Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Let's Do The News! (April 23, 2025)

                                    

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

Pope Francis' funeral is scheduled this Saturday.

- The Malacañang confirms PH President Bongbong Marcos and his First Lady's attendance at Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican.

- Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, lead counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, denied reports that his camp requested a limit on accepting IDs of victims who want to participate in the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation related to the war on drugs.

- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has insisted that the Chinese Communist Party and not the Philippines are the ones truly spreading Sinophobia. According to Sec. Teodoro, if there is Sinophobia, it is due to the "overreach" of the Chinese Communist Party and President Xi Jinping not only in the world but also among their own countrymen.

- The ongoing Balikatan Exercises will simulate the downing of aircraft, choppers, and drones.

- A new chocolate sold in Dubai is to blame for the global pistachio shortage.

- Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba will make a state visit to the Philippines next week.

- Mercedes-Benz showcased its Vision V Concept, previewing the next-generation V-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Vision V Concept
Mercedes-Benz Vision V Concept

- The all-new Lexus ES was unveiled in Shanghai. Set to go on sale in Japan this Spring 2026, the all-new ES features styling inspired by the LF-ZC Concept and will feature a choice of hybrid and EV powertrains.

2026 Lexus ES
2026 Lexus ES

- The Porsche 911 Spirit 70 Edition was unveiled. Limited to 1500 units, the special model based on the 911 Carrera GTS Cabrio with the 3.6L eTurbo powertrain is donned with special Olive Neo color, special vinyl design, and Pasha pattern in the interior.

Porsche 911 Spirit 70 Edition
Porsche 911 Spirit 70 Edition

- Nintendo seeks a subpoena of Discord for Pokémon leaker info. Nintendo requests the leaker's name, postal address, phone number, and email address.

- Former NFL player Jay Feely to run for the US House of Representatives in Arizona during the 2026 midterm election.

- Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Margarita Fores, and Gloria Romero will be posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Merit.

TTFN.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Sixth-generation Subaru Forester (SLG/5)

Subaru's best-seller, the Forester, is now in its sixth generation, and this all-new model promises to improve it for everyone, no matter what they require.

2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester SL begins at 4,048,000 Japanese Yen (approximately $40,500) for the turbocharged SPORT variant. The price increases to 4,598,000 Japanese Yen (an estimated $46,000) for the Premium S:HEV EX variant, not including any additional costs. Subaru claims that the sixth-generation Forester has the most advanced technology, a modern design, and improved ride comfort.

2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester

Beginning with the design, the Forester SL features a massive front grille design that merges into the compact LED headlights. It's the first to feature the revised Subaru logo.

While retaining the looks from its predecessors, the new model also dons a more masculine shoulder line, prominent wheel arches, underguards, steep rear glass for better cargo capacity, and improved aerodynamics. Of course, if you need more style for your Subaru, your Subaru dealer may offer you some customization packages, such as the Adventure Style Package that proudly spells SUBARU at the front grille, Accent Color Package, and the STi Aero Package, among others.

2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester

While seating is still up to five people, the new interior dons a similar 11.6-inch Subaru STARLINK infotainment system debuted on the second-generation Levorg, which comes with smartphone connectivity. It still packs buttons for the aircon and dials for the volume and radio channels as expected. Mind you, the sat-nav system uses "what3words" to set a destination, which allows users to specify a 3m x 3m area with three words.

Other features include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, power seats, voice recognition, wireless charging port, ETC, Harman Kardon sound system, and others.

Although the wheelbase remains the same as the previous model, the extended length and width should spell a slightly increased room, but in terms of boot space, it's less compared to the previous model. with one liter less with the rear seats present, up to 48 liters less trunk volume roof-high with rear seat folded down. A fault line, the new model possesses. 

On the plus side, the all-new Forester features a Subaru-first hands-free power rear gate that automatically opens when you lift your foot under the rear bumper cover. It also features Remote Keyless Access, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Individual Wheel Display, Steering Responsive LED Headlights with Automatic High Beam, Welcome Lighting, and power door locks, windows, and side mirrors.

2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester

In the SPORT variant, the Forester is equipped with a CB18 1.8L DOHC Direct Injection Turbo engine, which delivers a modest 177 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque. It is paired with a Lineartronic CVT that features an 8-speed Manual Mode, offering a fuel economy of approximately 13.6 km/L.

In the X-BREAK and Premium variants, the Forester is the second Subaru model to utilize the S:HEV powertrain, which was first introduced in the Crosstrek last year. This system combines a 160 PS FB25 2.5L petrol engine with an 88 kW MC2 electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, all working in conjunction with a CVT. As a result, the Forester S:HEV achieves an impressive fuel economy of up to 18.8 km/L based on WLTC mode standards.

In terms of dynamics, the legendary Subaru Symmetrical AWD system is further enhanced with Active Torque Vectoring and the SI-DRIVE system. As for steering, it features the same dual-pinion electric power steering rack from today's Levorg and WRX S4 as well. The all-new Forester comes with X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, allowing drivers to traverse through tarmac, gravel, or snow at ease.

The all-new Forester is equipped with Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes a first-in-class feature called Emergency Stop Assist. This feature activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. It stops the vehicle, activates the hazard lights, and unlocks the doors to ensure safety.

Additionally, the new Forester is the first Subaru model to incorporate a pedestrian protection airbag specifically designed for cyclists. If a collision occurs with a pedestrian or cyclist, this airbag deploys to cover the vehicle's hard parts. Its design extends to the rear of the front pillar, making it effective for protecting cyclists whose heads are positioned higher.

In summary, the all-new Subaru Forester SL may offer less space compared to the SK model, but it comes with a choice of S:HEV and turbo powertrains, impressive styling, and enhanced safety features. Notably, it is the first vehicle to include a pedestrian protection airbag specifically designed for cyclists. This makes the Forester well-suited for today’s needs.

Available Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, River Rock Pearl, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Daybreak Blue Pearl, Autumn Green Metallic, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, Cashmere Gold Opal, Crystal Black Silica/Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica/Brilliant Bronze Metallic, Crystal Black Silica/Autumn Green Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica/River Rock Pearl.

Photo: Subaru

Let's Do The News! (April 22, 2025)

                                   

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte says her legal team is "confident" that she will win the impeachment case against her.

- Online sexual abuse of children has risen to 2.7 million, according to the Commission on Human Rights.

- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will provide a ₱30,000 one-time financial aid as compensation for missing balikbayan boxes. This follows a Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting where concrete solutions were discussed to ensure that balikbayan boxes reach their beneficiaries intact and safely.

- Special envoy on transnational crime, Markus Lacanilao, voluntarily goes to the Senate to stay there for two days after being cited in contempt. Lacanilao, who accompanied former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, was cited in contempt for refusing to answer questions from the Senate panel investigating the arrest and transfer of the former president to the custody of the ICC.

- Reports indicate that 12 cardinals are frontrunners to replace the recently deceased Pope Francis. Among them are Cardinal Luis Tagle from the Philippines, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Cardinal Peter Erdő from Hungary, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Myanmar's Cardinal Charles Bo, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Sri Lanka's Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, along with several others.

Nissan teases the new Elgrand set for its 2026 release.

Morgan says the car company "will double down on coachbuilding"  and will put internal combustion engines into its cars "for as long as possible".

- The Kia EV3 wins the 2025 World Car of the Year.

- Universal is reportedly making a movie adaptation of SEGA's OutRun racing game with Michael Bay directing and Sydney Sweeney producing it.

- The NCAA Division I Board of Directors proposed the removal of 153 long-standing rules from its handbook. This change would enable schools to share financial benefits directly with players, marking a significant step towards a new era of amateurism in college athletics. However, this initiative is still dependent on the approval of the House settlement.

- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine flags to be flown at half mast in all government buildings today, in mourning for the passing of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Media Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, better known as Nora Aunor.

- OPM legend Hajji Alejandro passed away at the age of 70.

TTFN.

Monday, April 21, 2025

Let's Do The News! (April 21, 2025)

                                     

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by the Vatican. He was the first Pope from Latin America and had been in the Vatican for 12 years as the successor to Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. During his tenure, Pope Francis dedicated his life to God and the Church. He also taught his devotees to live the values of the Gospel with honesty, courage, and love throughout the world, in favor of the poorest and marginalized sectors.

- Classes at the City of Malabon University were suspended after it was disrupted by a "bomb threat".

- The 40th Balikatan Exercise has commenced. During the opening ceremony earlier today at Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that Balikatan will not only showcase physical strength, but also stronger cooperation and alliances between security partner countries in the Indo-Pacific Region.

- The Commission on Elections Advisory Council (CAC), led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has reconvened to ensure the upcoming elections are safe and clean, amid growing threats to online platforms. The meeting discussed measures to combat digital misinformation and cyber threats, including working with tech giants such as TikTok, Google, and Meta.

- The Court of Appeals has dismissed the petition of PO1 Jeffrey Perez questioning the sentence awarded to him by the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with the killing of two youths during the height of former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Based on a 50-page decision written by Associate Justice Eduardo Ramos Jr., the decision of the Caloocan City RTC Branch 122 was affirmed on November 10, 2022.

- ICC prosecutor Karim Khan confirmed that the investigation on former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs will continue.

- The Malacañang welcomes the placement of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Google Maps.

- Former miss A member Min announces marriage.

- Soccer matches in Italy were paused in solidarity for Pope Francis' passing.

- The NBA unveils its award finalists for the 2024-25 season.

TTFN.

F1 2025 - STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

F1's 75th anniversary celebrations continue in Jeddah for the STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. As McLaren leads in driver and constructor standings, will its plot for world domination continue in the heat of the Arabian street race night?

F1 2025 - STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Screengrab from F1

Oscar Piastri made headlines in Jeddah by beating Max Verstappen to the finish line and snatching Lando Norris' lead by 10 points in the Driver Standings. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc completes the Jeddah podium with a third-place finish. Other finishers include Norris, George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and Isack Hadjar.

With Piastri leading the Driver Standings for the first time in his career and McLaren remaining solid in the Team Standings, will it continue?

The next race is the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix this May 3, 2025.

FIA WEC S13 - 6 Hours of Imola

The 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship continues in the legendary Imola racetrack for the 6 Hours of Imola endurance race. Following Ferrari's victory in Qatar, will it deliver another triumph on its home turf?

FIA WEC S13 - 6 Hours of Imola
Screengrab from WEC

For the first time since Ferrari's return to top-level endurance racing, the #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P secured a victory on home ground, triumphing over competitors like BMW and Alpine to achieve a full European Hypercar podium. Meanwhile, the #92 Manthey 1st Phorm 911 GT3 R clinched a narrow victory against the #46 Team WRT M4 GT3 EVO in the LMGT3 class.

The next event is the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps this May 8-10, 2025.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

F1 Academy 2025 - Jeddah

The F1 Academy 2025 season continues in Jeddah Corniche, which hosts the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This race features Farah Alyousef as a wild card entry, adding to the excitement. Meanwhile, the drivers are enduring the intense heat of this Middle Eastern event.

F1 Academy 2025 - Jeddah
Screengrab from F1 Academy

In the first race of the Reverse Grid, Ella Lloyd, a Rodin driver backed by McLaren, achieved her first F1 Academy race win. Emma Felbermayr, another Rodin driver supported by Sauber, finished in second place. Alisha Palmowski, the Campos driver sponsored by Red Bull Racing, rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.

In the second race, Chloe Chambers experienced a penalty that cost her the win, dropping her to second place. As a result, Maya Weug, backed by Ferrari, was promoted to first place. Doriane Pin, the Mercedes-supported Iron Dame, secured the third position on the podium.

The next race is at Miami this May 2-4, 2025.