Sunday, October 12, 2014

Forza Horizon 2: Huracan Warning

huracan

With the 5.2L V10 engine developing 602HP of power, top speed of 202mph, 0-60mph in three seconds, all-wheel drive, and dual-clutch transmission, the Lamborghini Huracan is the replacement of the Gallardo and it's named after a Mayan god, Spanish word for hurricane, or one of the famed bulls...and it's arrived in style on Forza Horizon 2 as the hero car of the game! We have gotten the chance to try out Lamborghini's latest creation on the Southern European landscape and we never felt so alive while spending precious amounts of time with this newborn supercar.

huracan_1

I have fell in love with the Huracan since the first time I drive this car on Forza Horizon 2 and for this car, it looks like it treated Southern Europe as its personal playground or a baby dome for some reason because we love to toy around numerous roads for days. If I want to evaluate the Huracan, I took part on a special monthly rival event called the Huracan Warning where we have to set the fastest time possible in a sprint run using none other than the car itself.



By my evaluation, the Huracan is one heck of a bewildering machine to drive and the sound of the 5.2L V10 engine sounds the same as the days of the Gallardo. Sounds sinister but it is glorious because there are only a few surviving machines using that V10 engine at this moment in time but because that V10 sounds more ancient, the Huracan really got what it takes to be a legend if we follow our hearts to achieve our goals in Horizon 2. Handling-wise, the all-wheel drive system keeps the Huracan well-balanced on different roads no matter what weather will hit us at it and it feels a lot more stable as well. However, there are some understeer issues faced with this machine but no matter, this newborn V10 Lambo risen from the ashes of the Gallardo is one heck of a Ridge Racer in all the right moves...minus the Ridge Racer part that I said because the Huracan is a real-world car we love to drive in the virtual fantasy world of FH2.

 huracan_2

The Huracan really melts our hearts made of iron filings like a pack of Magnolia Quickmelt and a simple Quickfire recipe as seen on TV and metaphorically, it's like putting a Quickmelt on a Quickfire and that one really appeals to the larger crowd like hotcakes. Delicious...

huracan_3

No matter how many times I drove with the Huracan, this Lambo never fails to impress me. Driving one of these feels like I haven't slept in days and I've never felt so alive and intense while behind the wheel. My senses are now as sharp as knives and the Huracan really is as sharp as a rapier wielded by a marksman who is skilled in countless battles.

With the Huracan in FH2, facing off with this machine is like opening a new chapter for all things to come in Forza Horizon 2 and with the car and driver's hearts as one, it's like a whole new love story petrolheads looking forward to as they continue their quest to the Horizon Finale.

Doctor Who S08E08

Doctor Who S08E08
The episode is titled Mummy on the Orient Express and this episode sees The Doctor and Clara taking a ride on the space-age version of the Orient Express until a mummy kills someone within 66 seconds and it's up to The Doctor to solve this life-threatening puzzle and put a stop to it. That episode gave us the 66 seconds of thrills...literally.

We just noticed that jazz singer Foxes made a guest appearance on this episode. She even done her version of the 1979 hit song from Queen titled Don't Stop Me Now.



Man, let's hope her version of that song would make it on the soundtrack next year. Anyway, how does she impressed on her special appearance in this episode?

 

This episode is more of a murder-mystery case set in the space-age version of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and if by Agatha Christie, The Doctor met her in the episode The Unicorn and the Wasp six years ago.

Also in that episode, The Doctor said something while facing off with the mummy. He said "are you my mummy?" and I swear I heard this one before. It was that phrase the gas-masked zombie said in one episode of the first series when Doctor Who revived 9 years ago.

Still, it was great for The Doctor to tell the truth to Clara about his reckless actions and we're glad that Clara is back to wanting to travel with the Doctor no matter what.

Anyway, here's the BTS for this episode:

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?! - October 11, 2014

On the October 11, 2014 episode of Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?!

- Heaven gags

- Mr. FB goes social overload to his officemates!






- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls are too dumb to answer a question!

- Tonight's Special Guest...Mommy D!



- Different situations when in the jeepney are explained

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls are STILL too dumb to answer a question!

- Battle of the Brainless Celebrity Edition with Mommy D, Sherap, and Nura!

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls don't know what corn is this.

- Poke-Pokan Na! in Bulong Ni Mahal!

Saturday, October 11, 2014

#BGMadScientist

On the October 10, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Mad scientist gags

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, May babaeng galit sa tambayan, tapis lang ang kanyang kasuotan, sabi nya siya daw ay...NABOSOHAN!!!

- On this episode's PAG-IBIG HOTLINE, Mr. Luv-Yah is counseling with a couple facing with some major issues with themselves.

Mr. Luv Yah

Tina & Ronnel



- What to do when your stunt double isn't what it suppose to be?

- A director has some brainstorming during a coffee break...

Nag-iisang Ikaw


- Bubble Gang Flashback Friday

- More wise words from Tata Lino!

- Those youngsters in their computers these days...

- "Sorry but that's not my job"

Top Gear USA: Need For Speed



The boys of Top Gear USA are back and on that episode, they're taking on the fastest roads in Germany and if they're ready, they're prepared to take on the Nurburgring, the ultimate racetrack most challenging racers take on over the years. For Tanner, he's armed with the VW Golf VII R while for Rut, he's armed with the Porsche 911 991 Carrera 4S, and for Adam, he's fully armed with the brand new Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4. Mind you, Tanner has a 4WD car with the engine with the front while Rut has a four-wheel drive car with the engine at the back, and Adam's got a 4WD car with the engine in the middle. It's all-and-all in their German road trip to Nurburgring.

First up, it's the drag race and since Tanner's got a hatch by mistake, he's got a disadvantage against his co-hosts' sportscars and even a jumpstart won't help it because...Adam and the Huracan nailed them both. Period.

Next, the boys are taking on the Autobahn, a German highway where no speed limits are present and they can go as fast as they can until they will face traffic. Tanner and his Golf R done it in 150mph while Adam and the Lambo done it in a quicker 175mph, and Rut in a Porsche done it in 143mph.

Meanwhile, the boys are racing through a church from an old German town and whoever gets there the fastest wins. Even though these cars have their own trump cards on their side, getting through the tight streets is a challenge. After miles of navigating through the town, the Rut in the Porsche made it first.

Because Tanner hadn't won anything in this episode, he lured them to the parking lot for the handling test but with added twist: a slalom test while avoiding big cans of beer. This test demonstrates the VW Golf R's handling capabilities but for the other two...this is going to be one-sided. Still, the Porsche 911 C4S done it barely.

And now, the boys are on their way to the Nurburgring, their big petrolhead dream come true, but for Tanner's he's going to swap his Golf for something race-prepped for the Nurburgring race...in a form of a race-spec version of the Golf VI! He's not giving up without a fight!

He's going to set a benchmark time at the Ring and then...have Adam and Rut beat it with their sportscars! Even though the Huracan and the 911 C4S gave it everything they've got, it was one heck of an experience to have themselves in the Ring.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Let's Do The News! (October 10, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- The US Embassy in Manila put most of the Americans on high alert in the Philippines after police arrested three men linked to terrorist networks plotting to bomb most parts of the Philippine capital. Last October 5th, the police have arrested three members of the Rajah Solaiman Movement whose hideout were under surveillance for months.

- According to a US report, human rights records from the People's Republic of China continued to grow worse in key areas over the past year and limits on free speech and assembly are growing.

- Former leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, age 83, has been hospitalized but he's determined to fight for his life. Gorbachev is the last leader of the Soviet Union when he took power in 1985 and instituted the sweeping political and economic reforms known as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (rebuilding).

- Over 87 million Philippine Pesos of deposits from Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has been found as the investigation over his charge for plunder and his involvement at the PDAF scam continues.

- As the Hong Kong Protests still rages on, most of the student protest leaders have called on supporters to stage a major rally later on after the HK government cancelled planned talks.

- As the whole Philippines are on the watch on PNP National Director General Alan Purisma, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wished to the Philippine president Benigno Aquino III that he should "kick Purisima upstairs so that he will leave the PNP alone.”

- Aston Martin, the premier British sports car maker is coming to the Philippines and to be distributed by the newly established Aston Martin Manila. The newest PH distributor of Aston Martin has been forged by Bridgestone PH president Marc Tagle and Marc Soong. They'll be bringing most DB9, Vanquish, Rapide, and Vantage models on the Philippine market next year.

2015 Aston Martin Vanquish


- Naruto fans, don't fret because even though the manga ends as well as "The Last - Naruto The Movie", there's still more hope because next year, there's going to be a stage play that is part of an ongoing post-end projects.

TTFN!!!

2014-2015 Japan COTY finalists announced



Last year, the Volkswagen Golf VII was the first imported car to win the Japan Car of the Year, edging out the likes of locally-made bests especially the Honda Fit. It was one heck of a twist happened in the history of Japan COTY when an imported car, especially German, won this award that is solely for Japan-made cars. I have no idea why most Japanese people love the new Golf very much.

Now, for the 2014-2015 Japan COTY, the top ten finalists have been announced and the winner will be named at the 13th of October, the final day of the Tokyo Motor Fest 2014. So, who are the ten finalists vying for the top spot?

1) Toyota Noah and Voxy

2014 Toyota Noah

2014 Toyota Voxy
2) Nissan Skyline V37 (Infiniti Q50)

2015 Nissan Skyline 200GT-t

3) Honda N-WGN

2014 Honda N-WGN

4) Mazda Demio

2015 Mazda Demio
5) Subaru Levorg

2015 Subaru LEVORG

6) Suzuki Hustler

2014 Suzuki Hustler

7) Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

8) BMW i3

2014 BMW i3

9) Jeep Cherokee

2014 Jeep Cherokee

10) Peugeot 308

2014 Peugeot 308

These are the finalists but who will be crowned the 2014-2015 Japan Car of the Year? Find out soon...

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Let's Do The News! (October 9, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Most of the American central bank policymakers are concern about the current economic situation regarding the economic slowdown and the strong dollar as minutes of the US Federal Reserve's policy meeting last month were released. The labor market conditions continue to improve but the workforce is underutilized.

- South Korean prosecutors indicted the former bureau chief of Sankei Shimbun on suspicion of libeling SoKor president Park Geun-Hye.

- A bomb scare forced Katipunan's Miriam College to suspend their classes.

- Two ace pilots from the Philippine Air Force, Brigadier General Raul Del Rosario and Colonel Guillermo Molina Jr. have been promoted.

- Toyota's Prius Alpha MPV has been given a minor change for 2015.

Toyota Prius Alpha 2015 minor change

- Fans of the Metal Slug game would know that the main character tank of the game, called the SV-001/I Metal Slug, has spawned a 1/24 scale model kit from Wave. It will be available this January for 4,800 Japanese Yen.

SV-001/I Metal Slug

- Porsche reveals the 911 Carrera GTS range which features an uprooted version of the 3.8L boxer-6 engine that develops 424HP of power and a top speed of over 190mph. It can be fitted with either a 7-speed manual or the PDK gearbox.

2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
- In an Autoblog-exclusive report, the Formula Roadshow returns to Jerusalem, Israel, after series of conflicts.

- This is the Hyundai Aslan, the production version of the AG concept sedan as seen from the 2014 Busan Motor Show and pre-orders are open for this premium saloon that sits between the Grandeur and Genesis. It will be powered with either a 3.0L or a 3.3L GDi engine.

2015 Hyundai Aslan

- Disney celeb Olivia Holt has signed a contract deal with Disney Music Group's Hollywood Records.

TTFN!!!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

WARNING: Superstorm Vongfong reaches Japan on weekend



Superstorm Vongfong was intensified into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the cusp of Category 5 status, as it heads through the Western Pacific Ocean toward Japan. Its maximum sustained winds is at least 155mph and it's heading through Japan, a nation that is still reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon Phanfone over the weekend, this coming Sunday. This is known to be this year's most powerful storm since last year's Superstorm Haiyan which has max winds of 230kph and 315kph gusts before it caused havoc in the Visayas part of the Philippines.

The northern Ryukyu Islands will be the first to feel the wrath of this superstorm as early as Saturday or Saturday night while the worst impacts across mainland Japan are expected from Monday to Tuesday and expect devastating winds and strong rainfall.

Report: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/07/super-typhoon-vongfong_n_5947470.html

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Super GT 2014: Thailand



The first ever SUPER GT race to be held at Chang International Circuit in Thailand was a spectator-worthy experience for the Thai petrolheads who turned out to be big fans of the SuperGT race and for the first ever race in this new circuit, which is the seventh round of this 2014 season, the #36 PETRONAS TOM'S RC F, driven by Kazuki Nakajima and James Rossiter, is the winner on the GT500 class while on the GT300 class, the winner goes to the #3 B-MAX NDDP GT-R driven by Kazuki Hoshino and Lucas Ordonez, the first ever Nissan GT Academy graduate.

Highlights:

So far, the #36 LEXUS TEAM PETRONAS TOM'S is in the lead on the GT500 standings while the #4 GOODSMILE RACING & TeamUKYO is still standing at the top of the GT300 standings. The final race will be at Twin Ring Motegi on the 16th of November. Who will win the Super GT 2014 season? See you next month!

Let's Do The News! (October 7, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Japan's next-gen weather satellite, the Himawari 8, was successfully launched into initial orbit as scheduled. The rocket was lifted off at precisely 2:16 PM Japan Standard Time from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. It will be placed in a geostationary orbit about 36,000 km above the Earth and operations will commence next year.

- So far, 54 people died in the Mt. Ontake eruption that occurred on the 27th of September, 2014, the worst volcanic eruption in Japan for over seven decades.While 12 people remained missing at that time, the Japanese government had deployed a thousand police officers, firefighters, and SDF personnel to continue their search and rescue ops.

- US Vice President Joe Biden apologizes for remarks on Syria, clarifying that he didn't mean to criticize Washington's allies in the Middle East for the response to the battle against ISIS.

- The Belgian defense ministry commenced their first air strike against the ISIS in Iraq on Sunday. An F-16 fighter jet conducted the raid on the Islamic State extremists after spotting the group's unit fighting against Iraqi troops.

- As the Ebola Outbreak continues to worsen, US President Barack Obama will consider heightened airport screenings and other measures to prevent the spread of the Ebola disease.

- The Philippine Government is committed to spend billions of Pesos in funds for the creation of the politically autonomous Bangsamoro entity.

- The first Forza Horizon 2 DLC Pack has announced and for tomorrow's Mobil 1 Car Pack, there are six new cars rolling out such as the Jaguar F-Type Coupe, SRT Grand Cherokee with an 8-speed gearbox, Renault Clio RS 200 EDC, VW Scirocco 16v, Maserati 300 S, and the 1988 BMW M5. It's free for Season Pass holders.

The Forza Horizon 2 Mobil 1 Car Pack
- The Angry Birds are getting a movie this 2016! Be prepared because the birds are ready to crash the big screen!

- REPORT: The Naruto manga series which spawned a massively popular TV show, numerous movies, and an array of merchandising rights, is reaching its climax next month. Looks like the ninja saga has come to a gripping climax.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 2: Challenge Stradale accepts the challenge

360cs

This is no ordinary Ferrari 360 because this is the 360 Challenge Stradale, a hardcore version of the 360 Modena that weighs less and more aerodynamic than the normal 360 because of carbon fiber door panels, removed carpets, carbon ceramic brakes, titanium wheel bolts, dual rear floor with F1-inspired flows, slightly longer nose, slightly modified sills, slightly necked boot and the rear is higher than the front. The 3.6L engine that powers it is raised to 425BHP, resulting to a 0-60mph time of four seconds.

360cs_1

I won this car from my first showcase event on Forza Horizon 2. It was the one where I have to race against an aerobatic squadron in the open roads of Castelleto. It was a close one but I'm glad I got my hands on this hardcore 360 that is pre-tuned to take on the next championship. I've even got the chance to use it on the road trip to Nice, France.

360cs_2

The 360 Challenge Stradale maybe old but it still work very well in the Southern European landscape in Forza Horizon 2 and I spent several hours showing its true capabilities as a full-blooded Ferrari by taking part in championship events suitable for its kind as a Modern Supercar but first, the 360CS needs to be dressed for the occasion...

360cs_3

Its make-up transformation is done...well sort of. The 360 Challenge Stradale is now ready for the event and notice this shiny gray paint on the outside, it gives out that luster and a more dramatic feel to my Challenge Stradale. I've even added some black stripes to give out that contrast. If I have time for evaluation, looks like my Challenge Stradale looks dramatic enough to cruise around the roads of Southern Europe and for racing, it wants to play rough like most cars do here.

Speaking of play rough, the 360CS is ready to take on the championship it was assigned to and it's time to show how the 360CS can do like an ace!