not coming to PlayStation 5, it seems to me that porting that massive game will be labor intensive, very time consuming and expensive to do. This means that other Xbox-original games like Sea of Thieves (obviously made with multiplayer in mind) and Pentiment (a simpler production) make more sensible and more doable releases on PS5 and Nintendo Switch. That is, if Sony and Nintendo themselves will accept such games into their respective platforms (read: protection of their first party games and their own game studios).  

As Spencer himself said, they seriously took feedback from the Xbox community. I’m glad that their team listens because there are a lot of long-time Xbox fans and physical product owners that they cannot just abandon. I myself sent tweets to Team Xbox (click here, here, here, here and here) reminding them of their legacy of investing big on Xbox-exclusive games through the console generations. I even reached out to other Xbox fans online to make themselves heard by Team Xbox.

A lot of gamers bought the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S for Xbox-exclusive games and the big value of XGP’s service. In my view, Team Xbox itself is convinced that Xbox-exclusive games – especially the big-budget productions – are essential on maintaining fan loyalty as well as standing out in the highly competitive market of video games. In connection with having multiple Xbox game studios to produce exclusive games, I want to see Team Xbox remain competitive with Sony and Nintendo on console hardware, games and quality of gaming services. I want to see Phil Spencer and his team secure even more deals with the independent game developers on making more exclusive games. It would also be nice to see Xbox get into joint productions with the publishers in Japan like Square Enix, Capcom and From Software.

I just finished Final Fantasy IX (digital copy) on my Xbox Series X console. It was my 2nd time to complete the game. I previously completed it on PlayStation way back in 2000.

For now, Xbox is here to say, their console business will remain (even Sarah Bond promised a significant leap with the next-generation). To have a clear view of their plans, click https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2024/02/15/xbox-promise-bring-more-games-to-more-players/

As for this year, Xbox fans should watch out for exclusives coming out such as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II on May 21 plus Avowed and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle later. Don’t forget the announced Xbox showcase this June.

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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

BIR admits taxing social media influencers is difficult

BIR admits taxing social media influencers is difficult

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As far as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is concerned, implementing taxes on social media influencers and collecting from them are still hard to do, according to a Philippine Star news report.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) continues to have difficulty in making social media influencers comply with the country’s tax laws even amid a widening adoption of various social media platforms as a form of income.

BIR Assistant Commissioner Jethro Sabariaga said the country’s largest revenue collecting agency remains in dialogue with social media influencers for them to pay their tax obligations to the government.

The BIR decided to seek a dialogue with the influencers in March this year. Sabariaga admitted that it is difficult for the BIR to get revenues from the digital space.

“Yes, (it is difficult). We will not mince with words. It might take some time, but that’s what we’ve been doing,” Sabariaga said.

“We are trying to win their side in the engagement process. The more that you can ask them to do voluntary compliance, the better rather than to fight with them,” he said.

BIR defines social media influencers as people whose digital posts are being monetized, classifying them as self-employed individuals or persons engaged in trade or business as sole proprietors.

The BIR earlier said it was looking into some 250 top earning social media influencers to see if they have been paying their obligations.

Based on BIR’s circular, influencers are required to pay income tax and percentage tax or value-added tax, if applicable, as mandated by the Tax Code.

According to the BIR, influencers derive their income from YouTube, sponsored social and blog posts, display advertising and affiliate marketing, among others.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the BIR’s plan to tax social media influencers? Is your favorite vlogger or YouTuber based in the Philippines who might have made some revenue online based on his or her output?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, 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

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #34 (1995)

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #34 (1995)

carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1995 and explore a part of the Marvel 2099 comics universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 franchise.

In my previous retro review, Spider-Man worked together with Strange 2099 on an abrupt mission dealing with a grave digger who is obsessed with his long dead sibling just as the undead in Mexico start walking again.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #34, published in 1995 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Andrew Wildman.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with Miguel O’Hara and Xina returning from Mexico speeding on a lonely road by car. O’Hara suddenly got scanned from a distance. Just as Xina shares to Miguel her newest observations and opinion about Spider-Man, the man suddenly got snatched from the car by uniformed authorities riding a floating vehicle. Miguel tells his abductors to let him go and one of them replies stating that he is being taken to the White House at the request of his Alchemax superior Tyler Stone.

Meanwhile inside an apartment located near the White House in Washington, DC, Dana converses with Tyler Stone by holographic call complaining that without him, the city is getting lonely for her. As soon as her communication ends, someone knocks her out cold…

Quality

For the newcomers reading this, this page shows the first time ever that Doom 2099 sees Miguel O’Hara in person (Spider-Man 2099 without the mask and costume). Spidey and Doom encountered each other previously in The Fall of the Hammer storyline.

I will start what is very obvious about this comic book…its story is totally intriguing as it reflects a very dramatic turn of events within the 2099 realm at the time of publication. I’m talking about the rise of Doom 2099 as the new President of the United States and this comic book dramatizes in detail how the new leader impacts Miguel O’Hara’s career which adds tension to his already hectic 2nd life as the webslinger. This is all about the storyline of One Nation Under Doom and for context, you must read Doom 2099 #26 to #30.

As I just mentioned, life for Miguel became more complicated as he has to deal with the federal government under the control Doom who himself is connected with the powerful tycoon Tyler Stone (Miguel’s own boss at Alchemax). For the newcomers reading this, this is not the first time Doom and Spider-Man of 2099 encountered each other as they were together in the Fall of the Hammer storyline (read my past reviews by clicking here, here, here, here and here).

In relation to the dramatic turn of events that changed the direction of the 2099 comics franchise, I can confirm that the writing by Peter David in this comic book is indeed very strong and highly engaging to follow. You will not see a good-versus-evil superhero tale here but the impact of Doom as US President on Spider-Man and local society. Along the way, this tale has a theme about gaining absolute power, how it affects the one who gains it and how the more powerful person affects many others. You will see the mentioned theme reflected on Spider-Man who himself already has super powers and even a following of idolaters.

Compared to the previous two issues, the dialogue by Peter David here is very rich and I also enjoyed the way how he presented the exposition of details to help Spider-Man 2099 readers understand how Doom’s rise as US President impacts the titular hero and many others. Speaking of Doom, I enjoyed the way how David portrayed him here.  

Conclusion

Gabriel O’Hara, Kasey and the Spider-Man 2099 idolaters doing the old fashioned way of protesting against US President Doom.

Spider-Man 2099 #34 (1995) is indeed a great comic book and one of the best tales of the original Spider-Man 2099 monthly series. As Doom’s takeover of the US Presidency really changed the direction of the entire 2099 franchise of comics in the 1990s, it was inevitable that the repercussions would be reflected in a Spider-Man 2099 tale. The result here is a fascinating tale of the futuristic webslinger that does not even have the usual good-versus-evil conflict. What you will see here is how the stakes got raised for Miguel O’Hara not only as a superhero but also as a civilian who has a strong record within Alchemax. Not only that, this is the tale that took place just before the very memorable first encounters between Spider-Man and Venom 2099 (click here, here, here and here).

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #34 (1995) is highly recommended!

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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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco