To understand a K-Pop Song easily...

2NE1's Fire

2NE1's I Don't Care

Super Junior's It's You

and Super Junior's Sorry Sorry/Sorry Sorry Answer

I know, these are my favorite Korean Pop Songs as most most people heard on their MP3s, buying these songs on either the internet or at their leading Music CD stores such as Odyssey, Astroplus, Astrovision, Music One, and Tower Records. Most people don't know is understanding the lyrics of each song, because these songs are set in Korean language and most Filipino fans don't understand Korean, well a few can understand Korean...
To make Pinoy fans of these hit Korean songs understand the lyrics of these, TV5's number one gagfest, known as Lokomoko High, come up with these parodies with words sound like the Korean lyrics, and brings out the humor engine within the fans

It sounds crazy, but understandable. ROFL
BTW, In the Lokomoko High-gagged versions of these Korean hit songs, they mentioned the car names Daihatsu, Kia, Honda, Cadillac, Mitsubishi, Ford, and Nissan.


SEE WHAT I MEAN?!

Maserati GranCabrio (GranTurismo Convertible)

Based on the satanic GranTurismo sports car made by the premier Italian car manufacturer, the GranCabrio (known in the U.S. as the GranTurismo Convertible) seeks temptation in the eyes of lust-worthy drivers who are speeding their way without borders. This car is truly the brand's first four-seater convertible model that succeeds from the two-seater Maserati Coupe/Spyder. It retains the power of the trident mark that became a part of the Maserati tradition. As a light shining in the light of the Italian machine, the GranCabrio is armed with the 4691cc V8 engine that holds 440PS of power and the maximum top speed of 283km/h. It features a six-speed, ZF automatic transmission with the hydraulic torque converter that allows this transmission to handle the torque of the GranCabrio's raw V8 engine. It also has the standard skyhook control suspension for precise handling on several turns; from curves to u-turns, no matter where this car will go. The Maserati Stability Program is equipped on the GranCabrio and it works well with the anti-lock braking system to avoid the case of locking of wheels during braking.

Since this is a convertible, the GranCabrio comes with the soft-top that can be opened or closed in just 24 seconds. This is great when you are experiencing open-air travels and let the wind be your companion on the highway.

My thoughts about the GranCabrio:
With the wind chasing on the rear bumpers, the Maserati GranCabrio is perfect for those who wanted a four-seater convertible armed with the special features adults want to experience the devil within the convertible. Sadly, this Italian monster cabriolet is not worthy to take down its sister car, the Ferrari California, but on the pricing side, we might consider the GranCabrio a real winner.

Photo: Maserati

My wish My love

My wish my love, the official ending theme song of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st, sung by Yukari Tamura, shows that this song is definitely the best song in the Yukari Tamura music list. This maxi single CD includes four tracks, including the both the ending theme of Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st and the song, Tiny Rainbow, which is the ending theme of the PSP video game, Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Battle of Aces. Let's skip the other two great songs included in this maxi single CD, I'm talking about the first two songs in this CD, which of course sung by none other than the seiyuu of Nanoha Takamachi herself, Yukari Tamura.

The song, My wish, My love, might not as great as Nana Mizuki's Phantom Minds (which of course the opening theme of the movie), but for the ears of Yukari Tamura fans (or Nanoha fans), this song is great to listening the song heard from the movie's closing credits, honestly speaking. With the mixture of slow, sweet tempoes, soothing tones, and Tamura-san's kawaii voice, I can say that this song is sweet at the beginning and sweetest at the end of the song. Makes me wonder how many times I'll listen to this cute song. On the song Tiny Rainbow, which is the ending theme of the Lyrical Nanoha video game on PSP, it has an upbeat tone mixed with the sweetness of Yukari Tamura's vocal sweetness.

Above all, this maxi single CD has the mixture of soothingness, tenderness, sweetness, and calmness, all bundled into one. Hope everyone will find a copy of this CD at their nearest anime stores, and listen to these tender sweet songs that is perfect for the otakus before their bedtime. It definitely gives me the hug.

Are you Facebook-ing to death?

I just saw something on the website regarding how people put status updates to their Facebooks and Twitters:

"The evidence is mounting that too much Facebooking, Twittering, and other online social- networking activities could kill you.

By taking the place of face-to-face conversations, they up your chances of being felled by cancer, dementia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, a new study concludes."

Source:http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090223-123809.html

So what? Who cares? Does anyone can say that Facebooking can kill you as much as snoring yourselves to death?

Why there are so many experts doing anything against Facebook, Twitter, or any social networking sites we use today? Do they think we should stick with old-fashioned methods.

We love using Facebook! We love Farmville! We love Pet Society! We love Mafia Wars! 

If they think about Facebooking kills people, can we face it? Or stand up against the study?

Successor?!

Hey readers! You know who this is.

Back in the first week of February, this week was the end of Philippines' favorite TV drama that spreads God's word to us, known as "May Bukas Pa". Who would miss God's precious gift to us, named Santino? I'm sure you missed everyone's favorite lovable "miracle boy".

Then, in February 8, a new fantasy drama takes place, it's titled Agua Bendita.

I know, we have to wait before Andi Eigenmann's appearance to the latest TV show very very soon, but the Agua character I saw in this latest fantasy drama series is much more like Santino because, she cures just like Santino, thanks to her watery appearance and more of some "Holy Water" traits. I mean, I saw the episode when the young Agua, played by Xyriel Anne Manabay, who also played as the young Bendita (I like her spoiled-brat attitude), cured the wounded bird, then the boy from another episode, and then, Bendita... 

Could Agua be Santino's successor?

OMG!

XD

Honda CR-Z

A hybrid car is a car dedicated for environmentalists. For those who are seeking adrenaline, they are focused on gas-guzzling sports cars rather than fuel-efficient hybrid cars. From Honda, they created a hybrid car dedicated for sports car enthusiasts, combining the fuel efficiency of the hybrid car with the thrill of the sports car at the same pace. The Compact Renaissance Zero from Honda, known as the CR-Z, is finally awakened from concept form to production form.




The Honda CR-Z is the true eco warrior, harmonizing both the purity of the hybrid car and the power of the sports car, combined to unleash the aspects for both people who want a better environment and people who want thrills on the highway.




From its striking design, the CR-Z resembles the hatchback flow from its predecessor, the CR-X, thus making this green samurai a spiritual successor to everyone's favorite Honda sports hatch from the 80's. Aside from the wonderful design, the CR-Z is powered by the 1.5-litre i-VTEC+IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid engine capable of 113PS of power with the additional 14PS motor power. Aside from having a CVT, the CR-Z is the only hybrid sports car equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, perfect for real men who want to rid the boredom from hybrid vehicles. It also has the three-mode drive system that allows drivers to choose which mode is suited for their mood. For power, switch to Sport Mode, for balance, try Normal Mode, and for fuel efficiency, start the Econ Mode.




After checking the CR-Z's performance, the interior is their last stop for this eco warrior. Every sports car aficionados are going to be so thoughtful because the seating is perfect for two persons (with the additional 2-seater at the back); meaning only grown men are allowed to take the plunge of this upbeat hatchback, but luggage is not a hindrance for the CR-Z, because the spacing is just identical to the Nissan Fairlady Z.

My thoughts about the CR-Z:
Undeniably this is the world's first hybrid sports car built to ease men out of the hybrid boredom. What I can say about this sports car is definitely the right time for me to describe its true colors for this eco warrior. This sports car is perfect, this car gets ordinary hybrid owners throwing their keys and grabbing the keys to the world's first hybrid sports car made from Honda. Have fun people, the CR-Z is truly the regal shocker of the highway.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz's ultimate successor to the classic 300SL and the striking but now defunct SLR McLaren might not have been as hot as its predecessors, but the performance truly makes it the "new age lightspeed goddess" of this generation. The SLS AMG brings the AMG powerhouse up the antes even further and mostly gained the spirit of the legendary 300SL at the same pace.







To make men drool to the SLS AMG's style, the gullwing doors makes it a perfect combination of yesterday and tomorrow in the eyes of the Mercedes-Benz universe. To top it all, the style that was inspired from the 300SL is the root of hopes and dreams driven by fate and the engineering of Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, the powerhouse behind the ubiquitous "6.3 AMG" line. Not only that, the retractable spoiler that rises on high speeds or braking makes it a lovely feature for this lightning machine.







For the eyes of the owner, the interior gets most of the fun factor, despite the seating capacity is fitted for two adults. With only two seats equipped on this car, the SLS AMG is perfect for men who want to take a long-legged dame on a highway date 24/7.







To top it all off, the SLS AMG is equipped with the M159 V8 natural aspiration engine that has over 500 PS of power, accumulating the top speed of 315km/h and 3.8-second time from the 0-100kmh run. To bring most of the SLS AMG's majestic performance, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission gives men to shift freely from turn to turn. As for the braking, an optional carbon ceramic disc brakes give this "new age lightspeed goddess" improved stopping power from the regular brakes.

My thoughts about the SLS AMG:
Former Ferrari F1 driver, now Mercedes-Benz F1 driver, Michael Schumacher was really surprised by the raw power of the SLS AMG, even the question "is it still a car?" really confuses Mercedes-Benz fans from across the globe. Now, it needs to be tested by the men from BBC's Top Gear to see how the SLS AMG will achieve from their power lap times. If Pocholo Ramirez were still alive, he would give this German Mauser a true roar on the Subic racetrack. Anyway, the SLS AMG's explosive packaging makes it a grand comeback of the legendary Gullwing machine that makes men drool all the way to the Nurburgring.


Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Spark!! To Aru Kagaku No Railgun Original Sound Track 1

Based on Kazuma Tamachi's science fiction fantasy light novel, To Aru Kagaku No Railgun, the spin-off from the hit 2008 anime, To Aru Majutsu No Index, revolves from the life and times of Mikoto Misaka, one of the Level 5 ESPers, who is an electromaster that shoots electricity, like a railgun, and her roommate Kuroko Shirai, a Level 4 teleporter who calls Misaka "onee-sama" all the time. Most fans found out that To Aru Kagaku No Railgun is more entertaining than the original because of the female characters, including newer ones like Kazari Uiharu (fans like this character because she is another one of Aki Toyosaki's anime roles) and Ruiko Saten (fans found this character entertaining than Mikoto Misaka) as well. With only a few episodes remaining on this high-voltage anime that packs a sting on the fans, Geneon Universal stings the Railgun fans with the first part of this soundtrack, subnamed as Spark!! Composed by Maiko Iuchi from I've Sound (who also worked from the original Majutsu No Index), twenty-two high voltage tracks (including the TV-sized versions of the songs "only my railgun" by fripside and "Dear My Friend" by Elisa, both full versions of this tracks are sold separately as a single album) stings the ears out of the Railgun fans, relieving every single moment of Mikoto Misaka, one coin toss at the time. Great when you want to recharge the best Railgun moments from the beginning.

Track Listings:
1. only my railgun -TVサイズ- (by fripside, full track sold separately as a single)
2. 常盤台中学校
3. 風紀委員の活動
4. ジャッジメントですの!
5. 初春飾利
6. 学舎の園
7. お姉さま…
8. 黒子の企て
9. いつもの仲間と
10. 策謀
11. searcher
12. battle area
13. 大切な友達
14. 渇望
15. 噂されるモノ
16. アンチスキル
17. 小さな望み
18. RAILGUN SHOOT
19. 逆転
20. あのときの約束
21. 木山せんせい
22. Dear My Friend まだ見ぬ未来へ -TVサイズ- (by Elisa, full track sold separately as a single)

Best Part: Twenty-two fully charged tracks are packed with even more voltage than Mikoto Misaka shooting electricity.

Worst Part: There is even more aside from this! (To Aru Kagaku No Railgun O.S.T. Part 2 coming soon!)

Mitsubishi RVR (New)/ASX/Outlander Sport

Back from 2007 IAA at Frankfurt, Germany, Mitsubishi Motors has prepared the Concept-CX that hinted Mitsubishi fans with surprises. The production version of the Concept-CX welcomes back the three letters that were disappeared since 2002. You heard that, ladies and gentlemen, the name RVR is back in the scene and this time, it is a miniature version of the popular Lancer-based Outlander crossover.










To make things interesting for its comeback, Mitsubishi used the same jet-like grille, as seen on the Galant Fortis (Lancer EX), Lancer Evolution, and the soon-to-be-facelifted Outlander. Aside from that, the right sizing makes it a combative compact crossover, making a single dent on Nissan's upcoming Juke crossover and consumers take advantage of the its new form, even Bugs Bunny from the Looney Tunes.

From the powerful 1.8-litre MIVEC engine, INVECS-III CVT, Active Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Drive Mode Selector (available on 4WD), super wide HID headlight, and host of safety features, you can rest assure that this combat crossover has the edge that is performed to be almost like a wind.



My thoughts about the RVR:
Designed and engineered like the wind, the return of the RVR (also on sale in Europe this year as the ASX) is definitely the combat crossover utility, prepared for the entire family, especially young drivers who wanted to take a glimpse of this small crossover. As a formidable foe against the Daihatsu Be-Go, Toyota Rush, and for the upcoming Nissan Juke, crossover maestros might think twice before considering the RVR as their best bet for this category.

Reader Note: Why I put "Bugs Bunny of Looney Tunes" in this one? That is because of the Japanese commercial featuring Bugs Bunny and the first-generation RVR. Check it out!

Photo: Autoc-one.jp

Daihatsu Second-Generation Boon & Toyota Second-Generation Passo with Passo +Hana

The Storia's successor, the Boon, which is also the Duet's successor, the Passo (since Toyota became partners with Daihatsu), is the perfect match for women with the sense of fashionable lifestyle. (Remember the Japanese Passo commercial with Rosa Kato and the Boon commercial with Rena Tanaka) The Boon and the Passo became successful not just in Japan, but in Asia and Europe under the name of the Daihatsu Sirion or the Subaru Justy.

Now, in this year, change is finally applied to these fashionable compacts:








A certain fashionable women state that each style has its own taste. As for the second-generation Boon and the second-generation Passo, a certain fashionable sense is perfect for the women's taste of cute cars. Available only on the Toyota Passo is the more stylish +Hana (plus hana) variant.





This variant features a sporty exterior, chrome rear lamps, and stylish two-tone upholstery.

Both of them are equipped with a choice of two engines; from the 1.3-liter, 16-valve engine that delivers 95PS of power, and the economical 1.0-litre, 12-valve engine that has the outstanding fuel economy of 22.5km/L, giving them more travel time for the women, especially both of them are equipped with the economical CVT.

My thoughts about the Boon & the Passo:
Judging from its vague but cute look, the Boon and the Passo are a woman's sweet post-valentine treat, especially when a certain woman has a fate to choose between a man with a sports car or the compact car destined to be the perfect soul mate for a woman.


Reader Note: Originally, Toyota Motor Corporation would postpone the launch of the Passo because of the worldwide recall, and yet the Passo's launch did not postpone because Daihatsu was behind the manufacture of the Passo, which is in fact, the Passo is the OEM of the Boon.



Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation/Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Ford Fiesta -U.S. Spec-

Back in Europe, the Fiesta from Ford is the best compact car that leaves drivers out to their daily siesta and in to their driving fantasies. With over 500,000 Ford Fiestas sold in Europe and Asia, the United States of America (Ford Motor Company's homegrown country) is finally bringing home the bacon, I mean, the Fiesta.

2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback

2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan

While European countries get the 3-door hatchback, the America-spec Fiesta comes in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback in the very beginning. Sales for the American Fiesta start either at 2nd or 3rd quarter of this year. For Pinoy Ford enthusiasts like you, expect the Fiesta will hit the Philippine market very soon, and when it hits, it will be like a marching fiesta that hits like the Ati-Atihan, the Sinulog festival, the Higantes festival and before you know it, the parade floats from the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Now onto the basics, the Fiesta was based on the Verve concept car and it uses the same platform from the Mazda2 (known as the Demio in Japan) for that purpose. While other countries have a choice of engines (1.4-litre, 1.6-litre diesel, and more), the U.S. Fiesta only offers the 1.6-litre, straight-four engine, capable of releasing a minimal power of 119hp and the fuel economy of 40MPG on the highway basis. Aside from that, the Fiesta has a choice of two transmission types; choose from the 5-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed automatic transmission with PowerShift, making the Fiesta sportier like no other.

2011 Ford Fiesta interior

The best part for the Fiesta is the interior. Owners can take advantage of the astonishing features such as the laminated glass, cell phone-inspired center console, leather seats, engine starter button, and more features give them some attractive experience.

My thoughts about the Fiesta:
Like the parade of floats marching on the streets from Europe, Asia, and now the United States, the Fiesta compact sedan and hatchback pummel out the drivers' siesta and awakes their senses with its striking design, unquestionable performance, attractive packaging and more. With the United States bringing home the Fiesta, will Ford Philippines bring the Fiesta?

Photo: Ford

Still more bad case of Toyota's mass recall

The Toyota Prius (in regular and Plug-in hybrid variants)

The Lexus HS 250h

and the Toyota SAI.

All of these Toyotas shown were hybrids. As of that ever since the mass recall of the third-generation Prius' braking problems, they also included the Lexus HS 250h and the Toyota SAI in the list of recalled Toyotas. First, from the gas pedals that happened in the American and European roads, and now the worldwide panic over the Toyota hybrids' braking troubles.

Aside from the never-ending mas recall, the official website of Toyota Motor Corporation made its announcement. The announcement can be found at this link:

http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/announcement/100209.html

As for those Filipinos who own the Prius, there is good news: Toyota Motor Philippines got you covered with special repairs. 

If I wonder if there is a Muntinlupa resident who drives a Prius, I'll tell that driver there is a braking problem and bring it to Toyota Alabang for a special repair.

Hope this nightmare will be temporary for Japan's number one automaker.

In the lighter side, Toyota made a facelift of the 13th-generation Crown (Athlete, Royal, and Hybrid series) and the long-wheelbase version of the RAV4, known as the Vanguard.

Toyota 13th Generation Crown Series Minor Change

2011 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon

2011 Toyota Crown Athlete

2011 Toyota Crown Hybrid

Back in February 2008, the thirteenth-generation Crown was launched by Toyota Motor Corporation, giving the brand's most legendary sedan truly living it up by its legendary name. Aside from offering the sporty Athlete and the premium Royal Saloon, a Hybrid version is included to bring its green factor to its rival luxury hybrids.

Two years later, all three Crowns (the Athlete, Royal Saloon, and Hybrid) received a major facelift to keep this legendary Crown name updated, and relinquish the glory days of Toyota's legendary JDM executive sedan. On the outer side, three Crowns gained a refreshed look while remaining a status of being a thirteenth-generation model.

The Crown Royal Saloon boasts exceptional luxury on the front and back, with its elegant radiator grille, new wheels, and new rear lamps. The Crown Athlete gets even more aggressive with its new aggressive front grille, new bumper, sportier rims, and a sportier rear lamps, giving this sports executive vehicle something to bring a favor. The Crown Hybrid now looks more the same as the Crown Royal Saloon, but both the Crown logo and the Toyota logo shines in trademark Synergy Blue color, that is the trademark of Toyota hybrids. The interior remains the same in my opinion but updated to keep it fresh and alive for all three Crowns. The Athlete's interior gets even darker, the Royal Saloon's interior gets even lighter, and the Hybrid's interior, um, well, you'll do the rest.

The only change happened is the fuel efficiency of both the Athlete and the Royal Saloon, but only the 2.5L variants offered. At first, the 2.5L V6 (4GR-FSE) engine offers a fuel economy of 12.0km/L, but now, due to the "eco-car genzei" system, the fuel economy of the 4GR-FSE engine is improved with the new fuel economy of 12.4km/L, about 4km/L of increase to meet the regulations of being an eco-car under Japan's "eco-car genzei" system. The Athlete's 3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE), the Royal Saloon's 3.0L V6 (3GR-FSE), and the Hybrid's 2GR-FSE engine pretty remains the same, meaning nothing is new to those. Still, the Crown Athlete and Royal Saloon offers a 6-speed Automatic while the Hybrid offers only the CVT.

My thoughts about the Crown:
New look, same features. That is how I described the recently facelifted Crown Series (Athlete, Royal Saloon, and Hybrid) in a bold kind of way. Even the outside is new, nothing's really new about what's inside except the 2.5L V6 engine of both the Athlete and the Royal Saloon is updated to be more fuel efficient. My favorite Crown of the three Crowns is the Athlete series because it suits my likes for sports executive sedan, but still no sign of turbo yet until Modellista came up with the tuned version of the Crown Athlete, dubbed +M Supercharger.

Still, this Japan-only executive sedan truly living it up to its name as the most legendary executive sports sedan offered for the wealthy Japanese businessman. If it set worldwide, the Crown can outperform the likes of the Nissan Fuga, BMW 5-Series, MB E-Class, Lexus GS, or even the Hyundai Genesis sedan. I hope that Toyota Motor Philippines bring back the Crown name with that look or find it as a surplus in Subic, Cagayan, Davao, or Cebu very soon.



Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Another bad case of Toyota's mass recall

Another article I saw on the internet:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/toyota-prius-under-investigation-for-reported-brake-problem

I am not really sure why the latest-generation Prius gets recalled due to some braking problems. Is it physical or technological? i think it's technological because of the software malfunction that causes braking problems for this so-called Super Hybrid Car.

Another news that the latest President & CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation (Japanese main HQ), the grandson of Sakichi Toyoda (the founder of the brand), Akio Toyoda held a press conference at Nagoya and deeply apologizing to the world that this brand is in the state of trouble. Therefore, he unveiled the brand's six point brand to bring Toyota Motor Corporation back to the game.

Full details at:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/we-are-in-a-crisis-toyota-chief

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/globenewswire/183685.htm

Every day, this brand used to be the world's largest automaker that defeated General Motors, but defeated by the Volkswagen Group,  recall and recall some more cars. Who knows if someone in the newspaper is doing the editorial cartoon, he'll draw a editorial cartoon regarding Akio Toyoda writing names of Toyota owners in his Death Note and die by fatal car accidents? Or is he dreaming that Toyota owners will die and soon that this dream happened? (Note: The dream part I wrote in this part is a reference to Rico from the famous teleserye that was recently ended last week, May Bukas Pa, as for those who watched the ending, Thank You, and God Bless You)

Now back to the recall hysteria, there is a possibility that most of the Toyota owners in the Philippines might suffer the setbacks from accelerator problems to the Prius' braking problems. Just when the article found via TV Patrol said:

Acknowledgement: I would like to thank my relatives who used to own a Toyota or recently driving a Toyota. I thank Kuya Jun (the service driver when I was at Elementary, used to drive a Toyota Tamaraw FX), Mang Johnny (another FX driver since I was high school), Davick Datul (driving a Toyota Corolla), Tito Danny (used to drive two Toyota cars, the Tamaraw FX and the Corolla, later switched to a Mitsubishi Adventure AUV), and Tita Charito (saw a Toyota Land Cruiser, recently drived by Kuya Bilog) for such feelings. Take Care.

In conclusion, that's why my cousin named Prolan (Prolan, if you are reading this, you're right) told me that Toyota means prisoner. And by prisoner, I contrasted this by the TV commercial titled "Human Touch" which is funny.

or the Toyota RAV4 commercial which is mostly funny to see.

Citroen DS3

Citroen DS3

This is the real force created from Citroen. The DS3 is not your everyday sports compact coupé destined to rise against the competition. This sports compact 3-door is the first of Citroen's new DS (meaning Different Spirit)range, a new range providing a striking design, impressive performance, and a completely new level of packaging, giving the brand slogan "créative technologie" out with the figurative, and in with the literate.

This is how customers can clearly claim that it can attack the Mini Cooper S within a single look because the exterior of the DS3 has a stylish two-tone color that is similar to the Mini Cooper, especially the style language that Citroen used for their concept cars in past motor shows and other production cars, including the new C3 as well.

There is good news for those who want to buy the DS3; personalization is the best aspect for the DS3 because customers can choose their own color combinations of the DS3, both inside and out. When the customer is done choosing their own color combination, the customer gets a personalized car key accessory that matches the owner's car color. The DS3's personalization is mostly like Lexus LS's L-Select program for Japanese customers, as they say it.

Being a Low Emission Vehicle is not a hindrance for the DS3 because this sports compact is available at five selectable engines; three gasoline engines (VTi 95, VTi 120 and THP 150) co-developed by BMW, and two HDi diesel engines (90bhp or 110bhp) with Citroën's DPFS. (Diesel Particulate Filter System) A 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed, or a 6-speed manual transmission provides customers which transmission is best suited for the DS3's taste. Most think that the 6-speed manual transmission is their best bet for the job because it gives them a little zest to this car.

My thoughts about the DS3:
With Citroen's Different Spirit range appeared, the DS3 is truly their first offering to this new line-up. With all the customizations and the engine choices, this is surely to be the top of Citroen for this year. With the competition still hanging up, the DS3 will surely send the competition to their grave. Like they said "out with the old, and in with the new”, the DS3 is surely a real force destined to rid of something retro.



Photo: Citroen

A bad case of Toyota's mass recall

Last month, Toyota Motor Corporation made a recall on the best-selling models due to the case of the accelerator problems. I am not sure why they did this thing but it's for the safety of the Toyota owners.
The full details of the Toyota recall can be found at this site:
http://www.autoblog.com/toyota_recall/guide
The recall for all Toyota models started in the United States and now in Europe and Asia at the same time! I wonder if most of the latest Toyotas and Lexuses might be possible victims of the mass recall such as:

1. Toyota Alphard and Vellfire




2. Toyota iQ



3. Lexus RX & RX Hybrid



4. Toyota Crown Athlete, Royal, and Hybrid series



5. Toyota Crown Majesta



6. Toyota Wish



7. Toyota Prius



8. Lexus IS Convertible



9. Lexus HS 250h



10. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado



11. Toyota Mark X



12. Toyota SAI



Ugh... the mass recall for all Toyota models turned those first-time car buyers a choice they make... Recalls come in advantages and disadvantages. Just what if the extinct Toyota car which was loved by Filipinos, known as the Tamaraw FX (also the Tamaraw FX Revo), also joins the recall? Who knows?
I hope everything would be OK for Toyota, despite this automaker is facing drastic measures...

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate

2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG T-Modell

For those who remember the aesthetics of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG in sedan form, the E63 AMG gets even more space with the Estate variant! Premiered in Frankfurt since September and destined for European sale in February, the same raw feeling of the E63 AMG with the spaciousness of the E-Class Estate combined into one beastly machine with the spacious feeling.

From the outer view of the E63 AMG Estate, you can really see this monstrous wagon fitted with the same AMG treatment you will find on the sedan variant. Aside from the monstrous exterior, the 6.2-litre V8 Natural Aspiration Engine is truly a corporate muscle for this grand touring sports wagon. With 525PS of power, top speed of 250km/h, and a split 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds, the E63 AMG Estate still has the breath-taking experience that the sedan variant have. Not only that, the Speedshift 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters adds fun for this muscular touring wagon, because the driver can also set the transmission from automatic to manual for an added challenge. To make things interesting for the E63 AMG Wagon, there are several options to adjust from, giving hardcore drivers some thrilling experiences which are fun to experiment on city roads to race tracks.

My thoughts about the E63 AMG Estate:
With the estate-like look and the sports car-like feel, the new E63 AMG Estate is truly a monstrous muscle built for real men. Other sports wagons cannot stand a chance by muscling in to this muscular Autobahn monster that releases 500 horses and almost 300km/h of top speed. Be warned, this sports wagon has the respect from Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, and you will never take it away.



Photo: Autoblog

Phantom Minds

After moments for Lyrical Nanoha fans experienced Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st, that was showed in Japanese theaters since January 23, they'll just can't get enough on listening the official opening theme song from this movie, Phantom Minds, sung by the seiyuu of Fate Testarossa from the Lyrical Nanoha series, Nana Mizuki.

This maxi single CD is packed with the official opening theme song of this movie, plus the other three songs sung by this lovely seiyuu which fans love to listen this maxi single CD everywhere. Forget the other three songs included in this CD, I'll talking about my reaction of this song;

This song is definitely a must-listen not only for the Lyrical Nanoha series fans, but also die-hard fans of Nana Mizuki-san herself. It packs a lot of powerful tempo, dynamic tones, and the lyrics which fans of Nana Mizuki find it enjoyable all over. Although I must say, this is truly the best Nana Mizuki song ever listened! Although, the song, Phantom Minds, is one of the best Nana Mizuki songs ever listened by fans, you'll just can't stop humming over the song's powerful and majestic tone over and over again.

I guess this song is too good for those who have already watched Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st, and the odds is definitely higher than Yukari Tamura's My Wish My Love, which of course the official closing song for this movie.

Renault-Samsung SM5 -Full Model Change-

2010 Renault Samsung SM5 (L43)

The true rival to the recent Hyundai YF Sonata and the upcoming Kia K5 (Optima or Magentis) sedan is now set to prove even the smallest Korean automaker can easily rise from the everyday challenges in this economy. For Renault's Korean arm, Renault-Samsung Motors, the all-new SM5 was born.

Let us take a history class, shall we? The SM5 was originally a Nissan Cefiro based sedan with some minor alterations to the front and back. This car was launched in March 1998. Then in January 2005, a month after its big brother, the prestigious SM7 (based on the Nissan Teana) was released, the Cefiro-based SM5 was modified into a Nissan Teana-based SM5, having the design borrowed from the Teana but with different Korean aspects to fulfill customer satisfaction. Now, in January 18, 2010, the new SM5's design was original and it was not based on the Nissan Teana. This new model borrowed some aspects from the Renault Laguna, and it gives some new mods, new exterior and new interior similar to the Renault Laguna.

At its maiden appearance, most Koreans consider the SM5 as the brand's status symbol thanks to its unquestionable personality and performance. Of course, the previous design was mostly Japanese because it was an OEM version of the Teana, but now on its third generation, the SM5's design is truly Euro-Korean, thanks to appearance that looks similar to the Kia Lotze facelift, but still, it is undeniable that you want to take a test drive for your taste. As for the interior, the SM5 boasts exceptional luxury with an array of premium features such as the rear side curtains, DMB navigation system, Samsung Super Plasma Ion air con, and Arkamys 3D Sound System. These features are sure enough for the seasoned SM5 owner to take advantage of its newly evolved form.

With the CVT as its main weapon, the new SM5 is powered with the 2.0L CVTC-II L4 engine capable of releasing 141PS of power and the fuel economy of 12.1km/Litre. Sadly, the new SM5's engine was not fit enough to take down the fuel economy of the Hyundai YF Sonata and the Kia K5, which means the new SM5 has a dent on its newly found performance.

My thoughts about the SM5:
The new SM5's design was revised to be original, and it no longer became the copycat of the Japanese Nissan Teana sedan (almost, because they still selling the Teana-based SM7) that others find it confusing. I am glad to see the brand's first step to succeed from the local stage to the world stage. However, will the brand level up to become one of Korea's finest automobile manufacturers with this new form? With the pricing of about 20,800,000 - 26,500,000 Korean Won (about 900,000 - 1.2 Million Philippine Pesos), it is clearly that the SM5 is a smart buy for medium sedan consumers. Let us hope that the new SM5 will hit the European market sometime as a Renault, or we want to have our own Renault-Samsung distributor in the Philippines to experience this one-of-a-kind machine.

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi's première sports car, the R8, still proves that this is the greatest Satanic road mauler adults urinate themselves in fear. But the fear over the German behemoth is now also in convertible form. This convertible version of the R8 made its début at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt, Germany.









Audi's new R8 Spyder carries the same semblance of dualism, as seen on the regular coupé form, while taking the heat (or wind) of the convertible at the same pace. Surely, this is the monster every sports car fanatics bow down before the supercar's might, the R8 Spyder only carries the high-revving 5.2 FSI V10 engine, which is capable of releasing over 500 PS of power and the 0-100km/h runtime of below four seconds. With the V10 engine equipped, this Autobahn behemoth is truly a spectacle among enthusiasts, waiting to get their pants urinated for fear.

My Thoughts about the R8 Spyder:
Designed as an open-top road mauler for adults, the R8 Spyder might strike others to put this car to the list of fearsome creatures. Although the fearsome V10 FSI engine is the only engine available for this monster, it is surprising that the R8 Spyder is a twisted metal machine that strikes fear on the highway. Once you are inside, you will never get out of this road-killing sports car that surprises other people on a Saturday night, despite the pricing is just under 170,000 Euros. (11 Million Pesos)

Have fun enjoying this exotic sports car with a true evil heart and soul inside.



Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/200

Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works

Started as an adult game created by Type-Moon, adapted into a 24-episode anime that was aired in Japan by TBS, and distributed worldwide to please international otakus, serialized as a manga, made possible by Kadokawa Shoten, and now, the much anticipated motion picture event of the year is now showing at theaters all over Japan. In my opinion, this movie adaptation of the game-turned anime-turned manga is the cunning rival to the sensational Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st. (Despite the fact that both of these anime movies slotted the same January 23 date, as you say it)



Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works pools out the entire 24-episode anime, loaded with cinematic special effects, improved music score made possible by Kenji Kawai (who is also behind the BGMs of the Death Note trilogy movies), add something that is never been told in the original TV series, and lastly, surprises the entire Fate fans with the intense feeling they will surely never forget.

The story is simple (for those who didn't saw the original or those who wanted to tell it again), it chronicles about a teenager named Shiro Emiya, who wanted to achieve justice that his stepfather failed to do. What he did not realize that this town named Fuyuki is the battleground for the masters, which Shiro was one of them. Each master has his or her own servant (Saber, Archer, Lancer, Berserker, Rider, Assassin, and Caster) to join alongside with and the goal is simple: only one pair will win and take the power of the Holy Grail. Saber, a servant, was the servant who saved Shiro's life from the attacks of the servant Lancer, and henceforth greeted him with the question:
are you my Master?

So this is how the titanic movie begins. I may not tell you what just happened to the whole movie, but I'll tell you how the movie feels. The fight scenes were great, these battles you saw on the original anime series were greatly upgraded for cinematic perfection. Aside from the battles, fans will grow fetishism over Saber and Rin Tohsaka, which in fact Rin was also one of the masters whose the servant Archer joins alongside with her. Most Fate fans who watched the movie might say, "Hey, this movie is cooler than the anime I've watched", "Rin is one of my favorite characters, thanks to her tsundere personality", "Saber is number one!" and much more words that most Fate fans might post it in their Facebooks, tweeting this once-in-a-lifetime moment on Twitter, having their say on 2channel, and everything.

The song that completes FSN:UBW is none other than Sachi Tainaka's new song, titled Imitation. Although the song for the movie is more powerful and delivers a massive punch to their overall enthusiasm, it still can't keep up with the Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st's opening song, Phantom Minds, sung by Nana Mizuki. For those who wanted to find that song titled Imitation by Sachi Tainaka, the only album you can find is the Ricordanza: Fate/ stay night TV Song Collection, which is on sale now, and made possible by Geneon Universal Entertainment.

If you're done watching the movie, two Blu-ray discs that covers the whole 24-episode anime, packed with new special features, perfect sound, and perfect picture, is up for grabs. Both of them are on sale and packed with the arranged Sachi Tainaka's Disillusion song, titled Disillusion 2010.

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st

From the success of the three Lyrical Nanoha seasons (from the first one to the StrikerS story), comics as seen on the premiere Japanese anime and video game bishoujo magazine, Megami Magazine, and the PlayStation Portable video game that was already on sale all over the Japanese market, the ultimate treat for all Lyrical Nanoha fans is the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle fans would remember it forever. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st (日本名：魔法少女リリカルなのはthe Movie 1st) revolves on the first Lyrical Nanoha season that was aired in Japanese televisions since 2004, and packed with remastered graphics and never before told stories give Nanoha fans some thrills and squeals while taking a gander on the epic battle between Nanoha Takamachi (voiced by Yukari Tamura) and Fate Testarossa (voiced by Nana Mizuki) in the quest to find and seal the Jewel Seeds. Since everyone's in the theater, they are ready to anticipate the difference of the first Lyrical Nanoha season to Japan's most anticipating thrill ride event of the year, Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st leaves fans hearing both Nanoha and Fate's battle cry with cinematic clarity than the television series. (You know what that means) From its majestic special effects, rewritten storyline and expected moe-ism over Nanoha and Fate, Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st blasts the movie viewers with more action, more drama, more laughs, and of course, more kawaii-ness.

Because of the Lyrical Nanoha series tradition of having Fate's seiyuu, Nana Mizuki, opens the show with the song while Nanoha's seiyuu, Yukari Tamura, closes the show with a song, the opening theme song for the movie, Phantom Minds, sung by Nana Mizuki, is an explosive welcome for those who are ready to watch the movie from the beginning, and Yukari Tamura ends Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st with a song, titled My Wish My Love. As a matter of fact, most fans love the opening theme because, can you yell "I LOVE NANA MIZUKI'S NEW SONG" in Japanese? If so, good luck listening to this song 20 or more times!

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Battle of Aces

With Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st's showing date in Japan is just a few days left, fans of the Lyrical Nanoha series braced themselves for the PSP game based on the second Lyrical Nanoha season (known as Lyrical Nanoha A's) and it is a "much talked" on the premiere Japanese anime and video game bishoujo magazine, the Megami Magazine. For some reason, Megami Magazine keep posting updates on what's going on behind the scenes of the Lyrical Nanoha series' first video game available on PSP.

Despite being a one-on-one versus game, the game play of Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable may somewhat similar to some unlockable content from PS2's Zone Of The Enders video game, meaning you can control your character everywhere while dodging the other player's attacks. From here, you can use attacks, block the other player's attacks, or break the player's defenses, giving yourself the advantage to attack it either normal or magical attacks. Please note that the MP gauge will decrease when using your character's special attack and attacking your other player with normal attacks only recharges the MP gauge, giving you some advantage or some strategy to knock down your opponent, before your opponent knocks you down first!

There are nine playable characters to choose from:

- Nanoha Takamachi (CV: Yukari Tamura)

- Fate Testarossa (CV: Nana Mizuki)

- Hayate Yagami (CV: Kana Ueda)

- Chrono Harlaown (CV: Mikako Takahashi)

- Reinforce: The Book of Darkness (CV: Sanae Kobayashi)

- Signum (CV: Kaori Shimizu)

- Vita (CV: Asami Sanada)

- Shamal (CV: Ryoko Yuzuki)

- Zafira (CV: Kazuya Ichijo)

Tip for first-timers: Customization is vital for your character, because when you customize your character's skills such as defense, attack, speed, and every one of the stats, it will give you the opportunity to win against your opponent. It's basic for the ad-hoc versus mode, and prove you got what it takes!

Limited Edition: Nanoha fans better be hurry up to avail this rare Lyrical Box limited edition set. This limited edition not only includes the UMD for the game, but also some of the paraphernalia such as the Nanoha Takamachi figure (made possible by Good Smile Company), three-set posters with Nanoha, Fate and Hayate, big-sized Nanoha towel, reversible pouch, cleaning cloth with the picture of Nanoha versus Fate that looks like the actual gameplay, decoration sticker set, and the visual archive book that has more about this game. Best to be hurry because the Lyrical Box has very limited availability.

One More Thing: The CV of Fate Testarossa, Nana Mizuki, provides the opening theme for the video game, while Nanoha Takamachi's CV, Yukari Tamura, providing the ending theme of the video game, keeping the tradition of the Lyrical Nanoha series of having Fate's seiyuu doing the opening while Nanoha's seiyuu doing the closing song, but they'll also expecting it on Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st, showing in Japanese cinemas this Saturday.

More at the game's official site (Japanese Only):http://nanoha.namco-ch.net/

The battle of the "Korean car designs"

With the "Peter Schreyer design" plunged all over Kia Motors since the face-lifted Lotze/Optima/Magentis takes place since June 2008, and the fluidic sculpture from Hyundai taken the new role since the face-lifted Verna/Accent Korean Domestic Model sedan takes place since last year of June, most car enthusiasts with the passion of Korean cars can't tell the difference which Korean car design will prevail. To the eyes of the enthusiast, one must think about which design will win....

BUT WHICH WILL PREVAIL?

Kia's new Peter Schreyer design?

or

Hyundai's fluidic sculpture?

Before you decide, here are some explanations on both of these designs:

From the Kia side, when Peter Schreyer takes place as the new design chief of Kia Motors, he revolutionize Kia's new design platform with the form of the H-grille. It was introduced on some concept cars and production models such as this:

and on the Hyundai side, the fluidic sculpture is an abundance on most concept cars in past auto shows and now, this new design language is applied in most models:

Now, you know...

With the new look of these Korean car makers, there is no surprising that these two Korean car designs is truly a battle of wits. It's quite a spectacle for me who wanted to take a look on these designs. I can't wait to see who wins...

What's a dakimakura?

OK guys, you may not know what this is, but when it comes to this there is just one big question you ,anime otakus in the bedroom, may ask:

"Excuse me, but, what's a dakimakura?"

You may not know what a dakimakura is but here is a sample of what it looks like:

You see, that's how a dakimakura looked like, if I hoped that Comic Alley, the number one anime merchandise store in the Philippines, sells one of these cutesy pillow covers for your tall pillows.

A dakimakura is a kind of a tall pillow cover with a picture of an female anime character on it. (Like I shown it to you)

I know it sounds too weird to be true, but in the eyes of an otaku, its his or her (if any) prized possession in their bedroom.

To all otakus living in the Philippines, feel free to ask any of the anime stores all over your favorite malls (SM, Festival, Town Center, Greenbelt, or any mall you know) and tell them if the dakimakuras are on sale.

Take your time, guys!

What is the true meaning of the word "fan service" to you?

Hey readers, you know who this is. As I recalled most of the otakus from all over the world saying the two words spiced it up for something which I can't remember what this is, I don't really know what's the real meaning to the word some of the anime otakus called it "fan service" .
SO WHAT DOES FAN SERVICE MEAN TO YOU ANYWAY?
In people words, the word "fan" is used on people who take affection on everything popular, while the word "service" clearly states, well, um, help. I mean, what you help. Help. That's what service is. Service is what you help or serve to other people.
So what just meant on every kind of anime show that has the "fan service" treatment for otakus? Come on! Am I not the only otaku who know this kind of genre? Does a fan service anime creeps me out?

Uh-huh, an anime with a fan service genre really creeps me out. Oh, the naked stuff, and the "what's under her" stuff? I can't see it, it totally creeps me out to leaving one room to another, thinking it is way too sexy? Fantasizing a female anime character for something for your senses?

Aw, Eww, Ewww! I can't watch those kind of fan services? I mean, this is how fan services in anime shows treated fans like something gross?

No, this isn't fan service, it's uh.....uh.....
(PANTING)

(HYPERVENTILATING)

(STILL HYPERVENTILATING)

(STILL, STILL HYPERVENTILATING)

(STILL, STILL, STILL HYPERVENTILATING)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I CAN'T WATCH!

Just kidding!

Look. From my point of view, unexpected blowing of a female characters' skirts (especially that blonde-haired Akari Kirishima, from the new anime series, Nyan Koi!), gentle teasing, some moments from Fight Ippatsu Juden-chan, Kanokon, and others, wasn't simply more than just fan service, it's like you're relieving an (I'll put something irrelevant for my clarification) episode from Family Guy where Peter, Chris, Stewie and Brian drank the whole ipecac syrup, and vomit altogether! Imagine I was about to vomit and break hives when I saw such nudity as part of the fan service genre.

As always, not all fanservices seem bad. Well, it depends on your pleasure for female anime characters, but not much. It would be a mess.

Third-Generation Audi A8

2011 Audi A8

Most Audi fans decided to give an all-out love-it-or-hate-it description about Audi's list of new cars coming this year; these were the ultra-luxury A8 premium sedan, a stylish compact known as the A1, the Spyder model for the R8, with the top dropped, a hybrid variant for the Q5 crossover, and the Porsche Panamera-killing A7. There will be more to come but I shall start talking about the first car to hit this year, the Audi A8.

One look of the new A8 reminds me of something that is somewhat familiar at its appearance. The third-generation A8's design looks somewhat a combination of the A4 compact sedan and the previous-generation A8, all combined into one unique package.

Although I must say, others might think it looks stale, but some people think it is best to look at the new design. From a fresh start, the new A8 has a choice among the 4.2L FSI V8 engine, 3.0L V6 TDI diesel engine, and the 4.2L TDI diesel engine. Most of them are rigged with a 7-speed S-tronic or a 8-speed tiptronic transmission. When the 4.2 FSI engine is a good start, I always prefer a 4.2 TDI diesel engine because of the capability of the diesel turbo engine on this premium German sedan.

As for the interior, I might think it is the same as the previous A8, but the interior design is truly a modern living for adults. In addition, it is armed with conveniences such as Internet connectivity via GPRS, cruise control, lane departure warning system, night vision system, blind spot monitor, pre-crash safety system, and two of the world's first technologies such as the human-machine interface which memorizes the drivers' input between the phone and the navigation system, equipped with Google Earth system.

What has been great about the A8: New technology features, Google Earth-enabled navigation system, grown-up comfort

What has not so great about the A8: Stale design, others think it is somewhat a facelift


Photo: Audi