Let's Do The News! (May 8, 2025)

       

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

- The PH Senate is now considering the review of Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, after a series of vehicular accidents that claimed the lives of innocent victims. According to Senate President pro-tempore Jinggoy Estrada, one of the co-authors of the law that implements mandatory drug testing of drivers involved in incidents, they will consider whether it is time to amend and expand the existing law.

- 23,000 police officers to be deployed in Metro Manila for the 2025 Elections, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is validating the identities of soldiers assigned to Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.

- The COMELEC rejected foreign observers' plea to visit polling precincts.

- The Papal Conclave will commence this afternoon, local time. Yesterday, the Vatican held masses praying for a peaceful and successful Conclave as the world awaits the next Pope. So far, the first day saw black smoke coming out from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. The Papal Conclave continues until white smoke is spotted, signaling that a new Pope has been named.

- US President Donald Trump says he wants to make a deal with China. Meanwhile, the Trump administration applied maximum pressure through sanctions against Iran.

- The Chevrolet Corvette is updated for the 2026 model year with an updated interior featuring three new screens.

- Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan at Alpine for the next five F1 races.

- US soccer player Mallory Swanson is expecting her first child.

- MGI founder Nawat Itsaragrisil is now Miss Universe executive director.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (May 7, 2025)

      

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

- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered the dismissal of the police officers seen with Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte in a viral video of the alleged assault in Davao City. According to Marbil, those who should be held accountable include the commanders of the two police officers who acted as the lawmaker’s bodyguards.

- Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez fully supports Senator Francis Tolentino's plan to file treason and espionage charges against the officers and directors of Infinitus Marketing Solutions, Inc. This is the Makati-based firm that Tolentino identified as allegedly contracted to spread content online in favor of China, especially on issues related to the West Philippine Sea.

- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed the request of former President Rodrigo Duterte's camp to excuse two judges who decided on the tribunal's jurisdiction in his crimes against humanity case.

- The mass for the Papal Conclave has just concluded at the Manila Cathedral, Intramuros, Manila. At 7:30 a.m., Father Biel Bautista began the holy mass, which focused on prayer for the beginning of the vote for the new Pope by all cardinals around the world.

- Preparations for the Papal Conclave in the Vatican are underway. 136 members of the College of Cardinals will vote for the 267th Pope. There will be masses taking place.

- US President Donald Trump taps Andrew Giuliani to lead the World Cup Task Force.

- Oliver Oakes has immediately resigned from his position as Team Principal at the Alpine F1 Team. Flavio Briatore, the Executive Advisor, will take over this role and also handle duties previously performed by Oakes at the team.

- NASCAR's Championship weekend is returning to Homestead-Miami this 2026.

- Team WRT opens its new headquarters in Belgium.

- The second trailer for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI was unveiled, previewing main characters Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos as well as what to expect in Leonida. The game was delayed to late May 2026.

- Boy group WINNER is holding its first concert after over three years, but member Song Mino will not attend.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (May 6, 2025)

     

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

- The Malacañang has declared May 12, Election Day, as a non-working holiday across the Philippines.

- The COMELEC Task Force Baklas is set to file disqualification cases against almost 30 candidates.

- Over 700 police officers from the PNP Highway Patrol Group will assist local police during Monday's elections.

- The awarding of the February 2024 concession agreement to the New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC) to renovate and operate the NAIA is being declared illegal and unconstitutional by some lawyers in the Philippine Supreme Court.

- PH Vice-President Sara Duterte urged the public to obey traffic laws following a series of car accidents across the country.

- US President Donald Trump proposes reopening Alcatraz Island to detain illegal immigrants.

- Pork is the world's most consumed meat, according to reports.

- Video calling service Skype has officially shut down after 22 years.

- Porsche becomes the official car of the Laguna Seca race track.

- The winners of the 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards were announced.

TTFN.

My FM Log: Rennsport Reunions

The 992-spec 911 Turbo S and the Le Mans race car are two prize cars from Forza Motorsport's Update 19. Having obtained these two Porsches, it's time to have a word with them.

First up is the Porsche that nobody in Forza's target audience has seen because they were not born at the time of the race car's debut. It's the #1 Porsche System Engineering 924 GTP Le Mans, and I obtained it from clearing the Porsche Tour before the May 28, 2025, deadline.

In 1979, Porsche began developing the 924 Turbo as a Group 4 GT entry for the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans. It featured a full alloy roll cage and an additional cross-brace beneath the hood. The body panels were constructed from aluminum, lightweight urethane, and fiberglass. The car utilized disc brakes and axles sourced from the 935 parts bin and a larger intercooler positioned in the nose. An upgraded dog-leg five-speed transmission with a limited-slip differential and its cooler mounted at the rear provided exceptional chassis balance. The suspension was fully adjustable, equipped with titanium springs and Bilstein coil-overs, both front and rear.

Porsche brought a small number of 924 Carrera GTs to compete in the GTP class at the 1980 Le Mans 24-hour race, with the best car finishing sixth overall. 

After a successful debut in 1980, Porsche returned to Le Mans in 1981. That year, Porsche entered both a 924 Carrera GTP and a 944 LM, each equipped with the new 2.5L engine that would later be used in the 924S and 944 models.

In 1982, 924s were only entered by privateers, with two cars being fielded by BF Goodrich using road tires. While the 924 won the IMSA GTO class in 1981 and the IMSA GT class in 1982, it never exceeded the overall performance of the factory-backed Porsche entries, even though the customer cars had more power than the original works cars.

Lastly is the King of 911s, the 992-spec Porsche 911 Turbo S. I obtained it from clearing Update 19's Open Class tour before the May 7, 2025, deadline.

The 992-spec 911 Turbo S is a bona fide supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

In 2024, a special 911 Turbo 50 model was unveiled in honor of the 911 Turbo's 50th anniversary. Only 1974 models were made, a reference to the year the 911 Turbo was born.

Let's give these Porsche prize cars a quick lap around Lime Rock Park, demonstrating just how Porsche these Porsches are. Let's roll the tapes.

These two different machines have demonstrated what makes a Porsche...well...Porsche.

Enjoy your new rides!

Let's Do The News! (May 5, 2025)

    

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

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos will attend the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.

- The Department of Migrant Workers assures assistance to the OFW family whose relative died in an SUV collision at NAIA Terminal 1.

- The COMELEC refutes circulating graphics regarding the rescheduling of the midterm elections two days early.

- House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to stand up and speak out against China. VP Sara's silence on issues involving China, such as its continued bullying and the entry of the Chinese Coast Guard into Sandy Cay, part of the Spratlys group of islands, is noteworthy for Ortega.

- The Mercedes-AMG GT APXGP Edition was unveiled. The special model is themed after the fictional APX GP team from the F1 movie.

2026 Mercedes-AMG GT APXGP Edition

- German racer Jochen Mass passed away at the age of 78.

- The Trump administration aims to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the US. President Donald Trump asserts that a "concerted effort" to shift production abroad poses a national security threat.

- The Debut's Plan: NewKids finale announced the final debut lineup of the newly-named IDID boy group.

- Washington, DC will host the 2027 NFL draft, according to reports.

- Naoya Inoue defeated Ramon Cardenas with a Round 8 TKO.

- The sons of Carlo J. Caparas have joined the cast of TV5's new drama, Totoy Bato.

TTFN.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Würth 400

The excitement builds in Texas as NASCAR takes over Texas Motor Speedway for the Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY. The excitement is palpable with this one.

As the green flag waved, the action at Texas Motor Speedway was on. The first stage saw Denny Hamlin suffer a big mechanical problem, followed by a mix-up on the radio, forcing him to surrender. As Stage 1 ended under caution with Austin Cindric out front, Stage 2 saw some saves from Chase Briscoe and Carson Hocevar while Josh Berry spun and hit the wall. With Kyle Larson taking Stage 2, the final stage witnessed the big one as the drivers of the Nos. 4, 16, 48, and 66 cars were hardest to hit.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After a chaotic Sunday in Texas, Joey Logano wins the Würth 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Kansas Speedway for the AdventHealth 400 this May 11, 2025.

F1 2025 - Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1's 75th anniversary celebrations are ongoing in Miami for the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri is leading the Driver Standings for the first time in his career, and McLaren is performing strongly in the Team Standings. Will this success continue as Formula 1 returns to Miami, a city known for its Republican leanings?

Image: F1

It's another 1-2 finish for the McLaren team, with Oscar Piastri the winner and Lando Norris the second placer. Enough to keep Piastri and McLaren's grip in the Driver and Team Standings. Mercedes driver George Russell, meanwhile, completes the podium by finishing 3rd. Other finishers include Max Verstappen, Alex Albon, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, and Yuki Tsunoda.

The next race for the 2025 F1 season will be in Imola for the AWS Gran Premio del Made in Italy e Dell'Emilia-Romagna this May 18th, 2025.