Let's Do The News! (May 15, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Next week's episode of Revolution not only sees the end of the second season but this is the end of Revolution as we knew it. Yes, it's the series finale of the hit NBC action-drama, Revolution, and in the final episode...chaos ensues as the Patriots come full force against our main characters. It's been one heck of a ride since when it first aired on NBC since two years ago but next week, witness how it all ends in Revolution. Don't miss the explosive series finale next week on NBC! Check local listings!




- Looks like SNL alum, Andy Samberg, is making a return for the season finale of NBC's hit sketch comedy variety show, Saturday Night Live.



- Two Filipino race drivers; Enzo Pastor and JP Tuason, as well as the event organizations are trading punches via Facebook. The article from TGP explains why...

- Will this hot hatch reclaim the king of FF hot hatches? Renault revealed the ultimate Renaultsport Megane ever made, the Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy, and thanks to the added 10hp power to the 2.0L turbo engine as well as the added exhaust courtesy of Akrapovic, this is the most powerful Megane they've ever made. Surprisingly, it's 5HP less than the new Seat Leon Cupra 280...

2015 Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy

- As tensions rose between China and Vietnam over island disputes, violent protests broke loose and as the protests against China continues to grow worse, over 20 people were killed in the riots.

- There's a new brand of body image-positive fashion dolls coming this year. It's called Lammily, and it's a fashion doll made using standard human body proportions. Nickolay Lamm, the digital artist behind the new generation of fashion dolls, explains all about Lammily in an interview from SweetyHigh.

- I know most of you really missed Bella Thorne a lot but she revealed her brand new single called "Call It Whatever". It made a debut on Radio Disney, and this will be the title track of Bella Thorne's first ever debut album coming late June 2014. BELLARINAS REJOICE!

Call It Whatever

- Hermione Norris will guest star in an upcoming episode of Doctor Who Series 8, due this fall on BBC One.

- If you missed Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup 2014 finals, you may have known that San Mig Super Coffee Mixers took a 2-1 lead after a 77-75 win against the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.

TTFN!!!

Gran Turismo 6: BMW Vision GT

Well, what do we have here? There's a newcomer in the world of Gran Turismo 6 and no. It's not another one of the M3 Touring Cars and it's not even its successor, the M4, which took its touring car duty this year.



What's this?



What this is is the second chapter of the Vision Gran Turismo and this time, it's the turn of BMW. Meet the BMW Vision Gran Turismo, and this concept made in collaboration with Gran Turismo traces its roots to BMW's successful involvement in the world of motorsports.



So...what's it all about? Tracing its roots from one of the most successful touring cars since the 70's, the folks from BMW designed a car made specifically for this game, interpreting it as a track weapon for the modern world. In my view, I believe that this dream machine blends the modern marvels with the historical heritage that BMW garnered from the past decades and its involvement in the world of motorsports, namely the DTM, the Nurburgring 24 Hour endurance, the ALMS (now the United SportsCar Racing), and so much more.

While the roots are all in the essence, the design of the BMW VGT took some cues from today's BMW models such as the headlamps and the taillights, they all came from today's BMW models, especially the M4 that I test drove last year. Sticking true to its "Freude am Fahren" slogan, the BMW VGT is the ultimate expression of joy when it comes to its sheer driving pleasure that Bimmer fans would want to know.



Under the hood is a 3.0L six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which delivers an impressive 541HP of power output and 680Nm of torque while it was mated to a 6-speed gearbox which I can't tell you what that is because this machine is purely a work of fiction from a real car company.

Thanks to the concept's extensive use of carbon fiber materials, it weighs at a featherweight 1,180kg and not only it has a perfect weight distribution, the power-to-weight ratio is an impressive 2.18kg/HP. But that's not all, the legendary aerodynamics inspired from past BMW racing machines really fit well thanks to its impressive downforce and drag reduction with the use of air conduction elements.



So, in the hands of a driver, this concept is an all-rounder that has a healthy balance of speed and agility. Not only it's a powerful beast to slip past its rivals but it's also a magnificent performer at the corners. It handles like what every BMW racing car had been in the past decades. Such dedication deserves a tough challenge and I think there's one...



From now until the end of this month, players can take part of the special BMW VISION GRAN TURISMO SUPER LAP and win this machine to use in-game. The car has been provided as a courtesy vehicle so you have the chance to sample the nimble footwork that this concept Bimmer it deserves and no matter the lap time would be...this car's yours.

Now, that challenge gave me the time to talk about how it performs at the Nurburgring GP/F, the venue for this special challenge...



Although it takes a driver with his or her inner Kwazii-ness to master this machine, the BMW Vision GT is definitely one of the best handling cars in the world of Gran Turismo 6. Engine in the front, drive at the back, and a let's-pretend-I'm-better-than-Kwazii-was in the middle. Oh wait, that's not right...

What I mean is that it was definitely an epic concept car to drive at and even though you are driving like a Brainiac, the healthy balance of speed and precision really moves about and you can sense all the DNA from BMW's motorsport involvement in there. Well, if it's in the blood, it's in the blood.



Of course, for a featherweight car with big torque, mistakes are bound to happened but it takes guts to tame this bewildering machine and if you got the talent to tame it...you're starting to gain the respect the concept racer deserves...





After several laps later...I finally achieved the Gold Target Time for this challenge and I posted a 1:58.944 lap time, proving that the BMW Vision GT really pushes the envelope as the ultimate driving machine but only just.

This car is available on the VERSION 1.07 Update of Gran Turismo 6 on the Playstation3 so best to update now to get this machine!



BMW VISION GRAN TURISMO

Make: BMW
Country of Origin: Germany

Drivetrain: FR
Max Power: 541HP
Max Torque: 499.0ft-lb
Weight: 1,180kg

Senior Vice President BMW Group Design:
Adrian van Hooydonk

Head of Design BMW Automobiles:
Karim Habib

Head of Exterior Design BMW Automobiles:
Domagoj Dukec

Exterior Design BMW Vision Gran Turismo:
Fabien Clottu
Julian Bechteler

Head of International Product Placement BMW Group:
Claudia Muller

Head of Geometrical Design and Integration BMW M GmbH:
Heinrich Eickhorst

Head of Functional Design and Integration BMW M GmbH:
Thorsten Richter



With Mercedes-Benz and BMW presented their Vision Gran Turismo concepts, which carmaker will be next? Find out soon...

Let's Do The News! (May 14, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- IN SCIENCE STUFF: Six major glaciers in the West Antarctica have "passed the point of no return" with respect to melting into the sea, according to scientists. It seems that the melting of ice in Antarctica appears unstoppable because of the rising global temperatures.

- Guess who's coming to dinner at the PBB house? Sandara Park, better known as Dara from K-POP group 2NE1, will be guesting at the PBB house tomorrow! So...what would the housemates do when Dara's coming to dinner at the PBB house?

- Construction of the last Harbor Link segment in NLEX, the 5.65km Segment 10, will begin this month.



- The Brits paid tribute to the Ford Mustang's 50th anniversary by recreating the legendary Bullitt chase scene at Silverstone.



- General Motor's Buick brand will make the rearview camera standard in all 2015 models...ahead from the US Department of Transport's mandate for rear-view cameras in all automobiles built from 2018.

- The recent Jay Leno's Garage webisode sees host Jay Leno taking a thousand-mile trip with his McLaren P1 hybrid hypercar he just bought not too long ago...



- Enjoyed the Nisekoi anime series recently? Looks like the folks from Konami are planning a PSVita game based on the Nisekoi anime at the end of this year! What is it? Let's find out...

- Want an XBOX One now but can't afford the $499 price tag? While the X1 Kinect will be a hundred-dollar extra...the XBOX One is now $399. Again. An XBOX One without Kinect will costs $399 (plus tax). That's now the same price as its PS4 rival.

- Calum Worthy from the Disney Channel comedy series Austin & Ally will star in next year's movie, WISHING OUT LOUD. Sweetyhigh has this story.

- Following a series of sexist and racist remarks from North Korea against SoKor president Park Geun-hye and US president Barrack Obama, it seems that the spokesman from the South Korean Defense Ministry told that North Korean "isn't a real country and exists for the benefit of only one person", referring to NoKor president Kim Jong-un's extreme ways to end all humanity.

- The Peter Rabbit pre-school series has been renewed for a second season! That was announced by Silvergate Media and it will feature 52 11-minute episodes and two 23-minute specials. Also, aside from seeing Peter, Benjamin, and Lily back for new adventures, the new season will see new characters such as Tom Kitten, Mittens, Pig Robinson, and Mr. Tolly the Tortoise.

- After getting the viewers' hearts touched by an animated short called ANYA, made in collaboration with TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE, an organization dedicated to help orphaned and abandoned Russian children, and Brown Bag Films (that's the studio that brought you Octonauts, Doc McStuffins, Henry Hugglemonster, and Peter Rabbit, among many others), Allison at Crafty Is Cool inviting anyone who's good at making crafts to make their own Pascha (that's the ragged stuff toy as seen from that short) that will be sent for the benefit of TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE.

TTFN!!!

Sewol Tragedy: Questioning the owner's alleged corruption by his family

Prosecutors said that they will summon Yoo Byung-eun, the suspected owner of the sunken Sewol ferry's operator, Chonghaejin Marine Co., later this week for questioning over the alleged corruption by the owner's family. He's been told to show up at the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office by Friday, 10:00 am Korean Standard Time.

Source: Arirang Radio

Forza Motorsport 5: McLaren P1 - The Star Car of the Game

This is the McLaren P1, it's a hybrid hypercar that incorporates all the technological know-how and their motorsport roots from McLaren's 50-year history. We all know we hate hybrids because when we hear this word, we often think of those horrid eco-boxes that are not very fun when we put our foot down. Who would even drive a hybrid with so much bumper stickers at the back reflecting society?

With the McLaren P1, we finally forget about everything we know about hybrids because this British-made hypercar rewrote the books by establishing it as a high-performance hybrid sportscar that we really love because of its formidable speed and its dynamic character underneath its drop dead gorgeous looks.



Yes, we all dream to drive one of these but because of its ultra-high price and the fact that all of the 375 units have been accounted for...well because of the review from Top Gear, we may never have the chance to live the dream of driving the McLaren P1 but thanks to Forza Motorsport 5, we can achieve that dream. Thanks to McLaren P1 being the main character car in Forza Motorsport 5, we get more from this car not by its performance but its star factor that made both the car and this game the trademark it deserves.

The 903HP hybrid hypercar from Woking maybe more of a dynamic exotic but it can be tried and tested dramatically, giving players the chance to push the McLaren P1 to the absolute limit and find out what it's like to be behind the wheel of McLaren's ultimate masterpiece. As for me, however, it's a different story because it has so much power and so much torque, I might be having difficulty handling this beast unless if I'm brave enough to handle like a boss.

It maybe a hybrid but this car will be your new favorite in Forza Motorsport 5.



So...do you prefer the P1 or something else? I was just saying...

Premeire condoms presents: Automax Carshow in Subic!

To all of you, car enthusiasts, out there in the Philippines and looking to spend some high-octane enjoyment for the summer; there's a tuner car show featuring car culture and some music to beat the scorching summer heat. That's right, folks. AUTO MAX Invades Subic! A car show and a beach party all rolled into one hot summer event for car enthusiasts and it all happens on the 31st of May, 2014, at the Boardwalk, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

This event is sponsored by PREMIERE Condoms and co-presented by: Autobot Autoworks, Perfect Circle Events, DECAL REPUBLIC, and BIGBOI Productions.

Balitang Six Six for 5/12/2014

Breaking news from the May 12, 2014's Banana Nite's BALITANG SIX SIX!

- Man with hangover...dropped himself with his bed along with it!

- BMX rider pulls stunts on a bench...bench slams him!

- Bank robber ate up all his evidences!

- Man lifting weights...while dog's desperate for a poo!

- Lady dancing with her booty until her pants ripped!

- Lady sits on a bridge...until she got splashed!

Meanwhile...some humorous photos showcased in another ETO NA POST! Such as...why her back looks like a centipede's, stockings or hair, a kid got his clothes hanged by clippers, dog with a horse's head, and a smelly shoe on a man's face as a punishment.

Toyota Ractis and Subaru Trezia 2015 minor change

It's the new Toyota Ractis (Verso-S) and Subaru Trezia! Sort of...The second-generation Toyota Ractis, as well as its Subaru twin, the Trezia, has been updated for the 2015 model year and for these compact cars, they're now more economical and keen looking than ever before.

2015 Subaru Trezia

2015 Toyota Ractis

Well, on the outside, some subtle changes are occurred from the front grille, revised headlamps, revised rear lamps, and a little else of that. Not only the outside gets some cosmetic changes but on the inside...

2015 Subaru Trezia interior

2015 Toyota Ractis interior

...well, there interior's mildly revised with the hint of a revised instrumental panel for some models. Now, even though the cosmetic changes is a bit enough to differentiate it from the pre-facelift, the biggest change happened on both the Trezia and the Ractis is the implementation of the brand new 1NR-FKE engine first applied on the Vitz minor change last month.

1NR-FKE

For a quick recap, the 1NR-KFE engine uses the Atkinson Cycle commonly used in their hybrid cars and provides and enhanced expansion ration and reduces waste heat through a high compression ratio of 13.5:1. It can be utilized with the use of a tumble flow-generating intake, cooled EGR, and VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent Electric) technology.

With the new 1NR-FKE engine, both the Trezia and the Ractis will have the JC08 Mode-calculated fuel economy of 20.0kmpl but couple that with the idling stop feature and it will return about 21.8kmpl, making it one of the class-leading fuel-economy figures ever recorded. Of course, if you want more power, you can opt for the 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine, which develops 109PS of power output and fuel economy of 20.6kmpl when equipped with an idling stop function. Of course, most models do come with the CVT gearbox but for 1.5L models, the CVT comes with a 7-speed manual mode and a SPORT switch which makes it a bit too peppy...I think...

The 2015 Ractis starts from 1,615,091 up to 1,954,800 Japanese Yen (about $16,200 to $19,550) while the 2015 Trezia starts from 1,566,000 up to 2,131,000 Japanese Yen (about $15,700 to $21,310). The pricing may not be textbook but they can be a smart buy for the smart consumers.

Available colors for the Ractis: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Bronze Mica Metallic, Light Blue Mica Metallic, Satin Blue Mica Metallic, Deep Amethyst Mica Metallic, and Super White II.

Available Colors for the Trezia: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Bronze Mica Metallic, Satin Blue Mica Metallic, and Deep Amethyst Mica Metallic.

Sewol Tragedy: Three members named martyrs

Three crew members of the Sewol ferry that submerged last month were recognized as "martyrs". All were part-time members - including an engaged couple - who could have escaped but remained in the ferry to help trapped passengers. Those members were Kim Ki-Woong (age 28), Jung Hyun-Seon (also age 28), and Park Ji-young (age 21). These members' heroic sacrifices stood in stark contrast to the captain and most of the crew who were abandoned ship on the day of the sinking.

So far, the death toll is 275 while 29 people remained missing because search and rescue efforts remained hampered by bad weather.

Let's Do The News! (May 12, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- It's Game 2 of the PBA 2014 Commissioner's Cup Finals and in this game, the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters leveled the score to 1 all after a 86-76 game against the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

- Gene Simmons from the legendary rock band, KISS doesn't even know what Love Live is especially when on the sixth episode of the second season of the hit anime series. He even tweeted the words "WHAT'S THE NAME OF THE COMIC OR SHOW?" How off-beating...

- The Love Live game app is finally available for English-speaking customers on Apple iOS and Android under the School Idol Festival moniker. I should told you when you have one...you'll get a first-day irritance because of the maintenance message. Oops...

- Even though Finland's cellphone giant, Nokia, is pulling out from the smartphone business, they're simplifying in the world of vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Is it now...Connecting Drivers?

- Embattled actress Claudine Barretto claims that the 2004 civil wedding with actor Raymart Santiago was a fraud and the recent murder attempts against her has been disclosed. PEP has this story.

- IN CASED YOU MISSED IT: The housemates who are risked to be evicted on the Pinoy Big Brother house are...Chevin Cecilio, Maris Racal, and Loisa Andalio.

- The Philippine government is set to release the two Chinese minors, who were among the 11 Chinese nationals arrested for illegal fishing last week in Palawan.

TTFN!!!

F1 2014: Spanish GP

For the fourth time in this season, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes is once again stands out the crowd after a thrilling fight to the finish against his teammate Nico Rosberg at Circuit de Catalunya.

After the match in Spain, looks like Hamilton's in the lead on the driver's standings at 100 points while his teammate, Rosberg behind at 97 points, and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso lagging on 3rd place at 49 points.

Report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/5/15819.html

So, there's no stopping Lewis Hamilton now and his championship status is just too early to declare the winner. There are plenty of remaining rounds in this season that will give rivals a chance...or in any case when Hamilton's fighting spirit lingers. Find out as F1 2014 is on Monaco this 25th of May.

Wow Mali Pa Rin! (5/11/2014)

On the May 11, 2014 episode of WOW MALI PA RIN!

- SAMALAMIG SA POOL - Do you wanna know where did we get this kind of refreshment? From the swimming pool! ENJOY!!!

- SUSHOOT...SUSI - One of Joey's angels has a key in her...melons. Care to grab one for her?

- FLORES DE FLASH MOB - The Flores De Mayo's coming to your footsteps!

- FAMILIA DE GRASA - Even greased-up beggars just wanna beat the heat this summer...especially if he's afraid of going to the swimming pool!

- ANAK NG FU - In this week's ANAK NG FU, Mr. Fu enlisted two middle-aged women to pretend to go blind and ask someone to read her text message. Get your sweet talking on!

- MEE HALO-HALO KA? - Fancy a halo-halo with a milk that comes from...goats?!

- DRUNK SWIMMING - Captivating...Alluring...PERO SUKAHIN...SEXY SUKA.