Saying farewell to the Daihatsu Esse

2006 Daihatsu Esse (2005-2011)

The launch of the 2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S, since September 20, also sparked a big farewell to the cutest Daihatsu ever made, the Daihatsu Esse. In fact, the Daihatsu Mira e:S already served as the replacement of the Daihatsu Esse because the "e:S (イース)" naming was carried from the "Esse" name.

For those who didn't know, the Daihatsu Esse was the kei car launched at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show and later went on sale since December 20, 2005 as a 2006 Model Year. The Esse was a favorite among Japanese women because of its cute looks and it was powered by a KF-VE 658cc 3-cylinder DOHC DVVT engine that releases 58ps of power, 6.6kg-m of torque, and its available in either FF or 4WD layouts.

Later on, in December 25, 2006, a new variant is added under the name "Esse Custom" and it comes with sporty aero parts, 14-inch aluminum wheels, and a different tachometer what you would expect on this model.

Production of the Daihatsu Esse has been ended on September 20, 2011 and the Daihatsu Mira e:S will serve as the replacement of this outgoing model.

More about Esse:

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/ダイハツ・エッセ

Final words: At its first year, we think the Esse was cute but as the years pass by, we think that the Esse is a little bit more prime and old, and Daihatsu decided to axe this model to give way for the world's most fuel efficient vehicle, the Daihatsu Mira e:S, the 3RD ECO CAR.

All about 200S and 300S

2012 Chrysler 200S

2012 Chrysler 300S

The Chrysler 200S and 300S are the most stylish variants of the critically acclaimed Chrysler 200 and the new generation Chrysler 300. Although the 200S has some of its minor cosmetic treatments for the sedan and convertible variants, inside and out, the Chrysler 300S is the next big thing to call it "VIP STYLE" not only because of its "bling bling" looks but also the "Beats by Dr. Dre" audio system.

I always think about these models are far out to be "VIP STYLE" and these models can be a pretty good choice if you were a famous, wealthy person who is looking for cars that has elegance in the "sea of sameness".

The Chrysler 200S sedan and 200S convertible are equipped with exclusive exterior goodies such as a special grille, a unique Chrysler badge where the middle color is black instead of blue, body color mirrors, door handles, black bezel headlamps, 18-inch rims, and "S" badging.

On the interior, you'll see the letter "S" mounted on the front seats for some unique exclusivity and to top it all, a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center with Uconnect® voice command.

On the Chrysler 300S, it has it all; matte carbon fiber finishes, a unique grille, 20-inch rims, a choice of black or red interior with "S" lettering on the front seats, and the first to be equipped with "Beats by Dr. Dre" audio system.

Remember the tagline..."GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WORK"

I bet the 300S was my good pick because it brings somewhat of a "gangster-look" rather than being luxurious and with the Beats by Dr. Dre audio, playing your favorite hip-hop music never been this good! Thanks, Dr. Dre!

Fast times at Singapore...

Despite a major late-race pressure from Jenson Button from McLaren-Mercedes, Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel (or "S. Vettel" to fans) emerged as the winner of 2011 Singapore GP, placing his rival Jenson Button to 2nd place. Even in Singapore, there is bound to be major suspense and thriller that is definitely an edge-of-your-seat for F1 fans.

Scoop: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2011/9/12574.html

So far, S. Vettel is in the lead at 309 points, with Jenson Button in 2nd place at 185 points, and Fernando Alonso from Ferrari in 3rd place at 184 points.

Let's see how will the suspense react at Suzuka Circuit this October 9, 2011? We believe that this Japanese GP is Kamui Kobayashi's time to shine or is it? Could we see Kamui Kobayashi's hour to win it? Or is it S. Vettel's minute to win it? See you this October 9!

Goin Bulilit goes to Subic!

The Goin Bulilit kids went to Subic on the September 25, 2011 episode! Here is the to-do list on that episode:

1) Goin Bulilit music video of Na Nananana by RJR

The Goin Bulilit kids at Subic

2) TreeTop Adventure gags

Don't worry Chacha, I've been there...

3) Zoobic Safari gags

At the Zoobic Safari

4) Survival tips with Bugoy the Explorer

Bugoy the Explorer

5) Ready Get Set Goin in Batya By Golly Wow!

All New Buick Regal GS

Last year, the Buick Regal name is back in the North American market and it was essentially an Americanized version of the Opel Insignia sedan. This Buick has sleek European design, handcrafted European interior, agile Euro-tuned suspension, and a choice of a 2.4L ECOTEC engine and a 2.0L ECOTEC Turbo engine. This is Buick's European Premium at it's finest and for now, the high-performance version, the all new Buick Regal GS, provides more exceptional force than the regular Buick Regal.

Europe's Opel Insignia OPC or United Kingdom's Vauxhall Insignia VXR is North America's Buick Regal GS but they are different in looks and performance figures.

2012 Buick Regal GS

On the exterior design, we can see Buick's signature grille and the front bumpers has some cues that made it look like some kind of a vampire ready to attack bystanders. With such aggressive look, the Buick Regal GS is made to be more hostile and gruesome to assassinate its foes on the highway. We are sure that this aggressive front view is the sum of all fears and how will customers brave against its face will be treated as the respect.

2012 Buick Regal GS interior

It maybe more scary to look at its exterior but it is not somewhat scary because once you're inside the Regal GS, you are in control of this gruesome monster. The interior of the Regal GS retains most of its interior amenities from the regular Regal but this time, a special steering wheel and a special sports seats have been added for some racing driver sensation. To add convenience, the Regal GS has USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and an optional navigation system for some user-friendly sensation.

Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged
four-cylinder engine

Unlike the Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall Insignia VXR, which have the 2.8T V6 engine and 4WD drive-train, the Buick Regal GS is an FF sports sedan, which is powered with the Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which maybe less powerful than the Insignia OPC/VXR but more torque than the Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5. That's 270HP of power, 295 lb.-ft of torque, an accumulates 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds. The only standard transmission available as of now is a 6-speed manual transmission, creating a fuel economy of 32 MPG highway. An exclusive "GS Mode" is placed on the Interactive Drive Control System to provide the best cornering experience you have never felt before and it comes with a StabiliTrak for stability management, making it more safer to drive. To provide the full potential of braking, an exclusive Brembo antilock brakes was equipped on the Buick Regal GS. You'll be sure to know that the Buick Regal GS is not your kind of executive sports sedan.

It comes with three exterior colors; Quicksilver Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, and White Diamond Tricoat.

My comment:
Because the Buick Regal GS is nothing more of an downgraded version of the Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall Insignia VXR, it is less powerful than its European counterpart but it has a willpower to overcome against the likes of the Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5.

I maybe not surprised about the Regal GS' outcome but how will customers feel about the all new Regal GS? To me it's somewhat decent to drive but with the manual transmission equipped and if I had the urge to turn off the TCS and StabiliTrak, it's one hell of a racing sensation, even though it was an FF sports sedan. Move over Acura TSX V6, because this will surely eat you...

Photo: General Motors

BANANA SPLIT EXTRA SCOOP -3rd Anniversary Special-

And yes, here we are. We are celebrating three years of Banana Split right here at Club Mwah! To kick off this special, the HOT ISSUE of the week is:

"Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up Samcey Soupsoup, binawian ng korona?"

MJ Flip Eh (Kuya Jobert Austria)

Samcey Soupsoup (Sunshine Garcia)

Donald Castro Trump (Badji Mortiz)

Miss China (Ryan Bang)

Chika React: Anti-Palnking Act of 2011, ipapasang batas ng isang councilor?

Chika React: Jinkee Pacquaio, magbibigay ng Hermes bag sa makapagpapatunay  na nambabae si Manny?

..well, now for something special on Clown in a Million, shall we?

Pooh brings in three teams of comedy duos! First up, Pepay & Martin D' Icon is here for some laughs. They're sharing some funny experiences in front of us. Second, it's Eric & Tuko. Eric has a remote control that controls his partner, Tuko. What else can Tuko do? And finally, here come the Foxy Ladies! Uh huh, the Foxy Ladies are singing!

After that, a playlist of songs to celebrate Banana Split's 3rd Anniversary special.

And did I mentioned that at the end of the show, Angelica Panganiban entertain something to someone special like Derek Ramsay?!

Himekoi Drama CD

Himekoi Drama CD

Once upon a time, back in August 2010, one of Japan's biggest social media network, Gree, launched Himekoi (日本名：ヒメこい), a dating sim perfect for those Japanese cellphone customers who had it with their DS days of playing Loveplus. In that cellphone game, players can choose to hang out with Nadeshiko, Ayane, or Maki.

Because of the character design too similar from Loveplus, Mino☆Taro, the person behind the Loveplus character design tweeted that “The art from Gree’s new gal game isn’t Mino☆Taro’s~!”. It even caused an outrage among fans because they look similar to Nene Anegasaki, Takane Manaka, and Rinko Kobayakawa. As a matter of fact, Himekoi was nothing but a complete knock-off of Loveplus. Didn't see that thing coming right?

Because of copyright issues, Gree decided to end the Himekoi service on February 2011 and yes, it was for their own cause. To compensate this, the people behind Himekoi seek help to Geneon Universal Entertainment for the Himekoi Drama CD, a drama CD which brings Emiri Kato, Mamiko Noto, and Kanae Ito reprising their roles as Nadeshiko, Ayane, and Maki. Also, an original character appeared exclusively on this drama CD under the name of Reina, played by Kana Hanazawa.

The theme song of the drama CD is Mimosa, which was sung by Kotoko. This was a good song to listen and in fact, the storyline is a little bit more decent. We are not sure if this drama CD is good enough for those to compensate for their damages and reputation of being a cheap knock-off to Loveplus. It's a forgive and forget for us if we listen to this drama CD.

TRACK LISTINGS:
1. オープニングテーマ[ＫＯＴＯＫＯ／Mimosa(short ver.)]
2. イフストーリー：湯煙旅情なガールズトーク前編
3. イフストーリー：湯煙旅情なガールズトーク後編
4. シークレットストーリー：想いを告げた、その夜に… 撫子の場合
5. シークレットストーリー：想いを告げた、その夜に… あやねの場合
6. シークレットストーリー：想いを告げた、その夜に… マキの場合
7. シークレットストーリー：想いを告げた、その夜に… 怜奈の場合
8. イフストーリー：今日はきっと晴れ！
9. ボーナストラック：誕生日イベント『おめでとうの言葉をあなたに』
10. キャストトーク「ヒメこい座談会」
11. ＫＯＴＯＫＯ／Mimosa(full ver.)作詞：KOTOKO 作曲・アレンジ／C.G mix
12. ＫＯＴＯＫＯ／Mimosa(instrumental)