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

                

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

- The PH Supreme Court upholds the murder verdict against police officers involved in the Kian delos Santos case.

- Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon challenges Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste to release the full list of 2025 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects listing and proponents.

- The PH Department of Justice (DOJ) confirms that Syms construction contractor Sally Santos returned ₱15 million as part of partial restitution.

- Former Finance Secretary and now Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and former PhilHealth Pres. Emmanuel Ledesma is now facing criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman. The complaints of plunder, graft, malversation, and grave misconduct against Recto and Ledesma were filed with the Ombudsman by various labor groups.

- Thousands of long-awaited Jeffrey Epstein files were released by the US Justice Department.

- Children's author and comedian David Walliams was dropped by HarperCollins UK.

- The Trump administration is imposing restrictions on rail operators in Mexico following concerns of accidents due to a lack of English proficiency.

- The NTSB recovered the cockpit voice recorder in the Biffle crash investigation.

- The FIA WEC's tire contract bid process begins.

- Last weekend's Jump Festa delivered major announcements such as SAKAMOTO DAYS anime returning for season 2, ONE PIECE's Elbaph Arch coming this April, Chainsaw Man's Assassins arc getting a TV anime, BLEACH's Thousand Year Blood War anime returning this July 2026, Dan Da Dan TV anime returning this 2027, and more.

- Actress Rie Miyamura joins the cast of Kamen Rider Zeztz as The Lady.

- Gakuen IDOLM@STER's Story of Re:Iris airs on Tokyo MX on January 1, 2026.

- DC Studios' Supergirl movie coming June 26, 2026.

TTFN.

Gran Turismo World Series 2025 FINAL

The 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Fukuoka is the final event for the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series. In the previous round, the Manufacturers Cup was a tightly contested battle between front-runners Subaru, Mazda, and BMW. Meanwhile, in the Nations Cup, J. Serrano's lead was reduced to just 5 points ahead of P. Urra.

It's time to find out the champions of this year's GTWS.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

In the Manufacturers Cup, Porsche delivered a come-from-nowhere trick to beat BMW and Mazda and emerged as the first non-Japanese car manufacturer to take home the Gran Turismo World Series Manufacturers Cup title. In the Nations Cup, meanwhile, Jose Serrano from Spain beats Japan's Takuma Miyazono and fellow Spaniard Pol Urra to take home the Nations Cup title.

Full Results: https://www.gran-turismo.com/us/gt7/news/00_8539739.html

And that concludes the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series. The 2026 season will kick off in Abu Dhabi on March 28, 2026.

SIDE NOTE: Come 2026, be sure to update your cars' setup due to annual PP changes.

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

We've watched SpongeBob and Patrick journey through Shell City to retrieve King Neptune's crown in his movie debut. Later, they teamed up with others to go to the surface and confront a rogue pirate who possesses the Krabby Patty formula. After that, SpongeBob and Patrick entered a 3D adventure, traveling to the ends of the sea to find SpongeBob's pet snail, Gary. Now, the fourth SpongeBob movie has landed, and this time...beware of The Flying Dutchman!

The SpongeBob Movie:
Search for SquarePants

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is the fourth film in Nickelodeon's SpongeBob universe. In this latest movie mayhem, SpongeBob and Patrick encounter a sinister pirate ghost known as The Flying Dutchman, voiced by Mark Hamill (Star Wars series), which leads them to The Underworld. This movie features a theme song, Big Guy, by singer Ice Spice.

While this movie may not be as large in scale as previous SpongeBob films, it delves into the true motives of The Flying Dutchman, a recurring character in the SpongeBob universe. Fans have grown accustomed to The Flying Dutchman's shenanigans since his debut in a Halloween episode several years ago, but this film reveals the Dutchman's origins. 

In classic SpongeBob fashion, the movie is packed with hilarious jokes and gags that fans will love. Even with the Underworld’s spooky undertones, SpongeBob enthusiasts are sure to find plenty to laugh at throughout the film.

The SpongeBob universe is one heck of an undersea riot for two and a half decades, and this latest movie proves that our super-absorbent pal and the denizens of Bikini Bottom are here to stay. So, get your butts out of your homes and into the cinemas to watch SpongeBob's latest movie escapade. Oh, and don't get yourself some butt cramps like Patrick.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

James Cameron's Avatar universe returns with its third installment of the franchise, and this time, fire and fury will erupt in Pandora as it struggles against a new kind of threat.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment of James Cameron's Avatar universe, continues the ongoing struggle of the Human-Na'vi Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington) and his family as he confronts an ongoing war not just against corrupt humans but also rival Na'vi factions vying for Pandora.

This installment explores the nuances of the Na’vi that have not been delved into within the Avatar universe. It presents a conflict between different Na’vi factions, along with humans, as they vie for power on Pandora. This battle represents a significant turning point in the franchise.

Controversial the storytelling is, the classic Avatar visual spectacle lives on. The stunning visual effects that championed the Avatar series since the first movie live on in this third chapter, which promises to be a must-watch of the holiday season.

Return to Pandora with this third chapter of James Cameron's Avatar universe that is going to be a huge turning point for the franchise.

Let's Do The News! (December 19, 2025)

               

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

- Sarah Discaya was arrested and filed to Cebu to face the court.

-  Former PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III was named as the new MMDA General Manager.

- Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ompong Ordanes insisted that respect for the elderly should not be lost amidst any tension, trouble, and strong emotions. Ordanes stressed that it is a simple fact that respect for the elderly is not just a custom but an obligation and the foundation of a society that knows how to recognize the sacrifice, experience, and dignity of those who came before us. Ordanes made this statement following the alleged assault of Ormoc Rep. Richard Gomez on Fencing President Rene Gacuma, whom he punched, stomped on, and twisted his finger during the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

- The PBBM administration assured that the Philippine National Police and other authorities will mobilize to speed up the investigation of the death of former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.

- The suspect of the Brown University shooting was found dead, according to authorities.

- The European Union will lend Ukraine 90 billion euros of its own funds after failing to agree on using frozen Russian assets.

- US House Democrats released more images from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, including some showing high-profile personalities.

- Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle is among the seven killed in the North Carolina plane crash.

- Jeep unveiled the Gladiator Shadow Ops model, the first of its new Convoy range.

- RAM Trucks is teasing something powerful coming this January 1, 2026.

- The Nissan Serena gets facelifted for the 2026 Model Year.

2026 Nissan Serena

- Toyota is mulling introducing three US-made vehicles in 2026, including the Camry, in the hopes of contributing to better US-Japan trade relations.

- EA's Real Racing 3 app game was delisted from the App Store and will end its services on March 19, 2026.

- Netflix series Last Samurai Standing renewed for its second season.

- Lickerish Hatnim addresses her allegations and steps down from programs such as Amazing Saturday.

- Actor Kwak Do Won issues an apology for his DUI incident in 2022.

- Actress Carla Abellana confirms her wedding this December 27th.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (December 18, 2025)

              

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

-  Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Social Security System (SSS) Emergency Loan Program will be open starting this December for qualified members.  According to the President, this move is aimed at ensuring that Filipinos have access to financial resources in times of need, especially now that the country has been placed under a State of National Calamity.

- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted the request of transport network companies (TNCs) to postpone the implementation of the surge pricing cap for ride-hailing services. LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said that from the original schedule of December 17, the implementation of the surge cap has been moved to December 20.

- Hundreds evacuate in southern King County, Washington State, USA, as flood barrier fails. The damage at the Green River levee due to lengthy rainfall affected small parts of Kent, Renton, and Tukwila.

- The European Union has officially canceled its 2035 ban on internal combustion vehicles.

- Ford revealed its Mustang GT3 Evo ahead of its 2026 campaign debut.

- Nissan is teasing its NISMO Concept ahead of next month's Tokyo Auto Salon. It will be unveiled alongside the Fairlady Z RZ34 range's minor change.

- Seiyuu Ryo Ishihara dies at age 94.

- Warner Bros. blocked Paramount Skydance's hostile takeover bid on Netflix.

- Deceptive artificial intelligence (AI)-generated tracks are increasingly appearing on artists' profiles on streaming platforms, presented as their original work. Several musicians and artists from various countries have expressed their concern that their listeners will no longer be able to tell which music is their own work.

- Businessman and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson has confirmed that he intends to buy the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). Since the series of issues with the executives of the beauty pageant organization, Anne Jakrajutatip and Raul Rocha, emerged, many have reportedly been encouraging Singson to buy the MUO.

- Actor Gil Gerard dies at age 82.

- Starting January 2026, select ABS-CBN programming will be simulcast on ALLTV as part of the new agreement.

TTFN.

Sixth-Generation Toyota RAV4

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 is the first RAV4 model to be made within the Reiwa era; the previous model, launched in April 2019, is the last Heisei era RAV4. Long story short, but here we are, the forefather of the crossover SUV boom has been regenerated for touring in mind.

2026 Toyota RAV4

The all-new, sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 starts at 4,500,000 Yen plus additional costs. What you get is a completely new take on the forefather of the crossover SUV boom that focuses more on touring in mind while delivering the same RAV4 experience carried over from its predecessors.

2026 Toyota RAV4

Beginning with the exterior, the all-new model features a boxy silhouette akin to one of its big brothers, the Toyota Land Cruiser 250, while incorporating the current hammerhead look that Toyota shamelessly stole from Ferrari for today's models. The rear view, meanwhile, can be easily mistaken for the Nissan X-Trail, one of its key rivals. 

The basic Z model is styled to look like the Toyota Crown SUVs, while the Adventure model features a more rugged design and a hexagonal front face to make its tough statement.

2026 Toyota RAV4 interior

2026 Toyota RAV4 interior

Inside, the all-new RAV4 features a new center stack, shift-by-wire system, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and others. Although it's still as spacious as before, the all-new RAV4 comes with a new rear seatback that can be folded flat to increase cargo space and the optional hands-free power liftgate with expanded detection area for better convenience.

With tech as its core, the all-new RAV4 is the first Toyota to be powered by the Arene software development platform. Powered by AI, the new multimedia system delivers enhanced connectivity, navigation, and security tools with a faster processing rate than before.

2026 Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT

The all-new RAV4 is built on the same TNGA-K unibody platform as the previous model but is now exclusively available in an e-Four Hybrid 4WD configuration. It features the A25A-FXS 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine, which is paired with two motor-generators via a planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a nickel battery. This powertrain delivers a total output of 240 PS and achieves a fuel economy of 22.9 km/L based on WLTC mode standards.

In addition to its EV mode, the all-new RAV4 comes with a Drive Mode Select that includes TRAIL mode and SNOW mode. It also introduces a new Electronically-Controlled Brake system, which enhances performance on rough terrain.

By 2026, a more powerful RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) and the first-ever RAV4 GR SPORT will be added to the lineup, boasting over 300 PS of total power output.

Thanks to its Arene software, the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in the all-new RAV4 have been significantly improved. Arene supports the latest Toyota Teammate systems, including a new generation of Toyota Safety Sense, which features Front Cross Traffic Alert, enhanced Lane Change Assist, an updated Pre-Collision System, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates, among other advancements.

The all-new sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 continues its over three-decade legacy while incorporating a wealth of innovative features to ensure practicality for the long journey ahead. While some aspects may be controversial, the RAV4 effectively balances tradition with modernity. This is what the new normal looks like.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation