From the folks that brought us the world of Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, Dragons, and The Boss Baby comes a 3DCG animated movie adaptation of the New York Times bestselling phenomenon by Dav Pilkey. Have no fear, Dog Man is...here?
Dog Man
What happens when a police officer and his dog get injured in the line of duty and then create a new breed of law enforcement that is part man and part dog? The answer is Dog Man! This character emerges from the universe created by Dav Pilkey, who is also known for the iconic Captain Underpants books. Dog Man is DreamWorks Animation's latest masterpiece, showcasing our canine cop as he protects the city from the mischief of Petey the Cat and his minion clone, Lil Petey.
Okay, this feels like a regular slapstick comedy because of the non-verbal main character saving the day with the weakness for squirrels, because deep down, it feels regular compared to past DreamWorks Animation movies.
For a character that comes from the same universe as Captain Underpants, this movie is incredibly enjoyable for the whole family. You might want to set aside your everyday worries and immerse yourself in this hilarious slapstick cartoon movie from start to finish. Overall, this film is sure to bring you some delight. It's going to be an instant classic.
The Škoda Elroq crossover marks a new chapter for Škoda. The main question is: do you want to buy this compact EV crossover that competes with the Hyundai IONIQ 5?
2025 Skoda Elroq
Priced at 799,000Kč plus additional costs, the first-ever Škoda Elroq is a new beginning for the Czech carmaker as hinted by the new design that drew first blood while offering typical promises in its class for a compact EV crossover that is cheaper to own than the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
2025 Skoda Elroq
The Elroq introduces Skoda's new design direction, as showcased in the Vision 75 Concept from 2022. Notably, it is the first model to replace the Škoda logo on the front and the steering wheel with the lettering "ŠKODA." This change reflects a broader trend in automotive design. The Elroq is sized to appeal to the lower-middle-class market, which has become increasingly common in recent years.
2025 Skoda Elroq interior
Typical Volkswagen Group interior the Elroq dons, it packs typical high-tech features some will find it daunting to master such as the augmented heads-up display, virtual cockpit, large infotainment display, and some buttons for the hazard lights and climate control. In terms of space, it's surprisingly shorter and less spacious compared to the IONIQ 5, especially the 470L boot space with the rear seats present. However, with the passenger seats folded down, it has up to 1580 liters of boot space, the same as the IONIQ 5's. On the bright side, the Elroq packs conveniences such as the automatic unlocking function, a hands-free power liftgate, an electrically unlockable towbar, a scrapper, and an umbrella.
2025 Skoda Elroq
Although the sporty design gives the Elroq a drag coefficient of just 0.26, the most aerodynamic in its class, the rear-wheel-drive electric powertrain is offered with the choice of a 55kWh, 63kWh, and 82kWh battery pack. The latter produces 210kW of electric power and 545Nm of torque, sprinting from a 0-100kph time of 6.6 seconds, and goes as fast as an everyday Japanese car. Energy consumption is around 15kWh/100km.
Driving a rear-wheel-drive crossover like the Elroq requires a certain level of confidence, and it is equipped with a variety of features that enhance the driving experience. Highlights include XDS+, regenerative braking, and progressive control.
In terms of safety, the Elroq boasts an extensive suite of driving technologies. These include Driving Assist 2.6, Predictive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Lane Guidance, and Traffic Jam Assist. Additional safety features are the Emergency Assistant, automatic parking, saved parking maneuvers, remote parking, parking sensors with automatic braking, and a parking camera.
The vehicle also comes with a Panoramic Camera System, Front Assist, anti-collision assistant, Turn Assistant, blind spot monitoring, exit warning, proactive passenger protection, multi-collision brake, and driver fatigue detection.
The Škoda Elroq crossover represents a new chapter for Škoda. The key question is: do you want to purchase this compact EV crossover that competes with the Hyundai IONIQ 5? Despite being less spacious than its Asian rival, the Elroq is affordable and it's worth the shot, sort of. Welcome to the new normal of Škoda.
What do the Mustang and the Bronco have in common? They both feature horse emblems. Although they represent different horse breeds, driving these vehicles in Forza Horizon 5 is certainly enjoyable.
In their current generation models, the only enjoyable ones I drove in the game are the 500HP V8-powered Ford Mustang Dark Horse and the turbo V6-powered, off-road capable Ford Bronco Raptor. Like I said, they're different horse breeds but they're a lot of fun driving them.
Let's have a quick review of these machines, shall we?
Let's begin with the Bronco Raptor, the badder version of today's Bronco.
The Ford Bronco is a popular off-road-inspired vehicle that appeals to both enthusiasts and everyday drivers. In 2022, the Bronco received a significant update with the introduction of the Raptor variant, which features a range of powerful and advanced specifications that distinguish it from earlier models.
The first-ever Ford Bronco Raptor is equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering an impressive 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing excellent acceleration and high-performance driving capabilities. Additionally, the Bronco Raptor is designed with HOSS 4.0 technology and features FOX Live Valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers, along with specially developed 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
Now, let's recap on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the purist-friendly Mustang for those who want to let it loose.
Being a track-focused road car that rivals the Porsche 911 GT3, the Mustang Dark Horse's 5.0L Coyote V8 engine produces 500HP, making it the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8-powered Mustang ever made. It is mated exclusively with the TREMEC 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching and no-lift shifting. In addition to its track-focused dynamics, the Dark Horse features a Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System and Brembo brake system.
Do you remember the story of the Ford Bronco beating the Shelby GT500 at the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit by taking shortcuts around the track? That was a long time ago but with the dirt track in Horizon Mexico grounds, let's see if the dirt favors the Bronco despite being outpowered by the Mustang Dark Horse. No shortcuts and no corner-cutting. Just common sense with these two stallions.
Anyway, let's roll the tape.
And now, the results...
Mustang Dark Horse - 1m31.608s
Bronco Raptor - 1m33.160s
There's common sense working for you. Although the dirt track setting favors the Bronco Raptor, it looks like the more powerful Dark Horse claimed its revenge win for Team Mustang.
Whether it’s the world-proven track record of today's Ford Mustang or the off-road bravado of the current Ford Bronco, Ford is the final word in creating sensible vehicles for practical purposes everywhere. These horses are proud of the noble causes they've done.
EPILOGUE
Do you remember when I said that I still have many experiments with the Mustang Dark Horse since I drove it back in the Modern Horizons update? Sorry for the wait, but here it comes.
The Dark Horse of the Mustang stable deserves the role of...you guessed it...the Dark Horse of the AiPriVerse. I shall christen you Dark Chii...awww, too soon? I'm sorry, Chii Mamiya, but hey, it suits your personality.
Having grown respect for the Ford Bronco Raptor, I've decided to call my Bronco Raptor...Mei. As in, Mei Yoneme, one of the Liella girls. Suits her personality.
With their roles donned, both the Bronco Raptor and the Mustang Dark Horse are tackling some of the modest EventLab creations with the Dark Horse battling the odds in the EventLab re-enactment of a certain race track from a certain video game while the Bronco Raptor gets down and dirty while getting through narrow bridges. Let's roll the tapes.
Now that's what I called a Pretty Derby.
Although Ferrari is the alpha horse of the motoring realm, Ford's two horses have something that Ferrari doesn't have; individuality. The Mustang and the Bronco are the best horses Ford ever made and such lineage deserves a lot of respect.
With horses like these, the stampede will never end.
- The Philippine government's stance on the West Philippine Sea remains unchanged, despite a 'provisional understanding' with China concerning the RORE mission in Ayungin, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- An active PNP official was one of the casualties from the midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a US Army helicopter in Washington, D.C.
- US President Donald Trump says the cause of the DC air collision is pending investigation but lashed out attacks on the FAA's diversity policies. Meanwhile, according to a preliminary FAA report, staffing at the air traffic control tower at the Ronald Reagan National Airport was "not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic".
- During the company's fourth-quarter earnings call, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed the impact of DeepSeek. He acknowledged that Meta is still evaluating DeepSeek's innovative approaches.
- In Japan, 1.2 million peoplewere urged to conserve water to save a 74-year-old man trapped in a sinkhole four days ago.
- Dubai unveiled the "Creators HQ" initiative, a groundbreaking program designed to attract 10,000 influencers and content creators to the city. The Emirati metropolis is granting 10,000 Golden Visas for content creators.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that Apple chose TSMC over Intel for iPhone chip manufacturing because "Intel just does not know how to be a foundry".
- Ford announced that it will join FIA WEC's Hypercar class by 2027.
- Renault showcased its Filante Record Concept ahead of its Retromobile exhibit debut.
- Morgan previews its upcoming six-cylinder-powered sports car.
- Outgoing FIA race steward Johnny Herbert is named Global Brand Ambassador of Lola Cars.
- Triple Eightwill race Ford Mustangs from the 2026 Supercars season.
- For the first time in the Forza franchise's 20-year history, Forza Horizon 5 is coming to PlayStation5 this Spring with cross-platform multiplayer and Horizon Realms.
- The new Devil May Cry Netflix anime is coming this April 3rd.
- The Netflix TV series Squid Game's final season arrives this June 27th.
- Olympic figure skating legend Dick Buttonpassed away at the age of 95.
Two BMW race cars were included in Forza Motorsport's first series update of 2025, which is unfortunately the franchise's final year. I mention this because the Forza producers have opted not to feature a single car from the 2025 model year or beyond. It's a harsh reality, but it's entirely their fault. While the world moves forward, the Forza team has essentially moved backward, and this trend has contributed to their downfall. They had their choice and they went for the other one.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the two BMW racers that were the prize cars of Forza Motorsport's BMW Tour series update.
Let's start with the 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL, which I won by completing the Open Class Tour in this update before the deadline on February 12, 2025. We already have one 3.0 CSL race car in the game, but this new one is designed for the European Touring Car Championship, while the existing one is built for IMSA GT purposes. Anyway, some facts.
Based on the E9 3.0 CS Coupe, the BMW 3.0 CSL is one of the company's most iconic race cars when it was introduced in 1972 and nicknamed by car enthusiasts as the "Batmobile" due to its unique aerodynamic enhancements.
Under the hood lies the namesake 3.0L straight-six engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. In its racing specification, it produces around 470hp, depending on the version.
In its Group 2 configuration, it competed in the European Touring Car Championship with its drivers winning Drivers titles six times in 1973 and 1975 to 1979. In 1976, the CSL competed in its Group 5 Special Production specification, winning three rounds of the World Championship for Makes.
Next up, the 2023 BMW #96 Turner Motorsports M4 GT3 that I won from clearing the BMW Tour until February 26, 2025. At last, the latest BMW M4 GT3 arrived in the game and players can recreate its liveries as seen on Super GT, DTM, WEC, IMSA, and others where this race car is involved.
Turner Motorsports is one of the well-known teams that competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's GTD class. For 2023, their weapon of choice is a BMW M4 GT3 race car, based on the G82 M4.
The G82 M4 GT3 race car is made to compete in GT3-class races worldwide. Powering this race car is a 3.0L turbocharged straight-six engine producing up to 590HP of power, depending on the BoP adjustments in specific races. It is mated with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis.
Driven by a mix of professional drivers, including Bill Auberlen, who is one of BMW's ace drivers, Turner Motorsports' 2023 campaign sought some podium finishes in its class. However, in the 2024 season, the #96 Turner Motorsports BMW M4 GT3's moment of fame came to fruition by winning the GTD class in Road America.
To highlight the strengths of these Bavarian racers in their racing overalls, I traveled to Daytona to test two BMW race cars. The track is still feeling the effects of last weekend's 24-hour endurance race and seems to be getting ready for this year's NASCAR season if you know what I mean.
- Social media personality Rosmar Tan Pamulaklakin confirmed the withdrawal from candidacy for Manila councilor at the May 2025 elections.
- The Philippines is ranked 3rd for fastest-rising economies in Asia, according to NEDA.
- Senators found no direct link or relationship with POGOs in Li Duan Wang after the Senate approved granting him Filipino citizenship. According to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, he personally saw the documents submitted by Wang to the Senate and all of them are compliant with the requirements for naturalization.
- The Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) will study the possibility of investing in nuclear energy to lower electricity prices.
- At least 30 were dead in the stampede at Kumbh Mela.
- An American Airlines flight collided with a helicopter near Washington DC airport and crashed into the river. The plane that crashed into the DC river was carrying 60 passengers and four crew.
- The Chinese AI startup DeepSeek recently suffered a cyberattack, which led to significant technical problems after its rapid rise in the US App Store. As a result, the company had to restrict new sign-ups. Fortunately, DeepSeek has resolved these issues and is currently working to restore full service.
- Microsoft is investigating if a "DeepSeek-linked group" has unlawfully obtained OpenAI's data.
- Netflix users in the UK face being forced to pay the TV license fee even if they don't watch BBC, under plans being explored by officials.
- The BMWM3 CS Touring was unveiled. The first CS wagon is powered by the same 542bhp 3.0L straight-six turbo engine as its sedan and M4 equivalent while mated to an 8-speed DCT.
The Nijigasaki High School Idol Club has launched their Monthly Songs project, similar to Aqours' monthly birthday song singles. Each month, one of your favorite members will have the opportunity to shine. Kicking off this exciting project for January is Mia Taylor, voiced by Shu Uchida.
White Delight
Mia Taylor is the first member of Nijigasaki to be featured in the project. Her song for January is "White Delight." The inaugural release in the NIJIGAKU Monthly Songs lineup includes this featured track and an additional song titled "Joy is All Around."
