Let's Do The News! (December 7, 2023)

                                          

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The PH Department of Health clarified that there are more than four reported cases of walking pneumonia. Although not a new disease, there are numerous cases in the Philippines. The "walking pneumonia" is a respiratory infection that was said to spread across China and it can be treated with antibiotics, according to the World Health Organization.

- The Mindanao State University will resume classes this Monday as it cooperates with the PNP, the AFP, and local governments for enhanced security and safety.

- The US military grounds fleet of hundreds of Osprey VTOL helicopters after a crash that killed eight service members last week in Japan. Air Force and Navy officials said they had taken their steps "to mitigate risk while the investigation continues". Japan grounded its fleet of 14 Ospreys after the crash as well.

- Three people were killed in a deadly shooting on the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus. The gunman, a white former college professor in his sixties, was shot dead by police officers.

- The British government has signed the Hillsborough Charter, pledging never to repeat injustices suffered by the families of the 97 casualties from the April 15, 1989 Hillsborough Stadium stampede but stops short of the new law.

- Republican senators of the US Senate blocked bills for extended funding for Ukraine and Israel, insisting on more funding for tougher border security, another blow to the Biden administration.

- Israeli forces are clashing against Hamas militants in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where the militants' top chief is hiding.

- Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori was freed after serving over 15 years in prison for corruption and human rights violations during his rule. Fujimori remains a divisive figure responsible for crushing the top rebel group in the 1990s.

- Honda will showcase a range of electric vehicles at next month's Consumer Electronics Showcase.

- The Mini Cooper SE J01 receives a John Cooper Works Trim variant.

- The fifth-generation Toyota Prius won Japan Car of the Year with the Mitsubishi Delica Mini won Design of the Year, the Nissan Serena C28 as Technology of the Year, and the BMW X1 U11 as Import Car of the Year.

- The FIA is investigating a suspected breach of confidentiality between Formula 1 and the Wolffs, Toto and Suzie. Mercedes, Susie, and F1 have issued a statement completely denying the allegations. Toto Wolff is the team principal for the championship-winning Mercedes-AMG F1 team while his wife Suzie is the managing director of the all-female F1 Academy junior racing series.

- Hoonigan released the final Electrikhana video starring the late Ken Block. ELECTRIKHANA TWO was filmed in Mexico, two months before Ken Block's accidental death.

- SYNDUALITY: Noir's second part will air on TV Tokyo this January 8th.

- Shin Jaewon announced his departure from the group The Wind.

- TAPE, Inc. says it will continue using the Eat Bulaga! brand while awaiting the final decision by the Intellectual Property Office. A few days ago, TVJ won the EB trademark case, prompting the IPO to nullify the Eat Bulaga trademark from TAPE.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (December 6, 2023)

                                         

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Surigao del Sur is placed under a state of calamity following the December 2 Magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off its coasts.

- The Antique Provincial Government clarified that 17 died from the accident involving a Ceres bus, which fell into a ravine in Hamtic, Antique on Tuesday. The provincial government earlier reported the bus had 53 passengers, and at least 25 were dead on the spot.

- The PH House of Representatives approved a bill to raise car taxes on its second reading. House Bill No. 9647 will change motor vehicle users’ charges into motor vehicle road users’ taxes if enacted.

- Israel forces expect the "fiercest day of fighting" in the ongoing war in Gaza. Israeli forces are "in the heart" of Khan Younis in the south. The World Health Organization says the situation in Gaza is getting worse by the hour.

- The United States is refusing visas for extremist Israeli settlers who have attacked Palestinians.

- The United Kingdom and Rwanda have signed a new asylum treaty to address Supreme Court concerns.

- A 28-year-old man from Merthyr Tyfdil, Wales, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after stabbing a 29-year-old woman in Aberfan.

- The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 4Matic+ Coupe was unveiled. It's powered by a 3.0L inline-six engine with electric turbo and ISG, producing 449PS of power and 600Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT, it has 270kph of top speed with the AMG Driver's Package.

2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 4Matic+ Coupe

- All members of BLACKPINK have renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment.

- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis slammed the College Football Playoff's decision to exclude the Florida State football team from the four-team playoff. DeSantis said he is asking for $1 million to let FSU sue the CFP committee even though the championship will be decided months before a budget is approved. The semifinals are set for January 1, with the championship game to be played on January 8.

- P-Pop boy group SB19 resolves ownership issue with former agency ShowBT.

- TAPE Inc. is appealing the IPO decision to cancel its Eat Bulaga! trademark, moments after the TVJ trio won the trademark case, nullifying TAPE's EB trademark by the Intellectual Property Office.

TTFN.

Fifth-Generation Suzuki Swift

Fresh off the Japan Mobility Show, the all-new, fifth-generation, Suzuki Swift has arrived and it promises to be the most advanced Swift ever made for the age of the "new normal".

2024 Suzuki Swift

With prices starting at 1,727,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Suzuki Swift marks a radical shift for the brand's world-proven compact hatchback that was enjoyed not just in Japan but also across the Silk Road. From the streets of Tokyo to the winding roads of Switzerland, this world-proven hatchback has turned for the greater good.

2024 Suzuki Swift

First, let's take a look at the design. In a rather un-Suzuki way, the new front face saw the Suzuki logo positioned above the grille rather than into it as most of its predecessors did, making it easily mistaken for a Honda ZR-V. Apart from the questionable front face, it packs familiar-looking front lamps, rear lamps, and the recognizable silhouette that makes a Swift, well, a Swift.

2024 Suzuki Swift interior

The interior is heavily revamped for this new version and it comes with the nine-inch touchscreen positioned above the dashboard as well as a new instrumental panel with a multi-information display, climate control, heated seats, and others. On the passenger side, this five-seater is as roomy as its predecessor and with the rear seats present it can still carry up to 265 liters of boot space but with the rear seats folded down, it can carry up to 980 liters of boot space, more than its predecessor so job done.

2024 Suzuki Swift

Time to dig deep into the performance side of the all-new Swift. Under the hood, it's powered by Suzuki's brand new Z12E 1.2L three-cylinder engine with available mild hybrid technology. The new engine produces 82PS of power and 108Nm of torque. Equipped with a new and improved CVT, it has a fuel economy of 24.5kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. 

The all-new Suzuki Swift is the first MHEV model to be mated to a manual gearbox, a five-speed one to be precise, and this gearbox promises 25.4kmpl of fuel economy, more than the CVT-mated model, which sounds good.

Coupled with the improved suspension and chassis setup, electric power steering, and the HEARTECT platform that adds lightness and rigidity, the all-new Swift has a turning radius of 4.8 meters despite its long wheelbase, making it easy to corner and behave like a European car. Give it 4WD and it's capable of taking on tarmac, gravel, or snow. Another reason why the Swift is a world-proven car.

As for safety, the all-new Swift comes with Suzuki Safety Support, a series of preventive safety measures such as traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, driver recognition, blind spot warning system, and others. It's compatible with the Suzuki Connect service where users can find their Swift or take advantage of emergency services in case of the inevitable such as accidents or car theft. It can even start remotely by smartphone as well.

A world-proven car not just in Japan but across the Silk Road from Peking to Paris, the Suzuki Swift has turned for the age of the "new normal", the first Suzuki Swift of the Reiwa era. From its radicalized looks, new interior, the new Z12E engine, and new technology, this is clearly the most advanced Swift ever made in this unstable world we live in and it tries to be as stable as stable should be.

Available colors: Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic, Cool Yellow Metallic, Burning Red Pearl Metallic, Flame Orange Pearl Metallic, Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic, Star Silver Metallic, Super Black Pearl, Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic Black 2-tone Roof, Cool Yellow Metallic Black 2-tone Roof, Burning Red Pearl Metallic Black 2-tone Roof, and Pure White Pearl Black 2-tone Roof.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: Know Your Legends - Porsche 356A

Let's get to know about the legendary cars that are hard to get in Gran Turismo 7's Legend Cars not only because of their extreme rarity that appears once in a blue moon but also their outrageous price tag that takes almost forever to save one. Today, let's get to know about the Porsche 356A, the improved version of the first Porsche ever made.

The 356 is the first Porsche ever made when it was launched in 1948 and forever revolutionized the compact sports car genre. The 356A is the improved version of the said car. Debuted in 1955 and again in 1959, the 365A was offered with a four-cam Carrera engine only available on spyder race cars. Engine ranges vary from 1300 1.3L Type 506 engine up to the 1600 1.6L Type 616 engine with dual downdraft Zenith carburetors, producing 59hp of power and 110Nm of torque. 

Seen here is the 1500 GS Carrera, a limited-edition model powered by the same 1.5L four-came engine as the 550 Spyder that produces less than a hundred horsepower. It was the first to don the Carrera name, which has now become synonymous with Porsche.

Let's drive the 356A around the Goodwood track to prove its worth. Roll the tape.

It did it in 1m50.834s.

This car says it all. It's the genesis of Porsche, redefined.

What other hard-to-get legendary cars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

Let's Do The News! (December 5, 2023)

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Hinatuan Municipality was placed under a state of calamity following a magnitude 7.4 quake rattling Surigao del Sur on December 2nd.

- Alfredo Panlilio retires as president and CEO of PLDT after about three years due to health concerns and Manuel Pangilinan will take over his post at the start of next year.

- China says its swarming of militia ships at the Julian Felipe Reef is "justified and lawful".

- The world's biggest nuclear fusion reactor in Japan was activated with the goal of "bring us closer to fusion energy", mimicking the process that takes place inside the sun.

- The United States said that Israel's targeted evacuations in Gaza 'an improvement' but Washington says it's too early to say if it's heeding advice to protect civilians.

- The president of the United Nations climate summit says he's dismayed by what he called the constant attempts to undermine his work.

- Your first look at the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI coming this 2025. The new installment brings back Vice City and it will feature the series' first female protagonist.

- Skybound Entertainment, the studio behind The Walking Dead TV series and the Prime Video original cartoon Invincible, launched its Japan division with Ash Nukui heads the Skybound Japan branch.

- Mnet launches Vocal Boy Group Survivor reality series, to be hosted by Lee Da Hee. The reality survival show will air this 2024.

- The Florida State team beats Stanford at the score of 5-1 to win the Women's College Cup. Florida State became the first undefeated champion in over a decade, joining the 2011 Stanford squad that went 23-0. The Seminoles and Cardinal made history in the first NCAA Division I women's national championship game pitting two undefeated teams.

- Australia's Gold Coast pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

- Spotify canceled the Heavyweight and Stolen podcasts.

- SAG-AFTRA members debate deal merits ahead of the ratification vote as concerns over AI protections have become a major flashpoint inside the guild.

- SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz talks about the proposed Liberty Media merger as well as the new app for young customers. “We all agree that something simpler makes sense,” Witz said of a proposed new public company merging the satellite radio giant with the Liberty SiriusXM tracking stock group.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (December 4, 2023)

                                       

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The PH Supreme Court asks Vice President Sara Duterte to answer the petition on the constitutionality of the OVP's 125-million peso confidential fund. The Supreme Court has not yet acted on the petition, as it first wants to get the respondents’ side, which is part of the procedure.

- The Child Rights Network has strongly denounced what's called a "violent attack" that took place at the Mindanao State University that killed four people and injured 46 while in the middle of a Sunday mass. According to the CRN, the attack violated the Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Law, which declares schools and places of worship as Zones of Peace.

- 11 climbers died following last weekend's eruption of the Marapi volcano in Indonesia while the other 12 remained missing as of now.

- Israeli forces are pushing into southern Gaza.

- The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen say they've attacked two ships in the Red Sea.

- Baroness Glennys Kinnock of Holyhead, former minister, MEP, and wife of former Labour leader Lord Kinnock, passed away.

- Four people were killed, including two children and two police officers, after a stabbing attack in Queens, New York.

- Prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow fled to Canada to avoid arrest. Chow was arrested in 2020 for taking part in the anti-government protests in 2019 and was released a year later.

- Toyota showcased two SUV concepts at a Kenshiki forum in Brussels, Belgium; the Urban SUV Concept and the Sport Crossover Concept jointly developed by China's BYD.

- At the Gran Turismo World Series Finals in Barcelona, Pol Urra from Spain wins the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup while Nissan wins the Manufacturers Cup, and hosting country Spain wins the Nations Cup.

- Genesis unveiled its Vision Gran Turismo entry called the X Gran Berlinetta VGT coming to Gran Turismo 7 this January.

Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT

- Luxury fashion brand BVLGARI unveiled its Vision Gran Turismo car coming soon to Gran Turismo 7. Two limited edition watches inspired by the BVLGARI Aluminium Vision Gran Turismo were unveiled.

BVLGARI Aluminium VGT

BVLGARI Aluminium
Gran Turismo Special Edition

- A new Pretty Series anime is coming this April 2024 with the full unveiling this January 26th. Also, crowdfunding for the High School! Kiratto PriChan virtual musical will begin on December 6

- Fantagio announced the immediate closure of the long-term memorial space for ASTRO member Moonbin.

- A 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card was auctioned for 7.2 million US Dollars, the third highest sum ever paid for a sports card behind the T206 Sweet Caporal Honus Wagner card. It became the most expensive Babe Ruth item of all time.

TTFN.

Extreme E S3 - Copper X Prix

The third season of EXTREME E concludes in Chile for the Copper X Prix. With Acciona Sainz and RXR now three points apart, the last two races will determine which team gets the title.

The first part saw the RXR team extend their title fight after winning the race while Acciona Sainz finished 2nd and X44 Vida Carbon finished 3rd. In the season's final race, Veloce Racing scored its third race win while RXR finished 2nd and X44 Vida Carbon finished 3rd.

Screengrab from EXTREME E

As EXTREME E Season 3 wrapped up, the RXR team of Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Johan Kristoffersson crowned EXTREME E's first two-time champions.

Congratulations to RXR for their second EXTREME E title, and this concludes the third season of EXTREME E.