Let's Do The News! (October 21, 2015)

- The death toll from Typhoon Lando is now up to 26 according to the NDRRMC. So far, Lando has weakened from typhoon into tropical depression as it slowly moves northeast. At least 246 villages in four Central Luzon provinces and in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, remain flooded.

- According to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Senator Grace Poe will eclipse her legal battle against her enemies who want her disqualified from the May 2016 elections.

- According to a human rights group affiliated with the Syrian rebels, about 127 civilians are killed from the Russian-led airstrikes.

- Empress Michiko is now 81 years old and to commemorate her birthday, she has reflected on events of the past year from natural calamities, the end of the Second World War, and many others happened on Japan.

- North Korea and South Korea held a week-long reunions of families separated by the Korean War for the first time in 20 months at Mount Kumgang resort. Senior officials from the two Koreas reached an agreement on the matter in August.

- When American electric car giant Tesla unveiled the Autopilot update on their Tesla Model S saloon and the upcoming Tesla Model X crossover, they have promised that the future of mobility is now thanks to science of autonomous driving...until there's a problem. Reports told that the Model S set in Autopilot got ticketed for speeding in a 60mph zone.

- As the VW diesel scandal still escalating, reports told that French authorities have raided VW's French offices in the ongoing probe on emission-cheating diesel problems.

- Miss Austria 2013 Ena Kadic died after she fell down the mountain while jogging since the 19th of October. Megan Young, who won the Miss Universe pageant two years ago, mourns the death of the Austrian beauty queen.

- Actress Gwen Zamora and Jeremy Marquez will marry in next year.

- Actress Amanda Abbington, who appeared in an episode of BBC's Sherlock as Marty Morstan, will reappear on the upcoming TV special set for Christmas Day airing.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (October 20, 2015)

- Typhoon Lando (Koppu) has weakened into a tropical storm and is expected to become a Low Pressure Area before it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility. As of 1000 hours, Philippine Time, Lando was located 125km west of Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 85kph and gusts up to 100kph.

- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council confirmed that the death toll from Typhoon Lando has reached 12 and 60,170 families affected.

- Japan's labor ministry has confirmed the first cancer case related to the cleanup work on the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The worker in question has been diagnosed with leukemia and the ministry approved the workers' compensation. Radiation exposure has been linked to the onset of leukemia.

- The Canadian Liberal Party has scored a win in Monday's general election, ousting the Conservatives for the first time in a decade. As of now, the center-left Liberals headed by Justin Trudeau have won over 170 of the 338 parliamentary seats, resulting to the end of Conservative Stephen Harper's tenure as prime minister.

- One of the suicide bombers behind the deadly Ankara bombings are identified. One of the bombers are named Yunus Emre Alagoz, who is likely to have entered Turkey from Syria to carry out the attack. Authorities are trying to determine if he has links to the Islamic State.

- Shooting for the movie adaptation of the classic BBC comedy show, Absolutely Fabulous, is underway.

- JR Tokai collaborated with the legendary Evangelion anime franchise to showcase this awesome 500 TYPE EVA bullet train. Fancy your next train ride will be much like the legendary anime series you've watched when you were little.

- The NMKV joint venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi continue to expand by providing more kei cars for the Japanese public and, if maybe, join forces on creating a small electric vehicle.

- If you're thinking of buying tickets for the big AlDub event this Saturday, you're out of luck because just three days after its announcement on Eat Bulaga, all tickets for the AlDub event titled "Sa Tamang Panahon" are sold out. Don't worry though, this event's televised on Eat Bulaga.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: The Caparo T1

Now, let's check out one of the cars offered on Forza Motorsport 6's Logitech G Car Pack and this one is way beyond extreme when it comes to performance and thrills.



This is the Caparo T1 and this extreme track-day machine is the byproduct of the two engineers who used to work for the development of the McLaren F1 hypercar. Its chassis is comprised with carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque while its suspension is a double wishbone with tunable anti-roll bars and five-way adjustable race dampers.

Powering the T1 is a 3.5L, 32-valve, aluminum V8 engine mounted at 90-degrees and lubricated by a dry sump oil system. It produces 575HP of power and 420Nm of torque and because of its 470kg kerb weight, it has a stronger power-to-weight ratio than the Bugatti Veyron. It's mated with a 6-speed sequential gearbox made of magnesium and carbon materials.

 

So, upon driving the T1, I never realized how intimidating this open-wheeler is ever since the Ariel Atom. I also found out that this is not an easy car to master because even when you get it right, its intimidating dynamics can hurl you down like a wolf chewing on your arms. When on a wet lap, just a single slip can really cause a major pileup so watch out for it.

With enough practice, you can see how much fun this extreme track toy really is and when compared against its small but terrible oppositions, the Caparo T1 deserves its foes to have a really good kicking.

It maybe inspired from a Formula One car but its performance poses a huge threat to the driver who is not paying attention to its strengths and weaknesses.



To find out just how intimidating the T1 is, I sent this car round the Top Gear Track and go on a power lap. I know that the Caparo T1 lapped round the track in 1:10.6 (until it was removed from the board for regulations) but because of the wet weather we're facing now, it's going to be different than what The Stig attempted. In theory, very wet laps costs six seconds of lap time so it might be best to find out how fast I can get this T1 round the Top Gear Track when wet.

Without further ado, the wet lap attempt for the T1...



In a case of "what ifs", the T1 lapped round the Top Gear track in 1:16.489 when wet so if this track dried up, I have beaten the lap time set by The Stig, which is fairly close but remarkable if you understand how to take good care of the deadly Caparo T1.



The Caparo T1 is part of Forza Motorsport 6's Logitech G Car Pack. If you have the Car Pass, be sure to pick up the DLC pack and drive the Caparo T1 in-game today!

Hyundai New Avante/Elantra (AD)

2016 Hyundai Avante

Hyundai's Avante (known as the Elantra in the world market) has been regenerated and for this regeneration, it becomes more of a questionable compact midsize saloon rather than a stylish one, probably thanks to Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design first seen on the Genesis premium saloon. While this may have some eccentric looks that some say they stole it from the Mazda Axela's, what's it like to be in the new model?

With the slogan "Super Normal" comes into the new Avante's mind, Hyundai says that this all-new Avante has been through lot of tests to ensure that this C-segment saloon is on par against the Japanese biggies. Although the design is not what you called stylish, it has a drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd, making it the lowest of its class courtesy of its Wheel Air Curtains alongside its bumper ribs and the under cover. It's now longer and wider than the previous model and 53% of the new Avante's bodywork comprises of Advanced High Strength Steel, making it more stiffer and more durable.

2016 Hyundai Avante interior

2016 Hyundai Avante interior

Although the exterior design will leave car enthusiasts some mixed reactions, expect the same thing on the interior as well because while the previous MD model looks somewhat rakish and radical, the new AD model's interior is becoming more uniform as what present-day Hyundais had. Once you get in, you can't really tell the difference between this and any other Hyundais offered. While the interior is becoming a Hyundai uniformity for bigger things to come, there are some concessions of conveniences offered such as rear air-con vents, Integrated Memory Seat, Smart Trunk, optional Harman audio system, and Smart Navigation + 7 inches Rear View Camera. Yes. It's becoming more tech-savvy for the millennials right now.

2016 Hyundai Avante

Like the previous Avante MD model, the new Avante AD model is offered with two engine choices; a 1.6L GDi engine producing 132PS of power and 164Nm of torque or a 1.6L e-VGT engine with 136PS and 183Nm of torque. Most variants can be offered with either a 6-speed AT or a 6-speed MT but on the diesel variant, a 7-speed double clutch gearbox is an exclusivity.

As for dynamics, the new Avante comes with an updated Motor Driven Power Steering that provides better handling response at different speeds, resulting to even better stability on corners but I'm not sure if these drivers react to this upgraded electric power steering, presumably. As for silence, the new model has better NVH thanks to new windscreen wipers, thickened glass windows, and a rear-wheel guard made from new materials.

Safety-wise the new Avante is loaded with tech such as automatic braking system, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Detector with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It even comes with SPAS for parking purposes and a Lamp Disconnection Diagnostic System which warns the drivers that one of its headlamps are out, meaning they'd better service it at their nearest Hyundai dealer for a new set of lights.

The Avante is now available with an introductory price of 13,840,000 to 21,250,000 Won for the petrol model and 16,000,000 to 23,710,000 Won for the diesel model. It doesn't sound cheap but it's a smart buy full stop. So, what's to like about the Avante? Affordability? Perhaps. Drivability? Think so. Tech. Presumably. And what's not to like? Perhaps it's the styling that doesn't really woo the crowd.

Available colors: Polar White, Platinum Silver, Sparkling Metal, Iron Grey, Ice White, Marina Blue, Moonlight Blue, Phoenix Orange, Fiery Red, and Phantom Black.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Let's Do The News! (October 19, 2015)

- According to PAGASA, Typhoon Lando (Koppu) will stay longer in northern and central Luzon of the Philippines for three more days or until Wednesday because it's moving slowly. As of right now, it continues to head towards the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Abra, and Apayao. The storm warning for Metro Manila has been lifted.

- The international deal to limit the nuclear development of Iran has taken place after the UNSC adopted a resolution on the issue. Three months ago, Iran and six world powers reached a final agreement aimed at limiting the nation's nuclear development in exchange for easing international sanctions.

- Henriette Reker, the female politician who was attacked during her campaign for mayor of Cologne, Germany, has won by a landslide. She was attacked by someone who was angry about Germany's tolerant policy on refugees and she was hospitalized. Her condition is serious but stable.

- The leader of the ethnic Uygurs living outside China has opposed the fatal Bangkok bombing last August. Rebiya Kadeer, the head of the World Uyghur Congress, blamed the Thai government for possibly provoking the attack by forcibly deporting Uygurs to China.

- Two cabinet members separately offered prayers in the main building of the Yasukuni Shrine on Sunday for the autumn festival.

- The first trailer for the upcoming 3DCG movie adaptation of the Ratchet & Clank video game franchise is here.

- Swedish carmaker Volvo announced that their first all-electric vehicle will arrive in the next four years, targeting against the likes of Tesla.

- TV presenter Willie Revillame was ordered by the Court of Appeals to be arrested over child abuse case.

- Pinay beauty queen Hillarie Danielle Parungao will be representing the Philippines for the upcoming Miss World 2015 as she was named Miss World Philippines 2015.

- In case you missed the Philippines vs. The World boxing event held at Stubhub Center, California, our four Filipino boxers triumphed against the world's finest. Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo maintained his unbeaten record against Yardly Suarez after a first round KO. Albert Pagara, meanwhile, pinned down against William Gonzales on his first US fight after the sixth round. Jason Pagara destroyed Santos Benavides on the second round. And on the main event, Donnie "Ahas" Nietes won the match against Juan Alejo by unanimous decision. Philippines wins.

- Meanwhile, Filipino boxer Brian Viloria was defeated by the undefeated rival Roman Gonzales after a ninth-round KO.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: Tale of two Jags

A few moments ago, I went to the Top Gear Test Track to compare between the Jaguar F-Type Coupe R and the BMW M4 just to find out which of the car is best and to my amazement, the F-Type Coupe R, with its supercharged V8 engine, outsmart the turbocharged BMW M4 like how Britain won the Battle of Britain.



Now, I'm in one part of Great Britain. Specifically, Silverstone, and I'm still in the F-Type Coupe R to see how much fun this V8-powered sportscar is on its home turf. However, I'm not sending this F-Type back home just for fun, I sent it home because I want to compare this to another Jaguar offered in-game and that particular Jag in question is a hardcore version of the XKR-S, undoubtedly one of the best Jags I have ever driven in my Forza life.



The GT version of Jaguar's high-performance XKR-S coupe represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's ultimate grand tourer and it has became a hardcore, track-focused version of the said model.

In the North American market, only 30 units are made. The GT features enhanced aerodynamic components and suspension development for better downforce and handling. It is the first Jaguar to use carbon ceramic brakes.

Like the base XKR-S, it comes with the 5.0L V8 petrol Supercharged AJ-V8 GEN III R engine producing 550PS of power and 680Nm of torque. It will do 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 186mph.

Upon driving the XKR-S GT, it takes an expert-level driver to master the harsh dynamics due to the sheer power and torque its V8 delivers and when it rains down on the track, you need to be pretty certain because one slip and you're gone. It takes determination and guts to tame this British bulldog right up to its noses.

Both the F-Type Coupe R and the XKR-S GT really are the cream of the crop from Jaguar but what differs these two really is hard to explain why because while the F-Type Coupe is more of a grand tourer fit for leisurely purposes only rich gentlemen would do, the XKR-S GT nullifies its gentlemanly manner in the pursuit of being a track-ready screamer. Sure, the F-Type R is lighter than the XKR-S GT but because the XKR-S GT features track-focused essentials, seems that it can munch through every corner it sees but either way, they can be tricky to get to their best behavior even when wet.

To find out, I compare these two Jags on a head to head comparo round Silverstone for some wet laps. Fastest time wins so here goes...



After spending the day with a wet lap round Silverstone, I have the results. The XKRS-GT did it in 2:45.597 while the F-Type Coupe R did it in 2:44.804, which means the F-Type Coupe R has been proven to be the ultimate Jaguar at this moment in time.



Oh yes, it's good to be bad.

Doctor Who S09E05

Doctor Who S09E05

Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams guest starred as Ashildr in the episode titled "The Girl Who Died" and on this episode, The Doctor and Clara Oswald went to the age of the Vikings to protect the village from a menacing alien warriors known as the Mire and a war criminal named Odin.

On that episode, we witnessed how did The Doctor got his face and as explained with a flashback from "The Fires of Pompeii" episode aired seven years ago. We got our minds blown by the shocking revelations.

With a piece of alien tech revived Ashildr after the Vikings successful victory against the Mire, looks like her mystery about her newly found immortality will have to wait. Looks like we can expect more of Ashildr for next week's episode.

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW: