Let's Do The News! (October 16, 2015)

- 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.

- Lando has 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 Pistorius is to be released from prison and placed under house arrest.

- Reports told that Volkswagen will 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 Astra TCR was unveiled with a 2.0L turbo engine generating 330PS of power and 410Nm of torque.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: Comparing the M4 to the F-Type

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...

New Suzuki Escudo (YD/YE21S)

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.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (October 15, 2015)

- 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 Lando maintains 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 Showtime following 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.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (October 14, 2015)

- 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 State is 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-Santiago confirms 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 Project anime 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 Bulaga kalyeserye, 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.

TTFN!!!

F1 2015: Russian GP

Image: Getty Images

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.

Let's Do The News! (October 13, 2015)

- 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 Prius hybrid 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!

TTFN!!!