Sunday, August 24, 2025

Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series Round 5

Round 5 of the Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series brings us to Suzuka Circuit for the Suzuka GT 300km Race. What a way to end the summer season with some intense endurance racing action, only Super GT's finest are bold enough to take on.

Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series Round 5
Screengrab from Super GT

Nissan claimed the 1st and 3rd spots of the GT500 podium with the #23 MOTUL AUTECH Z, the winner, and the #3 Niterra MOTUL Z finished 3rd. Sandwiching in 2nd place is the #14 ENEOS X PRIME GR Supra. In the GT300 class, meanwhile, the #7 CARGUY FERRARI 296 GT3 is the winner, while the #61 SUBARU BRZ R&D SPORT finished 2nd, and the #5 MACHSYAKEN AIR BUSTER MC86 MACH GO finished 3rd.

The next race will be at Sportsland SUGO this September 20 to 21, 2025.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Coke Zero Sugar 400

It's the last race of the regular season before the playoffs as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series returns to Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. This is the last chance for the drivers to make it to the playoffs. The question is, who? Time to find out.

As the green flag waved, the final fight before the playoffs had begun. The first stage saw the #34 and the #45 getting together and going sliding down the frontstretch, triggering the big one. Alex Bowman's not spared from it. As Kyle Larson won Stage 1 and Tyler Reddick's playoff spot was sealed, Stage 2 saw another big one, followed by Carson Hocevar stalling. As Ross Chastain won Stage 2, the final stage goes from wild to wildest with the fully-packed four-wide final lap.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Coke Zero Sugar 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense four-wide final lap, Ryan Blaney wins the Coke Zero Sugar 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

And so, the Final 16 are complete. Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace, Austin Cindric, Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, Josh Berry, Tyler Reddick, Austin Dillon, and Alex Bowman.

Who will survive all the way to Avondale, Arizona, for the title? Who will be eliminated? Find out as the fight for the Final 12 kicks off in Darlington, South Carolina, for the Cook Out Southern 500 this August 31, 2025.

Saturday, August 23, 2025

How to dress as one of the HUNTR/X members

The ultra-hit Netflix original cartoon movie, K-POP Demon Hunters, centers on the life and times of the K-pop girl group known as HUNTR/X. While they were celebrated as a mega-popular K-POP group, their true mission is to uphold the tradition of protecting the world from demons that emerge from darkness. Long story short.

Since you've been getting ready for this weekend's theatrical sing-along celebration, why not try a little DIY to become one of your favorite HUNTR/X members? You've watched this Netflix animated movie countless times. As the song says, you're done hiding, and now you're shining like you were born to be.

HUNTR/X
HUNTR/X
Image: Netflix/Sony Pictures Animation

As Rumi - Rumi does not need an introduction, she is the leader of HUNTR/X. After the passing of her mother, who was a member of the group's predecessor, the Sunlight Sisters, Rumi was raised and mentored by Celine, another member of the Sunlight Sisters. Together, they have established HUNTR/X to continue the legacy. Unaware of her dark ancestry, Rumi is determined to prove that she embodies the demon hunters' code of honor.

Rumi's hair is a vibrant purple, featuring a large, intricate braid that resembles a dragon's tail. This is often referred to as a "dragon braid" or a "mohawk braid." It involves a series of ponytails that are then braided together to create a raised, segmented look. To get the purple color, you can use temporary hair color spray, hair extensions, or, if you're feeling adventurous, purple hair dye.

  • Start by creating a few loose ponytails in a straight line down the center of your head, from your forehead to the crown. The number of ponytails will depend on the length of your hair.
  • Use a topsy-tail tool to flip the first ponytail through itself to start the braid.
  • Split the first ponytail in half and bring the bottom ponytail up through the center of the split sections.
  • Repeat this process, adding hair from the next ponytail down into the braid as you go.
  • Once you reach the last ponytail, continue to a regular three-strand braid for the hanging portion.
  • As you work, you can gently "pancake" or fan out the sections of the braid to give it more fullness and volume, similar to Rumi's.
As Mira - Mira is known for rebelling against her wealthy family. She is the tough girl of the group, but beneath her toughness, she can be quite sensitive.

Mira has long, sleek maroon hair with two high pigtails and bangs. Mira's look is a classic half-up, half-down style with two distinct ponytails on the top of her head. The ponytails are placed high, almost like a pair of "bunny ears." She also has long side bangs.

  • Section off the top half of your hair and create a clean center part.
  • Gather each side into a high ponytail, securing it with a hair tie.
  • Make sure the ponytails are symmetrical and positioned well on top of your head.
  • You can use a straightener to get the super sleek look of her hair.
  • For her bangs, if you don't already have them, you can use clip-in bangs or style your hair to create a faux-bang look.
As Zoey - Growing up in California, Zoey is a cheerful moodmaker and the songwriter of the group. Anyone who messes with Zoey might end up as her punching bag.

Zoey's hairstyle features two braided buns on the sides of her head and short, choppy bangs. Zoey's look is characterized by two low braided buns, placed behind her ears. She also has a set of very short, straight micro bangs.
  • Part your hair down the middle.
  • Create two low ponytails, one on each side, leaving a little bit of room between your ear and the ponytail base.
  • Braid each ponytail all the way down and secure the ends with a small elastic.
  • Wrap each braid around its base to form a bun, creating a "cinnamon roll" shape.
  • Pin the buns securely in place, making sure the top of the bun sticks out slightly, as seen in the image.

...and there you have it. How to be like one of your favorite HUNTR/X members. Once you've worked with the necessary hairstyles, feel free to work on whatever outfits they wore in the movie, from their casuals to their concert outfits.

Move over, demons and Saja Boys! The HUNTR/X girls are ready for the "Take Down"! Yep, that's one of their songs.

Stay "Golden". Again, one of their songs. Oh, and if you happen to run into a derpy blue tiger and a three-eyed magpie wearing a Gat (Korean traditional hat), be sure to greet them.

Friday, August 22, 2025

A Quick 25-year History of the Nissan X-TRAIL

The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Nissan X-TRAIL SUV. Hot on the heels of the recent launch of the Nissan X-TRAIL T33 minor change that saw the addition of the Rock Creek edition and the first-ever X-TRAIL NISMO, it's time for a quick history lesson on 25 years of the Nissan X-TRAIL.

2026 Nissan X-Trail
2026 Nissan X-Trail

First Generation (T30, 2000-2007) - Launched on November 13th, 2000, the first-generation X-TRAIL was launched as a "rugged off-roader" featuring a boxy, utilitarian design. It was built to be a capable and affordable SUV. The interior was simple and functional, with a unique center-mounted speedometer and gauges. It was equipped with Nissan's "All-Mode" 4x4 system, which provided various driving modes including front-wheel drive, automatic, and 4WD lock. Engine options included a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, as well as a 2.2-liter diesel option.

Second Generation (T31, 2007-2013) - The X-TRAIL T31 maintained a boxy, "4x4-like" appearance while refining the original concept. It was slightly larger and prioritized improved on-road comfort without sacrificing its off-road capabilities. The dashboard featured a more conventional layout, with the gauges positioned directly in front of the driver. It included an enhanced "All-Mode" 4x4 system with added features such as Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Additionally, there was a broader range of engine options, including a powerful 2.0-liter turbo-diesel. Buyers could choose between a manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Third Generation (T32, 2013-2022) - The T32 model marked a significant shift for Nissan, as the brand transitioned from a rugged design to a sleeker, more urban crossover aesthetic. The vehicle offered an optional third row of seats. In North America, it was marketed as the Nissan Rogue.

The design adopted a more modern, aerodynamic look and introduced advanced technology and safety features, including Nissan's Intelligent Mobility suite, which comprises features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and the Around View Monitor. A hybrid variant, featuring a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, was also introduced. Additionally, there was an emphasis on comfort with "Zero Gravity" inspired seats and a more refined interior.

Fourth Generation (T33, 2022-present) - The T33 model enhances the urban crossover concept with a bolder and more athletic exterior design, emphasizing electrification and advanced technology. It features Nissan's e-POWER hybrid system, in which a gasoline engine acts as a generator to charge a battery while the wheels are driven solely by an electric motor. The model is also introduced with a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine.

Inside, the X-TRAIL T33 boasts a fully digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a Head-Up Display available in higher trim levels. It also includes improved safety and driver-assistance systems, such as ProPILOT Assist, which aids in freeway driving by keeping the car centered in its lane and maintaining a preset speed. The T33 is available in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations.


So, there you have it. Twenty-five years of the Nissan X-TRAIL, evolving from the rugged T30 to the stylish T33, spanning four generations and continuing to make an impact. It's a world-proven crossover that became the new standard for Nissan.

Happy 25th anniversary to the Nissan X-TRAIL.

Let's Do The News! (August 22, 2025)

       

                                        

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

- The BARMM Parliamentary Elections will go ahead this October, according to the COMELEC. The alert status has been raised to Blue Alert.

- The low-pressure area spotted east of Aurora has intensified into a Tropical Depression named Isang, according to PAGASA.

- Parts of Metro Manila are flooded, gutter-deep, because of rainfall.

- The Philippine and Australian military are conducting land warfare drills as part of this year's ALON Exercise.

- The New York appeals court throws out the $500m fine against US President Donald Trump in a fraud case.

- The United Kingdom's third-largest steelworks fell into government control, putting 1,500 jobs at risk.

- Erik Menendez denied parole after three decades in prison for killing his wealthy parents in Los Angeles.

- The pro-Israeli NGO UN Watch wrote a letter to the World Bank for the expulsion of Massimilano Cali, the senior economist who happens to be the husband of UN official Francesca Albanese, who was sanctioned by the US for inciting sanctions against US companies with ties to Israel, for his anti-Semitic outbursts.

- World's oldest person, Ethel Caterham, turns 116.

- The fourth-generation Nissan Roox was unveiled, as well as the new-generation Mitsubishi eK Space and Delica Mini. Both models will go on sale later this year.

2026 Mitsubishi eK Space
2026 Mitsubishi eK Space

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini
2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini



- Landmark Award honoree and track promoter Humpy Wheeler passed away at the age of 86.

- The Kick Sauber F1 Team is ditching the Stake sponsorship in the Dutch Grand Prix to comply with Dutch laws banning gambling advertisement in sports.

- Meet the winners of the 2025 K-World Dream Awards.

- The father of Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown was arrested after stabbing.

TTFN.

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Nissan X-TRAIL T33 - 2026 Minor Change

Launched three years ago, the fourth-generation Nissan X-TRAIL became the new standard for Nissan because of its e-POWER VC-TURBO combination, the muscular looks, the refined interior, and Nissan Intelligent Mobility. It's high time for the Nissan X-Trail T33 to receive its long-overdue minor change to keep it fresh in times of challenging situations. Ready for some introductions?

2026 Nissan X-Trail
2026 Nissan X-Trail

Starting at 3,843,400 yen, plus additional costs, the Nissan X-TRAIL T33 Minor Change is redefining the midsize crossover SUV segment. It features a bold exterior refresh and significant technology upgrades that enhance convenience and connectivity for every journey, as highlighted by Nissan.

2026 Nissan X-Trail
2026 Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek

2026 Nissan X-Trail
2026 Nissan X-Trail NISMO

2026 Nissan X-Trail
2026 Nissan X-Trail AUTECH



Beginning with the revised exterior design, the X-TRAIL T33 Minor Change features a revised front and rear fascias, a new version of Nissan's V-motion grille, and new inner taillights. While the flashy AUTECH version features a significantly larger grille than its pre-facelifted counterpart, this minor change introduces two new additions to the lineup: the off-road-oriented Rock Creek and the sports-oriented X-Trail Nismo.

The X-TRAIL Rock Creek variant replaces the previous XTREMER-X variant from the pre-facelift model. It boasts a unique gloss-black front grille with silver accents, a redesigned front fascia featuring Lava Red accents, gloss-black side mirrors, and black roof rails. Additionally, it is available in an exclusive Canyon Beige/Super Black two-tone exterior color.

On the other hand, the first-ever X-TRAIL NISMO showcases a distinctive NISMO-tuned exterior design and dynamics while maintaining its e-4ORCE powertrain. This model offers two exclusive exterior color combinations: NISMO Stealth Grey/Super Black two-tone and Cardinal Red/Super Black two-tone.

2026 Nissan X-Trail
2026 Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek interior


The interior remains largely unchanged, except for the addition of USB-C ports and the introduction of Google-built-in NissanConnect, which is a first for Nissan vehicles. Additionally, first-time buyers can enjoy free in-car Wi-Fi until January 15, 2026, regardless of whether they subscribe to the NissanConnect service.

Most variants, including the NISMO variant, offer standard five-seater capability. The variants eligible for the seven-seater configuration are the X e-4ORCE, AUTECH e-4ORCE, and the Rock Creek edition. Regardless of the variant you choose, you can enjoy a maximum boot space of 1,424 liters when the passenger seats are folded down. With five seats in use, the boot space is approximately 585 liters, while with seven seats in use, it reduces to about 177 liters.

2026 Nissan X-Trail NISMO
2026 Nissan X-Trail NISMO

As expected, the e-POWER VC-TURBO combination remains in this update. The electric motor takes the lead, while the 1.5L VC-Turbo engine functions as a generator to support the electric motor and charge the lithium-ion batteries. The front-wheel-drive (FF) variants with a single electric motor produce 204 PS and offer a fuel economy of 19.4 km/L. In contrast, the e-4ORCE variants equipped with two electric motors deliver 213 PS of power and have a fuel economy of 18.1 km/L. All are mated with the CVT gearbox.

The Nissan X-TRAIL is equipped with the standard 360 Safety Assist, which includes features such as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking. The top-of-the-line variants also come with ProPILOT, which combines Intelligent Cruise Control with Steering Assist for a more confident driving experience on the highway. This system utilizes a forward-facing camera, forward-facing radar, and other sensors to help keep the vehicle centered within its lane. In stop-and-go traffic, ProPILOT can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and hold it in place until traffic begins to move again.

With the Nissan X-TRAIL T33 receiving its long-overdue minor change with the addition of the off-road-oriented Rock Creek edition and the sports-oriented NISMO edition, there are many ways to live with this update. Like it or not, this update means business for the X-TRAIL.

Photo: Nissan Motor Company

Let's Do The News! (August 21, 2025)

      

                                        

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

- The LTO summoned owners of 19 impounded motorcycles involved in illegal street racing along the Bulacan bypass road. Those involved in unlawful street racing were minors.

- A low-pressure area is spotted 435km east of Baler, Aurora, according to PAGASA.

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte says she's ready for drug testing anytime.

- The Philippine Army ordered strict security for the upcoming BARMM Parliamentary Elections this October 13th.

- Former priest Chris Brain guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against women from his evangelical group.

- Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth was charged with possession of indecent images.

- The Trump administration is lashing out against the Chinese steel and lithium industry for forced-labour scrutiny.

- The 2026 NASCAR schedule was unveiled, with the All-Star Race set to take place at Dover and the return of Chicagoland Speedway. North Wilkesboro will have its first points race for the 2026 season.

- Prices for PS5 consoles in the US have increased due to the current tariff situation. The PS5 Digital Edition now starts at $500, while the PS5 with the disc drive begins at $550. The top-tier model, the PS5 Pro, has a starting price of $750.

- LE SSERAFIM member Sakura will not attend the K-World Dream Awards due to health concerns.

- Lee Chae Min has left GOLDMEDALIST.

- 49ers player Demarcus Robinson was suspended for three games as part of his DUI fallout.

- Nongshim USA launched a limited edition Shin Noodles featuring HUNTR/X girls from the Netflix cartoon movie K-POP Demon Hunters.

- The Duffer Bros. and Upside Down Pictures officially signed a four-year deal with Paramount for movies, television, and streaming projects.

TTFN.