Saturday, March 21, 2026

Let's Do The News! (March 21, 2026)

                                     

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

- China's extensive reclamation of Panganiban Reef within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, condemned by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has assured that its preparations for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November this year will continue. COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia made this announcement after receiving information about plans to postpone the BSKE polls again.

- The PH Department of Health is targeting the purchase of over seven million doses of flu vaccine this year.

- The Trump administration announced that more US soldiers are heading to the Middle East.

- The United Kingdom has agreed to let the US forces use British bases to strike Iranian sites targeting the Straits of Hormuz.

- Dame Jenni Murray, who presented the BBC's Woman's Hour for over three decades, passed away.

- Opel joins Formula E for Season 13.

- The Audi Revolut F1 Team announced that Jonathan Wheatley will leave the team, with Mattia Binotto taking over as Team Principal.

- Legendary action star Chuck Norris passed away at age 86.

TTFN.

Renault Twingo IV

Renault's small city car, the Twingo, is back for its fourth generation after a two-year absence. This time, it is the most affordable option in the Renault E-TECH Electric lineup, positioned below the revived Renault 5.

2027 Renault Twingo
2027 Renault Twingo


2027 Renault Twingo
2027 Renault Twingo

The all-new Renault Twingo E-TECH starts at 15,870 Euros plus additional costs. Slotting below the revived Renault 5, it's the cheapest Renault EV you can buy. You can afford one compared to one of its main rivals, the Fiat 500e, and with such change, you can think of all the savings you can make with this reborn Twingo. Long story short, but let's talk about the basics.

2027 Renault Twingo
2027 Renault Twingo interior

The design of the 2024 concept Twingo draws inspiration from its first-generation model introduced in 1992. It’s reminiscent of the question, “What was the Twingo like in the 90s?” which many people often ponder. Unlike its 90s predecessor, the all-new model features a five-door design, as five-door hatchbacks are considered more appealing by today’s standards.

Inside, it features a 7" digital instrument cluster and a Google-powered 10" multimedia screen with smartphone connectivity and a little help from Renault's very own mascot, Reno. Of course, the touch screen features over a hundred downloadable apps to make use of, whether for information, connection, or just to kick back and unwind, whatever floats your boat.

While the design of the all-new Twingo's interior may be straightforward for a city car, the surrounding symbols resemble those found on a children's toy where you insert shapes. For a five-seater city car, this simplicity is quite fitting. In terms of space, the Twingo offers up to 305 liters of boot capacity, which is not too shabby.

2027 Renault Twingo


With an electric motor powering the front wheels and a 27.5kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, the Twingo's E-TECH Electric powertrain produces a measly 82PS of power, which is a tad less compared to the Fiat 500e. It will go from 0-100kph in 12.1 seconds and has a top speed of 130kph, less than most Japanese kei cars. As for the range, it's good for 263km, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach from 10% to 80% at a public charging station.

The Twingo E-TECH features a One Pedal function that enhances regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to decelerate and stop when the driver releases the accelerator, without using the brake. This is especially helpful in traffic jams and at stops, promoting smoother urban driving. The One Pedal mode automatically deactivates in reverse and reactivates above 12 km/h.

With 24 driver assistance systems (ADAS) available, Twingo E-Tech electric is packed with technologies, many taken from segments further up the market, and primarily intended for urban use. They are available as part of the optional "Parking & Safety" pack.

Under Renault's Human First Program, the Twingo E-TECH features 12 front, side, and rear sensors that enable an advanced hands-free parking function. Drivers can easily find parking spaces through the OpenR Link system with Google built-in. Passengers benefit from the occupant safe exit alert when getting out, while the rear cross traffic alert warns of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. If the driver overlooks a stationary pedestrian or object, the rear automatic emergency braking system activates to prevent a collision. Additional driving aids include traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. Drivers can conveniently activate or deactivate five ADAS settings using the My Safety Switch located to the left of the steering wheel.

The all-new Renault Twingo E-TECH showcases a 90s-inspired design and a playful interior, along with city-proven dynamics that cater to everyday drivers. Packed with an extensive range of technology, this compact city car proves that Renault has successfully adapted to the era of electrification. While it may not deliver the same enjoyment as previous Twingo models and doesn't outperform its competitor, the Fiat 500e, the Twingo E-TECH still embraces its playful nature, providing satisfaction for drivers throughout the day. It's time to play with the Twingo again.

Available Colors: Rouge Absolu, Gris Schiste, Noir Étoile, Vert Absolu, Jaune Mango, and Blanc Glacier.

Photo: Renault

Friday, March 20, 2026

Project Hail Mary

A highly anticipated movie of the first quarter of 2026 has finally been released. In this film, an ordinary man becomes humanity's last hope, relying on his sharp wits to save Earth from imminent extinction. It’s time to believe in the Hail Mary.

Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary

"Project Hail Mary," another captivating space-themed novel from the author of the bestseller "The Martian," features Ryan Gosling (known for roles in "Blade Runner 2049" and "Barbie") as Ryland, a science teacher selected as humanity's last hope. He is sent into outer space to uncover the truth about the dying sun. With his intelligence and an unexpected alliance with an extraterrestrial he names Rocky, Ryland races against time to save humanity, no matter the cost.

Project Hail Mary is unlike any other space movie we've seen in a long time. This stunning film captivates from start to finish with its blend of humor, drama, suspenseful moments, and emotional depth. It is undoubtedly one of the must-watch movies of the first quarter of 2026. Ryan Gosling delivers a performance like we’ve never seen before, portraying a man sent into space to uncover the truth and save humanity.

What a way to kick off spring with an interstellar masterpiece where it takes more than one man's intelligence to save humanity from extinction. It's time to believe in the Hail Mary with this must-watch movie that will leave you astounded to the very end. Rocky would approve it...If it knows how to "thumbs up".

Honda CR-V e:HEV RS5/RS6

In 2024, Japan introduced the sixth-generation Honda CR-V, starting with the lease-only e:FCEV model. For those who want to own the latest CR-V, the only available option is the fully imported e:HEV model. This version marks the transition of the CR-V into a hybrid-only SUV that competes with today's Toyota RAV4.

2026 Honda CR-V
2026 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V e:HEV (RS) is priced at 5,122,700 Japanese Yen, plus additional costs. This model is fully imported from Thailand, making it the first of its generation to do so, which contributes to its high price compared to competitors. While some may find the pricing disappointing, it's still a welcome opportunity for Japanese motorists to finally experience the latest CR-V, which has garnered a global following.

2026 Honda CR-V
2026 Honda CR-V interior

When it comes to styling, the RS-spec CR-V is the largest version ever produced. While it may be challenging to navigate some narrow rural streets in Japan, it excels on urban roads and in outdoor environments, staying true to its Comfortable Runabout Vehicle mantra. Hence the name, huh?

The interior of the RS CR-V features the familiar design first introduced in the current-generation Civic several years ago. However, unlike the previous model, it is now available exclusively as a five-seater.  

Regarding space, the CR-V offers up to 587 liters of boot capacity with the rear seats in place, which can expand to 1,642 liters when the rear seats are folded down.

2026 Honda CR-V
2026 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V (RS) is equipped with an e:HEV powertrain that includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. This setup delivers 184 PS of power and 335 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to an e-CVT, allowing for a fuel economy of approximately 19.8 km/L for front-wheel drive models according to WLTC mode standards. While this fuel efficiency is lower than that of the Toyota RAV4, it surpasses that of the Subaru Forester.

While the CR-V RS operates well as a front-wheel-drive model, its available All-Wheel Drive system offers drivers reliable all-weather performance. Not bad, but it deserves more.

Although the Honda Sensing suite is standard, the RS model features a blind spot information system with rear cross traffic alert instead of the previous model's LaneWatch side camera. It even comes with steering-responsive adaptive driving beam headlights.

Three decades of the Honda CR-V have culminated in the latest version of Honda's first true crossover SUV. Although it remains a practical option for everyday drivers, the RS CR-V promises to meet the needs of its potential owners with its e:HEV efficiency, spacious interior, and the classic Honda reliability that has been proven by real users. This is all amid a high price tag and the decision to offer seating for only five passengers.

Although fully imported from Thailand, the CR-V RS still harbors the Japanese quality you would expect from a Honda.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Slate Grey Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Blazing Red Pearl, and Canyon River Blue Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 

Let's Do The News! (March 20, 2026)

                                    

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

- Huge queues for the Meningitis B vaccine at a Kent university, with students getting turned away due to high demand.

- A Philippine Navy warship was aimed at by China's fire control radar in the West Philippine Sea.

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte extends greetings to the Muslim community this Friday on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

- 81 more Filipinos in Israel want to return to the Philippines, according to the Philippine Embassy.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. insists that the country has enough food supply amid the ongoing clashes in the Middle East.

- Philippine Airlines suspends flights from Manila to various destinations in the Middle East.

- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is hoping to find jobs for its employees in other government agencies following the end of the commission's operations on March 31.

- Factor Bikes collaborated with Bugatti to create a limited-edition Bugatti Factor One bike.

- IMSA unveiled its 2027 SportsCar Championship schedule.

- Ben Kingsley, Nick Offerman, Matt Berry, and Richard Ayoade are joining the cast of the fourth Sonic the Hedgehog movie.

- BTS member RM got hurt and will have limited participation in tomorrow's comeback live.

- Eunho has left the boy group LUN8.

TTFN.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Let's Do The News! (March 19, 2026)

                                   

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

- Six more meningitis cases confirmed in outbreak in Kent, UK

- The inquiry reveals that the UK NHS "narrowly avoided" collapse during the COVID pandemic, and patients were failed.

- The observance of Eid'l Fitr, or the end of Ramadan, will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, according to Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani. This is because the moon was not sighted during the moon sighting conducted tonight, March 19, 2026.

- The Metro Manila transport strikes were declared "generally peaceful," but the PISTON group condemns the alleged harassment by the Philippine National Police of its members and leaders in parts of Metro Manila in conjunction with their nationwide transport strike.

- The BMW i3 was unveiled, the second model of BMW's Neue Klasse era.

2027 BMW i3
2027 BMW i3

- DS Automobiles will bid farewell to Formula E after Season 12.

- IMSA pays tribute to Bob Tullius, a racing legend who passed away at the age of 95.

- Your first look at Spider-Man: Brand New Day, coming to theaters this July 31, 2026.

TTFN.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Let's Do The News! (March 18, 2026)

                                  

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

- Israeli forces said they've killed Iran's National Security Chief Ali Larijani. Larijani's killing marked another killing of another high-profile Iranian figure following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders since the US-Israeli offense against Iran began on February 28th.

- The Scottish Parliament voted against legalising assisted dying in Scotland by 69 votes.

- Five new cases of meningitis in Kent were reported, according to the UK Health Secretary.

- COMELEC halted the investigation of Senator Rodante Marcoleta's controversial campaign spending.

- Senate President Tito Sotto III announced in plenary that the House has adopted Senate Bill 1982, or the bill that gives authority to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend or reduce excise tax on petroleum products. As a result, the bill will no longer go through the bicameral conference committee and will be automatically an enrolled bill that will be sent immediately to the Office of the President (OP) for the President's signature.

- Audi announced that the A2 will return as an electric compact car.

- The DS N°7 was unveiled. It will serve as the successor to the DS7 flagship crossover.

2027 DS N°7
2027 DS N°7

- Seiyuu Yonehiko Kitagawa passed away at 94.

- My Hero Academia's Ultra Impact app game ends its service on May 18th.

- A live-action Eternal Boys TV series airs this July 4th.

- The 2026 KGMA will take place at the Gocheok Sky Dome this November 7-8, 2026.

- Senegal stripped of Africa Cup of Nations title after players walked off the pitch. Morocco was declared the winner.

- Your first look at Dune: Part Three, coming to cinemas this December 2026.

TTFN.