Let's Do The News! (August 14, 2025)

                                        

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

- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has instructed e-wallets and payment platforms to remove links to online gambling sites within 48 hours. This measure aims to limit online gamblers' access to e-wallets, which have been negatively impacting Filipino citizens, particularly the youth. During a Senate Committee hearing on Games and Amusement, BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan announced that the 48-hour deadline for these platforms to eliminate all connections to online gambling sites has officially begun.

- The PH Department of Justice established the revised protocol for the case management of child abuse victims.

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos has signed into law the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act.

- Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi was charged with attempted murder after prison officers attacked.

- Raw Thrills' Fast & Furious arcade game is heading to consoles.

- Singer Nobuo Yamada dies at the age of 61.

- Disney's new series, "Vampirina: Teenage Vampire", is set to premiere on Disney Channel on September 12, 2025, and will be available on Disney+ starting October 15, 2025. This live-action sitcom is based on the Disney Junior cartoon and stars Kenzi Richardson as the main character, Vee. The story follows Vee as she leaves her home in Transylvania to attend a boarding school where she learns to coexist with humans.

- Former Denver Broncos legend Lionel Taylor dies at the age of 89.

TTFN.

Suzuki Alto (HA37/97S)/Mazda Carol (HB37/97S) - 2026MY Facelift

The ninth-generation Suzuki Alto has received minor updates for the 2026 model year. As Japan's most fuel-efficient car, it deserves a refreshed introduction to the public with this facelift.

2026 Suzuki Alto

2026 Mazda Carol

The updated eighth-generation Suzuki Alto for the 2026 model year has received a facelift and is priced starting at 1,142,900 Yen, not including additional costs. Suppose your nearest dealership is a Mazda and you're interested in this vehicle. In that case, there's no need to worry—the Mazda Carol, which is its equivalent, has also undergone a similar facelift. The Mazda Carol is available for 1,222,100 Yen, plus additional costs.

2026 Mazda Carol interior

2026 Suzuki Alto interior

The most noticeable revision for the 2026 minor update of both the Suzuki Alto and the Mazda Carol is the front design. The front grille has been elongated, but there are no other changes. The interior remains unchanged, still reflecting the principle of "simple is best."

The turning radius remains at 4.4 meters, but the fuel economy has been updated. The base model is equipped with the R06A 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12-valve EPI engine, which produces 46 PS of power and 55 Nm of torque. Paired with a CVT, this model achieves a fuel economy of 25.8 km/L. Additionally, the Mild Hybrid setup combines a 49 PS 660cc R06D DOHC 12-valve VVT engine with a WA04C micro electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, resulting in an impressive fuel economy of 28.2 km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Both the Alto and the Carol are equipped with Suzuki Safety Support, which includes a variety of advanced driver assistance systems. Features such as Collision Damage Mitigation Brake, Pedal Mistake Sudden Start Suppression Device, and others are included, making them certified as "Support Car S Wide."

Updated for the 2026 Model Year, both the Suzuki Alto and its Mazda Carol equivalent proved that they're still the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered cars to go for. The Japanese People's Car just got better.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation/Mazda Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (August 13, 2025)

                                        

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

- Former Bureau of Corrections head and accuser in high-profile drug case against Leila de Lima, Rafael Ragos, dies.

- Typhoon Gorio (international name Podul) has further intensified and is nearing landfall over southern Taiwan.

- The Quezon City government is investigating the falling debris incident in Tomas Morato that hurt three students.

- The Armed Forces of the Philippines debunked a YouTube video falsely claiming that there was a naval standoff between Philippine and Malaysian forces.

- Tech giants say that the use and abuse of traditional passwords forced them to find alternative security methods such as fingerprints, access keys, and facial recognition.

- NASA plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon.

- Pete Hegseth, a prominent Republican in the U.S., stated that they aim to bring Washington, D.C., under control. This comment follows reports of President Donald Trump considering the implementation of martial law and the deployment of the National Guard to address anti-Trump protests, such as those in Los Angeles.

- Tyson Foods named Xbox head Sarah Bond as the company's new addition to its board of directors.

- Cadillac showcased its "Curated by Cadillac" bespoke program with the CT5-V Blackwing.

- The Polestar 3 broke a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance on one charge with a range of 581 miles.

- The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut reclaims its 0-400-0kph world record from Rimac with the time of 25.21 seconds.

- Mercedes-Benz showcased its Vision V Concept, previewing its VAN.EA platform coming in 2026.

Mercedes-Benz Vision V Concept

- Crunchyroll, the anime streaming app, is undergoing significant corporate restructuring that includes laying off several employees.

- Activision Blizzard's Story and Franchise development team has voted in favor of unionization with the Communications Workers of America, according to reports. 

- The popular Netflix animated movie, K-POP Demon Hunters, will have a sing-along version released in select cinemas on August 23 and 24, 2025.

- The MPBL has imposed a lifetime ban and a fine of PhP200,000 on Michole Sorela of the GenSan Warriors due to his altercation with Mindoro Tamaraws player Jonas Tibayan.

- Domestic violence charges against boxing champ Gervonta Davis were dropped.

- Joe Pantoliano and Parker Posey got their 2025 EMMY Awards appearances canceled despite being nominated.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (August 12, 2025)

                                       

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

- The Philippine Navy confronted two Chinese warships loitering near Batanes. A few moments ago, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Zilian, reaffirmed China's commitment to pace, shared prosperity, and strong ties with neighboring countries, including the Philippines.

- Transport groups across the Philippines are petitioning for an additional P1 jeepney fare hike with the LTFRB.

- Senator Raffy Tulfo criticizes school building designs that lack or lack toilets for students.

- The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has launched its reduced parking rates for legitimate travelers and airport users, cutting costs by half in a bid to make air travel more convenient and affordable. According to a report, the New NAIA Infra Corporation has set the overnight parking fee for cars at ₱600, down from the usual ₱1,200. Buses will be charged ₱1,200 overnight, half the regular rate of ₱2,400; while motorcycles will be required to pay ₱240 for the overnight fee, compared to the previous ₱480.

- About five volcanic quakes were recorded around the Kanlaon Volcano within the last 24 hours, according to PHIVOLCS.

- US President Donald Trump postponed the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports just hours before a temporary trade truce between the two rival global superpowers.

- Two were killed in an explosion at a steel plant in the US state of Pennsylvania.

- Ford is laying plans for its upcoming Universal EV Platform, set to debut on its upcoming pickup truck coming soon this 2027.

- K-POP boy group ZEROBASEONE is in talks to extend contracts, according to reports.

- The song "Golden" from the Netflix original cartoon movie, K-POP DEMON HUNTERS, reached the No.1 spot of the Billboard Hot 100.

- Actor Channing Tatum joins the cast of the English-dubbed version of Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugenjyo-hen Chapter 1, hitting US theaters this September 12.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (August 11, 2025)

                                      

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

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos said that China "misinterpreted" his comments, saying the country will inevitably be drawn into a conflict between China and Taiwan should one erupt.

- UA&P unions file strike notice after failed negotiations for higher pay.

- San Miguel Corporation is funneling 3.2 billion PhP to expand the Zamboanga City gas plant.

- A 150-foot Divine Mercy statue will soon rise in Davao, according to reports.

- Cambodia vows to rid the country of scam compounds. Last month, the Cambodian government launched the largest crackdown to date on the online scam industry that has taken root in the country and operated largely in the open.

- OpenAI releases "PhD-level" ChatGPT-5 for all users.

- The ONE PIECE Netflix series got renewed for its third season. The second season is due next year.

- Japanese boxing officials will meet tomorrow as the sport in the country faces intense scrutiny following the deaths of two fighters in separate bouts at the same event. 

- MQuest Ventures has expanded into the music scene through a partnership with one of OPM’s most prolific hitmakers, Vehnee Saturno.

- Kris Aquino goes into preventive isolation in Tarlac.

TTFN.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Go Bowling at The Glen

Three races remain in the regular season of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series before the playoffs. The next stop is New York for the Go Bowling at The Glen. Who will secure a spot in the playoffs? Let's find out in this intense circuit race.

As the green flag waved, the real circuit action in the Glen had begun. The first stage saw braking issues for Kyle Larson, forcing him to pit and go backwards while in the pits. As Chris Buescher won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Josh Berry getting nudged and spun. As Ryan Blaney won Stage 2, the final stage saw an eventful end for the Legacy Motor Club drivers, followed by Kyle Busch's save of the race.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense fight in The Glen, the only Oceania driver on the grid strikes again as Shane Van Gisbergen wins the Go Bowling at The Glen of the NASCAR Cup Series!

There are only two races left in the regular season before the playoffs. The next race will be at Richmond, VA, for the Cook Out 400 on August 16, 2025.

NTT IndyCar Series 2025 - BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland

The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series continues at Portland International Raceway for the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland. The Pacific Northwest is the site of judgment, deciding the fate of Alex Palou’s championship title.

Will Power ended his winless streak with his first win for the season, a first for the Penske team this year. Christian Lundgaard finished 2nd, and Alex Palou finished 3rd.

Screengrab from IndyCar

After the intense action in Portland, it's decided. Alex Palou is officially the four-time IndyCar champion.

Palou is officially named champion-elect, but there are two races left this season. The penultimate race of the season, the Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250, is this August 24, 2025.