Let's Do The News! (August 12, 2015)

- The yuan currency in the People's Republic of China has once again dropped by 1.9 % of devaluation.

- Rebel groups and pro-government forces have agreed a two-day ceasefire in rebel-held Zabadani, near the Lebanese border, and in Fuaa and Kafraya in Idlib province, under army control.

- Foreign prosecutors said that they have found what could be possible Russian missile fragments at the site in eastern Ukraine where a Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down in July of last year, killing all 298 people onboard.

- Thirty years have passed since the horrible plane crash in Gunma Prefecture where a JAL flight crashed into Mount Osutaka on August 12, 1985, killing 520 people onboard but only four survived. To mark the terrible occasion, relatives of the victims of Japan's worst air disaster are making their annual visit to the mountain crash site.

- Classes in most parts of Metro Manila are suspended due to the ongoing water interruption of Maynilad Water Services. Classes in those schools remain suspended until today, and again on the 17th to 18 when another water interruption has been scheduled for the pipe-laying work along Juan Luna St. and Hermosa St. in Tondo to complete the flood interceptor project of the DPWH.

- 29 of the Philippine National Police's Special Action Forces who survived January's Mamasapano clash that killed 44 SAF members have been given a special meritorious promotion.

- Hyundai Motor Company showcased their Vision G Concept at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, demonstrating the future direction of the Korean carmaker's premium vehicles.

Hyundai Vision G Concept

- Japanese porn star Maria Ozawa dismayed by Robin Padilla's decision to withdraw from their horror movie project just 10 days before the start of their shooting, calling him "unprofessional". His manager defends him by stating that Robin "begged off" not "backed out" from their upcoming film.

- Michael Sy Lim, the blogger of his Fashion Pulis blog, was arrested over a libel case filed by Deniece Cornejo. If you remember her, she's one of the people behind the assault on It's Showtime presenter Vhong Navarro last year. Anyway, the blogger in question posted an article based on an alleged leaked medical report, that Deniece may have STD.

- Production for the final season of the phenomenal Victorian-era British TV drama, Downton Abbey, is underway and as the shooting for the final season reaches its climax, the cast and crew are tweeting about their last days of Downton.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 2: Long Live The Roadster

No. You're not seeing things. This is the real deal. What you're looking at is the new and improved version of Mazda's lightweight open-top sportscar that captures the hearts of most car enthusiasts for over 25 yeas thanks to its simple recipe of lightweight body, small engine in the front, rear-wheel drive, and its fun-to-drive character.



This is the brand new Mazda MX-5, the fourth-generation ND model. It's yours to drive thanks to a free-to-download Mazda MX-5 Car Pack on the Forza Horizon 2 video game for the XBOX One console.



For the past 10 years of Forza Motorsport history, players from all over the world have enjoyed playing with their favorite generation of Mazda's lightweight roadster from the first NA model to the outgoing NC model. With the new ND model, this will give players an unprecedented access to the latest generation before rushing one to their nearest Mazda dealerships to buy one in real life.

This particular ND MX-5 comes with the one engine that Japanese car enthusiasts can wistfully hear it to their ears because it's not available to the Japanese dealerships; yep, it's a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine producing 155HP of power and 148lb-ft of torque. It's kinda unfair why this engine made it to the global market alongside the smaller 1.5L model but not Japan at the moment but even with a bigger displacement than what the Japanese had, it's still very small as promised. And because it's so small, it was counterweighted with its lightweight bodywork and improved dynamics, delivering the same Mazda Roadster formula that has enjoyed drivers for over 25 years. The more you drive with this latest model, the more you'll love about how enjoyable this model is.



It's a great job bringing in a Mazda car with SKYACTIV Technology in the world of video games because being Mazda's sportscar loaded with everything SKYACTIV in it, from the engine to the dynamics, they're built to be expendable, built to be efficient, built to be fun, and overall, built to be a Mazda. For me, I want to prove this new Roadster still has the same spirit that was endowed over the past 25 years and for that, I have given this car a special assignment in the form of a series of races in Nice.



Of course, being in Forza Horizon 2, this all-new MX-5 is not come unprepared for the party with something to fit for the very occasion and I have done much of that. Now, for more golden-eyed viewers may have spotted that the theme in question is Uzuki Shimamura from THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls and yes, it fits perfectly well in tune with the times. If someone sees a man in his new MX-5 with Shimamu's face plastered all over, they are going to question the driver in question how in the name of all things bright and beautiful is possible. You'll find that out in the right moment...

Since this is a brand new car, I am resorting myself to a much difficult challenge to get to know more about the brand new Mazda MX-5 and because of that, I have decided not to improve its performance at all. That sounds bland but this is worth of a challenge if you want to know more how good the new MX-5 is.

Anyway, with the risky gamble all set, it's time to find out just how good the new MX-5 is in a series of races in Nice. Let's see how SKYACTIV Technology works even in here...



Even in untouched performance, the new MX-5 fared very well in the series of races even when faces rough scenarios only experts can handle the rest. I have to say, I am very impressed with this new model, and I am looking forward to enjoy this new model even more.

Huh? Have I just unlocked the Horizon Finale? Does this mean I have to take on the Horizon Finale for the second time? Wow... Looks like our work's almost done here...

Notes of School Idol Days ～Curtain Call～

Notes of School Idol Days ～Curtain Call～

Since its introduction five years ago, the Love Live series became one of the most successful franchise in anime history thanks to the fanbase, the songs, the games, the TV series spanning two seasons, and the truths and ideals about everyone fighting to have their products be known to the Love Live girls. In recognition for their five-year success, a movie version called "Love Live! The School Idol Movie" was launched in Japanese theaters last June 2015 and soon worldwide.

In the film, following μ's victory at the Love Live competition, the girls are planning to part ways when their senior members graduate until their one last hurrah came into them as the girls are holding a concert event at a foreign land, namely New York, USA to be precise. As they arrive in New York, the girls are pulling their usual Love Live humor and drama up until they're ready for one last vow to have their presence known to the world.

To commemorate μ's final vow in the film that captures the hearts and minds of every Lovelivers everywhere, an original soundtrack from the movie has arrived. Called Notes of School Idol Days ～Curtain Call～, this 34-track compilation features the songs and score from The School Idol Movie. With the film's original music composed and produced by Yoshiaki Fujisawa, it features some of the movie edited μ's songs such as Hello,星を数えて, Angelic Angel, ?←HEARTBEAT, and some.

It's a must have for those who witnessed the movie, which served more like a fitting send-off to the ever-famed μ's as they are ready to have their baton passed to a new generation of Lovelivers.

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 ほのかな記憶 (M01)
02 メインテーマ(Movie ver) (M02)
03 μ's、海の向こうへ! (M03)
04 見知らぬ土地で、何をする? (M04)
05 ホテルで見た夢 (M05)
06 さぁ!出発にゃ! (M06)
07 街を満喫! (M07)
08 この街はアキバに似てる (M08)
09 Hello,星を数えて (Movie Edit)
10 GoHAN-YA (M09)
11 Honoka! Hurry up!!!!!!!! (M10)
12 As Time Goes By (M11A)
13 答えはとても簡単 (M12)
14 答えはとても簡単 (リフレイン) (M12B)
15 Angelic Angel (Movie Edit)
16 空港にファンがいっぱい… (動揺) (M13)
17 街にもファンがもっといっぱい! (困惑) (M14)
18 ?←HEARTBEAT (Movie Edit)
19 にこにこぬぅぃ～☆ (M15A)
20 無理なものは無理! (M15B)
21 みんなでライブをもう一度 (M16)
22 穂乃果の葛藤 (M17)
23 それぞれの想い (M18)
24 As Time Goes By (リフレイン) (M11B)
25 決断 (M19)
26 伝説が生まれた瞬間 (M20)
27 Future style (Movie Edit)
28 最高のライブへ!東奔西走!! (M21)
29 準備開始! (M22)
30 ライブ当日の朝 (M23)
31 ステージへと続く道 (M24)
32 SUNNY DAY SONG (Movie Edit)
33 Days Have Passed By (M25)
34 僕たちはひとつの光 (Movie Edit)

Let's Do The News! (August 11, 2015)

- Having managed to pass series of strict safety tests, the Kyushu Electric Power restarted the number one reactor at its Sendai plant under new safety regulations following the March 11, 2011 disasters.

- The city of Ferguson has declared a state of emergency amid protests marking the anniversary of the death of black teenager Michael Brown.

- Art Macapagal, the elder brother of former president and Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, passed away at the Makati Medical Center in Makati City from multiple complications brought by his fight against cancer.

- Newly appointed Philippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad promised yesterday to protect the nation's maritime domain from the aggressions set by the People's Republic of China in the West Philippine Sea. During the change of command ceremony at the HQ in Manila, Taccad rallied the sailors and Marines to continue their missions despite the ever-changing maritime security challenges.

- Top Rank Promotions chief Bob Arum mulls fight between People's Champ Manny Pacquiao and British boxer Amir Khan next year.

- The Hyundai Grand Starex MPV may have been around for almost a decade now but this overaged but practical MPV has been updated for the 2016 model year with a revamped front design, improved interior, and a choice of two Euro VI-compliant diesels such as a 2.5 VGT engine producing 175PS of power and a 2.5 WGT engine developing 140PS of power.

2016 Hyundai Grand Starex

- NASCAR legend, Buddy Baker, passed away at the age of 74 due to cancer.

- Don't worry, folks. Your ever-favorite Yaya Dub's back in the latest Eat Bulaga Problem Solving's kalyeserie #KiligPaMore. Also, just as we thought that Alden's face is now rippled with holes following the acid spill yesterday, well, his face looks alright and there goes that fresh mouthwash smell. That's right. You thought it was acid but in truth, mouthwash. However, things are getting worse as that man who demanded ransom from Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola), he warned that he'll burn her precious diary of secrets if the ransom is not met. Speaking of which, Yaya Dub may appear onstage against HBD's Patricia as part of the Bulaga Pa More Dabarkads Pa More where presenters challenging against each other as part of the show's 36th anniversary.

- TV personality Sharon Cuneta was hospitalized  due to persistent cough. Right now, she's confined at St. Luke's Medical Center and asks fans to pray for her recovery.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (August 10, 2015)

- A year has passed since the Ferguson violence where a black male named Michael Brown was shot down by policemen and sparked the outrage between law enforcement and black people. Citizens marked the first anniversary by peaceful protests until shots were fired.

- Meanwhile in the Turkish capital of Istanbul, two assailants opened fire outside the US consulate, just hours after a bomb attack on a police station. Seven people are wounded in the bomb blast, including five policemen, but no one is reportedly injured inside the consulate attack.

- The world's now focused on Japan PM Shinzo Abe as the nation will mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War this weekend and Abe will release a statement this Friday which includes apology and aggression in the draft.

- As most of Metro Manila is facing days of water interruption by the Maynilad Water Services Inc., the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Bureau of Fire Protection are sending water tankers in waterless areas.

- Nissan delays the return of their front-wheel drive GT-R LM NISMO after their poor performance from last June's Le Mans so they can focus more on problem solving with their machine.

- Great news for teitokus everywhere! A movie version of the KanColle series is coming next year! Excited to see your favorite battleship gals sortie out on the big screen?!

- On last week's Eat Bulaga's Problem Solving kalyeserie #KiligPaMore where the wedding between Yaya Dub and Frankie Arinolli (played by presenter Jose Manalo) ended in a massive disaster when Yaya Dub fainted, the EB presenter revealed how they improvised the part and urged the public not to panic about what just happened.

- Check out the restorations in progress for this month in the latest Jay Leno's Garage webcast.



TTFN!!!

A wedding turned disaster in the latest #KiligPaMore!

What it should have been is the biggest, and rather the most expensive, wedding event in history but it turned into a nightmarish disaster in the latest Eat Bulaga's Problem Solving's kalyeserye #KiligPaMore.

Over a million Filipinos worldwide have been tuning in on Saturday's Eat Bulaga just to see how the wedding between Yaya Dub and Frankie Amoy Arinolli (Jose Manalo) turned into a complete disaster...in the most hilarious fashion everyone's been laughing and crying in so many ways. 

That wedding occurred yesterday at a certain covered court was star-studded and everyone's invited. Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola) was excited to see her Yaya Dub getting married to Frankie just to get the funding needed for the ransom. If that wasn't enough, Alden Richards' becoming desperate and he rushed to the wedding to the stop it. However, when it was the time to exchange vows, Yaya Dub inevitably fainted in front of the big audience!

With Yaya Dub fainted and taken to a certain place, the wedding that supposed to be a successful one turned into an epic failure and if that wasn't enough, Alden's too late to arrive to the scene and causing havoc to the wedding that was once ended in failure! Worse, he gets beaten up by Lola, her henchmen mostly called Rogelio, and Frankie.

Where is Yaya Dub now? What will Lola Nidora do now?! Is Frankie lost his sense because of his failed wedding? What's next for Alden? Keep watching Eat Bulaga's Problem Solving every weekdays to see what's next!

Forza Horizon 2: Greeting for a Special Agent

Aston Martin's DB5 remains one of the most iconic Bond cars ever made since its appearance in the 007 movie Goldfinger. Little did you know that when the Bond makers wanted this car to be in that film, Aston Martin rejected the idea. They will lend their car for a full price of 4,500 Pounds back in 1960's but the Bond creators decided not to because it's too expensive. They tried various cars fit for Bond but because of their desire of putting the Aston Martin in the Bond movie, the folks lend them a second-hand development car and the Bond people cost them five times more than the car itself to rig it with the Bond modifications. Such modifications such as bulletproofing the car, revolving license plate holder, mechanical tire shredders, forward-mounted machine guns, oil slicks, smokescreen, and our essential favorite, the ejector seat.

When Goldfinger was released in cinemas in the fall of 1964, it became a box-office hit and sales of the Aston Martin DB5 went through the roof, signalling the start of the wonderful collaboration between Aston Martin cars and the James Bond 007 franchise that span through decades and its recent appearance in a Bond movie on this car was 2012's Skyfall, featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond.

Here, in the world of FH2, the DB5 is not armed with the usual Q modifications, but what you get is a legendary grand tourer equipped with a 4.0L straight-6 engine producing 282bhp of power and a top speed of 145mph. Doesn't sound much by modern standards but it's a great car to drive for those who want to live a life of Her Majesty's deadliest agent who wreaks havoc through all parts of the world, stopping villains bent on world domination while wooing the ladies with his charisma. It maybe old but its still a fun car to drive in this game whether if you're in races or online mini-games.



See those squarish markings on the DB5? I tried replicating the iconic Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 as seen on the film but don't expect rear shields popping up or someone gets flung on the ejector seat. Oh no. Because I'll send this car on a championship I've booked in for this car in Sisteron and some usual Q modifications have been made...for competitiveness. No. It doesn't involve weaponry. It involves enhanced performance that can be set on an equal playing field against the competition.

Like all good James Bonds, I tend to disobey Q's promise to bring this car back to pristine condition but...forgive me Q. I have a race to win.



As Q might say, I have not only won the championship but I nearly wrecked most of the DB5's compartments. At least it's better than saving the car and lose the race. Happy now, Q?!