Thursday, June 12, 2025

Subaru Stella (LA850F)

Many Japanese buyers are eager to get their hands on the new-generation Daihatsu Move, but their closest dealership happens to be a Subaru dealership. Thankfully, the latest Subaru Stella shares many similarities with the new Daihatsu Move. Let's explore this further.

2026 Subaru Stella
2026 Subaru Stella

2026 Subaru Stella
2026 Subaru Stella interior

The all-new Subaru Stella starts at 1,523,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs. Consider this an early birthday treat as the Subaru Stella nameplate is celebrating its 20th anniversary next year. Time flies, huh?

Beginning with the design, the all-new Stella is sharper looking than the previous model, although most people can easily mistake it for a Nissan Dayz of some sort. For the first time, it now features dual-sliding doors, which add conveniences to the Move's easy-living character. Asked about dimensions, it has a length of 3,395mm, 1475mm of width, up to 1670mm of height, and 2460mm of wheelbase.

While there may not be anything particularly unique about driving the all-new Stella, it does offer improved visibility compared to its predecessor. The addition of dual sliding doors makes it easier for passengers to enter through the rear, providing 1,055 mm of rear legroom and a height of 1,270 mm. One of the best features is that the seats can be folded down, allowing for various uses, whether it's for transporting cargo or creating a comfortable sleeping space during a leisurely Sunday drive. It also features multiple storage compartments for organizing items and a USB-C port to charge your devices.

The all-new Stella utilizes the DNGA platform, which accommodates the new model's design, powertrain, and dynamics while balancing its easy-driving character with fuel efficiency. The 660cc KF engine and CVT gearbox, along with the Eco-Idle idling stop system, provide the Stella with a fuel economy of around 22.6 km/L for front-wheel-drive models and 20.6 km/L for 4WD models. The ZS-exclusive turbocharged 660cc KF engine achieves approximately 19.9 km/L (4WD) to 21.5 km/L (2WD), based on WLTC Mode standards.

In addition to its slightly improved dynamics fit for city use, the all-new Stella features Smart Assist, which consists of up to 17 driver assist features, including collision avoidance, driver awareness, and parking assist.

For those interested in the all-new Daihatsu Move but living in a neighborhood where the nearest dealership is Subaru, look no further.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Let's Do The News! (June 12, 2025)

                                 

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

- Eighteen senator-judges voted to return the articles of impeachment against PH Vice President Sara Duterte to the House, and five voted against.

- In this celebration of the 127th year of Philippine Independence Day, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez calls on the people to "protect our democracy, advance development, and unite for the aspirations of the New Philippines of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr."

- Anti-ICE protests are spreading across America, including the streets of Seattle, where they will stage a big rally this weekend with expected violence.

- The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is officially the fastest EV production car in the Nurburgring Nordschleife at the lap time of 7:04.95s, faster than the Rimac Nevera.

- Toyota Gazoo Racing showcased its GR LH2 Racing Concept powered by a hydrogen powertrain.

Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept
Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept

- The Beginning After The End TV series will return next spring for its second season.

- The Nintendo Switch 2 sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days.

- SAG-AFTRA and video game employers have reached a tentative agreement on an interactive media contract. The agreement terms are subject to review and approval by the National Board.

- The upcoming SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants casts Regina Hall, Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro, and comedian George Lopez. Ice Spice will perform the movie's new song.

- Eun Ji Won announces marriage plans.

- In Game 3 of the NBA finals, the Indiana Pacers led 2-1 after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder at a score of 116-107.

- GMA Network declines the settlement offer of TAPE Inc.

TTFN.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Pichi Chaputin Tontanton

The Nijigasaki High School Idol Club has introduced the Monthly Songs project, similar to Aqours' monthly birthday song singles. Each month, one of your favorite members will get a chance to shine. For the June edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project, here's Shizuku Osaka.

Pichi Chaputin Tontanton
Pichi Chaputin Tontanton

Shizuku Osaka, voiced by Kaori Maeda, takes over the June edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project with her featured song "Pichi Chaputin Tontanton". This sixth installment includes this featured track and the additional song titled "My Untold Diary".

Next time... Ai Miyashita.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: BTS RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook discharged from military service

 

K-pop supergroup BTS reached a major milestone in their group journey this week as members RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook officially completed their mandatory military service.

RM, 30, and V, 29, marked the end of their eighteen-month military duty on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Both RM and V were discharged in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, where RM served in the army band and V carried out his duties in a Special Military Police unit.

A livestream video from Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a Korean news outlet, showed RM and V greeting fans with salutes and a saxophone performance as they came out.

The following day, June 11, youngest member Jungkook, 27, together with Jimin, 29, were also discharged after serving at the 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade.

They emerged from Yeoncheon’s public stadium clad in uniform, offering heartfelt salutes and thanks to the fans known as ARMY.

Following their discharge, Jungkook and Jimin went live on the online fan community Weverse to greet their fans.

"The first thing I wanted to tell you, ARMY, is thank you for waiting," Jimin said.

BTS entered a military hiatus in mid-2022 after the group's oldest member, Jin, 32, enlisted.

Since then, the group has staggered their service completions: Jin (June 2024), J-Hope (October 2024), RM and V (June 10, 2025), and Jimin and Jungkook (June 11, 2025).

Six out of the seven BTS members are now back together, with only Suga—currently serving as a social service agent—set to return home by June 21, marking the reunion of the world-famous K-pop boy group.

Source: PEP.ph

Let's Do The News! (June 11, 2025)

                                

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

- The Office of the Vice President confirms receipt of the writ of summons sent by the PH Senate. Vice President Sara Duterte has ten days to answer the impeachment court.

- Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Roberto Ancan remains outside House Secretary General Reginald Velasco's office in Batasan Pambansa.

- The PH Department of Agriculture says that the Philippines is promoting deeper ties with Egypt for agricultural trade.

- The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) plenary of judges rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte’s motion to disqualify two judges.

- PH President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the dispatch of two large generator sets (gensets) to Siquijor as a temporary solution to the worsening power supply crisis in the area. This follows the President's inspection of the Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR) plant, the main power provider in the province.

- NutriAsia products such as Mang Tomas, Jufran, and UFC are now cleared by the US FDA.

-The US Marines are joining National Guard troops to protect ICE agents in Los Angeles amid violent protests. Currently, mass arrests are happening in Los Angeles after the curfew has kicked in, as Texas deploys National Guard troops.

- Hamas killed 50 Palestinian fighters armed by Israel in Gaza. Israeli forces killed over 70 Palestinians in ongoing attacks across Gaza.

- Naples will host the 2027 America's Cup sailing competition.

- Formula E teases its GEN4 car set to debut in Season 13. The GEN4 race cars will feature 600 kW of power, 700 kW of regeneration capability, and a permanent 4WD system. Meanwhile, the 12th season, the last of the GEN3 era, will see the Miami ePrix race in the Miami Autodrome and the Madrid race in Jarama.

- The Caterham Seven 310 Encore was unveiled, and it will be the last to be powered by the Ford Sigma engine.

2025 Caterham Seven 310 Encore
2025 Caterham Seven 310 Encore

- BTS members Jimin and Jungkook are officially discharged from the military, a day after RM & V.

- The online casino app GameZone was officially launched in the Philippines.

-

TTFN.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - McLaren P1

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Forza Motorsport series. To commemorate this milestone, let’s take a look back at the cover cars from the Forza Motorsport franchise, starting with the very first game released in 2005 and continuing through to the final installment launched in 2023.

McLaren P1

Let's continue with the McLaren P1, the hybrid hypercar that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 5, one of the games that spearheaded the Xbox One era of 2013.

McLaren P1

The McLaren P1 is a hybrid supercar that embodies the brand's technological expertise and motorsport heritage. Its main goal is to be one of the best driver's cars in the world and a worthy successor to the McLaren F1. The P1 is powered by McLaren's newly developed IPAS petrol-electric powertrain, which features an improved version of the 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine used in the 12C, along with a single electric motor. This combination produces a remarkable total power output of 903 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.

Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the P1 is limited to just 375 units, each priced at £866,000. All units have been sold out.

McLaren P1

Let's have a commemorative lap around Spa in the midst of the rainfall. It's just like that Top Gear episode where Jeremy Clarkson drives the McLaren P1 around Spa during rainfall. I've recreated that moment before, and I'm more than happy to do it again, see if I'm better than last time. Let's roll the tape.


Just like old times, they said.

The McLaren P1 transformed our perception of hybrid cars with speed and power, just as Forza Motorsport 5 transformed the franchise in ways previously unimagined. This is evolution, personified.

McLaren P1

A NEW GENERATION OF RACING

Next time, let's take a look at the Ford GT, the hero car of Forza Motorsport 6.

Let's Do The News! (June 10, 2025)

                               

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

- The Armed Forces of the Philippines has officially declared Basilan as an ASG-free province. Although peace is restored to the said area, the AFP assures that they will continue their military operations there to make sure the Abu Sayyaf Group will not return there.

- Senator Risa Hontiveros warned that the impeachment trial against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte may not be completed within the 19 days.

- About 14 volcanic earthquakes were recorded around Mt. Bulusan within the previous 24 hours, according to PHIVOLCS.

- Activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel one day after the Israeli military seized the Gaza-bound ship she was on. Thunberg was one of 12 passengers aboard the Madleen, a vessel carrying aid to Gaza that aimed to protest Israel’s ongoing war and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the organization behind the mission.

- US President Donald Trump sent another 2,000 National Guards and 700 Marines to Los Angeles on the fourth day of anti-ICE protests.

- The first-ever Cadillac Optiq-V was unveiled. Its electric powertrain was boosted to 519 hp in Velocity Max, sprinting from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.

2026 Cadillac Optiq-V
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V

- The 2026 F1 season calendar was unveiled.

- The live-action Legend of Zelda movie has been delayed to May 2027.

- BTS members RM and V are officially discharged from the military.

- Actor Miko Gallardo claims he's a victim of blackmail, threats, and extortion.

TTFN.