THOSE NEW to role-playing games should be forewarned. Fallen Legion: Rise to Glory is an acquired taste and takes some getting used to. As a definitive collection of titles and content previously released on the PlayStation 4 and the PS Vita under the Flames of Rebellion and Sins of an Empire banners, it packs a whole lot of wallop. The Switch version, published by NIS America, presents you with a choice to start: Be on either side of a conflict in Fenumia, an empire bent on territorial expansion, with set objectives, and their attainment, dependent on point of view. In the end, though, the need for a full appreciation of the presentation and the content may yet spur you to go through both campaigns.

Today’s Filipino young professionals love to travel. Department of Tourism numbers show they — with the income and modern-day opportunities to travel — make up a big slice of the domestic tourist market. And for yuppies, traveling is almost synonymous with a chance to fill up their Instagram pages with “IG-worthy” shots, whether it be a sunset, breakfast, or a salagubang (beetle) hanging from a lens cap.

HEALTH is on the top of the list of South Cotabato’s convergence approach in the responsive delivery of social services.

TYCOON GAMES aren’t for everyone, but it isn’t hard to understand why they have a loyal following. They’re flashy, and they’re capable of producing a surprising amount of fun and complexity. From Sim City to Zoo Tycoon to Roller Coaster Tycoon, the process of building something from scratch and seeing it thrive and prosper brings about catharsis. And, by the same token, Kalypso Media delivers.

In the coastal towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan, P110 million worth of milkfish (scientific name: chanos chanos) was lost earlier this month. The fish kill was reportedly caused by dissolving oxygen levels on the water surface of the fish ponds in which the bangus was being raised. If more fish kills occur, this may reduce the milkfish supply in nearby provinces and in Metro Manila. What few people in the area know is that a Filipina scientist -- Dr. Charissa M. Ferrera -- and her team are currently working on research to help alleviate the problem.

SINCE its inception in 2005, Sega’s Yakuza series has invariably churned out virtual masterpieces. While a bit all over the place at times, this part family drama, part mafia flick, and part martial arts and adventure franchise has always boasted of top-notch quality in terms of presentation and humor. In this regard, Yakuza 6 does not disappoint; it offers the same blend of action, comedy, and emotional heft via traditionally outstanding production values.

WHERE is the Philippines now in its journey to Universal Health Care (UHC)? This was the critical question that Dr. Gundo Aurel Weiler, Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), answered during the recent “Health for Juan and Juana: Moving Forward with the Philippine Health Agenda” forum.

FROM the book industry’s perspective, the existence of The President Is Missing makes perfect sense.

While some people may be surprised by the wealth of rich heritage food that can be found just one hour away from Manila in the province of Cavite, it should not really come as a surprise since Cavite was part of the galleon trade where goods and spices were exchanged between Spain and China via the Philippines and Mexico.

PLAYING CATCHUP: In the ever-changing landscape of World Cinema, what happened to Hong Kong’s “heroic bloodshed” movement -- those action filmmakers who featured slow motion, balletic action sequences, guns pointed at each others’ faces?

IT’S BY DESIGN that Vanillaware is best known for stylistic two-dimensional action-adventure games. In an industry proliferated with 3D titles, the Japanese developer has made a conscious effort to trod the less-beaten path. And, to its credit, it has had much success in this regard; via a proprietary programming process, it enables its artists to render pixel sprites in such a way as to uniquely project depth. It’s why gamers instantly took to Odin Sphere for the PlayStation 2 in 2007, as well as Muramasa: The Demon Blade for the Nintendo Wii in 2009.

THE 2018 Health for Juan and Juana Forum (HJJ Forum) held last week gathered the country’s healthcare thought leaders and experts and galvanized their commitment to make Universal Health Care (UHC) happen for all Filipinos. Among the health champions who graced the forum were luminaries who are at the forefront of the UHC advocacy in the country.