Let's Do The News! (October 4, 2025)

                             

                                        

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

- Senator Risa Hontiveros has exposed the questionable identity of the son of nickel businessman Joseph Sy, who was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) after pretending to be Filipino. Hontiveros insisted that Sy passed on the deception to his children because he also has two names, two citizenships, and two passports.

- Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña has demanded that unprogrammed appropriations in the Philippine national budget be reduced to zero or completely eliminated. It is noteworthy for Cendaña that 70% of the unprogrammed appropriations are allocated for infrastructure projects in the year 2026.

- The Singapore Red Cross donates 2.2 million Pesos of aid for victims of the earthquake in Cebu.

- US President Donald Trump believes Hamas is "ready for lasting peace" and tells Israel to "stop the bombing of Gaza". Earlier, Hamas agreed to release all hostages, but demands a revision to the US peace plan for Gaza.

- Snapchat drew flak over its announcement to start charging users to store photos and videos. Users with over 5GB of Memories will now need to pay to keep them accessible.

- The Polestar 3 EV SUV was updated for the 2026 Model Year.

- Sony will gradually shut down certain services on the PlayStation 4 this Spring 2026.

- Microsoft has announced significant price increases for the Xbox Game Pass subscription. Starting November 4, 2025, the Xbox Game Pass Essential will be priced at $79.99 per year. This increase is part of a larger set of changes to the Xbox Game Pass in October 2025, which also includes a 50% increase in the price of the Ultimate subscription, rising to $29.99 per month. Additionally, a new tier called Premium will be introduced for $14.99 per month.

- The TV series Ultraman Omega casts Mirai Yamamoto as Sayuki Uta, a member of the Kaiju Special Countermeasure Team.

- Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced to over four years in jail on prostitution-related charges.

TTFN.

The Smashing Machine

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson delivers his dramatic interpretation of the two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, Mark Kerr, famously known as The Smashing Machine, in this powerful biopic movie that tells more about the legend himself.

The Smashing Machine

Based on true events, The Smashing Machine centers on Mark Kerr's career as an MMA fighter who rocked the sports world. Most of the trials and tribulations he faced are highlighted in this biopic.

Although this biopic doesn't match the same quality as Ali, one of the greatest sports biopic movies in ages, this movie gives sports and MMA fans a chance to fully understand who Mark Kerr is and how his arduous journey made him the two-time UFC heavyweight champion. It's a must-watch of the season for anyone who has a strong interest in the world of mixed martial arts and the UFC.

If you think you know Mark Kerr, come experience this movie to fully understand who this legend is.

Let's Do The News! (October 3, 2025)

                            

                                        

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

- Typhoon Paolo made landfall over Isabela. According to PAGASA, Signal No.4 will be raised over parts of Northern Luzon and Aurora.

- The organizers of the Trillion Peso March will stage another major protest against corruption, this time on November 30, 2025, Bonifacio Day. Organizers warned that it will be "bigger, wider, and fiercer than the Sept. 21 rally".

- Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong cried foul over a plot to ease him out of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure as he lamented a "deep-seated" corruption in the government.

- Two men were killed in a stabbing attack in the synagogue in Manchester, UK. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted to the Yom Kippur stabbing attack, saying "additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."

- Two days have passed since the US Government Shutdown. As US President Donald Trump threatens to fire most federal employees, the Democrats were quick to blame the Republicans for the shutdown. Some called this recent shutdown "every Democrat's worst nightmare".

- Elon Musk is on the brink of becoming the world's first trillionaire, according to reports.

- Adrien Tambay and Claire Schonborn are named reserve drivers in this weekend's Extreme E final race and next weekend's Extreme H World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

- The NHRA reveals Pro Stock and PSM schedules for the 2026 season.

- Toyota Gazoo Racing is named as the official partner of MissionH24's H24EVO project, pushing the call for hydrogen-powered car racing.

- SM Entertainment shares update on legal action against malicious activities targeting its artists.

- The Nevada court rejects the NFL's petition for the rehearing of Jon Gruden.

- PGA of America boss Don Rea Jr. apologizes in an email to the golf professionals he was elected to serve. Rea condemns the US fans' behavior following the mess at the Ryder Cup that saw Europe win.

TTFN.

Suzuki XBEE (2026MY Minor Change)

First launched eight years ago, the Suzuki XBEE (rhymes with Crosley) compact crossover has received a major facelift for the 2026 Model Year, keeping this baby crossover fresh for more adventures.

2026 Suzuki XBEE

Starting at 2,212,100 Yen plus additional costs, the massive update on the Suzuki XBEE is all about reintroducing Suzuki's compact crossover with a different approach. Although it's still the XBEE Japanese motorists are familiarized with, the facelift features a revamped front face and revamped taillights. 

2026 Suzuki XBEE interior

The interior has been significantly updated with leather-like panels and a two-tiered center console for a compact car feel. The redesigned instrument panel and door trim enhance the SUV's quality while promoting a spacious layout. Additionally, the HYBRID MZ upgrade package includes water-repellent fabric seats, a unique color scheme, a head-up display, and LED room lamps.

2026 Suzuki XBEE

The pre-facelift's 1.0L engine was replaced by the same 80PS Z12E three-cylinder 1.2L DOHC engine from today's Swift, connected by the new WA06D electric motor. Now mated to a CVT gearbox, which is a disappointment for anyone who misses the fun of the pre-facelift model, fuel economy is now 22.8 km/L for FF models.

FF models now feature similar stuff from the 4WD models, such as sport mode, snow mode, grip control, and hill descent control, along with active cornering support to minimize sag. Damping adhesives enhance ride comfort, handling stability, and quietness.

The new XBEE features advanced safety capabilities, including millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera, to detect vehicles and pedestrians. It features the Dual Sensor Brake Support II for collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control with full-speed tracking, lane keeping assist, and lane departure prevention. Additional features include active cornering support, a blind spot monitor, and a 7-inch color meter display, a first for Suzuki in Japan.

The major facelift for the 8-year-old Suzuki baby crossover, the XBEE, may have sacrificed some of its fun-to-drive charms in the name of fuel efficiency, but in the end, it never lost its common sense as a user-friendly compact crossover that deserves to be driven daily.

Available Colors Mystic Blue Metallic Black Tough 2-tone, Pure White Pearl Black Tough 2-tone, Burning Red Pearl Metallic Black Tough 2-tone, Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic Black Tough 2-tone, Mystic Blue Metallic White 2-tone Roof, Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic White 2-tone Roof, Tough Khaki Pearl Metallic White 2-tone Roof, Cool Yellow Metallic Gun Metallic 2-tone Roof, Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic Black 2-tone Roof, Pure White Pearl, Super Black Pearl, Mellow Deep Red Pearl, and Tough Khaki Pearl Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (October 2, 2025)

                           

                                        

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

- Motor taxi riders are appealing to the PH Congress to legalize motor taxi operations.

- The Armed Forces of the Philippines quashes rumors of a coup d'état plot against the PBBM administration.

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos led the aerial inspection across Cebu, which was heavily affected by Tuesday night's Magnitude 6.9 quake.

- Senator Rodante Marcoleta criticized the contradictory statements of Senate President Tito Sotto III and Senate President pro-tempore Ping Lacson regarding amendments and insertions in the national budget. This is in connection with Lacson's earlier disclosure that the budget insertions of almost all senators will reach ₱100 billion before the end of the 19th Congress, to which Sotto clarified that the insertion of amendments is not bad and is part of the budget process.

- Police responding to reports of a stabbing at a synagogue in Manchester, England.

- "None of us have ever asked for special treatment", US female veterans respond to a controversial speech by the US War Secretary Pete Hegseth.

- Storm Amy will hit the UK from Friday, bringing winds up to 80mph.

- Two people were killed and hundreds were arrested after protests in Morocco turned violent.

- Famed chimpanzee expert and animal rights activist Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91.

- ACMobility, an Ayala company, and Honda Cars Philippines jointly announce the transition of their 35-year dealer operations, effective January 1, 2026.

- The Acciona Sainz XE Team, ZEROID, and Jameel Motorsport are taking part in this weekend's last-ever Extreme E race and the inaugural Extreme H World Cup.

- Toyota Gazoo Racing teases its new hypercar competitor for the 2026 WEC season.

- Honda commenced its shakedown of its Prelude GT race car, to be used for the 2026 Super GT season.

- TWICE member Jeongyeon will sit out from the group's Bulacan concert due to health.

- Song Kang announced his first fan meeting after his military discharge.

- P1Harmony postponed today's concert in Toronto at the last minute.

- Xavien Howard announced his sudden retirement after four games in the NFL.

TTFN.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N

The first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 6 N is here. Starting at 79,900,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-electric high-performance super saloon you've been waiting for from the start is coming at you. Ready to find out what makes the IONIQ 6 N the EV super saloon you want to drive? You're in luck.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N interior

Based on the recently updated IONIQ 6 electric saloon, the IONIQ 6 N features a similar semi-racing appearance inspired by the RN22e Concept, which was derived from the pre-facelifted IONIQ 6. It's been three long years since the RN22e Concept shocked the world, and now, one of Hyundai N's rolling lab experiments has become reality.

The interior of the IONIQ 6 N retains the same functionality and feel as the standard IONIQ 6, but it features several distinctive additions. These enhancements consist of sports seats, an N steering wheel, and exclusive elements not found in the IONIQ 6 N Line. Notably, it features the N Active Sound + system, which adds a dynamic audio experience to driving, and the N Ambient Shift Light, a unique interior lighting feature that visually indicates precise shift points for optimal performance.

Compatible with the Hyundai N App, you can check how well your IONIQ 6 N performs on tracks like Everland, Inje, and Korea International Circuit.

Armed with an 84kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 6 N produces up to 650PS of power and 770Nm of torque courtesy of the 10-second N Grin Boost. With N Launch Control set, it sprints from 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and flat out in 257kph, 3kph slower than the IONIQ 5 N but faster than a high-performance European saloon. As for the driving range, it's good for 366km on one full charge.

Although aerodynamics play a crucial role in this car, its trump card is the new stroke-sensing ECS (Electronically Controlled Suspension) dampers, allowing this car to adapt to various road conditions, even on track days. Coupled with the N Torque Distribution and N Drift Optimizer, the result is a highly addictive driving experience you can't get enough of. Not bad for a grippy heavyweight Korean EV super saloon.

Although controversial, the IONIQ 6 N features numerous gimmicks such as the N e-shift system, where a virtual 8-speed DCT comes out for the play, and with the manual mode set, it shifts like you were in a video game.

Like the normal IONIQ 6, the N features a host of safety features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Hyundai SmartSense, among many others.

The IONIQ 6 N is a highly anticipated Korean electric super saloon that enthusiasts have been eager to see since the RN22e Concept. This car promises impressive performance, leaving us with a strong desire to drive it one day. It's high time to put this car under Red Notice.

Available Colors: Performance Blue Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Abyss Black Pearl, and Nocturne Grey Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Let's Do The News! (October 1, 2025)

                          

                                        

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

- Last night, a magnitude 6.9 quake hit Cebu, killing 60 and prompting 600 aftershocks. The PBBM administration is mobilizing government agencies to provide assistance to those affected.

- PHIVOLCS has stated that the recent earthquake in Cebu is not related to the recent eruption of Taal Volcano.

- Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson has a clarification on the photo of the Discayas.

- Senator Chiz Escudero and Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay release separate statements denying allegations made by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo linking them to anomalous flood control projects.

- The United States is facing a government shutdown after the Republican-led Senate failed to pass a funding bill within the last minute. Reports indicate that approximately 750,000 federal workers will be impacted, with many becoming temporarily unemployed and some possibly facing layoffs. Several government offices will be closed, while President Donald Trump continues to enforce his strict deportation policy.

- Kia will showcase its military vehicles at this month's Seoul ADEX from October 20 to 24, 2025, at KINTEX.

- Honda will field a new GT500-class race car in the 2026 Super GT season, based on the revived Prelude coupe.

- Porsche previews the interior of the next-generation Cayenne.

- Team EVEN joins the last-ever Extreme E race and the inaugural Extreme H World Cup this month. The team, fielded by KMS, will run an all-Norwegian pairing of Ole Christian Veiby and Hedda Hosas.

- Supercars driver Jaxon Evans will leave SCT Motorsport at the end of the 2025 season.

- Reebok collaborated with PlayStation to release limited-edition sneakers themed after the first-generation PlayStation console.

- Kim Ok Vin announces marriage.

- Actor Lee Dong Gun was diagnosed with a rare disease.

- Several WNBA players support Napheesa Collier ripping the series' leadership, demanding change.

TTFN.