Top Gear S22E02

Top Gear S22E02

The Australian road trip is the highlight of the second episode of BBC's Top Gear as the boys drive three GT cars through the outback, proving if modern cars are durable in harsh conditions like this. Jeremy Clarkson drives a BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Richard Hammond drives a Bentley Continental GT V8 S, and James May drives a Nissan GT-R. This episode introduces The Stig's Australian cousin as well.

Meanwhile it's Jack Bauer vs. Top Gear because famed actor (and voice of Snake from the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V) Kiefer Sutherland is the STAR IN A REASONABLY PRICED CAR and he lapped round the Top Gear track in 1:49.2 on a wet lap. Not bad for an actor who played as the one who stopped terrorists within 24 hours.

Let's Do The News! (February 2, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- After over a year imprisoned in Egypt over his false news and aiding the Muslims, Al-Jazeera's Peter Greste was freed and deported on Sunday. He landed safely to Cyprus, on his way back to Australia. His family told that this journalist will not rest until his colleagues are released from prison.

- The first large-scale vaccine trails against Ebola are due to begin in the nation of Liberia under strict security to a secret location, immunizing 30,000 volunteers, including front-line health workers.

- The Jordanian government opposes the apparent killing of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto by ISIS. Early Sunday morning (Japan time), ISIS posted a video apparently showing the killing of Goto and threatens to kill more Japanese citizens. They killed Goto because the ransom deadline was expired.

- Following the ISIS killed Kenji Goto, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe says that they will not bow to terrorism while on heightened alert to protect its citizens abroad and prevent terrorists from entering the country. Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa's murder by ISIS shocked the government and the prime minister's felt angered to see this outcome despite their effort.

- Yoo Seong-min has been elected the ruling new floor leader of the Saenuri Party on Monday with 84 votes. Upon winning the election, he vowed the importance of direct communication with the presidential office and the South Korean government.

- Police officials revealed that the bomb threat that forced the suspension of classes in Don Manuel Abella Elementary School in Barangay Cararayan, Naga City, is a prank.

- Gabriel Iglesias' 1966 VW Samba bus is this week's highlight of the Jay Leno's Garage web show.



- Nissan revealed the GT-R LM NISMO Race Car coinciding with its surprise appearance during the big game's "With Dad" commercial from the Super Bowl XLIX. It's a front-engine, front-wheel drive LMP1 racing machine equipped with the 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine with hybrid power mounted in front of the driver.

Nissan GT-R LM NISMO Race Car

- The Gemballa GTP 720, which is a tuned Porsche Panamera, reaches 0-300kph in 26.4 seconds and it lapped round the Sachsenring in 1:37.08, according to Gemballa.

Gemballa GTP 720

TTFN!!!

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 66

The Seahawks may have faced their bitter defeat by the Patriots in the Super Bowl XLIX but the commercials shown during the big game outshone the game one by one. On this Super Bowl special of the Driving Segment, let's list down the songs heard on the big game's car commercials provided by some intel recorded by the intellectual few:

1) Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant - from the BMW i3 Big Game ad

2) Cat's In The Cradle by Harry Chapin - from the Nissan USA "With Dad" commercial

3) This Land Is Your Land by Pete Seeger - from the Jeep Renegade Big Game ad

...well, that's pretty much it. Looks like this SB special of this segment has ended short due to its short list of car commercials aired during the SB49 break. Twas disappointing as Seahawks' worst call before the climax. Oh well. Hope you've enjoyed the game as much as enjoying the big game ads!

Patriots named as SB49 champs

NFL's Super Bowl XLIX sees a gruesome grudge match between last season's champions, the Seattle Seahawks, and the New England Patriots at Arizona's University of Phoenix Stadium. There has been some endless barrage of defenses, throws, fouls (well, Seahawks gone prone to most fouls), injuries, and rarely, a fight broke out before the game ends. It's one heck of a neck-and-neck match and it seems that one fatal mistake done by the Seahawks have heavily favored the Patriots.

In the end, at the score of 28-24, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl XLIX, their first win since 2001. The team's top player, Tom Brady, is named as the game's MVP.

It feels ashamed that the Seahawks made their worst call in Super Bowl history. I thought they had the winning chance while on their 1-yard line to the goal but one interception blew it. That's how their fight broke out during a timeout.

Oh well. At least this game had lots of surprises. We even experience the half-time concert with musical performances by Katy Perry as well as rockstar Lenny Kravitz and rapper Missy Elliot.

It was quite a heartbreak for Seahawks fans like me but at least watching this year's Super Bowl is one of the most memorable moments I will remember for.

Congratulations to the New England Patriots anyway...

Renault Espace V

For over three decades, the Renault Espace has been one of the most important cars in history. Although it's the least sporty car ever made, it has been one of the greatest seismic shifts in automotive history. It's no wonder why the people carrier is invented for the said purpose. In recent history, it seems that the Espace is too much underappreciated for a people's carrier no matter how many full model changes occurred. Desperate and Renault's going to remove the Espace from the map but the name's too sacred because it's the name that put the people carrier to the automotive world so with no choice left, Renault decided to keep the Espace for a while but modernize it with a whole new spin.

2015 Renault Espace

So what's the spin? It has transformed from a large MPV of yesteryears to a luxury crossover of today. It wasn't quite pleasing to the loyalists but despite being a full-sized crossover, it still feels like a people carrier because you can still fit some families, dogs, or businesses in it. You can even use it on weekends whether it its a shopping trip or a road trip from one countryside, province, prefecture, or whatever you call it, to another.

It's quite shoddy why they've turned the Espace from a lackluster MPV to a modernized crossover for whatever reason but by the looks of it, it has some premium feel to its sleek design. and even though it looks big for a tall people carrier, the Espace isn't half bad to look at.

2015 Renault Espace interior

In its three-decade history, the Espace is well-known for its clever interior and for this brand new Espace, the interior's redefined with something classy but with a hint of cruelty in it. Inside, you can opt-in for either a 5-seater or a 7-seater, and for the cruelty of it, there's no twin center glovebox from the previous Espaces, no swiveling seats (because swiveling seats are so old-school), and worse of all, no CD player. What you see on the dashboard is an iPad-esque touchscreen loaded with Renault's next-generation R-Link telematics system.

On the upside, there's no need to get rid of seats for luggage purposes. You just have to fold down the seats at the touch of a button and no problem. You can do whatever you want like most people carriers do. You can sleep in it, work in it, play in it, the possibilities are endless but why? Maybe it inherits the same versatility from past Espaces. That's for sure.

2015 Renault Espace

To be a practical people mover, the engine has to be practical and the new Espace, it's offered with just a small 1.6L engine with three different setups. First, there's the efficient ENERGY dCi 130 which is mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox, producing a reasonably 130PS of power, and 320Nm of torque. The combined fuel economy is 22.2km/L. Then, there's the petrol-powered Energy TCe 200 engine connected with a 7-speed EDC gearbox which produces a more powerful 200PS of power, 260Nm of torque, and combined fuel economy of 16.1km/L. And lastly and the core of the range is the ENERGY dCi 160 engine mated with the 6-speed EDC gearbox. This engine has the most torque of the three engine variations with 160PS of power and 380Nm of torque.

Amazingly, this high-torque diesel engine draws its inspiration from Renault's Formula 1 engines and you can expect similar engine techs as seen on F1 engines such as a transverse water flow system, U-Flex piston rings, and a greatly reduced friction by surface super finishing.

It's not just the engines that shine the Espace out from the rest but thanks to the new platform and refined aerodynamics, it's lighter as well and with the available 4Control chassis, it feels more nimble as well.

2015 Renault Espace

Although the new Espace lacks some of the classic Espace features of yesteryears with its clever features, added room, and its bold design, it really works its charm although my point of regret is because of the lack of a CD player, its traditional dashboard that lacks the dual glovebox from past Espaces, the choice of diesel engines which will soon be forced out when Parisian laws prohibit cars using them goes on effect, but it's the pricing that made me regret and with prices start at 34,200 Euros, more expensive than the Renault Scenic.

Also, it's available exclusively for left-hand drive markets. Sorry.

Available Colors: Noir Etoile, Marron Glace, Blanc Nacre, Gris Cassiopee, Beige Dune, Gris Platine, Bleu Celeste, Blanc Glacier, and Noir Amethyste.

Photo: Renault

A brief history of Ace Combat

With Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble Plus recently launched for the New Nintendo 3DS, the revamped version of the original 2012 game kicks off the Ace Combat series' 20th birthday this year since the first one launched in the summer of 1995. Let's take flight down memory lane on the Ace Combat timeline.

Ace Combat history

Ace Combat (1995, PSX) - The first installment was launched in the summer of 1995 on the first-ever Sony Playstation. Known in the west as Air Combat for some reasons, this game pits player on the role of the mercenary bent on reclaiming the nation from terrorist forces. Whether if its air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat, air-to-sea combat, or whatever combat hits you, the first Ace Combat game really blew gamers away with its intense 3D dogfights that served as the benchmark from the maddest game company ever known.

Ace Combat 2 (1997, PSX) - After the success of the first one, Namco decided to make a sequel of the hit flight-shooting game. As the pilot of the Special Task Force Squadron Scarface, your mission, as always, is to eliminate terrorist threats throughout the nation.

Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere (1999, PSX) - If you live in Japan, you were in luck because the third-installment of the hit flight-shooting game features a more dramatic storyline, something that the Western release couldn't get for numerous reasons. Dramatic aside, AC3 Electrosphere features a more futuristic look to the aircraft, locations, as well as the soundtrack. Set in the 2040's, the two corporations, General Resource and Neucom, are clashing over their ideals for economic domination. With the top scientists from General Resource have defected to Neucom, the tensions between the two companies are fierce and Neucom is threaten to use violence to achieve their corporate objectives. As the member of the Universal Peace Enforcement Organization or UPEO, your mission is to protect the interest of General Resource and put a stop to Neucom's aggressions.

The Japanese version of the game did feature some anime cutscenes on it. We even heard about the game's Mission Zero OVA that we knew it in the first place, which served as the prologue for the game.

Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies (2001, PS2) - A year after the PS2 was launched in Japan, Namco decided to up the series' ante by creating their newest installment which takes advantage of the Playstation2's physics. It's the game that sets the storyline benchmark that was carried over to future installments and we were accustomed to it. This game is set on the fictional USEA continent. After the planetfall of the Ulysses 1994XF04 asteroids in 1999, the Federal Republic of Erusea took over most of the USEAN continent as well as the anti-air railgun installment Stonehenge. The year is 2004 and as the pilot of the Independent States Allied Forces' Mobius squadron, call sign Mobius 1, your mission is to stop the Erusian forces from all over the continent and save USEA, no matter the risks.

Yes, there's some anime part on this game only this time in stills. In these cutscenes, the narrator tells about what he experienced during the war, his encounter with the Yellow Squadron (one of the enemies), and how the war unfolds in the USEAN continent. Seems that the game's storytelling wasn't so bad after all.

Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War (2004, PS2) - This is the game where the term "Project Aces" was born. It's the game that features one of the most dramatic storytelling as well as introducing the whole world of Ace Combat. Gone are the anime cutscenes and it was replaced with some CG-animated cutscenes that makes it more lively for the storytelling of this game. The year is 2010, 15 years after the nuclear explosion triggered in the Principality of Belka that made the winning nations surrendered their weapons and ceased fighting or so they thought. In the present time, the Osean Air Defense Force 108th Tactical Fighter Squadron lost most of its members and later the disappearance of Capt. Jack Bartlett. When the unknown strikes down the OSEAN Federation, only you and your co-pilots must save the country of OSEA from an unknown threat, which turned out to be from the Yuktobanian forces. While it retains the same air and ground combat you'd expect from past installments, this game features the Wingman Command system which puts the fate of your wingmen in your hands. Split-second decision is vital in this game and in some parts of the game, you will respond in a Yes-or-No question where one decision changes everything as you progress.

The aircrafts shown in the game are now more realistic than ever (with the exception of the secret X-02 Wyvern and the Falken plane) because for the first time, Namco made a collaboration with the world's top aviation companies to bring real-world aircrafts, including the F14 Tomcat (the cover plane), to life.

Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War (2006, PS2) - So what exactly happened 15 years ago? How did Belka lost the war and triggered the nightmarish nuclear explosion to their own land? This prequel answers all of the questions as Ace Combat Zero takes a thrust back in time, witnessing the events occurred before AC5 as well as the hidden truth of this war. Players take on the role of a mercenary pilot from the republic of Ustio, one of the former East Belka territories that gained independence due to Belka's recession. The year is 1995. 15 years before the Unsung War and four years before the Ulysses incident. With the discovery of the underground natural resources of Ustio, Belka began to invade its neighboring nations and ruled with an iron fist and the country of Ustio placed all their hope for a joint operation with the Allied Forces under the Offensive Campaign No. 4101.

A little Mexican telenovela feel to the game's theme song which is a fitting for the prequel but the game's cutscenes are more of a documentary highlighting the events of The Belkan War. There's also interviews of enemy aces you've encountered who witnessed the war from their own eyes as well.

Familiar elements from Ace Combat 5 such as the Stier Castle (a castle near the ground zero craters triggered by nuclear explosions), Mt. Schirm (the one with the mining area where the Razgriz sealed it in AC5), Heartbreak One (Bartlett), Grabacr, Huckebein (Pops), and the aircraft carrier Kestrel were on this prequel.

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (2006, PSP) - The raw firepower of the Ace Combat series goes portable with Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception. Launched for Japan only on the PlayStation Portable in late 2006, this game takes on the role of a fighter pilot from the Aurelian Air Force's Gryphus Squadron and your mission is to save Aurelia from the tyranny of Leasath forces. Like any other Ace Combat games, you can expect secret aircrafts, various missions, and even a battle against a giant airborne fortress.

Ace Combat 6: 解放への戦火 (2007, XBOX 360) - Although a little discontent about Namco's decision to make AC6 an XBOX 360 exclusive as well as the limited choice of aircraft available, this game pushed the genre to its unprecedented heights thanks to its high-definition graphics, physics, sound, and its storytelling. It was the summer of 2015 in the Republic of Emmeria, located at the heart of the Anea continent which is located above Yuktobania, when the Federal Republic of Estovakia took control of the Emmerian capital city Gracemeria with a massive firepower as well as the air force's Strigon team and the heavy command cruiser called Aigaion (otherwise known as Moby Dick). With their homeland gone, it's up to the Emmerian army to take back their nation they called home from the Estovakian tyranny and that's where you come in as Garuda 1 (Talisman) of the Emmerian Air Force 8th Air Division 28th Fighter Squadron.

The Wingman System is now evolved in this game and when you're in places where ESM is active, you can now trigger an Allied Attack or Allied Cover and let every ally in the area as well as Garuda 2 (Shamrock) help you when the battle gets messy.

For the first time in series history, AC6 features online gameplay where you can play with or against other aces from across the world and take on either team deathmatches or online co-ops. There's also downloadable content as well featuring liveries based from past Ace Combat games as well as aircraft inspired from, you've guessed, The iDOLM@STER.

Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion (2009, iPhone/iPod Touch) - Ace Combat goes portable again and this time it's in the screens of the iPhone or iPod Touch in this app game heavily inspired from 2006's Skies of Deception. Although a little complicated to play due to its touch-screen functions, this game is how Namco do when they put their maddest games to smartphones. Want to play one, well sadly you can't because it's no longer compatible with those running on iOS7 or higher.

Ace Combat X2: Joint Assault (2010, PSP) - This is a totally new turn to the Ace Combat franchise because for the first time ever, Ace Combat takes on our world in ACX2 Joint Assault. No more fictional areas like from the previous ones. It's now real-world locations like Tokyo, London, Egypt, San Francisco, and many others. As the member of the Antares Squadron, run by the private military company Martinez Security, your mission is to save the world from threats done by the terrorist organization Valahia and uncover the conspiracy behind the Golden Axe Plan.

Ace Combat Assault Horizon (2011, PS3/XBOX 360) - With the storyline penned by Jim DeFelice, writer of two of the New York Times' bestsellers Leopards Kill and Threat Level Black, Assault Horizon draws inspiration from real-time conflict as players take on the role of Colonel William Bishop of the fictional US Air Force 108th Task Force Warwolf as he engage on a war on terror that will change his life. Because it draws inspiration from real-time conflicts, it's set on real-world locations including Russia, USA, and the Middle East. This game puts a new spin on the franchise because of its unique close range assault system that makes dogfights more dynamic unlike any other.

Other than that, Assault Horizon features missions where you can take flight on helicopters, bombers, or even a gunship. There's also a wide range of DLC aircrafts, skins, and more, including fan-favorites such as iDOLM@STER-themed aircraft, Ace Combat 6's CFA-44 Nosferatu, Macross-themed aircraft, US aircrafts, and the Shoji Kawamori-designed fantasy aircraft called the ASF-X Shinden II.

Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble (2012, 3DS) - Sold in the US under the Assault Horizon Legacy banner, AC3D Cross Rumble sends this fast-flying franchise straight to the Nintendo 3DS for the first time. Taking advantage of the Nintendo 3DS' capabilities, Cross Rumble features intense and engaging battles in 3DS, touch-screen controls, and some edge-of-your-seat controls.

Ace Combat Infinity (2014, PS3) - Launched in mid-May 2014, Ace Combat Infinity is the series' first-ever free-to-play flight shooting game made exclusively for the Playstation3. Whether if its a veteran mercenary or a battle-shy rookie, Ace Combat Infinity pits players behind the cockpit of some of the world's best aircrafts from the F22 Raptor, F14 Tomcat, F15 Strike Eagle, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, Mirage 2000, T50, or any other well-known aircrafts in history as well as fictitious ones as seen in numerous installments such as the Morgan from The Belkan War and the ASF-X Shinden II from Assault Horizon. Over two million players have been downloaded this free-to-play PS3 exclusive since its launch and engage in either campaign or online co-ops as well as the weekly challenges where prizes include special aircrafts, new emblems, research reports, or other prizes.

Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble Plus (2015, 3DS) - Recently launched in Japan last 29th of January, 2015 and coming in the US this February under the Assault Horizon Legacy Plus banner, Cross Rumble Plus is a revamped version of the 2012 3DS game but now updated for the New Nintendo 3DS. Aside from taking advantage of the new control schemes of the New 3DS, Bandai Namco collaborated with Nintendo for special aircrafts as well as those that can be unlocked with Nintendo's amiibo figures, sold separately.

"Better Tough Stain Removal In 1 wash"

On the January 30, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...collage

- Robot gags

- The hottest tsismisan is on BALAKUBAK!

- Bubble Gang does Ariel by spoofing this commercial as AERIAL! Better Tough Stain Removal In 1 wash.

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Istorya Ng Isang Balikbayan, Ang Kuwento Ng Ating Tututukan, Masasama Kayo Sa...INGLISAN?!

- News reporter gets interrupted by a massive crowd!

- This bar cares about their customers. That's nice...

FIA Formula E - Buenos Aires

On the 10th of January, 2015, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the fourth leg of the inaugural FIA Formula E was held, Amlin Aguri's Antonio Felix da Costa was named as the winner of this race followed by e.dams' Nicolas Prost came 2nd and China Racing's Nelson Piquet Jr placed 3rd.

However, Piquet, who placed 3rd, has been handed a 5-place grid penalty at the next race in Miami for speeding under yellow flags. Also, gearbox changes led Jarno Trulli of Trulli to have a 10-place grid penalty as well.

Highlights:



The next race will be held at Miami, USA, this 14th of March, 2015.

PH President attended plant inauguration in the same day the fallen SAF members arrived

The Philippine President, Benigno Aquino III, was absent at the Villamor Air Base where 42 out of the 44 killed Philippine National Police Special Action Force members have arrived Thursday, four days after a police operation in Maguindanao. Reason for his absence is because he attended the inauguration of the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines' Santa Rosa plant, which is the former plant used by Ford Philippines before it was closed in 2012.

His absence sparked fury from netizens, questioning why did he's not present in the arrival of the slain SAF members, but the Malacanang Palace officials denied reports about the president ignoring the slain SAF members because the president will attend the necrological services at Camp Bagong Diwa at 1000 hours, Friday, Philippine Time. The PNP is expected for his presence at the event, which served as the national day of mourning for the elite policemen who were killed last Sunday in an encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Image: AFP/Philippine Daily Inquirer
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer [1][2]

Let's Do The News (January 29, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- The inquest from last month's Sydney cafe siege heard that Tori Johnson, one of the hostages, was killed by a bullet to the head from gunman Man Haron Monis. 18 people took hostage at the cafe by Monis in a cafe in Martin Place, Sydney, last December 16, that took 17 hours.

- According to Diego Lagomarsino, a colleague of the killed Senior Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman, said that he lent Nisman a gun the day before he was found dead in his apartment last January 18 because he didn't trust law enforcements protecting him. Mr. Nisman had been about the testify about alleged attempts to cover up Iranian involvement in the Buenos Aires incident 11 years ago.

- An audio message by a man who claimed to be Japanese captive Kenji Goto has appeared recently. Goto speaks in English for about 30 seconds and he said that the Islamic State is going to kill captive Jordanian pilot Moaz Kasasbeh unless the Jordanian government released death-row inmate Sajida al-Rishawi to the Turkish border in exchange for Goto by Thursday sunset at Mosul, Iraq time. The sunset in Iraq is around 1730 hours.

- Meanwhile, Jordanian state TV reported the government is ready to release death-row inmate Sajida al-Rishawi if Jordanian pilot Moaz Kasasbeh was freed by ISIS. The TV station said that the Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications made the proposal, although no mention of Goto was told.

- Sadness broke silence when the first C-130 plane has recently landed at the Villamor Air Base carrying the bodies of the killed 42 out of the 44 PNP Special Action Force units in it. The remaining slain two members were already in Mindanao following Islamic tradition. The 44 SAF units were killed during the police operation on Sunday in Maguindanao.

- Nissan Motor Company called off plans to produce IDx, BladeGlider, and Q50 Eau Rouge concepts due to the Japanese carmaker's shift of focus from driver-oriented to volume, according to one report.

- McLaren teased a more powerful 675LT supercar ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut. As the name implies, it will be a more powerful version of the 650S with the added long tail.

McLaren 675LT teaser

- Sakamichi Onoda and Yusuke Makishima, stars from the Yowapeda GRANDE ROAD anime series, will be getting their own figmas courtesy of Good Smile Company. Anyway, the figma of Yowapeda's Sakamichi Onoda is back by popular demand and it's set for its re-release this June for 5,370 Yen plus tax. Meanwhile, the recently added figma of the "Peak Spider" will be riding to your stores this July for 5,741 Yen plus tax.

figma Yusuke Makishima

figma Sakamichi Onoda

- IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Japanese gaming conglomerate Nintendo will cease their Brazilian operations due to high import duties.

- MMA fans in the Philippines be ready because UFC, the popular mixed martial arts championship, is coming to the SM Mall of Asia Arena this 16th of May, 2015.

- IN CASE YOU REALLY REALLY MISSED IT: Gravure 4 U or G4U is back and this time, you can now take pics of your favorite Cinderella Girls from The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls TV anime. With the release of the iM@S CG Blu-Ray Vol.1, buyers can also get the iM@S CG G4U Vol.1 PS3 game as well as the 346 Productions Fan Club Cinderella Cafe Vol.1 book. It will be launched this 23rd of April and there will be a total of 9 volumes on the timetable.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 2: A classic Ferrari that redefines itself

Well, what do we have here? I've never seen this classic Ferrari for a while. It's a little dusty in here but this vintage Ferrari racing machine is part of Forza Horizon 2's G-SHOCK Car Pack, now on sale. What this is is the mythical Ferrari Sport Prototype 500 Mondial. A racing machine that redefined Ferrari in post-WWII Italy.

Built in the post-war era, the 500 Mondial is the first of the Ferraris that was made by Scaglietti and draws inspiration from a design penned by Enzo's son, Dino.

The models that was built for public selling were made under Pininfarina's supervision and only 15 of these are made.

The 500 Mondial is powered by a small 2.0L 4-cylinder engine mounted in the front rather than in the middle like most Ferraris do. It produces 170HP of power and couple that with the 5-speed gearbox, the top speed of this Ferrari is around 236kph, which sounds quick even by today's standards.

Apart from that, it weighs 720kg of weigh thanks to the use of its tubular steel frame for its chassis. The front features an independent suspension with unequal-length wishbones, transverse leaf spring and Houdaille hydraulic shock absorbers while the rear features a de Dion suspension with twin radius arms, transverse leaf spring, and Houdaille hydraulic shock absorbers.



For millennials, it's hard to get along with this classic Ferrari because while it was born in the age where anti-lock brakes and traction control hasn't invented yet, driving it can be hardly a challenge and no matter how hard you try, it's like gravity will pull you down to the very end. If you are experienced enough, then this Ferrari is a very respectable car that you can brave on. Old-school or not, it's all about gaining the respect of the car you're mastering and if you're getting used to it, it feels like your car can really hear you.



I was given an opportunity to give the mythical 500 Mondial the Forza Horizon 2 treatment it deserves and for this treatment, I'm trying to make the 500 Mondial relive its glory days just like every Ferrari in the history does. So, I've signed this car to a championship related to Classic Racers like this but first, I've given the 500 Mondial some vintage racer looks so it looks like it's going to take on vintage races in Southern Europe.

Like classic racers taking on the Mille Miglia, me and my 500 Mondial are taking on a road trip of a lifetime and it's a road trip to San Giovanni, where the championship I've signed up is held.



With me arrived at the said destination, the 500 Mondial is off for the race of its lifetime. Now, I was going to tweak it out so it can stay competitive against other classic racers like the Ford GT40 but upon witnessing its weaknesses during the road trip and I'm afraid I might go wrong with the improvements, I've decided to source it from another player. Yes, the tuning setup sourced from another player. You just give him a pat in the back for his setup done for you, right?



To whoever made this setup possible, I say thanks because thanks to this clever setup, I've snagged another championship win and with 4 championships left for me to unlock the finale, the journey's end is fast approaching but I must not give up on my adventure for the quest to be one of Horizon's finest.

Let's Do The News (January 28, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Japanese PM Shinzo Abe opposes the latest video from ISIS, which threatens to kill hostage Kenji Goto, within a day, calling it "despicable". In the said footage, a voice that believes to be the Japanese captive's says that he and the Jordanian pilot will be killed unless Jordan frees an Iraqi woman held on death row. The Japanese prime minister will be coordinating with Jordan officials to secure their release.

- Jim Yong Kim, the president of the World Bank, warned that the world is "dangerously unprepared" for deadly pandemics like West Africa's Ebola Outbreak. He said it was vital that governments, corporations, aid agencies, and insurance companies must coordinate to prepare against incoming outbreaks and they need to learn lessons from the recent Ebola crisis.

- A 15-foot megamouth shark was found dead by fishermen along the shores of Barangay Marigondon in Pio Duran, Albay. No one knows what killed this shark but it was believed to be either trapped in the fishing net or had eating poisonous orgasms.

- Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, the spokesperson of the Philippine National Police, has been relived from his position despite the controversial report that a police operation in the Maguindanao province that killed 44 elite policemen.

- The presenters of the hit TV show Top Gear are near to have their contracts renewed for another three years. That's good news for fans of the hit BBC automotive TV show.

- EA's popular racing app game, Real Racing 3 is now 2 years old since its 2013 launch and to celebrate, there's a brand new update featuring new events as well as the addition of Italy's boutique supercar, the Spada Codatronca. Plus, beware and keep playing because over the coming days, a prestigious automaker is about to announce a new vehicle and Real Racing 3 will have an exclusive worldwide reveal to this mystery car. What could it be? Stay tuned!

- Out tomorrow, it's the 9th DLC Catalog for the PS3-exclusive The iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL game! For this catalog, Uzuki Shimamura from The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls will be making a special guest appearance! Also, new outfits such as ドリーミン⌒イリース, Fuwafuwa Otome Pajama, and Newcomer Sunrise, and the brand new song titled We Have A Dream.

765SHOP Catalog Vol.09

- The Automobile Association Philippines, the country's oldest and largest motoring club, pushed an advocacy that they want all road signs to be cleared of advertising, stating that road signs with advertisements are confusing to motorists.

- The Mitsuoka Himiko, a Mazda Roadster NC in Morgan Roadster's clothing, is now on its 2015 model year. 36 colors, 481 variations, only 15 units will be made.

2015 Mitsuoka Himiko

- The Alpine Vision Gran Turismo was unveiled and it's set to be playable in the upcoming March 2015 update of the PS3-exclusive Gran Turismo 6 video game.



TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News (January 27, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- The East Coast is bracing for the impact of Winter Storm Juno as New York City and other areas in the northeast have shut down as "historic" snowstorm approaches and expected to dump as much as 90cm of snow. All non-essential vehicles are not allowed to drive through NYC from 2300 hours Eastern Standard Time and subway services were suspended. The states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire are placed within a state of emergency.

- The Syriza far-left party of the Greek government, which won Sunday's general election, wants to renegotiate the nation's 240 billion euro bailout by international lenders. They have warned that the debt repayment in Greek debt in full is "unrealistic".

- An audio statement from the Islamic State militant groups are calling for attacks against Western countries and praised for recent terror attacks in France, Australia, and other countries in a speech purportedly made by its spokesperson. It's all just a bunch of enemy propaganda we suppose.

- Meanwhile in China, there was a report told that the top Chinese officials dine on a critically endangered giant salamander and became violent when journalists photographed the banquet. The 28 diners included senior police officials from the southern city of Shenzhen, according to one report.

- The Department of Justice denied the bid to dismiss US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for his murder charges against transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude in Olongapo last October.

- There was a shooting occurred at Tukwila's Westfield Southcenter and police arrested four people after a fight during which someone fired a handgun inside the mall. The fight left one person in minor injury and that's what the reports told.

- Get ready rugby fans! The Six Nations 2015 kicks off this 6th of February!



- Just before Cinderella hits theaters this Spring, Disney announced that there will be a live-action Beauty and the Beast movie in the works and it will star Harry Potter's Emma Watson as princess Belle.

- More news for iM@S collectors as Good Smile Company announced a new Chihaya Kisaragi Yutaka Version figure which will go on sale this July for 9,074 Yen plus tax.

Chihaya Kisaragi
-Yutaka ver-

- The classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 saloon is the highlight on the latest Jay Leno's Garage webisode.

TTFN!!!

Top Gear S22E01

Series 22 of BBC Top Gear kicks off with the epic race across St. Petersburg, Russia, where the presenters are finding out who makes it to the finish line first while surviving against traffic in this Russian city. Jeremy Clarkson drives a hovercraft, Richard Hammond rides a bike, James May drives an electric-powered Renault Twizy, and The Stig...well, you know.

In the end, it was the Twizy that arrived on the unpronounceable palace first, proving the car, no matter what powers it, is better. As for The Stig...his head's banging onto something.

Meanwhile, Richard Hammond takes a spin on Lambo's newest V10 monster, the Huracan, and while he's in doubt in the end, The Stig lapped this one round the track in 1:15.8.

Famous celebrity Ed Sheeran is this episode's Star In A Reasonably Priced Car and he did it in 1:54.3 in wet conditions round the Top Gear track.

Forza Horizon 2: The Evo's dying wish

With the news reporting that the Lancer Evolution saga will end within a few short moments and Mitsubishi Motors have no plans to replace it with something exciting because they have other things on their mind, all we can feel is sadness for Mitsubishi's world because now that they've out of their motorsport business and with Ralliart gone for good (well, some parts of the world had), performance is no longer part of the Mitsubishi Motors timeshare.

Now that the Evo is on its last legs, guess I had no choice but to fulfill its dying wish here in Forza Horizon 2 on my XBOX One gaming console.



The Evo X is, well according to one theory, named the final Lancer Evolution ever made, and while this itineration, which is based on the aging Galant Fortis (Lancer in the world market) saloon, may be over half a decade old when it was launched in Japan since 2007, there's still a lot of love for this old-timer, even when Subaru's downing this car for the count with their latest WRX STi (which so far, Turn 10 haven't feature it on FH2 until further notice). With features such as S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), 6-speed TC-SST, 4B11 MIVEC engine, and other unique features, the Lancer Evolution X is an Evo that loves to fight till its last breath.



To prepare for the Evo's final days on planet earth before Mitsubishi Motors closes the saga of every speedo boys' favorite, I gave it some minor improvements before getting ready for the championship I've signed up for this car. See those HKS logos I've planted on the Evo's body? I've made them myself.

I took this one on a road trip to remember...



...and then I took this Evo on the championship I've signed up for. The events I've signed up for this car are all set in France's Sisteron and because it was classified as a Modern Rally car, it will be facing punishing road conditions even during cross-country events but since the Evo's been through tough times, I'm sure it will have some fighting chance.



I've finally fulfilled the Evo's one last wish; to race like what other Evos do during their glory days, and while the Evo's dying wish came true, I still have a few championships left before the finale on FH2 so it's time to head back home and lay plans. See you soon!

Miss Colombia is named Miss Universe

Photo: Getty Images

Paulina Vega, a beauty queen representing her country of Colombia is named as Miss Universe in the 63rd annual Miss Universe Pageant held at Miami's Florida International University. She was the first Colombiana to gain the title for over 5 decades but she's the fifth out of the last seven Miss Universe winners hailed from South America. She edges out the likes of Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha, Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen, and Miss USA Nia Sanchez.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/colombian-paulina-vega-crowned-universe-article-1.2091668

NOTE: Sadly, our very own Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa couldn't make it to the top five but she's so pleased that she's part of the top ten semi-finalists. Oh well...

New Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H30W)

2016 Toyota Alphard

2016 Toyota Vellfire

Toyota's flagship MPVs are now regenerated for their brand new generation and the brand new Alphard and Vellfire are now ready to aim for the luxury minivan spotlight that was taken from the likes of the Nissan Elgrand and the Honda Odyssey. Yes. The luxury minivans coveted by most ASEANS are back with a brand new look and features that will surely beg to have one until Toyota gives a go to send Japan's top-notch minivans to those greedy ASEANs. Oh, and if you don't mind, don't bother telling the differences between these two because mechanically, they're the same cars with different faces just like the Noah and Voxy.

Yes, they're different in their exterior designs, and to sum things up, here's what you can expect on the outside of these two. On the new Toyota Alphard, which is now on its 3rd generation, the front face now looks like it came from the latest Toyota Crown saloon. The new Vellfire, meanwhile, has a front face that looks like it came from the Nissan Dayz, the Highway Star version. The faces are different but they have a completely new side view that looks more streamlined and the rear view that looks like it copied the Elgrand's rear for whatever reasons. Although they look like they're a distorted mess, both the new Alphard and the new Vellfire's design really make the cut above the rest of those Japanese luxury MPVs.

2016 Toyota Alphard interior

2016 Toyota Alphard interior

2016 Toyota Vellfire interior

2016 Toyota Vellfire interior

The interior has been the grand stage for both the Alphard and the Vellfire and for this latest generation, it has been given a major overhaul to make it as luxurious as possible and it did. The dashboard looks like it took from the Land Cruiser Prado but it pushes all the right buttons as planned. As for the sat-nav system, it's now integrated with Toyota's T-Connect telematics system first applied on the recently facelifted Camry last year.

If you never know what that is, T-Connect is Toyota's new telematics services along with sat-navs compatible with this and a smartphone app.  In addition to the voice controls, T-Connect allows third-party apps to be downloaded to the navigation system. There's an online help service that integrates and improves the functions the G-BOOK currently provided. In short; T-Connect from Toyota features interactive voice response, service for downloading apps to the sat-nav, improved online help, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Both the new Alphard and the new Vellfire are available with the choice of a 7 or 8 seater but those who prefer the seven-seater might come in for a treat because depending on the variant, it can be offered with three ottoman seats, one in the passenger side and the other two on the second-row seats. They can be adjusted forwards or backward and between you and me, there's no other luxury MPV that would have done such, having an ottoman seat on the passenger side that can be adjusted forwards or backward so you can feel like you're the boss.

For an added surprise, the new models now come with the first-ever cargo area under the third-row seat sliding mechanism. You can store up to 148 liters of storage under the floor and the deck board can be folded into three sections to provide both a sliding third-row and under-floor storage.

There's also the first-ever Smart Entry and Push Start System which automatically opens the sliding door as the user approaches after setting up a reservation and can be locked automatically after it closes.

There are so many conveniences you can find on the new Alphard and Vellfire such as the available rear-seat entertainment system, the JBL Sound System, and many more.

2016 Toyota Alphard

2016 Toyota Vellfire

The cheaper versions have increased the size of their 4-cylinder engines from the former 2.4L to 2.5L! With added displacement comes with added performance because this 2.5L 2AR-FE engine produces 182PS of power and 235Nm of torque. Couple that with the Super CVT-i (with 7-speed manual mode) and an idling stop feature and you can expect up to 12.8km/L of fuel economy as calculated by JC08 Mode standards.

The top-of-the-line models still come with the same 3.5L V6 engine that produces 280PS of power and 344Nm of torque while mated with a 6-speed Super ECT. Fuel economy is a thirsty 9.5km/L.

On the hybrid models, the hybrid system has now been reworked and it now features the same 2AR-FXE 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine as seen from the Camry while connected with two electric motors, generating a total output of a modest 197PS of power output and an improved fuel economy of up to 19.4km/L, depending on the variant.

Apart from the engine choices, the new Alphard and Vellfire now come with a revised bodywork made of high-tensile strength steel for added rigidity as well as a new double-wishbone rear suspension just like the ones you found on your Honda Odyssey. This results in comfortable mobility and added stability while reduced NVH results in a quiet ride while in motion, giving these minivans the touch and class of a flagship premium saloon.

The new Alphard and Vellfire start at 3,197,782 up to 7,036,691 Japanese Yen (around $32,000 to $71,000). Yes. You can afford one more than the Nissan Elgrand for now and you can take advantage of the new features that the rival minivans of its class don't.

Available colors (Alphard): White Pearl Crystal Shine, Luxury White Crystal Shine Glass Flake, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, and Greyish Blue Mica Metallic

Available colors (Vellfire): White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Burning Black Crystal Shine, and Greyish Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Second-Generation Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90. When it was launched over a decade ago, it was their first attempt to take on luxury SUVs from Germany but as when time pass by, even with numerous improvements to keep it afloat, the XC90 has been decaying for so long and no matter how time passed by, the XC90 still looks pretty much the same. Now, for the first time, the XC90 finally got the regeneration it deserves and OH MY GAS! It looks perfect to look at.

2015 Volvo XC90

Well, here it is. They've all been waiting for this moment to come. This is the all-new Volvo XC90 and Volvo really mean it about the "all-new" phrase because it REALLY is all new.

First, the exterior design is brand new and this is the first to carry Vovlo's new signature look as well as its new Volvo logo in the front. No longer the male sign logo, it's now pointier than ever for a Volvo. The headlamps are now wearing the Mjolnir, or Thor's hammer for those who are gibberish about the M-word and although it wasn't more of a Mjolnir as we hoped for, this new look will be the forefront of future Volvo designs.

The new XC90 is armed with a brand new platform which is stronger and lighter than the previous platform the first one used. Because of this new platform, next-gen Volvos are looking forward to wear such a breakthrough platform but Volvo remains mum on this because they are on a "slow and steady" progress on rebuilding the Swedish carmaker, which became the pioneer of safety since the second-generation S60 of 2010. Apart from its new platform, the new car is now sharper and stable than ever thanks to its double wishbone front suspension and a new lightweight integral link rear axle. The air suspension is an optional extra and when you have it, it can be adjusted into five different modes, be it high or low depending on the road conditions.

2015 Volvo XC90 interior

On the inside, the new XC90 is now more high-tech than ever and because this car focuses more on the future rather than the past, everything's digitalized now and bad new for those music lovers, the CD player's nowhere to be found. Instead, you'll find this big screen dashboard just like you saw on the Tesla Model S. On this dashboard, you can take advantage of the built-in wi-fi hotspot, real-time navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and so much more. The interior's pretty harsh for us because it was the first to see the future when all cars doesn't have CD players anymore and replaced by those...things. Looks like the end of the CD era's fast approaching, don't you think and pretty soon, we won't be relying on physical media anymore and that's kinda sad.

Anyway, forget the harsh word because the interior is now as luxurious as a new Range Rover and because it's now longer and taller than the previous generation, getting inside in one of those is like having a first class trip to your office and way back home. It also works as a family car because it can seat up to seven people but if you're a little grumpy and if your mother asks to seat at the back, this is one thing you would pray that this will not happen to you unless you have a newborn crybaby and a child seat that adds your misery of having your parents force you to seat at the back. Ugh...

2015 Volvo XC90

All engines in the new XC90 are 2.0L and at launch, you can have either the twin-turbo 225HP D5 or the twincharged 320HP T6 but later on, you will be able to take on the top-of-the-line T8 Twin-Engine model. Yes. there's a PHEV that is way beyond compare than your average PHEV because with the combination of the T8 engine and the electric motor, over 400HP of power and 640Nm of torque is produce. That's four times more than what your Outlander PHEV had! And no matter which engine choice you'll pick, it's mated with Volvo's 8-speed Geartronic transmission, which isn't so bad for an everyday car.

2015 Volvo XC90

Because safety is the forefront of Volvo, the new XC90 is now fully prepared with the next-generation of safety features as well as two of the world's first safety technologies. There's the run-off road protection which detects what comes next on the road and the front safety belts are tightened to keep occupants in place. Lastly, there's the auto brake in intersections when in the event the driver turns in front of an oncoming car, it automatically halts this car full stop. There are so many safety gadgets loaded in this Volvo but I can't tell what are those or this will be one heck of a snoozefest but with all of these features, this new model believes the future really is now thanks to science. Very clever but car enthusiasts weren't so sure whether they like this car or not now that it becomes a car that feels like it's been made from the future and it's been made to avoid accidents once and for all. Hmmm...

The new XC90 starts at 554,000 Krona (or around 60,000 Euros estimated), which is more expensive than any other Volvos in the lineup but that's more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. That's one luxury SUV you can afford on.

The new Volvo XC90 isn't just more of a full model change, it's about rebuilding the Swedish carmaker into new and exciting ways and I can expect big things for Volvo for now.

Photo: Volvo Cars

#BubbleGangBuking

On the January 23, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Buking gags

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, May Bagong Salta sa 'ting Tambayan, Lalaking Champion daw sa Kantahan, Di Rin Siya Aatrasan sa...PORMAHAN?!

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...the Networking Business!

- One of Don Cantoni's associates felt the tense...

- Spoof trailers!

Anak Salabat

Atsuete

Inspector Budget

- More meddling from Lala Ytera!

- The choir's gone out of tune.

- Some lucky prisoners running some other establishments in the prison!

Welcome to Fabulous Bilibit Prison

- More words to live by from Tata Lino!

• Ang eyebugs, pag malaki, ipagmalaki mo yan dahil sa lahat ng bagay, yan ang tunay na pinagpuyatan.
• Totoo ang forever pero makinig ka ng mabuti. Wag kang maniniwala pag wala kang brilliante.
• Ang crush mo, para hindi ka makalimutan, utangan mo siya. Tapos, huwag mo siya bayaran.
• Marami sa kabataan, maraming kalokohan. Dadaanin ka sa matamis na usapan. Text mo sakin ang address mo para madaanan kita. Ako'y matanda pero mapagkatiwalaan!

- One woman's habit of taking a botox takes on a completely different turn.

- Who killed Rizal? Go read a book, please...

- Granny knows best...