Let's Do The News! (January 12, 2016)

- The Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division rejected the urgent motion of detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada to attend the wake of late German "Kuya Germs" Moreno for lack of merit. The rejection comes after the anti-graft's first division denied detained Senator Bong Revilla's plea to visit the late presenter's wake.

- The Supreme Court affirmed the temporary restraining order issued against the disqualification cases against Senator Grace Poe. The high court also ruled to consolidate her petitions against the disqualification cases before the COMELEC.

- US President Barack Obama's final State of the Nation Address seeks to frame the choice facing Americans as they will decide which presidentiable will become his successor at the upcoming November 2016 elections. For his final speech to both chambers of Congress, he will speak the public to give voice to themes that Democrats can embrace to their campaigns to replace him and win back control of the Congress.

- Pope Francis lays out his case for emphasizing a more merciful Catholic Church in his first book titled "The Name of God is Mercy", which describes God's never ending quest of mercy for all. This 100-page book is published this week in 86 countries as part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

- Thirty people are reportedly killed in multiple terrorist attacks in Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq. First, an armed group detonated a car bomb at the entrance to a shopping mall in a Shia-populated area, then there was a shooting spree, and then there was a car bomb detonated near a market in Baghdad. The Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for the attacks.

- The People's Republic of China continues it military reforms as part of President Xi Jinping's apparent efforts to maintain firm control over the armed forces. Last month, a rocket force in charge of nuclear weapons was establish, as well as a strategic support force responsible for responding to cyber warfare. The military's four headquarters responsible for staff, politics, logistics, and armaments were disbanded and replaced by fifteen new agencies.

- South Korean military is stepping up their military preparedness near the demarcation line with North Korea against further provocations following its recent nuclear test. According to the chairman of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, the recent nuclear test is likely to push ahead with further sudden provocations to turn the current situation around, urging the SoKor armed forces to be combat ready.

- At the 2016 North American International Auto Show, the Lexus LC500 sports coupe was unveiled, packed with the same 5.0L V8 engine derived from the Lexus F models, namely the RC F and the GS F.

2017 Lexus LC500

- Aston Martin teases their all-new 5.2L V12 Twin Turbo engine that will be coming soon this year,

- In response to numerous Star Wars fans complaining about why there is no such thing as a proper figure of heroine Rey from The Force Awakens film, Hasbro and Walt Disney are preparing to launch a line of Rey-themed toys for the very first time.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: The lone SuperGT ronin

Now, here's the car straight from Forza Motorsport 6's Ralph Lauren Polo Red Car Pack that some others find out to be rather controversial rather than amusing; a SuperGT machine that emerged as the two-time GT500 champion despite its flaws; a #1 NISMO MOTUL AUTECH GT-R.



So, what's it all about?

The GT500-class NISMO GT-R is on its second year since its introduction in the 2014 Super GT season alongside updated versions from Toyota's Lexus and Honda. For eight rounds, the 2015 season of the Super GT race series has been quite a thrilling feat for car enthusiasts everywhere who just can't get enough of Japanese (or foreign) touring cars racing through Asia's finest racetracks. For the GT500-class, the winner of the 2015 Super GT season is the #1 MOTUL Autech GT-R, driven by Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli.

In the season finale of the 2015 Super GT series held at Twin Ring Motegi on the 15th of November, 2015, the #1 MOTUL Autech GT-R emerged from 12th place to finish 2nd place. By displacing the ranking leader, the #12 Calsonic IMPUL GT-R, driven by Hironobu Yasuda and Joao Paulo de Oliveira, they secured their second GT500 championship in the row. Thanks to this impossible feat in the 2015 Super GT season, it became Matsuda's second championship win in a row following on from last year and as for Quintarelli, he has taken four SUPER GT titles after combining this consecutive wins with those of 2011 and 2012.



Ever since the Forza franchise stepped inside to the world of XBOX One, the franchise decided to start the whole franchise from scratch, meaning some parts of the game will be disappeared. One such stuff is the SuperGT cars as well as Japanese tracks because the producers don't find the Japanese stuff as seen during the XBOX 360 years to be quite suitable for the next generation, therefore they were booted out during the development of FM5.

Here we are on FM6, still no sign of the good Japanese stuff like the ones they've enjoyed it from the past until one SuperGT car emerged from the shadows like a ronin. So, why would the producers featured a SuperGT car in a game that doesn't feature Japanese racetracks? No one knows why but whatever the situation, it's fun to check out the lone SuperGT ronin by ourselves, although I don't find driving one to be quite enjoyable in-game.



Of course, we don't have any Japanese tracks in the current generation of the franchise but instead, I want to try out this GT500-class Nissan at Silverstone because most of the Nissans involved in motorsports love to check things out, making it the ideal place to see how good last year's SuperGT winner lives up to its reputation as the two-time champion.



I managed to do a 2:14.611 around the whole Silverstone track and while not as fast as any other drivers do, I am more than happy to get to know more about the ronin who left its home nation in search for new challenges on foreign soil, although I don't find the move of putting a SuperGT in the current Forza generation to be rather amusing unless the producers decided to bring back Japanese tracks in FM6.

Big news in store for Aqours!

Love Live! Sunshine!!

2016 may be the final year for the ever famous μ's from the Love Live! School Idol Project franchise but this year is just getting started to the second generation school idol unit known as Aqours since their debut single went on sale in October of last year. Sure, we got a glimpse of their maiden single last year but we still want to know more about the members of Aqours even further.

Guess what, there were big news in store for the new generation of school idol unit as according to the recent livestream, the Love Live! Sunshine!! will get a TV anime this Summer 2016. Sounds a bit of an early treat for Lovelivers worldwide but this upcoming anime will be the best chance to know more about Aqours better; Chika Takami, Riko Sakurauchi, Kanan Matsuura, Dia Kurosawa, You Watanabe, Yoshiko Tsushima, Hanamaru Kunikida, Mari Ohara, and Ruby Kurosawa.

Apart of Aqours' upcoming TV debut on the second half of this year, Lovelivers just received some more information that they'll be featuring on an upcoming update of the Love Live! School Idol Festival app game. We're not sure why but let's hope that the Aqours members Lovelivers will soon be getting on their smartphones will be full-voiced just like the μ's members.

On the 27th of April, 2016, Aqours will release their soon-to-be-titled second single. We don't know why but this next single will be the next step to getting to know more about Aqours better.

For Nicovideo viewers everywhere, Aqours will be running their regular Niconico webcast beginning on the 22nd of January, 2016.

With these big news washing the Lovelivers away like a tsunami, the new generation of school idol unit's performance is just getting started and everyone's very excited to be part of the Aqours experience much as what they did to μ's in the past years.

Let's Do The News! (January 11, 2016)

- The Commission on Elections en banc filed before the Supreme Court its 50-page comment on Senator Grace Poe's appeal on one of the petitions to disqualify her, in compliance to the directive of the high tribunal. In the TRO issued and amended late last month, the SC asked the COMELEC to submit its comment regarding Poe's disqualification case. According to COMELEC, Poe has to manifestly show that they committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction when it promulgated its resolution.

- The Supreme Court upheld Smartmatic's eligibility for the lease of 23,00 optical mark readers to be used by COMELEC for the May 2016 elections. In a 41-page decision filed last month, the high court dismissed the petition assailing the poll body's resolution in June last year, which allowed Smartmatic to bid for the 2.2 billion peso contract that the firm eventually bagged.

- The Arab League ministers have condemned Iran, accusing the country of intentionally inciting sectarian strife and interfering in the Arab nations' internal affairs. At the emergency meeting held in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister told his colleagues that Iran failed to protect its diplomatic mission.

- France has marked one year since the deadly attack in the offices of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo and a kosher supermarket that killed 17 people. A large memorial was held at Republic Square in the center of Paris on Sunday. French president Francois Hollande joined thousands of people including relatives of those killed a year ago as well as last November's Paris attacks.

- An American B-52 bomber plane has flown over the Osan airbase near Seoul, while escorted by US and South Korean fighter jets in response to the recent nuclear test done by North Korea. According to officials, the bomber, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, was dispatched from Guam.

- A production version of Infiniti Q60 coupe has unveiled before its 2016 NAIAS debut this week. It will feature Infiniti's brand new 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine as seen on its Q50 saloon counterpart.

2017 Infiniti Q60

- The Chrysler Pacifica name has been resurrected as the replacement of the Town & Country minivan. It's been offered with a petrol variant powered by a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and for the first time, a hybrid variant with the same V6 engine connected to a 16kWh li-ion battery.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

- Some say, action star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is making a Fast and Furious-like TV spinoff for Fox television.

- Legendary rock star David Bowie passed away at the age of 69 after succumbing to cancer.

- In case you missed the 2016 Golden Globe Awards, here are the list of winners;

BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA: The Revenant

BEST MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY OR MUSICAL: The Martian

BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE: Alejandro G. Iñárritu (The Revenant)

BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)

BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA: Brie Larson (Room)

BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY OR MUSICAL: Matt Damon (The Martian)

BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY OR MUSICAL: Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE: Sylvester Stallone (Creed)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE: Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)

BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE: Aaron Sorkin (Steve Jobs)

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: Ennio Morricone (The Hateful Eight)

BEST ORIGINAL SONG: Writing's on the Wall from 007: SPECTRE

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: Disney's Inside Out

BEST MOTION PICTURE - FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Son of Saul

BEST TV SERIES - DRAMA: Mr. Robot

BEST TV SERIES - COMEDY: Mozart in the Jungle

BEST TV MOVIE OR LIMITED-SERIES: Wolf Hall

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES - DRAMA: Jon Hamm (Mad Men)

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES - DRAMA: Taraji P. Henson (Empire)

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES - COMEDY: Gael Garcia Bernal (Mozart in the Jungle)

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES - COMEDY: Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex Girlfriend)

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Oscar Isaac (Show Me a Hero)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Lady Gaga (AHS: Hotel)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A SERIES, LIMITED-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Christian Slater (Mr. Robot)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A SERIES, LIMITED-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Maura Tierney (The Affair)

TTFN!!!

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: Remembering the Master Showman

Kuya Germs

I know, I did missed the news that the Filipino showbiz legend German "Kuya Germs" Moreno died because of cardiac arrest last Friday at the age of 82. I didn't know that despite his old age, he was as energetic as ever not just as a legendary presenter on Philippine TV but as a kind-hearted producer giving birth to the freshest talents.

Before I was born, my parents remembered Kuya Germs for his eclectic performances not just as a legendary presenter but as an actor who appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. When I was existed, I'm starting to grew fondly on how Kuya Germs managed to see his energetic self in action. 

Behind the scenes, while he was not doing his acting career, he shifted himself as a talent producer, discovering good talents to raise with since That's Entertainment. Of course, I am not familiar with the show That's Entertainment because I haven't been born yet, but in my reading of Philippine showbiz mentality, that show has spawned numerous legendary celebs, most of which we know today.

Since his death, numerous celebrities across the Philippines had paid numerous tributes to the legend known as the Master Showman, the presenter who will be admired for his "Walang Tulugan" concept and be remembered for his lifetime achievements he done in the world of Philippine showbizness.

From being a janitor in a theater in Manila to the legendary presenter, actor, and talent manager, Kuya Germs will be longly remembered by us, Filipinos, for many generations to come and as for me, I have to give a heartfelt thanks to the legend that shaped the Filipino showbizness forever.

Thank You, Kuya Germs. (1933-2016)

The Cute Wall (Volume Ten)

Now, the moment of truth is time because it's now time to do...THE CUTE WALL!



(applause)

Yes, we're back after a hiatus and it's a new year, right? So, who would you want to start with?

Komasan

Say, buddy, who the heck was that?

Ah, that's Komasan from Yokai Watch.

Komasan? You mean THE Komasan from Yokai Watch?

Exactly!

So, tell me. How much do you know about this yokai?

Well, not much. Apparently, he has a brother named Komajiro

Komajiro

(ooohhh)

So, Komasan and Komajiro, let me guess, they are brothers, right?

Yes. You know this one time, when I watched this show for the first time, there were shorts of Komasan and Komajiro venturing through the city to find a living, they've faced so much hardships just for the sake of themselves.

Indeed. They're just Yokais venturing in the city. If I had to evaluate their cuteness, I had to say they're rather fine by me. At this rate, I wanna hug them as much I wanna hug Jibanyan.

Yes, I know. So, where should we put them?

Let's put Komasan and Komajiro in the cute spot, if you know what I mean?

CUTE it is, then.

(audience laughing, then applause)

Noibat

Who's that Pokemon?

(audience laughing)

It's a Noibat. What's wrong? Afraid that one of the Noibats will bite your butt off?

(audience laughing)

Now, look what you did. You scared anyone in the wall. Anyway, tell me more about this Noibat.

There was this one episode when the gang help Gym Leader Korrina looking for a Mega Stone for her Lucario until a horde of Noibats swarming in. One of the Noibats landed on Serena's face, the other bit Clemont's butt. Some, grabbed Pikachu's ears. Well, you get the idea. But there was also this episode where a Noibat hatched from an egg and became part of Ash's Pokemon entourage.

I see. Wait. You said one of the Noibats bit Clemont's butt in one episode? Wish I want one because someone's butt is going to be bitten off by a Noibat.

And what might have be?!

(audience laughing)

Never mind, but in the meantime, I'll just put it in the NAKAKAGIGIL spot.

Okay, then. I thought you're just planning on something something....

(audience laughing)

Yes. I am planning on something something because if I had a Noibat, I want to use it on...

POW!!!

(audience laughing)

Wha....what was that?

Croagunk

Oh, sorry. I should have noticed that we had a Croagunk loitering around this segment.

Croagunk?! The Toxic Mouth Pokemon that tends to Poison Jab Brock when he falls in love with a lady in the Diamond and Pearl TV show?!

Yes. Yes it is. And now, he Poison Jabbed you.

(audience laughing)

Ugh.... You, don't do it again, okay? No Poison Jabbing on unexpected persons, okay? Consider yourself SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE.

(audience laughing)

That's what I think it is?! SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE? For a Croagunk that Poison Jabbed you in your butt?

Indeed. That's the biggest punishment I ever gave it to Croagunk. Man, how many Pokemons do we have to meet up on this segment?

Well, since it's Pokemon's 20th anniversary this year, expect hordes of Pokemons coming at this segment anytime soon.

(audience laughing)

The Lion Guard

Who are those?

They're the main characters of Disney Junior's newest TV series, The Lion Guard, due to air this month. There's the main character, Kion, who is a cub, and then they're Kion's friends who will work together as a team. There's Fuli the cheetah, Beshte the hippo, Ono the egret, and Bunga, who is a skunk and a nephew of Timon and Pumbaa.

Let's cut it short, okay? I once saw the special last year and I was adored by the bravery they've committed to explore, rescue, and protect.

Kinda like...

Shhh....shhh...shhh... Kids are looking forward to this new show this month.

Yeah, right now, there's slew of merchandising in store for them.

Exactly! But there's just one thing between these little critters...

What?

(whistling)

You're kidding...

What I said was...I don't find them to be cute.

(audience laughing)

I kid you not. I don't find these critters to be cute so...It's a NOT CUTE for the young heroes of the new show.

(audience laughing)

We Bare Bears

Huh? Who are those bears?!

Hey, you haven't met Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear from Cartoon Network's new show, We Bare Bears.

I saw those bears doing all kinds of stuff in their bear cave and in the city, why would you want to evaluate how cute are those? I don't find these bears to be cute...

(audience laughing)

Well, I think someone else knows...

Whatever. Even though there is someone who think these bears are cute, I don't find them to be cute. They're....boring.

(audience laughing)

What are you doing, little man?!

I'm putting in the place where you can't reach it!

(audience laughing)

I'll put in the CUTE spot just so you can't reach it. Ha ha ha!

(electrical buzz)

What?!

Classic Top Gear moment! I managed to hit the kill switch!

(audience laughing and applause)

Ooh! What's this? The boys from IM@S Side M? Wow, can't believe he's been on the first ever Side M concert last month.

What are you doing?

Seriously not cute, seriously not cute, seriously not cute, not cute for Pierre, SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE!!!

(audience laughing)

Can I come down now?

Hmmm.....Ice Bear says no.

(audience laughing)

Time for the recap!

SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE:
Raichu
Whisper
Minion
Nico Yazawa
Takane Shijou
Azusa Miura
Makoto Kikuchi
Anzu Futaba
*Croagunk
*Touma Amagase

*Shota Mitarai

*Hokuto Ijuin
*Teru Tendo
*Kaoru Sakuraba
* Tsubasa Kashikawa
*Kyouji Takajou
*Minori Watanabe
*Kyosuke Aoi

*Yusuke Aoi
*Shiki Iseya

*Haruna Wakazato

*Hayato Akiyama
*Jun Fuyumi
*Natsuki Sakaki

*Rui Maita

*Chio Hazama
*Jiro Yamashita

NOT CUTE:
Dopey
Kwazii
Minion
Amethyst
Rin Hoshizora
Hibiki Ganaha
Minami Nitta
Ranko Kanzaki
Miku Maekawa
*Kion
*Fuli
*Beshte
*Bunga
*Ono
*Pierre

CUTE:
Pichu
Plusle
Minun
Pachirisu
Emolga
Dedenne
Mokona
Mog
Catbug
Bashful
Froakie
Fennekin
Harukasan
Stuffy
Tunip the Vegimal
Minccino
Piplup
Sylveon
Queen Delightful
Axew
Jibanyan
Minion
Serena's Pancham
Umi Sonoda
Eli Ayase
Hanayo Koizumi
Maki Nishikino
Nozomi Tojo
Miki Hoshii
Yukiho Hagiwara
Iori Minase
Ritsuko Akizuki
Anastasia
Kanako Mimura
Chieri Ogata
Miria Akagi
Rika Jougasaki
Kirari Moroboshi
Riina Tada
Rin Shibuya
Mio Honda
*Komasan
*Komajiro
*Grizz
*Panda
*Ice Bear

NAKAKAGIGIL!!!:
Pikachu
BMO
Bijou
Poof
George
Happy
Chespin
Doc McStuffins
Mabel Pines
Sofia
Cottonee
Minion
Oshawott
Star Butterfly
Honoka Kousaka
Kotori Minami
Haruka Amami
Yayoi Takatsuki
Chihaya Kisaragi
Ami Futami
Mami Futami
Uzuki Shimamura
*Noibat

An encounter with Jake on latest Kalyeserye!

After days of speculation of figuring out who in God Gave Me You is Jake while Alden Richards wrapping up his Middle Eastern tour, the recent Kalyeserye on GMA's Eat Bulaga finally uncovered who the heck is Jake, who claims to be Yaya Dub's classmate collaborating on a school project of some sorts.

His name is Juan Emilio Ejercito and he's the classmate of Yaya Dub in Marketing class. He turned out to be a good guy and a good student helping Yaya Dub with their homework. Right now, he's going to leave for Singapore due on Monday and he handed over the school project to Yaya Dub.

After their encounter with Jake, they've received a phone call and then...What happened to Alden?!

Keep watching Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics!

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook page

#BGHuliCam

On the January 8, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Kilala nyo gags

- More Patok Taktiks examined

- A young boy's sharing a story to a certain palaboy

- Derick Monasterio takes on TSUGI O CHORVA!

- Constable's got caught on cam!

 - What happens when stuff seen on TV not suitable for younger audiences does Inside Out?

- Two boys trying to get noticed by a lady...

- An average life of an average man...

- A haggle before buying a new car

- Two competitive markets trying to outsell each other...

Let's Do The News! (January 8, 2016)

- The Bureau of Immigration chief Siegfred Mison was sacked by the President of the Philippines amid persistent allegations of corruption. Mison was replaced by Palace official Ronaldo Geron Jr. as the report from the National Bureau of Investigation revealed that Mison and 17 others liable for the repeated escapes of a South Korean detained at the BI.

- According to reports, the bank accounts of ousted chief justice Renato Corona had only ten thousand pesos left since the Sandiganbayan issued a freeze order on his assets and that of his wife Cristina in March of last year. Corona's account in Land Bank yielded over two thousand pesos in deposits.

- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said that the one billion peso budget cut on contraceptives under the Reproductive Health Law is immoral as this cut threatens to deprive millions of women of reproductive health services. In its bicameral conference for the 2016 budget, Congress decided to slash the budget for contraceptives in favor of funding the assets upgrade of the Department of National Defense.

- Satellite imagery showcased North Korea's nuclear test site about 40 minutes after the first hydrogen bomb test last Wednesday. The Institute for Science and International Security released the imagery on Thursday.

- Meanwhile, South Korea closes observation points from their demilitarized zone with North Korea before resuming anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts because of possible provocations by the North. Right now, North Koreans were seen gathering at a park on Friday in honor of the birthday of their leader Kim Jong-un.

- Earlier, reports told that Saudi Arabian planes bombed the damaged Iranian embassy building in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, and injured its staff. Since March, Saudi Arabia and other Arab coalition countries have been carrying out airstrikes against Iran-supported Shia insurgents in the neighboring Yemeni civil war last year. The Saudi-led coalition forces denied the allegation by Iran that their warplanes damaged the Iranian embassy in Yemen.

- An uncovered video footage shows that the Islamic State militants rigged remote control car bombs to avoid getting spotted by detection systems.

- A fire broke out at the Olympic Park at Rio de Janeiro, the main venue for this year's Olympic games. It occurred in a makeshift structure used as an office for construction work. Part of the structure was burned but workers managed to put the fire under control. No casualties reported. Some reports told that the fire was set by protesters who demand unpaid wages.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: The HQ Monaro GTS350

As Forza Motorsport 6's tribute to Australian motoring continues, the recently launched Polo Red Car Pack introduced us Holden's HQ Monaro, the second generation of Australia's first sports machine.



The second-generation Holden Monaro, designated as HQ, was launched in 1971, marking it an evolution to the car known as Australia's first sports machine everyone can afford one. This generation introduced the LS model, featuring four headlights and chrome trim rings inspired from the Premier saloon.

In the GTS model, it's been offered with an Australian-made 253 cu in engine, a 308 cu in engine, or the top-spec GTS350 with the 350 cu in engine sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette.

There were problems faced on the GTS 350 model since its launch following the erosion of the cachet that led to the removal of 350 decals on post-1973 models. In its final 1974 year, the 4-speed manual gearbox was deleted and sales of the automatic model were in all-time low due to the engine option quietly removed from the lineup.

Now, a factory-spec GTS 350 is considered a rarity for Australian car enthusiasts with the coupe fetching as much as 100,000 Australian dollars.



There was a certain advert where touring car legend Peter Brock test drove a Monaro GTS (in four-door form) at a New South Wales Police Driver Training Circuit. He says that when you turn the steering wheel, the car turns. When you put your foot on the brakes, it stops. The four-speed gearbox has beautiful gear ratio, meaning it gets to the right gear at the right corner. What impresses Peter Brock the most about the HQ Monaro GTS is because it is so stable and predictable, it is an effortless car to drive. It's made for every driver who understands motorcars and it does everything better than most.

Although the Monaro I'm driving in Forza Motorsport 6 is the 2-door GTS350 version, it does everything like what Mr. Brock said in the advert. From the way it behaves, the gearbox, the V8 engine, it's still an effortless car to drive and for the driver who understands motorcars, it does everything better than most.

Learning from the past, it's hard to think why the Land Down Under gave us some of the most impressive cars in history and with the demise of Australian car production draws near, it's imperative that a game like this provided us some of the most historic Australian greats like this. We already tried the Torana A9X and the VL Commodore in the past DLC Packs in-game and with the HQ Monaro GTS 350, I think our tribute to Australian motoring may have done just that.

Speaking of which, I want to try this beast out in Bathurst and see how the HQ Monaro GTS lives up to its promise.



At the end of the lap, the HQ Monaro GTS 350 did it in 2:56.252, and while it may not be the quickest by modern standards, the HQ Monaro GTS 350 does live up to the promises and for the man who loves motorcars most, this Monaro does the job effortlessly.

Let's Do The News! (January 7, 2016)

- The Department of National Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin reminded soldiers to remain apolitical a month before the campaign period for the May 2016 elections starts. In a speech delivered in Camp Aguinaldo, Gazmin noted that being nonpartisan is part of their mandate. Armed Forces chief General Hernando Iriberri said that soldiers who engage in partisan politics will be punished.

- The Metro Manila Development Authority issued a traffic advisory and announced the closed roads and alternate routes to give way for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene this coming Saturday.

- US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton filed an appeal to a local court to reverse his conviction in the killing of transgender Jennifer "Jeffrey" Laude and sought a bail and a reduction of his six to 12-year jail term. According to his lawyer, Pemberton didn't kill the transgender in a motel room after they met in a disco bar two years ago and that his sentence should be eased because he surrendered to authorities.

- According to the South Korean Defense Minister, the recent hydrogen bomb test conducted by North Korea is aimed at promoting national unity ahead of the nation's first ruling party congress in 36 years. The ministry believes that it is unlikely that the explosion was caused by the H-bomb and it carried out in order to boost solidarity ahead of the congress.

- The French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo published a special edition marking one year since Islamic extremists killed 12 people, including the chief editor and police officers, on its head office in Paris last year. The weekly published one million copies of the special issue for readers in France and elsewhere.

- Chinese reports told that two civilian aircraft successfully landed on a newly built airfield at Fiery Cross Reef, proving that it's capable to handle large civilian aircraft. The US and Vietnam expressed concern over test flights to an artificial island in the disputed South China Sea.

- Two big reveals from Chevrolet! First at the 2016 CES, there's the Bolt electric compact car which promises a 200-mile range, and then there's the first-ever Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback, due for 2016 NAIAS unveiling. Both of these will be on sale this Autumn 2016.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

2017 Chevrolet Bolt

- The first ever images of the first-ever Hyundai IONIQ hybrid car were officially unveiled. Hyundai's full-hybrid car due to be on sale this year with an electric version and PHEV to follow soon.

2017 Hyundai IONIQ

- Metal Gear series creator Hideo Kojima will be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. Last year, Kojima left Konami moments after the success of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, and following his departure, he established his own game studio under the standalone Kojima Productions name and collaborating with Sony for a PS4-exclusive game soon.

- Binge-watchers of the world, rejoice! Online video-streaming service Netflix will launch in 130 more countries including the Philippines! As of now, Netflix is now offered in Azerbaijan, India, Vietnam, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Singapore, and more. In the Philippines, new members will get the first month free and when the trail expires, they are offered with three subscription packages; Basic (P370), Standard (P460) and Premium (P550). Either way, customers can enjoy the best films, TV shows, and Netflix originals such as House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Marvel's Jessica Jones, and much more.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (January 6, 2016)

- Rizalito David, the senatorial bet who was defeated in the 2013 elections, filed a manifestation against Senator Grace Poe to consolidate the two cases filed against her before the supreme court. Earlier, David filed a petition to reverse the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribute to affirm the natural-born citizenship of Poe.

- According to Senator Antonio Trillanes III, if Davao mayor Rodrigo Duterte became president, it will be a disaster for the Philippines because his methods may not work in the national scale. Trillanes, who is seeking the vice presidency, said Duterte should think twice about fulfilling his promises about running the nation.

- The Banco De Oro assured that its management has been cooperating with authorities to resolve the issue involving an altercation between the two clients. On the 30th of December, a woman allegedly attacked the mother-in-law of Quezon City 2nd District Representative Alfred Vargas inside the BDO branch at the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Dona Juan Street, Quezon City.

- North Korea has conducted its first hydrogen bomb test according to state-run media. According to the state-run media, they've successfully conducted the test at 1000 hours Korean Time. The test was conducted as a defensive measure to counter against the USA and other so-called antagonists. Right now, the South Korean government strongly condemned the recent test, saying the country will face consequences. Deputy chief of national security Cho Tae-yong called the North's recent hydrogen bomb test a clear violation of UNSC resolutions and stressed that they will take all necessary measures and brace for provocations by the North.

- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif promised that his nation will investigate last week's attac on an Indian Air Force base by suspected militants. Last week, the airforce base in northern India was attacked and left seven troops dead. Six militants were also killed. The Pakistani PM made a phone call with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to express condolences and collaborate to take prompt action as requested.

- The Turkish government is prepared to take the necessary steps to ease the tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the execution of a Shia cleric led to an attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran. The Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that the two nations are allies and efforts should be made to prevent escalating tensions between the two nations.

- BMW showcased an i8-based Vision Future Interaction Concept for the 2016 Consumer Electronics Showcase in Las Vegas, demonstrating its user-friendliness.

BMW i Vision Future Interation Concept

- The Polo Red Car Pack for the Forza Motorsport 6 is out now, featuring six new machines to drive in-game such as the Lykan Hypersport, Formula Mazda, Toyota's TS040 Hybrid, the legendary "Kenmeri" Nissan Skyline GT-R KPGC110, the #1 NISMO MOTUL AUTECH GT-R, Opel Kadett C GT/E, and the Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350.

- GET READY, Raura fans. The series finale of Disney Channel's hit TV series, Austin and Ally, will air on the 10th of January, 2016, at 8:30 pm ET/PT. Time to say goodbye to everyone's favorite singer-songwriter duo as they'll take one last bow they will never forget.

TTFN!!!