Let's Do The News! (May 9, 2025)

        

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

- An American-Peruvian cardinal named Robert Prevost is named as the new Pope after a two-day Conclave at the Vatican. He becomes Pope Leo XIV, the first Pope who hails from the USA. The new Pope will lead the Roman Catholics worldwide and uphold the legacy of his predecessors. Most world leaders are congratulating the new Pope while others are concerned about the Catholic Church's future plans under the helm of Pope Leo XIV on key issues like LGBT and abortion rights.

- The Malacañang will not file a complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte for spreading false information against First Lady Liza Marcos. This is despite VP Sara's accusation that the First Lady was involved in the death of a Filipino during her trip to the United States in March.

- The recently concluded Balikatan exercises were a success, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

- The LTFRB is giving special permits to around 800 bus units for this Monday's elections.

- The Toyota Corolla range was updated for the 2026 model year. All gasoline-powered variants of the Corolla sedan, the Corolla Touring wagon, and the Corolla Sport hatchback were axed, leaving only hybrid variants. In addition, the ACTIVE SPORT variants of the Corolla sedan and Corolla Touring wagon were joined as special models.

2026 Toyota Corolla Active Sport

2026 Toyota Corolla Touring Active Sport

- The fourth season of Clarkson's Farm airs on Prime Video this May 23 with the first four episodes. Episodes five and six will be on the 30th of May, and the last two episodes will be on June 6th.

- FOX will air an INDY 500 documentary titled INDYCAR: Anything to Win this Sunday, May 18th.

- Disney announced the title of the next Descendants movie, coming soon to Disney+. The next Descendants chapter will be titled Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, and it picks up moments after The Rise of Red.

- FIFTY FIFTY member Keena has halted activities due to PTSD, according to the group's agency.

- Comedian Amay Bisaya passed away at the age of 67.

TTFN.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Honda NSX

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Forza Motorsport series. To commemorate this milestone, let’s take a look back at the cover cars from the Forza Motorsport franchise, starting with the very first game released in 2005 and continuing through to the final installment launched in 2023.

Let's begin with the one that started it all. It's the NA2 Honda NSX-R, the hero car of the first Forza Motorsport game, launched 20 years ago.

Honda revived the NSX-R variant of the facelifted model in the form of a concept, as seen on the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, and then it went on sale a year later.

Like the base model, the NSX-R still comes with the same 3.2L V6 engine, which is an improvement from the previous NSX, and is mated with a new 6-speed MT. Unlike the base NSX, the R features improved performance and aerodynamics, resulting in better downforce courtesy of its new hood, new rear wing, and extensive use of carbon fiber.

It became the first street-legal road car to break the 8-minute barrier from the legendary Nürburgring.

Let's have a little commemorative drive around Suzuka Circuit in honor of the first cover car of the first Forza Motorsport game. Kinda think of it, I've already done this stint when I was playing Forza Motorsport 7 several years ago, examining the evolution of the Honda NSX. Anyway, let's see if I can do better with the same setting but playing what's now known as the final Forza Motorsport game.

I did a bit better this time, but I still had a lot of fun taking a commemorative drive in the legendary NSX. This car graced the cover of the first Forza Motorsport game two decades ago, and it still looks impressive after all these years.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU RACE

Next time, let's explore the Z33 Nissan Fairlady Z, the cover car of Forza Motorsport 2.

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.