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

                   

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

- The PH Bureau of Customs is holding a public auction of smuggled luxury cars seized from the Discayas on November 17, 2025. Public viewing of seized vehicles will be on November 10-12, 2025.

- Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has extended the suspension of the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice until December 31, 2025. By virtue of Executive Order No. 102, it is stated that this is intended to protect local farmers against the decline in rice prices, maintain the stability of rice prices in the market, and ensure the welfare of consumers.

- The PH Supreme Court suspends the disqualification of Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap-Sulit by the COMELEC.

- ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio told Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte to work in the chamber to see the Makabayan bloc's criticism of the alleged corruption in the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed that one of its Super Huey helicopters crashed today, November 4, 2025, near the 60th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Agusan del Sur.

- Typhoon Tino maintained its strength as it headed towards the Sulu Sea. As of PAGASA's 5 p.m. update today, November 4, the eye of the storm was spotted in the vicinity of Patnongon, Antique. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 180 km/h, while it is also moving Northwestward at 15 km/h.

- Pregnant British teenager Bella Culley was freed from Georgia after a drug smuggling charge.

- UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave an unusual Downing Street speech as tax rises are expected in the Budget.

- Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was found not guilty of a terror offence after not giving UK police access to his phone.

-  Williams unveiled its new logo and identity ahead of the F1 2026 season.

- TF SPORT extends Corvette partnership.

- The one-off Eagle Lightweight GTR was unveiled. 

- Following the surgery on her left foot, Avia Anagnostiadis will miss the F1 Academy season finale in Las Vegas on November 20-22. Rachel Robertson will step into the TAG Heuer Hitech TGR car.

- Japanese media companies such as Bandai Namco, Square Enix, and Studio Ghibli are asking OpenAI to stop using their content to train Sora 2. They say much of its output closely resembles Japanese works. The CODA also asked OpenAI to respond clearly to any future copyright inquiries from member publishers.

- Kodansha opens its Hollywood studio.

- Hololive VTuber Akai Haato goes on hiatus.

- Cole Escola joins the cast of ONE PIECE Netflix series as Bon Clay for Season 3.

- Doh Kyung Soo left his agency.

- Victor Conte, the BALCO founder who was at the center of the steroid scandal, dies at 75.

TTFN.

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

                  

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

- The PH Department of Agriculture has extended the import ban on rice until the end of the year.

- The LTFRB warned the public not to take non-essential travel as the Philippines is facing the threat of typhoon Tino. Right now, parts of Visayas and Mindanao are under Signal No.3 as Tino intensified into a typhoon.

- The DPWH will have massive reforms on the cost of materials for its infrastructure projects.

- More than 90 individuals involved in the unrest during the protest action in Mendiola have been charged by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

- Ten people were hospitalized after a stabbing attack on a train in the UK.

- The FIA is facing legal action over allegations of "serious democratic failings".

- A McLaren MP4/6 chassis that propelled the late Ayrton Senna to his first Brazilian Grand Prix victory in 1991 is heading to the auction.

- Paul Menard was crowned as Trans Am champion after the season finale in COTA.

- The Proton Saga's big minor change for the 2026 model year was previewed.

- A new Pinkfong anime series titled Kikipuppup was announced and is coming soon to TBS.

- Yeo Jin Goo announced his enlistment date.

- Actor Lee Weaver passed away.

- Actor Tcheky Karyo dies.

TTFN.

A quick three-decade history of the Honda CR-V

The CR-V, Honda's first true crossover SUV, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. With six generations throughout its history, let's take a quick look back at three decades of the Honda CR-V.

2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV

1st Generation (1995-2001) - The first CR-V was one of the first compact SUVs with a car-like ride and handling, offering the practicality of an SUV without sacrificing comfort. It also featured front-wheel drive (FWD) with an optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The CR-V's tall stance and distinctive styling made it stand out from the crowd. It also offered an innovative rear seat design and spacious cargo space.

2nd Generation (2001-2006) - The second generation of the vehicle features a more modern and aggressive design, along with enhanced interior space and safety features, such as side-curtain airbags. Additionally, the use of higher-quality materials has improved the overall feel. The revised all-wheel drive (AWD) system contributes to better performance. The vehicle has grown slightly in size, resulting in increased interior room and cargo capacity.

3rd Generation (2006-2011) - The 3rd generation had more technology, such as Bluetooth, navigation, and a more premium feel with better interior materials. The CR-V continued to offer AWD as an option, and there were safety upgrades, including standard stability control and more airbags. This generation had a sleeker, modern design, with more focus on fuel efficiency and improved handling.

4th Generation (2011-2016) - The standard features included a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a touchscreen interface. There was a greater emphasis on cabin comfort, featuring enhanced noise reduction and improved materials. The fourth generation showcased a more rounded design compared to its predecessors, and it also offered advanced safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision warning in higher trim levels.

5th Generation (2018-2022) - Recent updates to the technology features include the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as advanced safety features now standard across all trims, such as the Honda Sensing suite. This suite encompasses adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. The exterior design has been refined, presenting sharper lines and a more upscale appearance. The interior quality has also seen significant upgrades, and the 1.5L turbo engine strikes a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. Notably, this is the first CR-V to offer a hybrid variant and the last to be manufactured in Japan, as Honda closed its Sayama plant, where it was produced, in 2022.

6th Generation (2024-present) - Imported from the United States, the CR-V's e:FUEL CELL powertrain generates 174 PS of power and 310 Nm of torque. It offers a driving range of 600 km on a full tank of hydrogen, along with an additional electric range of 60 km. This version of the CR-V is exclusively available in Japan and can only be leased.

2026 Honda CR-V

Honda is celebrating three more decades of the CR-V, and as a token of appreciation, the company announced that the sixth-generation Honda CR-V e:HEV will be released in Japan this winter. Imported from Thailand, this model will be available exclusively in a hybrid configuration. It features the e:HEV 2.0L dual-motor hybrid system, which produces 135 kW of power and 335 Nm of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Happy 30th anniversary and welcome back again, Honda CR-V.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship

The clocks turned back, the competitors have gathered, and the stage is set. Phoenix is the final destination for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. This finale will decide which Championship 4 team will be crowned this season's champion. Let's find out.

The finale has begun at the moment the final green flag of the season waved. As William Byron charged his way to win Stage 1, Stage 2 saw a problem on the No.42 that triggered a caution, followed by some mechanical issues for Chase Briscoe, and a wall collision by the No.16. As Denny Hamlin won Stage 2, the final stage saw some escalation of tensions for the title fighters Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe. As the No.2 crashed into the wall and triggered the caution, followed by mechanical issues for the No.44, the Championship 4 are in for a final gambit, until William Byron hits the wall.

Screengrab from NASCAR

As Ryan Blaney won the final race of the season in Phoenix, Kyle Larson, the leading Championship 4 contender who finished 3rd overall, was crowned the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Champion!

Congratulations, Kyle Larson, for becoming the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Champion!

This concludes the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. See you in Daytona next year.

2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP Round 8-FINAL

The 2025 O-NE Superrace Championship is returning to Everland Speedway for its two-race finale, which will determine this season's champion. This finale promises to be exciting, featuring a drifting exhibition by Park Shi-hyun, as well as a night race featuring professionally-tuned cars from the upcoming TVING original series, "Superrace Freestyle."

Focusing on the main event, the Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 Class, the first race saw Jung Eui Chol as the winner, while Lee Changwook finished 2nd, and Oh Han-sol finished 3rd. The finale saw Changwook seal his status as the 2025 Superrace Driver Champion after winning the race, while Jang Hyun-jin finished 2nd and Lee Jung-woo finished 3rd.

As Changwook was named this season's driver's champion, the racing team he was on, Kumho SLM, was named this season's team champion. Tire manufacturer, Nexen Tire, is named this season's tire manufacturer champion. 

Screengrab from Superrace

This concludes the 2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP. See you next season and don't miss the TVING original series, Superrace Freestyle, this November 7th, 2025. See how South Korea's top racing teams limitlessly tune their cars and compete in races to determine Superrace's best professionally-tuned car.

Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series FINALE

MobilityResort Motegi serves as the final stop for the Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series. This finale signifies the end of an era for the Honda Civic Type R-GT racing machines, as they will be replaced by Prelude race cars for the 2026 season. Additionally, it marks the conclusion of the BRZ GT300 race car's EJ engine. With many bittersweet farewells, this finale will determine the champion of the series.

Screengrab from Super GT

The #1 au GR Supra defeated the #23 MOTUL AUTECH Z and the #100 STANLEY CIVIC TYPE R-GT to win not just the race but also the Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series GT500 class champion title. In the GT300 class, meanwhile, the #5 TEAM MACH 86 wins the finale against the #61 SUBARU BRZ R&D SPORT and the #666 seven x seven Porsche 911 GT3R. However, it's the #65 LEON PYRAMID AMG, which finished 6th in this finale, that takes home the GT300 class champion title.

Congratulations to the #1 au GR Supra and the #65 LEON PYRAMID AMG for becoming Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series champions!

This concludes the Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series. See you next year.

Nissan Roox (BB5/6) and Mitsubishi eK Space/Delica Mini (BA1~6)

The tall kei minivans from the NMKV joint venture, the Mitsubishi eK Space, the Mitsubishi Delica Mini, and the Nissan Roox, have gained their full model changes. Let's find out how much these kei minivans have changed.

2026 Mitsubishi eK Space

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

2026 Nissan Roox

The all-new Mitsubishi eK Space starts at 1,749,000 Yen, while the Delica Mini starts at 1,964,000 Yen, and the all-new Nissan Roox starts at 1,672,000 Yen, excluding additional costs. These new-generation NMKV kei minivans have been redesigned with new and exciting ways to please their drivers while maintaining their boxy characteristics that made them special.

2026 Mitsubshi eK Wagon

2026 Nissan Roox

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

For starters, the exterior design retains its boxy attributes from the previous models, but how their designs differentiate between them holds a different story. In the eK Space and the base Roox variant, it's like a mashup between the Serena's back and the front of a certain Chinese EV city car I can't mention due to search query reasons. The Roox Highway Star, meanwhile, is like a mini-me Elgrand. As for the Delica Mini, the derpiest of the three, the iconic Delica Mini design from its predecessor remains. Even with the all-new look, it's still the Delica Mini that every Japanese family loved.

2026 Nissan Roox interior

2026 Mitsubishi eK Space interior

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini interior

The interior of these new models is spacious, maintaining the roomy feel typical of kei minivans. The driver's view highlights a modern layout featuring a Google-powered panoramic widescreen, which has become a standard in today's vehicles. However, there are no physical buttons or knobs for adjusting the volume or changing the radio station, which may be disappointing for some. The air conditioning controls are touch panels, but the gear lever is still present. Notably, the Delica Mini includes a unique dial for selecting driving modes, allowing drivers to switch between tarmac, gravel, and snow settings.

2026 Nissan Roox

2026 Mitsubishi eK Space

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

These kei minivans are powered by the same 660cc BR06 three-cylinder DOHC 12-valve engine mated to a CVT gearbox. Thanks to some slight improvements, the fuel economy is up to 21kmpl for 2WD variants and up to 18.8kmpl for 4WD variants based on WLTC Mode standards. Turbocharging is reserved for the Roox Highway Star and the Delica Mini. 

Most variants have Rack & Pinion Power Steering, front MacPherson struts, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear reading/trailing drum brakes. FF variants have rear torsion beam suspension, while 4WD variants have torque arm three-link suspension.

The eK Space, Delica Mini, and the Roox come with a wide variety of safety features from the 3D Multi-Around Monitor, e-Assist, and MI-PILOT, granting them a "Safety Support Car S Wide" credential.

With these new forms, the all-new Mitsubishi eK Space, Delica Mini, and the Nissan Roox are ready to tackle the new normal with their familiar shapes, new interiors, improved fuel efficiency, and tech. Kei car fanatics, rejoice.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.