Cadillac CT6 and XT5

With Cadillac now taking a bold new approach with thanks to the man who used to shaped Nissan's Infiniti to its former glory, General Motors' luxury brand introduced us with two new machines that signals the rebirth that erases our minds from thinking that they're made only for senior citizens since...well, you know.

2016 Cadillac CT6

I'll begin with Cadillac's brand new flagship saloon, the CT6, and if the name takes a beating on you, that's because Cadillac's using a brand new naming structure similar to Renault-Samsung's. They'll be using the CT-prefix for saloons and XT-prefix for crossovers, but let's not talk long about it because let's focus onto the new CT6, the new flagship saloon from Cadillac. From the start, it looks closely similar to either a E-Class fighting CTS or a lackluster fleet-capable XTS but what this car looks like, it would be both because all that Art & Science philosophy is pouring into this saloon and from every angle, the CT6 rethinks the way Cadillac is meant to be, as an American flagship capable to tackle the likes of BMW's 7-Series, Audi's A8, Benz's S-Class, even Lexus's LS and Genesis' EQ900 as well.

One thing that sets them apart is the price because the CT6 starts at 53,495 US Dollars, which makes it a BMW 7-Series in 5-Series money. Now, that's a bargain but what do you get for a flagship saloon that is less expensive than the luxury flagships from Europe and Asia?

2016 Cadillac CT6 interior

Outside, the CT6 is a well-shaped saloon that balances style and performance at the same pace despite its big size. On the inside, you will notice the new Cadillac interior that will soon to apply in upcoming models within the end of the decade and it combines craftsmanship with technology that sets its class apart from the opposition. In my mind, the new Cadillac interior looks gorgeous by detail but it's not just the design that shaped the interior. It's the tech that revolutionized it and with the CT6, every nook and cranny has been well-shaped to give owners a much office-like feel on the road. Getting accommodated with the CT6's interior sounds nice but trying to learn more about the high-tech stuff is going to be a challenge, especially if you're not a big fan of technology.

2016 Cadillac CT6

What about driving? Since this is an entirely new car, the CT6 features a brand new platform as seen on the Chevrolet Camaro. Called the Omega platform, this platform uses a combination of steel and aluminum materials, resulting to a car that weighs less than BMW's 5-Series. That sounds great, as are the dynamics that feel great to drive but it's a bit tad old-fashioned if you know what I'm saying.

Then, there's the choice of engines. The CT6 comes with a choice of three engines; a 2.0L turbo, a 3.6L V6, and a powerful 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo engine producing 404HP of power and 542Nm of torque. all mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Word from the mouth is that there's going to be a turbocharged V8 model coming soon but don't expect this to be a more exciting addition to it because even though it packs more oomph, the turbo's main purpose of better fuel economy might get the drop out of you.

And there's more because while the CT6 promises tech for a luxury saloon of this size, it comes with a rather bizarre feature called the Super Cruise autonomous driving feature which allows hands-free lane following, braking, and speed control. That feels scary but this is the future we're living it and autonomous driving tech will be all over even before the end of the decade, which sounds not so bad but would will be the end of fun driving as we knew it? It's too early to tell but in the meantime, hope you're not so stupid about taking advantage of its autonomous driving feature because while this is the future, this feature has a big fine print that drivers like you should be aware of. If things get wrong, it's no one's guess.

The CT6 is the first of the eight new models Cadillac will be launched before the end of the decade and the second of what I mentioned will be a crossover called the XT5.

2017 Cadillac XT5

2017 Cadillac XT5

2017 Cadillac XT5 interior

Served as the replacement of the SRX, the new XT5 features similar looks as the CT6 as well as its 3.6L V6 natural aspiration engine mated to an 8-speed gearbox. This engine is good for having 310HP of power and 367Nm of torque so that sounds sporty for a good V6 engine that has been around in most Cadillac models in its portfolio but don't get too confident on its power because this comes with the platform used on the China-made Buick Envision, so you may have high doubts about how it performs not just on the city centers but also on the open roads if you have a schedule to go to the country club to play golf.

Speaking of golf, because this is a crossover, the XT5 features a much spacious cabin that can accommodate various lifestyles you see fit because the XT5 isn't just a crossover, it's a lifestyle that deserves to have a lifestyle check before setting off.

So, with Cadillac's new CT6 flagship saloon and the new XT5 crossover, the luxury division of General Motors has started its major overhaul and how will Cadillac fare better against the opposition from Europe and Asia is all up to its customer satisfaction that requires clear thinking and clear judgment to settle things once and for all.

Photo: General Motors

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

- President Rodrigo Duterte decided to have the gates of the Palace open to the underprivileged and people can cal the hotline 8888 for complaints or to seek government help. He also told to the Philippine National Police that he will protect the policemen if they can kill a thousand criminals in the line of duty.

- The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants to talk to presumptive Democratic presidentiable Hillary Clinton about her alleged use of her private e-mail address while she was Secretary of State, adding fuel to the recent scandal that might affect her road to presidency.

- Vote counting has begun in the Australian general election. Based on exit polls, the race between governing coalition of the Liberal and National Parties and the opposition Labour Party are too close to call.

- See how the second-generation Porsche Panamera handle the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

- Psst. Additional info of new Pokemon in the upcoming Pokemon Sun and Moon games is now on the radar with a new video showcasing Grubbin's evolved forms, Zygarde's 10% and Complete Forme, and new Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Drampa, Cutiefly, Bruxish, Rockruff, Komala, and the ultra-adorable Togedemaru.



- A sequel to Disney's 2012 animated movie Wreck-It Ralph was announced and it's coming this 2018. Are you game?

TTFN!!!

#BGHuliKaGags

On the July 1, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Huli Ka Gags

- This guy shows that he really moved on...

- More poolside fun with the Pool Senorita gals

- The President makes a fateful encounter...

- The Spoken-Neneng Song!

- Everybody's facing one problem after another...

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Kung Mahilig Kayo Sa Swertihan, 'Wag Ito Ang Inyong Papakinggan, Ito Ay Kwento Ng...KAMALASAN!?

- Picture Taking

- Basa-Basa-Pik!

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

- President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo met for the first time on Friday after assuming office as the Philippines' top two government officials. Both attended the Armed Forces of the Philippines turnover ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Duterte acknowledge the presence of Robredo in his speech after new AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya took command of the military.

- Following his departure from office, former president Benigno Aquino III is set to face criminal charges for the death of 44 PNP-SAF units during the Mamasapano clash on January 25 last year. Families of the so-called SAF 44 will file a complaint for multiple homicide against Aquino, former PNP chief Alan Purisima and former SAF director Getulio Napenas before the Office of the Ombudsman, according to Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption.

- Returning to the Brexit aftermath, former London mayor Boris Johnson, one of the spearheaders of the campaign to make UK "leave" the EU, says he will not enter the leadership race of the ruling Conservative Party. Johnson faced multiple criticisms with his party for switching to the Leave camp. He was initially believed to have a pro-EU stance and the switch was a ruse in order to succeed David Cameron.

- Turkish reports say authorities knew that Islamic State militants were plotting a terror attack on the airport in Istanbul, 20 days before the attack. Suicide bombings and shootings at Ataturk Airport on Tuesday killed 44 people and injured over 200.

- In science news, researchers say that the hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica has shrunk over the last 15 years. The ozone layer shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays but CFCs and other gases have been damaging the layer since the late 80's. Countries signed the Montreal Protocol in 1987 to boost measures to preserve the ozone layer. The researchers found that the ozone hole has shrunk by about 4-million square kilometers in September 2015 from 2000, meaning that Earth is recovering.

- The NHTSA began their preliminary investigation on the Tesla Autopilot system after a motorist was killed in a Model S while the Autopilot was engaged. It is believed the first known fatality using an autonomous driving tech. Reports told that the Tesla's windshield struck the tractor trailer as it passed under. The trailer's white paint set against a bright sky were the cause of the Autopilot failure.

- To celebrate the upcoming Ghostbusters movie, they collaborated with ride-sharing service Lyft to offer Ecto-1 rides in select US cities.

- The sequel to 2013's Pacific Rim giant robot movie is set to hit theaters by early 2018, according to reports.

TTFN!!!

How to dress as one of Aqours

In honor of the upcoming premiere of the much-awaited Love Live! Sunshine!! TV series, this is the perfect opportunity to explain any Lovelivers around the world how to dress as one of the Aqours members. If you need a quick refresher, Love Live! Sunshine!! centers on nine teenage girls on how they formed Aqours and become Uranohoshi Girls High School's finest school idol group ever formed.

Love Live! Sunshine!!

Since this is an idol anime packed with idol girls, the girls will have a wide array of wardrobe they'll be wearing throughout the course of Love Live! Sunshine!! and while you'll be worrying about the outfits later, the target will be hairstyles based on Aqours members. I'll be detailing it so pay attention.

As Chika - Chika Takami is the leader of Aqours and the youngest of the three sisters. She's a second year student and her family runs an inn. She's a fan of μ's. To start being Chika, it may take a orange wig with a just-size (not too short, not too long) to do the job but notice the hair accessories Chika wore? She had a big yellow ribbon on her left and a small green one on her right but I don't think that's the half of it because there's a small braided portion of the left of Chika's hair. If you can manage to replicate Chika's hairdo, you're free to do whatever outfit you like.

As Riko - Formerly from Tokyo, Riko Sakurauchi now resides to Uchiura. A second year student who loves to draw and likes to stay indoors. Judging from her hairdo, Riko has a crimson-colored long hair with a few specks on her right. If being Riko is an easy task, the choice of outfits will not be easy but I'll leave it all to you.

As Kanan - Kanan Matsuura is a senior-year student who runs a diving shop with her grandmother on a nearby island. Just a simple long blue hair should do the trick but don't forget the ponytail look that Kanan had. Once settled, the outfits are up to you but for the record, you better don't let anyone's guard down while you're on a wet suit because diving is one of Kanan's pastime.

As Dia - Dia Kurosawa is the senior-year student and she's Uranohoshi Girls High School's student council president. As I believed, Dia's behavior will be similar to her predecessor, Eli Ayase from μ's. She rejected the idea of having a school idol group in the first place but she'll be reluctant to be part of it if things get dirty. If you maintained your long black hair, disregard this notice but if you cut it by mistake, best to have an emergency long black hair wig ready and spec out with some minor hair accessories to complete the Dia look.

As You - You Watanabe is a second year student and an excellent diver fit for a swim club. Oh dear, fans expect that they're going to wet themselves in bedtime upon remembering this idol swimmer in her speedo, but for the ladies who are reluctant to become You, a sand-colored wig should do the trick but keep the wig just the right shortness. Once settled, feel free to do whatever outfits as you please. Be warned though because there are worse things than running through a You Watanabe cosplayer wearing a tight one-piece speedo.

As Yoshiko - Yoshiko Tsushima is a first year student who considered to be unlucky. She prefers to be called Yohanne instead of her real name. She dislikes mikan fruits. Yoshiko's hair is somewhat royal blue-ish, and it's long, so it would be a super tricky approach to find the right blue color for the wig. Also, the round part on the right of Yoshiko's hair would be less rewarding but once done, you're free to do whatever outfits you like.

As Hanamaru - Hanamaru Kunikida is a first year student and a daughter of a family of shrine keepers. Although she's a member of a local choir, she loves to read and gets dizzy easily. To become Hanamaru, a simple toffee colored hairdo should do the trick and the rest is up to you.

As Mari - Mari Ohara is a half-Japanese senior student who is a daughter of an Italian-American father who had his hands full with the hotel businesses. She likes to do things at her own pace. Yes. a blonde hairdo should do the trick but this going to be fairly difficult to replicate Mari's hairdo due to the odd-looking style at the top of Mari's. It's a very challenging task but if you managed to sort it out, the outfits are yours for the choosing.

As Ruby - Ruby Kurosawa is a first year student and a good friend of Hanamaru. She maybe prone to crying but she's good at sewing. This is a very easy task for those who want to be Ruby because all you need is a red wig and pigtails just to complete the look. Once settled, good luck on your outfit hunting out there.

And there you have it. If you can choose which Aqours member will you be, sorting out the costumes is now the next objective for you all and once done, it's showtime! With the help of your buddies, you'll be able to show what Aqours is all about! I have high hopes that there will be a plethora of Aqours cosplay around the corner post-premiere so good luck, Lovelivers!

Let's Do The News! (June 30, 2016)

- Rodrigo Roa Duterte has officially began his first day as President of the Philippines. In his inauguration at the Malacanang Palace, Duterte took his oath after former President Benigno Aquino III was given departure honors at the Palace grounds. Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes administered Duterte's oath at the Palaces' Rizal Ceremonial Hall, which was attended by 627 guests.

- Separately, former Camarines Sur representative Leni Robredo outlines her agenda as the new Vice President of the Philippines. In her six-year term, Robredo will address hunger and food security, universal health care, rural development, education, and people empowerment. Robredo's vice presidency is an opportunity to include those in the periphery in the journey towards development.

- The Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro has officially stepped down from his position Thursday. He is the only DepEd secretary to serve a full six-year term following the fall of the dictatorship.

- Onto the Brexit aftermath, Britain faces tough negotiations with the European Union over its withdrawal from the bloc. EU leaders have discussed in Brussels how to proceed after Britain voted to leave in a national referendum last week. Britain hopes to maintain its access to the EU's tariff-free common market.

- Back at the Istanbul airport attack, Turkish media has identified the three suicide bombers behind the attack at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. The attackers came from North Caucasus in southern Russia and elsewhere. The death toll is now 42 and authorities accused the Islamic State behind the attacks.

- The third-generation Citroen C3 has been unveiled featuring a much racy design inspired from the C4 Cactus crossover, new ConnectedCAM feature, new interior, and a range of new PureTech petrol and BlueHDI diesel engines.

2017 Citroen C3

- See how the McLaren P1 LM broke the road car record at last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed in a record time of 47.07 seconds.

- 007 actor Daniel Craig to star alongside Halle Berry in L.A. Riots Movie. That news seems interesting because Halle Berry was a Bond girl in the 2002 Bond movie, Die Another Day.

- Today marks the 50th Weeksary of AlDub and at that time of the celebration, a music video of the theme song of the upcoming movie Imagine You & Me made its premiere!



TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: China does not accept N. Korea as a nuclear state

South Korea and China have strongly reaffirmed their stance against North Korea's recent missile provocations and its ongoing nuclear program. During the meeting with South Korean PM Hwang Kyo-an in Beijing, Chinese president Xi Jinping reaffirms stance that China does not accept N. Korea as a nuclear state, nor its so-called Byungjin policy, which is developing its economy and nuclear arms at the same time. He added that China is fully abiding by the latest UN Security Council resolution and has submitted a report on how they are implementing sanctions on the North.

Later, a top US official has warned that without US protection of Asian allies, even advanced countries like Japan and South Korea would seek their own nuclear weapons. US Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken said such scenario would trigger "regional nuclear arms races", which the US government has been pouring efforts into preventing for decades. Blinken insists the world would be safer for Americans by having South Korea and Japan under the US nuclear umbrella.

Meanwhile, the 2016 Rimpac naval exercise has begun on Hawaii. Over 27 nations are taking part in the largest exercise to date. South Korea has deployed 700 navy personnel's along with warships. The exercises will run through the 4th of August.

Source: Arirang News