Mini JCW (F56) vs. Audi RS3 Sportback (8V) vs. Opel/Vauxhall Corsa E OPC/VXR

Back when the new generation Mini was launched, the latest model is no longer a Mini in terms of size. It's more of a Wumbo if you ask them. Despite its go-kart handling promise that Mini delivers for the new model, it doesn't cut the mustard when it gets through tight spaces and it doesn't feel like what the old Mini does in its heydays.

2015 Mini John Cooper Works

So, what do we have here? I'm sensing jealousy from anyone who haven't tried this one out yet. Yes, this is the high-performance version of the new Mini, it's called the John Cooper Works, and for this new model, Mini claims that this is their most powerful car in the family tree, although I'm not particularly sure that this is their best bet in the world of hot hatches.

It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine generating 231PS of power and 320Nm of torque. When mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, 0-100kph takes about 6.1 seconds and a top speed of around 246kph. That sounds like a quick car for a quick getaway from your nana's house but because all good hot hatches need to be good at handling, how was it? Is it better than the Cooper S any person had one?

Thanks to its track-honed suspension setup as well as Brembo brakes and special alloy wheels made specifically for this model, the new model isn't half bad to thrash around in the corners. Since this car is all about being a beginner's luck, any driver can drive one before getting advance through luxury sports cars and high-end exotics. Perhaps this is more of a crash course for those who are new to the track day scene, eh? What about taking on the city roads? Is it worth it? Well, not quite because since this is still a wumbofied Mini, your best chance is not to drive it on the tights because you'll be getting a hard time surviving on small spaces much as the normal new Mini does.

Yes, it might still be as big as the normal Mini, but to be honest, the new JCW mixes the things that are right with the things that are wrong so even though this is worth of a challenge, this is still a well accessible track day car you can use it anytime just as long as it doesn't get to situations that doesn't cut the mustard.

2016 Audi RS3 Sportback

If you're opening to suggestions that the new Mini JCW is lacking power, perhaps you should better off with this; the all-new Audi RS3 Sportback.

Think of the new RS3 Sportback as a posh version of its cousin, the VW Golf R, but unlike the Golf R, this new RS3 comes with a 2.5L 5-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 367PS of power and 465Nm of torques. It's the most powerful hot hatch ever created by the Volkswagen Group, and even though this is more than the pre-facelifted A45 AMG, the currently-facelifted A45 AMG backlashed it with more power, which is kinda sad.

Anyway, because this is Audi's most powerful hatchback in the range, it's 0-100kph time is 4.3 seconds while the top speed electronically limited to 250kph or you can go for an optional extra where the limit can be raised to 280kph, which is definitely a fast hatch full-stop.

Of course, good hot hatchbacks don't rely on straight-line performance, and how does the RS3 fare well as a track-day car? Sadly, it's very challenging. Even though it has a four-wheel drive powertrain, driving the new RS3 is like trying to survive a bull riding competition for years and when it sees a corner, best to prepare some painkillers over this one because it's too much grip and understeering can be a pain in the neck. If this car understeers, it's like you've got choked by an angry German who got his schnitzel messed up.

So, would you recommend it? Well, in terms of speed, the new RS3 is a clear bet but in terms of track day use, perhaps this new model warns the drivers that it will going to send them to the chokey. Man, someone's going to get choked by this hot hatch when it understeers.

2016 Opel Corsa OPC

2016 Vauxhall Corsa VXR

If it's affordability you're after, how about this? The new Opel Corsa OPC (Vauxhall Corsa VXR). Now, according to the pricelist, the new Mini JCW costs around 29,900 Euros while the new RS3 starts at 52,700 Euros. The newest version of the Corsa OPC/VXR starts at a very accessible 24,650 Euros (18,375 Pounds) and what you have here is a pocket rocket with very accessible handling that makes it popular among car enthusiasts.

Of course, its 2.0L turbo engine produces the least amount of power when compared to the new JCW and the new RS3, but unlike the other two, it's compact and nimble enough to cut through corners like a game of fruit ninja. Juicy.

It feels generous, it feels accessible, and when getting through the tightest of situations, it's not half bad at all. This is definitely the ideal hot hatch you can have if you're in a mood for some track-day fun.

So, what's your pick? Well, when you compare these hot hatches, chances are very random because a few might go for the new JCW, some might go for the new RS3, while most might go for the hot Corsa. Above all, the newest Corsa OPC/VXR is their best chance because even though it's not as powerful as the others, it's a very accessible hot hatch that you can use it all the time as long as they're not involved in any shenanigans on the city,

Doctor Who S09E10

Doctor Who S09E10

Two familiar faces appeared on this episode of Doctor Who, titled Face the Raven. First, there was Rigsy, the "local knowledge" who Clara helped him from dealing with the wall mystery last year, and then, there's Ashildr, who emerged herself as the Night Mayor. In this episode, The Doctor and his allies ventured to an alien world, hidden on a street in London, only to found out that the countdown planted on Rigsy's head is a death sentence set by Ashildr because of the crime he committed to the refugee community. This episode witnessed the final moments of The Doctor's companion, Clara, as she sacrificed herself to save Rigsy from his imminent execution by the raven.

It's a tragic moment to see one of The Doctor's beloved companions die for numerous circumstances but even with Clara's death, which we are going to mope it for a long time, it's time goes on for The Doctor as he teleports himself to another world. Where is heading now? You'll have to find out next week.

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II

In the first part of the final chapter of The Hunger Games saga, we saw Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) staging a resistance under the guidance of President Coin, played by Julianne Moore. She's risking everything and her people to save Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, and the nation of Panem from the Capitol and President Snow's tyrannical rule.

And now, here we are, the epic conclusion of what is known to be one of the most iconic young adult dystopian fiction novels ever written and nothing can prepare you for the end of The Hunger Games saga. In the epic finale of the Mockingjay story, Katniss has been joined by all of District 13 and now, with their strong unities for each other, they are now fully prepare to stage an all-out revolution against the autocratic Capitol. This is where the liberation of Panem has gone full circle but only a few would ever made it to overthrow the Capitol and restore peace to this war-torn world.

Since Mockingjay Part II is the epic conclusion to The Hunger Games saga, there is nothing more I can tell you about how this film performs but rest assured, it's definitely The Hunger Games film that will end all Hunger Games film since the beginning. It was one hell of a ride for the tale of a strong female who once ended up as a tribute in the bloodbath and now ending the game by staging a revolution against the Capitol, in a bid to liberate Panem once and for all. If there's one thing we'll ever learned after watching Mockingjay Part II, it's about freedom that comes with a high price but it's about her eloquence that will stand out from the rest of other strong female characters because this film promises to be a legendary feat that fans will remember it forever.

My rating: 4.7 out of 5.

Kalyeserye's Sumptuous Lunch Is A Trap for AlDub!

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook page

It's the day when Alden's half-Russian, half-Waray grandmother, Lola Babah invited Yaya Dub, Lola Nidora, and Tidora to her mansion for some sumptuous lunch in the latest episode of Eat Bulaga's kalyeserye segment. Everyone's getting nervous when Lola Nidora thinks that Lola Babah's sumptuous lunch could be a trap, enabling Alden's grandma to take full control of Lola Nidora's mansion once and for all or an invitation to have the Russian model, Cindy Kournikova, marry Alden for the heck of it.

Anyway, while they're here, Lola Babah introduces our characters for some Russian hospitality (sorta), her own Russian take on Filipino foods, and of course, giving them gifts as a token of gratitude. Of course, since it's the yuletide season, Lola Babah gave Lola Nidora some more time to repay her debt for the mansion. It should have been a great sumptuous lunch for the lolas and AlDub but as Cindy Kournikova appeared, this sumptuous lunch is nothing but a trap! A trap that will eventually ruin AlDub once and for all and when Lola Babah announced that Cindy's going to marry Alden, our favorite lovers ran away!

Where are they heading to? Was this sumptuous lunch really is a trap so Lola Babah can get her grips on her grandson to marry the Russian supermodel? Things are taking a desperate turn in the world of AlDub so keep watching Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics.

In the meantime, Хорошо, АлДуб народ! (Harasho, AlDub Nation!) It's Russian, just like Lola Babah and Cindy's.

Sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro

Transformer's Bumblebee gets a brand new makeover as Chevrolet's iconic pony car, the Camaro, has been regenerated for its sixth generation with new look, new choices, and a whole new take on the legendary muscle car that has been the longtime competitor to the Ford Mustang. Question is, is it any good?

2016 Chevrolet Camaro

For the first time in Camaro history, and sounds sacrilege for muscle car fans like us, there is now a 2.0L turbo engine available and this engine produces 275hp of power, about 35hp less than the Ford Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost. Shoddy, why would introduced a turbocharged engine in the Camaro that does less than the Mustang's? Anyway, if you don't prefer the turbocharged route, there's also a 3.6L V6 engine delivering 335HP of power and for the true muscle cars fans, a Corvette-derived 6.2L V8 on the SS version producing 455HP of power and same amount for torques.

Which means at any speed, at any gear change, this V8-powered Camaro does the job very well and spoils the Ford Mustang GT for its sumptuous lunch. Yeah, baby. That's a sumptuous V8 engine only Chevrolet's iconic muscle car can deliver. Seems that this car's taking a lesson from its big brother, the Corvette. Of course, depending on the engine choices, the new Camaro can be mated with either an old-school 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic gearbox. What are the odds? No matter the transmission choices, the new Camaro is all about adaptability fused with anticipation that will leave the opposition shuddered.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro

Thanks to its all-new lightweight platform, the new model is up to 390lbs lighter and 28% stiffer than the previous model and when joined forces with the most sophisticated suspension system and performance technologies, it has transformed into a decent handling car that can smoke out the European sports cars through the corners without all the drama infused. Again, that is one heck of a sumptuous feast General Motors offered for this new model. Of course, because this is a high-tech sports car, the Camaro offers different driving modes such as Sport, Tour, Snow/Ice, and for the SS model, Track, where every bit and bob on the new Camaro starting to unravel and you'll gonna need some skills to push this car to the limit. There's so much to love about how the Camaro performs not just a sportscar but as a grand tourer that you can use it anytime, anywhere, as long as you're not a show-off.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro interior

2016 Chevrolet Camaro interior

The Camaro is all about being a great car for your next day-off but for day-to-day use, it takes some tough love to getting used to because if you pull out at the set of lights, people will start taking notice of you once you got off. Same thing goes when stuck in traffic because this new look is all about nostalgia rebooted just like what the previous model did.

It sure is a great car, even when it has a introductory price of 25,700 US Dollars, but the new Camaro has some new roles to deal with ever since it got regenerated from being Bumblebee from the Transformers films. It may take time before the producers managed to have this car reprising the iconic role for their fifth Transformers film but in the meantime, it should be a more busy bee for the road and track before it's ready for show time.

Available colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Black, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Red Hot, Blue Velvet Metallic, Hyper Bule Metallic, Garnet Red Tintcoat, Bright Yellow, and Mosaic Black Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

At the top of the Columbia Center

A few days ago, me and my sister Bea, alongside a relative of hours, went to the Columbia Center for some sightseeing for a few hours. Yes, I know. It's my first time being in Seattle's tallest buildings which is twice the size of the iconic Space Needle.

The Columbia Center was opened on the 2nd of March, 1985, It is a 76-story building that has a height of 933' or 967' to tip (287.4264m) and it was currently the second tallest structure on the US West Coast.

Like most buildings, the Columbia Center is a business center where top companies from around the globe claim their businesses here and while this building is business-focused, it's still one of the best tourist destinations in the Pacific Northwest because there's a Sky View Observatory located at the 73rd floor. In here, visitors can get a bird's eye view of the entire Seattle. Here are some of the bits and bobs I've captured during my day at the Sky View Observatory.



And now, a wonderful view of Seattle while at the Sky Deck Observatory of the Columbia Center.



Love a good view from the top, don't you agree? Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed the scenic view from the 73rd floor of Seattle's tallest building and if you have the time, why not stop by and enjoy the view? It doesn't sound much but it's the best seat in the house.

Columbia Center
701 5th Ave,
Seattle, WA 98104

#BGMrAssimo

On the November 20, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Bugbugan gags

- RJ Padilla takes on Tsugi o Chorva!

- Mr. Assimo's gone laglag-bala!

- Expectation vs. Reality scenarios.

- His family is a bunch of celebrities so behave yourselves.

- Desiree the Binatilya and pals go gay bar-hopping.

- A very complicating audition leaves the judges questioning what might have been.

- The clumsy man ruins the lunch time with his mates.

- What's the point about planting a bullet on random people in the airport?