After viewing the YouTube video posted on OAHIC this Holy Week, March 10-15, 2023,
of the elaborate hand-crafted dried palm weaving, it was reminiscent of how My Mother
use to weave the crosses with her group from St. Joseph's of Cupertino Catholic Church.
The group was YLI Young Ladies Institute, and for a time my mother, Jacqueline Apa Federico,
was the YLI President. We also would see those palm crosses attached to pictures of Christ, Holy Mary,
and a Saint or two.
BUONA PASQUA





MMOexp-Ladra SMG Review – Fire Rate King of COD Black Ops 7
Since its release just over a week ago, the Ladra SMG has quickly made waves across Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, proving itself as not just a flashy new weapon-but potentially the best SMG in the game. And when mastered, it becomes an absolute laser beam of destruction. From unlocking Dark Matter camo, hitting insane killstreaks, and even discovering a "pay-to-win" blueprint, this weapon has redefined aggressive sub play in the current meta Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies.
In this deep dive, we're breaking down everything you need to know about the Ladra-from its best loadout and blueprint differences to an electrifying match that ended in a nuke and 96-7 stat line. If you're looking for the next SMG to build your class around in Black Ops 7, this is it.
Mastering the Ladra SMG: Best Loadout Setup
Let's start with what makes the Ladra so powerful. At its core, it has the highest fire rate in the entire game-which makes it an absolute menace in close-quarters combat. However, that high RPM also brings some wild recoil and fast ammo consumption. That's where this refined loadout steps in:
Full Loadout Breakdown (Gunfighter Wildcard)
Muzzle: Compensator
Tames the beast. Major vertical recoil control.
Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
Smooths horizontal recoil. Keeps aim locked in.
Recoil Springs:
Offers both vertical and horizontal recoil control. The synergy with the above attachments = literal laser beam.
Barrel: Reinforced
Enhances damage range and bullet velocity for mid-range fights.
Magazine: 56-Round Mag
Burns through ammo fast; this gives you room to engage multiple targets.
Rear Grip: Quick Draw Grip
Super snappy ADS speed. Helps you win first-shot duels.
Stock: No Stock
Boosts movement and strafe speed-perfect for aggressive slide-and-fry playstyles.
Laser: Target Laser
Aim walking steadiness and bonus accuracy while ADSing.
TL;DR: Fast, steady, and oppressive in short bursts-this build turns the Ladra into a mobile mini-LMG.
Perks & Equipment Loadout
A great weapon needs the right support setup. Here's what our player paired with the Ladra:
Lethal: C4-Perfect for aggressive pushes, hallway clears, or baiting rotations.
Tactical: Stim Shot-Stay alive longer, recover fast.
Field Upgrade: Scrambler-Disrupts enemy radar and creates chaos during pushes.
Perks:
Scavenger-Keeps your ammo and C4 supply going during long streaks.
Hunter's Instinct-Works like BO3's Sixth Sense; mini-map shows enemy direction post-kill.
Slipstream-Boosts base movement speed, making your already fast Ladra loadout feel even quicker.
Wildcard: Gunfighter
Allows 3 extra attachments.
Crucial for controlling the Ladra's recoil and maximizing utility.
If you can't run Gunfighter, the 5-attachment version should keep: Compensator, Reinforced Barrel, Quick Draw Grip, 56-Round Mag, and Recoil Springs.
Weapon Feel and Movement Feedback
While most games felt smooth and fast, there were sessions where the movement felt "off."
Movement fluidity, responsiveness, and aim timing are all part of COD's muscle memory loop. The good news? When the Ladra is built right, even off days still result in high kill counts and objective control-as seen in matches where 60+ kills and double-digit streaks were still the norm.Bundle Design and Map Synergy
The new blueprint doesn't just improve aim-it looks incredible. Paired with the new map "Haven," which was originally saved from MW3's content drop, the weapon feels right at home. The aesthetics of clean neon tracers, dark matter camo, and blueprint glow pop especially well on tighter indoor maps with mixed sightlines.
Final Verdict: Is the Ladra the Best SMG in Black Ops 7?
After testing every aspect of the weapon-the base gun, the blueprint, every attachment setup, and grinding camos to the finish line-our verdict is clear:
Insane fire rate
Laser accuracy with right build
Top-tier blueprint design
Kills faster than most other SMGs in close range
Mobile, aggressive, and lethal in the right hands
While the C9 and Jackal PDW still hold top-tier positions in the SMG meta, the Ladra has earned its place in the S-tier conversation-especially for players who love to run-and-gun, rack up streaks, and keep the tempo high.
Final Thoughts
If you're still on the fence about the Ladra SMG, it's time to get off it. Whether you're grinding camos, nuking lobbies, or climbing ranked, this weapon is your ticket to high-level fragging and flashy plays. Equip the Gunfighter wildcard, drop the blueprint if you have it, and dominate the lobby
Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies.
U4GM - 11 Helldivers 2 Combat Builds for Solo Players
Playing Helldivers 2 solo can be both challenging and rewarding. Without teammates to rely on, you need to carefully choose your combat build to maximize survivability, damage output, and mobility. Over the past weeks of grinding missions and experimenting with gear, I’ve put together 11 solid combat builds tailored for solo players looking to dominate the battlefield efficiently.
1. The Agile Striker
Focus on light armor and high mobility perks. Equip weapons with quick reload times and decent damage, such as SMGs or pistols. This build allows you to dodge attacks easily while chipping away at enemies, ideal for hit-and-run tactics.
2. Heavy Gunner
Use heavy weapons like LMGs or grenade launchers paired with strong defensive gear. This build offers sustained firepower to suppress multiple enemies, but requires careful positioning to avoid being overwhelmed.
3. Sniper Specialist
Perfect for long-range engagement, this build prioritizes precision rifles with scopes and stealth perks. You can take out threats before they get close, which is crucial when playing solo and lacking backup.
4. Shield Bearer
Equip a deployable shield and a mid-range weapon. This build is great for holding choke points alone, providing both defense and offense, giving you breathing room to plan your next move.
5. Demolition Expert
Carry explosive weapons like rocket launchers and mines. This build excels in clearing out groups of enemies quickly, though ammo management is key.
6. Medic Solo Support
Surprisingly effective, this build focuses on self-healing and survivability. Equip medkits and perks that increase health regeneration, allowing you to sustain longer in combat.
7. Close-Quarters Combatant
Use shotguns or melee weapons with armor boosts. This build shines in tight spaces and can quickly dispatch enemies when things get hectic.
8. Stealth Operative
Prioritize stealth perks and silenced weapons. Avoid direct fights by sneaking past or quietly eliminating threats one by one, perfect for high-risk missions.
9. Balanced All-Rounder
Mix medium armor with versatile weapons, like assault rifles and sidearms. This build offers flexibility in adapting to different combat situations solo.
10. Support Drone Controller
Equip drones that provide reconnaissance or fire support. This build adds an extra layer of defense and offense without relying on teammates.
11. Berserker Build
Maximize offensive stats at the expense of defense. With high damage output and aggressive playstyle, this build can overwhelm enemies quickly but demands skillful dodging.
Throughout your solo adventures, earning helldivers 2 medals will reward your progress and unlock useful gear. If you find yourself short on resources or want to accelerate your build optimization, you might consider options to buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits through trusted platforms like U4GM, which many players use responsibly to enhance their gameplay experience.
Remember, the key to solo success in Helldivers 2 is finding a build that suits your playstyle and mastering it. Experiment with different combinations until you discover the perfect fit for your missions. Stay sharp out there, soldier!
Both of my grandmothers made small, simple palm crosses and placed them on a wall in each room of the house. My maternal grandmother placed them next to the light switches.