Recently, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced that the stolen painting of national artist Fernando Amorsolo was recovered and arrested two suspects, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report. The painting was previously stolen from a museum in Silay City, Negros Oriental province. It has since been returned to the National Museum of the Philippine for assessment.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Inquirer news report. Some parts in boldface…
The stolen Fernando Amorsolo painting has been recovered, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented the recovered 1936 masterpiece of the national artist titled “Mango Harvesters,” which was snatched from the Hofileña Museum in Silay, City, Negros Occidental last week.
Santiago said an entrapment operation was hatched to catch people allegedly involved in the sale of the prized painting for P3.5 million, after receiving a tip from a certain “Atty. Ching.”
The entrapment operation was carried out on Thursday, July 11, at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, which resulted in the arrest of Ritz Chona Ching and Donecio Somaylo, who supposedly brought the stolen art for delivery.
Ching and Somaylo were brought for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice. They are facing a complaint for violating Presidential Decree 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think more should be done by museums to prevent thieves from stealing valuable artworks?
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 and 1990s. In addition, there will be a few flyers of arcade games.
For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.
With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…
1. Japanese Contra arcade flyer
The front of the Japanese arcade flyer of Contra.
The other side of the flyer.
As mentioned before, Konami’s long-running Contra games franchise first started in the arcades in Japan. As seen in the Japanese arcade flyer, it was clear that the company not only had a clear vision of Contra’s visual concepts but also was pretty organized with explaining lots of details (examples: the 8-direction controls, types of weapons or ammunition available, level design differences) that both players and arcade operators can learn from. If you look closely at the rear of the flyer, you will see the two characters already identified as Lance and Bill which clearly showed the Japanese creators had the creative details really organized.
2. Virtual Bart print ad
Anyone who loved The Simpsons would easily recognize the characters of this print ad.
Decades ago, The Simpsons made big waves on television and quickly emerged as a fine addition to American pop culture. That being said, it was not surprising at all that video games based on the show got made and Virtual Bart was one of them. This Virtual Bart print ad appeared in some comic books I read in 1994 and the ad makers made efficient use of the single-page layout showing that the game was not a mere 2D side-scroller as its concept emphasized Bart Simpson’s virtual reality escapades. This game, which had mini-games and different gameplay styles, received review scores ranging from negative to positive.
3. Wild Arms 2 print ad
This is NOT an effective way to promote a video game.
Now this is one of the most weird and the most uninteresting game print ads of the 1990s. For the newcomers reading this, Wild Arms 2 was a sequel to the 1997 hit game Wild Arms released on the original PlayStation console. Due to the 1997 game’s success, a fan base of Wild Arms was established and the 1999 sequel was anticipated by the fans. In a very odd and illogical move, Sony Computer Entertainment came up with the Times Square setting for Wild Arms 2’s North American print ad and because they allowed so much other text and images (appearing as billboard ads) on the buildings in the background, details about the game itself got overshadowed. By simply looking at this print ad, it is simply too easy to overlook Wild Arms 2 as the featured game. Can you see the references to Wild Arms 2 here?
4. RollerGames arcade flyer
Pretty ladies posing on the front of the flyer.
Clearly the details were prepared with arcade operators in mind.
Based on the competition-oriented TV show, the RollerGames arcade game from Konami was both unique and fun to play. As with their other arcade flyers, Konami hired models to emphasize RollerGames’ core concept by appearing in full costume (as roller-skating participants), and then inserted screenshots of the game. The rear of the flyer had the technical details in simplistic fashion and they were clearly written with arcade operators in mind. The 3-paragraph text descriptions emphasized what players could expect, what options are available and how the game connects with the TV program it was based on.
5. The Jetsons: Invasion of the Planet Pirates print ad
Anyone among you is a Jetsons fan?
Based on the animated series, The Jetsons: Invasion of the Planet Pirates was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America as well as on the Super Famicom in Japan in the mid-1990s. This game’s print ad had eye-catching artwork, carefully laid down key details (including the promise of cartoon quality graphics) and showed a few screenshots. The game attracted mixed reviews from critics and I don’t know any fellow gamer who played it.
6. Sega Saturn games print ad
An aggressive single-page ad promoting the exclusive games on Sega Saturn.
If you are a game console manufacturer that also owns several game development teams, you really have to promote your hardware and software aggressively. This is exactly what Sega did in the North American market sometime after the embarrassing launch of the Saturn console there. As seen in this print ad, Sega aggressively promoted their Saturn-exclusive games – including their juggernaut Virtua Fighter 2 – to make it clear to their fans (and Saturn console owners) that they are focused to entertain them. The ad also served as Sega’s effort to lure in new gamers and potential Saturn owners given the fact that Virtua Fighter 2, Virtua Cop and Sega Rally Championship were already big arcade hits. As history turned out, the Saturn ended up a commercial disappointment in America but still succeeded in Japan.
7. Galaxian arcade flyer
Have you ever played Galaxian in the arcades?
In September 1979, Namco released Galaxian in the arcades in Japan and it became a big hit there eventually finishing as the nation’s 2nd highest-earning arcade game of the year. Before the year even ended, Namco approached Midway of releasing Galaxian outside of Japan and this led to the game appearing in American arcades in November. Unsurprisingly, Galaxian drew lots of American players and their money which really helped Midway selling 50,000 arcade units in a few years’ time. This arcade flyer from Midway clearly showed what the Galaxian arcade unit looked like and how the controls were physically set up. I like the way the details and images were organized and how the limited page space was put to good use.
8. Heavy Barrel print ad
A really eye-catching and amusing print ad to look at.
Originally released in the arcades by Data East, Heavy Barrel was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990. Similar with Contra and Jackal, this game had a strong military theme and shooting-oriented gameplay complete with missions that instantly reminded players about war. The military aesthetic and the showing of guns are easily the most eye-catching part of this print ad geared towards the NES userbase which had lots of young children among the players. To say the least, Heavy Barrel’s print ad was entertaining to look at.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the City Government and the Emapalico Homes Inc. homeowners association (HOA) was formally signed which will pave the way for commercial development of a key property, 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…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the officers of the Emapalico Homes Inc. homeowners’ association signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the commercial development of their property.
Aguilar said that during the signing of the MOA held last June 19 at the City Hall, the homeowner’s association agreed in converting part of their property into a commercial area while maintaining a portion for use as a tricycle terminal to ensure that essential local transportation remains available.
She said the MOA also highlighted the city government’s commitment to promoting balanced urban development and stimulating economic growth by creating new business opportunities which are expected to enhance the livelihood of residents in Barangay Talon Uno.
Aguilar explained that the plan reflects the city’s broader strategy of promoting sustainable development and in addressing the needs of the community.
She said the project also aligns with the city’s vision of improving infrastructure and living standards through collaborative efforts between the local government and community stakeholders.
The mayor added that the project is anticipated to be a significant step forward in enhancing both the economic and social aspects of Barangay Talon Uno, showcasing a model of sustainable urban development in Las Piñas City.
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 MOA signing will open up a lot of new economic opportunities for Barangay Talon Uno residents within the first twelve months?
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
The Philippines won another gold medal of the Mixed Junior Relay competition of the 2024 Asia Triathlon Junior Cup which was held at Kampar, Malaysia, yesterday.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong clocked in 1:29:33 for the silver medal while Uzbekistan finished in 1:32:45 for the bronze medal of the Mixed Junior Relay contest. To see the complete results of the race, click here.
In other contests of the 2024 Asia Triathlon Junior Cup, Eleora Avanzado and Cristy Perez of the Philippines finished 4th and 5th place respectively in the U15 Women contest. Avanzado was behind bronze medalist Alexandra Sharayeva of Uzbekistan by less than 10 seconds.
Kira Ellis of the Philippines won the gold medal of the Junior Women triathlon contest of the 2024 Asia Triathlon Junior Cup held at Kampar, Malaysia.
Ellis won the sprint distance (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) Junior Women race in one hour, five minutes and thirty-two seconds (1:05:32). Her opponents Seoeun Park (South Korea) and Diana Biktimrova (Uzbekistan) followed at 2nd and 3rd place with times of 1:07:42 and 1:07:45 respectively.
Meanwhile, Ellis’ teammate Samantha Corpuz finished at 4th place clocking in 1:08:02. For the complete results of the Junior Women contest, click here.
Junior Women triathlon gold medalist Kira Ellis (center) and teammate Samantha Corpuz (3rd from left) during the awarding ceremony. (photo source – Triathlon Philippines)
According to a news release from Triathlon Philippines, Kira Ellis showed tremendous improvements after a Philippine Sports Commission-funded five-week training camp in Portugal under coach Sergio Santos. She competed in the tough European Junior Cup in Hungary last Sunday where she qualified to the finals and placed 16th among 30 competitors.
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, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1984 to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics universe through a tale of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series.
In my previous retro review, additional stress in Peter Parker’s life was realized when Mary Jane revealed to him that she knows he and Spider-Man are one and the same. Some time later when things calmed down, Spider-Man went to the headquarters of the Fantastic Four eventually finding out the shocking truth about the alien costume he has been wearing since the events of Secret Wars.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #259, published in 1984 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Tom DeFalco, and drawn by Ron Frenz.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins in New York City where Peter Parker and Mary Jane casually spend time walking within a large park. Knowing that Peter is already feeling uneasy about her knowing his secret identity as Spider-Man, Mary Jane reveals to him stories of her past and the domestic challenges that she, her sister and their parents went through.
Elsewhere in the city, the Hobgoblin makes his moves expressing his intention to engage with the business side of crime…
Quality
Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker spending a lot of quality time together at the park.
When it comes to developing a supporting character with sheer depth, this comic book really stands out as Spider-Man literally got pushed to the side. The main story here focuses closely on Mary Jane whose experiences with her family from the past got dramatized big time. You will see flashbacks of her youth, her closeness with her sister and mother, and tension she went through when her father became stressed and resentful. The DeFalco-Frenz duo really set up the blocks of past developments that built up Mary Jane’s personality and her portrayal here is clearly a major character turning point in Spider-Man’s corner of the Marvel Comics shared universe of the time.
As for her relationship with Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Mary Jane here is less of a romantic partner and more of a friend looking for a shoulder to cry on. While it is a fact that several comic books in the 1970s showed Mary Jane and Peter romantically linked, her portrayal in this comic book marked a major turning point of her personal development and her destiny with the webslinger. The writing by DeFalco here is very rich with drama and believability.
Conclusion
Flashbacks from Mary Jane’s past with her family.
Amazing Spider-Man #259 (1984) is still significant to read after all these decades. Mary Jane, who eventually got married to Peter Parker, has been redefined very heavily in this tale and she eventually became one of the most essential Spider-Man-related characters in the years that followed. Looking back at this old story (which happened shortly after Spider-Man separated from the alien costume), it was clear that Marvel Comics decided Mary Jane would be the definitive leading lady of Spider-Man.
With all the controversies about Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and their connections with criminal activities going on, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that POGOs are no longer allowed to operate within large spaces and compounds, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday said that it will no longer allow the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) within large spaces and compounds.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco made the announcement at a Senate hearing after he was asked by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to make an assurance that there will be no POGO-linked crimes in the country.
“We’re coming out with certain guidelines. We’re already banning hubs. In the meantime that wala pa namang (there is no) order ng closure, this early I can inform everybody that we will not allow any hub existing or going to be applied for, we will not approve it anymore,” Tengco said.
According to the PAGCOR chief, POGO operations will now be “site specific” and “building specific” unlike in the POGO compounds in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga that were raided by authorities for alleged illegal activities within these establishments.
Tengco said he cannot assure that POGO will no longer commit crimes, but they will ensure that the 43 remaining licensed POGO firms will follow PAGCOR’s new guidelines and “enhancements.”
Further, Tengco said they will create teams that will monitor the POGO firms 24/7 in a bid to “deter” these criminal activities.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the PAGCOR still has a lot of explaining to do about the POGOs that remain operating in the country? Do you think PAGCOR should have prohibited POGOs from operating inside large places before? Are there several POGO operations – both big and small – present in your locality right now?
Recently in Iloilo City, the City Council of Iloilo formally started their moves to probe the presence of several illegal aliens and their involvement with illegal activities, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) will convene as a committee of the whole to investigate the reported presence of several illegal immigrants here.
This developed as Councilor Romel Duron pushed for a resolution calling for an investigation of undocumented immigrants involved in illegal activities in the city.
In his resolution, Duron asked the committee to invite all agencies involved and even homeowners associations of subdivisions where the presence of foreigners leasing houses is reported.
“It’s not only illegal immigrants but illegal activities are also happening in our city, more so with the ongoing Senate investigation on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO),” he said.
“In the past months here in Iloilo, there were illegal immigrants engaging in illegal activities; some were even apprehended. There are reports that in some subdivisions, there are many foreigners occupying or leasing, who could not speak English or Hiligaynon.”
In a follow-up interview, Duron said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) should explain why many tourists are working in the city when their visas are only good for 30 days.
The council will also invite the Department of Labor and Employment to validate reports that these foreigners were able to secure certification from the agency.
The councilor expressed alarm over crimes and illegal activities linked to illegal immigrants, like human trafficking, crime against women and their children, and drugs, among others.
“Maybe, as of now, it is not rampant, but when ignored, it might happen to us,” he added.
Last year, the City Drugs Enforcement Unit of the Iloilo City Police Office with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center of the Department of Information and Communications Technology arrested 17 Chinese nationals for operating a suspected cybersex den in Barangay Lawa-an in Jaro District.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the City Council of Iloilo made the right move to investigate illegal aliens?
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. 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…
Recently, Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Flus confirmed that startups from the Jewish state view the Philippines as a viable gateway to Southeast Asian markets, according to a BusinessWorld news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news article. Some parts in boldface…
ISRAEL companies, particularly startups, view the Philippines as a viable gateway to Southeast Asian markets, according to the Israeli Ambassador and the head of Israel’s economic mission in Manila.
“Asia is a growing market, and Israeli companies are becoming more and more interested in the markets here,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of an Israeli tech startup pitch event at his residence in Makati City.
“The Philippines is also an entry point to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,” he added.
He said the embassy is working closely with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to find ways to make it easier to do business in the Philippines.
“I think the important thing for an Israeli company is to have a good Filipino partner that will be able to guide them (in navigating) the economy,” Mr. Fluss said, noting the difficulties posed by bureaucracy.
Tomer Heyvi, head of the Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines, said more Israeli startups are showing interest in seeking investors from the Philippines.
“The Philippines is a rising star and there is a lot of interest from the Israeli companies in trade, commerce, but also, of course, in investment,” he told BusinessWorld.
Mr. Heyvi said there are more than 9,000 startups in Israel that are seeking partnerships to help them break through in various global markets, including the Philippines.
“Every year, we see an increase in the interest of Israeli companies. So, for me, it’s already an indication that they find this market interesting.”
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics of Israel, trade between the Philippines and Israel amounted to $532 million last year.
Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry said on its website that business services between both countries last year were mostly provided by Israeli startups and tech companies engaged in artificial intelligence-based platforms, cybersecurity, and financial technology solutions.
Very clearly, the ties between Israel and the Philippines remain intact and are in fact gradually gaining strength. The future of economic cooperation between the two nations looks bright even though there are lots of uncertainties happening overseas (armed conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, anti-Israel rallies in America and Europe, and so on).
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas, which has long been supported by terrorist state Iran, is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Iran even has Hezbollah in Lebanon doing their evil works for them. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.
With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to give up. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth. Pray to the Lord to support Israel, its government officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and other stakeholders.
Recently in Quezon City, seven individuals were arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly offering government positions for money, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspects were arrested as a result of a successful entrapment operation and already the local authorities are reaching out to people who were victimized by the suspects.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven persons for allegedly recruiting applicants for government positions in exchange for a hefty amount of money.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago, who presented the suspects in a press briefing at the NBI main office in Quezon City on Monday, said the June 28 entrapment operation stemmed from information obtained by the agency’s Ilocos Regional Office (IRO) on a person introducing himself as “Atty. JV Cruz” who claimed to be a ranking official in Malacañang.
“Nagpapakilala siya na Asec (Assistant Secretary) ng Presidential Management Staff (PMS) at may specific instruction daw siya mula kay Unang Ginang (Liza Araneta-) Marcos na linisin ang bureaucracy. Ang pakilala niya, siya ang janitor ng bureaucracy. Aalisin yung mga remnants ng previous administration at papalitan (He introduced himself as Asec of the Presidential Management Staff, saying he had specific instructions from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to clean up the bureaucracy. He introduced himself as the janitor of the bureaucracy, tasked to remove the remnants of the previous administration),” Santiago said.
He said the suspect allegedly charged applicants PHP500,000 to PHP1 million.
Santiago said upon verification with the PMS, the NBI learned that there is no Assistant Secretary named “Atty. JV Cruz” and that he is neither connected with the Office of the President (OP) Proper nor authorized to conduct any activity for the office.
During the entrapment operation at a hotel in Quezon City, NBI-IRO and National Capital Region agents disguised as applicants were approached by suspects Paulo Cruz and Jayson Marquina, who were wearing jackets bearing the logo of the OP.
The poseur applicants were then ushered to a room where another suspect identified as JV Cruz was waiting. The operatives apprehended JV after he received PHP100,000 in boodle money.
Aside from Marquina, Paulo Cruz, and JV Cruz, whose real name was John Vicente Cruz, NBI agents also apprehended four others identified as Kim Joseph Hernand, Dante Rabano Jr., Darwin Dave Caigan, and Noriel Reynoso.
The arrested suspects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, Executive Order 141 series of 1999, Commonwealth Act No.142, and Articles 177,178,179 of the Revised Penal Code.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more people out there who are secretly engaging in illegal activities such as the one reported above? Do you think new laws should be introduced to make the offering of government positions in exchange for money come with a greater penalty?
Author Carlo Carrasco 