Let's Do The News! (August 16, 2025)

  

                                        

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

- Talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska ended without a deal. However, Trump stated that "progress was made" after almost three hours of discussions with Putin regarding Ukraine.

- The Lexus Sport Concept made its surprise appearance at The Quail, previewing a potential replacement for both the RC and LC sports cars.

Lexus Sport Concept

- The Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS Octavia made its appearance at The Quail. It's a reso-modded 1971 Aston Martin DBS with a widebody exterior, revamped interior, and a 805HP V8 engine mated to a 6-speed MT.

Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS Octavia

- Infiniti presented two concept cars at The Quail such as the QX65 Monograph Concept and two QX80 concepts: the Track Spec and the Terrain Spec.

- Lucid presented the Gravity X Concept at The Quail. It's an off-road-tuned concept based on the Gravity EV SUV.

Lucid Gravity X Concept

- Chevrolet presented the Corvette CX Concept and the Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo at The Quail. Both cars will be playable in Gran Turismo 7 via the August update.

- The Lamborghini Fenomeno has been unveiled. It features a 6.5L V12 hybrid powertrain that delivers an impressive 1,080 PS of power. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), this car can reach a top speed of over 350 kph and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.4 seconds. Additionally, all 29 units of this vehicle are already sold.

Lamborghini Fenomeno

- Gordon Murray's GM Special Vehicles presented the T.50-based Le Mans GTR as well as the S1 LM.

- Hennessey has launched its Maverick bespoke division, with a one-off Venom F5 Revolution LF being the first model produced.

- The BanG Dream franchise is getting a Ganzo! Bandori-chan mini-anime this October 2. A new Ave Mujica film was announced.

- Seiyuu Aki Toyosaki limits her activities following her husband's passing.

- KATSEYE canceled their Summer Sonic Osaka performance due to two members falling ill.

- Miss Universe Russia 2017 Kseniya Alexandrova was killed in a car accident. Alexandrova just got married last March 2025.

TTFN.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korean top court rules 'Baby Shark' not plagiarized

 

South Korea's top court ruled that the globally popular South Korean children's song "Baby Shark" was not plagiarized, rejecting a copyright claim filed by a US-based composer.

With its catchy lyrics, the "Baby Shark Dance" video is the most viewed on YouTube, with more than 16 billion views, roughly double those of the runner-up, "Despacito," and third-place "Wheels on the Bus."

In 2019, New York composer Johnny Only, whose legal name is Jonathan Wright, filed a lawsuit in Seoul, alleging that the 2015 hit "Baby Shark" by South Korean education startup SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011.

Only demanded 30 million won in compensation, accusing the firm of copying elements of his work, including its bassline and rhythm.

SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright.

A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges at a trial in 2021, finding that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. That ruling was upheld by an appeal court in 2023.

Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings on Thursday.

"All appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld," according to court documents.

The Pinkfong Company said in a statement that the Supreme Court's decision confirmed "Baby Shark" was "based on a traditional singalong chant that has entered the public domain."

The company said it had given "a fresh twist to the chant by adding an upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, turning it into the pop culture icon it is today."

Only did not immediately reply to a request for comment. He told Canadian public broadcaster CBC in 2019 that he had created a toddler-friendly version of "Baby Shark" in 2011, revising the original song, which was about a gory shark attack.

"I was the first one that did that (rewriting the song), you know? And basically Pinkfong's version does the same thing," he said in the interview.

 Source: Agence-France Presse

Let's Do The News! (August 15, 2025)

 

                                        

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

- Taiwan thanked Philippine President Bongbong Marcos for his Taiwan Strait remarks, vowing the safety of OFWs working there.

- The Philippines says that it's not responsible for the crash with a Chinese vessel near Scarborough Shoal, according to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

- GCash suspends in-app gambling access on GLife by tomorrow, in compliance with the BSP directives that all e-wallet apps must remove gambling links.

- Researchers revealed that AI invents new antibiotics that could kill superbugs gonorrhoea and MRSA.

- Japanese grand tea master Sen Genshitsu dies at the age of 102.

- Preparations for the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, are underway.

- The Ford Mustang GTD gained its Liquid Carbon package.

- Former F1 driver Logan Sargeant will race for PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports for the last two IMSA races of the 2025 season.

- Robin Frijns departed from the Envision Formula E team.

- The Acura RSX Prototype was unveiled. Set to go into production this 2026, the electric SUV previews the production version of the Performance EV Concept.

Acura RSX Prototype

- Roblox was banned in Qatar due to problems and risks to youth.

- Organizers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will sell naming rights for some competition venues to create an additional revenue stream. This decision marks a departure from the traditional ban on brand names at stadiums and arenas during the Games.

- Liza Soberano confirms breakup with Enrique Gil three years ago.

- P-Pop girl group BINI files a complaint against an unknown party, according to reports.

- A second contestant from MasterChef UK has been edited out following the Gregg Wallace scandal.

TTFN.

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.