Let's Do The News! - New Year's Day! (January 1, 2013)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

JC: It's now time to do the news and it's impossible because this is the week you're not expecting to be...

RH: Yeah, right. Feels like we're in the Twilight Zone...

(audience laughing)

JC: It's because we have the studio booked for today and we have to use it even though the year is now 2013.

RH: It's the past.

(Audience laughing)

JC: Imagine that in the last weeks of December 2012, and then you may have stomped a pesky little cockroach, you're creating a fixed time. As we all know, time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint - it’s more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly… time-y wimey… stuff.

(audience laughing)

RH: Timey-wimey. That's what that is...

JM: Anyway, instead of doing the news right now, we might to look up on what to expect on the year 2013 because this is going to be a really great year. As former DW lead actor David Tennant once said "I bet you're gonna have a really great year"...

(audience laughnig)

JC: Back off with that DW analogy because here's something I'm expecting on 2013...The All New Range Rover. Britain's legendary SUV must have taken some South Beach Diet and such weight loss made it great.

RH: Mine? What to expect on 2013 is....C7 Corvette.

C7 Corvertte Test Prototype

It's going to be a technically advanced Corvette ever using a newly developed LT1 engine that sounds great. I think it's going to be unveiled this One13Thirteen.

(audience laughing)

JC: Excuse me....One13Thirteen? What do you mean by that little man?

RH: Uh...I think it's some kind of a Twitter topic which translates to January 13, 2013. Or better yet, at this year's Detroit Auto Show...

JC: I see....because for second thought, I thought it was this....

A teaser for a new Alfa Romeo car

...says here um...THE ALFA ROMEO PROPHECY OF 2013 WON'T DISAPPOINT. I wonder what could that be? Do you think it's the Alfa 4C?

RH: Spoilers...

JM: Spoilers....

(audience laughing)

JC: Okay, spoilers that is. Let's pretend that it's a new wheel for Alfa Romeo models...

(audience laughing)

JC: Okay....what's next? What to expect more on 2013?

JM: The next generation Nissan Skyline...I guess...

JC: Say what?

JM: No kidding. The next generation Nissan Skyline...to be previewed via Infiniti's upcoming G37 Sedan replacement, the Q50.

Infiniti Q50 teaser

...as you may recall that beginning for the 2014 model year, all sedans and coupes will be branded Q while SUVs and crossovers are labeled as QX. It's a bit questionable for Infiniti's new naming scheme if you know what I mean, right?

JC: Yeah. Anyway, while mourning to the death of the Lexus LFA last year, there's a question that once sparked the horizon...is there life after Lexus LFA? That's an impossible question that nobody will answer. Hidden in plain sight....

(Audience laughing)

RH: Oh geez....DW playing around us eh?

JC: Anyway, while this question remains impossible for Lexus, 2013 sees the arrival of the new generation Lexus IS. NEW GENERATION.

JM: IS....Is it Infinite Stratos?

(Audience laughing)

JC: Sort of, Mr. dude who wears a stripey top all day. Ms. Houki Shinonono, your new IS is coming...

(audience laughing)

RH: How about Cecilia? Rin? Charlotte? Laura?

(audience laughing)

JC: Later for that. Anyway, while diddling about next generation IS, what to expect also on 2013?

RH: The small compact from Opel/Vauxhall. What's that name again?

JC: Adam.

RH: Adam? Eww!!! How come a manly name ever been placed on a compact car? Don't they think they should call it Eve?

(audience laughing)

JM: One of the thing's I'm also expecting on 2013 are the movies. There was MAN OF STEEL, a new movie starring a father-son tandem of Will and Jaden Smith, Iron Man 3, a new G.I. Joe movie, Catching Fire, the second chapter of The Hobbit movie....

RH: There's also a sequel to the THOR movie which also comes with Christopher Eccleston as the baddie....

JM: Despicable Me 2, a new movie from Disney Pixar, there's too many to list! Anyway, on TV sets...

JC: Oh wait! Hold it! It's almost time to say goodbye to the USA version of The Office. Kinda sad that my favorite on this series was Nellie Bertram. Awww....

RH: I see because that Nellie Bertram person was played by the same actress who did Donna Noble, Lauren Cooper, Nan, and others. Who was she again?

JC: Catherine Tate.

RH: Catherine Tate, that is! Guess when The Office is gone for good, it's the last for C Tate, right?

(awwww)

RH: It's so ashamed that 2013 will be the last for Ms. Catherine Tate....Awwww

JC: Okay cut it out little bro. Anyway, as we all know, Karen Gillain finished her stint as a Doctor Who partner Amy Pond but that doesn't mean that Karen Gillan's career is done because she's very busy in upcoming movies such as Not Another Happy Ending and also she's going to be part at some horror movie titled Occulus.

RH: So, you're going to see her in one of those, eh?

JC: Exactly. As for you Capt. OCD. Your souffle girl's waiting for you in the Spring...

(Audience laughing)

JC: Yep. Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2 coming soon this 2013 which features souffle girl!

(audience laughing)

JM: Don't be a moron Jezza. I know, that I'm through with souffle girl you know. Clara Oswald's the woman I'm expecting on the second half of Season 7.

JC: So...Clara Oswald...is she still souffle girl?

(audience laughing)

RH: Hey buddy! During her tenure as The Doctor's new companion, would you like to share some souffle recipes that will make you happy?

(audience laughing)

JM: Better knock it off with your souffle jokes you big daft c**k.

(audience laughing)

JC: Okay, okay. If that's what you want. Fine. But there's so many stuff to expect in 2013. So many, our list of list's getting too much to list. Let's see...there was Metal Gear Rising Revengeance coming exclusively on the PS3, To Aru Majutsu no Index movie, Nyaruko-san game for the PSVita (another first), second season of Oreimo, Haganai NEXT, second season of Kagaku no Railgun, a spin-off anime from Zettai Karen Children titled The Unlimited - Kyosuke Hyobu, Senran Kagura (a new anime based on the hit 3DS game), Steins Gate movie, another Tiger and Bunny movie,....

--SEVERAL HOURS LATER--

JC: GRID 2, Project CARS, Silent Hill Book of Memories, Crysis 3, Dead Space 3, God of War Ascension, Soul Sacrifice, another Accel World video game, Fate Extra CCC, Sword Art Online PSP game, Grand Theft Auto V....

-SEVERAL HOURS LATER--

JC: (snoozing)

(audience laughing)

RH: So...guess we're bored, eh? With so much lists of what to expect for 2013, you're trying to mention it all in one day right until you end up sleeping. That's just typical...

JM: And on that bombshell, that's the news. (yawn)...

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Couple of months ago, Mitsubishi launched a full model change on the Outlander which features the most obvious styling a Mitsubishi fan couldn't think of. It's available in 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines and that's it. Period. However, Mitsubishi plans something big for this new model and it promises to be more of an eco car that you can go further through the extra mile. There is now an Outlander that promises to get you through places further...

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Here it is, the world's first 4WD plug-in hybrid vehicle made from Mitsubishi Motors. It's called the Outlander PHEV. Although it looks nearly the same as the latest model, this new model took the lessons that came from the Chevy Volt, which means that as a PHV crossover, you can either refuel it with petrol or charge the batteries in one plug. Thanks to being a full fledged PHEV crossover, the all new Outlander PHEV sure comes in handy if you want to bring your family on a winter vacation on Hokkaido because with an electric range of 67 kilometers per charge and fuel economy of 18.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards, this is a perfect cruiser that can get you through the next prefecture up to another. Might be come in handy for your next adventure to Japan's most beautiful landscapes.

All that power output comes from the dual 60kW electric motors coupled to a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and the 2.0L 4B11 engine that generates 118PS of power and 186Nm of torque. As for the batteries, Mitsubishi's going the right way around because they've placed Lithium ion batteries, the kind of batteries that powers your trusty laptop PC or your new cellphone. These batteries are much lighter than conventional nickel metal hydride batteries that most hybrids have, increased amount of power that can be transferred on the low current, and its self discharge rate is about 5-10% per month. As for the recharging rate, it takes 3 to 4 hours to fully charge the batteries via a 220-volt outlet but if you overdo it, the batteries will about to suffer and the EV range will drop so you better need some careful planning when will you charge the batteries. Well, if you're getting nervous about the batteries, kindly switch on the petrol engine and you'll have as much thinking time to think about the battery charging.

Here in Japan, the PHEV version of the Outlander arrives on late January 2013 and priced at 3,324,000 yen. After much praise, it should be ready for the world market sooner than you can say "you will be upgraded".

Available colors: White Pearl, Titanium Gray Metallic, Black Mica, and Technical Silver Metallic.

PRICE LIST:

2.0 12kWh E - 3,324,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G - 3,569,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G セーフティパッケージ - 3,664,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G ナビパッケージ - 3,978,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G プレミアムパッケージ - 4,297,000 Yen

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: The anatomy of a dangerous young male driver

Modified cars are a favorite among young male adults

Okay, this is my last "Heaven and Hell" column for the year 2012 and for my last post of the year, I'm digging deep through the anatomy of the one thing that is proven to be a "menace to society" in the streets; the anatomy of a boy racer. When I say boy racer, I mean of course yes, those "speedo boys" who love to do dangerous driving on the streets. I'm referring to those dangerous young male drivers everywhere.

It's a common belief by the public that those young male drivers, aged 17 to 25, are more prone to lethal car accidents especially in the night. Well, based on some research, those idiotic "speedo boys" aged 17 to 20 are seven times more at risk than most male drivers but by the hours of 02:00 to 05:00 (that's 2am to 5am to you), the risk is somewhat 17 times more, about over 225 are killed or injured annually. Also from some research I've found on the internet, those young male drivers who are aged 21-25 are about double the risk of lethal accidents but by the hours of 02:00 to 05:00, the risk was tripled.

I have no idea why most male drivers on that kind of age group are more prone to accidents than other drivers in the world but it occurs to me that those young men in their hoodies, training shoes, and some bling-bling jewelries are often the ones are causing this ruckus. I mean come on, why would they love to enjoy getting themselves killed on the city streets at night? Is that necessary? All those swearing and trash talk and cigarette breath and modification really led to some serious trouble that the government's been addressing on. Question is....what's inside a typical young male driver aged 17 to 25? Let's see what's inside their brain...

THE ANATOMY OF A DANGEROUS YOUNG MALE DRIVER:

• Forum
• Stanced
• (name of car withheld) Tuning
• Slammed
• The Fast and the Furious movies
• Top Speed
• 0-60mph/0-100kph
• (name of car withheld) modified
• Lifted
• (name of car withheld) racing
• Lowered
• (name of car withheld) parts
• body kit/aero kit
• which is better?
• girls
• bucket seats
• Pimped
• burnout
• Hooning is not a crime!
• engine swap
• turbo
• rims
• (name of car withheld) owners club
• stickers
• Angel Eyes
• carbon fiber
• rollcage
• aftermarket
• speakers at the boot
• loud music
• subwoofer
• TV screens at the back!
• Aftermarket doors
• drifting
• DUB
• Exhaust spitting fire
• Lowriding
• Lots and lots of monitors inside my car!
• Custom paint
• DUI or Driving Under the Influence
• Texting while driving
• Blacked out/murdered out

...and whatever what's inside the mind of a very dangerous and notorious young male driver with the obsession of killing himself or anyone on the streets by pushing his car to the limit against anyone.

Apart from those, I sense that boy racers on the streets love to do some criminal activities. Some harassing bystanders on the streets like mugging at the alley, some help robbers to getaway from the police, and whatever that will make them criminals. Those sadistic fools, their obsession to modify cars from normal to cop magnets, always becoming the "new normal" on the streets. I just hope that there is a law that will get rid of modified cars on the streets but sadly it's a bit of a mixed reactions because sometimes nobody's BOVVERED what to do with a modified car on the streets.

Sometimes, just because it's modified does not mean it's street legal. Those shows like the SEMA Show, Essen Motor Show, Manila Auto Salon, Tokyo Auto Salon, those legal kinds of shows that showcasing modified cars in a polite and nice way. Even the carmakers themselves are modifying their cars for the show, you know what I'm saying?

Anyway, back to the story of boy racers because as far as I know it, it seems that boy racers are becoming more of terrorists born at the streets rather than being a typical driver who relies on his/her fellow drivers, signs, traffic rules, and anything safe. Those government issues that race tracks are better and safer alternative to illegally sanctioned street racing but those high-speed rogues often prefer the streets better than the racetracks and what they always do is switch streets in case of cops patrolling through the streets. Those guys never really learn do they. It's like migrating to another habitat after another in case of temperature changes. If those speedo boys find something that is not yet known by the cops yet, then they consider it as a hotspot for illegal racing right until moments later when concerned citizens are receiving complaints about this, the police will patrol and then those crooks switch to another. You can run but you can't hide from the law, speedo boys. No matter how many times you've switched places, the cops are going to get you and even more aggressive. You've been warned...

 Those young men need more experience behind the wheel. They should learn how to stop such "barbaric" acts on the road and most importantly, learn to race on a proper racetrack, not on the streets, which every night claims their lives due to dangerous drivings. To you, you think that the highways are your racetrack but authorities said NO. Those highways and city streets are not made for racing. There are speed limits and signs everywhere to pay attention. Please follow road signs, okay? You are driving a car in a good way, not on a barbaric way that not only kills you, but others as well.

I'm 21 years old, maybe 22 when it hits my birthday on the 15th next month. I took driving lessons three times and I was saving for another one or better yet, saving for the driving license I was dreaming for. I promised myself that I will not act like a barbarian on the road ahead and I promise that I should be a better, safer driver on the road and I can only race...on the racetrack...if I had a racing license for a track day at a nearby racetrack. He he he....Anyway, as for you speedo boys, let this be your New Year's Resolution to all. No more like that please. Drive safely and race only on the racetracks, not on the road.

Have a happy 2013, everyone!

Happy New Year Bulilits!

2012 is almost over and 2013's almost here! Anyway, what's on the December 30, 2012 episode on Goin Bulilit?

- Hark the Herald, Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, We Wish You A Merry Christmas Medley

- OOH! EEW!

- Fireworks gags

- Tanong Ko Lang...Bakit Tuwing Bagong Taon, Sinasabing "Bagong Taon ay mag Bagong Buhay?"

- Hospital gags for the casualties due to fireworks

- The Ask Girl wants us to start the new year with a BANGS! Well, Ask Girl answers your questions on what to wear on the new year.

- Tanong Ko Lang...Bakit Super Lolo at Lolo Thunder ang tawag sa malakas na paputok?

- The corniest jokes on I'M CORNY

- KURSUNADA investigates on illegal fireworks

- Tanong Ko Lang...Bakit Ang Paputok na Crying Cow Umiiyak?

- Paputok Safety Tips

- Ready Get Set Goin in WHAT'S DOT! KABAYONG BUNDAT!

Let's Do The News! (December 30, 2012)

River's Diary

Right, what's the news today you spoiler-laden TARDIS journal?



The Winners of 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2012, Christmas Day, it's also the day most Filipinos are watching the entries of the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival. They've watched the entries and in cased you missed  the awarding ceremony on December 27th, don't fret because here are the complete list of winners...can't believe El Presidente dominated the whole film festival with tons of awards....


Youth Choice Award: "EL PRESIDENTE"

Best Festival Float: "EL PRESIDENTE"

Best Sound: "EL PRESIDENTE"

Best Musical Score: "EL PRESIDENTE"

Best Theme Song: "EL PRESIDENTE"

Best Make Up: "EL PRESIDENTE"

Best Child Performer: MIGUEL VERGARA FOR "ONE MORE TRY"

Full Length New Wave Best Actor: ALLAN PAULE FOR "DAYAK"

Full length New Wave Best Actress:  LIZA DINNO FOR "IN NOMINE MATRIS"

New Wave Best Picture: "THE GRAVE BANDITS"

New Wave Special Jury Prize: "AD IGNORATIAM"

New Wave Best Director: TYRONE ACIERTO FOR "THE GRAVE BANDITS"

Best Visual Effects: "SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL 14: THE INVASION"

Best Production Design: "THY WOMB"

Best Editing: VITO CAHILIG FOR "ONE MORE TRY"

Best Cinematographer: ODYSSEY FLORES FOR "THY WOMB"

Most Gender Sensitive Award (MAINSTREAM): "THY WOMB"

FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence: "ONE MORE TRY"

Best Supporting Actor: CESAR MONTANO FOR "EL PRESIDENTE"

Best Supporting Actress: WILMA DOESNT FOR "SISTERAKAS"

Best Original Story: HENRY BURGOS FOR "THY WOMB"

Best Screenplay: "ONE MORE TRY"

Best Director: BRILLANTE MENDOZA FOR "THY WOMB"

Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award: "THY WOMB"

3RD Best Picture: "SISTERAKAS"

2ND Best Picture: "EL PRESIDENTE"

Best Picture: "ONE MORE TRY"

Best Actor: DINGDONG DANTES FOR "ONE MORE TRY"

Best Actress: NORA AUNOR FOR "THY WOMB"

Scoop: http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/38th-metro-manila-film-festival-winners-140403456.html

Sales of Playstation2 in Japan is over

It's the end of the Playsation2 as we know it because just announced that Sony Computer Entertainment Japan will stop selling the decade-old Playstation2 console, effective since Friday. The only new PlayStation 2 consoles remaining in Japan are the ones that are left over in stores. As you may know, this console was launched in 2000 as the successor of the PSOne and during its decade run tenure, more than 150 million units were sold worldwide.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-12-28/sony-japan-ends-sales-of-playstation-2-console

If I have to ask you as a PS2 owner, what's the most memorable PS2 game you've played?

Kuroko no Basuke renewed for 2nd season

In the midst of the death threat targeted against the man behind Kuroko no Basuke as well as its related events, in Sophia University where the creator of the series once studied there, its radio talk show, and the result of early cancellation of the KuroBas event at Namco Namjatown, the people behind this series that spawned an anime series from April to September 2012 said that they will continue this series no matter what the circumstance is and as an issue to their brave efforts to keep this show afloat despite the death threats they've received, they've renewed the series for the second season. How's that?

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-12-26/kuroko-basketball-anime-gets-2nd-season

Chevrolet at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon






Being the only non-Japanese car company to be ever invited to the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2013, Chevrolet will showcased two modified versions of the Captiva crossover and the Sonic/Aveo hatchback. I have to tell you that these models they've got were imported from South Korea...or is it? Anyway, they'll be showcasing the Captiva Freedom Rider concept and the Sonic Street concept on this event and as an added bonus, they'll be featuring a limited edition 2013 Camaro Giovanna Edition.

The ERAP 2013 Calendar...

Where's the 7 and 8 in the January 2013 part of
Erap's 2013 Calendar?

Something's wrong with the 2013 calendar of former president running for mayoral in Manila for the 2013 elections, Joseph Ejercito Estrada...I mean if you look at the January part of it...Where's the 7 and 8? What? Does this means that if Sunday's January 6, then Monday's January 9, 2013? WRONG! Erap's 2013 calendar must have a bit of a typo here....Someone please get it right....

Suzuki at the 2013 Auto Salon

The fifth-generation Wagon R models got modified for the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon. The normal Wagon R will be modified for that year's show as the Wagon R RR Concept while the Stingray version will look cool in the Stingray Customize concept.





Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/suzuki-puts-spotlight-on-its-wagon-r.html

From designer turned president of Kia Motors

Peter Schreyer, the designer behind Kia's signature front face that adorned most models known as the Tiger Nose, is now officially the president of Kia Motors. He's the first foreign person to take duties of a big Korean company. He will continue his duties as a chief designer while being one of three presidents at the company. This could only mean one thing that with such design, this Korean carmaker will go on the offensive site against its major rivals from Europe.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/peter-schreyer-becomes-kia-first-non.html

Lorinser tunes the CLS Shooting Brake

If you think that the Shooting Brake version of the CLS is already pretty darn sexy enough to tickle your fancies, well then no. Not yet because you have to do better than that. Luckily, the folks from Lorinser decided to make it better for you starting with a flamboyant body kit and some added power. A CLS 350 Shooting Brake tuned by Lorinser will get you up to 322PS of power and 400 Nm of torque, while the diesel version, tuned by Lorinser, will have about 305HP of power and 695Nm of torque. 20-inch rims and a lowering kit for Airmatic models are ready for this one....

Scoop: http://www.auto-news.de/tuning/anzeige_Lorinser-Mercedes-CLS-Shooting-Brake-Schoen,-stark,-schnell_id_33417

What's in our Car Town Garage today? (December 30, 2012)

What's in our Car Town Garage today?

2011 Ford Focus RS 500

Launched at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show, the RS 500 model, based on the European-spec 2nd generation Ford Focus hatchback, marked as the ultimate hot hatch Ford has ever made for the serious car enthusiasts. The 2.5L engine that powers it develops 350PS of power output, 15% more than the standard Focus RS. In terms of appearance, a special matte black exterior color is offered as well as its alloy wheels to make it even more dramatic for this serious limited production model.

2011 Ford Focus RS 500

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

The coupe version of the Cadillac CTS-V truly expresses what a modern-day American muscle car should be especially if this one's jam packed with some brutal force and some noise that will bring the envy to anyone else. Under the bonnet lies the supercharged V8 engine that generates 556HP of power and when you take your foot on, the CTS-V Coupe is a bewildering beast out in the wild.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

2008 Mazda Miata MX-5

One car, one driver, one feeling. Launched in 2005, the third-generation Mazda Roadster (MX-5) still retains the flair of being the Japanese two-seater roadster that drives like a British sports car because it handles like one. Little known fact that this current generation won the 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year.

2008 Mazda Miata MX-5

Busou Shinki Character Song Series

Ann (Arnval), Ines (Altines), Lene (Altlene), and Hina (Strarf) definitely are the main stars of the Busou Shinki TV anime series because they're not just more than just a bunch of toys born for battle, they're like friendship to them and to topple things up, these four Busou Shinki stars were the first to try out their character songs each volume. Would you look at that, these four character songs were categorized as BU-SOU-SHIN-KI! Coincidence? Never mind about that but hey, not only you will hear each of their character songs, you can even hear their own version of the anime's closing theme titled Install x Dream. Which of these four Busou Shinki characters tickles your fancy?

Lene/Altlene played by Megumi Nakajima will perform her character song titled PEACE & LUCK, while  Kaori Mizuhashi as Ines/Altines does HA・CHA・ME・CHA☆QUEEN, while Minori Chihara as Hina/Strarf performs いきさき and Ann/Arnval played by Kana Asumi performs SKY GARDEN. Each one costs 1,250 Yen each and each volume has three tracks; a character song, their version of the show's closing theme and an instrumental version of a character song.

Busou Shinki Character Song Series BU

Busou Shinki Character Song Series SOU

Busou Shinki Character Song Series SHIN

Busou Shinki Character Song Series KI

The best (and worst) cars of 2012

Me and the 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport

2012, it's almost over and the year 2013 is fast approaching. It's going to be a brand new year loaded with brand new cars and some of another firsts I might be expecting soon. Right now, I was on a middle of a crunch right now, deciding to make a list of the best cars and the worst cars launched in 2012. First off, let's begin with the best cars launched in 2012, the cars that surprised me the most in the year 2012. Here's the list that I made of and promise me, I'm not making the ranks because it will be in an unordered list.

THE 12 BEST CARS OF 2012

1) Ferrari F12berlinetta - As a replacement to the aging 599, it is once said that the Ferrari's newest flagship, the F12berlinetta, lapped the Fiorano Test Track faster than the Enzo or the 599 GTO.

2) SRT Viper - The year 2012 sees the return of the venerable American sportscar, the Viper, with its new look, new engine, and everything that makes it new. The sad fact for this newcomer is that it's not quite as deadly as the Corvette C6 ZR1 but who cares? The 2013 SRT Viper will keep on yelling VIPERS RULE by its heart desires.

3) Toyota 86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ - Toyobaru joint venture pays off to create a lightweight FR sports coupe that stirs a lot of sensation. Too bad it never won the 2012-2013 Japan COTY because the CX-5 took home the award but still it has a special award from the committee.

4) Mazda CX-5 - This full-SKYACTIV Mazda revolutionized the world with its newly developed SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine that promises better fuel consumption without compromising performance. Such clean diesel technology had propelled the CX-5 to win this year's Japan Car of the Year.

5) Lexus GS - the 2013 Lexus GS marks a brand new chapter in the history of Toyota's luxury brand because this is the first ever model to come with a brand new signature front face known as the "Spindle Grille". It is one of the cars I had fell in love with not only because Lexus has changed but because it tries to behave like a different executive sports saloon targeted for the middle-aged execs.

6) Renault Clio - the fourth generation Clio is probably one of my favorite cars of 2012 not only because it looks much more sexier than its predecessor but feels good in terms of its driving feel. Next year sees the estate version and the Renaultsport version, which I heard it has the 1.6L DIG Turbo engine that came from the Nissan Juke.

7) BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe - A little late for the party though but this four-door saloon version of the current-generation 6-Series tries to be a civilized four-door coupe even though it was labeled as 6-Series.

8) Toyota Crown - If I can ignore the ghastly looking grille and if I can ignore the one-off pink color from its launch party since Christmas Day, then this 14th-generation Crown would be my pick for 2012.

9) BMW M6 F12/F13 - Reason why I've included this latest version of the BMW M6, in coupe and cabriolet trim, is because this new model is getting to win my heart more than the current M5 even though they both have the same 4.4L V8 twin turbo engine that produces more power than the outgoing V10 engine it replaces. It's becoming the most satisfying M6...yet but it needs to be more tamed.

10) Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 - Even though it's not quite powerful and quicker than the 2013 Shelby GT500, the ZL1 is one of the track-focused muscle cars ever made probably it has this Magnetic Ride Control that came from its big brother, the Corvette ZR1. As an everyday car, the ZL1's suspension really responds from the way you're driving. Needless to say, this serious performance version of the Camaro really got the respect it deserves.

11) Ford Focus ST - A 5-door high performance hot hatchback based on the third-generation Ford Focus is my pick because this car has a starring role in The Sweeney movie, probably. Nah, it's probably because this is the first time Ford made a world-class high performance hot hatch based on the best-selling model from Ford under the One Ford approach. This shouty yellow color really spells TROUBLE when you set foot on the new Focus ST.

12) Peugeot 208 - Not quite a modern day city car for today's economic climate but the new 208 impressed me a lot probably because the only feature I find it very amusing is its available touch screen that behaves like an iPad.

THE 12 WORST CARS OF 2012

1) Kia K9 - Kia may have made its first ever FR executive flagship and available only for selected left-hand drive markets but this new model doesn't say AFFIRMATIVE to me. NO. RIGHT HAND DRIVE MARKETS, SORRY, IT'S NOT FOR YOU. Rear-wheel drive Korean sedans are not made for right hand drive markets. That's the rule.

2) Toyota Porte/Spade - Personally, I don't even like the new model's round shape. I don't even like its Spade twin. I don't even like its behavior. I don't even like it's interior. And I don't even like the way to drive this new model. Only thing I like? The sliding door on one side.

3) Hyundai Santa Fe - Sure, the third-generation Santa Fe (codenamed DM) maybe the best looking Santa Fe ever but to me this car really annoyed me a lot not because of its performance but because of how many smugglers attracted by this. HARI now offered one of these but idiot smugglers want to smuggle one of these because it has a sat-nav system, something that the one HARI offered didn't have. Back off, morons from India and Malaysia. We still don't have any confirmation yet...Fluidic Inokom Santa Fe? Not a chance...You just have to wait very longer...

4) Ford Escape - I was gonna hope that this new third-generation Ford Escape was enough to be the better alternative to the Chevy Equinox probably because its 1.6 EcoBoost engine is enough to be more fuel efficient than the Equinox and because it's loaded with features that the Equinox doesn't have but because of numerous recalls regarding the 1.6L EcoBoost's fire risk, guess this new model's losing the rounds...

5) Cadillac ATS - This is the most confusing Cadillac..ever. I thought this was a replacement to the CTS but some say it's not because it's the baby of the Cadillac sedans. I thought that the CTS was made to compete against the C-Class, A4, and the 3-Series but because the current model is now graduated, what else? Never mind about that but still, the ATS is a loser against the new BMW 3-Series. LOSER!

6) Acura ILX - A Honda Civic with a fancy name and a bigger price tag, who cares about this baby Acura then? Too bad the Buick Verano can easily outsmart the newcomer in terms of price, performance, and features.

7) Fiat 500L - In the past, the L in the classic Fiat 500 model means "lusso" as in "luxury". For this 2013 Fiat 500L, L stands for large because it competes against the Mini Countryman but sadly though, this new 500L doesn't even won my heart even if this model comes with an espresso machine on it. This is one of the most confusing Fiat I have ever seen in my life and who can blame them? The L in the 500L naming...lusso or large? Classic Cinquecento loyalists are taking it cautiously.

8) Cadillac XTS - How could this new flagship model became a front-wheel drive one?

9) Volvo V40 - In the good old days, the V40 name was used as an estate version of the first-generation S40. When Volvo used that name again for its 5-door rival to the Renault Megane and VW Golf, what just happened? Oi! This is not what I meant of...

10) Peugeot 4008/Citroen C4 Aircross - They may look good but they're just a bunch of Mitsubishi RVR's in French outfits.

11) Mitsubishi Outlander - First and foremost, the design of the new Mitsubishi Outlander is probably the worst. What just happened? Oh wait, I said that before but anyway, imagine if your kids saw one of these, they would say "hey look mom! A giant whale!" and then she said "no kids, That's just a car". What could possibly go wrong? He he he....

12) Fiat Panda - James May's perennial favorite is the all new Fiat Panda. Enough said....

...and that does it. These are the best and worst cars launched in fiscal year 2012. Let's hope that 2013 sees a year of bigger opportunities (or doubts) for the motoring industry. Until then...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Forza Horizon: Ford SVT Focus reward

This Focus was born this way...

Ever since I got my hands on the Rally Expansion pack on Forza Horizon, not only I also got five rally cars and the whole Colorado's gone rally-mad, but because of my ownership of Horizon's Season Pass, I also got myself the keys for the Season Pass bonus car for the month of December, a 2003 Ford SVT Focus. Lovely, isn't it and because the Focus was born with rally racing in mind ever since it replaced the legendary Escort Cosworth in the World Rally Championship, this would be worth the effort for players who want to put some rally touches on this SVT model based on the first generation Focus.

Busou Shinki Original Soundtrack

Busou Shinki OST

So, Konami's Busou Shinki toy line has its own anime show starring the Busou Shinki toys themselves set in the not-too-distant future. Ann (Arnval), Aines (Altines), Lene (Altlene), and Straf just wanna have fun on this futuristic slice-of-life battle anime intended to capture the hearts of Busou Shinki collectors across Japan but sadly, it's not quite enough to be seduced to this anime series.

This original soundtrack from the Busou Shinki anime series has arrived for those who are enjoying to those BGMs heard on the series. Most of these tracks featured here were composed by Tetsuro Oda and all of these 37 tracks offered on the Busou Shinki OST might well be enough to relieve the music heard from all 12 episodes of this Autumn 2012 anime series aired on TBS and based on Konami's Busou Shinki toy range.

If you have one of these, let us know in the comments below...

TRACK LIST:

01 神姫のテーマ 1:40
02 バトル 2:19
03 朝 1:39
04 Girls 2:13
05 お出かけ 1:51
06 行動開始! 1:37
07 事件発生 2:02
08 絶体絶命 2:02
09 スピードバトル 2:13
10 逃亡 1:57
11 大丈夫? 2:03
12 Pretty Theme 0:30
13 ドレスアップ 1:25
14 Pretty Walking 1:32
15 作戦開始 1:24
16 潜入 1:21
17 対峙 2:00
18 決断 2:03
19 バトル開始 2:05
20 Battle Princess 2:06
21 幸せな時間 1:51
22 友情 1:27
23 絆 2:03
24 朝II 1:24
25 汗(-_-;) 1:34
26 お出かけII 1:45
27 Tropical 1:29
28 夜想曲 1:33
29 小さな恋 1:40
30 Christmas 1:21
31 Serious Theme 0:32
32 選手入場 1:11
33 パワーバトル 2:17
34 激闘 2:28
35 スピードバトルII 2:14
36 ハッピーエンド 1:32
37 絆II 1:46

Order at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/s/detailview.html?KEY=PCCG-1309

Here I am, Here we are

Here I am, Here we are /
Hayate Ayasaki and Nagi Sanzenin
starring Ryoko Shiraishi and Rie Kugimiya

Whoa, after 12 weeks of spending the night with Hayate Ayasaki, Nagi Sanzenin, and the gang especially that new addition to the story, Ruri Tsugumi, I was gonna say that the all new Hayate no Gotoku Can't Take My Eyes of You really is a bombshell you can call it a day. To wrap it up after 12 episodes of wibbly wobbly madness, there's this brand new single from our main stars of the show: Hayate and Nagi. Titled Here I am, Here we are, this maxi single is all about Hayate and Nagi, being together in amidst of life's problematic escapades that made us scrambled like a scrambled egg. And who can blame them? This maxi single is a way to say thanks for watching Hayate no Gotoku Can't Take My Eyes of You. Now that's what I called a send-off.

TRACK LIST:

01.Here I am, Here we are

02. アスタリスク

03. Here I am, Here we are（Instrumental）

04. アスタリスク（Instrumental）

Buy it at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=GNCA-255

Let's Do The News! (December 27, 2012)

JM: Let's Do The News!

JC: Yeah, do the news and about last night, how was your moment with souffle girl?

JM: Morons, don't refer to souffle girl anymore. Refer this brand new partner on Doctor Who, as Series 7 Part 2 commences this Spring 2013 on BBC, as Clara Oswald.

RH: Yeah, right. Clara Oswald, the woman twice dead. I was gonna think this souffle girl was actually just like former Doctor Who companion Rory.

JM: What's the point about it?

RH: Look at Rory, he died several times; from an acid, a Silurian leader, the curse of the Black Spot, when House took control of the TARDIS, he's like "Oh My God! You killed Kenny! You bastard!"

(audience laughing)

JM: So, this new partner played by Jenna Louise Coleman, who is Clara Oswald, that really suits her title. "The Woman Twice Dead". I mean look...She was Oswin Oswald when she died and turned into a Dalek and then on that Christmas Special titled The Snowmen, who was Clara Oswin Oswald on Victorian England, she died right after the moment The Doctor stopped the icy menace lead by Dr. Simeon (played by guest start Richard E. Grant).

RH: Our thoughts exactly. We've been moved on from the Bad Wolf, who is Rose, then The Girl Who Ran, who is Martha, then The Most Important Woman in the Universe, who is Donna, then The Girl Who Waited, who is Amelia Pond, and now this. Very sorry if we ate the whole bowl of you delicious chocolate souffle you made last night.

(audience laughing)

JM: Oh forget the souffle, hamster, it seems Clara Oswald's our problem now. Anyway, any news?

JC: Right, now do you remember the 14th Generation Crown that we tackled since Christmas Day? I just remember something that during the launching party, there's something unusual about this new Crown Athlete I just saw. There's that color I find it too strange for a car that feels like it was showered with the Waters of Mars...

(audience laughing)

2013 Toyota Crown Athlete

RH: Oh dear Lord Royal Highness! It is ghastly...in pink!

JC: Yeah, I know. A pink colored all new Crown Athlete. Some say it's a one-off made for the Japanese commercial starring Jean Reno and Takeshi Beat. Now when I saw this latest ad for the 2013 Toyota Crown, that pink-colored Crown was the motif based on Doraemon's pink door that took places.

JM: Actually, that's a Dokodemo door. Like the TARDIS except it's not a box. It's just a pink door that can travel places.

JC: I really wish I want to have that one because this Dokodemo door beats the TARDIS by a long shot, wonder we're making a joke between Doraemon's Dokodemo door versus The Doctor's TARDIS.

(audience laughing)

JM: Sounds good to me. Doraemon vs. The Doctor, who can get through the Top Gear Studio faster than you can say GERONIMO?

(audience laughing)

RH: I'd say it's the Dokodemo door from Doraemon's! The Doctor's TARDIS takes a long amount of time to have him transported through our set!

(audience laughing)

JM: Anyway, enough on that and let's move on. Because here on January's Tokyo Auto Salon, we've just picked up that Honda's warming up with series of tuned models for the big show. Honda has the list and these are; N-ONE Modulo Style, S2000 Modulo Climax, STEPWGN Modulo Style, N BOX Modulo X, Mugen N-ONE, Mugen N-ONE Premium, VAMOS CANPACHI, SHINDEN bike, and many others.

RH: Wow, that's a lot for Honda and oh, word from Mazda is that they're also prepping up for that show as well with customized versions of the all new 2013 Atenza, 2013 CX-5, and the Japanese carmaker will feature a LMP racer powered by a SKYACTIV-D engine made specifically for Le Mans racing!

2013 Mazda Atenza Wagon

2013 Mazda Atenza Sedan

2013 Mazda CX-5

MAZDA LE MANS LMP2 SKYACTIV-D RACING

JC: Those Kodo-fied versions of those Mazdas really bothered me and even that they are customized for the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, they still ain't even bothered. One thing I'm noticing it is Mazda's Le Mans racer which was powered by SKYACTIV-D racing engine. Something tells me that if Mazda's going to make a Atenza Touring Car with that kind of engine, I think it would be brilliant because Mazda's have the racing pedigree since the 787B.

RH: Yeah, truth be told but not all the time.

(audience laughing)

2013 Suzuki Wagon R

JM: Suzuki's brand new Wagon R as well as its Mazda Flair siblings gained a cheaper entry-level version fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission. It's a first time they've done it on that kind and I mean hey, it still comes with the same fuel efficient Suzuki Green Technology provided by ECO-COOL and ENE-CHARGE but since this comes with a 5-speed MT, fuel economy is 25.6kmpl based on JC08 standards.

JC: Yawn....I'm still ain't bovvered...

(audience laughing)

JM: Okay, how about this? Toyota Premio and Allion, currently on their second generation, has been updated for the 2013 model year. Fuel economy for 1.5L models have been improved to 18.2km/L thanks to reduced friction and improved combustion efficiency.

JC: Still ain't bovvered...

(audience laughing)

JM: Okay, I give up...

JM: I know. Still ain't bovvered and on that bombshell, that's the news. 38th MMFF AWARDS NIGHT, it's tonight at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, Metro Manila this 6:00 PM Philippines Standard Time.