Let's Do The News! (October 24, 2025)

            

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

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos will attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October 28th.

- Congressmen and former Cong. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co may be charged in the Sandiganbayan within 30 days, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.

- The Pasay City Jail assures the security of those involved in the flood control project who may be detained and taken into custody.

- The next flood control hearing will be scheduled for November 11 or November 12, according to ICI executive director Atty. Brian Hosaka.

- Senator Kiko Pangilinan has publicized his SALN.

- Japan's Mount Fuji witnessed snow for the first time this winter, 21 days later than usual. The peak was capped with snow for the first time this winter, reaching the milestone 21 days later than usual.

- Saudi Arabia names Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan as the new grand mufti.

- US President Donald Trump terminates all trade talks with Canada due to anti-tariff advert.

- King Charles became the first head of the Church of England to pray publicly with Pope Leo XIV.

- Former British paratrooper Soldier F was cleared of murder and attempted murder over the 1972 Bloody Sunday.

- Sebring International Raceway names Matt Muha as the circuit's new GM.

- Yangwang officially announced that the U9 is coming to Gran Turismo soon.

- Ken Akamatsu ends his stint as Parliamentary Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology before moving to the House of Councillors.

- Mattel and Hasbro are launching toys from the Netflix cartoon movie K-POP Demon Hunters.

- Kwon Hyun Bin will be enlisted in the Marine Corps.

- MBC's variety show King of Masked Singers will go on hiatus and return with a reformatted Season 2.

- A certain NBA coach and player were among those arrested in a massive mafia-linked illegal gambling operation.

- Emman Atienza, the daughter of TV presenter Kim Atienza, dies at 19.

- Disney warns ESPN and other networks may leave YouTube TV at the end of the month, according to reports.

TTFN

Once Upon a Katamari Damacy

The Katamari Damacy series returns in this latest installment! The Prince of all Cosmos and his cousins are excited for you to roll through this newest adventure!

Once Upon a Katamari Damacy
(PS5)

Once Upon a Katamari Damacy
(Nintendo Switch)

"Once Upon a Katamari Damacy" is the latest installment in the Katamari Damacy series after a 14-year hiatus. In this game, players traverse time and space as The Prince. Tasked by his father, The King of All Cosmos, your objective remains consistent with previous titles: roll, collect, and grow your Katamari to its largest size to please the King and help restore the stars.

Various levels feature various objectives to clear. Some are easy to fulfill, while some can be somewhat tricky to finish. Achieve it, proceed to the next level. Fail, and you'll end up getting punished by The King, and you'll have to do it over again. Kinda admit, the "game over" sequences can be amusing.

Aiding your Katamari adventure are power-ups scattered somewhere, such as the clock that adds extra time, a magnet to attract nearby objects, and a rocket for added speed. Make good use of these power-ups and aim for the biggest Katamari!

There are 69 unlockable cousins to collect and play from iconic favorites to new additions. Think you can roll them all? What's even amusing is that you can create a cousin! The more cousins you collect, the more customization parts you'll unlock. Feel free to mix and match to create your own cousin.

Up for a challenge? You can take on online multiplayer and compete with up to four online players.

In franchise traditions, Once Upon a Katamari Damacy features a setlist of songs performed by well-known artists, including singer Clementine's version of Katamari Damacy. There's even a song performed by Gakuen IDOLM@STER's Saki Hanami as well!

After nearly a decade and a half of waiting, Katamari Damacy is back in an all-new adventure, and it's about time...and space. The Prince of all Cosmos and his cousins are ready. Are you?

Let's Do The News! (October 23, 2025)

           

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

- The Batanes Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has warned the public about the possibility of rocket debris falling from China tonight. According to the agency's advisory, the Long March 5 rocket is scheduled to launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan between 10:22 and 11:45 p.m. Authorities have identified two possible drop zones, both in the waters off Sabtang, Batanes, where parts of the rocket could fall after launch.

- Senator Joel Villanueva believes that the Office of the Ombudsman's request to Senate President Tito Sotto III to enforce the dismissal order against him in 2016 is possible harassment. The dismissal order is related to the case he faced for the improper use of a ₱10 million pork barrel when he was a CIBAC Partylist representative.

- 11 candidates in the 2025 Elections may be subject to penalties for receiving campaign donations from government contractors, according to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

- The Kanlaon Volcano has spewed ash twice, according to PHIVOLCS.

- The US has sanctioned major Russian oil firms, accusing President Vladimir Putin of refusing to end the Ukraine war.

- Fifteen-year-old Mohammed Umar Khan will serve a minimum of 16 years for the killing of fellow pupil Harvey Willgoose.

- A mass honoring salsa singer Celia Cruz draws hundreds in Cuba after authorities shut down a tribute concert honoring the late musician.

- A Centenary edition of the Rolls-Royce Phantom was unveiled. All 25 units were sold.

- The Mitsuoka Buddy returns for its 2026 model year. Only 150 will be made, and a lottery system will be implemented for potential buyers. The 2.5L hybrid variant is the sole variant for this update.

2026 Mitsuoka Buddy

- A judicial settlement conference fails to resolve the NASCAR charter dispute. Meanwhile, the 2027 Daytona 500 will be held on February 21, 2027, to avoid conflict with the NFL's Super Bowl, to be held at SoFi Stadium on February 14, 2027.

- Antonio Felix Da Costa joins Jaguar for Formula E Season 12.

- The TV anime Kusuriya no Hitorigoto will return for Season 3, and a movie adaptation was announced.

TTFN.

Nissan Leaf ZE2

Launched 15 years ago, the Nissan Leaf played a pivotal role in the revival of electric vehicles. Thanks to the Nissan Leaf, the entire automotive industry embraced electrification during the transition to a new normal. Fast forward to 2025, and the Nissan Leaf of the Reiwa era has arrived, but it is not the Leaf you remember.

2026 Nissan Leaf

This is no longer the Nissan Leaf your everyday Uber driver knows because the ZE2 model has officially ditched the hatchback bodystyle from its predecessors in favor of a coupe-style SUV look. It starts from 5,188,700 Yen plus additional costs.

2026 Nissan Leaf AUTECH

You may be curious about the trend towards the coupe-crossover design. The story is quite interesting. For inspiration, Nissan has drawn from the Chill-Out Concept for its silhouette. They found the Chill-Out Concept's shape appealing and combined it with the front design of the Ariya and the rear of the RZ34 Fairlady Z. The result is the third-generation Nissan Leaf. Surprised? You should be! With its coupe-like silhouette, the Ariya front, and the Z's rear view, Nissan has made a dramatic transformation to the Leaf's design. Even in the showy Autech variant with a blackened front face, silver linings, and fancy wheels, there's no hiding the fact that the Leaf's turned.

2026 Nissan Leaf interior

The auto pop-up door handle is one of the most intriguing features of the ZE2 Leaf, but the interior is where things become even more exciting. On the driver's side, you'll find two 14.3-inch screens equipped with Google technology, as well as a BOSE Personal Plus Sound System. The interior also includes multicolor ambient lighting and haptic touch panels for the air conditioning, gear buttons, and other controls. While passenger comfort remains similar to that of previous models, the transition to a coupe-crossover design results in a storage capacity of up to 420 liters, an increase of 20 liters compared to the previous model. Another surprising aspect!

2026 Nissan Leaf

As a new model, the electric powertrain is also new for the ZE2 model. It features a new YM52 front electric motor connected to a 78kWh lithium battery. It produces 218PS of power and 355NM of torque. As for driving range, the entry-level B7 X has a range of 702km, while the range-topping B7 G has 685km. It even has V2L functionality, making it capable of becoming a backup generator in case of a power outage or in case you're in the middle of a touring gig.

The Leaf ZE2 shares a similar platform with its larger counterpart, the Ariya. It is equipped with Rack & Pinion Power Steering, front strut suspension, rear multilink suspension, and ventilated disc brakes, which contribute to a decent driving experience. Additionally, it includes the e-Pedal feature, enabling the car to accelerate and brake using just one pedal.

For safety, the Leaf ZE2 is packed with ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, a 3D 8-point Around View Monitor, Invisible Hood View, Front Wide View, and other safety features such as Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Monitor System.

The abrupt shift to a coupe-crossover may seem like a sacrilege to the Leaf's heritage. However, with significant advancements in its EV powertrain and technology, this third-generation Nissan Leaf, manufactured in Tochigi, Japan, has quietly rewritten the EV rulebook. It's ready to tackle the "new normal" in this unstable world we live in.

Available Colors: Prism White, Prism White Black Roof, Dark Metal Grey, Midnight Black, Deep Crimson Black Roof, Shell Blond, Luminous Turquoise Black Roof, and Deep Ocean Blue.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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

          

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

- The next hearing on the missing sabungeros will be on November 3, 2025.

- The Philippine Army confirmed the removal of Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco Barzaga from the Armed Forces of the Philippines list.

- The Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) has strongly denied reports that it is linked to British Swiss financier Patrick Mahony, who was convicted in a multi-billion-dollar fraud case. In an official statement, MIC insisted that its operations are in accordance with the law and are led by qualified and integrity-based professionals on its board and management team.

- The fire at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) compound at the corner of EDSA in Quezon City has been escalated to a third alarm.

- World leaders react to Sanae Takaichi's appointment as Japan's first female prime minister. Among them are US President Donald Trump and South Korea's Lee Jae-myung.

- The family of the suspect in the foiled Atlanta airport shooting gave key info to help avert tragedy. Yesterday, the suspect brought a rifle to the airport after threatening to open fire on victims. Thankfully, police officers prevented a possible mass shooting.

- No plans for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to meet in the "immediate future", according to the White House, days after proposed Budapest talks.

- Colton Herta will race in Formula 2 with the Hitech team.

- The Driver Advisory Council files a brief over concerns about the NASCAR lawsuit resolution.

- Antonio Felix da Costa joins Alpine's hypercar roster.

- The Cupra Kiro team announced Pepe Marti joining alongside Dan Ticktum for Formula E Season 12.

- The Porsche Macan GTS was unveiled. Its electric powertrain is juiced to 563bhp of power.

2026 Porsche Macan GTS

- Nissan will showcase its Sakura-based Ao-Solar Extender concept at this month's Japan Mobility Show.

- Warner Bros. is evaluating a possible sale of the company. Meanwhile, its HBO Max subscription price got hiked.

- Bushiroad acquires more of Sanzingen.

- Mike Trout said he was alerted to possible concerns about drug abuse by former LA Angels communications director, Eric Kay, before the 2019 accidental overdose death of Tyler Skaggs.

TTFN.

My GT7 Log: KING OF ROADSTER

The ND-spec Mazda Roadster, known globally as the MX-5, is now officially 10 years old, making it the longest-serving generation in the history of the Mazda Roadster. To celebrate this milestone, Mazda's motorsports division, Mazda Spirit Racing, has introduced a special version of the ND Roadster: the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster. This exclusive car is available for you to drive only in Gran Turismo 7.

So, what's it all about, the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster? What makes it the King of Mazda Roadster?

First revealed as a concept in the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon and then returned a year later as a full-fledged production model, the limited-edition Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster is the culmination not just of the ND-spec Roadster but of the whole lineage. It's the first of Mazda's new Mazda Spirit Racing brand, a brand synonymous with Mazda's motorsports activities.

Mazda Spirit Racing offers aspiring racers an exciting side hustle behind the wheel. Through its Challenge Program, participants will first compete in virtual e-sports using Gran Turismo 7, specifically in the Mazda Spirit Racing GT Cup. Afterward, they can progress to real racing events, starting with the entry-level Mazda Fan Endurance. From there, they can advance to the intermediate-class Roadster Party Race, ultimately having the chance to race in the prestigious Super Taikyu series while representing Mazda Spirit Racing.

The specifications of the MSR Roadster remain confidential since its addition to the GT7 car lineup. However, sources indicate that the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster will feature the same 2.0L four-cylinder engine found in the RF model. This marks a significant development, as it is the first time this engine will be available in the open-top ND model's decade-long history in Japan. While the open-top ND models in global markets have had this engine, it has not been offered in Japan until now.

The limited-to-2200-units, normal Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster has 184PS of power from the said engine, while the limited-to-200-units Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R, seen here, got its 2.0L engine beefed up to 200PS of power, making it the most powerful Roadster ever made. Both are mated exclusively to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT.

The optional Sports Package features Advan sports tires, sports suspension, a two-way limited-slip differential, sports muffler, and sports brake system.

To demonstrate the full extent of the ultimate Roadster, I went to Fuji Speedway, the venue of the annual Mazda Fan Festa, where Mazda fans gather to witness Mazda's greatest hits from the legendary 787B race car to its rotary icons like the RX-7.

By Gran Turismo standards, this car has a 0-100 kph time of around six seconds and a theoretical top speed of over 250 kph. I know this because I tested the car on Special Stage Route X to confirm its capabilities. While it is theoretically faster than a European saloon, its speedometer indicates a maximum of only 200 kph.

Anyway, let's roll the tape and find out if the ultimate Roadster's worthy of its prowess.

My attempt around the Fuji Speedway set a 2m12.224s lap time, the best I can do. Still, the 12R proved its worth as the Roadster to end all Roadsters.

From its inception to the present day, the Mazda Roadster exemplifies what a true sports car should be. It prioritizes driving dynamics over sheer speed and power. Although it may not match the acceleration of today's sports cars, its enjoyable driving experience is unmatched. The Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster has pushed the boundaries of the original Roadster in its quest to become the best entry-level sports car that has ever existed.

With the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster ultimately known as the King of Roadsters, what's next for Mazda in the age of the new normal? The world will never know, but in the meantime, let's salivate with Mazda's last true sports car to the last mile. Enjoy it while it lasts.

THE END...?

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

         

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

- The Philippine National Police condemns the recent killing of a reporter, Noel Bellen Samar, in Albay.

- The Western Naval Command, through the BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), has seized the suspected part of a Chinese rocket found in the waters of Bataraza, Palawan after conducting maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea.

- The PH Department of Justice (DOJ) panel of prosecutors has concluded the ongoing preliminary investigation regarding the missing sabungeros.

- Amazon's AWS cloud service is fully operational again after the recent outage that affected various websites, online games, and Amazon Echo devices.

- Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began serving his five-year prison sentence.

- Sanae Takaichi made history as Japan's first female prime minister.

- University tuition fees in England will rise in line with next year's inflation, according to the UK government.

- The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ was unveiled ahead of this month's Japan Mobility Show. It will go on sale this mid-2026.

2027 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

- Seiyuu Masako Nozawa, the voice behind Goku from the Dragon Ball series, will attend the franchise's 40th anniversary celebration alongside Hironobu Kageyama.

- Nintendo says "no personal, development, and business info" were retrieved in the recent cyberattack.

- SHINee member Minho, Hwang Minhyun, and ALLDAY PROJECT's Annie are named presenters of the 2025 MBC Music Festival.

- The Maccabi Tel Aviv says the club would decline any tickets offered to the match against Aston Villa, even if the ban was overturned.

TTFN.