Let's Do The News! (March 15, 2024)

                               

                                                                        

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

-  COMELEC commenced "mall voting" for the 2025 midterm elections.

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos defends his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte's allegations that he is only "going for a walk" during his foreign visits.

- The DENR is studying legal bases to close the controversial Captain's Peak swimming pool in Bohol. The LGUs of Sagbayan, Bohol, came in defense of the DENR over the issue of the controversial swimming pool near Chocolate Hills.

- A 17-year-old boy admits killing 15-year-old stab victim Elianne Andam at a bus stop in Croydon last September but denies murder.

- The father of the Michigan school gunman who killed four students has been convicted of manslaughter. The trial heard that James Crumbley had ignored his 15-year-old son's mental health needs, buying him the handgun he used in the November 2021 attack.

- Top US Democrat Chuck Schumer demands for a new election in Israel. The US Senate majority leader sharply criticises the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accusing him of prioritising his "political survival".

- The Gran Turismo World Series 2024 will begin this April.

- Baseball player Shohei Ohtani revealed that Mamiko Tanaka is his new wife, weeks after his shock marriage announcement.

- Swimmers and other athletes are suing the NCAA over transgender policies.

- The long-delayed biopic project of the late singer April Boy Regino will finally push through. Former Dingras, Ilocos Norte mayor Marynette Gamboa returns to produce the film.

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: The World Standard

The Volkswagen ID.4 is the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year award, proving that Volkswagen's electrification gamble paid off with big dividends and now that it made its Forza Horizon 5 appearance, it's time to have a word with the new world standard.

Having won this electric crossover at the European Automotive Storm Season Playlist, it's time to get to know about the Volkswagen ID.4.

The ID.4 is Volkswagen's first crossover SUV from the ID range of electric vehicles. Launched in 2020, the ID.4 runs on the same mechanicals as the ID.3 hatchback. It also bears the same shape as well. Running on the MEB platform, the ID.4 is powered by a choice of three battery sizes at launch with the largest being 77kWh (delivering 204PS of power output through the rear axle) and a range of 511km driving range. Top speed is 160kph.

You may remember that in one of the ID.4's commercials in the US, Tanner Foust drives the ID.4 while chasing the Golf Mk.8 R, its benchmark car, asking if an electric car can perform like a hot hatch. To test Foust's theory, let's give the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 a quick spin around the streets of Guanajuato while up against a pack of city cars. Let's roll the tape.

Guess Tanner Foust was right, just.

From winning the 2021 World COTY award to becoming the first production EV to complete the NORRA Mexican 1000 off-road race in the Baja peninsula, the Volkswagen ID.4 truly is the new world standard for electrics. Like it or not, this crossover is the real game-changer just like the Beetle and the Golf.

I wish I would end my first impression with the ID.4 in Forza Horizon 5 but I have other plans with this crossover so...watch this space.

Let's Do The News! (March 14, 2024)

                               

                                                                        

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

- Former first lady Imelda Marcos, the mother of PH President Bongbong Marcos, has recovered after a bout with pneumonia.

- The DENR clarified that it had already issued a temporary restraining order as well as a notice of violation against the viral resort located at the foot of Chocolate Hills in Bohol.

- The US House of Representatives has voted to approve the bill that could ban the social networking app TikTok on all devices unless ByteDance sells its stake in the app. It will face a Senate vote and when passed, President Joe Biden will sign it, triggering the six-month time limit.

- Israel says it is investigating a strike on a UN food distribution center in Gaza.

- Car designer Marcello Gandini passed away at the age of 85. Gandini is known for designing famous vehicles such as the legendary Lamborghini Miura.

- Hyundai unveiled the ST1, a commercial vehicle platform based on the Staria.

2025 Hyundai ST1

- The Nissan GT-R 2025MY model was unveiled. The Premium edition gained the new Blue Heaven interior color, a new aluminum nameplate, a gold model number plate, and the use of high-precision weight balance parts. Sales will begin this July.

2025 Nissan GT-R

- Volkswagen previewed its ID.3 GTX and the ID.7 Tourer GTX models.

2025 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer

- The second-generation Honda Vezel/HR-V crossover has been given a minor change for the 2025 model year with the new HuNT variant. It will be powered only by a 1.5 e:HEV hybrid powertrain.

2025 Honda Vezel

- Pokemon teams up with Toyota Engineering Society for a working replica of the legendary Pokemon Miraidon. The Miraidon replica will be on display at the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya atrium from March 15 to 17.

- The upcoming Gakuen IDOLM@STER app game casts Yuri Usui as Rinami Himesaki.

- Actor Park Shin Woo announced marriage.

-  JYP Entertainment shared a statement regarding legal proceedings against the infringement of the rights of their artists.

- Eric Kendricks changes his mind as he will sign with the Cowboys instead of the 49ers, according to reports.

- The MTRCB junked the appeal over the suspension of Private Convos with Dr. Rica Cruz. The show was suspended due to "explicit content".

- Showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin faces charges of cyber libel filed by the mother of Sarah Lahbati.

- Romance novelist Xia Shu died at the age of 29 after her battle with the rare disease syringomyelia.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (March 13, 2024)

                              

                                                                        

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

- Senator Robin Padilla thanked the PH Senate for its show cause order for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. The implementation of the arrest order against Quiboloy was delayed to Friday.

- Finance Secretary Ralph Recto passed through the confirmation hearing from the Commission on Appointments.

- The PCSO released a statement following Senator Raffy Tulfo's statement over the bettor who won the lottery 20 times in one month.

- Germany affirms its support for the Philippines over the latter's rights for the West Philippine Sea.

- Joe Biden and Donald Trump won enough delegates to clinch US presidential nominations, setting the rematch between them at the 2024 US Presidential Elections.

- The Biden administration is sending a new $300m weapons package to Ukraine.

- A transitional council is expected in Haiti within days. The council will be tasked with nominating a new prime minister following Ariel Henry's resignation.

- UK foreign secretary David Cameron demands answers from the Israeli government after a "disturbing" report into the treatment of Gaza medics in the hospital raid. Footage revealed that medics detained at the Nasser hospital stripped down and kneeled outside. Israel said "any abuse of detainees is strictly prohibited".

- The 2024 Formula DRIFT season drops single qualifying runs in favor of a reimagined tandem-only format.

- Porsche confirms the 911 992 minor change with a hybrid variant is coming this Summer.

- The third Venom movie, titled Venom: The Last Dance, will hit theaters this October 25th. Tom Hardy will reprise his titular dark hero role.

- Beau DeMayo, the creator of the upcoming Disney+ original series X-Men '97, was fired ahead of the show's release. The writer-producer who worked on "Moon Knight" and "Blade" will no longer be promoting the show or moving forward with future seasons.

- The 2024 Nick Kids Choice Awards is happening this July 13.

- Country singer Neil Young returns to Spotify after his boycott against Joe Rogan. Spotify originally pulled Young's music following his ultimatum about removing aspects of Rogan's podcast content from their platform.

TTFN.

My FM Log: The second 911 RSR

Having fought my way through Forza Motorsport's Update 5.0 Open Class Tour until the March 13th deadline, I got my hands on the 1974 Porsche #1 911 RSR, the second iteration of the racing version of the legendary Porsche 911.

Following the success of the 901-based 911 Carrera RSR that dominated Daytona and the Targa Florio, a 930-spec 911 RSR was unveiled in 1974 and it conquered Group 4 racing for the next 24 months at the hands of privateers.

Powering the 930 911 RSR is the same 2.8 flat-six engine that powered its 901 predecessor, producing 330hp of power and 231lb-ft of torque.

Apart from dominating Group 4 races, a 2.8/3.0 RSR hybrid version took part in the US IROC series during the 1973/74 winter season. A 2.1L turbo prototype took part in the 1974 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished 2nd.

I've selected the Nordschleife portion of the Nurburgring, which was included in the fifth Forza Motorsport series update, to demonstrate the legendary performance the 911 RSR possesses. Roll the tape.

Legendary, as some would say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Let's Do The News! (March 12, 2024)

                             

                                                                        

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

- The ban on e-bikes on major roads in Metro Manila will take effect this April 15, according to the MMDA.

- Senator Raffy Tulfo disclosed that a bettor's name appeared to have won the lotto 20 times in one month, citing a list submitted by the PCSO.

- Former PH President and newly appointed KJC admin Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte are expected to attend the "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila, tonight, according to the PDP-Laban FB page.

- The House committee on legislative franchises cites Pastor Apollo Quiboloy for contempt for ignoring repeated invitations and a summons to join its hearings on a bill seeking to revoke the franchise of his KJC's media arm Sonshine Media.

- PH Vice President Sara Duterte came in defense of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, saying that he deserves to be given a fair trial in the right court.

- A major study revealed that the COVID pandemic caused the average life expectancy of people worldwide to fall by 1.6 years during the first two years, a more dramatic decline than expected.

- Haiti's unelected prime minister Ariel Henry reportedly resigns after regional leaders meet to discuss the country's security crisis due to the rising gang violence.

- Chip Ganassi Racing's partnership with Cadillac will end after the 2024 season, affecting both IMSA and WEC entries.

- The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT was unveiled. It's the most powerful Taycan ever made with over 1100PS of power in its electric drivetrain, capable of sprinting from 0-100kph in 2.2 seconds. It even comes with the available Weissach package that led to its Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:07.55 as well as a Laguna Seca lap time of 1:27.87.

2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT

- The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ range was unveiled. Both the sedan and estate are powered by a 3.0L turbo straight-six mated to an electric motor and AMG Speedshift TCT 9G gearbox. It has up to 612PS of power, up to 101km electric range, and 280kph top speed.

2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 HYBRID 4MATIC+

2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Estate HYBRID 4MATIC+

- The Audi A3 (Typ 8Y) lineup was given a minor change for the 2025 model year as well as the inclusion of the new crossover-inspired A3 allstreet variant.

2025 Audi A3 allstreet

2025 Audi A3 Sportback

2025 Audi A3 Sedan

- Seiyuu Kanako Takatsuki, famed for the role of Love Live! Sunshine!!'s Hanamaru Kunikida, announced her struggle with adjustment disorder. Due to poor health, Takatsuki didn't attend last weekend's Love Live Idol Koshien 2024 concert.

- The Fairy Tail 100 Years Quest TV series will premiere this July 2024 on TV Tokyo.

- Nicholas Walters will battle Joseph Adorno on March 27 in the ProBox crossroads fight.

- Singer Eric Carmen passed away at the age of 74.

- Veteran comedian Michael V re-signs contract with GMA-7.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (March 11, 2024)

                            

                                                                        

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

- The contract for conducting the "automated election system" in the 2025 PH midterm election has been awarded by COMELEC to South Korea's Miru Systems, Inc. Miru president Jin Bok Chung personally attended in Intramuros, Manila, for the contract signing.

- Former Senator Kiko Pangilingan filed a complaint against Google and YouTube PH over a certain YouTube channel.

- Senators in the Philippines asked for President Bongbong Marcos' help in support of the Economic Cha-Cha.

- The Philippine Coast Guard says that China's preparation for a possible "maritime conflict" is not just for the Philippines but also for the fate of the Pacific.

- Ukraine criticizes Pope Francis' "white flag" comment as it has strongly rejected a call by Pope Francis for Kyiv to negotiate an end to its war with Russia. Ukraine's foreign minister says it will never raise any flags other than its own.

- EU diplomats leave Haiti as gang violence intensifies.

- The Super Mario Bros. movie gets a sequel this April 2026.

- Song Kang will play The Storyteller in the upcoming second season of Mnet's I-LAND reality show.

- Oppenheimer scored the most wins at the 2024 Academy Awards. Emma Stone won Best Actress for her role in Poor Things, Cillian Murphy became the first Irish-born Oscar winner, Godzilla Minus One won the Best VFX award, and Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece The Boy and The Heron won Best Animated Feature award, among others.

- Actress Rio Locsin clarified what happened in a viral Black Rider BTS video. In the statement released by Rio, she said that she was taken to the scene, causing excessive emotions to pour out even off cam.

- Actress Megan Young apologizes for fixing Miss Boswana Lesego Chombo during the Q&A segment of the 71st Miss World.

TTFN.