Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class maybe more of a minor change version of the old M-Class it replaces but this is Mercedes' debutante as it as one of the firsts to implement its new naming structure For all SUVs, they've been given a GL suffix and because it has the E on it, think of the GLE as...well, an SUV version of the E-Class. The more you know.

Anyway, the new GLE starts at around 53,966 Euros, which sounds like a lot for a crossover of that size, but what do you get on this fresh new start on the old M-Class it replaces are a choice of petrol, diesel, and for the first time, a PHEV.

The PHEV in question is the GLE 500 e which features a 3.0L V6 BiTurbo engine producing 333PS combined with a 85kW hybrid module, resulting to a combined torque output of 650Nm and combined power output of 442PS. Mercedes says it combines the power and refinement of a V8 engine with the fuel consumption of a three-litre car and the versatility of a premium SUV. Sounds too juicy for me. The GLE 500 e offers different modes that varies on the driving such as HYBRID, E-MODE, E-SAVE, and CHARGE. This model is mated with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS while its energy is stored in a li-ion batery with an energy content of 8.8kWh.

The ideal diesel model for the GLE is the GLE 350d 4MATIC, which comes with a 3.0L V6 diesel engine delivering 258PS of power and 620Nm of torque. It can do 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds and goes all they way to 225kph. As for fuel consumption, the 15.6km/L rating isn't too shabby for the V6 diesel even if it comes with an overloaded 9-speed automatic gearbox. Sure, its least powerful diesel model can do 18.5km/L, but it's best to be off with it.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63

However, if you want something more for the GLE, there's the high-performance GLE63 AMG, which features some of AMG's sporty enhancements that will make the GLE more exciting in the driver's mind, it still comes with the good old M157 AMG 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine, which in the S model, can churn out 585PS of power and 760Nm of torque. Mated with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic, it can do 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds and it's electronically limited to 250kph but there's an optional extra where the limit can be raised to 280kph. Now that's as fast as any hi-po SUVs would do. One thing I do hope for if you had one of these is try to stay out of harm's way before someone gets alerted by its shouty V8 noise under the bonnet.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class interior

Because the GLE-Class is made to be different than the M-Class it replaces, it has all the right gizmos as well as the updated suspension system and 4MATIC four-wheel drive system so while driving on the road, it feels like an executive saloon in all the right places but when it traverses the rough terrain, the GLE-Class isn't such a bad car to drive, well, except for the GLE63 anyway because this was made to be racy rather than adventurous.

On the inside, it feels more exactly what you expect from the old M-Class except for the updated dashboard and some added gizmos for convenience purposes. If you didn't mind the tech stuff, you can say that this is still fit for a family car even if it wears a luxury car badge in it. There's more ample space at the back fit enough for any lifestyle you see fit.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The new GLE-Class maybe more of a facelifted M-Class at first but it's a breakthrough crossover that carries over from the M-Class and with the introduction of the first ever GLE 500 e PHEV, looks like Mercedes-Benz is expecting high hopes for this eco car of that size. In my mind, peeking at the GLE feels like you've tasted it before because this is essentially an M Class but mark its words because once you tried it, you'll regret about having the M-Class in the first place.

Photo: Daimler AG

Hurricane Katrina - 10 years on...

August 29, 2005

A powerful hurricane known as Katrina brought havoc in New Orleans, Louisiana. Almost the entire city, with a population of half a million, was inundated. Nearby areas of the Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast were also hard hit by the catastrophic hurricane.

Even worse during Hurricane Katrina is the ineptitude evident from the local government to the White House. The mayor of New Orleans shown irresponsibility to evacuate most of the town's citizens because it would harm the city's tourism. Two years ago, the new Department of Homeland Security was made, gaining control of most intelligence agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for disaster planning and relief within the USA. 

Michael Brown, who once headed FEMA, showed poor performance in disaster management and even though the National Weather Service warned of imminent storms, the FEMA made almost no preparation.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, vast numbers of citizens remained abandoned and the government wasn't aware that thousands of people have gathered at the New Orleans Convention Center without food, water, or shelter. The damages caused by Hurricane Katrina were about 80 billion dollars, the death toll was over 1,800, and two-thirds over the city's population are missing,

Despite the terrible fate caused by Katrina, some individuals stood up and provide help to the victims as well as having neighboring states open their doors for the refugees. A year after the hurricane, the population of New Orleans has returned to pre-hurricane levels and reconstruction had barely begun in many neighborhoods.

Ten years have passed since Hurricane Katrina struck south and have we ever learned from such a tragic event like this? Well, some of them are but if we have learned something from the people who've experienced Hurricane Katrina ten years ago, we can be fully prepared in the event a bigger one approaches as long as we have faith and trust in each other's truth and ideals.

FH2 Storm Island: The Gauntlet #4

If you managed to score 11 wins during your survival on Forza Horizon 2's Storm Island expansion, you've gained access to your fourth Gauntlet challenge and for this challenge, you will be driving an extreme version of a commoner's RAM pickup truck known as the RAM Runner at the Midnight Forest track while surviving the harsh terrains and the severe thunderstorms as usual.

What is the RAM Runner? Built by Chrysler's in-house tuning brand Mopar, it uses the commoner's RAM 1500 as its base but this is just a collection of Mopar parts developed specifically for this RAM truck, so in short, this is a tuned version rather than a regular-production vehicle like the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. This particular RAM Runner is the Stage 2 package which features an all-coil spring suspension for better off-road driving as well as lengthened and reinforced front control arms, heavy-duty tie-rods and ball joints, and 3.0-inch Fox internal-bypass front and rear shocks. Even though it has offroad parts fitted on an ordinary RAM 1500, it's still road-legal but who would want to take out a big truck on the normal roads?

Anyway, with explainations becoming a waster of time, let's see how did I fare against the Gauntlet I'm facing...



The combination of unforgiving terrain and severe thunderstorms maybe a test of my distinct offroad abilities but the RAM Runner managed to survive the gauntlet without questioning.

That's it! 12 wins! That means I have unlocked the finale! With the finale on sight, what am I planning to do now? You'll find out soon as my journey to Storm Island reached its climax.

#BGABeautifulInterview

On the August 28, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Si Eric na Cellphone ang Laruan, Tungkol Sa Buhay N'ya ang Usapan, Simulan na Natin Ang...LEVEL 1

- Water Delivery gags

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...FOMO.

- A Beautiful Interview between two women who knew politics very well...

- Bubble Gang does Bear Brand Sterilized Milk by spoofing this commercial as BEAR BLONDE STERILIZED MILK! Gabi-Gabi. Bawi sa Tibay.

- More words to live by with Tata Lino!

- Let's see what political promises Bote Botante has to say...

- Surgeons know how to deal with an operation...with music!

- #KlaroAngDiskarte brought to you by Sprite!

- Will one of the Bubble Gang survive Tsugi o Chorva?!

The moment when you saw iM@S and Love Live stars singing together

THE IDOLM@STER and Love Live, two of the biggest names in the world of idol anime malarkey as every otaku knows, are obviously not two things you'll read in the same sentence. Believe it or not, because both of these are the most successful franchises in the anime world, everyone's fighting which idol franchise is the best. Those IM@S fans refer to them as "Ps" or "Producers" and those Love Live fans refer as "Livers", don't usually get together because with these two, it's an all-out war much like any other famous rivalries in history.

However, at this year's AniMelo concert, which held at Saitama Super Arena from the 28 to the 30th of August, 2015, that argument holds no valid because for the first time, these idol anime titans collide each other to perform hit songs as heard from both THE IDOLM@STER and Love Live franchises.

The AniMelo concert is the biggest concert held every late summer and it's all dedicated to anime songs. It features performances by AKINO from Bless4, Yuka Iguchi, Kanako Ito, King Cream Soda, TRUSTRICK, Momoiro Clover Z, LiSA, and many others.

Everyone rejoiced when they saw some 765 PRO ALL-STARS gals as well as the rest of μ's performing together on a concert they will never forget.

The Flor de Liza finale

Over the final days of ABS-CBN's afternoon drama, we've witnessed how the story reaches its climax in a more dramatic fashion. We saw Ida spent her final days of her life, we saw Teacher Daisy plans her final attack to kidnap Flor, and how Crisanto risked everything to save Flor and Liza from Teacher Daisy's clutches...at the cost of Flor's life.

In the finale, everyone prays to bring Flor back as she's currently hospitalized. While she was hospitalized, she saw her mother in her dreams and with the two reunited, Flor wants to be with her mom for good but Ida said Flor's not ready to join her because there are others in need of her, even for Liza despite her sinister efforts of getting rid of Flor for several moments.

After spending moments with her mother, Ida, Liza woke up and everyone, including Liza, are very happy to see Flor returned to life. Back home, everything's in peace now.

The story ends with Flor and Liza spending time at the beach as they hoped for while Ida narrates that everything ends but not for what we do for our loved ones.

This concludes the story of Flor de Liza.

Let's Do The News! (August 28, 2015)

- The Japanese Liberal Democratic Party has decided to hold its presidential election on the 20th of September. The nation's PM Shinzo Abe is most likely to be reelected as the party's chief as there are no opponents at first.

- The Japanese government dismissed an article by the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency, which demanded Emperor Akihito to apologize for his nation's aggression.

- An arrest warrant has been issued against the unknown suspect behind the second Bangkok bomb blast on a pier a day after the shrine bombing that killed 20 people. A police spokeswoman said a court issued the warrant based on the CCTV footage of a man in a blue shirt kicking a bag into the water near the pier on the night of the 17th of August, soon after the shrine blast.

- The Malacanang continues to monitor the situation at Padre Faura in Manila in the midst of the protests held by Iglesia Ni Cristo members against Justice Secretary Leila De Lima. Yesterday, De Lima's birthday was celebrated by mass protests by INC members as they marched to the office and blocked her from leaving the vicinity.

- The all new smart fortwo cabriolet was unveiled in time before its Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

- Get to know the teams that will come clashing each other on the upcoming Captain America: Civil War, coming to cinemas this May 2016.

- Believe it or not, the Philippines is the 5th worst traffic in the world, behind Iran, Thailand, South Africa, and Egypt.

- In case you missed the latest Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, the long lost triplet named Tinidora, played by Jose Manalo, was introduced. With Lola Nidora, Tidora, and Tinidora present, they're better known as Kalye's Angels. Apart from Tinidora's introduction, the secret of Yaya Dub is slowly revealing but what's next? Keep watching Eat Bulaga on GMA-7 and find out!

TTFN!!!

FH2 Storm Island: Rallying the Fiesta ST

Ford's Fiesta ST may be a pocket rocket on the streets but because of the Ford Fiesta's involvement in the world of rallying, it's hard to question if this Ford Fiesta makes it the perfect rallying machine even if you're continuing your quest on surviving Storm Island. Well, while I'm still doing what the so-called Storm Island survival guide told, I decided to call on my Fiesta ST again and this time, giving it the necessary equipment needed to survive Storm Island such as heightened suspension, rally tires, and a low-range gearbox. I can keep the design I made since my Horizon Festival journeys because it looks so unique...in my mind.

Now, what concerns me the most is even though this is a very small car that promises to outfox the big boys, it can't keep up in the straights, where Evos and Subies have the upper lead because of their power advantages. The only blessing for the Fiesta is its defensive driving, some luck, and some fate. Of course, since this is Storm Island, half of everything is luck and the other half is fate, so the Fiesta ST will give all of it to win and continue my survival to the finale.



Well, that really sums it up, but nevertheless, the Fiesta ST managed to survive and won one of Storm Island's challenges and with 11 wins in my disposal, looks like I have unlocked another Gauntlet challenge for me and by surprise, I only need one more championship win to unlock the Island Finale! How lucky was that? Anyway, with my survival to Storm Island is nearing its climax, what should I do now is up for me to decide...

Let's Do The News! (August 27, 2015)

- Shocking news in the US state of Virginia as a 24-year-old female newscaster and a 27-year-old male cameraman working from WDBJ TV station were shot down on air by a gunman named Vester Flanagan, a 41-year old male who used to work at WDBJ. Flanagan was fired by the station 2 years ago after his colleagues complained about his offensive remarks and problematic behavior. Police say that the gunman shot himself to death after being spotted about 300km away from the shooting scene.

- In response to the recent shooting at the Virginia TV station, an official from the White House states that this is just one of another examples of gun violence that is becoming all too common in the USA, and he urged Congress to act on gun control.

- Onto the Tianjin blasts, Chinese prosecutors detained 11 people over the warehouse explosions that killed 139 people on August 12, according to reports. The prosecutors found that the city's authorities failed to supervise the logistics  company that runs the warehouse where hazardous chemicals were stored.

- The Japanese government plans to limit the cost of building the stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by around 155 billion yen or 1.29 billion dollars. The government reached an agreement a day before relevant cabinet ministers are expected to endorse the new construction plan.

- Senator Sonny Angara is mulling on proposing higher tax exemptions on the amount of goods and items from Overseas Filipino Workers who sends their goods to their families via balikbayan boxes.

- Justice Secretary Leila de Lima launched an investigation against the stem cell doctor of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, following the report that Dr. Antonia Carandang-Park continues to practice alternative medicine amid facing murder and estafa cases. A certain family filed a complaint against the said doctor after their family member died after undergoing alternative medicine treatment at the Green and Young Health and Wellness Center in Tagaytay.

- The all-new Kia Sportage crossover was officially unveiled in time before its world premiere at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

- An estate version of the brand new Renault Talisman flagship was unveiled before its Frankfurt debut next month.

2016 Renault Talisman Estate

- AlDub fans are not pleased over technical difficulties over GMA7's signal on SkyCable as the network filed a formal complaint to the National Telecommunications Commission against cable provider SkyCable because of poor signal quality, causing most of the AlDub fans missing what's what during their on-screen antics on Eat Bulaga's Problem Solving kalyeserye that had everyone in the world watching.

TTFN!!!

All New Suzuki Solio (MA26/36S)

2016 Suzuki Solio Bandit

2016 Suzuki Solio

Before you ask, yes, this is the all-new Suzuki Solio, and for this latest generation compact MPV made by the same manufacturer that brought you the very fuel-efficient Alto and the unique kei-crossover Hustler, it's now taller than the old model, more roomier, and now, a lot more fuel-efficient with thanks to Suzuki's first ever mild hybrid technology, which is uncanny for the world leader of fuel-efficient vehicles at first.

2016 Suzuki Solio interior

2016 Suzuki Solio Bandit interior

Like the previous model, the Suzuki Solio is available with two different styles; the normal Solio and the rather stylish Solio Bandit, which is ideal for those who want to wear sunglasses at the nightlife. No matter which Solio you'll choose, the keystone pops as you enter inside, which Suzuki says it's now more taller and more roomier than the previous model. Because it's more taller than the old model, it's perfect to fit four basketball players in it after their fourth quarter. Roominess aside, the new model still has more room for your stuff. There's even a sub trunk at the back of the car where you can store some of your stuff discreetly.

2016 Suzuki Solio

2016 Suzuki Solio Bandit

Now, the important bit of the new Solio, which is its performance. Like I said, this new model comes with Suzuki's first ever Mild Hybrid technology that works in tandem with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY  Under the hood is Suzuki's brand new K12C Dual Jet engine producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque, while coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT, which is rather unsurprising for an average driver. With these, the fuel economy is now 27.8kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

In the issue of safety, the new Solio comes with the available dual camera brake support system which detects incoming pedestrians and vehicles and it can even engage an auto brake in an event of a pre-collision scenario. There are other safety features such as Lane Departure Warning, Stagger Alarm Function, Preceding Vehicle Start Alert, Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers at the back, ESP, and 4-wheel ABS.

The brand new Solio starts from 1,454,760 to 2,176,200 Yen while the Bandit starts from 1,825,200 to 2,249,640 Yen.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (August 26, 2015)

- A year has passed since the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and Israel stopped fighting at the Gaza Strip and people are living here in dire conditions after the conflict that killed 2,200 people on the Palestinian side and 70 on the Israeli side.

- Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama agreed to continue closely coordinating policies over North Korea as well as the problems in the global stock market.

- The Turkish government agreed to join airstrikes against Islamic State militants. The US Defense Department is very pleased about Turkey's move in the ongoing fight against the IS.

- Because the Bureau of Customs continue to impose taxes on goods sent by Overseas Filipino Workers to their families via balikbayan boxes, a group promoting the rights and welfare of OFWs declares "Zero Remittance Day" this Friday.

- A top consumer protection agency in Russia asked retailers in the country to stop selling certain detergent brands from US and German from the market. Rospotrebnadzor, the agency, made the announcement saying it conducted inspections and none of the products meet safety criteria. They are also inspecting household chemicals and detergents made by other companies.

- Shocking news for IDOLM@STER fans everywhere: Akiko Hasegawa, the seiyuu behind Miki Hoshii, gave birth to a baby boy yesterday.

- Check out what you can expect on the upcoming Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon RPG game , coming to 3DS next month in Japan and soon worldwide, in this latest trailer showcasing its gameplay mechanics. Ready to be a Pokemon and team up with some other Pokemons to save the world once again?

- For Bond fans across UK, advance box office for the upcoming 007: Spectre film will open on the 7th of September, 2015, at 0700 hours UK time. UK fans have the chance to book their tickets in advance to see the latest Bond movie starring Daniel Craig as 007 James Bond. For the first time, this movie will open to the public on the same night as the World Premiere in London on the 26th of October.

- Veteran actor Albert Martinez is still coping over his loss of his wife Liezl because of breast cancer five months ago.

- Parokya Ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda confirmed that his wife Neri Naig has suffered from miscarriage.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (August 25, 2015)

- Stock markets in the People's Republic in China continue to falter, a day after their worst economic plunge since eight years ago caused market losses around the world.

- After their Inter-Korean Talks, South Korea managed to stop their anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts as part of a deal to defuse tensions.

- Typhoon Goni (known as Ineng) caused havoc through Japan's southwestern main island of Kyushu and is moving north over the Sea of Japan. As of noon, about 48,400 households in the Kyushu and Chugoku regions are experiencing power outages.

- In response from outrages from most Overseas Filipino Workers, the Bureau of Customs stopped their random inspection on balikbayan boxes. The decision was made after Philippine President Benigno Aquino III met with Customs chief Alberto Lina and Cesar Purisima earlier in the day.

- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said that there is no formal offers from the Liberal Party to become former DILG Secretary and presidential candidate Mar Roxas for the 2016 elections.

- After being struck by debris from a crash during the IndyCar ABC Supply 500 last weekend at Pocono Raceway, driver Justin Wilson was announced dead on arrival, according to reports. He was 37 years old.

- It is revealed that seiyuu Eriko Nakamura, well-known for her role of Haruka Amami from THE IDOLM@STER franchise, is recovering at home after a recent hospitalization. She had been hospitalized due to poor health for a week and later discharged a few days later.

- Mio Honda from THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls gets her very own figma courtesy of Good Smile Company. She's available in stores in January for 5,556 Yen plus tax. Time to put your deposit on that one!

- Last week, the final four contestants from The Voice Kids Season 2 was announced and for a more shocking one, none of the hopefuls from Team Sarah were ever make it to the top four. The four contestants competing for the finals are Reynan Dal-Anay and Esang Torres representing Team Lea and Sassa Dagdag and Elha Nympha representing Team Bamboo. Singer and show's coach Sarah Geronimo thanked their supporters despite none of her hopefuls couldn't make it to the grand finals.

- Are there any more oddballs coming to hamper the AlDub mayhem? In case you missed the latest Eat Bulaga's Problem Solving kalyeserye, viewers were introduced with a brand new character named Tidora, played by presenter Paolo Ballesteros, who is the so-called younger sister of Lola Nidora, played by Wally Bayola. Tidora may look like Lola Nidora but she's different in every intangible ways, even her henchmen mostly named Bernardo. If that wasn't enough, Lola Nidora tasked Alden to go to Bicol and buy her some pili while riding a carabao, part of the challenges she called "Countdown To Tamang Panahon". Keep watching Eat Bulaga tomorrow if Alden can make it or break Lola's latest challenge.

TTFN!!!