Strawberry Trapper

Uranohoshi Girls High School's idol unit, Aqours, from Love Live! Sunshine!!, the second generation of the Love Live franchise, is divided into three sub-groups in tradition of what the legendary μ's did with Printemps, lily white, and BiBi. First, there's CYaRon! comprising of Chika Takami, You Watanabe, and Ruby Kurosawa. Then, there's Azalea comprising of Kanan Matsuura, Dia Kurosawa, and Hanamaru Kunikida, And finally, Guilty Kiss comprising of Riko Sakurauchi, Yoshiko Tsushima, and Mari Ohara.

Strawberry Trapper 

With the launch of Guilty Kiss' first single, Strawberry Trapper, the first wave of Aqours' sub-group CD releases is well and truly complete for now, and on this single, what can you say? It's like BiBi all over again, only this time we are welcomed with two brand news songs coming straight from Guilty Kiss comprising of Riko Sakurauchi, Yoshiko Tsushima, and Mari Ohara. Apart from the two songs offered, there is an audio drama part where we can expect more from this trio.

So, with CYaRon, AZALEA, and Guilty Kiss presented their own singles, which of the Aqours sub-units you like the most? Try them all and decide.

TRACK LISTINGS:

01. Strawberry Trapper

02. Guilty Night, Guilty Kiss!

03. Strawberry Trapper (Off Vocal)

04. Guilty Night, Guilty Kiss! (Off Vocal)

05. 遊覧船でどこまでも❤

20 Years of Pokemon: The best Pokemon all things considered is...

Since two months ago, to honor the Pokemon franchise's 20th anniversary, Pokemon fans across Japan decide who is the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time by taking on a one-of-a-kind Pokemon Sousenkyo 720. In that very event, fans voted who is the best Pokemon and the winning Pokemon will be offered for those who attended the crowning ceremony. After a month of tallying the votes, the public decided and as announced on a special crowning ceremony earlier...

This then is the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time...

Ash-Greninja

Not exactly what it looks like in this shot but you get the idea. To repeat, the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time...is none other than Greninja, the Ninja Pokemon.

Yes, the world got shocked on this result but why this Water-and-Dark-type Pokemon is named as the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time, dethroning mythical Pokemons like Mew and Arceus, and all-time favorites like Charizard and Pikachu?

Some say, it's the Protean ability that made this Pokemon a game-changer in rating battles, online competitions, and world championships. Some say, it's the looks that appeal most Pokemon fans, even women. Some say, its unique power to become Ash-Greninja in Pokemon The Series XYZ made this Pokemon a stand-out. All we know is, such fascinating traits made Greninja the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time.

The list of top 10 Pokemon from the Pokemon Sousenkyo 720 (based on vote tallies)

1) Greninja

2) Arceus

3) Mew

4) Pikachu

5) Sylveon

6) Charizard

7) Genesect

8) Rayquaza

9) Meloetta

10) Zygarde

So, there you have it. If someone asked you who is the best Pokemon all things considered after twenty years, there's your answer. The Water-and-Dark type Ninja Pokemon that crowned as the winner of the Pokemon Sousenkyo 720 and now under the hands of guests who made it at the crowning ceremony.

I have no idea there will come a day some Pokemon will dethrone everyone's favorite Pikachu in the title of world's best Pokemon.

Photo: Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, Shopro, JR Kikaku

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: THAAD negotiations made progress

The Pentagon says South Korea and the United States have made considerable progress in the possible deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system or THAAD to the South. According to reports, the two nations are already discussing possible deployment sites in South Korea.

In a CNN interview, South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo said the THAAD deployment gives allies a chance to counter threats from North Korea.

Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se will visit Moscow next week for talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei LAvrov on North Korea's nuclear weapons program and other issues. It will be Yun's first visit to Russia since he took office in early 2013 and the first such visit by a South Korean foreign minister in five years.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says North Korea could have restarted reprocessing spent nuclear fuel to make plutonium for nuclear weapons.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano says satellite evidence shows North Korea has likely resumed activities at its Yongbyon plant. He went on to urge North Korea to cooperate with the IAEA and fully comply with their international obligations.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (June 7, 2016)

- The incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte mulls a tax on junk food and an additional levy on gasoline and other oil products. In a television interview, incoming finance secretary Carlos Dominguez III said he would like to impose a tax on food products that are "obesity-and-disease-causing" including junk food and the tax imposition should stop people from consuming unhealthy foods.

- Meanwhile, Duterte said he would no longer grant interviews to reporters until his term ends to avoid criticisms and wrong statements following his comments on journalist killings.

- PAGASA said the southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to linger and bring rains over most parts of the country on Tuesday. In its advisory, Luzon will be most affected by the monsoon, with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms likely.

- As Muslims began observing the holy month of Ramadan, governments from across the globe are on heightened alert, after the Islamic State urged its followers to carry out attacks during the period. Some opposition forces in Syria asked the United Nations to urge the government of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to half attacks during Ramadan.

- Ukrainian security officials have detained a French man on suspicion of plotting terrorist attacks to coincide with the Euro 2016 soccer championship. The Security Service of Ukraine announced on Monday that the man was arrested late last month at a checkpoint on the border with Poland, seizing automatic rifles, over 5,000 bullets and rpgs. Investigators say he was planning attacks for around the Euro 2016, which is set to start on the 10th of June in France. They say his targets included French government office buildings and a mosque.

- Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was reportedly gained enough delegates to win the presidential nomination at the Democratic Party convention next month. Ahead of an upcoming "Super Tuesday" Democratic presidential primaries, reports told that Clinton secured 2,383 delegates, more than enough to score the nomination. Clinton's the first female politician to win a presidential nomination of a major US party and she's going to have an uphill battle against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

- Tropical Storm Colin gained speed over the Gulf of Mexico on Monday as it headed toward northwest of Florida, causing thunderstorms and flooding while the state's governor activated the National Guard ahead of its landfall. The storm is about 35 miles from Florida as of 8:00 PM easter time and it barrelled toward land at 23mph, faster than it moved earlier in the day, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

- The latest online polls in Britain show the "Brexit" campaign has a slight lead ahead of the June 23rd referendum. The similar results of polls taken last week by ICM and YouGov were released on Monday. The YouGov poll showed that 45% would support Brexit while 41% would opt to stay. On Monday, former London mayor Boris Johnson, the advocate of Brexit, said the risks of remaining in EU are becoming more obvious. UK PM David Cameron, meanwhile, warned that leaving the EU would be catastrophic in its economy.

- The Renault Twingo received the range-topping GT variant packed with 110HP of horsepower from its 900cc 3-cylinder engine. It will debut at this month's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

2017 Renault Twingo GT

- The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate was unveiled, packed with the same technological and performance features as the saloon model as well as a E43 AMG 4Matic variant with 9-speed gearbox.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG Estate

- CHECK THIS OUT: As the audition for the upcoming South Korean drama adaptation of THE IDOLM@STER is still underway, 19 finalists split into two teams, A Team and B Team, and tasked to do original music videos. Here's the result;

TTFN!!!

Top Gear S23E02

Top Gear S23E02

In the second episode of "brand new" Top Gear, we see Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc, and Eddie Jordan venture through South Africa for a triple crossover test between the Jaguar F-Pace, Porsche Macan, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Amid the misery from three special guests, the three face series of tests, both on and off-road, to find out which crossover is the best...and some cheating in store.

Before that, Chris Evans is at the Top Gear Track to try out the McLaren 675LT supercar, even with Jenson Button's help. With Stig behind the wheel, it set a 1:13.7 lap time round the track, the fastest car to lap the Top Gear Test Track.

Then, this episode's Stars in a Rallycross Car, Damian Lewis set a 1:53.9 lap time and Sharleen Spiteri did it in 2:01.4.

Third-generation Toyota Estima (2017 Minor Change)

The third-generation Toyota Estima (known in some parts in the world as the Previa) has been around for ten years when it first debuted in 2006 and despite its age, Toyota gave minor changes twice; one by late 2008 and another one by 2012. For 2016, the ten year-old, third-generation, Estima has been given its third minor change and fingers crossed this would be the last because a new version is coming in the future and seems that Toyota's trying to go out with...a pop.

2017 Toyota Estima

The 2017 Estima has been given a new keen look on its aged exterior design, judging from its new trapezoidal look on its new bumper broadly similar to the Corolla Axio/Fielder and the Sienta, Bi-beam LED lamps, slimmer front grille, revised sides, and the revised rear design. Keeping this van fresh after ten years sounds challenging but today's Estima really know how to pull this off.

2017 Toyota Estima interior

2017 Toyota Estima interior

Apart from the exterior, modest changes also occur on the inside, as hinted by a revised dashboard, revised steering wheel, new climate control, and a more comfortable cabin as you can expect in most Japanese minivans used not just for the family but for the wealthy and the influential as well. Of course, the Estima can be offered in either a seven-seater (with luxurious second row seats) and a more family-friendly eight-seater. Whichever the seating variation you're on, this minivan never forgets its practicality and convenience that would benefit drivers and passengers alike.

2017 Toyota Estima

On the petrol version, only the 2,4L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine was offered and when mated with a Super CVT-i, fuel consumption is expected to be at around 11.4km/L under JC08 Mode standards. The hybrid model still has the 2.4L 2AZ-FXE engine with two electric motors equipped on both wheels (making it four-wheel drive, of course) and couple that with the CVT, fuel economy is expected to be 18km/L. Hmmm, looks like they're not exaggerating over this one. As for handling, the 2017 Estima features a reworked chassis to make it handle better than the previous facelift.

The 2017 Estima is now safer than ever thanks to the addition of Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function.

Should you buy one? The 2017 Estima starts from 3,473,000 to 4,987,000 Japanese Yen (around 1,490,000 to 2,140,000 Philippine Pesos), which sounds like a lot compared to Toyota's flagship minivans, the Alphard and the Vellfire. The third-generation Estima may be ten years old since its 2006 debut but this latest revision puts some keen look to its aged design and let's hope this would be a decent send-off to this generation.


Available Colors: Black x Red Mica Metallic, Black x Dark Cherry Mica Metallic, Black x Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Cherry Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Two years ago, Michael Bay brought us a live action reboot of a popular cartoon show, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and despite its grotesque appearance, that cannot stop the turtles by showing off their buttkicking moves and their corny jokes some called it funny. Now, the turtles are back for another hilarious thrill ride that will still blow our shells away for more.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Out of the Shadows

Called Out of the Shadows, this second installment promises more action than the previous film with wild results you can expect from Leo, Mikey, Ralph, and Donnie, and the others. In addition to returning baddies such as The Shredder, Out of the Shadows features the movie appearance of mutant villains as seen from the TV series such as Rocksteady and Bebop. This is going to be one heck of a showdown that deserves to be called a thriller with a hint of sarcasm our favorite shell-shocked heroes can expect.

Just like the first film, appearances can be somewhat as discorded as the Transformers movies that Bay directed because their looks really hurt our childhood memories but if you didn't bother about their appearances, this sequel has everything you can expect on an action flick; stunts, martial arts, alien invasion, and some corny jokes the turtles can come up with. Sure, we got tickled by the turtles' comic dialogue and for this sequel, we never know what kind of jokes or puns our heroes come up for this time but jokes aside, it's so darn hilarious to watch.

Although it's as messy as the last one, TMNT2 balances the thrills of the action movie with the humor of a comedy flick, resulting to one heck of a superhero flick you can watch for the summer movie season. Although too bland to call it a superhero flick, it's not half bad to watch this flick even if you're not a fan of the series.

My rating: 3.4 out of 5.