The Philippines joined Japan in condemning the reported ballistic missile launch of North Korea on Monday.
President Marcos made the statement on Monday, Dec. 18, after North Korea reportedly fired an intercontinental ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan.
“We join Japan, together with the rest of the ASEAN (Association of the Southeast Asian Nations), in condemning the continued threat that the launching [of] ballistic missiles by the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] represents,” Marcos said.
"The Philippines joins its voice to all our partners in peace in condemning this looming existential threat," he added.
The President made the remarks during his speech at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) leaders meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, Japan as part of the 50th Commemorative ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Summit.
“As we speak on economic progress in our region, we found these aspirations on a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific Region. So, such dangerous and provocative actions by the DPRK threaten and destabilize the region and the world,” he stressed.
North Korea reportedly fired a long-range ballistic missile, which supposedly fell into the sea, west of Hokkaido, according to Japan’s coast guard.
- Tropical cyclone Kabayan has weakened into a tropical depression after its initial landfall over Manay, Davao Oriental, according to PAGASA.
- The trial for Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai is underway. A trial that could sentence him to life imprisonment if pleaded guilty.
- Humanitarian aid has entered Gaza directly from Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing for the first time in more than two months.
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has claimed victory in snap parliamentary elections, saying his party is heading for an absolute majority. His Serbian Progressive Party is set to win almost 47% of the vote, according to projections.
- The MF GHOST TV anime will return this 2024 for its second season.
- Wit Studio is making a ONE PIECE anime series for Netflix. The remake commemorates the original's 25th anniversary and will adapt "starting from" the East Blue saga.
- A movie adaptation of the Chainsaw Man anime was announced and it will be based on the manga's Reze arc. Reina Ueda joins the cast as the voice of Reze.
- Ji Suk Jin will take a temporary break from the SBS TV show Running Man.
- New K-POP girl group eite announced their fandom name "MATE", meaning “wherever we are, EITE and our MATE are linked together. Like friends, we can share all our joys, sorrows, and hardships with one another.”
- Texas defeats Nebraska for their second straight NCAA volleyball title.
- Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez passed away at the age of 77.
Obtained as a prize car from the limited-time Prestige Tour until the last Thursday of December 2023, the V10-powered Lamborghini track weapon, the Sesto Elemento, returns to Forza Motorsport. Another reason to wrap up Lamborghini's 60th-anniversary celebration with a V10 masterpiece that belongs only to the track and nowhere else.
Sesto Elemento, which means 6th element in Italian, is the name of the Lamborghini that was derived from the periodic table of elements because carbon is classified as the sixth element. True to its name, the Sesto Elemento demonstrates the worldwide leading expertise of Lamborghini in carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology. The super sports car brand from Sant'Agata Bolognese is the only vehicle manufacturer in the world to have mastered the complete CFRP process across a range of technologies, from 3D design through simulation, validation, production, and testing - all in a state-of-the-art industrial process that stands for the very highest quality standards.
Based on the racing-spec Gallardo, the V10 engine that powers it generates 570HP of power, making it capable of 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of only 2.5 seconds. It also has a power-to-weight ratio of 1.75 kilograms per hp.
Only 20 units of the track-only Sesto Elemento were made and sold.
With Yas Marina its sandbox, it's time to unleash the sixth sense within...the sixth element. Get it? Roll the tape.
This is another reason why the dark art of V10 magic is too hard to miss when it goes extinct by now. The glorious sound is impossible to be forgotten even in this track-only witchcraft. Speaking of witchcraft, the heart-shaped stuff at its rear bumper is the charm point of the Sesto Elemento.
See what I mean?
For a track car crafted by witchcraft, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is a blast to drive until the last drop.
Professor Gordon Murray CBE, famously known as the "father" of the McLaren F1, established his own sportscar company called Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), in the hopes of creating proper sports cars that are deemed fit and worthy for purists who are shying away from the establishment.
With the advent of the newly established Gordon Murray Automotive, the company unleashed its maiden masterpiece, the first to bear the siren's mark; the GMA T.50.
Gordon Murray Automotive made its Forza franchise debut with its first vehicle, the T.50, a chance to experience the newest masterpiece orchestrated by the "father" of the McLaren F1. So, what's it all about the GMA T.50?
With only 100 units made and sold, the T.50 is the true spiritual successor to the legendary McLaren F1. It features a signature 3.9L natural aspiration V12 engine made in cooperation with Cosworth, producing 663PS power and 467Nm of torque while mated to a 6-speed MT. Because it weighs 986kg, the T.50 has a weight-to-power ratio of 207kg/100PS.
Aerodynamics aside, the GMA T.50 features a controversial rear-mounted 400mm fan that actively manages the body's airflow, balancing drag and downforce at various speeds. It also interacts with a pair of active rear spoilers, generating more downforce when needed.
I know a rear fan is deemed illegal in motorsports, but little did they know that the McLaren F1, the 90s speed king it draws inspiration from, had two smaller fans hidden beneath its haunches to pull air below the car. The T.50's rear fan works just like the F1's.
Although controversial, the fan power gave the T.50 better dynamics thanks to its balanced drag and downforce at various speeds. Well played for a supercar with no flashy aero kits to emphasize its performance capabilities.
Having satisfied with its controversial fan power, simple design, and old-school performance, it's time to let the T.50 splash through the challenging corners of Spa, a chance to prove its worth as the spiritual successor to the McLaren F1. Nothing beats a spa day than this, get it? Anyway, let's roll the tape.
Not my best work yet but the T.50 proved its worth on a spa day.
The GMA T.50 is more than just the spiritual successor to the legendary McLaren F1. It's the definition of a purist's supercar that performs like nothing else. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, naturally-aspirated V12 engine, six-speed manual gearbox, and rear fan made the T.50 the definition of a genre-defying masterpiece that shatters beyond expectations.
Nothing in the world of motoring can give you this much adrenaline as driving this. That's Good Morning to you...and you're welcome.
Long before the famous Willy Wonka ran his iconic chocolate factory, he was a humble young inventor with a heart of gold finding ways to help people. Arrived before the holidays this movie from the world of Roald Dahl uncovers the secret origin of a man who will be known as Willy Wonka.
Wonka (2023 film)
Starring Timothy Chalamet as the titular character, the origin story of Willy Wonka uncovers how a young man made a fateful encounter with an Oompaloompa and joined forces to use his newfound inventions to good use, even if it means drawing attention from the authorities trying to stop him.
From its vivid storytelling, charming cast of characters, and musical performances in store, the secret origin of Willy Wonka is a whimsical spectacle the whole family will enjoy before Christmas kicks in. It is the ideal holiday season treat for the whole family eager to uncover Willy Wonka's humble beginnings.
Better thank the Oompaloompa pals for making the origin story possible. It's a free-spirited and magical fantasy movie worth watching from the beginning to the end. Nothing is sweeter than this.
- Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro warns that China is "converting South China Sea into a lake of China". To back his statement, Teodoro noted that China’s use of massive coast guard vessels while navigating Philippine waters is a testament to its attempt to enforce domestic presence in the South China Sea.
- PAGASA warns that a low-pressure area spotted near Mindanao may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in 24 hours with a chance of becoming a tropical cyclone to be named Kabayan.
- The European Union started its membership talks with Ukraine but Hungary failed to follow through with a veto threat.
- Israeli leaders tell the visiting White House national security adviser that the war in Gaza will last until 'absolute victory' is achieved over Hamas.
- A British teenager named Alex Batty, who went missing in France six years ago, was found and he's due back in the UK in the next few days. His family is "massively relieved".
- Alfa Romeo announced the name of their next crossover SUV due to be unveiled in the spring of 2024. The new crossover will be named Milano.
- Renault discontinued the Zoe electric compact.
- Cadillac previewed its upcoming Vistiq electric crossover coming in 2025.
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
- Kojima Productions and A24 studios team up for the live-action movie adaptation of the Death Stranding video game.
- fromis_9 member Lee Chaeyong didn't take part in the KBS Music Bank global festival due to health. In addition, (G)I-DLE canceled its appearance at the festival as well due to member Shuhua's sickness.
- The NCAA warns that transfers who compete during the temporary restraining order will lose eligibility if the decision is reversed. The NCAA published an eight-question document designed to help its membership in understanding issues stemming from Wednesday's decision. The fourth question asked whether the season of competition legislation applies to a student-athlete competing during the 14-day TRO.
- Admired author and Hollywood historian Cari Beauchamp passed away at the age of 74.
- The Philippines has secured a spot at the Damage Fund Board during the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, according to the DENR.
- The PH House of Representatives has approved all 17 SONA bills before the holiday recess.
- The national security advisors of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan urged China to desist from further provocative behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
- Israel has defied the UN's calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there can be no truce with Gaza until his forces have defeated Hamas.
- As US Republicans launch an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, the president's son, Hunter, refuses a congressional subpoena to testify behind closed doors.
- Mark Drakeford stepped down as leader of the Welsh Labour party, triggering a contest to replace him as first minister.
- Police in Wales, UK responds to a "serious incident" after reports of an explosion at an industrial estate.
- Radford unveiled the Pikes Peak record-breaking Type 62-2 "Track Car Edition" that will be limited to 12 units mate, featuring an extreme aero kit.
- Lancia teases the new-generation Ypsilon's front, previewing the new Lancia family face.
- Tesla issues Autopilot fix after the recall of over 2 million vehicles in the US and Canada.
- Former NU'EST member JR announced his January comeback with the first teaser of his second mini album "Brilliant Seasons".
- 2027's Super Bowl will be held at Los Angeles.
- Hulu dropped Sean "Diddy" Combs' reality series following sexual assault claims.
- A movie adaptation of the American Girl line of dolls is in the works with Paramount Pictures and Temple Hill.
