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

           

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

- Malacanang says the Philippines is ready for any outcome in US tariff negotiations.

- Senator Raffy Tulfo urged the PH Department of Transportation to establish separate ticket lanes and implement a more efficient, digitalized student fare discount system—including beep card integration—to address long queues and accessibility issues at LRT and MRT stations.

- A plane heading to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, made an emergency landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) early Thursday morning due to a reported technical issue.

- UK PM Keir Starmer tells the BBC that Rachel Reeves is doing an excellent job and "will be chancellor for long time to come."

- Hyundai will unveil the first-ever IONIQ 6 N next week.

- Stellantis North America, formerly FCA USA, announced the restart of the SRT high-performance brand.

- Microsoft reportedly slashed some 9K jobs across all departments, of which the Xbox division is expected to comprise around 20%. Forza developer Turn 10 Studios, along with King, ZeniMax, and Raven Software, was affected by the recent job losses.

- Seiyuu Yurika Kubo announces her marriage.

- Yoo Ah In receives a suspended prison sentence as the final verdict of his drug case was reached.

- The third season of Yumi's Cells features an additional cast lineup.

- The Philippines will host the 2027 FIBA Women's Asia Cup.

- Clayton Kershaw became the MLB's 4th lefty with 3,000 strikeouts.

- The judge denies bail to Sean "Diddy" Combs ahead of sentencing after a split verdict.

- Lea Salonga will receive her Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

TTFN.

Jurassic World Rebirth

Universal's Jurassic series returns with an exciting new chapter set in the aftermath of Dominion. Ready for a monster of a new chapter?

Jurassic World: Rebirth

Jurassic World Rebirth, the newest installment of Universal's Jurassic series, signals the dawn of a new era for this franchise. Featuring a powerhouse cast like Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, this new movie is set in the aftermath of Dominion. Covert ops expert Zora Bennett, played by Johansson, and her team are exploring hostile environments crawling with genetically-mutated dinosaurs in search of the DNA of the three most colossal creatures in the hopes of saving humanity.

This movie represents a new kind of "dino crisis," as genetically-mutated dinosaurs are now wreaking havoc on land, in the air, and at sea. These new kinds of threats showcase the franchise's new direction while delivering the same primeval terror you would expect from a Jurassic movie. Although deadly at first sight, these monstrous new creatures are soon to become fan favorites, a worthy addition to the franchise's rogue gallery of dinosaurs.

While we can anticipate elements of cooperation, betrayal, suspense, horror, and action in this movie, its captivating storytelling and thrilling moments can leave you on the edge of your seat long after the credits roll. You will truly feel your heart racing as you recall some of the film's most iconic and intense scenes.

This movie is a "monster" of an adventure worthy of the title "Rebirth". Get it? Rebirth. With genetically modified dinosaurs threatening land, air, and sea, this marks the beginning of a new era for the Jurassic franchise.

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

          

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

- The Senate Impeachment Court dismissed Congressman Chel Diokno's statement that the impeachment court's second certification, which states that the 20th Congress will continue the impeachment case against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, is a possible trap.

- As of 3:00pm today, July 2, a Tropical Cyclone was sighted outside the Philippine Area of ​​Responsibility or PAR. The Tropical Depression (TD) was sighted 2,605 km east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. The 'TD' is also moving Northwestward at a speed of 15 km/h.

- The Malacañang clarified that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. still supports the implementation of the K-12 program despite his frustration because senior high school (SHS) graduates are not getting jobs.

- The Philippine Navy will conduct its mobile recruitment drive in Kalinga province this August.

- The fault that caused London's Heathrow Airport to shut down was detected seven years ago but has not yet been fixed, according to a recent report.

- More charges are being considered against Lucy Letby over baby deaths at hospitals where she worked.

- Bentley unveiled its new emblem, and the concept car, due next week, will be the first to wear it.

- The Ferrari Amalfi was unveiled. Serving as the replacement for the Roma, it's powered by a 640PS V8 twin-turbo engine mated to an 8-speed DCT, giving it a 0-100kph time of 3.3 seconds.

2026 Ferrari Amalfi

- The all-new Range Rover Sport SV was unveiled.

- Geely is coming to the UK market.

- Actor David Dastmalchian joins the cast of the new Street Fighter movie as the villain Vega/M. Bison.

- Actress Lee Seo Yi passed away.

- Former F.ABLE member Jaehyun dies of leukemia at the age of 23.

- The Judge in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial tells the jury to keep deliberating as they deadlock on one charge.

- Actor Vin Diesel reveals plot for the final Fast and Furious movie due Spring 2027.

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

         

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

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos is open to proposals to publicize the deliberations of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the national budget.

- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for a bill to extend College Education to three years.

- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) signed an agreement aimed at providing ready-to-eat food packs to passengers stranded at ports in the country during calamities.

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte denies reports that she opposed the sale of her father's house because she wanted to turn it into a museum

- Former Senator Francis Tolentino is honored to have been sanctioned by China for his statements and actions on issues and actions taken by the Chinese government against the Philippines. As a result, Tolentino was banned from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, and he was called one of the "anti-China" politicians.

- US President Donald Trump pressures Israel to end the Gaza conflict as he eyes possible Abraham Accords expansion. Meanwhile, Israeli forces attacked a children's birthday party in Gaza.

- Ferrari unveiled its 296 GT3 Evo race car.

- Luca di Montezemelo is now working for McLaren.

- Lotus denies reports that it's closing its UK base but is "exploring options" to stay competitive.

- Nissan begins integration of assembly lines in Thailand to streamline operations.

- The Xiaomi YU7 EV SUV was unveiled.

- The 2026 F1 season will have three pre-season test sessions and the return of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix coming this September 26, 2026.

- The fictional APXGP from F1: The Movie comes to life as the APXGP Super Formula Team, coming this 2027. The team will use Toyota power.

- Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson joins the cast of the new Street Fighter game as villain fighter Bison/Balrog.

- My Hero Academia's VIGILANTE spin-off TV show renewed for second season.

- A TV anime adaptation of the webtoon ELECEED is coming in 2026.

- Actors Yoon Sun Woo and Kim Ga Eun announced their marriage after their decade-long relationship.

- NBA basketball player Jordan Clarkson is expected to sign with the New York Knicks, according to reports.

TTFN.

Škoda Elroq RS

The first-ever Škoda Elroq EV crossover has gained the vRS variant, making it the second electric car to bear the vRS emblem since the Enyaq. To recall, the Škoda Elroq crossover represents a new chapter for Škoda. The key question is: Do you want to purchase this compact EV crossover that competes with the Hyundai IONIQ 5? Despite being less spacious than its Asian rival, the Elroq is affordable, and it's worth the shot, sort of. Has the vRS variant improved the Elroq's experience? 

2026 Skoda Elroq RS

2026 Skoda Elroq RS

Starting at 1,269,000CZK plus additional costs, the first-ever Skoda Elroq RS elevates the Elroq to a sportier setting, giving customers something to get excited about, the crossover that aims squarely at the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

2026 Skoda Elroq RS interior

Although it looks and feels just like the normal Elroq, not to mention the boot space that is smaller than the IONIQ 5, the Elroq RS adds zest to the normal Elroq with its sporty aero design, lime green stitching, and sports seats.

The Skoda Elroq is still as aerodynamic as the normal Elroq, but the vRS is also armed with two electric motors and a 79kWh battery, giving it all-wheel-drive capability. The power output was bumped to 340PS of power and 679Nm of torque, giving it a 0-100kph time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of a normal Japanese car. The driving range is around 546km based on WLTP standards.

Thanks to its lowered chassis, the Elroq vRS feels sporty to drive, and with its 4WD system, it feels okay even when you're feeling under the weather. It still packs XDS+, regenerative braking, and progressive control as the normal Elroq.

In terms of safety, the Elroq vRS boasts an extensive suite of driving technologies. These include Driving Assist 2.6, Predictive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Lane Guidance, and Traffic Jam Assist. Additional safety features are the Emergency Assistant, automatic parking, saved parking maneuvers, remote parking, parking sensors with automatic braking, and a parking camera. 

The vehicle also comes with a Panoramic Camera System, Front Assist, anti-collision assistant, Turn Assistant, blind spot monitoring, exit warning, proactive passenger protection, multi-collision brake, and driver fatigue detection.

Has the vRS variant improved the Elroq's experience? Sort of, as expected. Although drastically less than the Hyundai IONIQ 5N and as fast a a normal Japanese car, the Elroq vRS's dynamics really mean business almost everywhere. This is the Elroq that deserves to be driven.

Available Colors: Modra Energy, Seda Steel, Zelena Timiano, Cerna Magic metaliza, Modra Race metaliza, Stribrna Brilliant metaliza, Seda Graphite metaliza, Cervena Velvet metaliza, Bila Moon metaliza, and Zelena Mamba.

Photo: Skoda Auto

Skoda Kodiaq Mk2 RS

The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq SUV has gained the high-performance vRS variant, and things are looking slightly promising for the new model. 

2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS

Yours for 1,500,000CZK plus additional costs, the all-new Skoda Kodiaq vRS adds some spice to the current-generation model that eschewed the sharp looks from the previous model in favor of a rounder one with the rearview easily mistaken for a Volkswagen ID.5 or certain Lincoln crossovers from the past decade.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS interior

Although it looks and feels similar to the normal Kodiaq, the vRS features a darkened front grille, sporty exterior design, red stitching, sports seats, and a new steering wheel design that proudly spells SKODA on it. It's only offered as a five-seater with up to 2105 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down.

Under the hood, the Kodiaq vRS is powered by the same 265PS 2.0 TSi OPF petrol engine as the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line variant. Mated to a 7-speed DSG, it does 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 231kph. Combined fuel economy is 8.2 l/100km based on WLTP standards.

Thanks to its standard 4x4 drivetrain, the Kodiaq vRS is more than happy to get itself dirty. Driving on either tarmac, gravel, or snow, the 4WD system means business for the Kodiaq vRS, although taking one on track days means stocking up on some ibuprofen and paracetamol because handling one can be a real pain.

Like the normal Kodiaq, the vRS is packed with numerous safety features such as a lane change system, autonomous emergency braking, a lane keeping system, rearview camera system, dynamic road sign display, and others.

With the vRS variant, this SUV's ready to rock through tarmac, gravel, or snow in style and comfort, no doubt.

Photo: Skoda Auto

5th Gen Ford Expedition vs. 5th Gen Lincoln Navigator

Ford's flagship full-size SUV, the Expedition, has reached its fifth generation. It's now more rugged and more luxurious enough to tackle uncharted heights while rewriting the rules of what a luxury SUV should be.

2025 Ford Expedition

Starting at $62,320 plus additional costs, the fifth-generation Ford Expedition is now more Republican than before with new and exciting ways to keep this flagship SUV going for more.

2025 Ford Expedition

The all-new Ford Expedition shows us what a luxury full-size SUV should be. On the outside, you'll find a front end inspired by today's F-150, taillights that echo those on the Toyota Verossa, and a body shape that's still decidedly boxy. It's still the Expeditions that rich Texans and Republican politicians can't get enough of, even in its new off-road-oriented Tremor variant.

2025 Ford Expedition interior

2025 Ford Expedition interior

The new interior showcases the business class of this Republican-friendly SUV. Behind the wheel, you will be greeted by the new Panoramic 24-inch display that tells important driving info from navigation to entertainment. Although you still get a touch screen with smartphone connectivity and knobs for the radio controls, it offers a Flex Powered Consle that slides up for more storage and aisle room. On the comfort side, it can accommodate up to eight people, and it features a power-folding second-row bench seat with a Tip-and-Slide feature for easier third-row access. Go for the MAX variant and you'll have a boot space big enough for almost everything. There are other new useful features for the all-new Expedition, such as the all-new Multifunction Ford Split Gate, the available Cargo Tailgate Manager with backrest, and a 360-Degree Zone Light, among others. Handy for almost every situation.

2025 Ford Expedition

The all-new Expedition is still powered by the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 turbo engine, but it now produces 400HP of power and 480lb-ft of torque. Some models have a High Output version of the said engine with up to 440HP of power and 510lb-ft of torque. They're all mated to a 10-speed Automatic with SelectShift.

Underneath, the all-new Expedition features Continuous Control Damping Suspension and Independent Suspension for better stability and dynamics. Sounds luxurious, but if you go for the Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System, not only is it good everywhere, it's better for towing thanks to its Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, giving it up to 9600lbs of towing capacity. The Tremor variant gives off-road capability for the all-new Expedition thanks to its 3.73 electronic locking differential and modified higher-ride suspension with Premium Passive Shocks.

Such features really put the "common sense" for the new model, and to add some more common sense, the all-new Expedition features Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assist tech as well as a 360-degree camera.

So, what can I say about the all-new Expedition? With its powerful styling, luxurious interior, the new off-road-oriented Tremor variant, and numerous features, it's safe to assume that the new model is more Republican than the previous model. If you're a Red State politician, consider the all-new Expedition the one for you, but if you're an A-list celebrity, you'd be better off with this.

2025 Lincoln Navigator

2025 Lincoln Navigator interior

This is the all-new, fifth-generation, $99,995 Lincoln Navigator. It's the ultra-expensive, all-American, luxury full-size SUV that rewrites the rules of what a luxury SUV should be.

At first glance, the new model is similarly sized to today's Ford Expedition, but with Lincoln's new design language to differentiate it, this is the ultimate essence of luxury.

The biggest surprise is the new interior, which feels like you’re driving a concept car from the future. The Lincoln Digital Experience features the largest panoramic display in its class, as well as an 11.1-inch center-stack touchscreen with Google software. Call it flashy, but its futuristic dashboard layout does showcase the loud and proud side of Lincoln’s usual calm, cool, and collected status.

Offered with a choice of seven or eight seater, the seven-seater variant takes the credit for the Navigator's luxury status, with the available Tailored Seats delivering Business Class comfort while on the move. Not only that, the all-new Navigator comes with the available split gate, the available Cargo Tailgate Manager with backrest, and a 360-Degree Zone Light, among others.

Under the hood, the all-new Navigator is powered by the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost High Output engine with up to 440HP of power and 510lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a 10-speed Automatic with SelectShift. Not only that, it also features Continuous Control Damping Suspension, Independent Suspension, and the Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System. It even comes with Lincoln BlueCruise driver assist tech as well as a 360-degree camera, among others.

So, there you have it. The all-new Expedition appeals to the Reds while the all-new Navigator appeals to the Blues. Either way, they're both benefited by their ultra-luxury characteristics that made them alphas of the luxury SUV market. Welcome to the new normal.

Photo: Ford Motor Company