REPORT: ABS-CBN's Happy Yippee Yehey to be finished this February!

If you think the SHOWTIME finale really saddened you up in a deeply moving manner, get ready to shed some more tears because ABS-CBN's axing the noontime show, Happy Yippee Yehey, this Saturday!

According to Yahoo! Philippines OMG, the final episode of Happy Yippee Yehey will be held this Saturday, February 4, at the AFP Theater, along with their "My Girl" Grand Finals.

ABS-CBN's Press Release:

Happy Yipee Yehey' (HYY) will have its last episode with the grand finals of its "My Girl" search at the AFP Theater on Saturday, February 4, 2012.

ABS-CBN is very grateful to the HYY hosts and production staff for their hard work and contribution in giving our noontime viewers a "happy, yipee, yehey" experience for the past year.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our viewers, here in the Philippines and in The Filipino Channel (TFC) markets worldwide, for their support to the program.

The HYY hosts will be given new projects that kapamilyas will surely enjoy.

Scoop: http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/abs-cbn-to-cancel--happy-yipee-yehey-.html

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 25

Yesterday, I just got a "tweet" from someone I don't know, probably some who read one of my "Driving Music" posts while I'm away. That tweet goes "What is the 2012 kia optima song heard in the commercial? It's a uptempo rock song. Please help". Yeah, bare enough, I must respond, and this Driving Music portion is stepping through the bridge...again.

Sorry to say that song played on the 2012 Kia Optima commercial as seen in the USA is "original" and it's not available for the public.

Anyway, to cheer you up, here are another set of 5 Driving Musics (Car Commercial Songs) to enjoy:

5. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps by the Pussycat Dolls - from the 2009 Kia Soul Korean TV Commercial.

4. Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds - from the 2003 Toyota Estima Japanese TV Commercial.

3. Smile by Rod Stewart - from the 2004 Toyota Estima Japanese TV Commercial

2. I Ain't Superstitious by MEGADETH - from the 1987 Honda CR-X Japanese TV Commercial

1. Wild Child by Enya - from the 2004 Honda Elysion Japanese TV Commercial

...and that's it. We're done on this section. Just remember, this "Driving Music" segment is always open when you need it, otherwise, I could get some serious complaints from someone named "Mr. Needham". Bye!

Thank You Showtime!

Yesterday, January 28, 2012, our favorite ABS-CBN variety show, SHOWTIME, was ended in a deeply manner. I did not get that memo but thankfully I caught up on the SHOWTIME ending. On that ending, the Showtime presenters such as Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Kim Atienza, Vice Ganda, Jugs & Teddy, and others are relieving the great moments in Showtime history such as how the show began in late 2009, the celebs who are the judges on the show, laughter, mishaps, friendship, thrills, that sort of thing that made SHOWTIME great for the past four seasons.

That show changed the lives of many people because of their newly-found talents. The talents shown are very unique for them and it created "more fun" and "more happiness" for the Madlang People. Those people who've joined, especially the first team that won the first season of Showtime, XB Gensan, were truly our inspiration for all of the Filipinos from here and the rest of the world. Every late morning, at the flick of the remote; how can we hardly miss about Kuya Kim's trivia, Anne Curtis' Madlang People chant, the face dance that smiled us, Vice Ganda's jokes, the celebrity judges' SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE (especially faves from the past judges such as Ryan Bang, Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario and Dimples Romana), and others that made it "more fun" in Showtime? Poor us. That SHOWTIME was been our all-time favorite program from ABS-CBN but now it's all gone for good. That made me sad...

THANK YOU SHOWTIME!!!!

Welcome Back: 2010 Peugeot RCZ

The RCZ's rear design

Peugeot RCZ in Top Gear? It's a YES
if you live in Korea

Seriously though, did the Peugeot RCZ has a place in Top Gear history. If you asked that question to The Stig's Korean cousin, well yes, the Peugeot RCZ does have a place in Top Gear history.

In an episode of Top Gear Korea, presenter Kim Gam Soo introduces to the Peugeot RCZ. Then, this car had a drag race against the Audi TT Roadster and the MINI Cooper S and the Peugeot RCZ won that race. The only problem Kim Gam Soo faces on the RCZ is the rear headroom because of the RCZ's double bubble roof.

In the hands of The Stig, it set a lap time of 1:40.86 round the Top Gear Korea test track, making it faster than the P_rsh_ P_n_m_r_ Diesel and the Range Rover Sport but just a few seconds slower than the Cadillac CTS-V. What a remarkable coupe made from PSA Peugeot Citroen.

The Peugeot RCZ has returned on Forza Motorsport 4 and that is why it's your turn to set the RCZ's personal best round the Top Gear Test Track. Hope that Top Gear executive producer, Andy Wilman, got that memo...

BMW 1er M Coupe auf Forza 4

Back for some Nurburgring sessions!

That BMW 1 Series M Coupe was just one of the most agile sports coupe ever made by BMW. It's just one of the cars I've been dreamt of because I kept on reading numerous reports from various automotive websites about the arrival of the "junior" member of the BMW M Power. This was just my dream ruined because when people pre-ordered Forza 4 at Best Buy, they get this. Sadly, I didn't get one because I've pre-ordered mine at Gamestop. Guess this would be just an illusion until now. With the Launch Bonus DLC Pack made available worldwide, I finally got the chance to take the first bite out of the BMW 1M Coupe, the junior member of the BMW M Power consisting of the M5, M3, X5 M, and the X6 M. Although this is the lightest of BMW M Power range, I find the cornering very difficult to master even though this turbocharged pocket rocket comes with an RWD layout and a 6-speed manual gearbox. When I tried to recreate the BMW 1M Coupe Top Gear Power Lap Time, the 1M Coupe is somewhat very struggling but I find no signs of problems at the Follow-Through section. However, the 1:25 Top Gear Power Lap Time that Stig set it on the show, I didn't make it.

But still, this is a great sports coupe. Despite the handling issues, and the difficulty faced even when I used the Wireless Speed Wheel, I'm glad I experienced the car I've dreamt of. What it feels to me now was a complete nightmare....

Mazda Biante Granz NOW ON SALE!!

2013 Mazda Biante GRANZ

You've already seen the Mazda Biante GRANZ at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show right? Guess what? Mazda starts selling the Mazda Biante Granz for just 2,500,000 Japanese Yen (or in Top Gear math is 33,000 Dollars) in GRANZ-C variant and 2,570,000 Japanese Yen (34,000 Dollars) for the GRANZ variant. Colors available are Brilliant Black, Aluminum Metallic, and Crystal White Pearl Mica. So what do you get on the special edition model? There's a special grille that lives it up to Mazda's Kodo -Soul of Motion- design, silver linings at the rear lamps, bright molding on the side view, 17-inch rims, LED rear combination lamp bezel, muffler cutter, scuff plate, and a unique black paneling on the inside.

URL: http://www.biante.mazda.co.jp/granz/index.html

About the Biante:

Launched in Japan in the Summer 2008 as a 2009 model, the Mazda Biante is a Japan-only minivan that competes to the likes of the Toyota Voxy, Noah, Honda StepWGN, StepWGN Spada, and the Nissan Serena. Later on for the 2010 model year, it received a 2.0 liter DISI i-stop engine (LF-VDS) that promises 12.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle thanks to the innovative idling stop function. 

Tights and Stockings with Seatbelts

Song played in my personal BGM: A Question of Honour by Sarah Brightman

From the Album: Diva - The Singles Collection

As seen on Top Gear Series 17 Episode 3!

Forgive me for this title because in one episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson said during the MP4-12C test drive that the McLaren MP4-12C is like a pair of tights while the Ferrari 458 Italia is like a pair stockings. Remember that tights and stockings are not made to do the same thing but enough of the hosiery jokes and ask about those two.

Ferrari 458 Italia in Rome

The Ferrari 458 Italia continues the Modena-based carmaker's MR tradition and it served as the replacement to the F430. It was launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and this V8 midship grand tourer is the evolution since the 348 in 1989, F355 in 1994, 360 Modena in 1999, and the F430 in 2004. Trust us, this one's faster than James May's actual F430 where Jeremy Clarkson's littering it with a chocolate bar wrapper and a bag of Doritos. In the hands of The Stig, it lapped the Top Gear Test Track at 1:19.1, and it was proven to be faster than the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Even though the assembly of the direct injection V8 engine is done by hand, computerized equipment made sure that each step of the process is done accurately. To be precise, the 458 Italia's crankshaft is one of the few parts that's balanced to within one gram for each level of balance. What we also learned that while painting the 458 Italia's body, Ferrari uses a powder base coat process that produces zero emission and it uses "emu feathers" as the only kind of feather that can clean in an electrostatically charged environment.

If that wasn't enough, some say that Pound-for-Pound Boxing Champ and Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao added the Ferrari 458 Italia to his personal car collection, costing 309,000 US Dollars.

McLaren MP4-12C in London

This here is the McLaren MP4-12C. Hmmm... MP4-12C... That name sounds more like a fax machine but some say it's faster than the 458 Italia. Why? At the Top Gear Test Track, this is the fastest McLaren ever made because of the 1:16.2 lap time. Can we consider that the MP4-12C is faster than the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4? Never mind, well the story of the MP4-12C began when McLaren's development team began testing prototype versions since 2007 and their final "sign-off" 1,000 mile drive was complete. The MP4-12C features a carbon MonoCell chassis that weighs only 75kg, making it a great contribution for the car's weight loss. It promises 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds but with racing tires, it can do 3.1 seconds and flatout, it will do over 330kph or in the church of England; 205mph. The high-performance 3.8L V8 twin turbo engine produces 592HP of power and 600Nm of torque, while the CO2 emissions are 279g/km and it delivers 8.5km/L (11.7L/100km) of fuel economy. It has a braking distance of 30.5 meters from 60mph-0. Now you know....

Hey James May! You said that the MP4-12C wasn't developed at the Nurburgring, right? Well you're wrong because the MP4-12C lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 28 seconds. Guess this fact made James "Captain Slow" May so angry, that he went home.

I guess this 458-12C rivalry is the hottest thing we get and even in Gran Turismo 5, it's still getting hotter than a super spicy extra hot steak I'm ordering at a nearby restaurant.

"Uy! MomeMentsos"

What just happened at the January 27, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang

- Bubble Gags interviewing politicians after the trial.

- Experience the Super Spicy Extra Hot Steak at Red Hot Restaurant that is EXTRA HOT! HOT! HOT! NOT!

Red Hot Restaurant

- Bureche encounters a Teddy Bear held by Cheche.

- A sleep all you can promotion is valid for someone with 8 hours of sleeping. White Lady not intended...

- "Uy! MomeMentsos!" Bubble Gang does Mentos "Uy Momentos" TVC by spoofing this ad as Mentsos! Breakdance!

Bubble Gang does Mentos

- Uh Oh! Bonggang Bongbong is here again in Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong! He's tackling the most annoying cases such as women wearing knee-high boots in warm weather, gays wearing sleeveless blouse and bras, and people getting all the foods in one plate at the "eat-all-you-can".

- A press conference got a bit ugly with the mineral water they're sponsoring...

Shempre

- Some say, this is the portion we all like to see. And then, Sukli and Bagoong tag-teamed to challenge Boy Chicha. All we know is...it's called PICKUP LINES!

Boy Chicha

1) Watusi ka ba? Kasi, para ang sarap mong i-kiss-kiss!

2) Birthday ka ba? Dahil, habang papalapit ka, na-e-excite ako.

3) Si Enrile ka ba? Kasi gusto ko, happy ka.

4) Parang wala ako sa sarili ko. Kasi, nasasaya na ako.

5) Abs ka ba? Dahil nagpapakahirap ako para makuha kita.

6) Fruitcake ka ba? Kasi, 2012 ay leap year!

7) Matalino ka ba talaga? Kasi kung matalino ka, sige nga, sagutin mo lang ako.

8) Tingin ko, may gusto ka na sa akin. Kasi, masarap kumain ng champorado pag umuulan.

- Learn how to cook Kare-Kare...badly.

Ingredients

- IyoTube in So Young by The Corrs

The miraculous ending of Ikaw ang Pag-ibig

The drama titled Ikaw ang Pag-ibig is what happens when Zaijan Jaranilla as Nonoy, Xyriel Manabat as Angelica, Mutya Orquia as Tinay, and Louise Abuel as Edison come together on this unique story to save Christmas in San Gabriel. When the three orphans; Nonoy, Tinay, and Edison, found a missing baby, whereas they called it Rafa, they are on their Tokyo Godfathers-style adventure to find the baby's missing parents and with an encounter with Angelica, an little girl who was later revealed as an angel sent from the heaven who was confessed for the death of Edison's father, Tinay's father, and Nonoy's foster parents in a car accident. As the adventure progresses and with Rafa was believed to be the missing "baby Jesus" statue because it caused miracles, the kids are doing whatever they can to protect it against people who are taking profit for the baby Jesus statue, especially Congressman Leandro Alvarez (Mark Gil), whom Nonoy believed that he's responsible for stealing the "baby Jesus" statue for his candidacy.

With the "baby Jesus" statue returned to the church of San Gabriel, Nonoy faces risks when he was in the hands of Congressman Leandro Alvarez but Nonoy escaped and later got hit by a van with Agnes (Dimples Romana) on it. While Nonoy was in heaven, he encounters a kid that he wants Nonoy to go back because Nonoy's friends need him especially Agnes, whom to believe that she's the real mother of Nonoy after years of separation. Before Nonoy gets back, he had to play a game with a mysterious kid.

It is revealed that Leandro Alvarez was suffered with liver cancer, giving him a few days to live. That's what Robert said to Michelle. In fact, Michelle approaches to her dad, and he finally learned the truth. Therefore, Leandro apologized to Agnes for causing the separation between her and her child, Nonoy, but Agnes is unhappy.

Moments later, Congressman Leandro Alvarez was confessed for all the sins he committed to the public, especially to Robert and Mario (Alfred Vargas). While Nonoy was still in heaven, he's still undecided when will he come back but a mysterious kid told to Nonoy that miracles happen everyday, just like the everyday people Nonoy and friends met. After a little talk, they went through the hospital because Nonoy's friends are needed and the mysterious kid that Nonoy met was actually Rafa. After a fateful encounter, Nonoy was miraculously alive.

After the reunion between Agnes and Nonoy, Nonoy told a little story to Edison, Angelica, and Tinay about a fateful encounter with Rafa and when a pigeon named Sam came, it was time to say goodbye for Angelica because she had her wings back and it was time for her to go back to heaven.

Well, Ikaw ang Pag-ibig is a unique short drama about four kids saving Christmas. What's going to be like? It is fantastic. It's wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. What it makes me feel though is sad. Goodnight...

Another year, another CR-Z special edition...

2013 Honda CR-Z  α  Dressed Label

Last year, Honda launched a special edition CR-Z Black Label that features a special yellow color and a black interior dark enough to be cool. Now, this year, there's another special edition for the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid and this time, this is labeled "Dressed Label".

Limited to 850 units available, the CR-Z Dressed Label uses the "α" variant as it's base and it features a special color "Premium Deep Mocha Pearl" while the interior is nested in chocolate-colored seats. Looks yummy but it's available only in Japan for 2,390,477 Japanese Yen (or in Top Gear math; 1,500,000 Philippine Pesos).

Scoop: http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2012/4120126-cr-z.html

Panamera modified by Project Kahn

Project Kahn Panamera

Another Panamera modification and this time it's from Project Kahn! This British styling house really give this Porsche 4-door coupe some modifications it deserves such as a roof spoiler, rear wing, tinted windows, billet aluminum side vents, optional tinted tail lamps, red brake calipers, new tail pipes, and 22-inch rims that customers can choose whatever color they want. There's tuning abound so the Project Kahn Panamera do get a sports exhaust and suspension module for lowering.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/01/project-kahn-widebody-porsche-panamera.html

The inauguration of BMW's M Performance Automobiles

2013 BMW M550d xDrive

2013 BMW M550d xDrive Touring

2013 BMW X5 M50d

2013 BMW X6 M50d

A diesel M? For real? Equipped with the world's first tri-turbo diesel engine? You have got to be kidding me. BMW launched the new "M Performance Automobiles" range by any means of the 5-Series F10 sedan and touring, X5, and the facelifted X6. That was staggering but these are a Europe-only gathering. Too bad we can't get it. Guess diesel has bee ch-ch-ch-changed!

Scoop: http://blog.caranddriver.com/bmw-m-performance-line-tri-turbo-diesel-5-series-x5-x6-for-europe-and-power-packs-for-u-s-x6/