Let's Do The News! (December 18, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- The world's top leaders appreciated the US-Cuban agreement to end over 50 years of hostility and collaborate the two nations to restore diplomatic relations. US President Barack Obama said that their policy against Cuba has failed and it's time to move on to work alongside with the Cuban government. Even Pope Francis is very happy to see the two nations working together for the first time.

- Russian president Vladimir Putin is ready to hold his end-of-year news conference despite the nation's economic strife. It's set to be broadcasted on Russian televisions and it's focused solely on the rouble currency as well as the ongoing standoff between Russia and Ukraine.

- Sony Pictures Entertainment cancelled the release of their latest action comedy movie, The Interview, in theaters after their company website's been hacked and threatened to terrorize movie theaters showing that film. The Interview is an action comedy movie about two journalists assigned by the CIA to bring down the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In response from the recent hacking, which authorities believed to be the work of North Korean hackers, Sony decided to cancel the release.

- The Court of Appeals ordered Manila Electric Company or MERALCO to refund consumers over 5 billion pesos in overpayments that it will recover from the National Power Corporation and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation.

- Former Philippine President now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is undergoing her breast exam at the Makati Medical Center.

- The new Acura NSX is set to premiere at the 2015 NAIAS next month in its production-form glory. GET READY!



- The iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL DLC Catalog 8 has been revealed. Set for its Christmas Day on-sale date, the latest DLC Catalog features a brand new EX Episode where you'll going to need a lot of talent for your idols to take on a formidable idol named Leon. This EX Episode is by no means the most difficult because Leon's throwing everything she got to throw your idol off the stage so...have your idols fully prepared for the assault.

Also on this catalog, Tsubasa Ibuki from The IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE mobile game will be making a very special appearance. As for outfits, they've added new ones like Dancing Belly Reverie, Nordic Highness, Dressy Alice, Precious M45, Jade Stardust, Interstellar Flyer, Visitor from Space, Next Orbiter, and Pastel Milky Way. On the songs list, ビジョナリー and Little Match Girl are added.

THE iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL
765SHOP CATALOG VOL.08

TTFN!!!

CHRISTMAS 2014 - Best foods to serve on a noche buena

The noche buena, another Christmas tradition when the whole family celebrate Christmas with their meals served in their platter and then eat it when the clock strikes twelve o'clock midnight on Christmas. Originally done by Spanish-speaking nations for centuries, Filipinos done this Christmas tradition not only in the Philippines but at the rest of the world.

Of course, when we think of Noche Buena, we think about some delicious meals served in the dinner table but there are some meals work really well in the Noche Buena feast so let's list down the best meals to serve on the Noche Buena.

• Festive Hams - Most Noche Buenas for the Filipino families will never be complete without a Festive Ham. Yes. Festive Hams take a very long time to cook and usually takes about four hours to cook such a delicious meal but cooking times can vary depending on the festive ham of your choosing. With patience, you'll be able to serve this meal that a certain commercial calls it "the star of the noche buena".
• Sio-mai - A siomai (Chinese pork dumplings) is probably one of my favorites. My parents ordered a pack of those for occasional means and recommending this meal for noche buena is a good thing. If you need a simple siomai recipe, CLICK HERE.
• Pancit Malabon - This native food from the city of Malabon looks similar to the Palabok but what differs it is the addition of seafood toppings and its usage of very thick rice noodles. Most ingredients in this meal are shrimp, tinapa flakes, and squid, You can cook one by yourself or buy one at your nearest restaurant that makes one of these. Either way, this Pancit Malabon works great to your Noche Buena.
• Spaghetti - Little kids love spaghetti and this all-time favorite is a must-have to your Noche Buena list. Of course, you might be tempting to order one from a fast food, say McDo or Jollibee, but it would be best to cook one by yourself if you got the right ingredients to cook one.
• Fried Chicken - Oh yes. Fried chicken is what every Filipino family craves on and rather than just ordering one from their nearest fast-food joint, how about cooking them at home? As long as you bought that Ajinomoto Crispy Fry Ready Mix, anything is possible to cook some delicious fastfood-style fried chicken best served for the noche buena!
• Chinese Soup - The perfect appetizer for the noche buena but I'd recommend buying Knorr Real Chinese Soup from your nearest grocery. There's a commercial that goes "There's nothing like Knorr Real Chinese Soup" and trust me, I sorta know this jingle from years ago. Anyway, you get the idea but trust me. It's delicious and I'd recommend every household to serve some delicious Knorr Real Chinese Soup for the Noche Buena. Goodah!
• Ice Cream - Yes. I know. Why did I add Ice Cream to the list? It's the sweetest dessert after all those Noche Buena meals you've ate. There's a whole bunch of ice cream flavors to choose from and the flavor of your choosing is up to you.
• Cakes - Cake? Do we need cakes for noche buena? Why not? Famous bakeshops in the Philippines such as Goldilocks and Red Ribbon do serve cakes more than just for birthdays but I'd prefer Red Ribbon better because of their Mango Cake and Ube Cake. Well, the Ube Cake takes the cake, literally, because this is unlike any other ube cake I've ever eaten. This IS the best Ube Cake I've ever eaten and I'd recommend buying one from your nearest Red Ribbon bakeshop.
• Bananacue - Sweetened fried bananas on a stick are one of the most ideal meals to have on your Noche Buena. Of course, you'll going to find a street vendor that cooks one which, in today's climate, is very hard due to cops patrolling the streets against street vendors. If you're lucky, tell him or her to buy aplenty!

There are so many meals to serve on your upcoming Noche Buena but the rest is up to you. Be creative! Think about the best meals you can serve for your Noche Buena so you and your family can enjoy having some delicious meals served at the dinner table!

Let's Do The News! (December 17, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Returning on the Jennifer Laude murder case, it looks like the Philippine and the US government are trying to decide which of these two nations should take custody on Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, the US soldier responsible for the murder of the said transgender in Olongapo. Justice Sec. Leila De Lima said that he should be under PH government's custody.

- Dirty restrooms, broken elevators and escalators, and long queues of passengers are the main reason why the Metro Rail Transit failed in the random survey conducted by the office of Senator Grace Poe.

- Pakistanis mourned the death of 142 victims who were killed from the Taliban attack at a military-run school in the nation's embattled northwest area.

- North Korea celebrated the 3rd death anniversary of the late Kim Jong-il.

- American electronic giant Apple announced that they will cease online sales in Russia due to the falling Rouble currency rates. They stopped selling latest versions of iPhone, iPad, and other devices in this nation moments after the Russian currency went into free-fall.

- Subarists, rejoice! The animated collaboration from Subaru and GAINAX, titled Hokago no Pleiades gets a TV anime series this spring. Here's the first PV which sums everything up.



- Two Nissan Fairlady Z drift cars set a new Guinness World Record for the longest twin-vehicle drift in Dubai. Coinciding with the launch of the Japanese carmaker's "370Z Drift Experience" in Dubai, those Fairlady duo cars pulled a total of 28.52km of drifting distance. Amazing!



- BBC's action drama series, The Musketeers, returns for their second season this 2nd of January on BBC One and BBC One HD. For the latest season, a new threat emerges. How will The Musketeers face off against this new kind of threat? Find out as the second season of The Musketeers airs on the 2nd of January, 2015, on BBC One and BBC One HD. This series stars Luke Pasqualino, Tom Burke, Santiago Cabrera, and Howard Charles.



- Exclusively for XBOX One, Forza Horizon 2 unleashed their Storm Island Expansion. In this expansion, the Horizon adventure continues on this mysterious island called Storm Island. In this new place, you'll be witnessing punishing roads as well as typhoons ravaging through this island. Be prepared with your best off-roader and take on punishing challenges if you got what it takes to survive Storm Island. To be prepared, there are new cars waiting for you on this expansion such as the Robby Gordon #7 Speed Energy Drink Stadium Super Truck, MINI Monster Energy All4 Racing X-Raid, Ford Ranger T6 Rally Raid, Ford Fiesta XR2, and the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4.

This expansion is available for $20 but VIPs receive a half-price discount for this expansion.

Forza Horizon 2 Storm Island Expansion

TTFN!!!

Hyundai Sonata (LF) Hybrid

A few months ago, the Hyundai Sonata has been given its full model change under the LF codename and for this new generation, it focuses on four terms; RUN. TURN, STOP, and PROTECT. RUN refers to the engine choices, TURN refers to the handling characteristics although this new model now comes with some multilink cleverness, STOP and PROTECT refers to the safety features. It was launched prior to the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Sonata next year since its debut late 1985 and while the rapidly-growing carmaker has big plans for the Sonata's 30th birthday next year, they've added a new Hybrid model to the mix.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The new and improved Sonata Hybrid still emphasizes on four terms; RUN. TURN, STOP, and PROTECT, while delivering its own blend of fuel-efficiency for the roads of today. On the exterior view, the Sonata Hybrid features a different look than the standard model judging from its different front grille, new alloy wheels, and a new rear lamp design that is very different from the standard model.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid interior

On the inside, it looks pretty much the same as the normal Sonata and it's lavishly equipped with cutting-edge technology that will seduce you to its connectivity whim. Plus, it's surprisingly comfortable as well even in the back seats just like the original. The only difference in the Hybrid model is this 4.2 Color TFT LCD on the dashboard that monitors how I'm driving. It monitors how fuel-efficient am I driving, the range, the mileage, and so on. There's so much to explore about the new interior from the driver's point of view.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid speedometer

Now, let's talk more about the biggest improvement on the hybrid drivetrain. For the brand new Sonata Hybrid, the 2.0L Nu engine as seen from the previous YF Sonata Hybrid model has been given the GDi treatment. Yes. It now comes with Gasoline Direct Injection so it's now more powerful than ever with 156PS of power output. This new engine is mated with an electric motor generating 38kW of power and an improved Li-ion battery with 13.3% higher capacity and relocated under the boot floor for added space at the back. Sounds good enough for us and with the 6-speed automatic gearbox, the new model delivers a combined fuel economy of 18.2km/L. That's two times less than its rivals from Japan but don't be fooled because it's much more engageable to drive rather than those CVT-powered hybrid saloons from this class.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Just like the normal model, the new Sonata Hybrid comes with some optional safety features including the Forward Collision Warning System, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, and not to mention the Advanced Smart Parking Assist System where you can let the parking all by itself when it spots a vacant parking space. Looks like this hybrid saloon really sticks true to its promise that its petrol-powered version delivers.

The new Sonata Hybrid starts at 28,700,000 up to 32,000,000 Korean Won plus additional costs for optional extras depending on the variant.

Available colors: Ice Mint, Ice White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Night Sky, Remington Red, and Phantom Black.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

CHRISTMAS 2014 - What is a Simbang Gabi?

We begin our special CHRISTMAS 2014 post with a little question that foreigners travelled to the Philippines got their heads scratching for the answer. Just what is a Simbang Gabi?

My first day at this year's SIMBANG GABI

Simbang Gabi (mass at night) is a novena of Masses in honor of the Mother of God to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. This celebration dates back in the 1500's and it's part of the Spanish friars' plan to catechize the Filipinos on the birth of Our Lord and on Mary's role in the Incarnation. For the year 2014, it started since the 16th of December 2014 and it runs until the 24rd of December, 2014 and like all Simbang Gabis in the past, the masses started at early dawn (think 5:00 AM in the Philippine Standard Time or so).

Well, since I don't want to turn this into a history lesson, let me tell you about my first simbang gabi experience since last year. You see, when me and my grandparents went to the church on the first day of Simbang Gabi, I was skeptical at first but when others starting to think that if whoever completes all nine days of Simbang Gabi gets to grant a wish, it was like I'm accepting this challenge and I'm on it.

Nine days of Simbang Gabi is like nine episodes of Brainiac Science Abuse Season 4 for me because like that discontinued show I mentioned, masses take about an hour or so to finish and surviving the night (or day because they all starts at early morning) is an easy task but behaving in the church during the duration of the mass is a challenge. I was trying to act normal but all the urges are trying to distract my behavior so I try to fight it until this mass is over. No one says it's that easy.

Having managed to survive nine days of simbang gabi, I try to grant my wish and what's that wish I'm granting is everyone's guess but it involves "freeing the world from possible threats" or something because our world's facing a massive resistance from a massive stretch of land and someone's watching from up high, too. That's why I'm wishing to free this world from both of these threats and we're going to witness it.

Anyway, that's my simbang gabi experience and for this year, things are going to be very different because I already done my first day and tomorrow, I'll be going for my day two of the nine-day Simbang Gabi at our nearby church. Until then, happy Simbang Gabi, everyone!

Let's Do The News! (December 16, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- At least three people are reported dead, including the gunman, after armed policemen put this Sydney cafe siege to the end. According to some reports, the hostage taker behind the siege, named Man Haron Monis, had list of grievances against people oppressing Muslims.

- A US law firm is preparing a nationwide class-action lawsuit against Takata, and other carmakers over the defective airbag system. Over 50 damages suits have already been filed against the said Japanese car parts maker and some of the Japanese carmakers, including Honda and Toyota.

- Health authorities in Japan's Miyazaki Prefecture confirmed the H5 strain of bird flu in chickens from a local poultry farm. They've conducted genetic tests after 29 chickens that died on Sunday and Monday and they found the toxic strain of avian flu in 3 of 5 samples. Japanese officials are on their effort to prevent the widespread of this latest avian outbreak.

- According to the United Nations, over tens of thousands of civilians are killed in South Sudan during a year of warfare and the nation's top leaders are putting their "personal ambitions" ahead of the future of their nation.

- A few days ago, there was a viral video about an airport police who berated a taxi driver after he refused to surrender his license at the NAIA Terminal 3 and netizens wondering if that cop did smashed the taxi's windows or so they thought. Now, the Philippine National Police's Aviation Security Group disowned the said airport cop from the viral video.

- The Reporters Without Borders reported that a total of 66 reporters were killed from barbaric attacks this year and 119 were abducted due to conflicts in Ukraine, Libya, and the Middle East.

- Jaguar Land Rover tries to prove that the future is now thanks to science because they'll be developing their brand-new 360 Virtual Urban Windscreen system, which features a Transparent Pillar System and the Follow-Me Ghost Car Navigation System which took inspiration from video games.

360 Virtual Urban Windscreen system

- Bandai Namco Games streamed a promotional video of their upcoming Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble + game for the 3DS, which is set to go on sale next month. This updated version of the 2012 3DS game features compatibility with Nintendo's amiibo figures which gives them special aircraft depending on their amiibo figure of their choosing.



- Seishiro Tsugumi from the Nisekoi anime series gets her very own Beach Queens figure from Wave, joining the ranks between Kosaki Onodera and Chitoge Kirisaki. She'll be available this June 2015 for 6,200 Yen.

Beach Queens Seishiro Tsugumi

- Click here to check out the latest trailer for the upcoming Shake, Rattle, and Roll XV, which is the official entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival opening in Philippine cinemas Christmas day. In this latest installment of the hit horror anthology franchise, we can expect a snake creature lurking through the mall, a family turned into monsters, and a tiyanak hijacked a plane. Expect thrills, spills, and a few laughs this film delivers.

TTFN!!!

FIA Formula E Championship - Punta del Este

On the third round of the inaugural FIA Formula E championship, held at Punta del Este, Uruguay,we saw former F1 racer who represents the e.dams racing team, Sebastien Buemi snagged his first win of the season after managing to fend off against two Brazilian racers, one is China Racing's Nelson Piquet Jr. and the other is Lucas di Grassi from Audi Sport ABT.

Here are the highlights from last weekend's ePrix:



The next race will be at Buenos Aires this 10th of January, 2015.