Let's Do The News! (September 10, 2015)

- Torrential rains are causing floods throughout much of eastern Japan, washing away homes and rescuers are busy airlifting stranded people to safety. The floodwaters caused the dikes somewhere in the Ibaraki Prefecture heavily damaged.

- The Japanese Foreign Ministry is arranging high-level talks with the US and South Korea to discuss the possible launch of a missile by North Korea. Reports told that the North is holding an event next month to honor the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. There is a possibility that an ICBM launch may coincide with the event.

- According to reports, the culprit behind the Bangkok bomb attacks last month may have escaped abroad. The Thai police arrested two foreign men for their alleged involvement and extracted information that a man named "Izan" instructed him to make a bomb and hand it over to someone who is suspected to have carried out the attack.

- To prevent another heavy traffic that occurred last Tuesday in EDSA, the DPWH said that its road maintenance  team is up on clearing clogged drainage systems and expediting flood control projects.

- The Bangsamoro peace process has been tackled during the International Meeting for Peace Tirana in Albania while discussing the harsh scenarios in Syria and Nigeria's Boko Haram. The Government of the Philippines' chief peace negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer stated to the panelists that it was the Bangsamoro that led to the signing of the peace agreement between them and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

- Big news from Apple today; in preparation for the upcoming iOS9, the Cupertino-based tech giant unveiled the updated version of the iPhone 6 called the iPhone 6S as well as the new iPad Pro, new Apple Watch variants, and Apple TV.

- In time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokemon next year, The Pokemon Company International unveiled Pokemon GO, a totally new experience where everyone can catch Pokemon --- in the real world using their smartphone! In collaboration with Niantic, Inc., Pokemon GO gives players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a Pokemon trainer in the real-world, catching, trading, and battling. There's a Bluetooth device called the Pokemon GO Plus which allows them to enjoy even when they're not looking at their smartphone. It's set to arrive next year on the App Store and Google Play for free with in-app purchases will be available.

- SPARTAAAAAAAANS!!!!! Leonidas from the film 300 gets his own figma from Good Smile Company!!!

- More idol madness coming in from the Bandai Namco portfolio and this time, they've unveiled an all-male 2.5D idol project called Dream Festival featuring five male idols with their real-life cast members. It's about five male idols working at a fictional talent agency and in this one, users can take advantage of Dream Festival Cards that can unlock outfits and performances during the idols' performances.

TTFN!!!

Daihatsu Cast Style and Cast Activa

It's a casting call for Japan's kei car maker Daihatsu as they've unveiled the new Cast range consisting of the Style, which is more of a successor to the Mira Gino and targets the Honda N-ONE, the Activa, which replaces the Terios Kid and targets the Suzuki Hustler, and a third one coming next one, which I believe to be the target of Suzuki's Alto Turbo RS.

But in the meantime, let's focus more on the two Cast models available for launch, starting with the Cast Style.

2016 Daihatsu Cast Style

2016 Daihatsu Cast Style interior

The Cast Style mimics the look of the old Mira Gino, which is known to be a poor man's Mini Cooper since the Nissan V_r_t_ (sorry, some letters blocked due to search query reasons), and it's a prime target for the female demographics in their adulthood because what they want for a kei car that something more of an accessory rather than a tool. For the Style model, it truly caters the very occasion with its Mira Gino-inspired looks, basic interior design, a choice of three interior accents, and an optional Diatone Sound System Plan with lots of extras too much to mention.

Powering the Cast Style is a choice of a KF-VE4 660cc engine that promises 30.0km/L of fuel economy and a KF-VET 660cc turbo engine with a fuel economy of up to 27.0km/L, all mated with a CVT gearbox and Daihatsu's fuel-efficient e:S technology derived from most kei-cars. Of course, you can opt in for a four-wheel drive variant when things get a little slippery but that 4WD system is best to be equipped to the next Cast lined up.

2016 Daihatsu Cast Activa

2016 Daihatsu Cast Activa interior

This is the Cast Activa, the crossover variant of the Cast and while it may not be as good as the Suzuki Hustler rival in terms of fuel efficiency, it's still the best looking of the kei crossovers. Since the Activa targets solely for the outdoorsy type of youth looking for some R&R, the exterior is well-themed to be more adventurous as well as the darker shade of its interior.

Like the Style model I've mentioned, the Activa is still powered by a choice of a KF-VE4 660cc engine that promises 30.0km/L of fuel economy and a KF-VET 660cc turbo engine with a fuel economy of up to 27.0km/L, all mated with a CVT gearbox and Daihatsu's fuel-efficient e:S technology. Whoa, did I just mentioned that from above? Well, you get the idea but that turbocharged variant of the Activa is incredibly 0.2km/L more than the turbocharged Suzuki Hustler, so it's a dead heat between the two Japanese kei crossovers.

For most models it comes with a very sophisticated front suspension setup, simple monocoque chassis, "D assist" power steering switch that can be turned off or on to take fate of the Cast's handling capabilities, and exclusive for the Activa; the Downhill Assist Control, which helps the Activa to be more efficient in the case of driving downhill.

With safety as its priority one; all Cast models come with Daihatsu's Smart Assist II consisting of Emergency Stop Signal system, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Detection, and many other safety tech offered for these models.

The Cast Style starts from 1,220,400 to 1,641,600 Yen while the Cast Activa starts from 1,220,400 to 1,647,000 Yen respectively, so it is quite much when compared to Honda's N-ONE and the Suzuki Hustler but because these two are showing their ages, best to have one of these and see how the new Cast speaks to you as your starter car if you got yourself a driver's license for the first time.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News! (September 9, 2015)

- The suspect who was arrested in connection with last month's Bangkok bomb attacks admitted that he made the bomb and handed over to the man who is believed to have carried out the attack. So far, the Thai police arrested two foreigners and are looking for the possibility that a group of 10 or more may have been involved in the attack.

- Campaigns for Burma (Myanmar) elections, their first since the end of military rule four years ago, has officially begun. With the elections starting on the 8th of November, the poll is likely to be a match between the Union Solidarity and Development Party against the National League of Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

- Typhoon Etau made landfall in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on Wednesday morning and is moving northward.

- A camerawoman working for a private television network in Hungary was sacked after videos of her hurting migrants escaping from the police, including a man carrying a child, became viral.

- In the continuing migrant crisis, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said that his government is more than welcome to extend help to refugees from Syria. The president recall that the Philippines once helped refugees from the past such as the case of 2,700 Vietnamese boat people escaping from conflicts in the 70's as well as Jewish people fleeing from Nazi-Germany rule during the Second World War.

- The first-ever luxury SUV which claims to be the world's fastest SUV, the Bentley Bentayga was officially unveiled and it comes with Bentley's brand new 6.0L W12 twin turbo engine developing over 608PS of power and 900Nm of torque.

- The Toyota Prius, the car that started the hybrid revolution back in late 1997, is now on its fourth-generation and it was unveiled to the public at a ceremony in Las Vegas. It features Mirai-inspired looks as well as improved fuel efficiency eclipsing every hybrid known in the world and a plethora of safety features.

- The Rolls-Royce Dawn is officially unveiled before its Frankfurt Motor Show debut. It is essentially an open-top version of the Wraith.

- Here's your chance to get your hands with the Ace of the Allied Forces as hobby kit maker Hasegawa unveiled the Su-33 Scarface 1 model kit, part of the Ace Combat model kit range. Out tomorrow for 4,200 Yen plus tax, builders get the chance to construct their own Scarface 1 aircraft just the way the like.

- As we are welcoming Love Live! Sunshine!!, the second generation of the ever successful Love Live! franchise, here's your first look at Aqours' first song "Kimi no Kokoro wa Kagayaiteiru Kai?", which will debut this October 7.

TTFN!!!

F1 2015 - Italian GP

Photo: Associated Press

The battle in Monza for this season's Formula One is proven that Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is still reeling in for his second title and with his teammate Nico Rosberg out of the picture after several laps later (thanks to his engine blowout), he knew his moment to come, even while shaking off against Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel in the fight to the finish. As for Felipe Massa of the Williams F1 team, he managed to taste podium as he placed 3rd, ahead from his teammate Valtteri Bottas.

On the overall standings, Hamilton retains his 1st place overall with 252 points, with Rosberg on 199 points in 2nd place, and Vettel in 3rd place with 178 points.

The next race is set at Singapore on the 20th of September.

New Mitsuoka Galue (L33)

2016 Mitsuoka Galue

In the tradition of Mitsuoka kitting out modern Japanese cars with exterior cues similar to classic British luxury cars, the small Japanese carmaker has introduced us to the new Galue, which is now based on the current-generation Nissan Teana/Altima L33 midsize saloon. Because the previous model is usually a Teana in a Rolls-Royce suit, this new model is still a Teana in a Rolls-Royce suit while featuring some bits and bobs from the Teana L33.

2016 Mitsuoka Galue

There's no need to explain why this is basically a Nissan Teana L33 with some Rolls-Royce-inspired front and back like most Mitsuokas had for their so-called exclusivity because this is basically a Nissan Teana L33 in a Rolls Royce getup. And before I'm going to say it again and again before someone gets bored, the new Galue has some of the Teana's bits and bobs such as high-tensile steel and aluminum bodywork, three-spoke steering wheel, larger front door pockets, a higher dashboard, new instrumental panel, and a reclining front passenger seat.

2016 Mitsuoka Galue interior

2016 Mitsuoka Galue interior

The new Galue, like the Teana is based on, a QR25DE 4-cylinder, in-line, 16V engine with a Twin C-VTC system, which takes care of the intake and exhaust valves for added efficiency, and clean combustion, and is economical. It produces about a measly 170PS of power output and 245Nm of torque, connected to a new-generation XTRONIC CVT gearbox.

Because it's a million yen more than the Teana it's based on, the new Galue from Mitsuoka starts from 3,866,400 up to 4,644,000 Yen. That sounds a lot for a faux Rolls Royce but if you want your new Teana L33 to be more "exclusive" than the average Teana L33, book one of these and see if your next dinner date will turn out.

Available Colors: Waterfall Blue, Radiant Red, Diamond Black, Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant Silver, and Brilliant White Pearl.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News! (September 8, 2015)

- Yesterday in Bangkok, Thailand, a mysterious burning object fell from the sky is caught on dashcam. Some say that it could be the meteor similar to the one that hit Russia two years ago, a burning balloon, or a space junk re-entering earth according to reports. Whatever that is, that falling burning object from the sky remains unclear.

- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to be re-elected as the president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party unrivaled.

- The third ceiling panel from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has been removed in the continuous efforts to decommission the facility.

- Onto the migrant crisis, following Germany accepting ten thousands of refugees, the French and British governments have announced that they are prepared to accept about 20,000 refugees as Europe is flooded with migrants and refugees fleeing from conflict-torn nations in the Middle East and Africa.

- Following his announcement that he will not running as president for the May 2016 elections, Davao mayor Rodrigo Duterte announced that he will be retiring from his position.

- A top Muslim leader wants Solons to quicken the hearings of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which would grant Muslims in Mindanao "genuine autonomy".

- The fourth-generation Renault Megane has been unveiled and it borrows the styling cues from the Talisman saloon as well as featuring new tech and engines.

- Prepare your depositories, Love Live fans, because Hanayo Koizumi, in her training outfit, is now offered as a Nendoroid courtesy of Good Smile Company. She'll be available this January for 3,241 Yen plus tax and pre-orders are now open for booking. Book one now at the official GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP to receive a special stand with the rooftop background on it to replicate their practices before doing their on-stage performances.

- Singer Sam Smith is named to sing the opening theme song of the upcoming 007: SPECTRE film titled Writing's On The Wall.

- The famed AlDub tandem of TV heartthrob Alden Richards and our ever favorite inaudible Dubsmash queen Yaya Dub (whose real name is annoyingly Maine Mendoza by many) are not allowed to endorse candidates in next year's elections according to Senator Tito Sotto.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (September 7, 2015)

- The Turkish government said that two of their armored vehicles ran into explosives set by Kurdish rebels in the Hakkari province of southeast Turkey, close to the Iranian and Iraqi borders, prompting retaliatory air strikes.

- Back to the migrant crisis, over 10,000 migrants and refugees have arrived in Germany, triggering reluctance from a southern German state.  On Sunday, the train station from Munich continued to receive mass quantities of people and upon arriving, many expressed their thanks to the German chancellor Angela Merkel for accepting refugees and migrants. However,Bavarian state premier Horst Seehofer states that this nation can't take too much refugees arriving from all parts of the world.

- Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte confirms that he will not run as president for the upcoming May 2016 elections.

- Senator Grace Poe recently submitted her citizenship and travel records to the Senate Electoral Tribunal as proof that she is a natural-born Filipino. She submitted a 107-page long document to the SET on the 1st of September to prevent her disqualification filed Rizalito David.

- GILAS Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin said that they will use the Iranian basketball team as a template to show how much the Philippine basketball team progressed as final matches of the FIBA Asia Championship draws near.

- The Porsche 911 (991) range has been given a minor change and for the very first time in their base models, the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S, turbocharging has been implemented in the form of the brand-new 3,0L boxer-6 engine producing slightly more power than the old 3.8L boxer-6 engine it replaces. It will be debuted at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show and sales start at the end of 2015.

2016 Porsche 911 Carrera

- Volkswagen is set to unveil their second-generation Tiguan crossover at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

- Michiyuki Kawajima from the band Boom Boom Satellites has suffered his fourth brain tumor relapse. Two years ago, the rock duo took a hiatus from concerts so Kawajima could undergo brain tumor treatment. Boom Boom Satellites are known for their anime songs as heard from Appleseed, Mobile Suit Gundam UC, and a few others. They're the ones who did the theme song from the Ridge Racer V videogame called FOGBOUND.

- Showbiz personality Annabelle Rama decided to give up on producing talents and focus on her reality show appearances such as It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez.

- Last week, the inevitable encounter of AlDub in person happened during the wildcard round of Eat Bulaga's Bulaga Pa More Dabarkads Pa More but it ended in not just being blocked by Lola Nidora (because she has the blueprints of the entire Broadway Studio) but also some unknown kidnappers kidnapped Yaya Dub. So, how is Alden's first meeting with Yaya Dub? He said it was great encountering Yaya Dub in person.

TTFN!!!