Articles by Abby Espiritu
Mystic Messenger
17 Best Otome Games For iPhone And Android Interested in the otome genre? Here are some of the best otome games that you can play right now on your phone. Here, you can check out a complete Mystic Messenger email guide so you know how to answer every potential party guest. V's route isn't recommended for those new to Mystic Messenger, but if you want to try and woo this character from the Another Story addon, here's how.
Persona 5 Royal Confidant Guide: Chariot - Ryuji Sakamoto
Brash, bold, and unapologetically vocal about the things in which he believes, Ryuji Sakamoto is one of the most entertaining Confidants in Persona 5 Royal. With an unending sense of loyalty to those for whom he cares and the guts to do something about injustice, Ryuji’s Confidant is all about looking into the backstory of this brazen boy. He’s one of your earliest Confidants, and progressing it gives you a look into who Ryuji really is – a considerate, caring kid who wants his friends to succeed.
How To Rank Up Haru's Empress Confidant In Persona 5 Royal
Quick Links While she may be the last to join the Phantom Thieves in Persona 5 Royal, Haru Okumura still gets first billing in players’ hearts. Haru’s confidant in P5R sees Joker help her find her own footing at Okumura Foods following the death of her father, a friend (or more) to be by her side as she grows coffee and figures it out. P5R’s Haru confidant isn’t much different from vanilla, but it’s still just as worthwhile as ever, if only for the sweet gardening perks.
Persona 5 Royal Confidant Guide: Fortune - Chihaya Mifune
Cheerful and kind, Chihaya Mifune is a fortune-teller who Joker stumbles on in Shinjuku as you play through Persona 5 Royal. And while she’s initially skeptical of your stance that destiny can definitely be re-written, in stark contrast to what her fortune-telling implies, she later strikes a deal with you to prove that fates can indeed be changed. But between unlocking Chihaya in Persona 5 Royal and actually leveling her up, there’s more to this confidant than meets the eye.
Life as a Sugar Baby: A Little Bitter, A Little Sweet
Sociologist Michael Pastor said sugar daddy dating has long been a phenomenon in the country yet it remains to be an “under-explored” social issue. “Most of the time people would just treat the situation in stride. They would look at it as if it doesn’t happen, or as if it were just for fun. Sometimes popularized in pop culture, stereotypes and all of that. But the sugar daddy phenomenon exists,” he said.
Persona 5 Royal Confidant Guide: Councillor - Takuto Maruki
Takuto Maruki is the new guidance counselor and Councillor confidant in Persona 5 Royal: here is a spoiler-free guide to his confidant ranks. The adorable, dorky, and kind-hearted Takuto Maruki is introduced as one of the new characters in Persona 5 Royal.
MyMCM Live
Mark your calendars for July 1st After a two-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MCM studios and classrooms are now open to the public. Complimentary membership expires at the end of June.
Ride On Changing Bus Schedules May 9 to Increase Service, Efficiency
Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be adjusting the Ride On bus service schedules beginning Sunday, May 9 to increase overall service and improve efficiency. “The changes reflect the continuing shift of resources toward schedule patterns prior to the COVID-19 health crisis,” according to a county press release announced Wednesday. All County-operated transit services are to remain free of charge at least through June 30.
'Taste the World in Fenton Village' Celebrates Silver Spring's Diverse Restaurants
The 11th annual “Taste the World in Fenton Village” celebration will spotlight the diverse selection of restaurants of Downtown Silver Spring with an in-person, week-long event taking place Sunday, May 16 through Saturday, May 22. The event will include locally and independently owned restaurants located mainly in the southern section of Downtown Silver Spring, consisting of a wide range of dining cuisines including Burmese, Cuban, Ethiopian, Greek, Thai, traditional American and more.
Montgomery Parks Updates Capacity Limits for Athletic Facilities, Summer Camps
Montgomery Parks announced Saturday that they will be increasing the allowed number of visitors at many of their park facilities from 25% to 50% capacity, in accordance with Montgomery County’s recently amended health regulations. “With over 50% of the county’s population having received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, the parks department is increasing outdoor gatherings to 100 people and indoor gatherings to 50 people,” according to Montgomery Parks.
Montgomery Parks Highlights Best Trails for National Bike Month
May is National Bike Month. In celebration, Montgomery Parks announced their top picks for the best locations for bike riding across the county. Every Friday at 9 a.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m., a section of Beach Drive, from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue, and sections of Sligo Creek Parkway, from University Boulevard West to Forest Glen Road and Piney Branch Road to Old Carroll Avenue, are closed to motor vehicles and open for bicyclists.
Walk-Up Vaccine Appointments Available Monday at Montgomery College Germantown
Montgomery College – Germantown Campus has walk-up appointments available on Monday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to receive the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine for residents ages 18 and older. Ride On is offering a free “Vaccination Shuttle” to offer transportation to the vaccination site.
MoCo Eats Week Spotlights Local Eateries, Offers the 'Ultimate Foodie Experience'
Visit Montgomery and Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) are hosting MoCo Eats Week. The event began April 23 and continues through May 3 and is described as “the ultimate foodie experience,” supporting local food and beverage businesses including restaurants, bakeries, breweries and wineries. Participants can download a “Digital Saving Pass” on the Visit Montgomery website to access over 50 deals and discounts for food and beverage locations throughout the county.
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Seven Museums to Reopen in May
The Smithsonian announced Friday that it will be reopening seven of its museums along with the National Zoo starting early May, a long-awaited and eagerly anticipated decision since the closing of all of its facilities in November 2020 due to COVID-19. The first facility to reopen will be the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on Wednesday, May 5.
Maryland Offers COVID-19 Relief Program for Small, Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
The state has established the “Maryland Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account COVID-19 RELIEF Program” with $10 million in state Relief Act funding in an initiative to support small and underrepresented businesses under financial stress due to the pandemic.
Gaithersburg Police, Allied Agencies Form Operation to Address Racing Vehicles
The Gaithersburg Police Department (GPD) announced Tuesday evening that they have formed a joint operation in response to county law enforcement agencies receiving multiple complaints about vehicles with modified exhausts and racing vehicles traveling through Gaithersburg and Rockville.
Public Libraries to Host Financial Literacy Conversation With 'The Color of Money' Columnist Michelle Singletary
In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will be hosting a virtual conversation, “Five Steps to Thrive During a Financial Crisis and Beyond,” with Washington Post’s Michelle Singletary on Saturday, Apr. 24.
Three Montgomery County Cities Make WalletHub's "Most Diverse Cities in America"
Three Montgomery County cities were ranked within the top 15 of WalletHub’s report, “2021’s Most Diverse Cities in America” with Gaithersburg at #6, Silver Spring at #7 and Germantown at #12. According to WalletHub, the report is the final installment of their diversity study series, where they determined the final list through combining household diversity and religious diversity with their previous reports on socioeconomic diversity, cultural diversity and economic diversity.
Montgomery Parks to Host Fun Run at Wheaton Regional to Celebrate Earth Month
In celebration of Earth Month, Montgomery Parks will be hosting the “Restore Our Earth Fun Run and Walk” at Wheaton Regional Park on Saturday, Apr.
Maryland Bobcats Become First Professional Soccer Club to Join Anti-Racist Coalition
The Montgomery County-based Maryland Bobcats Football Club (FC) announced in a press release that they have joined the Anti-Racist Soccer Club coalition, officially making them the first professional club to be part of the alliance.
WalletHub Ranks Maryland As 2021's 4th Greenest State
Maryland was ranked as the 4th most environmentally friendly state in a WalletHub report, “2021’s Greenest States,” released Wednesday in honor of the upcoming Earth Day. WalletHub determined the greenest states across the nation based on comparisons across three key dimensions: “Environmental Quality,” “Eco-Friendly Behaviors” and “Climate-Change Contributions.” Maryland ranked 7th, 5th, and 8th in those respective categories.
How To Get The True Ending In Persona 5 Royal
Here is a spoiler-free guide on how to unlock the third semester and get the full true ending of Persona 5 Royal. Persona 5 Royal brought a strong handful of new elements into the original story of Persona 5, including new characters, innovative battle mechanics, and more. The bread and butter of the addition, however, is the extra dungeon that the Phantom Thieves can take on during the brand-new third semester.
Applications for Distinguished African American Scholar Awards Close April 16
The Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE), a non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success of children of African descent, is accepting applications for its Distinguished African American Scholar Awards.
Upcoming Bethesda Film Fest Showcases Local Filmmakers
April 16 marks the 9th annual Bethesda Film Fest, a documentary film festival featuring the works of local filmmakers, uncovering stories of the DMV and beyond. First on the lineup is Isabelle Carbonell’s “A Mirror of the Earth.” Carbonell is an award-winning documentary filmmaker from Rockville.
Council Bill Requiring Residential Window Guards Passes Unanimously
Montgomery County Council unanimously voted to approve a bill that will require landlords to add window guards to certain multifamily residential dwelling units. The legislation is designed to enhance housing safety for tenants and families by installing window guards to prevent the risk of children falling. “No parent should ever have to worry about a child falling from an apartment window.
County's 2021 Energy Summit Early Registration Ends April 9
From May 4 through May 6, The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) National Capital Region will be hosting the 2021 Montgomery County Energy Summit. The Summit’s annual purpose has been to offer education centered around green building, energy efficiency, renewable energy and related topics relevant to projects in the county.
Brookside Gardens Ranks on Yelp's Top 25 Gardens in North America
Brookside Gardens in Wheaton made Yelp’s “Top 25 gardens in North America,” their all-time list of the top botanical gardens across the United States and Canada. Brookside Gardens is an award-winning public display garden popular among Montgomery County residents for its luscious landscape. The gardens have become a local favorite destination for enjoying nature and art, as well as a wedding venue.
Montgomery County Observes Autism Awareness Month
Montgomery Parks is celebrating Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month throughout April with engaging programs, activities and mini-events with the focus of “sharing positive, respectful and accurate information about autism while informing the community about the variety of resources available in Montgomery County.” “It is so important to provide inclusive parks and programming to welcome individuals of all abilities.” said Jennine Blakely, Montgomery Parks’ Inclusion and Community Outreach...
Montgomery Parks Updates Restrictions for Athletic Facilities
Montgomery Parks announced on April 3 that they will be modifying certain COVID-19 restrictions within their athletic facilities in accordance with Montgomery County’s recently amended health regulations and updated COVID sports guide. Montgomery Parks will be implementing the following changes and guidelines: Nets at all basketball courts in parks will be reinstalled.
Regal Theaters in Montgomery County Set to Reopen in May
Montgomery County’s three Regal Theater locations are set to open in May. Regal Theaters announced last week that they will be reopening select theaters around the country beginning April 2 with additional theaters to open in the weeks following. Regal Germantown is to open on May 7; Regal Rockville Center and Silver Spring Regal Majestic & IMAX are scheduled to open on May 21.
Montgomery Parks to Celebrate Earth Month with Eco-Friendly Activities
April 22 marks Earth Day and Montgomery Parks has planned a number of eco-friendly activities and special events throughout the month of April to involve the community in celebrating Earth Month. From online plant sales and Arbor Day seedling giveaways to a GreenFest month-long celebration, Montgomery Parks, as part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has created multiple ways for county residents to show love for the environment.
Bullis Alum Who Saved Woman from Sexual Assault Tells CNN: 'I Was Able to Get There in Time'
New England Patriots’ offensive lineman and Bullis School alumnus Justin Herron is being recognized for his heroic actions last week when he helped save a 71-year-old retired schoolteacher from being sexually assaulted. Herron was walking through a park in Tempe, Arizona when he heard a woman’s voice screaming for help. Along with the help of Murry Rogers, another bystander, Herron acted immediately and was able to remove the attacker from the woman.
Brookside Gardens Opens Exhibit Showcasing Middle Eastern American Art
Brookside Gardens’ newest exhibit, “Middle Eastern American Artists in the Garden and Beyond” has opened for public in-person viewing from March 29 through April 25, located at the Brookside Gardens’ Visitor Center in Wheaton. In partnership with the Middle Eastern American (MEA) Advisory Group of the Office of Community Partnerships, the co-sponsored exhibit aims to bridge MEA and other ethnic cultures in Montgomery County.
Brookeville Brothers Produce Award-Winning Film on the Chesapeake Bay
What began as two brothers in a quarantine project evolved into an award-winning film addressing the number one challenge currently facing the Chesapeake Bay — water quality. Andrew and Eric Braker’s film “A Journey Upstream” takes an adventure through the Chesapeake Bay and tells the story of two fish species which assist in understanding the connectivity within our environment and the importance of the health of the Bay’s watershed.
Ex-Bullis Football Player Who Saved Woman from Sexual Assault Tells Story to CNN
New England Patriots’ offensive lineman and Bullis School alumnus Justin Herron is being recognized for his heroic actions last week when he helped save a 71-year-old retired schoolteacher from being sexually assaulted. Herron was walking through a park in Tempe, Arizona when he heard a woman’s voice screaming for help. Along with the help of Murry Rogers, another bystander, Herron acted immediately and was able to remove the attacker from the woman.
Still Reeling: Local Asian American Organization Hosts Candlelight Vigil for Atlanta Shooting Victims
The Chinese American Parent Association of Montgomery County (CAPA-MC) held a candlelight vigil and “March for a Hate Free America” Sunday night in the wake of the tragic mass shooting in Atlanta on March 16 where eight lives were lost including six Asian women.
County Aquatic Centers to Begin Allowing Two Swimmers Per Lane
Just in time for spring and summer, Montgomery County Recreation announced that their aquatics department will begin allowing two swimmers per lane starting April 1. According to the Montgomery County Recreation website, “Lanes are for universal use and patrons may share a lane with an individual who is exercising a different way. Neither exercise should interfere with another.
A Guide to St. Patrick's Day in Montgomery County
St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday where you could normally find Montgomery County residents celebrating at favorite local pubs such as McGinty’s or Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle, will undoubtedly look very different this year. Luckily, the community can look forward to a range of both in-person and virtual events planned to celebrate with family and friends while staying safe. Many events are taking place throughout the entire week of March 17.
African American Health Program Expands COVID-19 Support
Montgomery County’s African American Health Program (AAHP) is expanding its targeted COVID-19 testing and vaccination support to ensure Black residents receive the necessary resources and guidance to slow transmission of the virus and stay healthy. According to AAHP, their goal is to test 15,000 African American residents by July 2021 and has already successfully tested 6,000 residents since their efforts began in November 2020.
Jawando 'Not Surprised' Over Focus on Skin Color of Harry and Meghan's Son
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired Sunday night on CBS, has been the talk of the US and the UK most of Monday. The interview dominated the airwaves and social media as people on both sides of the Atlantic reacted, analyzed and opined about some of the stunning disclosures made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
County to Host Conversation on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health
The County will be hosting an online conversation open to all residents focused on suicide prevention and mental health on Wednesday, March 10 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. This session is a part of Wellness Community Events: Healing and Holding On—One Conversation at a Time for the Community, a series of discussions created by the County as an initiative to address mental health and wellness issues affecting the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
MCPS Adjusts Calendar in Preparation for In-Person Return March 15
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will officially begin the phased return of students to in-person instruction on March 15 and, in preparation, will be making schedule adjustments for the week prior. According to MCPS, the following instructional calendar has been set for the week of March 8: Monday, March 8: No virtual or in-person classes for students. Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10: Students will participate in self-paced (asynchronous) learning.
Projected Peak Bloom Dates for Cherry Blossoms Announced
On Monday, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that they are projecting peak bloom for this year’s cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin in Washington. D.C. to fall between April 2 and April 5. “The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) blossoms are open,” according to NPS. The Yoshino trees have a bloom period of several days, lengthening depending on ideal weather conditions.
Wheaton House Fire Causes $35K in Damages
Photo via MCFRS Spokesperson Pete Piringer. A ‘madison strapped’ outlet located behind a wooden shelving unit was the cause of a Wheaton house fire on Sunday. The house was unoccupied according to the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Department. The fire occurred at 11505 Alma Street, located between Channing Street and Ventura Avenue, in the neighborhood of Arcola.
Senior Planet Montgomery Hosts Free Online Classes First Week of March
Senior Planet Montgomery will be offering free online wellness classes for senior residents, with a focus on “how to thrive at home” from March 1 through March 5. Senior Planet Montgomery from AARP, is dedicated to helping seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.
County Board of Education Declares March to be Observed as Women's History Month
On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the Montgomery County Board of Education declared the month of March 2021 to be observed as Women’s History Month. “Throughout our country’s history, women have contributed to the values of the United States by advocating for equity, justice, and equal opportunity for all citizens…” Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith stated, in a memorandum to the members of the Board.
Conversation on COVID-19 Resources for County’s Latino Community Set for Feb. 27
The Latino Student Achievement Action Group (LSAAG), Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA) will be teaming up to present a virtual community conversation about resources and support for local Latino families on Saturday. The conversation will be held from 1 p.m to 2 p.m and conducted in Spanish. It will cover topics from education to health and COVID-19 pandemic support.
Montgomery County Library Seeks Performers for Annual Vinyl Day
On Saturday, April 17, all music and vinyl lovers across the county are invited to Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) fourth annual “Just For the Record – A Vinyl Day.” MCPL describes the day as a “celebration of music, culture, art and sound.” From noon to 3 p.m., people of all ages can partake in the annual vinyl celebration by participating in three events.
MCPS 13th Annual HBCU Fair Set for Feb. 12, 13
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) are teaming up to present the 13th annual – and first virtual – HBCU College Fair. The free college-readiness events kick off on Friday, Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. with on-the-spot admission and scholarship interviews for 12th-grade students. The fair itself, along with various workshops, is to be held Saturday, Feb.
Voice Actor Erica Lindbeck On Bringing Persona 5's Futaba and FFVIIR's Jessie To Life, Twitch Streaming, & More
Accomplished voice actor Erica Lindbeck sat down with TheGamer to talk about her most prominent roles in video games. Futaba Sakura is one of the most complex characters in Persona 5. Out of all the Phantom Thieves, she arguably goes through the biggest transformation, beginning as a complete recluse who's convinced her life is worthless, to becoming the Navigator of the Phantom Thieves, someone the rest of the group literally has to depend on for survival.
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