Let's Do The News! (June 3, 2016)

- Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago is now out from the intensive care unit to a regular private room at the Makati Medical Center around midday yesterday after she was earlier confined for pneumonia. Miriam's husband, Narciso "Jun" Santiago Jr. said her condition has improved and doctors have allowed her to be placed in a regular room.

- The next chief of the Philippine National Police would rather have his policemen caught in possession of illegal drugs be killed rather than charged in court. In a television interview, Chief Superintendent, Ronald dela Rosa said policemen with drug links have the money to defend themselves before the courts and eventually return to their illegal activities while keeping their jobs as law enforcers.

- Members of the Cabinet of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte should prepare for late night meetings as he admitted being at his best at 6PM and would rather begin his workday officially at one o'clock in the afternoon. Duterte said he would like his weekly Cabinet meetings in the afternoon, instead of morning.

- A US reports says that despite losing ground in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State militants are expanding the ability to launch attacks globally. The US State Department released its annual report on terrorism on Thursday, analyzing terrorist attacks occurred since last year. The Islamic State is described as a threat to global security but the report says that since May last year, the group lost 40% of its territories in Iraq and government troops regained 11% of the territory that it on controlled in Syria.

- Democratic Presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton lambasted Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for encouraging Japan to nuclear weapons. She said making him the US commander-in-chief would be a "historic mistake".

- Strong rains in Paris, France, are causing trouble for citizens and weather officials warned that Seine could overflow its banks. The rainfall in the city for the three days until Tuesday was twice the average for the month of May. They estimate that the river could reach the highest level in three decades on Friday.

- Game 1 of the 2016 NBA Finals match between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors became the most dramatic start of the match, due to some trouble at the near end of the 3rd quarter (and some karate chopping the clipboard by the angry coach). But, anyway, the Warriors scored their first win of the match at the score of 104-89.

- The all-new Audi A5 and S5 Coupe has been launched, packed with a brand new design, new engine choices, and a suite of high-tech features.

2017 Audi S5 Coupe

2017 Audi A5 Coupe

- New Pokemon Sun and Moon updates on the radar. The names of the legendary Pokemon featured on the cover are identified as Solgaleo for Pokemon Sun and Lunala for Pokemon Moon. Apart from their unveiling, some new features are announced for the upcoming installment such as the brand new Rotom Pokedex and QR scanning feature.

Solgaleo and Lunala

- Actress Emily Blunt will going to play the role as Mary Poppins in the upcoming Disney movie, Mary Poppins Returns, set to hit theaters in Christmas 2018 and directed by Rob Marshall. It will be a sequel that set two decades after the original.

- Amazon's new motoring show, The Grand Tour, hosted by former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, will start shooting in South Africa,,,and they want one of the lucky people to be part of the audience. Could it be you?

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (June 2, 2016)

- International media groups have condemned Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte's comments that many slain journalists through the years are corrupt and those who have done wrong are still being assassinated. Reporters Without Borders expressed outcry and urged the Philippine media to boycott Duterte's news conference until he issues a formal, public apology. The Committee to Protect Journalists said Duterte's comments "apparently excusing extrajudicial killings threaten to make the Philippines into a killing field for journalists."

- Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas and Vice President-elect Leni Robredo lauded their supporters in the administration's thanksgiving party held last night. The two expressed gratitude to their supporters prior to the campaign season and post-election.

- The People's Republic of China welcomed the plans of incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. to hold bilateral talks to resolve the South China Sea dispute. The Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that over the four decades of diplomatic ties, successful leaders of China and the Philippines have affirmed their agreement to peacefully resolving the sea row.

- South Korean leader Park Geun-hye is in France for a state visit, celebrating 130 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Her four-day trip has begun with a Korea-France business forum on Thursday local time with some 200 business leaders from both countries attending. For Friday's summit talks, the two leaders will adopt a joint statement aimed at boosting ties in the 21st century. To realize the potential, the two sides will seek to diversify trade items and boost investment.

- Presumptive US Republican presidentiable Donald Trump is set to visit Great Britain later this month, after a referendum on the country's membership in the European Union. Trump's camp said that the businessman will visit Scotland on the 24th to attend an opening ceremony of a golf resort he owns.

- The world's longest and deepest rail tunnel in Switzerland has opened. The shortcut under the Alps is expected to give a high speed railway network a big boost. A ceremony was held on Wednesday in the southern Swiss town of Bodio to celebrate the Gotthard Base Tunnel. The tunnel shaves 30 minutes off the overland route and expected to reduce the amount of goods hauled over roads, and cut air pollution from trucks.

- Choromatsu and Ichimatsu from the hit TV series Osomatsu-san now joins the Nendoroid range. That's four down, two to go.

Nendoroid Ichimatsu

Nendoroid Choromatsu

- The PS4/XBOX One version of Biohazard/Resident Evil 5 will be available digitally on the Playstation Store or XBOX Live Marketplace this June 28, part of the series' 20th anniversary celebration. Aside from the refined graphics made for these consoles, it also offers two additional episodes Lost In Nightmares and Desperate Escape, as well as THE MERCENARIES UNITED (combining the original Mercenaries mini-game and The Mercenaries Reunion from the PS3 Biohazard 5 Alternative Edition), and other extras.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye, today marks the 46th weeksary of AlDub.

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: N. Korea as a primary money laundering concern

The US Treasury Department designated North Korea as a "primary money laundering concern". In response, South Korea has welcomed Washington's latest step toward completely cutting banking ties with the Korean Peninsula.

A source from South Korea's foreign ministry says the initiative shows that the US is determined to maintain pressure on North Korea.

Source: Arirang News

Forza Motorsport 6: The P1 GTR

A few moments ago, I tried the track-focused version of Ferrari's LaFerrari called the FXX K and I told that no matter how many curse words burst from their mouth, having a mastery with the FXX K will prove that this car can FXX K it right up in its rear bumper...or is it because now, another track-only version of a certain hybrid hypercar has arrived in Forza 6 and this time, it's the turn of the McLaren P1.

The McLaren P1 GTR, a track-focused version of the McLaren P1 hybrid hypercar  just like the Ferrari LaFerrari-based FXX K that caused me the expletive dialogue. Before taking this car for a spin round Silverstone, because this was used for testing session for drivers of the McLaren P1 Driver Programme, let me tell you a quick story about this car.

From its concept debut at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to a dream come true at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the P1 GTR, based on the hybrid engine-wielding P1 hypercar, is a track-focused version of the said car that pays tribute to McLaren's 1995 Le Mans victory using the F1 GTR.

The P1 GTR is the most powerful McLaren ever developed with power output up to 987HP and 738lb-ft of torque from its 3.8L V8+electric motor powerplant. Because this is a track-focused version, the P1 GTR features racing slick tires, new fixed ride height on race-prepared suspension, fixed rear wing, and a unique exhaust design.

The P1 GTR is priced at around 1.9 million British Pounds and its packaging includes a one-make race series for owners. This track-only version joins the normal road-going P1 in the Ultimate Series, the third and final tier of the McLaren range.

I already tried the FXX K back then and upon driving the expletive-prone hybrid racer, its computer-controlled dynamics really made this car do the talking while on track, especially the clever feature inherited from the LaFerrari that goes "the faster it go, the better it works". Now, where did I heard that before? Anyway, onto the P1 GTR, and unlike the FXX K I drove in the past, consider this a pain in the butt to drive. Sure, it may be the most track-honed McLaren ever made but when I tried it, getting through tight corners is an arm-breaking struggle and trying to regain grip on this car is very tricky. It's like being headlocked by a female pro-wrestler in her battle suit she wore for halloween.

Consider the P1 GTR the widowmaker reloaded because of its intimidating dynamics similar to its road-going P1. At first taste, you may find that its dynamics are too tricky and too hostile to handle but with such mastery, you will be able to set very fast laps at one fell swoop just like the highly capable Ferrari FXX K.

Anyway, I think that's enough about explaining the P1 GTR because to explain just how tricky this car drives, I managed to take a spin round Silverstone to see what's what.

The track-only McLaren P1 GTR maybe one of the most intimidating cars to drive in Forza Motorsport 6 but if you are skillful enough to get this widowmaker under control, you will be able to unlock its true potential from within. It maybe scary but if you keep trying, it wouldn't be a problem for you.

F1 2016: Monaco GP

Photo: Getty Images

So, despite Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo set his historic pole position during the qualifying practice, that didn't stop Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton from racing through the overall standings following his 1st place victory. Of course, Red Bull's tire inventory problem is a gain for both Mercedes and Hamilton himself on a rainy day Monaco race. Still, despite the inventory problems with the tires, at least Ricciardo finished second place, though. Of course, by having Sergio Perez finished third place, Force India had a great weekend now that they taste their first podium finish.

It's ashamed that the young Dutchman, Max Verstappen, crashed himself to failure at Monaco but despite this catastrophe, this young chap's not giving up without a good fight and we can expect more from him to correct some mistakes, and some others.

Now, onto the overall standings and judging from Hamilton's Monaco win, he's now 2nd place with 24 points behind leader Nico Rosberg. Riccardo's 2nd placer means he's in third place with 66 points.

The next race will be at Canada on the 12th of June, 2016.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: N.Korea aims for nuclear and economic development

Ri Su Yong, a senior North Korean official visiting China has stressed that the reclusive country has no plans to abandon its nuclear development program. Ri is the vice chairman of the ruling Worker's Party, overseeing international affairs. He arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a three-day visit and met with the head of the Chinese Communist Party;s International Department, Song Tao.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on the visit on Wednesday. It said Ri briefed Beijing on the results of the Workers' Party congress last May, the first congress in 36 years.  Ri explained to Chinese officials the party's two-track policy of pursuing economic and nuclear development simultaneously, which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared the policy permanent.

China's foreign ministry urged North Korea to exercise restraint after reports of a failed launch of an intermediate-range Musudan missile yesterday. The ministry said that UN Security Council resolutions stipulate clear rules, and suggested that the launch violated them,

Meanwhile, US researchers say the Korean Peninsula may be preparing to process plutonium for nuclear weapons, or may have already started. The US-Korea Institute at John Hopkins University posted on its website on Tuesday satellite imagery of the Nyongbyon nuclear site.

The photos, taken on the 12th and 22nd of May, show smoke rising from a chimney on a plutonium reprocessing facility at the complex. The researchers say the photos point to the Korean Peninsula's probable plutonium production. They add that exhaust plumes were also confirmed at the facility during February and March.

Then, the South Korean Foreign Ministry warned that North Korea could face tougher sanctions and become more isolated if it does not stop its provocations. The ministry said the launch attempt is tantamount to ignoring repeated warnings from the international community to stop its provocative acts, and it cannot be tolerated.

South Korea will review what countermeasures should be taken through talks with allies after a detailed analysis of the missile launch, hinting a strengthening pressure on the North in cooperation with Japan, the United States, and others.

Senior officials from Japan, the United States and South Korea have agreed to cooperate on preventing North Korea from conducting further provocative actions. The officials met in Tokyo on Wednesday, the day after North Korea's failed missile launch. The officials condemned the North's nuclear and missile programs as totally unacceptable. They also reaffirmed that their governments will refuse to talk with the North unless it makes clear a path to its denuclearization.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (June 1, 2016)

- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is in critical condition and placed on the Intensive Care Unit afer being hospitalized. Confirmed by her husband Jun Santiago, Miriam's suffering from complications from her lung cancer. Last night, the veteran Senator was transferred to the ICE from her private room because of her worsening condition.

- President-Elect Rodrigo Duterte introduced his members of the Cabinet of his administration and chosen them for a meeting at the Presidential guest house in barangay Panacan in Davao City.

- The US Government is warning Americans planning to visit Europe this summer to be on guard against imminent terrorist attacks there. The US State Department said in a travel alert that US citizens should be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks targeting major events, tourist sites, and transportation throughout Europe.

- South Korean prosecutors have indicted the former heads of two sterilizer manufacturers on charges of producing goods linked to deadly lung injuries. Shin Hyun-woo, the former CEO of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, and two former senior company officials were indicted on Tuesday. The prosecutors also indicted the former head of a defunct sterilizer company. Many infants and their mothers suffered serious lung damage after inhaling harmful substances in sterilizers that were sold between 2001 and 2011, killing 95 according to reports.

- Security concerns prompted Kenya to close a large refugee camp located near its border with Somalia. The Dabaab camp will be closed this November. It was set up 25 years ago and is the world's biggest refugee camp, housing 350,000 people, most are Somalians. The Kenyan government says the camp has been used as the hideout from an Islamic terrorist organization Al-Shabab. It says the insurgents are recruiting fighters there.

- BMW's 3-Series Gran Turismo has been updated for the 2017 model year with new engine choices.

2017 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo

- A brand-new Opel/Vauxhall Zafira MPV was unveiled featuring full LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps, sporty exterior, new safety features, and more.

2017 Opel Zafira

- Former wrestler turned action star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson hints of a more badass federal agent Luke Hobbs he'll be reprising in the upcoming 8th Fast and Furious movie, due next year. His character's gritty appearance shows there's a potential for a Luke Hobbs spinoff.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, guess who's finally back? Yep, it's Divina! Welcome back!

TTFN!!!