From Alden Richards performing the hit song every AlDub Nation stuck on their heads forever, titled Thinking Out Loud, to unmasking Isadora's presence (knowing that Isadora's not Yaya Dub's real mom), nothing is more surprising than what Lola Nidora announced the biggest AlDub event ever and it's happening on the Philippine Arena, next Saturday!
Yes, you heard that right. The biggest AlDub event ever is taking place at the Philippine Arena on the 24th of October, 2015. Following the announcement as heard on the latest Eat Bulagakalyeserye, tickets for the big AlDub event titled "#AlDubSaTamangPanahon" are now available at select Ticket World Outlet, National Bookstore, Robinson Department Store, Ayala Malls, Eastwood Mall, and Resorts World Manila. Prices ranging from 150 to 1,200 Philippine Pesos. There's a 5-ticket limit per person. 100% of the proceeds go to the improvements of most schools in the Philippines. It's going to be the biggest bayanihan of d' pipol ever!
Best to buy one before it's officially sold out and be sure to keep watching Eat Bulaga for more AlDub antics in the one-and-only kalyeserye!
- The top European leader have agreed for stricter border controls and to seek Turkey's cooperation in curbing the influx of refugees and migrants into their countries. At a summit held at Brussels, the leaders agreed to tighten border controls with non-EU nations. Over 600,000 refugees and migrants from the MIddle East and Africa have entered EU countries this year.
- US President Barack Obama has announced that he will scrap the plan to withdraw almost all American troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year and will remain beyond next year.
- Landohas now intensified into a typhoon. As of 1000 hours, Philippine Time, Lando is located 585 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph and gusts 160 kph. It is likely to move west at 15 kph. It is forecasted to hit Aurora-Isabela by the weekends.
- With the deadline of candidacy for the May 2016 elections is now, which person make it to the list of candidates. CLICK HERE for the full list of candidates for next year's elections.
- South African handicapped athlete Oscar Pistoriusis to be released from prison and placed under house arrest.
- Reports told that Volkswagenwill be recalling over 2.4 million cars in Germany over the dubious software that causes most of their diesel-power cars cheated through emission regulations.
- In honor of the upcoming 007: SPECTRE film, there's a special James Bond exhibit held at Mexico's Plaza Carso's Exhibition Hall from the 23rd of October to the 10th of January.
- Kayla Marie Talusan of the Philippines is crowned Miss Mermaid Asia.
- A race-prepped Opel AstraTCR was unveiled with a 2.0L turbo engine generating 330PS of power and 410Nm of torque.
In Top Gear's 2014 original video, The Perfect Road Trip 2, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond went to Mugello for their second day of their Italian road trip to Capri and while in Mugello, Clarkson picked the BMW M4 Coupe while Richard Hammond gone for the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, a car that he didn't like. When challenged to overtake The Stig while driving a Fiat 500 Abarth, things get very personal as they are doing everything they got to overtake The Stig. After many laps later, Hammond crashed his Jag while Clarkson drove his way to overtaking The Stig and he did.
Since we don't have a Mugello here, it might be best to compare these two machines at the Top Gear Test Track to see which is of these machines lived up to the boys' attempts during their so-called perfect road trip.
First, let's talk about the M4. At first glance, this is essentially a two-door version of the M3, what it used to be called the M3 Coupe but now BMW called it the M4 because they want to make it different. Style-wise, it can be bothersome not just the Austin Gelb metallic paintjob, which is hideous for a Bimmer. There's so much elevation on its hood and its door mirrors look a bit fuzzy.
In terms of driving, it's also bothersome because the new M4 is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine which produces more power than the old M3 and with better fuel consumption than the old M3's V8 engine but there is a gap that you can't feel it until it does. Also, it comes with electric power steering and whatever you do, don't put the M4 to the maximum settings because it's like a switch that switches on or off the oversteering. If you get it right, the M4 is very easy to handle and much serious on-track. Despite its flaws, the M4 is a well-suited and well-catered sportscar that vies to lap quicker lap times thanks to its extensive use of lightweight materials and with its perfect weight distribution, it feels well-balanced.
Now, let's talk about the Jaguar F-Type Coupe R. Although this is the best sportscar Jaguar has ever created since the XKR-S, there are some problematic demerits to consider. You know the supercharged V8's exhaust notes? Sounds artificial because some techies wanted to sound like that. On the interior, it looks more of a contrast from its exterior design. What's even more problematic is its pricing because when lavishly equipped with optional extras, the pricing is somewhat supercar-ish than what this car is. Despite its flaws, the F-Type Coupe R is no Jaguar for the gentlemen because it's a fun car that you can slip around in a cloud of tire smoke. Because the V8's more powerful than the BMW M4, getting through the straight is an easy job for this Jag. Be wary though that even though it has more power than the Bimmer, handling the F-Type is like trying to take on a song from the School Idol Festival...in HARD or EXPERT difficulty. One slip-up equals a major pileup of mess. Watch out for it.
So, with everything sorted out, let's find out which of these two is the quickest round the Top Gear Track and see if which car should have been the ideal car that overtook the Stig back in Mugello...and get vandalized at the end.
Now, I have the results of this test. The BMW M4 did it in 1:24.889 while the F-Type Coupe R did it in 1:22.422, meaning that the F-Type could have overtook The Stig if Richard Hammond didn't crashed it. Hmph...
So, with the F-Type done my test, looks like it wants some more but what kind of test will I give it to the Jag? You'll find out soon...
Earlier this year, Suzuki introduced to the Japanese market the ALLGRIP system via the new SX4 S-CROSS compact crossover, which is quite a capable all-wheel drive system that you can use it almost anywhere. Now, another Euro-imported Suzuki with the same tech has arrived to the Japanese market and this time, it's the turn of the brand new Escudo.
2016 Suzuki Escudo
Yes. This is another Suzuki crossover imported from Europe but even though this is a Euro-import, this is a regeneration to Suzuki's SUV that has its name marked to every petrolhead in the planet because of its involvement to the world of Pikes Peak in its glorious past as well as gamers everywhere. Sadly though, today's Escudo isn't as exciting as we hoped for because even though it has some Evoque-esque looks, it looks somewhat as cheap as the Ssangyong Tivoli, which is one of the Escudo's key rivals.
It's the same case goes to the interior because even though it has some practicality on it like most SUVs, it doesn't have the premium feel like you get in decent looking SUVs, although the analog clock on the center adds a nice touch to it.
2016 Suzuki Escudo interior
2016 Suzuki Escudo interior
Because the new Escudo looks small than what you expect, the engine that powers it is very small. It's a 1.6L M16A petrol engine derived from the Swift. It delivers a reasonable 117PS of power output and 151Nm of torque. Mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox fuel economy is expect from 17.4km/L for 4WD model to 18.2 for 2WD model. Even though the engine is small, it's quite peppy on the go but quite regrettable if you're pushing it too hard, even on traffic.
Like the new SX4 S-CROSS, the new Escudo features Suzuki's brand new ALLGRIP system for the 4WD model, and if you want a quick refresher, this new generation 4WD system features four driving modes selected by a knob which can adapt through any road surfaces whether if its tarmac, gravel, snow, or just when you want a sharper handling car at ease.
2016 Suzuki Escudo
Even though the Escudo is a cheap crossover full-stop, it's still high-tech in all the right places. There's also Suzuki's Radar Brake Support II system which features a device that can detect incoming vehicles or pedestrians and automatically trigger the brakes in a near collision scenario. One thing you will notice on the Escudo's tech features is the FAR/NEAR switch, which allows its detection of objects can be switched from either far or nearby objects. It's like scoping through an object like binoculars per se. Other tech features include an Emergency Stop Signal which warns drivers from behind, auto light system which automatically switches on when goring through the tunnels, and an auto wiper which automatically turns on the windshield wipers when it senses the rainy weather.
The introductory price for the new Escudo is 2,127,600 Japanese Yen, which is less costly than the previous Escudo, which is still available on the market under the "Escudo 2.4" banner for a short time only. So, should you buy one? We'll let you know if you're interested in this Suzuki SUV imported from Euro but in the meantime, there are so many SUVs which can do better than the Escudo. When your luck for SUV buying for the imminent winter has run out, you'd better off with the new Escudo instead.
Available Colors: Atlantis Turquoise Pearl Metallic/Black 2-Tone Roof, Galactic Grey Metallic, Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic, and Cool White Pearl.
- The Kyushu Electric Power Company turned on the number two reactor at its Sendai plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan on Thursday morning. The first reactor was back online last August under tougher nuclear regulations following the Fukushima disaster four years ago.
- The Turkish government says that last week's explosions in the capital, Ankara, could be the work of both the Kurdish separatist group and Islamic State militants. Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu said that investigations have turned up evidence that the PKK carried out the attack that killed 97 people. The Turkish government won't tolerate military support on forces backed by the PKK, although it was backed by the US in the fight against the IS.
- PAGASA is set to raise public storm warning signals in eastern parts of northern and central Luzon as Tropical Storm Landomaintains its strength. As of 0400 hours, Lando is located 1,185 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is likely to move west at 22 kph. It is forecasted to affect most parts of Luzon until weekend.
- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who is running for presidency on the 2016 May elections, confirmed that Senator Bongbong Marcos will be her running mate.
- Former DILG secretary Mar Roxas and his running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo filed their certificates of candidacy for the May 2016 elections. A few moments ago, Philippine President Noynoy Aquino endorses Mar to be his successor. Meanwhile, Roxas picked Leni to be his running mate after failed talks with Senator Grace Poe.
- The MTRCB imposed self-regulation to ABS-CBN's variety show It's Showtimefollowing mishaps over the "Nasaan Ka, Mr. Pastillas?" segment in connection to a complain from a women's rights party-list.
- Following the unveiled of the first-ever BMW M2 coupe, it will be making its in-game appearance on next month's Need For Speed game for the PS4 and XBOX One.
- Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. announced that their upcoming crossover film between King King and Godzilla is slated for year 2020 launch.
- Five Democratic presidential candidates are expressing opinions in their first debate on national television. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton became the front-runner while tailing behind her is Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. former Virginia Senator James Webb, and Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee.
- The Islamic Stateis targeting Russia in retaliation for its attack campaign against them in Syria. This is the first time the IS criticized Russia by name since Russia began its airstrikes in Syria late September.
- The election commission of Myanmar/Burma will hold general election as planned by scrapping the proposal to delay the elections due to recent landslides and flooding. The vote will proceed as planned on the 8th of November.
- Three foreigners and a Filipina are held hostage by Islamic militants at an upmarket resort on Samal island in the Philippines last month and taken to an unknown location in the south. The hostages appealed by video to the Philippines to stop military operations and to Canada to negotiate for their freedom with their kidnappers.
- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiagoconfirms that she's running for president in the upcoming May 2016 elections. Why? Because she can.
- Tropical Storm Lando(Koppu) has entered the PAR this afternoon. According to PAGASA, Lando made and entrance at 1400 hours Philippine time and as of 1500 hours, it was estimated at 1440km east of Luzon.
- A more powerful Ferrari F12 TdF was unveiled with an uprooted 6.3L V12 engine generating 769HP of power output and 520lb-ft of torque output, mated with a 7-speed double clutch gearbox. Only 799 units will be made.
- The BMW M2 was officially unveiled and it's the lightest M car ever offered with 3,450lbs of weight. It comes with an M-powered 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine generating 365HP of power and 343lb-ft of torque.
- Maki Nishikino from the Love Live! School Idol Projectanime is donning her training outfit for her Nendoroid debut courtesy of Good Smile Company. She'll be arriving in stores this February for 3,241 Yen plus tax.
- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulagakalyeserye, Alden Richards has finally returned for a bittersweet reunion with Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza.
- During the recent episode of It's Showtime's Nasaan Ka, Mr. Pastillas? segment, Pastillas Girl Angelica Jane Yap denied rumors stating that she had an abortion in the past. Meanwhile, most of the male contestants on this segment are asked if they are gay.
Yes, we all know that Lewis Hamilton scored another win at Sochi for this season's Russian GP and the Mercedes-AMG team snagged some constructors' titles, with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel placed 2nd and Sergio Perez from Force India first tasted his podium finished by placing 3rd but the happenings going on at the Russian GP are a bit of insanity judging from numerous crashes and DNFs occurred. The unlucky ones are Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz (who was discharged following his brutal crash during practice days pre-race), Lotus' Romain Grosjean, Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, and Force India's Nico Hulkenberg.
Onto the final standings, with Hamilton remained 1st overall with 302, Vettel is now 2nd overall with 236 points, and Rosberg, thanks to his humiliating incident at Sochi, dropped to 3rd with 229 points.
There are four races left in this season and the next race will be at the USA on the 25th of October.
- US-led coalition forces began airdropping supplies to Syrian rebels on their ongoing battle against the Islamic State militants. Defense Department officials confirmed supplies were flown to US-backed rebels but they did not disclose who got the material, citing safety concerns.
- Okinawan governor Takeshi Onaga revoked a permit to reclaim coastal land in the prefecture for the relocation of the US Marines' Futenma Air Station.
- The Japanese Imperial couple, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, may visit the Philippines early next year, making their first visit to the republic by the Imperial couple since the end of the Second World War. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the two nations have nurtured ties in various fields over a long period of time.
- British authorities say they will end surveillance outside the Ecuadorean Embassy to watch for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. London's Metropolitan Police maintained surveillance for over three years, intending to arrest Assange the moment he exits the diplomatic mission.
- Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president, has secured a fifth term in office, paving way for a quarter of a century at the helm of the former Soviet Republic. Lukashenko won over 83% of the vote according to the central election commission.
- A low pressure area has intensified into a tropical depression and it will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by either Wednesday or Thursday under the name Lando. Lando is 2,270 east of Luzon with max sustained winds of 45kph near the center before Tuesday noon.
- Philippine authorities deny reports about the wreckages of the possible Malaysian Airlines MH370 found onto a remote Philippine island, after someone claimed that the wreckage had been found there made headlines.
- It's confirmed that the next-generation Toyota Priushybrid will get a four-wheel drive variant for the first time in the Prius' history.
2016 Toyota Prius
- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, Lola Tinidora (Jose Manalo) disguesed as Yaya Dub and Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza disguised herself as Lola Tinidora. It's a freaky role swap if they're honest but it's all in the name of avoiding detection from the mystery woman revealed as Isadora. As things gets worse and with the imminent arrival of Isadora's upon them, Lola Nidora wants to send Yaya Dub as far away as possible to avoid getting spotted by Isadora but because Yaya Dub's too much for her own safety, she ran away but where is she running? Tune in next time and find out!
I think this is the perfect time to get to know about the cover car of Forza Motorsport 6, the all-new, 2017 Ford GT, a second take of a modern equivalent of the legendary Ford GT40 racing machine that reign Le Mans in the 60's.
But first, before explaining what's all about the new Ford GT, there is a history lesson about the genesis of the GT40. You see, when Ford decided to buy Italian sports car maker Ferrari in the 60's, Ferrari rejected the offer and with Ford became very angry, the folks decided to hit Ferrari where it badly hurts, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That's where the GT40 was born, with chassis derived from Lola, V8 improved by the legendary Carroll Shelby, and impressive performance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 60's, no wonder this American racing legend gave Ferrari a heavy blow in the field of motorsports.
In 2005, the legendary GT40 racing machine was resurrected as the Ford GT, this time as a bonafide supercar packed with classic looks and modern technology all in one piece. It has a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine that can go 0 to 60 in under three seconds and top speed of 212 mph (341 km/h). It comes with a Ricardo six-speed manual transmission featuring a helical limited-slip differential.
It's been ten long years since Ford revived the GT40 in the form of the Ford GT supercar targeted against the best European supercars on the market and with the newest incarnation of the legendary Ford GT supercar, this may have done much that. This new Ford GT became the pinnacle of Ford Performance vehicles when it was unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, drawing much attention from the crowd. Because the motoring industry ushered in the age of miniaturization of their engines, the new Ford GT never escaped its trend of downsizing so instead of the old Ford GT's supercharged 5.4L V8 engine, it comes with the race-inspired EcoBoost 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine which produces over 600 horsepower of power while mated with a 7-speed automatic gearbox.
The new GT's bodywork is all carbon-fiber and hand-laid from a certain supplier, although the in-house low-cost carbon-fiber development program is provided by Dow Chemical but they're little to do with it. Because of its carbon-fiber bodywork, Ford expects the new GT to have the best power-to-weight ratio, not in class, but of any car on the market. Although Ford hasn't provided the weight of the new GT, the predicted kerb weight of 2,890lbs is proof that this car is very light and because of its predicted 630HP from its 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine the hp to lbs curb weight ratio is expected to be...0.22:1...well, at theory at least.
Aerodynamics play a key role on the new GT. First, the active rear spoiler can both rise vertically and lift while its horizontal surface angling upward to gain more downforce and drag if necessary. Then, its active suspension can be risen or lowered at the touch of a button. That proves to be useful on corners or facing against nightmarish speed humps. And then, the way it manages the air. Those flying buttresses linking the roof to each rear fender are curved in section, creating downforce and directing air flowing around the car to the rear wing. It also works as intake tubes because each hollow panel houses piping that flow from an air-to-air intercooler ahead of each rear wheel. Intake air is scooped up, compressed in each turbocharger, and fired through the intercoolers before getting through the winglets and down into the engines. After passing through the intercoolers, the heated air slips through each rear well to the rear, where it escapes through the center of the...and we're not kidding here...rear taillamps. Very unique aerodynamics, I dare say?
Although the 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo is proven to be more powerful than the old GT's V8 produces, Ford says that 0-60 times and top speeds aren't their priority one. Instead, priority one goes to lapping fast times on track days and it promises to be better at dynamics rather than acceleration.
To prove that this new GT is all about business on the track, let's use the Top Gear Test Track as the base of experimentation and let's compare the old GT and the new GT on a one-lap time attack round the track.
So, the old Ford GT managed to lap round the Top Gear Track in 1:21.954 while the new Ford GT did it in...and I'm very amazed by this one, 1:17.071. That's about four seconds quicker than the old one after I conducted these tests.
It's been an honor to try out Ford's upcoming GT supercar before it reaches dealerships next year in a very limited availability and I am very happy to be part of the Forza Motorsport 6 experience because what would FM6 be without the new GT? Of course, this is the game's cover car after all so it's best to treat it with the respect this modern-day legend truly deserves.
OUTTAKES:
To mark this occasion, I have created a little party piece on FM6. It's a 2017 Ford GT featuring the 765PRO ALL-STARS from The IDOLM@STER franchise. Yes. I said it too much but both of the games have celebrated their 10th anniversary earlier so what no better time than to handcraft a special Ford GT design for the idol girl-loving petrolheads.
Normally, I shouldn't include Miki Hoshii, Yayoi Takatsuki, and Ritsuko Akizuki because...well, they didn't show up on the big IM@S 10th anniversary concert last summer but as the saying goes "So long as there's mercy. Always mercy", I decided to put them anyway. It would be a shame put these three excluded idol girls into waste. As an added bonus, I decided to put the assistant Kotori into my handcrafted design as well. You'll thank me.
- Following the double explosions in the Turkish capital of Ankara that killed nearly a hundred people, the Turkish government has intensified their attacks against the Kurdish militant groups and the Islamic State militants.
- Reports told that the death toll of over 1,500 people from last month's stampede at the annual Muslim pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia is the worst incident in the history of the hajj journey to the holy city of Mecca.
- Doctors Without Borders is demanding a probe support into the US-led airstrike that destroyed their hospital and killing twenty-two people inside.
- Candidacies for the presidential race on the May 2016 elections are now underway and voters are scheduled to choose a replacement to outgoing Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Vice President Jejomar Binay registered his candidacy with COMELEC while former DILG secretary Mar Roxas and independent senator Grace Poe may follow. They have until Friday to file their candidacies and campaigning will commence this February.
- The Philippine Navy are still verifying reports of a possible wreckage of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in Tawi-Tawi. Last year, the the said flight, with 239 onboard, was enroute to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur disappeared and some say most of the passengers presumed dead.
- Following the launch of Aqours' first ever debut single, the fans of the Love Live franchise are asked by an anime magazine which of the Aqours will be the group's lead for their next single and by amazement, the interim results for the star of their next single is the swimmer named You Watanabe (played by Shuka Saitou).
- A special McLaren 650S Can-Am model was unveiled in honor of Can-Am racing's 50 years. Based on the 650S Spider, it will be limited to 50 units, each come with a special design inspired by the McLaren Can-Am racing cars of the 60's. It's priced at 255,850 Pounds.
- A trailer for the upcoming special episode of BBC's Sherlock TV series is now here, previewing Victorian-era Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson like you've never witnessed before!
Every Autumn in Seattle, the CenturyLink Field Event Center is filled with some of the hottest cars in the market for the annual Seattle International Auto Show presented by State Farm. I came here and took some photos of some of the freshest machines offered for the Northwestern public as well as special previews of upcoming models.
That's the new Mustang GT350, one of the most track-focused Mustangs ever made thanks to its incredible aerodynamics and handling that makes this muscle car well-behaved on track.
That's the Mercedes-AMG GT, undoubtedly one of the finest AMG sportscars ever made and with its 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine and its advanced technology, nothing can go wrong with it.
The Lamborghini Huracan makes its Seattle Auto Show appearance...again.
That's no ordinary Corvette. That's the Z06 with the supercharged V8 engine and racing know-how inspired from the C7.R racer that made class wins at Le Mans.
Plethora of honest, good-looking, classics provided by LeMay's, America's Car Museum.
A gorgeous-looking Lincoln Continental Concept making its Seattle Auto Show appearance.
Picking up where last week's episode left off, the fourth episode of the ninth series of Doctor Who, titled Before The Flood, sees the Doctor and his allies set foot to Cold War-era Scotland while Clara remains on the 22nd century underwater base to keep an eye on Cass and Lunn while encountering the unexpected. We might think that this episode turned out to be a suicide mission for The Doctor but while it maybe a suicidal attempt to get things right, he faced off against an alien warlord known as the Fisher King. It's a good thing the blast from the dam gave this alien a sinking feeling to finish it.
Just before the start of the episode, The Doctor gave the viewers a much irrelevant trivia we might be interested with involving Beethoven's 5th and getting The Doctor's rock 'n roll groove on. Anyway, it's still a rocking rush to see The Doctor fought off a powerful enemy from a distant past and saved the future, albeit a costly one.
