Whoscall Launched in the Philippines

Have you been scammed online or through calls? Well, you're not alone. There are thousands of people who fall victim to these unscrupulous individuals every day. Yes, you can block numbers one by one, but it isn't a permanent solution. They can call you using a different number, or use a link to trick you into thinking it's a legitimate website.

Popular app "WhosCall" is now in the Philippines and is pushing for a Scam Free Pilipinas, a movement to put a stop to these scams. Their app is free to download (on Google Play and the App Store) and use database comparison for those unknown calls, with the aim to trustworthy communication wherever you are in the world. Aside from that, those unnecessary telemarketing and non business related calls could be identified, to of course, have less anxiety if someone calls you out of the blue. Scammers are also being so creative, but with Whoscall AI features, you can up your security.

At the New World Hotel in Makati, broadcaster Karen Davila, tech blogger Gian Viterbo, and youth leader Aileen Montalbo shared their real life experiences about being scammed. Albeit a bit on the techie side, they still fall prey, and this threat is real for a lot of Filipinos. For a safer mobile space, Whoscall was developed by Gogolook.

Jeff Kuo the CEO of Gogolook says "Our company was built by 3 college friends 3 years ago. We tried to raised funds to see our vision. We tried to explain the differences between communication types, and whoscall reveals the names of people behind numbers, to empower everyone on the internet. This is a community and partnership, with this, we can assure a scam free Pilipinas!"

COO of Gogolook Manwoo Joo says "We are happy to introduce Whoscall in Taiwan, HK, Thailand and other areas, we are excited to introduce it to the Philippine market. It's getting more high tech lately even after the pandemic. This will be one of the options to keep people from scams, our first campaign is about Scam Free Pilipinas, where our database will team up with telecom and government agencies, not only for metro areas but provinces too. Hope the things we did in other countries would be implemented well in the Philippines."

 

Gian also adds "You need to enable to block spam, Whoscall is a layer of security. I also advice to not to connect to public networks unless it's an emergency. I have installed it on iOS and my Android devices, it checks numbers, tells me when it's a scam and add new ones if needed."

Col. Joey Fontiveros of the Philippine Army says "The internet has been a source of vulnerability, complexity and criminals have been stealing information and do scams, frauds. It's a major concern for the military, by experience, you can often know how scams work. Even charities, trouble with the government, your family, a virus on your computer, could be something that scammers would say to get your account compromised. They want you to pay through crypto currency, electronic payment systems, and hackers can see what you do. We need to limit sharing of data, and this innovation is useful for all consumers whether you are connected to the internet or not."

With over 2.6 Billion numbers in their database, they can show you who's calling or sending the sms. You can also search for it, and see if there's a url or fraud links which you can do for free. They have collaborated with law enforcement and government agencies. Go download the app today and get yourself protected.

Tzu Chi Foundation and Private Companies Pool Resources to Help in Typhoon Odette Efforts

Tsu Chi Foundation Philippines have already done a lot in the past. Master Cheng Yen founded it in 1996 to inspire people, to put compassion into action. They initially had 30 housewives saving 2 cents from their groceries, but now has a seat in the UN. Tsu Chi reached the Philippines in 1994, and now has volunteers in different areas in the country. Tsu Chi and Master Chung Yen has had the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Presidential Award -Kaanib ng Bayan and more. For now they are doing charity efforts, to provide medical assistance, disaster relief, educational program, livelihood and vocational training. They have worked previously in the restoration of a Tacloban Church, Typhoon Yolanda work and response. 

This year, Typhoon Odette Ravaged the country, making 9 landfalls in Visayas and Mindanao, taking out electricity, water supple, and now they're working with people on ground in Cebu, Bohol and Leyte and with the government units so they could help where there are most affected. This involves isolated towns, coastal ones, where thousands of people are in dire need. Children, mothers, people are going out on streets to beg for food, shelter, so they could survive. They now live in tents and makeshift shelters in the same area where the typhoon hit them as well. Cebu, Ormoc and Palo Leyte Volunteers are serving hot meals and water, Manila is also sending help including blankets, water supply, gen sets. Tzu Chi are calling for donations of water, food and funds. They need construction materials, GI sheets, nails, to protect them from the weather. They are also in need of communications, logistics and support. 

Digital Pilipinas convenor and Geiser Maclang Founder Amor Maclang says "Thank you for all those who came this morning, we all were caught off guard with what happened with Typhoon Odette. One of the reasons of why we're asking for your help to support Tsu Chi Foundation. A few years ago, we were invited to Taiwan wherein I had the pleasure of meeting the founder. A lot of our advocacy areas are in Bicol, Leyte, CAR, and Zamboanga. Digital Pilipinas is working with Tsu Chi Foundation to help scale harness technology, help them move money, to bring help where it's needed the most. They are very transparent. We need leader volunteers for education, environment, and work with the CSR arm of Globe, fintech and payments, beyond just making a donation through digital wallets, repurposing donated electrical appliances and sell them to put profits in Tsu Chi and help people. We need help in logistics, the devastation is massive. We will be calling for meetings, to update you of what's happening on ground. You will hear how you can best help in this crisis. We will have January 2 and 3 some rice donations, we need volunteers to arrange that, work together. Thank you to our friends from the private industry who are here, I wish everyone, the rest of our country have a better Christmas."



If you would like to help, donations can be course through these channels:

Yoly Crisanto of Globe CSR says "This is a test for resiliency, and we need to make things better. Communication is key. The challenge is to respond and build things better next time. When Ondoy struck, Marikina valley was under water, we had to build towers higher after that. We need our cell sites to withstand even greater winds than ever before. We build cell sites that can do that, to hopefully invest and pour out more, and there's no donor fatigue in the country. We should never be in this position again, we need to have more resilient measures. We will be there to help, we need to put together our resources, to help coastal communities, to battle the pandemic and climate change. There is a challenge for everyone, and hopefully we can build on our network. The government is very open, the NDRMMC, the LGU's, Siargao, Cebu, Davao, we need to have a concerted efforts, not just work after the Typhoon and say it's done. Let us understand that we need to put new antennas when the roads are blocked, it's hard to work in disaster response. The power lines are down, you can only repair if there is power. That's the reality on ground and it's a concerted effort. We are doing everything we can right now, every single minute counts before, after disaster happens. It's not easy. I'm appealing to everyone to hopefully get back and be connected again after that strong typhoon."

Tsu Chi Foundation has been doing in environmental protection, we have done it in Taiwan. It's something we can replicate in the Philippines, to make sure we don't experience these climate change caused disasters.

Nauman Mustafa of Coins.ph says "I've experienced the Typhoon while I was in the BPO sector at that time. People have come together and there are many companies who want to do this. We decided to put our own business partners to have their proceeds be given to those who need it most. I am a firm believer that we should help others. We are here to support Tsu Chi, we'll ask our partners to also support the foundation in our capacity. We just have to take this challenge an fight with it."

There were tons more from the private sector, it was really nice to see them connecting and trying to help in their way, so please help if you can in your own capacity.

"When the poor cannot come out, the blessed ones should go in and help." -Master Yeng Chen

Dreams Do Come True at Tagaytay Highlands’ Horizon Terraces Garden Suites

Having Tagaytay Highlands as your address in the south would definitely be something anyone would envy. In the past, being there had the impression of seclusion, luxury and exclusivity. Times have changed and the three hour drive from Manila is becoming shorter as they made this once elusive mountain resort into a residential condominium has been introduced by Highlands Prime as Horizon Terraces.

This addition made over the years welcomed an Asian themed low rise garden suites and villas. The Horizon Terraces Garden Suites have beautifully crafted one and two-bedroom units measured from 43 to 68 square meters set atop 5 storey buildings and nestled in 3.2 hectares of land. It's got pretty nice views of nature and you can open up sliding doors to let the cold breeze and light in which Tagaytay is loved for. Imagine having your family waking up to that everyday! That would be a dream come true no?

Not to be outdone by the views are their Central Garden. They dedicate over 70% of their land for recreational and garden spaces, so you're definitely not shortchanged. Horizon Terraces also has over a hectare of it so you've got space for kids to run around and roll around for fun. For some light life therapy for everyone, they have pools and sensory gardens that you can enjoy. Of course, the balconies at higher floors come with majestic views of the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano and the Horizon Terraces’ Garden Suite ownership comes with membership to The Country Club and throngs of facilities inside Tagaytay Highlands. I've been there a couple of times and it's like a series of cabins in the Swiss alps, you'll love the steak which I recommend you get once you're there. You'll live the dream!

Tagaytay Highlands remains as a private resort/network of themed residential communities. If you're a member/homeowner, a family member or guest, you'll certainly enjoy it too. If you want to know more about the property or wish to own one, just give them a call via +63275052422 or their mobile number +639175150158. You can also visit their official website  www.tagaytayhighlands.com or follow their IG (@tagaytayhighlandsofficial) or Facebook page by searching Tagaytay Highlands.

Re-opening The Economy with “Ingat Angat” Campaign

You can join jumpstart the economy and it starts with this mega campaign by both public and private sector, they call this INGAT ANGAT. Honestly, I can't get over seeing different competing brands in one campaign and how they set aside pride and business to help the Philippines back on its feet.

This is a critical time for the government and private companies to get together amidst the pandemic. This is their initiative. Business has been greatly impacted, people are slowly opening up again, Filipinos are resilient and hopefully business is slowly gonna go back to normal.

Sec. Ramon Lopez DTI says “This is done in Bayanihan spirit. This has damaged our country, we feel it is difficult to bring back consumer confidence but it is important to have safety and economic movement at this time. This will help shift focus in balancing health and economy, a balancing act, manage the risk and help the revival of the economy. We continue to buy local, to rally everyone to go back to the new normal, still have health protocols, and DTI will be there to help and support this cause. Buy local!”

IATF Against Covid-19 Head Carlito Galvez Jr. says “This is our third phase, the government is keen on opening up our businesses. We need an equilibrium of both health and economy, to make it safe for everyone to conduct business and sustain our economic recovery. We need to work as a team, to lower our active COVID cases, to ensure we fully recover 100%. To increase capacity on public vehicles, doing it to ensure safe transport of our workers and earn sustainable incomes. The cases are declining in NCR but we should never let our guard down, we need to work together even further. Ingat tayong lahat!”

Sec. Harry Roque says “The Filipino Spirit of Bayanihan is there. We have medical equipment, testing, donations poured by private sector. Ingat Angat is important to inform people we must not leave in fear, and the President is appearing in advertisements and support the cause. This Monday we will have a cabinet meeting, to talk about how to save people from poverty. To allow the economy to recover, with safety in place. We need to open and improve the transport sector. Thank you to the private sector’s help! Mabuhay po tayong lahat!

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala “Good morning! We have very tireless organizers. In the worst crisis, we saw everyone work together. The virus is the enemy, we need to work on health and the economy. Thank you to the Secretary for bringing the private and public sector together. The private sector has found our citizens who have confidence, moving together to create it with others. Together we shall revitalize our country together, to help us all move forward, to restart the economy. It is a pleasure to work with you all. The strong partnership between the public and private sector is important and we support you all, thank you!”

George Royeca of Angkas “Buhay or Hanapbuhay, this pandemic has cost a lot for our economy. Businesses have closed down, thus Taskforce T3 to test, trace and treat to become a stronger and resilient Philippines. The goal is simple, to equip government to reduce the risks, building facilities and increase capacity. We all should be cautious, recognize how to live with the virus, rebuild but keep safe. Teach Filipinos to co exist with the virus and get our lives back on track. Thank you for your undying help. This time, we need to Teach, trust and Transform.”

Margot Torres the SVP For Marketing of McDonalds says “Thank you to our partners from government, thank you for making time for this. I am excited Taskforce T3’s campaign and the help of different brands, even competing ones by volunteering their time and expertise to make sure our message comes across. We all want a resilient Philippines and the need for consumer confidence is essential. Recently, the government launched their campaign, by tomorrow we are launching this one. This is to address the need for consumer confidence, to make learned helplessness to empowered vigilance. Brands will serve as backdrop to real message, should not be a multi brand preso, or a hardsell branded effort. They should be inspired of the Filipino resilience and cautious optimism to move forward with our lives. We have produced 3 industries, restaurants, mobility, shopping and leisure. All brands will share these online videos and materials, in all their assets. This will be in multiple screens on October 9.”

Melvin Mangada “The campaign is going far from being fearful and anxious, to remind everyone we will get through this too. We will be vigilant and safe. To jumpstart the economy with consumer confidence. The ad test results show strong emotional connection, Ingat Angat will be launching this video. The campaign is not just about the most loved brands. We needed to thank them for allowing us. Eat out and keep safe. Go out and do what they need to do, but keep safe. Encourage people do things they like to do outside, safely too. We already have ready social cards where competing brands are in one post, we also have radio ads, partnered with Viber to have downloadables so companies can put these on banners, billboards, mall presence, celebrity videos, use #ingatangat on all posts. Thank you to all our partners who made this all possible.”

The entire world is facing this challenge, what sets the Filipinos apart is our resilience, when we all come together. These efforts to battle the pandemic is a call to restart the economy but not undermine health protocols to keep us all safe. Visit ingat-angat.com, FB and YT who will host the videos, viber for information dissemination and engagement platform for the campaign too. This is a campaign that will continue until needed.

Ingat Angat, Tayong Lahat!

/* Please be informed, quotes may have been edited for brevity.

The Executive Lounge Restaurant at The Malayan Plaza

Luxury Private Dining is much of an experience that everyone should get. I’ve been in quite a few but this one which happened a few nights ago was pretty special. It was amongst food blogging industry friends set at the Malayan Plaza Hotel’s 33rd Floor. The setting reminded me of an upscale atelier but without a designer this time. It was us, the Executives of the hotel, the Chef who was cooking a storm in the kitchen and a couple of servers who made sure we were comfortable while we dined.

The place is apt for private dining. The table was set for a little over 10 people, daisy art on the napkins, table runner ran from end to end with gold accents and trims, plus faux candle light here and there. It was pretty stiff and quiet on my side whilst it was a little crazy on the other, but we didn’t mind.

We all knew this 10 course dinner was going to be epic. 

The canapes arrived while we were stationed in the holding area, one had chopped eggs and mayo dressing, the other was more on the savory side with mushrooms. It was nice.

The appetizers comprised of the Quesillo Con Tomate, Chorizo Pamplona and Manchego, Adobar con Carne and Tuna Tartare - all served in one plate. Saying it’s a mouthful is an understatement. The Quesong Puti was the perfect pair for the fresh tomatoes, herbs and garlic. The chorizo felt quite good with the salty manchego and the ligjt drizzle of white truffle oil, it is so addicting to tell you honestly because me and truffle are like brothers, we are very good together LOL. The Adobar con Carne though wasn’t as soft as I wanted it to be, perhaps a little over done or might not have rested, but the flavor profile is there, it was a bit heavy that I’d consider it part of the main course. The Tuna Tartare was good though, very light and you could really feel a little kick (tad smoky) prolly because of the paprika, chili and wasabi they put on it.

This is the Almejas Mejillones con Escabeche. It's clams and mussels with croutons and a broth made of stock and wine, plus a few herbs. It is very light, but a perfect way to start the meal.

The Basil and Honey Mule was not too strong, just right to accompany the slew of strong flavors they introduced us with. They pair drinks with your dinner components so expect to be a little fun that usual if you get hit.

Some good things off the menu include this Talakitok con Misono which is Jackfish and Tuna sashimi with misono jus, their own fresh salsa and beet paste. I adore white fish with wine, this is more on the savory side. 

Their version of Callos was topped with mashed potatoes, my blogger friends and I was trying to find bits or maybe slices of chorizo but the chef did a spin on it and only included the flavor. It had tripe but almost none of the stench, so this is okay.

Love on a plate, this is their best dish that evening called Shitake Wagyu Bar. It's Wagyu beef grilled to medium doneness, infused with Shitake mushroom flavors, herbs and more. It was earthy and savory, felt deep because of the flavor profile they wanted to achieve means watching the cooking process like a hawk, the right temperature and all that drama. It was well worth the wait.

This is the Chef's Bourbon Plate. It's main ingredient was Dragon Fruit, chopped up with orange fruit, like, pear and bourbon cream. I guess they didn't flambe it anymore because the flavor profile they needed was already in the cream, it's a light dessert, not too sweet just as I like it.

For the sweet tooth, the Chef made this Arte De Remo. It's like an oaty revel bar made with cream cheese, oats and dessicated coconut. It was nutty and special which I guess came from crushed pistachios??? So if you love sugar, this would be the better choice. 

The Malayan Plaza has 4 function rooms available on the 32nd and 33rd floor of the building. It's a nice place to hold your banquets, cocktails, events and intimate dinners. If you would like to experience the same thing we had, go call +63 2 7060055 and ask for available slots on schedules. Things fill up immediately so if you're planning for that next birthday dinner, proposal, or just small family gatherings, give them a call okay?

Thank you Chef Aldrin, the GM Ernie Baclayon and thank you to everyone at the Malayan Plaza for re-introducing to us The Executive Lounge. I will be back for more to look for that Wagyu steak and the light desserts. 

Au revoir!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

The Directors Club at SM Cinemas

Had a lovely time spent with friends at The Directors Club in SM Mall of Asia. I didn't know the place exists and find it's perfect for small screenings. It seats about 30 people, and they serve tons of food and drinks which would go well with the movie. SM Lifestyle and Entertainment recently held a promo for fans of their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/smlifestyleentertainment/ and their Twitter handle @SM_Cinema for deserving people and got them tickets to see Pirates of the Carribean Salazars Revenge. Thing is, we got to watch it ahead of everyone else. So if you're lucky, and you also follow their Facebook page and Twitter account, then you could be some of the winners too.

The food was awesome, I mean who doesn't like freshly popped pop corn and those lovely burgers that SM Cinemas have? They're actually cheap but really filling. I also enjoyed the reclining seats since The Directors Club have Lazy Boys for every patron. It was like watching a show in your own living room, with a super wide screen of course and air conditioning. Plus a simple buzz would get people rushing with service, have your popcorn and soda ready in minutes while you watch the movie. Experience it yourself at the 2nd Floor of the Mall of Asia's main building.

At least you don't have a lot of people and heads in your way, it's more intimate and perhaps a good place to watch with your friends and family.

KUMAGCOW
Fresh Blogs Fast!

Gretchen Ho Joins "Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo" (BMPM) Efforts

Gretchen Ho made headlines when she started off as a Lady Eagle in UAAP a few years back. She's also made waves as a host, VJ and the better half of lover boy Robi Domingo, but during this small gathering at ELJ Building, she's putting the fame, influence and popularity to good use as she joins the "Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo" family. The organization is part of ABSCBN's vast network that delves on citizen journalism, voter education and responsible reportage. Gretchen is already making herself useful by joining in on recent symposiums, workshops and telling the generation today how becoming a part of BMPM can actually make this election season a better one. She's been in different parts of the country already and taking much of her time to educate the youth, voters and non voters how to put to good use their voice on social media. Blogging per se like what we're doing is also part of that since we also are disseminating information to different sets of audiences and letting them know different ways how to help the country and voting public.

The forums and workshops will be done extensively before the actual election day and they'll be needing help from the likes of ordinary people like you and me. Citizen journalists in whatever way, shape or form, may actually send their reports to BMPM here and may get featured with ABSCBN's news channels, TV Patrol, Bandila and others. Ms. Jing Castañeda was also there to give her views, whilst still covering Mar and Leni in the Presidential elections. It'll be a great venue to tell what things are happening in your side of the world. With a "learned" disposition, you can make this a place to tell a larger audience what needs to be done so that politicians won't be abusing any of your rights, the rights of the community and the general public. The symposiums and workshops are important so that students, citizens can go ahead and ask questions so a definitive answer can be given and make your efforts a good one to educate others. We can also harness social media, handle the information here online or offline and use it to decide for the greater good of the country. ABSCBN also made apps for the COMELEC so it could help the government and you.

Here are snippets of our talk yesterday afternoon.

I also asked about the challenges that they're having while doing BMPM as they somehow mentioned some parts of the country are quite difficult to go to, they have confirmed security is a concern and is of utmost importance. They usually go to these destinations prepared so even if they may have some "not so much fans" of the network, they do what they have to do in order to achieve their goal of educating the Filipino voter no matter where they are. I felt that was a little assuring, hopefully people would be more receptive, participate and make a clear, sound judgment when the day to choose our leaders would come. Thank you to the people from BMPM for having us! It was a pleasure to hear from you and what you plan to do with Gretchen now that she's part of the organization.

Gretchen by the way also introduced her new blog called Woman In Action which you can find in www.gretchenho.com. She'll be posting demographics, and her causes to help with women empowerment. She feels it's her duty to use her influence and voice and act on women's issues, something we felt was a thing she's very passionate about. You may visit her blog soon for stories about that.

For more information about their cause:

BMPM

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://bmpm.abs-cbnnews.com/

Kyla - "Private Affair"

Kyla's Album called "Private Affair" has been slowly dominating the airwaves these past few weeks. True enough it now holds the Number 1 single in Pinoy MYX's Countdown. It's the authority for OPM and with that out in the open let me just touch on what the album contains.

1. "Listen" by Christine Bendebel
2. "Mahal Kita (Di Mo Pansin)" by Francis Louis Salazar
3. "Dagli Na Lang" again by Francis Louis Salazar
4. "Don't Tie Me Down"Produced by Kyla, Jay-R, Billy Crawford, Kris Lawrence, Jimmy Muna
5. "How Deep is Your Love (cover)"
6. "Private Affair" by Christine Bendebel
7. "Camouflage"by Yosha Honasan and Karel Honasan
8. "It's All About Us" by Francis Kix Salazar
9. "A Song for the Love in Summer" by Ulysis Calumpad
10."Keep the Faith" by Moby Aragones
11."Don't Tie Me Down ( which is a house mix)"

I know, one of the songs is a little star studded. Listen is a little on the mellow side. When the album starts with this you kinda get the Kyla vibe you got used to in the past albums. Actually, I feel like it doesn't do justice when you see Kyla perform live. When I got to Party Pilipinas a few months ago she's one of the nicest things I've heard since the birthday song. I tell you, Kyla should do something internationally. Maybe release something in the US and Canada because she'll probably fare well with the likes of Brandy/Monica/Mary J. Blige.

My favorite is the track "Mahal Kita (Di mo pansin)". Even though I am not into tagalog songs these days this one definitely catched my attention. I probably have heard of this a couple of months ago on radio/mp3 and the song is both catchy yet still very sentimental. If I were asked what particular song I'd sell for the local scene... this would be it. I kind of love the way it was written but I'm a little hesitant with how it was arranged in the album. Maybe if they didn't put them one after the other (the songs of Francis Louis Salazar) it would have been better. Then again, I really still love that song bar none! "Dagli na lang" became a little redundant for me because it followed a song after the same composer. If that were placed a little differently... then this whole album would be PERFECT! :)

Don't Tie Me Down as you can see is already a sure hit from the get go (see the names indicated in production?!). I like the catchy sound; and this would probably be nice if it's constantly played in bars that play house music/trans. If you mix this up with hard beats much like with DJ Tiesto or any European jocks for that matter, it would be a great collaboration. I can see this would also be nice if there would be "bar tours" coinciding with the release of this single. Imagine Britney, or Madonna but it's our own Kyla doing the moves! Just thinking about it... oooh so awesome!

About "Private Affair", I can definitely relate. It's how you cherish love. It's those small things that make you squirm when your loved one is near. When you can't talk... because you feel it. Yes, its one of those things you do when you fall in love! This song exudes that vibe! Need I say more?

Kyla's recent album is definitely a good thing to have. I'm not surprised why she is the one and only Princess of R&B. If you long for love, if you still reminisce about the past, if you are optimistic about the future and if you feel how lucky YOU ARE when you are with someone special, go to your nearest record bar and get one now!

=========================================

Like them on Facebook

PolyEast Records


Kyla

Manila's Finest PI Andres

Bantay

Tagpi

Andres a swashbuckling private investigator was hired by the Manila chief of police for an assignment. He was in the prime of his youth, women adore him while guys envy him. His Mom was white as Redford; and Dad was black as Norman... he turned out to be as brown as Charlie. His name was legendary, since he was also a former member of the vamped up Manila Mayor's secret service. 3 women were by his side as associates; namely Marcela, Lorenza, and Delfina. The Manila City hall and Mehan Garden is not what you think it is. It served as their headquarters in the outskirts of Manila; marble slabs flipped off at a turn of a stone... they become mainframe computers and super machines. Various high powered armaments adorn it's walls while each white pillar contain Mammoth Tanks with high grade ultrasonic capabilities that could rip up a whole army in seconds. They are currently investigating a gang of Saibai Men said to have set foot in Manila to wreak havoc and employ street children for petty crimes. Intelligence reports these Saibai Men had weapons at their hideout in the South Harbor, Manila; it consists of rusty bolos from which death wil come from tetanus and not from its blunt blade, aluminum alloy baseball bats and a few hundred sumpak units. Apparently they were going back to the basics; since vintage was having a comeback, he wore a Dick Tracy like outfit while the girls wore 60's inspired numbers that made twiggy envy them. The Saibai Men caused quite a ruckus in the suburbs but they always made it look natural as if it weren't organized as it is. Someone is surely heading the operations and Andres wasn't confident his 3 associates could handle it (no matter how much "girl power" hype was present) so he went on alone on this quest.

He had 2 newly trained ASPIN dogs to accompany him named Bantay and Tagpi. Bantay was fitted with rocket propelled grenade launchers (hailed from MILF - JemaahIslamia technologies) and meat grinder teeth while Tagpi through advanced engineering had environmentally friendly bio diesel flame throwers, long razor sharp claws and bionic eyes. They all had overwhelming power written all over them when people see them on the streets. Andres was quite sure he'll find information on the pier. Even if it was a little far from his area of responsibility he scoured every Japan Surplus store and asked around for the Saibai Men which was the operating in Manila. It was a little dangerous since he was literally in enemy territory but he never hesitated. The Manila Police reported over transistor radios that the Sampaloc - Espana area were overtaken by them already. Students from UST were forced to give in lunch money, as locals passed out from the stench of flood from man made waste the Saibai Men prepared for over a period of 7 years. It was planned all along. Andres knew that he needed to see who started it all; he went through the side streets and went on to the Bureau of Customs. Who wouldn't suspect something fishy in a government office anyway! He secretly monitored the movement as these Saibai Men were being moved by the hundreds through huge cargo container vans. Andres immediately sought Bantay and Tagpi into action shooting ship cranes disabling them from carrying and taking Saibai Men defense forces inside the pier. Andres hastily ordered Bantay to immediately launch several missiles on the other boats since more of their minions were taking arms already. Tagpi on his own slashed his way through the rushing forces from the Saibai Men's front. They were no match for him.

Andres rushed to the commissioner's office and got the lead from bystanders that he was the culprit behind this brouhaha. Apart from another fleet of Saibai Men in the midst there were several mutants who stood guard for the man leading this operation. To get to that area he had to go through several walls put up on the camp cum South harbor. At this time a huge airplane flew on top of him and dropped several big boxes attached to gigantic parachutes. When it landed the boxes flipped open and there were Mammoth Ultrasonic tanks in it. The top cover opened and the three gorgeous ladies Marcela, Lorenza, and Delfina were all driving it.

Marcela, Lorenza, and Delfina

Bantay and Tagpi soon followed eliminating some of the Saibai Men guarding the gates. Andres hopped in and got on one of the tanks, fired it up and the first charge was shot. Then a huge wave came out of the tesla coil like front of the tank immediately tearing down the walls and obliterating stuff and Saibai Men that were on the way. They proceeded to the last one which was attached to the building... bore a hole on it exposing who the culprit was. "Hold it right there!" said Andres. When the smoke cleared they saw one familiar face carrying a couple of bolo's on his hand, he was juggling it and throwing several ones to Andres. It was the Chief of Police that hired him... shocked as Andres was he managed to dodge some of the blades; but there were still some that went through and got him wounded. He's doing hand to hand combat now and it wasn't easy battling it out with the cop. Boom!, Pak!, Thud!, Kapow!... Andres managed to cripple the cop, he's got an Aikido blackbelt to thank for that. On the ground, choking like a little kid he asked the cop why he did this... cop mustered strength to take a few seconds off the hold and spit on his face. Andres pressed a few nerves and got the cop to talk. "I needed an alibi to kill people and you were the perfect excuse... you spoiled my plans, so now we'll both die!"... Andres saw the cop press something within his shirt, he was full of c4 blocks inside his shirt. In 10 seconds it'll explode, so he hurriedly asked everyone to leave the premises. "KABOOOOOOOM!!!" the South harbor building exploded and everyone got out eventually... the girls got Andres out of the rubble. "Next time you play something like this alone we won't be here!" said Marcela. "Nah, I'm sure I can handle it!" said Andres grinning while clearing up everything on his face.



FIN!