WordPress – Page 241 – Author Carlo Carrasco

George Perez (1954-2022)

May 10, 2022September 14, 2022carlocarrasco

George Perez, the incredible comic book artist who made major contributions to illustrated literature (especially the superhero comic book genre), sadly passed away due to complications related to pancreatic cancer. He was 67-years-old and I can say that superhero comic book art and dynamic expressions will not be the same without him.

*George Perez with the two Wonder Woman plastic models. (photo source – DC Comics Facebook page)*

Already there were comic book industry figures who reacted to the death of the legendary Perez. DC Comics co-publisher and legendary creator Jim Lee paid tribute stating, “We creators may all have access to the same tools of the trade: pen, paper and imagination, but what George could do with his prodigious talents was off the charts.”

For his part, Rob Liefeld stated, “I’ll remember George for his innovative and prolific storytelling. Thank you for all the great memories. Rest In Peace, George Perez.”

For the newcomers reading this as well as those who are simply unaware of Perez’s legacy, he was responsible for visualizing DC Comics’ 1985 epic maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths (note: he drew countless characters complete with varied settings or environments in high detail) and redefining Wonder Woman (note: he also wrote the stories) which made her a more essential pop culture icon. George Perez also worked for Marvel Comics over many projects and was chosen to illustrate the memorable 2003 JLA/Avengers crossover series of Marvel and DC. Perez also worked with other publishers such as Malibu Comics for several Ultraverse comic books and Image Comics for Crimson Plague and Witchblade. In recent years, he was responsible for Sirens published by BOOM! Studios.

*For me, Wonder Woman was best defined during the post-Crisis era of DC Comics which involved George Perez and Len Wein who wrote the early issues of the Wonder Woman monthly series in the late 1980s.*

In his decades-long career in comics, Perez unsurprisingly earned varied awards and honors (references here, here, here and here to name a few).

I should say that George Perez is a long-time favorite comic book illustrator of mine. I enjoyed reading the superhero comic books he illustrated and I love his art style on the characters, the environments and crowds. If there is anything I love about Perez’s art, it is his distinct style along with his implementation of high levels of details on the characters, objects, creatures and surroundings. Perez is also known to capture the distinct visual elements of superhero characters such as Spider-Man’s costume and his spaghetti-like web, Superman’s physique and distinct letter S, Prime’s overly muscular body and more. Every time Perez is involved as artist, the result is almost always a visual feast that often adds punch to the script prepared.

When I was still actively collecting comic books back in the 1990s, I often get excited whenever I learned that George Perez illustrated upcoming comic books. In 1992, he drew Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect (2 books) which was mind-blowing and intriguing for me! In 1993, I became a fan of the newly launched Ultraverse of Malibu Comics and I got very excited to learn that Perez was hired for their major UV crossover Break-Thru (2 issues). Perez also drew one issue of Prime and most of the early issues of the UV team UltraForce (issues #0, #1, #3, #4, #5 and #6). If you want to see Perez draw ALL the characters of the Ultraverse, you should read the 2-issue Break-Thru storyline.

*A page from Break-Thru #2 showing just some of the many Ultraverse characters Perez illustrated. This was published before the release of UltraForce.*

Speaking of UltraForce, check out this video by Crypto Comics (with observations on Perez’s art works)…

Going back to George Perez’s amazing run on Wonder Woman, I urge you to watch the video below…

For me, the most defining stories of Wonder Woman ever told in any art form are still the comics that Perez wrote (note: he co-wrote stories with Greg Potter and Len Wein respectively on the early issues) and illustrated during the post-Crisis era of DC Comics. Check out my retro reviews of Wonder Woman 1980s comics on this website.

Truly, George Perez will be missed by a lot of people and his countless pieces of works will be revisited in the foreseeable future. In closing this piece, posted below are varied works (comic book covers and interior art) done by the late creator through the decades for your viewing pleasure and learning. This is a tribute to Perez and may he rest in peace!

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Note: All images shown are properties of their respective companies.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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/

A Look Back at Sludge #8 (1994)

May 9, 2022May 7, 2022carlocarrasco

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 fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the Ultraverse of Malibu Comics and examine one of its many stories told through an issue of the Sludge comic book series.

As seen in my previous Sludge retro review, the stakes were raised even higher and Sludge finds himself in the middle of a major conflict between the gangs of the city with the involvement of the group of the Pump. By this point, the titular character is not only desperate but also is getting torn between good and evil.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Sludge #8, published by Malibu Comics in 1994 with a story written by Steve Gerber and drawn by Aaron Lopresti.

Early story

The story begins with TV news coverage doing a recap of events that shook New York City and its people – the abduction of a drug mule, the destruction of a ship filled with illegal immigrants, the destruction in the cemetery left behind by a major conflict there, and the death of crime boss John Paul Marcello which involved action by Sludge.

Sludge then wakes up from another nightmare and finds himself inside a boiler room which has a TV set and a chair. It turns out the place was set up by a janitor who does not even know Sludge is present. Slowly, Sludge sneaks his way back to the sewer.

At a cemetery, the burial of Marcello is being attended by many people and among them is Don Celini who regarded the late crime boss as a man of vision who made a lot of money for many people. Vittorio, the former loyal assistant to Marcello, is told by Don Celini to demonstrate leadership qualities to the heads of the other gangs. In the evening at a discreet place, Vittorio meets with Bloodstorm with a lot of money on the side…

*The reporter Shelley on the pursuit for details.*

Quality

To make things clear about the storytelling, the conflict between the crime gangs not only became more intense but also turned out quite intriguing. Clearly writer Steve Gerber carefully planned out the events, character developments and twists for this series. That being said, this comic book has a fine mix of suspense, crime story and even the supernatural for the narrative’s progress, and the good news is that these elements were presented in a believable way.

As presented in the previous issues, Sludge’s desperation and death wish will keep on intriguing you especially when he gets bothered by the Pump (arguably the most evil figure of the entire Ultraverse). Even as the war between gangs heat up, the story even had space for investigative journalism moments through the news reporter Shelley (who encountered Sludge in person before) whose pursuit for the facts remains unrelenting.

Conclusion

While the previous issue made me think deeply about the state of Sludge’s character and the gang war he became involved with, Sludge #8 (1994) is an even more intriguing Ultraverse read complete with solid twists that must be seen. Without spoiling the story, this comic book will strongly resonate with readers who really started the Sludge series from issue #1 (note: Bloodstorm’s involvement in this comic book will be more relevant if you have previously read his detailed introduction in issue #2). The current storyline – Street Wars – went significant steps forward in this story and I can say that the creative team of Gerber and Aaron Lopresti were successful in making me anticipate the conclusion.

Overall, Sludge #8 (1994) is recommended.

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Buy-bust operation in Parañaque City nets 4 drug pushers

May 9, 2022May 7, 2022carlocarrasco

In Parañaque City, a recent buy-bust operation organized by local law enforcers resulted in the apprehension of four drug pushers as well the confiscation of illegal drugs and a weapon with live ammunition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Four drug pushers identified as high value individual (HVI) and street level individuals (SLI) were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by members of the Southern Police District (SPD)- Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) on Wednesday, May 4.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg identified the suspects as Nor Fajad Mulod Utto, 21, listed as HVI; Edmund Agduma, 32; Jerome Villaneda Callo, 32; and Anthony Deto, 37; listed as SLI, all residents of Parañaque City.

Macaraeg said the suspects were arrested at about 11:30 p.m. along Silverios Compound, Barangay San Isidro by members of the SPD-DEU in coordination with members of the Parañaque City police Sub-Station 4.

He said the operating teams were able to confiscate from the suspects 30.7 grams of shabu worth P208,760 and one .45 caliber pistol loaded with seven live ammunition.

The SPD chief said the confiscated shabu was brought to the SPD Forensic Unit for chemical analysis and the firearm for ballistic examination.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this report? Who do you think is the master of the arrested suspects?

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

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

A wonderful lunch at Gourmet Garage Subic

May 6, 2022May 5, 2022carlocarrasco

When I arrived in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone just a day before the 2022 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) took place, I was very hungry as I left home very early without any breakfast and I was not able to stop at any of the gas stations (and their respective food joints) along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) as we took the counter-flow going north.

After settling at a hotel in close proximity to the triathlon venue, I drove to the one restaurant located at the Argonaut Highway-Rizal Highway corner that I’ve been eager to revisit…Gourmet Garage Subic (social media here and here).

Coming from the parking area of the business establishment, I entered Gourmet Garage Subic through the rear door and immediately I felt this atmosphere of class with classical music being played as I walked on and recognized their fine interior. It was a very welcoming experience and already there were people enjoying their lunch.

As I was pretty hungry and somewhat worn down by the long drive from Metro Manila, I ordered myself a Caesar (their version of Caesar’s salad) to enjoy something fresh. From the restaurant’s Main Event section of the menu, I chose the Lamb Madras Curry.

While waiting for my orders to be served, I took the time relaxing, enjoying the aircon and the continuous music, looked at the products displayed and browsed the web with my smartphone via Wifi. And then just like that, the waitress served me the Caesar which was faster than I expected. Upon seeing the salad placed in front of me, I was impressed with the way it was presented. There was some food art to it visually.

The Caesar was prepared with really fresh romaine lettuce topped (on a key portion) with Gourmet Garage Subic’s very own dressing mixed with parmesan shavings and bits of bacon. Right from the first bite of the salad (note: I used the fork and knife to cut myself a portion) that had the lettuce and dressing together, I experienced this very flavorful and pleasing taste! It was very delicious, I went on to cut portions of the Caesar and slowly consumed it along with the bits. I really enjoyed the salad as it was prepared by the cook to be flavorful, fresh and very satisfying! Gourmet Garage Subic’s Caesar is easily the best fresh salad I’ve had in a long time!

Just a few minutes after I was done with the salad, the Lamb Madras Curry was served to me. Right from the start, I noticed it was very well presented and the subtle heat I felt from it showed the lamb was newly cooked. I also liked the pleasing smell of the meal.

*The Lamb Madras Curry was so nicely prepared and it tasted great!*

The Lamb Madras Curry came with basmati rice on the bottom topped with the finely cooked lamb (itself topped with yogurt plus onion pieces and vegetables). On one side was a small tomato with a roasted onion and other onion pieces. The other side had more leaves. The meal was served with two sauces – garlic and chili.

As a first-timer of this particular meal – noted as a Chef’s Recommendation on Gourmet Garage’s menu – I decided to try out a small piece of the lamb without any yogurt on it and I found to be tasty on its own. There is no doubt that the lamb pieces were very finely cooked and the way it was prepared showed that special attention to details was done by the cook.

I tried another piece of lamb and dipped it on the garlic sauce. The flavor of the said piece was enhanced by the said sauce as I chewed. I can say also say the same about the lamb pieces with yogurt on them. As for the spice level, I can say it is tolerable (pretty mild to be precise) and I never had a problem moving from one bite to another, also consuming the rice (really fragrant) and the vegetables. Along the way, I managed to cut some pieces of lamb placed on the fork along with the vegetable for that meat-and-veggies taste.

Every bite I had with the Lamb Madras Curry really had great flavor and big satisfaction. It is so great, this is easily the best lamb meal I had in years! Whoever designed the Lamb Madras Curry knew exactly how to ensure great taste, solid satisfaction and freshness (in terms of vegetables prepared and the cooking of the meat)!

Gourmet Garage Subic’s Caesar and Lamb Madras Curry are both highly recommended to all of you who love food! Make sure you try either of them once you visit the restaurant.

Apart from serving meals, drinks and desserts for diners, Gourmet Garage Subic also has a nice selection of imported products for your home consumption. On display for sale were lots of bottles of fine wine, fruit juices, frozen meat, condiments, snacks, pastry and other good products to take home! They also sell fresh bread products.

*Looking for a new bottle of wine to buy? So many to choose here!*

*Drinks, snacks, condiments and other nice products on display.*

As mentioned in my past article, Gourmet Garage Subic also caters. Through their website, customers can also order Gourmet-in-a-Box (meals by the tray) and Party Trays (varied types of food with parties in mind). There is something that will surely interest you when it comes to good food! That being said, I urge you to check out Gourmet Garage’s website as well as their presence on Instagram and Facebook.

*This is a great place to have your picture taken inside Gourmet Garage Subic!*

The next time you visit Funtastic Subic Bay, I highly recommend you visit Gourmet Garage Subic at 1143 Argonaut Street (very near the Starbucks Coffee shop there) for very good food with your family, friends or business associates. On my next visit to Subic Bay, I’ll definitely come back to try their other meals.

Let me end this piece with the following holy scripture…

Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (TPT)

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COVID-19 Crisis: Walk-ins for 2nd booster shot in Las Piñas City are acceptable

May 6, 2022May 5, 2022carlocarrasco

In the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar made clear that patients – initially the immunocompromised – who need a 2^nd booster for COVID-19 can walk-in at their local vaccination sites, the Manila Bulletin reported. If you are a local resident who is immunocompromised and you have already received one booster shot (or 3^rd shot following two doses of most COVID-19 vaccines) previously, then you must pay close attention to the details here.

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

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar has announced that the city government is now accepting walk-ins for the second booster shot of immunocompromised individuals.

Aguilar reminded those 18 years old and above who are immunocompromised individuals to bring their original vaccinations card that indicates the primary series and booster dose given to them at least three months prior.

She said those who will be receiving their second booster shot can visit SM Center and Southmall from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon; Villar Sipag Hall from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.; Village Square and Robinsons Mall from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta’s covered court from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The mayor said those who have not received their first and second doses against the Covid-19 can also visit the identified vaccination sites by the city government or visit the Las Piñas Facebook page to determine the schedules of vaccination.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident who was successfully boosted previously for COVID-19, how long has it been since you received it? Are you located near a vaccination site that accepts patients for the 2^nd booster shot?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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/

CDM clinches 100% passing rate, student finishes 6th in Registered Master Electrician exam

May 5, 2022May 5, 2022carlocarrasco

Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) celebrates its feat in the recent Registered Master Electrician (RME) licensure examination as one of its students has placed 6^th in the overall ranking, and for clinching a passing rate of 100%.

The April 2022 RME is the first licensure exam that CDM has participated in since its establishment last 2018. The RME passers from CDM are Arvin Tolentino (Rank 6), Dennis Mañozo and Joshua James Racelis.

The Registered Master Electrician licensure exam was conducted on April 26-28 at testing centers in NCR, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legaspi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi congratulates CDM’s first batch of Registered Master Electricians for the honor that they have given to the City.

He said that the students’ achievement is a testament that the local government’s investment to the residents’ education is “money well spent.”

Along with scholarship programs, Fresnedi administration has realized the establishment of Colegio de Muntinlupa which aims to provide top-notch education on engineering and science & technology for Muntinlupa students and residents from nearby cities.

CDM College Administrator and former DOST-NCR regional director Dr. Teresita Fortuna noted that the results in the recent RME exam will serve as an inspiration for the institution to continually provide outstanding training and support to the students to help them become industry-ready.

Fortuna added that institution prides itself in their quality training on science & technology from highly-esteemed faculty and facilities with top-of-the-line industrial equipment.

Recently, CDM announced that it will offer the following new programs: BS Architecture, BS Construction Engineering and Management, BS Environmental Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, and BS Robotics Engineering.

The programs are in addition to the existing engineering courses: BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering, and BS Mechanical Engineering.

Situated in Posadas Avenue in Barangay Sucat, Colegio de Muntinlupa was founded with five initial engineering courses. CDM will hold its first commencement exercise this year for the first batch of graduates.

*The Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) building. (photo source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

Through City Ordinance No. 2022-310 (ISKOLEGIO), the local government of Muntinlupa also offers scholarship and financial assistance to city residents who are students and alumni of CDM:

Financial Assistance Grant for Academically Outstanding Students (FAGOS)
CDM-Student Leaders Financial Assistance Program (CDM-SLFA)
Financial Assistance Program for CDM Board Licensure Examination Review (CDM-BLER)

Under the CDM-FAGOS category, students whose general weighted average meet the guidelines shall receive a financial grant from 5,000 – 10,000 pesos. For CDM-SLFA, all qualified members of the CDM-Supreme Student Council shall be granted monetary assistance with respect to their position in the organization. While for CDM-BLER, students who have earned their degree from CDM may qualify for the program and be eligible for the funding of board licensure examination review.

For more information, visit Colegio de Muntinlupa’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CDMuntinlupa/ or visit their website https://www.cdm.edu.ph/.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Over P200 million for Team Philippines’ 31st SEA Games campaign

May 5, 2022May 4, 2022carlocarrasco

The 31^st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31^st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) is just one week away from formally opening in the City of Hanoi in Vietnam. As for the Philippine sports delegation attending the region’s biggest sports event, their campaign has received a financial support of more than P200 million from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and more money could be released, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) have cough up more than P200 million to fuel the country’s ambitious campaign to defend its overall title in the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games (SEA) set on May 12 to 23.

“The PSC had already released more than P200 million and could reach P230 million to fund the country’s SEA Games participation,” a source on Monday told The STAR.

Part of the Philippines’ 987-strong delegation, which included 646 athletes, had left for Hanoi on Sunday and on Monday while the bulk of it will follow suit next week in time for the opening ceremony on May 12.

There (rest) of the delegation will arrive on May 13.

Kickboxing, which will be led by former mixed martial arts champion Honorio Banario and 2019 SEA Games gold medalist Jean Claude Saclag and Gina Iniong Arao, flew on Monday.

The national kickboxers are out to eclipse, if not duplicate, their three-gold, two-silver and one-bronze harvest in the last edition of the biennial meet.

Jomar Balangui, Renalyn Dacquiel, Carlos Alvarez, Kurt Lubrica, Daryl Chulipaz, Emmanuel Cantores, Claudine Veloso, Gretel de Paz, and Zephania Ngaya are the other members of the team.

PSC commissioner and the country’s Hanoi Games chef de mission Ramon Fernandez and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino are both optimistic of the Filipinos’ chances.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a sports enthusiast based in the Philippines, do you think that P200 million to P230 million is enough funding to help Team Philippines achieve its gold medal targets in the SEA Games there in Vietnam?

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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Vote counting machines (VCMs) and ballot boxes delivered to polling centers around Muntinlupa City

May 5, 2022May 4, 2022carlocarrasco

With the 2022 National and Local Elections all set to happen on May 9, several vote counting machines (VCMs) and ballot boxes were distributed to the many polling centers in different barangays around Muntinlupa City, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

Vote counting machines (VCMs) and ballot boxes for the May 9 national and local elections were delivered to different polling centers in nine barangays in Muntinlupa on Tuesday, May 3.

Personnel from the Office of the City Treasurer, together with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Department of Education (DepEd), delivered VCMs and ballot boxes for 432 clustered precincts located mostly in schools.

On May 4, the final testing and sealing of VCMs are scheduled to be held in polling centers in Barangays Putatan, Bayanan, Poblacion, Tunasan, Alabang, Ayala Alabang, Buli, Cupang, and Sucat.

Muntinlupa has a total of 311,750 registered voters.

The above article ended stating polling centers located in schools and villages are as follows: Putatan Elem. School, Lakeview Elem. School, F. De Mesa Elem. School, Soldiers Hills Elem. School, Bayanan Elem. School-Unit 1, Bayanan Elem. School-Main, Muntinlupa Elem. School, Itaas Elem. School-Main, Muntinlupa National High School, Itaas Elem. School-Annex, Sto. Nino Village Covered Court, Tunasan Elem. School, Villa Carolina 2 Covered Court, JPA Subdivision Covered Court, Lodora Village Covered Court, Victoria Homes Elem. School, Villa Carolina 1 Covered Court, Park Homes Covered Court, Alabang Elem. School, Pedro E. Diaz High School, San Jose Village Clubhouse, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Buli Elem. School, Cupang Elem. School, San Beda College, Sucat Elem. School, Posadas Village Clubhouse and Bagong Silang Elem. School

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, are you going to vote in the elections on May 9? If you will vote that day, have you done your personal research as to which candidates to vote for?

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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Foreign sports delegations at 31st SEA Games are not required to make COVID-19 health declarations upon arrival

May 4, 2022May 3, 2022carlocarrasco

The 31^st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31^st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam is just eight days from formally opening and here are the good news for the foreign sports delegates coming for the said games – they are not required to make COVID-19 health declarations upon arrival, according to a VietnamPlus.vn news report. To be clear, an urgent notice by the national authority was issued.

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

The Vietnam Sports Administration (VSA) has been asked to inform all foreign sports delegations to the upcoming SEA Games 31 about the suspension of the COVID-19 health declaration requirement at Vietnamese border gates, according to an urgent notice.

The notice was sent by the Ministry of Health’s General Department of Preventive Medicine, requesting the VSA to report to the SEA Games 31’s organising committee and inform other regional delegations about the new policy.

All arrivals in Vietnam no longer have to submit health declarations, starting from April 27, the Ministry of Health has announced.

Previously, the ministry has issued a guideline for COVID-19 control measures during the region’s biggest sport event, saying that any guest who holds a position of the deputy ministerial level or above, as well as heads and deputy heads of sport delegations will neither need to show negative COVID-19 testing results when entering Vietnam nor take tests after arrival. Also, they do not need to go into mandatory quarantine.

Sport officials, referees and athletes are required to have certified negative RT-PCR/RT-LAMP testing results taken within 72 hours or rapid antigen testing within 24 hours before entering Vietnam, but not to quarantine.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest move by Vietnam in relation to its hosting of the 31^st SEA Games? Do the words “all arrivals” make the declaration confusing to you?

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

For other SEA Games-related articles, click here, here, here, here, here and here.

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Police rescue Chinese nationals in Parañaque City, apprehends suspects

May 3, 2022May 2, 2022carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, four Chinese nationals were successfully rescued by the local police and the people who previously detailed them were arrested, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Four Chinese nationals, who were detained by their two fellow citizens and an (Indonesian) in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) office, were rescued by police operatives in Parañaque City on Thursday, April 28.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Southern Police District (SPD) director, identified the rescued victims as Zhang Dedi, 26; Mo Jun Feng, 33; Chen Shi Ying, 25; and Huang Zhi Ping, 32.

Macaraeg said the suspects — Henry Saputra, 33, an Indonesian; Jacky Chen, 25, and Luo Bo, 26, female, both Chinese nationals — were arrested during the operation.

He said police investigators are still checking the real identities of the suspects as they believe that they are only using fictitious names.

The SPD chief said the victims were rescued at about 11:30 p.m. inside the First Great Palace Technologies at Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Niño, Parañaque City.

Macaraeg said members of the Parañaque City Police launched the rescue operation after the live-in partner of Dedi, Yellah Monares, asked for police assistance and reported that the victim had been missing since March 31, this year.

Monares also told police that Dedi was able to call her, informing her that he was detained at a POGO office and forced to work without salary.

“Despite our warning, foreign nationals continue to get involved in unlawful detention incidents. It is high time that we strengthen collaboration with our foreign agency counterparts and intensify our intelligence gathering to diminish these scheming plans and address kidnapping/illegal detention incidents and other forms of lawlessness, particularly victimizing their compatriots,” Macaraeg said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? Do you believe it is time for local authorities to investigate each and every POGO office within Parañaque to find out if people were forcibly detained by those who deliberately commit unlawful detention?

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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