Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Speedlab coming to Clark Speedway in Q1 2011!

I found some news for those car addicts lived in Northern and Central Luzon:


YES! Speedlab's coming to Clark International Speedway! For those who don't know what's Speedlab, Speedlab is the Philippines' after-market tuning shop that offers lots of tuning parts from various brands such as HKS, tanabe, GReddy, Toda Power, H&R, Bilstein, Cusco, Tein, and any other brands offered in Speedlab. They also offer lubricants such as Motul and Eneos.

I know this is good news, but the Clark Speedway branch of Speedway coming this 2011. Looking forward to it!

Official Speedlab site:

A real Korean drama happened between North and South...

Check this news:

The revenge between North Korean and South Korea was so deadly, seeing it makes it more like a Korean drama happening.

So tearful...

Can't these two Korean countries stop fighting each other?

This is some kind of a Korean drama, even real...

We, as Filipinos, enjoyed most from South Korea; from Korean stars, singers, products, even cars with diesel engines (CRDi, e-VGT, R-diesel engine). We Filipinos must pray that the fight between North and South Korea must be stopped.

Monday, November 22, 2010

My Top Gear USA first impressions

It was cold Sunday night in Seattle, WA, when I flickered the remote to the History Channel just to watch the pilot episode of the North American version of the hit BBC car magazine show, Top Gear.

The first episode of Top Gear US came out on a good start. There was a challenge between a Dodge Viper and a Cobra attack chopper, a segment called "Big Star, Small Car" invites former astronaut Buzz Aldrin to drive the Suzuki SX4 crossover, and a challenge of the three bulls, that is, three raging Lambos; the Gallardo SuperLeggera, the special edition Gallardo Balboni, and the raging fast Murcielago Super Veloce.

Adam Ferrera, Tanner Foust, and Rutledge Wood are the American versions of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. Oh, and by the way, The Stig also shows up in Top Gear US. The Stig looks more original to the original UK version.

I'm impressed how the North American version of Top Gear turned out to be. Expect see more of them!

Official Top Gear America site:

Toyota New Ractis (NCP120/NCP125)/Verso-S

October 2010, at the Mondial D' Automobile (Paris Motor Show) in Paris, France, Toyota unveiled the Verso-S hatchback that is redesigned to take on other popular hatchbacks from Europe, including Euro-friendly Japanese compacts such as the Honda Fit/Jazz. In Japan, the Toyota Verso-S is known as the second-generation Toyota Ractis!


2011 Toyota Ractis


Now on its second-generation (chassis code: NCP120/NCP125), the new Toyota Ractis is all new ,inside and out, and retains its compact sizing, making it a perfect rival to the Honda Fit/Jazz, Mitsubishi Colt, Suzuki Swift, or even international ones like the Hyundai Getz/Click, Kia Morning/Picanto, BMW 1-Series, Opel Corsa, or even the Ford Fiesta. This new generation is designed to be somewhat European in the eyes of compact car consumers.


2011 Toyota Ractis


There are three styles to choose from the new Ractis (much like the Toyota Mark X's standard, premium, and sports type); the Standard Type (G, X) is the basic Ractis variant suitable for those who want it simple. The Ractis L'epice is designed to be the most stylish Ractis made for those who want a sense of style. The front of the Ractis L'epice looks more like a distorted smiley face. Last, but truly an enthusiasts' choice, is the Sports Type (Ractis S), which features every sporty detail such as the sporty headlamps, standard fog lamps, rear lamps similar to the Ractis L'epice, sporty rims, and a dark interior that is perfect to call the Sports Type the "Euro Answer" for the enthusiasts.

Under the hood, the new Ractis comes with two engine types; a 1NR-FE (1.3-litre) DOHC Dual VVT-i engine and the high performance 1NZ-FE (1.5-litre) DOHC VVT-i engine. The 1NR-FE engine is great for those who needed fuel economy because the fuel economy of this entry-level engine reaches 20.0km/L. For those who want more power than the 1NR-FE engine, the 1NZ-FE engine is truly an adventurers' type because of the power output of 109PS/6,000r.p.m. and the torque output of 14.1kg-m/4,400r.p.m. Most Ractis variants from the standard, L'epice, to the sports type, are equipped with the Super CVT-i for optimized fuel economy. This results for a greater 50% tax cut thanks to Japan's "Eco-Car Genzei" system.
Oh, and one more thing, the Sports Type comes with the paddle shifters that makes it a fun to drive Euro-Japanese compact.


2011 Toyota Ractis interior


The interior of the new Ractis is evolved to make it more European than the odd interior from the previous model. Even with the Ractis' interior evolved to suit the needs for the consumers, the comfort of being a compact car remains the same. The available auto aircon looks even more easier to operate. Cooling down or warming the interior made simpler on the new Ractis. On the driver's view, the new Ractis comes with the new optitron meters. The new available glass roof is the main attraction of the new Ractis. Once you checked inside the new Ractis, you'll never guess what will come next for this Euro-Japanese compact!

My thoughts about the Ractis:
I have a feeling that Fuji Heavy Industries are going to use the second-generation Ractis for their own version called the Trezia. As far as I know, the Trezia will look like this, a Ractis/Verso-S with the Impreza's face.

Anyway, before this Trezia comes out, feel free to enjoy the European goodness in this Euro-Japanese compact that will come out in Europe next year. Who knows, this new Ractis/Verso-S can come to the Philippines soon to take place from the ugly squarish Echo Verso (FunCargo). What comes if the next-generation Vitz/Yaris comes out?

The new Ractis is designed and engineered to be more European thanks to its European performance, European design, and European packaging. The new Ractis is truly a Japanese compact with the heart of Europe.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Sunday, November 21, 2010

K-On!! Character Image CD 1 - 5

With the success of the second season of K-On (K-On!!, 日本名: けいおん!!), Pony Canyon unveiled the second series of the K-On Character Image CD Series. This time, you can experience each of the Hokago Tea Time members' songs at the comfort of your own home. You can start at Yui Hirasawa and end it with Azusa Nakano, whatever floats your desire. Which of these is your type?

1) Yui Hirasawa (CV: Aki Toyosaki)


2) Mio Akiyama (CV: Yoko Hikasa)


3) Ritsu Tainaka (CV: Satomi Sato)


4) Tsumugi Kotobuki (CV: Minako Kotobuki)


5) Azusa Nakano (CV: Ayana Taketatsu)

THE BEST BANG!!

THE BEST BANG!!


Masaharu Fukuyama is much more of a talented TV star thanks to the TV shows, movies, and commercials made his appearance. He's also one of the coolest singers in the J-Pop world.

The best songs from Masaharu Fukuyama are here in this special compilation album packed with all of the favorite MasaFuku songs, including songs heard in Japanese commercials. It's a 4-disc collection of MasaFuku's best songs, keeping all the Masaharu Fukuyama fans craving more from Masaharu Fukuyama himself.

The fourth CD is a single CD, which includes 石塊のプライド from the latest Dunlop Tire commercial, and 心color ~a song for the wonderful year~ from the latest Toshiba Regza ad. Thanks to his endorsements, I guess this extra package scored us with some craving from one of the coolest Japanese personalities.

TRACK LISTINGS:

DISC ONE:
1. 追憶の雨の中/
2. 逃げられない
3. 約束の丘
4. HARD RAIN
5. Good night
6. MELODY
7. All My Loving
8. 遠くへ
9. 恋人
10. Marcy’s Song
11. IT’S ONLY LOVE
12. HELLO
13. Good Luck
14. Message
15. Heart
16. you

DISC TWO:
1. HEAVEN
2. Peach!!
3. Squall
4. Gang★
5. 桜坂
6. 蜜柑色の夏休み
7. 虹
8. ひまわり
9. それがすべてさ
10. 泣いたりしないで
11. RED×BLUE
12. あの夏も 海も 空も
13. milk tea
14. 東京にもあったんだ

DISC THREE:
1. THE EDGE OF CHAOS ~愛の一撃~
2. 明日の☆SHOW
3. 最愛
4. 想 -new love new world-
5. 化身
6. はつ恋
7. KISSして

DISC FOUR:
1. 心color ~a song for the wonderful year~
2. 石塊のプライド
3. 道標 2010
4. 心color ~a song for the wonderful year~ (Original Karaoke)
5. 石塊のプライド (Original Karaoke)
6. 道標 2010 (Original Karaoke)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1


Year: 2010

Filmmaker: Warner Bros.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe
Emma Watson
Rupert Grint

As we all know, Deathly Hallows is the final chapter of the fan favorite Harry Potter series. Since this final chapter loads a lot of pages, Warner Bros. decided to split the movie adaptation into two parts. Part One was now showing in theaters and Part Two coming this Summer 2011. But first, let's explain how Part One looks like...

As Lord Voldemort gains power and took control of the Ministry of Magic, he's much more unstoppable. But only Harry, Ron, and Hermione can stop him. As the trio of best friends forced to drop out from Hogwarts, they must find the Horcruxes to stop Voldemort before the Dark Lord commence total world domination.

Part One packs a lot of magic and suspense, and also a loss of someone special as someone know it. Anyone noticed it what exactly happened at Part One?

This first half of the finale packs more visual effects most kids of all ages, especially HP nerds and newbies alike, surely love, and also the elements beyond good and evil is all part of this story.

After watching Part One, think you're ready to savor the last eight months of Harry-ism?! Good luck!

Melai's tips to survive the traffic boredom...

The November 20 episode of ABS-CBN's Banana Split superpoked us with another fresh batch of showbiz news from Balitang Siksik Showbiz Edition, some beerhouse end and restaurant jokes, "Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto" with the Banana Split boys, and a game of Huwag Kang Lilingon.

Also, Kuya Keem (John Prats) tells more about parties in "Mga Shorts ni Kuya Keem". Seems someone throwing a wild party, especially some gate crasher (Jason Francisco) showed up. The biggest gate crasher in the party is inventor Igor Stojokovic Krystic (Ryan Bang) with his "pillow in head" invention.

Also crashing the party is our favorite advice giver, Melai Cantiveros, for some tips to help you survive the dreaded traffic condition on M3: Melai Mo Magwork.

5) Be a windshield wiper during traffic conditions. Bring some cleaning utensils, then when traffic's getting worse, your windshield wiping job's getting bright.

4) Establish a mobile "sari-sari" store!

3) If its getting hotter, try to go sun-bathing on the car's hood!

2) If traffic's getting worse, a fast food delivery is an option. Time to order some snacks during a heavy traffic!

1) If you want to go to your destination during a heavy traffic, lock your car and walk through your destination.

"Traffic boredom? Who needs it?" if you follow Melai's top 5 tips on M3!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

SLS AMG vs. LFA




Both the SLS AMG and the LFA are my favorite dream exotics because of its monstrous performance. Upon every Forza 3 owners obtained the special Stig's Garage Pack as a prize or as a exclusive DLC in the Forza Motorsport 3 Ultimate Collection, in stores now, owners can now take a joyride either the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Lexus LFA. Trust me, I tried both of these, and the results may differ from every car enthusiasts (and video game addicts).

CASE ONE:




First off, I tried the SLS AMG. At first, the engine sound of the SLS AMG's 6.2L V8 engine seems a bit harsh. The rough sound of this engine made me disappointed, but the urge of being a fun-to-drive exotic made me tickled by its desire. Cornering is a bit OK for me, as long as you need the right timing, and the right concentration to turn the Gullwing at any necessary corners. Feel free to ask how does the SLS AMG behaves in both real life and in video games, including Forza 3 and the upcoming Gran Turismo 5.

CASE TWO:



Time to hop inside the LFA! Upon trying the LFA, I can feel Mr. Hiromu Naruse's soul flowing through my hands. The LFA's 1LR-GUE (5.0-litre V10) engine packs a impressive sound and an astonishing performance. There is no way the Lexus LFA is quicker than the SLS AMG! For that, I really love the way the LFA moves. It's like a soul of motion drifting through my overall enthusiasm!

I prefer the Lexus LFA than the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG because the performance, the style, and the quality, its impressive that the LFA is much more of a exotic than the SLS AMG. I'll give a double thumbs up to Toyota Motor Corporation for creating this one-of-a-kind Lexus LFA! As I wondering, the SLS AMG is on sale at CATS Motors since its Philippine debut at the 2010 Philippine International Motor Show. The LFA? Sources said Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Manila will bring just one in one color, WHITE, at a hefty price of over 40 million Philippine Pesos.

Thanks to the DLC from Forza 3 Ultimate Collection, everyone can try both of these! I wonder what will I react if both of these appear on GT5...

Bata, Bata, Tayo'y Tumula again...

What just happened in the November 19 episode on TV5's Lokomoko U

- Gags involve in a game of bingo

- Another round of Pinoy Brainless with J.C. and Rainier

- Another episode of Bahaw, Ikalawang Hain that Pinky (Diane Medina) is pregnant?! After so much pictionary guesses and mishaps, Doc (Rainier Castillo) check ups Pinky and he told that Pinky is pregnant.

- Back at the prehistoric drawing board please because there was another episode of B.C. Bisihan, showcasing how the guitar was invented in the prehistoric times.

- Eh? Another "Bata, Bata, Tayo'y Tumula"? Remember last week? The book? Nagtula? Never mind. Another round of Bata, Bata, Tayo't Tumula is happened. The so-called Kinder One students doing the Otso-otso dance, then a batch of so-called Kinder Two students appeared in animal costumes.

1) "Sa aking nanggagaling ang ini-inom ng mga bata. Sino ako?" The audience said "baka", but the answer is "Yaya"?!

2) "Ako ang nag-gigising sa umaga, ako ay pumuputak-putak. Sino ako?" The audience said "manok", but the answer is "Nanay"?!

3) "Ako ay malusog, lagi niyo ako nakikita, ako ay may foot and mouth disease. Sino ako?" They answered "baboy", but the answer is "Kris Aquino"? (JOKE LANG PO!) The Kinder One students said "Lagot" to the one with the pig outfit who said this one, but she said, the teacher did it (???).

4) "Ako ang katulong ni tatay sa pagaaaro sa bukid. Sino ako?" They answered "Kalabaw" but the answer is a tractor?! Wait a minute...

5) "Mabilis ako tumakbo, mahilig ako sa damo. Sino ako?" They answered "Kabayo" but the answer is "Adik"? Eh, wha...?!

Gotta admit it that kindergarten never been this fun in Lokomoko U.

The appliances you love at the gags that make you yell...

The November 19, 2010 episode of Bubble Gang Kin-Z got gags that made them yell. Also, there are sketches involve on some guy at the gym thinks that he's gay, someone pretends to be sick, two men who are stranded on an island for 15 years, three men arguing each other at the beerhouse because of the change, alien invasion, some guy at jail is texting his wife, a doctor with a weird words, and a woman with a love among appliances.

It's "Heaven" with Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill in another IyoTube segment.

Another week, another Cheche Bureche episode. Before these half sisters go to school, Bureche want a massage at the back. Cheche tries to massage Bureche but the results can be a pain in Bureche's back! LOL

War and Peace (and Harmony) in the Ilumina ending

Ilumina ending

November 19, 2010 marks the end of the fantasy drama from GMA, titled Ilumina, a fantasy depicting twins in an all-out war between witchcraft and sorcery.

In the finale, with the revived Romana (Rhian Ramos) reunited with Krisanta (Jackie Rice), the final battle between good and evil. As the battle rages on, the evil twins Elvira and Melina (Jean Garcia) uses the Ilumina to combine themselves as one because Romana's powers are stronger. With Elvira and Melina combined, darkness flows and Elvira's forces are gaining more strength. Later on, Antonio died on the battle. And now, the final battle; Romana and Krisanta face against the more powerful Elvira. Because of the Ilumina, Elvira's impossible to defeat, but thanks to the combined forces of Romana and Krisanta, they succeeded in defeating Elvira and the forces of good won. As light regains, Romana and Krisanta recovered the Ilumina from Elvira, and Romana used the Ilumina to regain "peace and harmony" among the white and black sorcerers, and reunite as one again.

With the war between good and evil ended, Romana and Krisanta visits their now-stoned father, Romano (Cesar Montano). The reason why Romano's turned to stone is to prevent his death, and with the twins recovered the Ilumina, they succeeded in reviving back their father.

The ending with a hint of "Peace and Harmony" that makes Ilumina a successful fantasy drama. Romana and Krisanta first became rivals and now teamed up to take out the evil forces.