Friday, October 17, 2025

Let's Do The News! (October 17, 2025)

      

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

- The Philippine government began distributing construction materials to victims of last month's quake in Cebu.

- The PH Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Ted Herbosa believes that Super Health Centers will be able to withstand possible strong tremors when “The Big One” hits Metro Manila.

- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to use its social services program funds for financial assistance to victims of human rights violations.

- Rep. Toby Tiangco defends the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) after being questioned about the commission's credibility.

- The Manila South Cemetery has released the official schedule for the November 1 Undas.

- The United States has intercepted and destroyed a suspected Venezuelan cartel ship.

- The US Department of Transportation has withheld funding from the state of California due to truckers' failure to pass English proficiency tests, which has resulted in truck-related accidents.

- US President Donald Trump warned Hamas that if they attack, he would have no choice but to send his forces to eliminate them.

- The Subaru Rex SUV received 4WD variants.

- There will be rule changes in Formula E for the coming 12th season.

- Brenden Queen is named as Kaulig Racing's first Ram Trucks driver for next year's NASCAR Truck Series.

- Triple Eight expands Supercars squad to three Fords with the recent SCT deal.

- Ubisoft's The Crew Motorfest announced Year 3 contents featuring Street Riders playlist, BMW, NASCAR contents, new Trackforge feature, and more.

- Tomonobu Itagaki, the man behind the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden franchise, passed away.

- Taeil's prison sentence was upheld at an appellate trial.

- Boy group VERIVERY has renewed its contract with Jellyfish Entertainment.

TTFN.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Pokemon LEGENDS: Z-A

Return to Lumiose City in the newest Pokémon LEGENDS adventure, where Mega Evolution makes a comeback. Go Mega before it's too late!

Pokemon LEGENDS: Z-A
Pokemon LEGENDS: Z-A
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A, the newest Pokémon LEGENDS adventure for the outgoing Nintendo Switch and the all-new Nintendo Switch 2, welcomes Pokémon fanatics back to Lumiose City, the heart of the Kalos Region from 2013's Pokémon XY games.

In this latest adventure, players can explore Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is in progress to transform the city into a utopia for both humans and Pokémon. As your journey through Lumiose City begins, you can choose which of the Z-A starters is your first: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile.

During your adventure in Lumiose City, you will encounter various incidents alongside new and memorable characters, including one you may recognize. First, let's explore the concept of Wild Zones. Wild Zones are part of the Lumiose redevelopment plan, overseen by a conglomerate called Quasartico Inc., designed to promote coexistence between humans and Pokémon.

Like the previous LEGENDS game, LEGENDS Arceus, catching a Pokémon takes finesse and stealth. You can either sneak up on them to catch them by surprise or, when things get rough, engage in a Pokémon battle. Hope you got enough Poké Balls for this.

Some areas are not accessible, and the only way to do so is by taking on the Z-A League. When night falls, an underground tournament called the Z-A League kicks in. You start at Rank Z and your goal is to battle the city's most powerful trainers and, in due course, reach the prestigious Rank A. As your rank progresses, you'll be able to access new areas, and the maximum level for Pokémons to obey you will improve.

LEGENDS: Z-A introduces a series-first real-time battle system, where trainers and their Pokémon can move freely during a fight. In addition to considering type matchups, players will need to pay attention to new gameplay mechanics, such as the exact timing required to switch Pokémon or execute moves. Additionally, moves will have varying reach, areas of effect, and time delays before they take effect.

The XXL-sized Alpha Pokémon can be quite daunting if you're not prepared. However, what's even more challenging than facing an Alpha Pokémon is encountering a Pokémon with Rogue Mega Evolution. As part of your assignment with Team MZ, you will take on these Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon. If you successfully defeat them, you will be rewarded with Mega Stones. It's a tough job, but the rewards are worth the effort.

In addition to popular Mega-Evolved favorites, LEGENDS: Z-A features exciting new Mega Evolutions for beloved Pokémon, including Mega Dragonite, Mega Malamar, Mega Victreebel, and Mega Hawlucha. It's worth noting that the final evolution stages of the Z-A starters also have Mega Evolutions, but how they achieve this is a mystery you'll need to uncover by playing the game. As with past titles, you will require Mega Stones to initiate Mega Evolution. You can obtain these stones by trading Mega Shards or purchasing them at locations like the Stone Emporium. Some stones can also be earned as prizes from ranked online battles (requires online subscription).

Starting in 2026, this game will be compatible with Pokémon HOME. This means you'll be able to transfer Pokémon from the Pokémon GO app and previous games to complete the Z-A Pokédex. Additionally, a new DLC expansion is set to launch next year, featuring the mythical Pokémon Hoopa and two brand-new Mega Evolutions for Raichu. Don't miss out on these exciting updates!

The Mega Evolution comeback, evolved battle system, new cast of characters, and new ways to enjoy your favorite Pokémons, Pokémon LEGENDS: Z-A is no doubt the must-play of the season. 

Ready to return to Lumiouse City for this Mega-Evolved Pokémon LEGENDS escapade? Good luck!

Quezon (2025 film)

Famed actor Jericho Rosales is the latest to portray the late Philippine President Manuel Luis Quezon in this gripping biopic movie directed by Jerrold Tarog.

Quezon (2025 film)
Quezon (2025 film)

Quezon is the third biopic in Jerrold Tarog's Bayaniverse, following Heneral Luna (2015) and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018). This movie answers the biggest question Filipinos have asked: "Was Manuel Luis Quezon a national hero or a blueprint for dictatorship?"

This movie also stars Iain Glen, Romnick Sarmenta, Cris Villanueva, Benjamin Alves, Arron Villaflor, JC Santos, Jake Macapagal, Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Therese Malvar, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco.

Unlike the other biopic titled "Quezon's Game," this latest film about Manuel L. Quezon offers a more impactful perspective, similar to the work of Director Tarog in his previous films. While it may not possess overwhelming power, this film serves as a poignant reminder of who Manuel L. Quezon truly was—a story that you won't find in any history books.

Although it's hard to recommend this movie to anyone who claims they're familiar with the late Philippine President Manuel Luis Quezon, who was allegedly labeled as the architect of the Philippine dictatorship, which paved the way for martial law on September 21, 1972, it's best to give this historic biopic a try. Not much, but this movie reveals more about his legacy.

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

     

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

- The PH Department of Justice is challenging Witness Protection Program applicants to speak the whole truth.

- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has urged youth to register to vote in the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Voter registration will run from October 20, 2025, to May 18, 2026, which will be conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, including Holidays. Registration for provinces in the BARMM will be from May 1 to May 18, 2026.

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has an insinuation against Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, regarding the alleged possibility of him becoming a state witness in the flood control anomaly.

- Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go calls for not allowing the truth to be distorted in connection with the investigation into corruption and malfeasance in the flood control scam;

- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarifies that they have never implemented flood control projects because it is not part of their mandate.

- A Magnitude 6.7 earthquake rocks Indonesia's Papua region.

- Seth Moulton, a Democrat from Massachusetts, announced his candidacy for the US Senate in next year's midterm elections due to unrest in the state.

- NBC News cut its teams dedicated to covering Black, Asian American, Latino, and LGBTQ+ issues, according to reports.

- Netflix and Spotify announced a partnership to bring select Spotify video podcasts to Netflix, marking Netflix's first major foray into the podcast market. The deal, which is set to launch in early 2026 in the US, features popular shows from Spotify Studios and The Ringer, including The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Rewatchables, Conspiracy Theories, and Serial Killers, with plans to expand globally.

- Microsoft is teasing "something big" for Windows this week. Two days ago, support for Windows 10 ended.

- McDonald's Indonesia is now catering weddings for only $230, and includes 100 McChickens and 400 McNuggets.

- George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will remain in the Mercedes-AMG team for the F1 26 season.

- Spyker's founder reached a settlement that will commence reorganizing the Dutch firm, signalling the company's return to building handmade cars.

- Konami cancelled the original soundtrack for the recently released Silent Hill f video game due to certain circumstances.

- Inhong has officially left WHIB.

- Actor Koo Kyo Hwan steps down from the casting of the Inside Men drama.

TTFN.

Dress Code

The Nijigasaki High School Idol Club has introduced the Monthly Songs project, similar to Aqours' monthly birthday song singles. Each month, one of your favorite members will have the opportunity to shine. For the October edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project, Karin Asaka is here.

Dress Code
Dress Code

Karin Asaka, voiced by Miyu Kubota, takes over the October edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project with her featured song "Dress Code". The 10th installment includes this featured track and the additional song titled "Wake Up!!"

Next time...Setsuna Yuki.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

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

    

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

- Senator Robinhood Padilla has volunteered to release his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) first. Padilla insisted that now that the SALNs of those in government can be made public, it is only right that the Senate accept the challenge of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla and release his SALN first.

- The PH Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the request of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against 16 individuals being investigated for an anomalous flood control project.

- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now verifying the report regarding the alleged underwater structure spotted in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal). According to AFP Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, it may be a “remnant” or just a part of the former Chinese structures.

- A magnitude 4.3 quake hits Bogo City, Cebu. Another aftershock from the deadly quake late last month.

- Israeli military says four more deceased hostages collected by the Red Cross in Gaza. However, one of the bodies handed over by Hamas does not match any of the hostages.

- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer promises to publish witness statements submitted by the government in the collapsed China spy case.

- US President Donald Trump threatens to remove next year's FIFA World Cup games from Boston, parts of which he'd suggested had been "taken over" by recent unrest.

- Justin Haley will leave Spire at the end of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

- Subaru will retire the race-spec EJ20 engine from its BRZ GT300 race car at the end of the 2025 Super GT season.

- Rinus Veekay returns to Juncos Hollinger Racing.

- Indian F2 driver Kush Maini is named reserve driver for Mahindra in Formula E season 12. Also, F1 Academy familiars Abbi Pulling, Jessica Edgar, and Marta Garcia will participate in the Women's Test.

- Mitsubishi Motors will unveil the facelifted Delica D:5 at this month's Japan Mobility Show.

- The Subaru Solterra received a minor change for the 2026 model year.

2026 Subaru Solterra
2026 Subaru Solterra

- The Alfa Romeo Tonale minor change was unveiled.

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale
2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

- For 2026, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer received a big minor change with the choice of a turbocharged 3.0L Hurricane engine and the 3.6L REEV (range extender EV) variant lifted from the RAM 1500 REV.

2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

- The Assassination Classroom manga was removed from the US school libraries at least 54 times in the 2024-2025 year. School districts in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina have banned the series.

- The lawyer of the late Tyler Skaggs blamed the Los Angeles Angels for the player's overdose death.

- The Netflix comedy, Man VS Baby, the follow-up to Man VS Bee, will stream this December 11th, 2025. Comedy legend Rowan Atkinson returns to reprise the role of Trevor in the new series, where he's now babysitting a baby, which leads him to hilarious trouble.

TTFN.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

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

   

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

- Early recovery efforts are ongoing from the aftermath of the Magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.

- The structural integrity of most buildings in the PH Senate is being checked following a series of earthquakes.

- A magnitude 4 quake hits Sorsogon.

- The University of Santo Tomas will have a two-day health break from October 15 to 16, due to concerns about a flu-like outbreak in Metro Manila.

- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Executive Director, Atty. Brian Hosaka said former House Speaker Martin Romualdez denied to the ICI that he received kickbacks from flood control projects.

- The Philippines plans to end analog TV in Mega Manila within a year.

- A deeply moving interview was broadcast recently on BBC Breakfast featuring a British couple, Gill and Pete Brisley, whose daughter and two granddaughters were killed by Hamas. They tragically lost their daughter, Lianne Sharabi, 48, and their granddaughters, Yahel, 13, and Noiya, 16, in the assault on Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7, 2023. Lianne's husband, Eli Sharabi, and his brother, Yossi, were both taken hostage. Eli was released by Hamas in February after 491 days of imprisonment, while Yossi was killed in captivity in January.

- United Airlines has fired a longtime flight attendant after a confrontation with a passenger inside the United Club at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. 

- Apple officially renamed its streaming service from "Apple TV+" to just "Apple TV" with a vibrant new identity.

- Nutella and Kinder Bueno frozen desserts will launch in the United States this December.

- Mazda will showcase a new concept as well as the next-generation CX-5 at this month's Japan Mobility Show.

- Mercedes-Benz showcases its Vision Iconic Concept, previewing the company's next design language.

- Nico Mueller will now race for Porsche in the 12th season of Formula E.

- Paul Tracy is inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.

- Former FIA Road Sport Director Andrew Wheatley joins Hyundai as sporting director of the company's WRC team.

- Tryouts for the 2026 KYOJO CUP will commence this December at Fuji Speedway's short course.

- Fumiya Takahashi joins the cast of the live-action SAKAMOTO DAYS movie as Shin Asakara.

- Jung Sung Il announces divorce after nine years of marriage.

- Yeo Jin Goo announces his military enlistment.

- Wanda Tulfo-Teo, sister of senators Raffy and Erwin Tulfo, draws flak over her post about Davao Oriental quake victims.

TTFN