Let's Do The News! (May 2, 2024)

                                   

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

- According to Philippine Coast Commodore Arnaldo Lim, the cost of damage to the PCG ship BRP Bagacay when it was hit by a water cannon by the Chinese Coast Guard on April 30th may reach up to P3 million. The Department of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese Embassy official while demanding the Chinese vessels to leave the Bajo de Masinloc.

- One to two cyclones may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this month. According to PAGASA, the first typhoon will make landfall before moving away from the Philippines. The second typhoon will cross Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, and CALABARZON before exiting the West Philippine Sea and then turning around until it is far away from the country.

- About 300 protesters were arrested at two New York City university campuses as police crackdown on Gaza protests overnight.

- Manchester's new Co-op Live arena canceled its opening again at the last minute, leaving fans dismayed. 

- Polls are open in England and Wales as voting begins in local elections. In local elections, voters in parts of England will elect councilors and mayors today. These elections are seen as a test of voters' opinions before the next general election later this year. Police and crime commissioners will also be chosen across England and Wales. Mayoral elections are taking place in London and nine other "metro" areas across England. Mayors will be chosen for the first time in the East Midlands, the North East, and York and North Yorkshire. Voters will also choose Salford's mayor, the city council's directly elected leader. A by-election is also being held in Blackpool South, where voters will elect a new MP. Many results will be announced overnight into Friday, May 3, with more expected to follow throughout Friday and Saturday.

- Georgia rocked by clashes over 'Russian-inspired' bill. The law requires organizations to state whether they are funded from abroad. Riot police in Tbilisi fired tear gas and water cannons into crowds protesting against a law seen by the opposition as targeting media freedoms. The protestors also say that they are concerned about the future of the country - whether it will be closer to Russia or the EU.

- The Red Bull F1 team confirmed Adrian Newey's departure in early 2025. Newey is recognized as the architect behind the team's six-time constructors' champions from Sebastian Vettel to Max Verstappen.

- Kia teases its upcoming EV6 minor change.

- LEGO unveiled the Lamborghini Vision Gran Turismo Speed Champions set, inspired by the said Vision Gran Turismo car.

- Seiyuu Suzuko Mimori announced that she's moving to the US. Mimori intends to continue her voice acting and singing career.

- ADOR released its in-depth statement in response to the HYBE issue.

- WNBA star Brittney Griner said in an interview with ABC's 20/20 that she thought about committing suicide during her first few weeks in a Russian jail after her 2022 arrest on drug-related charges. Griner's memoir, "Coming Home," is set to be released on May 7.

- Boxer Ryan Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine.

- Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo, and two others are sentenced to reclusion perpetua after pleading guilty to the assault case filed by IT'S SHOWTIME presenter Vhong Navarro.

TTFN.

Second-generation Honda Vezel/HR-V - 2025MY minor change

The second-generation Honda Vezel, known across the Belt and Road Initiative as the HR-V, gained a minor change for the 2025 model year, keeping this best-seller fresh and perky having been on the road for three years.

2025 Honda Vezel

Starting at ¥2,648,800 plus additional costs, the facelifted second-generation Vezel saw some revisions to keep Honda's best-selling crossover ready for more, whatever the reason. 

2025 Honda Vezel

2025 Honda Vezel

Beginning on the outside, the facelift saw a revised front grille and bumper, resulting in an additional 10mm in length and a new rear taillight design. In addition to the normal Vezel, it can be kitted with two optional packages such as the PLaY Package which comes with a two-tone roof, blue accents on the side, and a tri-color accent on the right side of the revised grille, and the new HuNT Package which features copper accents at the front bumper.

2025 Honda Vezel interior

The interior is slightly revised for this minor change as demonstrated by the new front seat center console and that's about it. Apart from the black interior color offered on the normal Vezel, the PLaY Package features a Greige interior color as well as blue accents on the dashboard and door covers. In contrast, the HuNT Package features a Khaki x Navy interior color with FABTECT, a water and oilproof seat material. Good call.

2025 Honda Vezel

Like the pre-facelift, the Vezel features the 1.5L L15Z petrol engine, now exclusive to the 4WD variant, and the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain where the 1.5L LEC i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine is bolted to a 96kW H5 electric motor. Thanks to some minor recalibrations to the hybrid powertrain, the fuel economy has improved by 1km/L compared to the pre-facelift model, meaning it's got 26km/L based on WLTC Mode standards. The normal 1.5L petrol engine, available only in the G variant, is good for 15km/L.

Although the driving feel remains the same as the previous one, the new Vezel features an improved Honda Sensing suite of safety features ranging from CMBS, ACC, LKAS, Traffic Jam Assist, Sudden Acceleration Suppression Function, and Adaptive Driving Beam.

The second-generation Vezel is no doubt the best-selling Honda in the age of the new normal and with this minor change, there's more work to be done.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News! (May 1, 2024)

                                  

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

- Over a thousand workers gathered for a Labor Day protest in Manila. The protest went to a halt as protesters got blocked by police at Recto Avenue. This was the first time Labor Day protesters got blocked while they were far away and it didn't last a day due to hot weather.

- New York police entered the Columbia University campus and made arrests after Pro-Palestinian protestors took over and refused to leave the protest camp.

- Two people have been charged in connection with the fall of the Sycamore Gap tree and Hadrian's Wall last September. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, have been charged with criminal damage both to the tree and to the adjacent wall. They were arrested last October and have been on bail since then.

- Donald Trump was fined $9000 for violating a gag order imposed to stop him from attacking jurors or potential witnesses during his hush-money trial. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of falsifying business records but facing jail if he breaks the trial gagging order again

- The Colombian military loses millions of bullets.

- Aston Martin previewed its next-generation V12 Twin Turbo engine with 835PS of power and it will power its future supercar.

- The Bentley Bentayga received an Apex Edition by Mulliner. Limited to 20 units, the V8-powered SUV is armed with 22-inch carbon wheels and carbon ceramic brakes.

2024 Bentley Bentayga Apex Edition

- Millions stolen from Shohei Ohtani were funneled to a bookie from a casino in Las Vegas, according to reports.

- The Slamdance Film Festival will be moving to Los Angeles in 2025, weeks after the Sundance Film Festival mulling about leaving Park City, Utah, for a new venue.

TTFN.

Distortion/Neutral/Jellyfish

Sub-units became a longstanding tradition in the Love Live franchise and Liella! is no exception. Having expanded into an 11-school-idol-team with the addition of Wien and Tomari, in case you missed it, Liella's split into three sub-units; CatChu!, KALEIDOSCORE, and 5yncri5e!. These are the Liella sub-units first single.

Distortion

First up, CatChu!, consisting of Kanon Shibuya (CV: Sayuri Date), Sumire Heanna (CV: Naomi Payton), and Mei Yoneme (CV. Akane Yabushima), starring in their first single titled Distortion and it features not just the said title song but also the coupling song titled 全力ライオット and their version of "What a Wonderful Dream!!"

Neutral

Second, KALEIDOSCORE, comprising of Tang Keke (CV: Liyuu), Ren Hazuki (CV: Nagisa Aoyama), and Wien Margarete (CV: Yuina), are starring in their first single titled Neutral and it features not just the said title song but also the coupling song カメリアの囁き and their version of "What a Wonderful Dream!!"

Jellyfish

Lastly, 5yncri5e!, comprising of Chisato Arashi (CV: Nako Misaki), Kinako Sakurakoji (CV. Nozomi Suzuhara), Shiki Wakana (CV. Wakana Ookuma), Natsumi Onitsuka (CV. Aya Emori), and Tomari Onitsuka (CV: Sakura Sakakura), starring in their first single "Jellyfish" and apart from the said title song, it features "Thank you Good morning" and their version of "What a Wonderful Dream!!"

The Liella sub-units' first singles are a must-listen for those who can't get enough of Liella in anticipation of Love Live SuperStar's third season because truth be told, there's no other choice. Anyway, expect more to come from the Liella sub-units in the world of Love Live!

Let's Do The News! (April 30, 2024)

                                 

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

- Five members of the Dawlah-Islamiyah-Maute group were killed in an encounter at Lanao del Norte. Five soldiers were hurt.

- According to the AFP, three Chinese research vessels were spotted at the Ayungin Shoal and they're possibly aiming at the ongoing Balikatan exercises.

- The yellow alert on the Visayas grid has been lifted by the NGCP.

- Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf announced his sudden resignation, triggering a leadership race.

- The US and the UK are calling on Hamas to accept Israel's new ceasefire order. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he hopes Hamas will accept what he called Israel's "extraordinarily generous" offer for a Gaza truce.

- Former IndyCar driver and longtime official Wally Dallenbach passed away at the age of 87. Dallenbach won five races and served as a longtime chief steward of the IndyCar Series.

- The Arrow McLaren IndyCar team announced they're letting go of David Malukas as he's still reeling from his injured left wrist he sustained in a mountain biking accident in early February.

- The Cupra Leon and Formentor range received a minor change for the 2025 model year with its Tavascan-inspired exterior design, a revised interior, and a choice of mHEV, e-HYBRID, diesel & up to 221kW (300HP) petrol engines.

2025 Cupra Leon

2025 Cupra Leon Sportstourer

2025 Cupra Formentor

- LOONA member Yves is confirmed to make her solo debut.

- The US and Mexico announced their dropout from the bid to become the host nation of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and instead focus on 2031.

- College sports leaders are in deep talks to settle the NIL antitrust case against the NCAA.

TTFN.

Toyota GR Yaris (2025MY minor change)

Toyota's GR Yaris is the only three-door super hot hatch they make. It's been given a minor change for the 2025 model year. Although controversial, it's been given major upgrades to make it more accessible for speedo boys everywhere.

2025 Toyota GR Yaris

The 2025 Toyota GR Yaris, starting at 3,490,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, is the improved version of what Toyota claims to be a road-legal rally car. Although it's insane to call it, the latest revisions are a love-or-hate affair at first sight. Don't ask why.

Beginning with the exterior, the GR Yaris now sports a new front bumper design while the rear view ditches the Toyota logo while donning the Durango-esque taillights. The new look mimics its rally car equivalent, although explaining why is complicated.

2025 Toyota GR Yaris interior

The inside job is where the GR Yaris' minor change draws flak from observers. Instead of the dashboard from the normal Yaris, the new center console is repositioned to the driver's side, and as an optional extra for the entry-level RC version, you can have the handbrake positioned near the gear lever, giving you the experience that rally drivers and drifters do. Flashy but it works wonders.

The revised interior also sports the new 12.3-inch color instrument panel displaying real-time driving information and improved driving position to make driving slightly more accessible.

2025 Toyota GR Yaris

The G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine that powers the GR Yaris has been improved with added 32PS of power compared to the pre-facelifted GR Yaris, meaning it produces 304PS power output and 400Nm of torque. With the 6-speed manual gearbox, fuel economy is 12.4km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

The 2025 GR Yaris marks the debut of the 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, an automatic gearbox recalibrated with sporty driving in mind. Although it feels cheesy compared to the 6MT variant, it's good for 10.8km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

In addition to numerous revisions underneath the shell, the GR Yaris is prepped with the Drive Mode Select, which allows drivers to select three different modes that can alter the electronic power steering, air con, and powertrain's behavior. There's even a Circuit Mode feature that unleashes the full majesty of the GR Yaris while you're in tracks like Tsukuba, Fuji, or Suzuka. Although mild and menacing for a 4WD super hot hatch, it's more addictive to drive compared to the old GR Yaris.

With the flagship RZ "High Performance" variant, you can expect specially tuned suspension, red-colored calipers, an air-cooled intercooler with spray, a piano black radiator griller, and brake ducts.

As expected, the GR Yaris comes with the Toyota Safety Sense, blind spot monitor and safe exit assist, rear cross-traffic alert for MT variants, parking support brake for AT variants, and a rearview monitor.

Love it or hate it, the 2025 GR Yaris minor change is a better version of Toyota's road-legal rally car that is not afraid to get itself dirty. From the streets of Tokyo to Hokkaido's dirtiest roads, this 4WD super hot hatch is ready to roll for more. Are you not entertained?

Available Colors: Super White II, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Precious Metal, Precious Black Pearl, and Emotional Red II.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Honda WR-V (DG5)

As Honda's SUV lineup consists of the Vezel, the ZR-V, and the soon-to-be-released CR-V e:FCEV, the smallest member joins the party. Welcome to the all-new Honda WR-V.

2024 Honda WR-V

Priced at 2,098,800 Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Honda WR-V is the smallest in the Honda SUV lineup and the first Honda fully imported from India, the second Japanese carmaker to do so after Suzuki with its now-defunct Baleno hatchback. So, what can we expect from the fully-imported compact Honda crossover that's small enough to fit through the Tokyo traffic?

2024 Honda WR-V

Beginning with the exterior, the all-new WR-V measures 4,312 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,650 mm tall, and has a wheelbase spanning 2,650 mm, smaller than today's Vezel. With a typical Honda design on the front, Ignis-esque side view, and Seltos-esque rear view, it's no wonder that the all-new WR-V is another Indo-Pacific fusion cuisine worth checking out if you're into that. Add the Tough Style package, and it packs some bling into it.

2024 Honda WR-V interior

Inside, the all-new WR-V features a horizontal keynote design and texture of the details, as Honda claims. It even comes with an optional 9-inch Honda CONNECT navigation system as well as a 7-inch digital graphic meter, among others. The base X variant features fabric sheet material for the seats, while the Z and Z+ variants come with the Prime smooth x Fabric sheet material as well as a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.

Asked about space, the wheelbase makes it roomy for a compact five-seater crossover, and it can accommodate up to 458 liters of boot space. Decent enough to fit today's grocery shopping list.

2024 Honda WR-V

The all-new Honda WR-V has a 1.5L i-VTEC engine that produces 118PS of power and 142Nm of torque. It's mated to a CVT gearbox with paddle shifters and gets up to 16.4 kmpl based on Japan's WLTC Mode standards.

The Honda WR-V is a front-wheel-drive-only crossover, so it's best suited for asphalt and some dirt areas. It's too cute for its own good, though, so don't plan on taking it to Hannibal's. The WR-V has front MacPherson struts, a rear torsion bar, front ventilated disc brakes, rear reading trailing brakes, and Rack & Pinion electric power steering. It has a turning radius of 5.2 meters, which is not too shabby.

For safety, the WR-V features the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as well as a reverse camera, LaneWatch, Vehicle Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist.

The fully imported Honda WR-V proves that small is better in the new normal. Although more expensive than the Toyota Raize, it's more affordable than the Nissan Kicks, making the WR-V the bargain compact crossover of 2024.

Engineered in Japan, built in India, and finished in a choice of five colors, the all-new WR-V is worthy of becoming your first reasonably priced car if you're new to the driving thing.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Illuminous Red Metallic, and Gold Brown Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.