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PHILTOA commended by DOT Secretary Frasco for unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism

September 1, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the organization composed of tour operators and allied members that are actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism, was commended by Department of Tourism (DOT) Christina Frasco during their 4th General Membership Meeting (4th GMM) held recently at Crimson Hotel in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa, according to a Manila Bulletin article. Specifically they were commended for unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism.

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

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) recently hosted its 4th General Membership Meeting at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City in Muntinlupa, with the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as keynote speaker. Led by Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu, the meeting also highlighted Bacolod City as the featured destination, with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez in attendance.

Secretary Frasco commended Philtoa for its unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism, highlighting the association’s promotion of inclusive tourism development in both established and emerging destinations.

“We recognize that there are several emerging destinations across the country that, if given the right assistance, attention, development, and promotion, have the potential to become key destinations, as far as tourism is concerned,” the tourism chief said. “This is why I’m very grateful to Philtoa, because their focus has not been our world-famous destinations alone, but also in giving opportunities to emerging destinations. This is reflective of true shared tourism governance, where the private sector mobilizes the industry to assist the government to ensure inclusive tourism development.“

With this, Bacolod City also took center stage at the 4th GMM as a growing “super city” with exciting advancements in tourism, including infrastructure, art, culture, and culinary experiences. Mayor Benitez highlighted upcoming projects such as the Bacolod Convention Center, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people for MICE events; the Bacolod Masskara Museum/Trade Center; and the Orange Project, a prominent art gallery. The renowned Masskara Festival, spanning three weeks, promises a vibrant celebration of sports, food, spirits, and festivities.

To further underscore its commitment to fostering partnerships and growth within the industry, Philtoa President Abling-Yu announced the upcoming 34th Philippine Travel Mart, scheduled from Sept. 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

She stated: “We are grateful for the strong partnerships with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Airlines, BPI, and our media partners. The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is not only a showcase of our country’s incredible destinations but also a celebration of our industry’s resilience and strength as a major contributor to the country’s growth and progress.”

The association also welcomed 10 new tour operators, an immigration services agency, and 15 hotel and resort properties, increasing the total membership to over 500.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that the PHILTOA deserves the commendation from the Tourism Secretary? Do you think that Philippine tourism will exceed its foreign tourist arrivals target by a wide margin before the year ends? What other activities or special events should the PHILTOA highlight to keep national tourism grow?

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

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #41 (1996)

August 31, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

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 1996 and explore a part of the Marvel 2099 comics universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 monthly series.

In my previous retro review, the futuristic webslinger encountered Goblin 2099 (note: the futuristic take on Green Goblin) who proved to be very dangerous not with weapons nor physical attacks but with influence members of the local society to rebel against him believing that he is a corporate asset. How much influence Goblin had on the people at the expense of Spider-Man is just waiting to be discovered.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #41, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Andrew Wildman

Early story

The story begins with Miguel O’Hara visiting a ruined place with armed personnel escorting him. It turns out the site was the White House and Doom 2099 has already fallen as President of the United States. Miguel seeks closure as he spends time at the ruins and eventually finds the name plate from the office of Tyler Stone (Miguel’s biological father).

Meanwhile at Alchemax, corporate personnel got surprised to see Tyler Stone return confined to a hovechair due to his fragile and weakened state. This turned out to be his first time to be at work since he got shot.

Inside the laboratory, Tyler sees his deranged son Kron (Venom 2099) contained behind solid glass like a mere scientific specimen for study. After learning key details about the symbiote and how it affected his son, Tyler gives the order to have Kron executed…

Quality

*Even though Goblin 2099 was not present, this scene shows how much the said villain poisoned the minds of people to harm Spider-Man.*

Let me start with the writing by Peter David. It is clear to me that David confidently wrote this story to maintain the flow of intrigue, emphasize how local society’s changing, how the external events affect others and, most notably, managing to push Spider-Man 2099 to the edge complete with a brewing conflict with the very powerful Tyler Stone.

At this stage of the monthly series of the 1990s, Miguel O’Hara’s rise within the corporate structure of Alchemax got emphasized again and Peter David inserted growing tensions for the protagonist effectively blurring the boundary that separates personal life from the corporate career. That being said, the futuristic Spider-Man in his civilian identity literally entered a gray area which will compel readers to speculate if he was still in control of matters or if he was slowly becoming evil as he gains power (this makes him comparable with the tycoon Tyler).

Still on the character development aspect of this comic book, Miguel here still showed his fragile side as the death of Dana left him with a lot of pain deep inside (which was dramatically emphasized by Andrew Wildman through his art in one very particular page). This furthers adds to questions about the sanity and mental stability of the protagonist who already wields so much power as Spider-Man and as an Alchemax executive.

Speaking of Alchemax, Tyler Stone here appeared more sinister than before and being unable to stand did not hinder him at all. His cold-hearted move to have his own biological son Kron (the futuristic Venom and the same guy responsible for the deaths of Punisher 2099’s family) executed clearly shows not only his sadistic nature but also the fact that he is living with pure worldly beliefs. His believes are so worldly, he does not really care about his own offspring. Ironically, this suggests that Tyler could be as twisted and evil as his murderous son Kron. Lastly, the connections between the late Dana and Tyler and Miguel is indeed morally disturbing.

While the cover art showed Goblin 2099, the new antagonist is nowhere to be found in this comic book. However in a very symbolic fashion, Goblin’s influence remained lively through a number of people who condemned Spider-Man 2099 so much, they went as far as actually hurting an idolater of the webslinger. This part of the story is a strong reminder that idolatry is unholy and foolish, that religion is corrupted and will never lead believers to salvation, and that socialism attacking capitalism remained a social disease in the far future.

Conclusion

*Tyler Stone and his son Kron (Venom 2099) are both very evil. They have different ways of being evil.*

Spider-Man 2099 #41 (1996) is indeed a great comic book to read from start to finish. Not only will you get to see the futuristic Spidey struggle with the tension both personally and professionally, you will see the big impact of Dana’s death on him too. The portrayal of negative changes in the local society (at least the society Spider-Man is part of) is pretty dramatic and what Peter David imagined about Marvel 2099 still remains socially relevant to this day. Lastly, this comic book ended very powerfully and was enough to convince me to see what happens next.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #41 (1996) is highly recommended!

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Intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) anticipated by COMELEC

August 31, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is anticipating an intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The BSKE will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, Aug. 28, said it is bracing for an “intense” Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE).

“Asahan natin na talagang magiging napakainit ng labanan na ito sapagkat napakahaba termino nung nakaraang Barangay and SK officials at nakailang postpone din tayo kaya asahan natin na medyo mas maiinit ito (Let’s expect that this elections will indeed be very intense because the previous Barangay and SK officials had very long terms, and we also had several postponements, so let’s anticipate that this will be somewhat more heated),” said Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia in an interview during the first day of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing.

Garcia said that the degree of “possible tension” would also depend on who will be running for a specific post.

“Tandaan natin na almost 642,000 ang position na fi-fill upan dahil iyan ay SK at Barangay (Let’s remember that almost 642,000 positions need to be filled up because those are for SK and Barangay),” Garcia said.

“Inaasahan natin na higit pa nga na two million ang magpa-file ng kanilang COC para sa mga posisyon na iyan (We expect that more than two million will file their COCs for those positions),” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSKE this year will be more intense compared to the previous polls that happened in 2018? Have the barangay and SK candidates in your local community been appearing more frequently and meeting the community members recently?

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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Checkpoints related to Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) being established

August 30, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

In relation to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) that will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023, several checkpoints are being set up by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), 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 Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started setting up checkpoints and implementing gun ban in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October.

A report by Bam Alegre in Unang Balita on Monday said a checkpoint was set up at the boundaries of San Juan and Quezon City and of San Juan and Sta. Mesa, Manila. In Mandaluyong, there was notable police visibility in primary roads like in Kalentong.

Meanwhile, in Parañaque City, a checkpoint was established on Sucat Interchange near the office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). On Quirino Highway in Quezon City, a checkpoint was also set up.

Policemen appealed to motorists to cooperate with them and assured them that “plain view doctrine” will be observed.

This means motorists need only to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles when passing through the checkpoints.

“Ito ay in relation sa start ng Barangay and SK Election period wherein tayo ay mandated na mag-conduct ng joint PNP and Comelec checkpoints,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Castillo, commander of Novaliches Police Station.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the checkpoints related to the BSKE are necessary? Have you noticed the checkpoints within your city?

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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Maynilad’s Muntinlupa water treatment plant 80% complete

August 30, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the water concessionaire Maynilad announced that its water treatment plant locatedin Muntinlupa City is 80% complete and it should boost the water supply by the end of 2023, 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…

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. said the construction of its water treatment plant in Muntinlupa is 80% complete and is expected to produce 50 million liters per day (MLD) of additional water by the end of this year.

In a media release on Saturday, the west zone concessionaire said it had started the gradual commissioning of the plant to ensure that it can produce the initial amount of potable water by December.

Once fully operational by the first half of 2024, the P11-billion water treatment facility is expected to produce a full capacity of 150 MLD to provide water to customers in Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite.

“This facility will help to enhance service reliability, as it will provide additional supply for customers in the south so their water service will not be affected despite raw water quality shifts in Laguna Lake, which have been occurring with more frequency owing to climate change effects,” the company said.

The treatment plant will be Maynilad’s third facility to tap Laguna Lake as an alternative source of raw water to the Angat Dam. Maynilad has two treatment plants in Putatan, Muntinlupa that supply 300 MLD of potable water to around 1.7 million customers in the south.

The project is part of Maynilad’s P220-billion service enhancement program from 2023 to 2027 that is focused on promoting enhanced water sustainability and climate resiliency.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Maynilad’s Muntinlupa water treatment plant will be able to boost the water supply this December?

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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A Look Back at Uncanny X-Men #131 (1980)

August 29, 2023August 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1980 to take a close look at one of the many tales of the Marvel Comics shared universe told through the monthly series of Uncanny X-Men.

In my previous review, Dazzler was formally introduced as the X-Men encountered her. Along the way, the other newbie Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) got involved with X-Men members Storm, Wolverine and Colossus and danger got to them. Brewing within the background were plot elements regarding the Hellfire Club and the Dark Phoenix.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Uncanny X-Men #131 published in 1980 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Chris Claremont and drawn by John Byrne.

Early story

The story begins on the streets of Chicago as the 13-year-old Kitty Pryde desperately runs away from a car that has been chasing her. Just as she trips, the Jean Grey (in her form as the Phoenix) suddenly appears right in front of the car (driven by two armed personnel of the Hellfire Club) and uses her immense power to stop and damage it. This spared Kitty Pryde’s life and made her more confused. Nightcrawler suddenly appears in front of Kitty, grabs her and leap off to a higher place to be safe.

Cyclops and Dazzler arrive to see Phoenix still observing the damaged car and the two Hellfire Club personnel knocked out cold. As Dazzler is amazed by what Phoenix did, Cyclops tells Jean that his instructions were to stop the car but not turning it into scrap. Jean responds by stating that he did not feel Kitty’s stark terror nor did he sense the thoughts of the men who were in the car.

After being called from above by Nightcrawler, Cyclops, Phoenix and Dazzler make their way up to the top of the building. Nightcrawler reveals that Kitty broke away from him and dove right through the roof…

Quality

*Kitty Pryde took the risk to help the X-Men free Wolverine.*

Upon close inspection, this is a richly layered tale that nicely paid off some of the build-up in the previous issue while consistently building up the plot elements for the events to follow (the eventual Hellfire Club encounter and the Dark Phoenix Saga). In this issue, you will get to see the X-Men in action with Dazzler (who just joined in to help them without fully committing to joining their team) on a series of events that involve encountering Miranda Frost and finding their captured teammates.

As this was written by Chris Claremont, you will see a lot of character development (aided a lot with the use of thought balloons) and key observations emphasized (clever exposition of details) as the plot moved forward. This tale has the classic elements of good-versus-evil backed with action and some twists that will definitely keep readers entertained. It is through the dramatization and observations of the characters that made the narrative deep and by the end of it, you will most likely get to know the characters a lot more.

Apart from witnessing Dazzler’s first unofficial mission (note: misadventure) with the X-Men, you will see Kitty Pryde shine as the fragile yet capable teenager do something heroic which symbolically justified her entry into the X-Men. This story also touches on the theme of immense power which was dramatized nicely through Jean Grey and Cyclops. Cyclops here was written to be very concerned about Jean Grey having god-like powers as the Phoenix which he sees as too risky and he hopes that she will maintain self-control. Even Storm expressed the same concern about the Phoenix. All of these dramatics combined with the superhero spectacle and steady way of presenting exposition were nicely pulled off by the Claremont-Byrne team.

Finally, I want to say that Emma Frost was portrayed as a ruthless, cold-hearted and elitist super villain who happens to be one of the central figures of the Hellfire Club (which itself was being built up by Claremont-Byrne as a dangerous force of opposition for the X-Men to face). Emma Frost is not just another evil figure…she is a telepath capable of overwhelming others and she has a very high ambition of accumulating power socially, economically and politically. Clearly she was created to be a recurring evil figure within Marvel’s shared comic book universe.

Conclusion

*A scene showing a few X-Men members with Dazzler and Kitty Pryde as the clear newcomers.*

Even if you see Uncanny X-Men #131 (1980) as simply a build-up tale for the inevitable Dark Phoenix Saga, it is clear that the comic book still stands out on its own as it strongly paid-off what was built up in the previous issue and the high quality on storytelling was successfully maintained. This is an entertaining read and, quite notably, it develops specific characters in very believable ways. So much so, you will get to know the characters better by the time you reach the end. As for the fans of Dazzler, there are things to enjoy in this X-Men tale and it definitely is a must-read before reading Dazzler #1 (1981).

Overall, Uncanny X-Men #131 (1980) is highly recommended!

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Cooperative Development Council established in Muntinlupa City

August 29, 2023August 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it has established the local Cooperative Development Council and the Mayor formally signed a related ordinance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has established its own Cooperative Development Council to benefit cooperatives.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2023-102 passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “creating the Cooperative Development Council of Muntinlupa, defining its objectives, functions, and appropriate funds thereof and for other purposes.”

The Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Council (MCCDC) will “coordinate and harmonize the implementation of various cooperative plans, programs, and projects of the government.”

It will also assist the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) “in the broad-based monitoring and coordination of the implementation of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan (PCDP), through the collective efforts of all sectors and to develop such mechanism in line with the PCDP; and “propose policies affecting cooperatives for local and national implementation.”

The Muntinlupa City Cooperative Development Council will be composed of the mayor as chairperson. Its members are the chairperson of the Committee on Livelihood and Cooperatives of the City Council, and chairpersons or representatives of registered and accredited primary and secondary cooperatives.

Its members from the city government will be the heads of the City Cooperative Development Office, Department Of Agriculture-ESO, Public Employment and Services Office, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau, Lake Management Office, Community Affairs Development Office, Gender and Development Office and City Planning and Development Office, and the director of the Muntinlupa City Technical Institute, university president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and college director of the Colegio de Muntinlupa.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the newly established council will benefit local cooperatives?

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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COMELEC issues warning against premature campaigning before the campaign period of BSKE

August 28, 2023August 24, 2023carlocarrasco

The Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will take place across the Philippines on October 30, 2023. Before the said election happens, the campaign period for BSKE will take place from October 19 to 28. That being said, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a warning about premature campaigning before the campaign period happens, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warns barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates from engaging in premature campaigning before the official campaign period set October 19-28 under pain of disqualification or imprisonment.

At the same time, the Comelec said the honoraria for poll workers in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) has been increased up to P10,000. Comelec chairman George Garcia issued the warning saying appropriate charges will be filed against the candidates who would launch an early campaign following their filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).

Garcia reminded the candidates that the filing of COCs for the 2023 BSKE will be from August 28 to September 2, while the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.

Garcia said August 28 is the start of the election period, as well as the start of the gun ban, public works ban and social services prohibition “unless explicitly exempted by the Comelec.

“Once you file your COC, you are already considered as a candidate. Therefore, we will apply the full force of the law, Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). You cannot go around, campaign, distribute things since you are already a candidate,” Garcia said.

Aspirants must be at least 18 years of age for barangay positions and at least 18 but strictly not more than 24 years old by the day of the election for SK posts.

The Comelec chief also urged voters to report any BSKE candidates who begin campaigning prior to the start of the official campaign period on 19 October.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the candidates in this year’s BSKE will follow the COMELEC’s warning about premature campaigning?

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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Watch out for Villar City

August 28, 2023August 24, 2023carlocarrasco

In the years to come and if no major disasters would happen, something new will be rising in the south of Metro Manila. I am talking about the ambitious Villar City project which has been making waves through the media, social media and in nearby communities in recent times. Recently the Manila Bulletin published an article about the planned casino project within Villar City but if you pay close attention to the details, there is a lot more about the said city which should give you an idea about the scope and vision behind it.

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

Philippines’ richest Manuel B. Villar Jr. announced plans to put up a satellite casino in his newly-launched Villar City in addition to the one he is developing in the 80-hectare Global South integrated resort project.

Being his legacy project, Villar is carefully designing Villar City to be Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity” to ensure that it will be as iconic as it is massive.

The planned 3,500-hectare Villar City spans 15 cities: Taguig, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Bacoor, Dasmarinas, Imus, San Pedro, General Mariano Alvarez, Silang, General Trias, Tanza, Trece Martires, Carmona, and Tagaytay.

Villar City will be about 10 times as big as Bonifacio Global City, indicating its sheer magnitude not only in terms of the number of homes, offices and complexes that will be built within this vast community, but also with respect to its potential contribution to job generation and economic development.

Among the highlights of the city’s development will be his second casino project which will be a satellite of the $1 billion integrated casino and resort complex in Global South that is being developed with a Korean partner.

He noted that they have finalized discussions for the partnership with the Korean firm for the Global South project and the cost may likely exceed $1 billion because the land alone is already worth that much.

The first casino will also have a hotel component while Villar said he is converting the upper two floors of the mall there in a casino for high-rollers and VIPs. At 80-hectares, it will be bigger than any of the casinos at the PAGCOR Entertainment City in Parañaque.

Meanwhile, Villar said the satellite casino in Villar City will be bigger but he is not yet sure if it will be developed with the same Korean firm noting that, “It will depend on how well our partnership (in Global South) progresses.”

Aside from the casino, another highlight of Villar City will be a theme park which Villar plans to integrate with the mall that will be built there.

He said they will develop their own concept for the theme park and will not be getting a license or franchise from a foreign theme park operator.

“Part of the them park will be inside the mall so that there will be plenty of things to do in case it rains or when it is too hot outside. So part of the theme park will be indoors and both the theme park and mall will complement each other,” Villar said.

Villar also said he plans to donate a piece of land in Villar City to the University of the Philippines, his alma mater, to build a college focused on technology noting that, located at the city’s entrance is La Salle Dasmariñas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Villar City will create a lot of new jobs related to construction and service in connection with its very ambitious scope? Do you think that south of Metro Manila will be receptive to new casinos and theme parks in the future?

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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A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996)

August 25, 2023August 22, 2023carlocarrasco

To put things in perspective, there were these notable changes with both the storytelling and the character development of the futuristic webslinger as a result of the Venom 2099 saga (read my retro reviews here, here, here, here and here) as well as Doom 2099 becoming the new President of the United States (click here). Issue #39 saw the return of Vulture 2099 and the sudden appearance of Green Goblin 2099 (AKA Goblin 2099).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 #40, published in 1996 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Peter David and drawn by Andrew Wildman.

Early story

The story begins with the tycoon Tyler Stone helplessly on bed in a medical center’s room still recovering from the gun shot incident. He tells the doctor near him that he wants to speak to Dana and demands to know what has been going on. Stone also demanded to get into contact with President Doom. In response to Stone’s demand to know the truth, the doctor regretfully tells him that Dana is dead.

Meanwhile, a swinging Spider-Man gets hit from the back by Goblin 2099. As the webslinger asked who he is, the Goblin introduces himself and tells him that he intends to expose him as a fraud. As the green/purple colored mask freak keeps on attacking, Spider-Man moves out of the way. While in movement, Goblin tells Spidey that he has betrayed the good people of downtown New York and must be forced to confess.

As he falls down fast, the webslinger suddenly finds himself clamped and restrained by the Goblin…

Quality

*Goblin 2099’s main weapon against the futuristic Spidey is influence on people and being able to convince them to reject the webslinger.*

This comic book has a very intriguing tale crafted by Peter David. While this marks the first ever encounter between the futuristic versions Spider-Man and Green Goblin, this one has a strong social theme that prevented the conflict from becoming a generic good-versus-evil match-up. Goblin 2099 went after the webslinger not for the satisfaction of killing, not for the intention of dominating the whole world but for achieving social change for the members of the downtown community by destroying Spider-Man’s credibility once and for all (by exposing him as a fraud and a tool of the corporate world who should not be trusted).

This version of the Green Goblin clearly has an agenda that he seems very willing to die for and the mere fact that he interacted with Kasey (an important person for both Miguel and Gabriel O’Hara) further adds to the complexity on both the new villain as well as the downtown community. Given his obsession of destroying the hero by blaming him as a corporate stooge, Goblin 2099 here is symbolically with the Satanic Left (Communist/Marxist/liberal). These factors effectively raise the stakes and risks for Spider-Man who already has a lot of problems to deal with.

Through the fight between Spider-Man and Goblin, you will see how the people of downtown react in accordance to their perception as well as their inability to realize the truth behind Spider-Man’s social standing. The way they reacted shows impact on Spidey who himself struggles to understand their collective thinking and why they allowed themselves to be strongly influenced by the Goblin.

Along the way, there was a scene that emphasized Xina showing how Dana’s death affected her and another scene that took place at a very old New York City cathedral that clearly was crafted to build up on something for future tales of this series.

Characterization and plot aside, this comic book has a good amount of superhero action that will keep you entertained and Andrew Wildman really knows how to make action attractive to your eyes.

Conclusion

Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996) is another solid tale from the David-Wildman duo. Apart from the big impact Goblin 2099 had on Spider-Man and the people of just one community, this story successfully built-up the tension and complexity on the part of the protagonist while executing suitable pay-offs in relation to the build-up that started in the previous issue. Also I should state that it is very clear that the feature match-up in this comic book is not a rehash of classic Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. This is indeed a very intriguing Spidey 2099 tale that convinced me to look forward to the next issue.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 #40 (1996) is highly recommended!

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