IS FACTS 開発へのこだわり - Vol. 02

Last time, I commented about Houki Shinonono (篠ノ之箒) and the 100のヴィ学 of her. Guess I would just cancel my trip right now and instead I went British after I ate a pack of "Chocolatiest Ever" Bingo. It's truly a delightful treat.

The Brits have them all; the BBC, the Top Gear, The Stig, the Royal Couple, the King's Speech, the fancy accents, the Big Ben, Jeremy Clarkson bumped his head while drifting the MG XPower SV, James Bond, two Getaway titles (from The Getaway and The Getaway Black Monday), Harry and Paul, the Thames Television, and everything British. One thing they did have is...

The British representative cadet, voiced by Yukana, famous for saying "Desu Wa", she is...

Let's tackle the 100のヴィ学 of that Brit dame who was at the cover of IS (Infinite Stratos) DVD and Blu-Ray Volume 2, Cecilia Alcott (セシリア・オルコット).

IS (Infinite Stratos) DVD Vol. 2

100のヴィ学: That Cecilia chick is someone you would want to trade in The Stig, James Bond, Getaway's Mark Hammond, Black Monday's Eddie O'Connor, Mr. Bean, or whoever the heck the British is. Yes, she keeps saying "Desu Wa" (ですわ。) most of time she finishes her sentence. She might be an elite female who was born and raised from a wealthy family but to me, I'm getting allergic to her verbal tic. In battle, her IS, the Blue Tears, is one tough heavy weaponry. Most memorable is the "The Battle of IS" on episode 2 where main protagonist Ichika battles against Cecilia.

Behind the "Desu Wa" Brit is Yukana, voice over who is Code Geass' C.C., Zettai Karen Children's Fujiko, and she's also Ai Nanasaki from Amagami (from the video game and the SS anime). It seems that the voice of "The Sassy Black Cat" from Amagami was behind the voice of the British representative cadet. I have a funny feeling though that the name Cecilia kinda sounds like Peace Walker's Cecile Cosima Caminades but that's a different story. Cecilia's British and Cecile's French so that makes it a different angle.

You know what, I don't have plans to travel to Britannia to see The Stig, The Top Gear Test Track, Bruntingthorpe, or Silverstone but seeing Cecilia Alcott's face, I think I felt like I'm already experienced them. Hail Britannia? Maybe later, I bet Cecilia is such a fine chocolate cookie for my discriminative taste. Mmmm! Lovely! You're absolutely right! (Laughing)

About IS DVD & BD Vol. 2: Drop your "Chocolatiest Ever" Bingo cookies folks. This is way more delightful, more lovely, and you may say "you're absolutely right" to your pals. The IS (Infinite Stratos) DVD & Blu-Ray Volume 2 packs episodes 3 and 4 with scenes not suitable for TV. It even packs a special audio commentary, "TBS Academy Night Complete Edition" hosted by Kana Hanazawa to go behind the scenes, and textless outro Ver. 2! Limited edition packs another IS FACTS and a special CD that contains Cecilia Alcott's Character Song! You're absolutely right!

For English speaking customers:

IS DVD Vol. 2: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ZMBZ-7032

IS BD Vol. 2: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ZMXZ-7042

Next is.... (fill in the blanks soon!)

The Mexican "Guy's License" - 2012 Dodge Attitude based on the 2011 Hyundai Accent RB

2012 Dodge Attitude
(2011 Hyundai Accent)

If you were living in Mexico, you should be aware that the third-generation Hyundai Accent/Verna was sold under the Dodge Attitude name. For those who didn't know, the Dodge Attitude is a Mexican Hyundai Accent MC that replaced the Dodge Verna (based on the Hyundai Accent/Verna LC) that replaced the Dodge Brisa (based on the first-generation Hyundai Accent X3).

2012 Dodge Attitude
(2011 Hyundai Accent)

The previous Dodge Attitude wears the old Dodge logo (take note the Ram logo which Dodge used to have before the brand separation of both Dodge and Ram Trucks), but now on its 2012 model year after the Accent RB arrived in the North America for the first time this month (anyone got a hold on the 2012 Accent at your nearest Hyundai dealerships?), the Dodge Attitude still retains the look and the badging of the Hyundai Accent RB but on the back it says "DODGE" and "ATTITUDE" plus a Hyundai emblem on it. （´д｀;） 

We Filipinos already have the new Accent since its Philippine debut in December 2010 but for the Dodge Attitude? This is a full model change and this time, it didn't wear the official Dodge crosshair grille. It retains Hyundai's fluidic sculpture and the badges are all Hyundai despite its a Dodge.

2012 Dodge Attitude
(2011 Hyundai Accent) interior

The Mexican-spec Hyundai Accent is same thing as for the Philippine-spec. (；￣▽￣)

It offers both the Gamma 1.4 CVVT that produces 108ps of power output and a Gamma 1.6 CVVT that produces 124ps of power. The 2012 Dodge Attitude is equipped with either a 5-speed Manual or a 4-speed auto with Manual Mode. Same thing we have in the Philippines. (；￣▽￣)

(；￣▽￣) At least they didn't have the GDi variant like what South Koreans have. What a relief.

Thank you Oprah!

"From you, whose names I will never know, I learned what love is. You and this show have been the great love of my life." - Oprah Winfrey

The ending of the most influential talk show after 25 years of serving us warmth and laughter that made this most influential person garnered many fans. The end of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" signals Oprah's new beginnings and new challenges for this most influential woman in the world. What we're going to miss for after 25 years since its first airing on 1986 is the part where Oprah asked the audience to look under the audiences' seats and open the gifts that contain.

Most memorable is the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle teaser on Oprah's Favorite Things.

We're going to miss this most influential show that offered us tips, some recipes, some life lessons, and everything that motivated us for who we are.

The end of the Oprah Winfrey show is not the end of Oprah Winfrey but a new beginning to her new career as running her own TV network known as OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network.

After 25 years, the world still supports Oprah even after the show's demise.

Salute to the big O!

Samurai Special Gulay!

Samurai Special Gulay

It's hard to find something at the palengke, until we heard of someone who sells gulay in a very special way. This must be the "Samurai Special Gulay" store! If we ask for some vegetables for the pancit, the Samurai Special Gulay does it all. Vegetables in whole will be slashed into pieces, making it perfect for the pancit! Need gulay? Ask Samurai Special Gulay!

ANG TV PATROL TEXT JOKE OF THE DAY:

Nag-uusap ang tatlong magkumpare:

Sabi ni Juan: Tung asawa ko paborito yung Lord of the Rings, Two Towers, ayun kambal anak namin!

Sabi ni Pedro: Yung misis ko, paborito yung Three Musketeers, ayun, triplets anak namin!

Takot na magsalita si Tikboy: Naku, buntis pa naman misis ko ngayon. Sana iba na lang favorite movie niya!

Tanong si Juan: Anong movie ba yun?

Sagot si Tikboy: 300!

According to Jason Francisco, 4,567 viewers outrageously like this joke while only one viewer did not. Like always, the only one person who didn't laugh was none other than a mother who gave birth to 300 babies!

Ninety-Nine's Subaru Stella Advert is their next best thing since Junichi Okada and Norikazu Endo

I always remember the good old TNP27 Japanese commercial for the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move starring famous actor Norikazu Endo and V6 member Junichi Okada. This commercial answers the most complicating question about the new Daihatsu Move, "what is TNP27?"

That is the toughest question only you can answer if you own one.

Now, with the arrival of the new Subaru Stella, which is based from the Daihatsu TNP27 Move, comedian duo Ninety-Nine does TNP27, knowing how does the new Stella's Idle Stop and Go function work.

Yes indeed that Ninety-Nine's Subaru Stella commercial is their next best thing for Norikazu Endo and V6's Junichi Okada's Daihatsu TNP27 Move commercial. Try them and you'll decide.

2012 Kia Morning/Picanto, now in the Philippines (as planned)

2012 Kia Morning

The second-generation Kia Morning (Picanto) was launched in late January 2011 and we waited 4 months for this. With its Philippine arrival, can the new Picanto stand out against its rival made in Korea such is the Chevrolet Spark (designed and engineered from GM Korea Company)?

Scoop:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/kia-launches-the-all-new-picanto

Well, whatever. I already compared both the Spark and the Morning and like I said, the Spark has a better design while the new Morning/Picanto is fuel efficient. Why not find out for yourselves? As of press time, only four colors are available for the Philippine-spec Morning/Picanto such as Titanium Silver, Signal Red, Clear White, and Lemon Grass. Intro price is 545k Philippine Pesos for the manual grade while the AT grade costs 599k Philippine Pesos.

2011 Kia Sportage R

If you guys asking when will the Kia Sportage R arrive in the Philippines, CAC President Ginia Domingo has an answer for you guys. She said the new Kia Sportage R will arrive this June 2011. I hope she won't delay it! Cross our fingers, guys! And we're ahead from Malaysia!

IS FACTS 開発へのこだわり - Vol. 01

Hey, um, just a reminder though. Of course, most of you already watched Infinite Stratos since its January premiere and ended on late March 2011 for over 12 episodes. We're still waiting when will this anime air on Animax soon (I hope). On my special blog called "IS FACTS 開発へのこだわり" (sorry, penned it from the Japanese Lexus IS site), I'm tackling on who's that character on the IS DVD and Blu-Ray. First off, the 100のヴィ学 of the character featured on IS DVD and Blu-Ray Vol. 1, Houki Shinonono.

IS (Infinite Stratos) Blu-Ray Vol. 1

100のヴィ学: At first glance, I thought Houki Shinonono (篠ノ之箒) was just like MGS4's Raging Raven in Beauty form. I mean come on, her oriental ponytail looks quite a fitting for her raging personality. She's the childhood friend of main protagonist, Ichika Orimura, the only male who can wield precision of the IS. Viewers recognize her as the tsundere-type due to her raging nature. I may sometimes not like her in her tsuntsun mode (take note; the part in episode 8 where Houki pummeled Ichika when he failed to show his feelings to her) but in battle, her personal IS, the Akatsubaki, is somewhat a perfect balance of "wow" and "oomph", viewers observed.

The seiyuu, Yoko Hikasa, was a perfect balance between "Moe Moe Kyun" and "meaner stuff" when it comes to portraying Houki. I have a suspicion though that there is a chance that Houki Shinonono kinda looks like Seitokai Yakuindomo main heroine, Shino Amakusa. Perhaps the reason why they like Houki is because of the Mio Akiyama voice, or so they thought.

About IS DVD & BD Vol. 1: Infinite Stratos DVD and Blu-Ray Vol. 1 features the first two episodes plus special bonus such as a special RADIO IS hosted by Yoko Hikasa as Houki and Asami Shimoda as Ling Yin, textless intro and outro (version 1), commercials, and a Promotional Video. The limited edition packs with the special novel written by IS author, Izuru Yumizuru, a special booklet loaded with IS FACTS, and a special CD containing a special character song. Since Houki Shinonono is featured as a cover character in Vol. 1, Yoko Hikasa as Houki Shinonono will do a start on her character song.

For English speaking customers:

IS DVD Vol. 1: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ZMBZ-7031

IS Blu-Ray Vol. 1: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ZMXZ-7041

Next is... we'll find out soon.

Sorry France-tan but others think that Laura's too popular...

IS Character Survey Ranking
by Comic Toranoana

There was a recent survey happened at the Comic Toranoana Akihabara Store B, regarding which Infinite Stratos female is their best pick. Nope, I don't mean you were at the Lexus CPO (Certifed Pre-Owned) dealerships at the Setagaya Ward, figuring out which Lexus IS is the best to start with.

On the survey that asked anime otakus who watched Infinite Stratos from the first episode to the last episode, or trying to watch it again via the Infinite Stratos DVD or Blu-Ray Vol. 1, on sale now, most otakus preferred the German brute Laura Bodewig (ラウラ・ボーデヴィッヒ) over the other IS characters. Charlotte "Charles" Dunois (シャルロット "シャルル" デュノア)was placed 3rd on the survey while 4th goes to the abrasive Huang Ling Yin or should we say Fan Rinin (凰鈴音), representative cadet from Britannia, Cecilia Alcott (セシリア・オルコット) in 5th, and the Japanese student who looked like MGS4's Raging Raven in Beauty form, Houki Shinonono (篠ノ之箒) landed in 6th!

Laura Bodewig

Why Laura? First of all, she's more of a brute in battles because of her IS known as Schwarzer Roeger and her right eye that has some kind of nanomachines on it. I'm highly terrified over to this battle-scarred German but despite her aggressiveness, she shows her lighter side on episode 9 (the beach episode).

If you say her name, I say I felt like I survived the Lexus ISF Nurburgring lap time of eight minutes and eighteen seconds. Looks like I'm spending my eight minutes and eighteen seconds of Green Hell with Laura Bodewig.

Speaking of which, does anyone have IS Vol. 1 DVD or Blu-Ray? Don't stop because the IS Vol. 2 DVD or Blu-Ray is here. Those living in Japan, set your navi system to your nearest stores and find that IS DVD or Blu-Ray Vol. 2! For English speaking customers, find it on CDJapan.

A Hyundai Tucson iX spotted in a Green Rose episode (?)

Hyundai Tucson iX on a
Green Rose episode

Hey, is that the Hyundai Tucson iX in a Green Rose episode?

That Hyundai Tucson iX was a personal ride from SR Corporation's David Tobias (Gardo Versoza). Relax, this isn't the first time we encounter Mr. Tobias' ride on a Green Rose episode. There was a previous episode where the Hyundai Tucson iX shown barely while David Tobias' having a conversation with Edward Fuentabella (Jake Cuenca).

I never seen that thing coming...

Besides, the Pinoy version of Green Rose is almost finished. Only three episodes remaining. Previously on the April 23 episode, Gina (Alessandra De Rossi) wants to kill Edward by any means of car accident but the bastard jumped off and Gina died. On the April 24 episode, Jerome Delgado (Jericho Rosales) and his faithful bodyguard crashing through some gang hideout and geez, I love this kind of fight scene and Jerome's martial arts is getting more interested. With three episodes left, will Jerome and the gang reveal that Edward is the murderer against Chairman Tuazon? Tune in up until Friday!

To Aru Majutsu no Index II Original Sound Track 2

To Aru Majutsu no Index II
Original Sound Track 2

Well, as we know, To Aru Majutsu no Index II, the second chapter of the original one that was based on the highly acclaimed sci-fi fantasy light novel, was just ended months ago, and I'm sure you finally witnessed the second chapter of Toma Kamijo's adventures in the never-ending battle beyond good and evil. This second season was psychologically fun to watch 'till the very end and some of you have To Aru Majutsu no Index II Original Sound Track 1 in your anime soundtrack collection.

Don't stop here because Part Two of the To Aru Majutsu no Index II Original Sound Track is here and what you see on the front cover is none other than Last Order (a mini Misaka clone). Aside from that, it has the second set of original music scores made possible by I've Sound's Maiko Iuchi. That's not all, the TV-sized versions of Mami Kawada's See visionS and Maon Kurosaki's Memories Last are also included.

This is extreme to the highest degree and you are now relieving the intense Index II moments up to the last tune.

It's Geneon Universal Entertainment's way of saying thank you for supporting Majutsu no Index II up to the last drop!

Why the new 2012 Subaru Stella Custom doesn't come with the RS variant

2012 Subaru Stella Custom

Aw, too bad for those Scooby fans waiting for it. When the 2012 Subaru Stella (based on the 5th generation Daihatsu Move that was launched since December 2010) was launched yesterday, in May 24, 2011, they were offered in both the normal Stella for simple customers and the Stella Custom for hardcore customers.

However, there is a sudden twist on the 2012 Subaru Stella Custom. As I observed, Fuji Heavy Industries didn't offer the turbocharged RS variant, which is offered from the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move Custom.

2011 Daihatsu Move Custom

Why did they made such an unfair decision. This is just like when Nissan didn't offer the "Pure Drive" idling stop variant for their recently launched 3rd generation Nissan Moco, which its original stablemate, the third generation Suzuki MR Wagon has the idling stop function.

Is this some kind of a "we're only giving them what they want" scenario? Come on Fuji Heavy Industries, you sourced the new Stella via Daihatsu, why you didn't ask them for a turbocharged Stella Custom RS variant? Are you giving them what they want?

You know what, never mind. I might have to reconsider my thoughts before buying the latest TNP27 Stella and Stella Custom.

What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts.

Ano nga kaya?

On Banana Split's new segment "Ano nga kaya?", how can people do something about air? For people lacking air, their bringing their own air by any means of tank. For those beggars who can't buy air, they're begging for air, and what if air become business? What do you think if air is for something?

ANG TV PATROL TEXT JOKE OF THE DAY:

Sabi ni Pedro: Pare, Malungkot ka ata?

Sagot si Juan: Marami akong problema pre!

Sabi ni Pedro: Wala yun pre, tumingin ka lang sa akin...

Sabi ni Juan: Pare naman, please wag mo nang dagdagan pa.

According to Jason Francisco, 2,789 viewers love that joke while 8 viewers aren't!