Let's Do The News! (April 10, 2026)

           

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

- New Zealand braces for Cyclone Valanu, which is expected to make landfall in the North Island by Sunday.

- The United Kingdom revealed a month-long Russian submarine operation over "critical" cables and pipelines.

- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding talks with Lebanon as Iran says attacks in Lebanon are a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

- US First Lady Melania Trump says she was never a friend or victim of the late Jeffrey Epstein in a video statement at the White House.

- Meralco will implement a 53-centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh) rate hike this April. The said rate hike is due to the increase in the generation charge, as well as the weakening of the peso against the dollar. As a result, households consuming 200 kWh will pay an additional ₱107, households consuming 300 kWh will pay ₱160, households consuming 400 kWh will pay ₱213, while households consuming 500 kWh will pay ₱267.

- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has transferred to the custody of three suspects allegedly involved in the brutal hazing of more than 20 underclassmen at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) on Good Friday, April 3.

- The BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge gets a Cease and Desist Order from the LTO. The controversial riding event is no more.

- Alex Lynn suffers from a neck injury and will miss the opening WEC rounds.

- Race engineer Gian Piero Lambiase is set to leave Red Bull to become chief racing officer at McLaren for the 2028 season.

- Toyota's Noah and Voxy minivans are updated for the 2027 model year.

- SM Entertainment provides an update as deepfake offenders receive prison sentences.

- FIFA adds new and more expensive World Cup ticket tiers.

- TV5 is launching its STAR WORX artist center this May 5, 2026.

TTFN.

Subaru Trailseeker

The Subaru Trailseeker is the all-electric successor to the now-defunct Legacy Outback, which saw the Solterra stretched to provide more boot space, giving it more ways to enjoy it.

2027 Subaru Trailseeker

2027 Subaru Trailseeker

Starting at 5,390,000 Japanese Yen, plus additional costs, the first-ever Subaru Trailseeker is an all-electric sport utility wagon. It delivers the same capabilities as its shorter counterpart, the Solterra, but with a larger boot for storage. It is comparable to its Toyota equivalent, the bZ4X Touring.

2027 Subaru Trailseeker interior

At first glance, the Trailseeker resembles the recently facelifted Solterra released last year. However, it features an extended wheelbase and a unique rear design to set it apart. The Trailseeker is 140 mm longer and 20 mm taller, with overall dimensions of 4,830 mm in length and 1,670 mm in height. These changes increase the load compartment capacity by more than a third, adding an extra 148 liters for a total capacity of 600 liters. Sadly, like the Solterra, no yoke. Boo...

2027 Subaru Trailseeker

The Trailseeker features an upgraded electric powertrain with a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery (gross capacity). The front-wheel-drive version has a targeted maximum output of 224 PS, while the all-wheel-drive variant boasts an impressive 380 PS, making it the most powerful battery electric vehicle (BEV) offered by Subaru.

In terms of range, the front-wheel-drive model can achieve 734 km, while the all-wheel-drive version with Subaru's X-MODE is rated for 690 km.

Despite its increased cargo space, the Trailseeker drives like a typical crossover for everyday use. It benefits from features such as rack and pinion steering, front struts, rear double wishbone suspension, and ventilated disc brakes. While it may not deliver the exhilarating ride some might expect, it remains pleasant to drive and feels quite conventional.

Regarding safety, the Trailseeker is equipped with a variety of features, including Pre-Crash Safety, a Blind Spot Monitor, and Advanced Parking Assistance, among others.

The first-ever Subaru Trailseeker is the all-electric replacement to the now-defunct Legacy Outback, made for all walks of life, whether for business or leisure. Although more expensive than the MGS6, its high quality is what made it a standout. Yes, it's that familiar feeling since the Toyota bZ4X Touring equivalent a while back.

Available Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Deep Lake Blue Pearl, and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Let's Do The News! (April 9, 2026)

          

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

- Iran warns ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission will be "targeted and destroyed." The Iranian minister says Israel's attacks on Lebanon are a "grave violation" of the Iran-US ceasefire agreement.

- A New York architect pleads guilty in the deaths of eight women in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized the heroism of veteran soldiers for the country to achieve the freedom it enjoys today, Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

- The PH DFA warns that passport processing may take up to 15 business days.

- The Cupra Raval was unveiled. This new EV hatchback runs on the MEB+ platform. The range-topping VZ variant has 223 bhp and features e-LSD, adaptive suspension, and launch control.

2027 Cupra Raval

- The 2026 Super GT's Malaysia leg was postponed due to the effects of the Middle Eastern conflict.

- To address fuel-saving concerns, NASCAR announces it will shorten the final two stages of the spring Talladega race. Next January will also bring back the Pre-season Thunder test session at Daytona.

- Will Power's father was unhurt after surviving a carjacking incident.

- Cover Corp. announces restructuring of Holostars operations.

- Fantagio released an apology over the company's recent tax controversies.

- Nam Tae Hyun was sentenced to a year in prison in the first trial for drunk driving.

- Screenwriter Arne Olsen dies at 64.

- The "Ketamine Queen," who sold drugs to actor Matthew Perry before his overdose death, was sentenced to 15 years.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 8, 2026)

         

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

- The US and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned Iran of the "end of civilization" unless it opened the Strait. Trump's warning received global condemnation.

- NASA released a stunning new "Earthset" image taken during the historic lunar flyby.

- NASCAR denies approval for Cleetus MacFarland to run superspeedways in the O'Reilly Series.

- Wit Studio's The One Piece anime teased.

- Netflix's One Piece live-action show's third season arrives next year. The upcoming season will be based on the Battle of Alabaster arc.

- Yoo Jae Suk's Happy Together TV show returns with a new music talk show concept.

- Former Single's Inferno contestant Lee Jooyoung signs with Cube Entertainment.

- Wireless Festival cancelled after Kanye West got barred from entering the UK, according to organizers.

TTFN.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

GALAXY! The Super Mario Bros. are back on the big screen with their second animated movie outing made in collaboration between Illumination, the animation studio behind the Despicable Me movies, and Nintendo.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Starring Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie casts Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr., Donald Glover as Yoshi, and Running Man Glen Powell in his special participation as Fox McCloud from StarFox.

In this latest animated escapade, Mario and pals are off on an exciting adventure to rescue Princess Rosalina from the wrath of Bowser Jr. and the entire Koopa army.

Similar to its predecessor, this latest Mario movie masterpiece stays true to its Super Mario Galaxy roots while incorporating some unexpected plot twists and easter eggs. As a Super Mario film, the excitement surrounding this sequel is hard to overlook. 

From start to finish, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is no doubt one of the best films to watch in the Spring season. You'll stand up and cheer for Mario and friends' endeavors to save Princess Rosalina from the wrath of the Bowsers. Summing up how the movie feels is hard, but if I have one word to describe this movie, it should be...GALAXY!

Let's Do The News! (April 7, 2026)

        

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

- NASA's Artemis II mission broke the Apollo record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth. The four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft have surpassed the mark set by Apollo 13 in 1970.

- Several activities will be held for the 84th Day of Valor and 2026 Philippine Veterans Week from April 6 to 13 nationwide. The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) are leading the programs to honor the heroism of Filipino veterans and encourage the public, especially the youth, to continue the spirit of patriotism.

- The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) conducted a send-off ceremony at Kampo Krame in Quezon City in preparation for the upcoming ASEAN 2026 Summit in Cebu.

- The name "Mary Grace Piattos" appeared in documents requested by the House Committee on Justice after a Commission on Audit (COA) auditor issued a subpoena regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's confidential funds.

- The daily assistance for jeepney drivers included in the Free Fare Program of the City Government of Manila will be increased to ₱4,000, from the previous ₱3,500. The additional ₱500 will be provided following the ₱20 increase in the price of diesel this Tuesday, April 7, to help with the continued increase in the cost of crude oil.

- The Malacañang has assured that the Philippines-US alliance will not be affected even though the country is engaging with Iran for the safe passage of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, based on a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the US understands the situation, especially the Philippines' need to ensure the safe passage of ships carrying petroleum and other products.

- OPEC Plus agrees to increase oil production quota.

- Four were killed by an Iranian missile strike in Haifa, Israel.

- Porsche will reveal a new model next week.

- Michigan defeated UConn to win its first NCAA basketball title in 26 years.

- Dallas Stars ban buyer of seats tied to alleged Nazi salute.

TTFN

Toyota Tundra (VXKA75L)

The Toyota Tundra is often seen as Toyota's response to American trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and RAM 1500. While it may never surpass the F-150 in sales, it has gained popularity among Republican-leaning Americans, particularly in red states, especially Texas, where it was made. Additionally, the Tundra has become a favored choice for competitors participating in the NASCAR Truck Series. Now, the Republican-leaning Toyota has officially arrived in Japan as an exclusive product of Toyota Mobility Tokyo, not as a grey import.

2026 Toyota Tundra

2026 Toyota Tundra interior

The fully-imported third-generation Toyota Tundra is now available in Japan exclusively from Toyota Mobility Tokyo, rather than as a grey import. This development is a gesture of goodwill towards Japan-US trade relations, especially considering the punishing tariffs on foreign imports to the US that were implemented during the Trump administration. In summary, this situation reflects the complexities of international trade.

The Toyota Tundra offered in the Japanese market is the 1794 Edition. Named after the Texas ranch where Toyota's San Antonio plant now sits, it features a unique brushed aluminum grille, 20-inch machine-finished wheels, and 1794 Edition badging. Judging by its size, it is the largest pickup truck Toyota has offered. It makes the upcoming Hilux look like a Tonka toy for tots.

Unlike past Toyota models that are imported from the U.S. (from the Avalon to the Pontiac Vibe-based Voltz), the Tundra is available only in left-hand-drive configurations. This design choice is made because the Tundra is considered too flashy for Japanese roads, where most vehicles are driven on the left side. The driver’s side of the Tundra is equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen that supports smartphone connectivity, a 12.3-inch TFT display, climate control features, USB-C ports, and more. In terms of comfort, it offers the same luxurious amenities found in high-end SUVs. Not bad for a truck priced at 12 million yen. It is offered only in a four-door CrewMax configuration with a 5.5-foot bed.

Powering the Tundra is the new V35A i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 engine, producing 394PS of power and 649Nm of torque. It is mated exclusively with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence and sequential shift mode.

The Tundra comes with a front double wishbone suspension, a rear coil spring multilink setup, ventilated disc brakes, and a part-time 4WD system. This versatile system allows drivers to switch between various settings, making it suitable for navigating Tokyo traffic or tackling off-road trails in Hokkaido. Additionally, it is equipped with advanced safety features, including the Panoramic View Monitor, Straight Path Assist, and the latest Toyota Safety Sense systems, among others.

The 12,000,000 Yen fully-imported Toyota Tundra is all about bringing its American blend to Japanese off-road enthusiasts with its macho exterior, luxury interior, technology, and the i-FORCE engine that can embarrass the Hilux by a long shot. Ready or not, this Texas treat is ready to roll.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl Mica, Grey Metallic, Celestial Silver, Attitude Black Mica, Urban Khaki, and Dark Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation