In a rather bizarre turn of events in the recent Miss Universe 2015, looks like there has been a mistake of crowning a beauty queen that led someone garnered the crown and the coveted title. At first, Steve Harvey, the host of this year's beauty pageant, announced that Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez named as the winner, but something's wrong. He must have said it by mistake and he should have called Miss Columbia first runner-up, meaning that the winner of this year's Miss Universe is, and for the first time, Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach.
It was one heck of a sudden unintended announcement but feels like Miss Philippines got lucky, knowing that she won the title that could have been at the hands of Miss Colombia until slight announcement errors that turned the tables between beauty queens.
Scion's first ever compact sedan, the iA, starts the shake-up of Toyota's youth-oriented brand that sees its reputation lagging by x-named hatchbacks (except for the FR-S), but even though this is an all-new model, there's something underneath this new compact saloon for the youngsters of America.
2016 Scion iA
When I said "something underneath", I really do mean it because the Scion iA is basically a Mazda Demio, making it the first model under Toyota and Mazda's collaboration. The main reason why we got this is because Mazda couldn't sell the latest Demio to the US soil due to poor sales so we got this instead but despite being different to the Demio we knew it, it still behaves just like a Mazda Demio, well almost.
2016 Scion iA
Despite being a Mazda Demio under the influence of Toyota, the iA is powered by a 1.5L petrol engine that generates 106HP of power and 103lb-ft of torque. It can be mated with either a sensual 6-speed automatic or a more enjoyable 6-speed manual gearbox. How great this compact car comes with. Of course, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, the iA feels very nimble at the bends but in terms of comfort, it's a bit tad old fashioned. When you turn the steering wheel, you will notice that it feels somewhat soft and skimpy and that's because it comes with electric power steering. Not quite an ideal setup for a steering of that size but whatever, those ideal stuff makes the iA truly a first-timer's car to buy if he or she already got a driving license on their first try.
2016 Scion iA
2016 Scion iA
So in partial terms of driving, the iA isn't half bad for a city car and as for a perfect city car to drive with your mates, the interior feels somewhat sociable, although some eagle-eyed viewers will notice that it looks broadly similar to the Demio's. It comes with a seven-inch display, six-speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, and many other high tech stuff that makes this car feel like an iPhone on wheels. Well, don't get this car wrong, though, because while this is a small car, it still accommodates up to five people and the boot space isn't so bad.
Needless to say, the new Scion iA is a sedan that brings the entry-level market to a surprising surge and while this is the start of reinventing the Scion lineup in America, expect first-time drivers to start something small with the iA because even though it is broadly similar to the Demio, the new iA truly is the ideal starting point for newcomers everywhere. This car starts at a very reasonably 16,495 US Dollars plus the added extras and the insurance needed. Is it a great value for money? The jury's out. Is it worth enjoyable to drive? Well, so and so...
Available colors: Frost, Sterling, Graphite, Stealth, Abyss, Sapphire, and Pulse.
Over the past few weeks, the sixth season of Starstruck pushed the aspiring hopefuls to the limit, overcoming their weaknesses, uncover their strengths, and showcasing their full potential when it comes to acting. In The Final Judgment of this season, one male and one female are named as the Ultimate Survivors of this season.
Klea Pineda is named as the ultimate female survivor while Migo Adecer is named as the ultimate male survivor. Both of them earned one million pesos, a new house and lot courtesy of Camelia, and a management contract by GMA Network. They even got a chance to be part of an upcoming remake of one of GMA's TV drama classics.
Congratulations to the ultimate survivors and the avengers for dreaming, believing, and surviving till the very end.
The car that was once used as Top Gear's Reasonably Priced Car for three seasons has been renewed for a brand new generation and for the latest generation, the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra K wants to live out in its own rules just as how its predecessor fared well of being a reasonably priced car used by celebs round the track.
2016 Opel Astra
2016 Vauxhall Astra
Well, there they are and judging from its looks, it looks rather identical to its reasonably priced predecessor but no matter which side you're looking at, this is still the reasonably priced car you would hope for if you're not in the mood for something boring nor exciting. Who knows, it could becoming the ideal car to start if you got a driving license for the first time since it only costs 17,260 Euros (15,295 Pounds) plus the added extras and the insurance needed before setting off on your maiden drive through town.
2016 Opel Astra
2016 Vauxhall Astra
So, what choices do you get under the bonnet? Well, the new Astra K is offered with a new 1.0T SIDI, 1.4L, 1.4L SIDI Turbo, 1.6 SIDI Turbo, and a 1.6L CDTi (with an available Bi-Turbo) engine. Most of the engines are new so let's introduce those who aren't familiar with them. The new 1.0T SIDI has 105PS of power and 170Nm of torque with CO2 emissions ranging from 102 to 96g/km. This engine is mated exclusively with a brand new 5-speed semi-automatic EasyTronic 3.0 gearbox. That gearbox sounds new and the way it behaves feels somewhat similar to Suzuki's Auto Gear Shift gearbox used on their smaller cars, if I dare say. Anyway, also new is the 1.4 engine, which in turbo guise, can get up to 150PS of power, and 245Nm of torque, so it's a great mid-range choice for those who wanted something of a well-balanced performer. And then, there's the 1.6 CDTi engine where, in most economical versions, it promises better CO2 emissions of less than 95g/Km. Although diesel versions have lesser power ratings than petrol versions, it has better torque to keep things afloat.
Underneath the Astra is a newly developed platform that will be used on the next Chevrolet Cruze, resulting to a much smaller size and lighter bodywork and when combined with the most clever suspension setup available to most European cars, not only it feels good to drive but it's surprisingly comfortable. I might have a feeling that when this new model compare this to the previous model round the Top Gear track, chances are that the new Astra will lap faster than the old one. The same way that the Kia cee-apostrophe-d did when it was renewed years ago.
For safety, the new Astra's front camera system, includes traffic sign recognition, following distance indicator, forward collision alert and an active lane-keep assist indicator. It even comes with an advanced park assist which allows this car to park by itself. Sounds witchcraft to us but flattering if you engage this nifty gadget at your expense. What's even more clever in the new Astra is the new IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights which adjusts automatically depending on time and driving conditions.
2016 Opel Astra interior
2016 Vauxhall Astra interior
So, with the new Astra getting more of a reasonably priced car as the hopefuls hoped for, the interior is well poised, well balanced, comfortable, and more high tech. It even comes with climate control, ergonomic sports seats, AirWellness, and the new IntelliLink infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The spacing's not so bad either but you can expect more cargo space in the Sport Tourer later on.
In conclusion, the new Astra is a major improvement to its predecessor in terms of technology, driving dynamics, and user friendliness. Despite its added improvements, the new Astra retains its reasonably priced character, making it very accessible to anyone who wanted to buy a reasonably priced car to drive anywhere. Truth be told, we are getting jealous why Top Gear never featured it in the show and we want to see how it performs on the TV show in the near future.
After days of speculation, wondering where in the name of all things bright and beautiful is Yaya Dub's real father, Dodong Smash, the recent Kalyeserye finally unmasked the presence of her father! The Dodong Smash that Yaya Dub knew looked different. He looks more hip-hop, he's a wealthy man, and he's got backup dancers. He now has an new name; Daddy Dod. Oh yes.
Despite his presence, that wasn't enough for AlDub and the lolas to convince that he REALLY is Yaya Dub's father, so he approached in front of the live audience and in front of the Eat Bulaga presenters! He also made a tandem with Yaya Dub onstage to prove he's the real deal...and it did. It really was one heck of a reunion until it was cut short by Lola Babah and if that wasn't enough, Lola Babah outbid Dodong in the auction for Lola Nidora's mansion.
The reunion sure is short lived because of Lola Babah's interruption but Yaya Dub got her Christmas wish come true, hoping that one day, her father will come back. So, what happens next? Keep watching Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics. Be sure to check out My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore, starring Yaya Dub, Alden Richards, Vic Sotto, and Ai-Ai Delas Alas, in theaters December 25th!
Since Disney's acquisition of LucasFilm, the folks who took over the brainchild of the Star Wars saga finally revived the legendary franchise in new and exciting ways but nothing is more so than the long awaited installment of the cult classic franchise. Yes, The Force Awakens is the long-awaited installment that ushers in the new generation of Star Wars heroes and villains while retaining the classic taste that has been around since A New Hope.
Aside from legends returning in the film such as Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Leia, and Harrison Ford as Han Solo, this film introduces new faces that will surely become a favorite among Jedis and Padawans alike. This film introduces two new protagonists such as a young woman named Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, and a former Stormtrooper named Finn, played by John Boyega, as they set off on a war between the First Order and the Resistance.
If you asked anyone who watched this film, the biggest reactions you might hear from them is simple; it is simply the best film that will put the end of 2015 as they knew it because this is ultimately the best 2015 film to watch. Of course, the year 2015 brought us some of the most wittiest, most explosive, most heart-warming, scariest, films to watch but with the film like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this is nothing beyond compare to the list of 2015 movies.
As Star War veterans and rookies alike, The Force Awakens is simply great to watch from start to finish despite its flaws from the aging legends of the franchise, the new faces surely brought the shine on the film, making it very unique and very clever. In terms of storytelling, well since this is now under Disney's terms following their takeover of LucasFilm, the magic is well suitable enough to bring any moviegoers at any age various emotions. A hint of joy, sadness, fear, anger, and disgust, the perfect recipes that most Disney films used, especially on Marvel films, really poured in to bring the latest Star Wars films more livelier than the other films were.
Overall, The Force Awakens surely put a brilliant end of this year with some style, some magic, some action, some thrills, and some humor that will surely make it one of the most memorable films to watch for a lifetime and an instant classic the more has gained total interest at it. After all, it's good to have the Force returned to our side.
- According to PAGASA, about twenty areas in Mindanao have been placed on Signal No. 1 due to Tropical Depression Onyok. This weather disturbance continues to pose a threat at the Caraga region and it is expected to make landfall by Friday night.
- A lawyer has filed a 828-million peso plunder complaint against the ousted Makati City mayor Junjun Binay.
- Enrique Marquez, a friend of Syed Farook who was one of the couple behind the San Bernardino shootings, was arrested by US prosecutors for purchasing heavy firearms used by the masterminds behind the attack and charged with conspiring t provide support to the terrorists.
- Russian President Vladimir Putinwarned that Russia may shoot down Turkish military planes if they enter Syria's airspace. Tensions between Turkey and Russia are doubtful ever since Turkish forces shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian border.
- The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution to cut the funds of the Islamic Statemilitants. The resolution points out that the militants gained funds by selling oil and cultural artefacts. It calls for sanctions, including a financial freeze and travel ban, against ISIL and those who support or trade with them.
- A Danish cargo ship has sunk in Singapore Strait after colliding with a Norwegian tanker. Authorities say six of the 12 crew members onboard are rescued by the other half, including two Ukrainian and four Filipino crew members, are missing.
- Hacker George Hotz, known for hacking numerous gadgets including the iPhone since 2007, made headlines again for creating his own autonomous car.
- The latest goods coming in Pokemon Centeracross Japan will make you BELIEVE IN STEVEN. Well, Hoenn league champion Steven Stone, that is. Releasing through numerous Pokemon Center shops in the 26th of December (with early unveiling at the Jump Festa 2016 this weekend), customers can take advantage of special BIG Rubber Key Holders featuring manga illustrations getting to know more about the Hoenn champ. There's also a special clear fie, stainless mug cup, badges, iPhone 6/6S cases, glasses case, and top it all off with a replica of Steven's Mega Stickpin.
Steven's Mega Stickpin
- In celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Good Smile Company unveiled a Nendoroid of the film's First Order Stormtrooper. Now open for pre-orders, this Nendoroid costs 3,889 Yen plus tax and it will arrive this July.
Nendoroid First Order Stormtrooper
- DON'T MISS OUT! Tomorrow on Eat Bulaga's kalyeserye, Dodong's presence will be uncovered! Who is Dodong Smash? Is he the long lost father Yaya Dub's looking for after so many years? What will Lola Nidora react when the two finally met each other? Tune in tomorrow and expect the unexpected!
Continuing on the celebration for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as you may know; Star Wars is one of the most successful franchise in the world and because it's so successful, it expands more than just films but from toys, books, TV shows, and of course, video games. Sure, some people never once watched a Star Wars movie. They once heard of the Star Wars films but they jump straight to the games because they got connected to it.
We once had games like The Phantom Menace, LEGO Star Wars, Star Wars Bounty Hunter, Star Wars Rebel Assault, The Force Unleashed, the list goes on and on and on. Now, let's focus on today's games that will surely bring The Force to your homes.
First up is Star Wars Battlefront. Now available on PS4 and XBOX One, Battlefront gives players a big chance to immerse themselves in the world of Star Wars. They can fight for the Rebellion or the Empire as one of the franchise's iconic heroes and villains in various campaign missions as well as taking a spin in one of the most iconic machines from the franchise from the Millennium Falcon, X-wings, TIE fighters, even the massive AT-AT. You can even challenge your friends in multiplayer matches both split-screen and online. This game is every Star Wars fans' dream come true to immerse themselves in the galaxy far far away.
Star Wars Battlefront (PS4)
Star Wars Battlefront (XBOX One)
Although Battlefront sounds to be one of the most enjoyable Star Wars games to play, there's one problem. Suppose you're the big brother in the house. Then, your little brother came here and wants a piece of it. You said no. Your little brother's getting pessimistic and then your mom come here to stop your playing. Sure, you would let your little brother play a Star Wars kid but there's a major problem; he's a kid and this game contains content not suitable to children. Do you know any kid-friendly stuff that can get him as close as the world of Star Wars?!
Disney Infinity 3.0 (PS4)
Disney Infinity 3.0 (XBOX One)
Disney Infinity 3.0 (Wii U)
Well, this is the ideal solution to this dilemma. Yes, this is the Disney Infinity 3.0, the latest installment of the Disney Infinity figure-based video games and aside from featuring iconic Disney and Marvel characters to collect, the addition of Star Wars makes a welcoming force to be reckoned with. The starter pack features two figures of Clone Wars main characters Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. There are Star Wars figures available in 3.0 from classic characters such as Darth Vader, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, to characters from the Star Wars Rebels TV series such as Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus , Sabine Wren, and Zeb Orrelios, and the characters from the latest The Force Awakens film such as Finn, Rey, and Kylo Ren. True to Infinity tradition, players can create worlds and play with their favorite characters in the Toy Box as well as unleashing the fun of Disney Infinity via Power Discs.
With stuff like these, your little kid sure is looking forward to collect most of the Star Wars heroes and villains to play with in Disney Infinity 3.0.
So, with Star Wars content in Disney Infinity 3.0 as well as living the dream of being in the world Star Wars in Battlefront, these games will surely bring the world of Star Wars closer to home. These games are now available with additional content coming soon and sold separately. Star Wars The Force Awakens is now playing in cinemas.
The Chevrolet Volt has been with us for five years now and when it was launched, we couldn't tell if it's a hybrid or a zero-emission vehicle like the Nissan Leaf. In general, this is the first ever PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle) in the market and because it's a PHEV, you can either refuel it with petrol or charge the batteries in one plug. To commemorate the Chevrolet Volt's fifth anniversary, a regeneration to the first ever PHEV in the market has occurred and for the new Chevrolet Volt, this PHEV promises to go further, sticking through to its "FIND NEW ROADS" slogan.
2016 Chevrolet Volt
Here it is, the future really is now thanks to science and some clever American engineering. The new Chevrolet Volt looks more crisper to look at than the previous model, although some Chevrolet purists find the new look to be more sacrilege to the front just like what the Traverse, Impala, as well the upcoming Spark and Cruze had because by losing their trademark Chevrolet front face that has been around for ages, Chevrolet purists might simply just call it witchcraft. Putting the sins aside, it looks not too bad to look at.
2016 Chevrolet Volt interior
2016 Chevrolet Volt interior
On the interior, this is more of an improvement if I'm honest. Even though the outside looks somewhat resembled to the Corvette Stingray, it's surprisingly spacious as well although the back needs a bit more room if I'm honest. In terms of convenience, the Volt, like all Chevys, have 4G LTE connectivity so you can connect to the internet wirelessly and do whatever you like while you're stuck at traffic. There's also a wireless charger which makes the new Volt a handy power bank on the go but due caution however that it might use up most of its batteries, making its range a bit of a setback. If that's a problem, better set this Volt to run on petrol alone while letting its batteries do the talking on the electronics department. Sounds shoddy even if you're a city folk going out town with your friends.
2016 Chevrolet Volt
The new Volt is powered by two electric motors as well as a 1.5L petrol engine which now runs on regular rather than premium. Running on electric alone, the new Volt claims to have a range of 55 pure electric miles but by running on unison, it can get up to the claimed total range of 420 miles on a full charge and a full tank of gas. That's over a thousand miles between fill-ups by charging regularly and overall, its overall fuel consumption is around 82 MPG-e city and 72 MPG-e highway.
That's even less than the BMW i3, which costs 17,000 dollars more than the Volt's $25,670 suggested retail price, but mind you, the new Volt has the highest range by any PHEV available, meaning that most of the owners will rely on electricity alone and because it takes $650 dollars to fill the Volt per year, $150 less than what the previous Volt did, it's value for money as well. Think about the savings you'll get from this car.
In terms of charging the car, the Volt comes with either a 120-volt portable cord which lets the car to be fully charged for half a day or a more expensive 240-volt charging system, which allows the Volt to be fully charged after four and half hours later. There are many ways of battery management in the new Volt, including a brand new Regen on Demand system which transfers the kinetic energy from the moving car and stores it in the batter while slowing it down. There's also a programmable location-based charging as well.
Being capable on taking on city traffic, the new Volt offers safety tech such as an available Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Forward Safety Awareness. For protection, it was utilized in advanced high-strength steel for better weight loss and added rigidity as well as implementing ten airbags.
So, should you buy one? As mentioned, the new Volt starts at $25,670 but don't rush for these ones just yet because just like the last model, the new model is available in selected US states, including California. Next year, it will be available nationwide.
- Tropical Depression Onyokis expected to be intensified into a typhoon by Friday morning while Nona weakens. As of 1000 hours, Philippine Time, Onyok was located 625km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing max sustained winds of 55kph and likely to move west at 15kph. It is expected to leave the PAR by Monday.
- It's official. COMELEC accepted the certificate of candidacy from Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who will serve as the replacement candidate for PDP-Lakas ng Bayan's former standard bearer Martin Diño.
- The Islamic Statemilitants have attacked a base in northern Iraq where Turkish forces are stationed. Two Iraqi trainees were killed while four Turkish soldiers were hurt, according to the Foreign Ministry.
- According to the FBI, the Islamic State militants uses some kind of encoded messages that made their investigation difficult. A top FBI official said that the ISIL used social media to contact potential followers in the US and elsewhere. If the group determines that the individual's going to Syria or carry out attack on American soil, it switches to direct communication through encoded messages.
- North Koreaobserves the 4th death anniversary of the late leader Kim Jong-Il.
- The Department of Justice summoned thirty members of PNP's Special Action Forceto appear at the hearing of the Mamasapano clash that killed forty-four troops last January. The SAF commandos failed to appear before the preliminary hearing on Thursday. Only four, headed by Chief Superintendent Noli Talino, were able to appear before the hearing and execute their affidavits.
- The Department of Trade and Industry has released an investigation report over the sudden unintended accelerationthat plagued Mitsubishi Motors Philippines regarding their M_nt_r_ Sp_rt SUV. Out of the 97 reported complaints, only 24 filed formal complains with DTI.
- To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the dogfight-laden sci-fi action flick Independence Day since its 1996 release, 20th Century Fox released the trailer of its sequel; Independence Day Resurgence, set to hit theaters this Summer. CHECK IT OUT.
- The first trailer of the Harry Potter spin-off film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has landed.
- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, it's AlDub's 22nd weeksary and as the search for Yaya Dub's father, Dodong, ventured them to Cebu, they meet up with a chairman who looks a lot like Tito Sotto for some information. Moments later, AlDub and the Kalye's Angels dug deeper through the hidden files about Dodong's whereabouts. The files state that he's in Davao and will our gang be there too? Tune in next time and find out.
Every Christmas Day in the Philippines, the Metro Manila Film Festival kicks in and throughout the MMFF season, all film festival entries are screened at all cinemas nationwide. For this year, expect even more big things to come at the 2015 MMFF including a heated rivalry with movies featuring AlDub and JaDine.
First up is All You Need Is Pag-Ibig. Starring Kris Aquino, Derek Ramsay, Kim Chiu, Xiam Lim, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Ian Veneracion, this film features various love stories showcasing different forms of love.
Also in the love story stakes is the hugot-laden #WalangForever, starring Jennylyn Mercado, Jericho Rosales, and Lorna Tolentino. It's about a writer who deals with her heartbreak and when her ex steps in, things get out of control for her.
One of the most much-awaited films in the 2015 MMFF is My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore, starring the ever-famous love team of Alden Richards and Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza as well as Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai Delas Alas.
In the horror department comes Buy Now, Die Later, a terrifying horror flick about a mysterious shop selling items dedicated to solve every customer's problem...but with a terrifying price to pay. It stars Vhong Navarro, John Lapus, Alex Gonzaga, and TJ Trinidad.
Also frightening in this year's MMFF is Haunted Mansion, starring Oh My G's Janella Salvador, Marlo Mortel, Janice de Belen, and Iza Calzado. It's about a group of students holding an annual retreat at an old mansion, only to found out that it's been run amok by evil spirits.
If there's something that is part action, part horror, there's Nilalang, starring Cesar Montano and a special participation of Japanese porn star Maria Ozawa. It's about a policeman teaming up with a heiress of a powerful Japanese yakuza to solve the unusual killings in Manila.
Next is Beauty and the Bestie. A cop buddy flick starring Ang Probinsyano's Coco Martin and IT'S SHOWTIME's Vice Ganda as well as On The Wings of Love's Nadine Lustre and James Reid.
And lastly, a powerful and gritty crime drama titled Honor Thy Father, starring John Lloyd Cruz, Meryll Soriano, and Khalil Ramos.
All of these films will be shown in most theaters across the Philippines this Christmas Day. Which of these entries will you watch this Christmas? (For most of you, I believe it would be the one with AlDub on it)
