Let's Do The News! (May 31, 2024)

   

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

- The AFP is investigating the case of an arrested Chinese national with hacking devices.

- The fishermen affected by the Bataan oil spill last year will be given assistance.

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos urged Brunei to invest in the renewable energy sector of the Philippines.

- Donald Trump is found guilty of falsifying business records. Trump calls the guilty verdict a "disgrace" as his sentencing is set for July 11th.

- US President Joe Biden has lifted restrictions on Ukraine striking targets in Russia but only near the Kharkiv region.

- Porsche is building its first ASEAN Porsche Experience Center in Singapore. Start of operations will begin in 2027.

- Donald Trump, during his presidential election campaign, threatened to slap 100% tariffs on China-branded cars even if they are produced overseas, like Mexico.

- Bugatti produced the 500th and final Chiron; the one-off Chiron Super Sport L’Ultime.

2024 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport L'Ultime

- The Jeep Wagoneer S was unveiled. Running on a 400V architecture, the Wagoneer S's electric drivetrain produces 600hp of power and 800Nm of torque. The driving range is expected to hit 483km.

2025 Jeep Wagoneer S

- Subaru announced that it will end CKD production in Southeast Asia at the end of 2024. New Subaru models sold in the region will be CBU from Japan.

- The Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown video game will be released this September 12th.

- The PlayStation State of Play presentation announced Astro Bot, Concord, Until Dawn, Monster Hunter Wilds, and much more. 

- The Silent Hill 2 remake will arrive on PS5 and PC via STEAM this October 8th.

The it's Live concerts in Chile and Mexico were canceled. The Chile leg was originally scheduled for June 21-22 at the Movistar Arena and the Mexico leg on June 23rd at the Plaza De Toros. Still, due to the local performance production company's circumstances, both the Chile and Mexico leg of the It's Live overseas events were canceled.

- The Dallas Mavericks are now set to battle the Boston Celtics at the NBA finals after winning the West Finals 4-1 by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves at the score of 124-103 in Game 5.

- Two supplements listed on doping control forms submitted by boxer Ryan Garcia before his win over Devin Haney showed the presence of the banned substance ostarine, according to reports.

TTFN.

My GT7 Log: Sports Civic

If you were born in the early 1990s, you might remember seeing the fifth-generation Honda Civic for the first time. It was the first Civic of the Heisei era and stood out from other cars on the road. I bet you wished you were riding in one of those instead of the Toyota Corolla or Mitsubishi Lancer.

The fifth-generation Honda Civic, known in TV commercials as the "Sports Civic", was launched in 1991. It's the first Honda Civic of the Heisei era and emerged during the bubble economy's aftermath. It was offered in three body styles: the 3-door hatchback, the 4-door Ferio saloon, and the coupe version, CBU from the USA. Depending on the body style, the fifth-generation Honda Civic is powered by choice of a 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L SOHC, and the speedo boy favorite; the 1.6L VTEC.

The car featured in Gran Turismo 7 is of course the 3-door hatchback in SiR-II variant powered by the 1.6 L D16Z6 VTEC I4 engine.

In the world of Initial D, the EG Civic 3-door hatchback is the preferred car of Shingo Shoji, who is half of the Night Kids duo. Shingo challenged Takumi Fujiwara to a race with a challenging handicap: both drivers had their right hands duct-taped to the steering wheel. It was an intense duel, but Takumi remained calm throughout. Ultimately, Shingo crashed his car, allowing Takumi to win the race.

I have always wanted to drive a Honda Civic. When I finally got the chance to drive one in Gran Turismo, I discovered just how impressive its dynamics are. In short, it’s no wonder that so many people want to experience the magic of the Civic while they can. Unfortunately, some take this privilege too far, making their Civics so loud that they disturb the neighborhood and so fast that they put themselves at risk.

Today, I went to the eastern section of Suzuka Circuit to prove just how good the first Heisei-era Civic was. Don't worry, I won't be duct-taping my hand on the steering wheel just like in Initial D. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Small, nimble, and grippy. This is what the Civic of the early 90s feels like and how it became a standout even in modern times. Thank you, Initial D.

The fifth-generation Honda Civic rewrote the rules of what a Civic should be when it was launched in 1991. Although it has been coveted since its launch, it's still in the crosshairs of JDM fanatics worldwide today because of its appearance in the Initial D series.

Is this the kind of Civic you really want?

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

  

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

- Senators Bong Revilla and Imee Marcos supported the COMELEC's decision to ban the use of AI in the 2025 midterm elections.

- According to MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes, they will investigate the incident. They are said to be in contact with the PNP-HPG and are waiting for the official report regarding the arrest of the 2 MMDA personnel.

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos said China's fishing ban at the South China Sea is nothing new. The President said there were already deals about the fishing ban.

- 12 New Yorkers will decide the fate of Donald Trump as the jury deliberations has commenced.

- Former Scottish health secretary Michael Matheson given record ban and salary withdrawn for 54 days after racking up £11,000 iPad bill.

- Junior doctors in England to strike for five days from 27 June until 2 July in the long-running dispute over pay.

- The BMW M3 G80/G81 range received a minor change with revised looks, a new interior, and improved performance while the Competition xDrive models have 530PS of power.

2025 BMW M3

- Amazon Games announced a collaboration with start-up studio Maverick Games, formed by former Forza Horizon developers, to create a new open-world driving game.

- Prime Video original series Clarkson's Farm renewed for its fourth season.

- K-pop girl group Oh My Girl had experienced "sexual harassment" at a university festival. At a university in South Korea, the water bottles that members of the all-girl K-pop group Oh My Girl drank were turned into prizes.

- Two misdemeanor warrants have been filed against Kansas City Chiefs' Isaiah Buggs in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, on charges of cruelty to dogs in the second degree.

- The police dropped all charges against golf star Scottie Scheffler who was arrested outside a major tournament in Kentucky this month.

According to reports, Mike Flanagan has been tapped to write, direct, and produce the next Exorcist movie.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (May 29, 2024)

 

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

- The PRO-12 disaster response equipment is fully prepared ahead of the La Niña season.

- China's threat to arrest alleged "trespassers" in the West Philippine Sea is escalating, according to Philippine President Bongbong Marcos.

- As of 1300 hours local time, the NGCP has lifted the yellow alert in the Visayas grid due to an expected decrease in electricity demand.

- Catholic churches in Northern Samar expressed strong opposition to the divorce bill.

- Pope Francis apologizes over the reported homophobic slur. Pope Francis never meant to use homophobic language and apologizes to those who felt offended, the Vatican says after his reported slur.

- Israel denies the killing of 21 Palestinians in a Gaza safe zone. Gazan emergency services said four tank shells hit a cluster of tents in the supposed safe area of al-Mawasi west of Rafah.

- Closing arguments in the fraud trial of Donald Trump have been disclosed.

- The BMW 3-Series range has been updated for the 2025 model year with revised interior and improved performance.

2025 BMW 3-Series

- The Porsche 911 (992.2) range has been unveiled. The Carrera GTS version received the 911-first T-Hybrid powertrain featuring a new 3.6L flat-6 engine with a single electric turbo and a 40kW electric motor integrated into the new 8-speed PDK. It produces 541PS of power and 610Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100kph in three seconds and a top speed of 312kph.

2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

- NieR: Automata Ver 1.1a TV anime's second half will premiere this July.

- Actress Elizabeth MacRae passed away at the age of 88.

- The PBBM administration has officially signed the Eddie Garcia law made for the protection of movie and TV workers.

TTFN.

Mini Cooper F66 and Cooper E J01

Welcome to the all-new Mini Cooper which now comes in two distinct flavors; the electric (J01) and the ICE-powered one (F66). Whichever Mini you choose, these new versions fit the "new normal".

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

The "new normal" MINI Cooper starts at £23,135 plus additional costs while the electric version, imported from China, starts at £30,000 plus additional fees, making them the must-have bargain of 2024 and beyond. These new models still boast the classic MINI design while incorporating new and interesting ways to make them suitable for the "new normal" lifestyle.

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

Beginning with the design, the all-new Mini Cooper retains the iconic design fans love but for the sake of MINIMALISM, pun intended, the new model sheds away the predecessor's fender flares and side scuttles while retaining the signature three-part paint scheme and flush door handles for better aerodynamics. Although the front view is as MINI as it should be, the new triangular taillights are a radical departure from its predecessors. Kind of a sacrilege, I dare say.

To differentiate the two models, they've been given different bonnet mechanisms. The J01 MINI Cooper E uses a conventional bonnet, while the F66 MINI Cooper uses the same clamshell bonnet as its F56 predecessor.

2024 Mini Cooper E interior

2024 Mini Cooper interior

True to the new model's character is the all-new interior that is as minimal as you can feel. Again, pun intended. On the driver's side, you are greeted by the new round 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen on the dashboard that works as a speedometer also, backed by MINI Operating System 9. This OLED touchscreen features an onscreen mascot named Spike and he pops up upon using the rather annoying and Alexa-ish MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant feature.

There are switches below the screen that can control the power, the volume, the air conditioning, and of course, seven MINI Experience Modes that each have a specific user interface design that also affects the lighting inside the vehicle.

Spacing issues, the petrol-powered MINI Cooper can accommodate up to 725L of boot space with the rear seats folded down while the Cooper E can do up to 800L, which is surprisingly more.

2024 Mini Cooper

2024 Mini Cooper E

Behind the wheel, both the Mini Cooper F66 and the Mini Cooper E J01 have different driving experiences judging from how they're made. The F66 model feels more of an improvement from its F56 predecessor while the J01 model, the electric one, is about as exciting as an ORA Good Cat. Thank you, BMW Group-Great Wall Motor joint venture.

The Mini Cooper F66 has two versions; the C and the S. The Cooper C has a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 181HP of power and it will go from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. The range-topping Cooper S, meanwhile, has a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 215HP of power. 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and flat-out in 150mph seconds. All are mated to a 7-speed DCT.

The Mini Cooper E J01, meanwhile, features two battery packs; a 40.7kWh one for the base Cooper E and a 54.2kWh one for the Cooper SE. The latter produces 218PS of power, 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, and a top speed of 112mph. The driving range is around 250 miles on one full charge.

For safety, the all-new Mini Cooper range features 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras that take advantage of its Parking Assistant and optional Parking Assistant Plus systems. It even comes with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and Remote 360, among others.

Love it or hate it, the Mini Cooper F66 and Cooper E J01 are two different all-new Minis built for the new normal. From its revamped iconic looks, new interior, dynamics with different variables per Mini, and an array of safety features, not to mention a run for your money, the "new normal" Mini sends a clear message to the motoring world that this legend has turned.

Photo: MINI

Let's Do The News! (May 28, 2024)

            

                                          

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

- Typhoon Aghon is slightly weakening and the Philippines is expecting no hoisted wind signals, according to PAGASA.

- 60 mayors, vice mayors, and councilors have left the PDP in Negros Occidental, according to reports.

- National Flag Day is commemorated recently in Imus, Cavite.

- The RAF has temporarily grounded the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight following the death of a pilot in a crash. Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire.

- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu calls the Rafah operation a "tragic mishap" as the air strike meant to target leaders of Hamas killed dozens of Palestinians instead. In response, the UNSC has called an emergency meeting to discuss the incident, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describing the situation in southern Gaza as "a horror that had to stop". 

- A series of explosions have hit the Russian-held city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.

- Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru announced internal combustion engines fitted for the electrification era. At the Multi-Pathway Workshop, Toyota showcased its new highly efficient engine while Subaru showcased its new hybrid system and Mazda with its two-rotor rotary engine.

- Lancia unveiled the Ypsilon HF, the high-performance version of the new-generation Ypsilon with the 240PS fully-electric powertrain. In addition, Lancia announced its return to rallying with the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon HF

- The Bathurst 12-hour endurance race will return to its traditional early February race date in 2025.

- Mahō Tsukai Precure!!: MIRAI DAYS will air this January 11, 2025.

- The Seiyuu Animedia magazine is ending its publication after two decades. The final issue will be shipped this June 10th.

- Takara Tomy announced the cancellation of the release of the Himitsu no AiPri nail line due to various circumstances. Nail experience events will also be canceled. Takara Tomy plans to release the Himitsu no AiPri nail cologne as an additional product after summer.

- Moon Sang Min confirmed to join the KBS music variety show Music Bank as the new presenter alongside Hong Eunchae.

- Basketball legend Bill Walton, the two-time champion at the UCLE and in the NBA, passed away at the age of 71 due to cancer.

- Two women are suing kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars, alleging that McManus sexually assaulted them during the team's overseas flight to London last year, according to reports.

TTFN.

MG MG3 (3rd Generation)

Over a decade has passed since the MG3 arrived in Britain. With the British carmaker, under Chinese ownership, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the only compact car in the MG stable gained its full model change. The all-new MG3 is no longer the MG3 you were familiar with a decade ago.

2024 MG MG3

Starting at £18,495 plus additional costs, the all-new MG3 is a radical departure from its predecessor because, for the first time, it's hybrid-powered but this is not the Toyota Aqua, oh no, because this new model is a lot better than that.

2024 MG MG3

2024 MG MG3 interior

Beginning with the styling, the all-new MG3 features a sleek front view inspired by its all-electric cousin, the MG4, while the rear view looks broadly similar to MG's crossover offerings. It's a bit of a botched job but thanks to its compact sizing, which is an improvement compared to the previous model it replaces, the all-new MG3 feels right at home while cruising through the streets of London. Insert Getaway dialogue here.

The interior is more cutting-edge than before with its 10.25" color touchscreen with Sat-Nav and smartphone integration and with the range-topping Trophy variant, you'll get Heated Front seats, Heated Steering, Leather Upholstery, and Keyless Entry. 

Although the five-seater city car is comfortable, the boot space can accommodate up to 983 liters with the rear seats folded down, which is useful for transporting groceries from one suburb to another.

The all-new features a 102PS petrol engine connected to a 100kW electric motor, generating a total power output of 194PS of power and 313Nm of torque. This is more than what you get from a Toyota Aqua and unlike the Aqua, which only has CVT, the MG3 has a 3-speed AT. The lesser of the two boring ones.

The hybrid powertrain of the all-new MG3 does 0-62mph in 8 seconds and flat-out at 106mph. The CO2 emission is a combined 100g/km.

For a car that weighs over a ton, it feels downright regular to drive for a hybrid city car like this but it's just okay for first-timers behind the wheel. As for safety, the all-new MG3 comes with MG Pilot ADAS consists of Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert, and Forward Collision Warning. Blind Zone Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are exclusive to the Trophy variant.

The all-new MG3 is a hybrid city car that's a smart value for your money. It's a radical departure from its predecessor, with improved looks, a new interior, new tech, and new packaging. Its hybrid powertrain is more engaging than the Toyota Aqua. Make no mistake, this is the bargain of the year, like it or not.

Available Colors: Arctic White, Black Pearl, Monument Silver, Hampstead Grey, Battersea Blue, and Dynamic Red.

Photo: MG Motor