Let's Do The News! (October 27, 2015)

- Reports shown that a US Navy vessel begun patrolling within 12 nautical miles of artificial islands built by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea. A USS Lassen destroyer approached within 12 miles of the Chinese-made islands in the disputed Spratly Islands on Tuesday.

- US President Barack Obama and his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widowo, have agreed to strengthen their maritime security cooperation. It is Joko's first visit to the US since assuming office last year. The two sides confirmed they would cooperate more closely in the development of naval equipment and supply of military materials.

- The World Health Organization warns the public that the consumption of processed meat increases the risk of cancer, and red meat is also likely to cause the disease. Experts said that each 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent, compared with those who don't consume such foods. Red meat, including beef and pork, was classified as probably carcinogenic.

- Former comedian Jimmy Morales is named as the new president of Guatemala following his electoral win in Sunday's presidential elections. Morales gained 67% of the votes, beating former first lady Sandra Torres with 33% of the votes.

- Over two thousand sheep have been led by shepherds through the streets of Madrid, the capital city of Spain, as part of an annual migration. Every year, the sheep are herded to the south of the country with warmer grazing lands.

- Actress and presenter Amy Perez was saddened over the sudden changes in TV5's entertainment department where she used to belong. Last August, TV5 reportedly undergoing major retrenchment by closing some of its departments including their entertainment department for the next few months. The network offered special voluntary separation program to employees as well. When Amy Perez used to worked with TV5, she's the presenter of shows such as Face To Face, Untold Stories Mula Sa Face To Face, Sapul Sa Singko, Ang Latest, and Good Morning Club, before she returned to ABS-CBN.

- The cast of the upcoming film, My Bebe Love, began their pictorials.

- Actress Angel Locsin confirms that ABS-CBN has chosen a new actress that will replace her on the role of one of the Philippines' legendary superheroes, Darna. Locsin is now under medication to treat the injury she has acquired in training to play the superhero.

- Over 41 million tweets about last Saturday's AlDub event are recorded! This is still a new world record for the most number of tweets at Twitter, eclipsing last year's World Cup match.

TTFN!!!

Daniel Craig's involvement in the world of James Bond

Daniel Craig

007: SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond film, from Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, might signal the end of Daniel Craig's tenure as James Bond, and despite all rumors, we enjoyed Craig's role as James Bond as well as the more topical, realistic approach to the Bond movies he's been through. To commemorate the latest Bond flick, which will hit British cinemas now and soon the rest of the world, let's jot down Daniel's involvement in the world of James Bond.

Casino Royale (2006) - This is Daniel Craig's first outing as James Bond in the film Casino Royale, based on the very first Bond book written by Ian Fleming highlighting Bond's first mission as a 00 Agent. Spanning from Madagascar, Miami, Montenegro, to Venice, Bond's mission is to track down a terrorist named Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen (the guy who became Dr. Hannibal Lecter on TV) as he organizes a high-stake poker game at Casino Royale. Throughout his first assignment, he encounters Vesper Lynd (played by Eva Green), a member of a Financial Action Task Force who became Bond's love interest until her untimely death in Venice.

Quantum of Solace (2008) - Daniel Craig's second Bond film picks up where Casino Royale left off. Desperate to find out who blackmailed Vesper, Bond is on a race against time to unmask the organization behind it until he pinpoints an eco terrorist named Dominic Greene (played by Mathieu Amalrio) who has links to the organization Bond's after. Bond is later accompanied by a Bolivian agent named Camille Rivera (played by Olga Kurylenko) who seeks revenge against General Luis Medrano, who murdered her family in the past.

SKYFALL (2012) - Probably known to be one of the most successful Bond films to date, SKYFALL pits Bond to a race against time as he takes on a sadistic terrorist named Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) while M (Judi Dench) tries to prove her innocence to the court following Bond's latest assignment ended in failure and the exposure of agents worldwide. This film introduces Ralph Fiennes as Mallory, the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee (who became the new M at the end of the film following the death of the former M in the film), Ben Whishaw as Q, and Naomie Harris as Eve (later known as Miss Moneypenny at the end). It also sees the return of the iconic Aston Martin DB5, as seen on Goldfinger.

SPECTRE (2015) - The latest Bond film evoked memories of the ruthless evil organization that had threatened global stability so memorably in past Bond films like Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice. In addition to returning cast such as Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, and Ben Whishaw as Q, SPECTRE features a stark and powerful cast such as Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Monica Bellucci, and former WWE superstar Dave Bautista (who will be the villain driving a Jaguar C-X75 in the film's nighttime car chase against Daniel Craig, as Bond, in an Aston Martin DB10).

Let's Do The News! (October 26, 2015)

-  About a hundred people are hurt when a high-speed ferry boat heading for Hong Kong crashed with an unknown object. Maritime authorities say that the crash occurred after 1800 hours Hong Kong Time last Sunday as it travelling near the island of Lantau west of Hong Kong carrying 163 passengers and 11 crewmembers.

- South Korea's defense ministry says its navy fired warning shots at a North Korean boat that crossed into the waters in the Yellow Sea last weekend. A North Korean patrol boat crossed the de-factor maritime border near Yeonpyeong Island and retreated back after a South Korean vessel fired five warning shots.

- The Kurdish authorities have uploaded a video of a hostage being freed from the Islamic State in Iraq on a recent joint operation with the US Special Forces. The footage was caught on cam attached on a soldier's helmet, showing US and Kurdish troops raiding the facility in the dark, rescuing the hostages.

- The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant says that they will complete the construction of underground walls to block contaminated groundwater from seeping into the sea. Construction began three years ago and these shield walls are 780 meters long and extend 30 meters underground.

- Catholic bishops called for a more merciful Church for cohabitating couples, homosexuals, the divorced, and the civilly remarried, backing Pope Francis' call for a more welcoming Catholic Church. The document adopted by the bishops emphasizes the role of discernment and individual conscience in dealing with difficult family situations, in a win for liberal bishops.

- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to mildly change the color of the common 100 peso bill in the coming months and phase out older paper bill designs. The new color of the 100 peso bill is mauve and circulation will commence at the start of 2016, enough to help the public distinguish a P100 bill from a P1,000 bill.

- The Mitsuoka Ryugi, a Toyota Corolla in a Rolls-Royce getup, has a special Yamato variant which is limited to 15 units, featuring a choice of black or white exterior paint, red seats, special 17-inch wheels, and more. Prices start from 3,412,800 to 3,823,200 Yen.

- In case you missed it, Disney announced that there's going to be a sequel to the DCOM Descendants in the works!

- Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the American electric car giant's self-driving Autopilot technology is approved for global use.

- Last Saturday's AlDub event, called Sa Tamang Panahon, gained over 39.5 million tweets, a new record!

TTFN!!!

BMW 7-Series (G11/G12)

2016 BMW 7-Series

There has been no car in the world had generated much hype as the brand-new BMW 7-Series because for this brand new generation of everyone's favorite premium full-size saloon, the new model ushered in the new age of BMW and when I said new age, I mean apart from the chassis codes which is the first BMW to bear the G-codes, hence the chassis code is classified as G11 or G12.

2016 BMW 7-Series

First, let's talk about the design because while this is mostly the evolution of the signature BMW design, I find its new look to be not bad at all, although I find its front and back design to be somewhat a mess. The side view looks crisp but when you look at all sides, there's no telling how good or how bad this new model is but everyone will still accept it with mixed reactions because no matter how it looks, this is still the car worth the wait.

2016 BMW 7-Series interior

One of the biggest strengths of the new 7-Series is its interior. In the past, most BMW interiors are all uniform, they look the same regardless of which BMW you are on, and no matter which BMW you are on, you will still be greeted by their monotonous interiors. For the new model, the traditional BMW interior has been fully evolved from the ground up and there's more because there has been numerous features up for grabs such as the world's first gesture control system where your hand gestures take control of the newly updated iDrive system. Of course, it may take some time to master the gesture control because there are some few kinks that needs to be fixed.

On the back, passengers will be greeted with the host of features such as the incredible Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package, rear entertainment system, and a detachable 7-inch Touch Command tablet that activates climate, music, communication, lighting, and more. Now, it's getting more personal than ever, I dare say?

2016 BMW 7-Series

Underneath the new 7-Series is BMW's first ever Carbon Core frame that is lighter, stiffer, and stronger than its predecessor, resulting to much better handling, fuel economy, ride, and much more. The use of sustainable materials upon making its unique space-age frame really makes this new model a class apart from its rivals for good. As for the choice of engines, the new 7-Series is available with a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo petrol engine, a 5.0L V8 twin turbo engine, or a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine. All models are mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. There's going to be a plug-in hybrid model for next year but we'll leave it out at a moment.

The range topping 750Li with the said motor produces 450PS of power and 650Nm of torque. It can go from 0-100kph in less than five seconds and top speed electronically limited to 250kph.

Because this is a high-tech premium saloon, there are some high-tech features fit for your driving pleasure on the new 7-Series including driver assistance system from BMW ConnectedDrive but the features that made the new 7-Series stand out is its BMW Laserlight derived from the BMW i8 and the coolest feature of all: the first-ever Remote Control Parking that can be operated via your car key.

2016 BMW 7-Series

The new BMW 7-Series starts at 81,900 up to 107,500 Euros, which sounds like a lot but less expensive than Mercedes' S-Class, making it a hard bargain for wealthy buyers, mostly business tycoons or potentia special agents from a certain organization. Anyway, looks like every car enthusiasts in the world are well and truly desperate to see one of these on the roads.

Photo: BMW AG

Doctor Who S09E06

Doctor Who S09E06

Ashildr, played by Maisie Williams, has resurfaced from another time as a masked bandit known as the Knightmare in the latest episode titled "The Woman Who Lived". In this episode, The Doctor made a fateful reunion with Ashildr while taking on a risky heist that will cost both of their lives. That heist is nothing more of an elaborate plot from an alien lion man named Leandro, the last of the Leonian race. He wants to get his amulet, which is unique to his defunct home planet, and want someone's death to activate the amulet to open the doorway to another world. That death could be none other than the execution of Sam Swift, played by Rufus Hound. Good thing, The Doctor and Ashildr managed to use another "immortality charge" to save Sam from his impending execution and in the end...the Leonians killed Leandro for his failure.

No one knows where will Ashildr pop up next until a selfie pic of Clara and her star student pinpoints where Ashildr is but there's more of Ashildr's immortality mystery for many moments to come.

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

Forza Motorsport 6: The legendary Honda RA300

Now, here's a legendary grand prix machine I'm particularly keen about. The Honda RA300. Part of Forza Motorsport 6's Logitech G Car Pack, this legendary machine has a well-known legacy and commands your upmost respect.

Built in collaboration with Lola Cars, the RA300 is Honda's legendary Formula One racing machine that was introduced halfway through the 1967 season and served as the successor to the RA273.

Like the RA273, the RA300 is powered by a 3.0L V12 engine, but its chassis was designed by Lola, hence gaining the nickname "Hondola" by the motoring public. The Lola-derived chassis is lighter and better to handle than the previous one and such result recorded its first win at the Italian Grand Prix with John Surtees behind the wheel.

It is the only F1 car in Honda's history to win a Grand Prix in the first place and on the only lap it would ever lead.

I'm no fan of classic cars but this Japanese F1 machine from its glorious past feels very novel even though it was emerged at the time where all Formula One cars in the 20th century focused on speed beyond all else. When you hear the noise of its V12 engine, that sound really takes you back to the 60's and trying to master this legendary machine requires precise driving skills because since this is a 60's racing machine car, you have to focus on your senses on when to accelerate, when to brake, and when to corner. With practice, the RA300 isn't a bad classic machine to drive if you have great taste among historic racers and its heritage it carries.

I decided to give the RA300 one lap round Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which now comes with a 2014 track revision of the Grand Prix circuit which is shorter than the old 2008-2013 layout of the GP track but the final corners on this new revision requires precise driving skills if drivers want to make it out alive and race to the checkered flag. Without further ado, here goes my lap round Indianapolis in a legendary Honda F1 car.



After a lap round the 2014 revision of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Grand Prix Circuit, I have established my personal lap time of 01:33.670. Not the quickest I have done but I had fun discovering the essence of the legendary Honda RA300, the only F1 car in Honda's history to win a Grand Prix in the only lap it would ever lead.

The world is all one in #AlDubEBTamangPanahon

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook

Truly, the world is all one when everyone at the Philippine Arena, at home, at a viewing party, or abroad witnessed the biggest AlDub event of a lifetime when Alden Richards and Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza finally made it "Sa Tamang Panahon".

It was a star-studded cast with all the Eat Bulaga presenters as well as the Kalyeserye characters present to unleash their own brand of joy to the mass audience and it all builds up to the arrival of AlDub. Too bad no kiss occurred but that's fine by them to see these two finally close to each other having managed to survive through tons of challenges in their never-ending quest for forever. Of course, no event is too colorful without Lola Nidora, Tidora, Tinidora, Duhrizz, Rihanna, Frankie, the Rogelios, the Bernardos, and the Quandos present.

It's a dream come true to witness AlDub matured through the weeks and thanks to the viewers like you, forever truly exists.

Of course, there's one major problem we've faced at the end of the AlDub event because Lola Nidora finally grabbed the diary of secrets from those riding in tandem and she was going to rush to the Dabarkads until the background noise goes a big truck-like honk honk honk. It was a close one but this is the ultimate AlDub experience every AlDub Nation will never forget.

As of right now, over 22.2 million tweets are recorded, less than the tweets regarding AlDub's date at Lola Nidora's mansion, but it's still growing, you can count on it.

If you miss this once-in-a-lifetime AlDub event or if you want to watch it again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owqZ1tjNaW0

Anyway, with "Sa Tamang Panahon" finally in fruition, looks like the world of AlDub is about to change so keep watching Eat Bulaga for more kalyeserye antics!