Let's Do The News! (February 9, 2016)

- Five separate proclamation rallies will be held across the Philippines as the campaign period for candidates for national positions on the May 2016 elections began on Tuesday.

- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV accused presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of foolery in his bid to become the next Philippine leader in the May 2016 elections. Trillanes, who's running for vice presidency, said Duterte repeatedly told the public he wouldn't run before submitting his COC for president close to the deadline for substitution. Trillanes also criticized Duterte's campaign against crime, saying that Duterte didn't have any perfect law enforcement policy in his hometown.

- The colleagues and co-candidates of the deceased OFW Workers' Club party-list representative Roy Señeres were saddened by his death on Monday. Señeres died of cardiac arrest triggered by complications from diabetes three days after he withdrew his presidential bid. He was 68 years old.

- As of now, about 40 people confirmed dead in last weekend's Taiwan quake as rescue workers continue to search around the clock for survivors. Over a hundred people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble.

- Violent clashes occurred in Hong Kong last night during the Chinese New Year celebrations following a dispute between police and street vendors. The unrest broke out early Tuesday in Kowloon and over a hundred people, including vendors and other locals, thrown stones to police and set fire to garbage.

- Ferrari replaced the FF with its updated version, the new GTC4 Lusso. While it features the same shooting brake styling from the FF, the GTC4 Lusso features a much updated look as well as its updated 6.3L V12 producing 680HP of power and 514lb-ft of torque. It will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

- Honda previews its upcoming Vezel RS model coming at the end of February.

2017 Honda Vezel RS

- Mr. Osomatsu fans are in for a treat because there's going to be a collaboration between the hit TV series and the shoujo manga magazine Margaret, which will hit bookstores this February 20. It features a special clear file and include crossover works.

- New Pokemon XYZ toys on the radar! On the Moncolle collection, Takara Tomy will launch a new pose on the Noivern figure as well as Mega Lucario doing Sky Uppercut, a new pose for the Mega Blaziken Moncolle figure, and Zygarde Complete Forme this March. Those three figures mentioned will cost 650 yen each while the Zygarde Complete Forme figure costs 1,500 Yen.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (February 8, 2016)

- Roy Señeres, the leader of the OFW Family party-list, died of cardiac arrest on Monday morning, days after he withdrew his presidential candidacy. He was 68 years old.

- In an effort to boost its self-sufficiency in rice production, the Philippines is set to pioneer hybrid rice farming with its ASEAN neighbor Malaysia in April. An official said that the Philippines can be the first to introduce a highly suitable hybrid rice in Malaysia as it was developed for tropical climate and Malaysia's climate is similar to the Mindanao region,

- Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario has resigned due to health reasons. Del Rosario, last year, is the nation's top diplomat who was behind the bold move to challenge the validity of China's vast territorial claims in the South China Sea before an international tribunal.

- The United Nations Security Council strongly opposed North Korea's missile launch last weekend that world leaders called a banned test of ballistic missile technology and another intolerable provocation. The UN's most powerful body pledges significant new sanctions against the Korean Peninsula.

- Returning to the Taiwan quake, rescuers have pulled out a male just 56 hours after the quake. So far, 37 people are reportedly dead and officials believed over a hundred remained missing in the rubble.

- The F-4E -20th Anniversary- Special Aircraft from Ace Combat Infinity, made in honor of the series' 20th anniversary, will be made into a model kit courtesy of Hasegawa Hobby Kits. Available this late February for 3,600 yen, fans can take home and build this commemorative aircraft to celebrate Ace Combat's 20th year.

- Earlier, Nestle Japan launched a Japan-exclusive flavor of their Kit Kat candies and that flavor in question is...sake. Although the flavor comes in powdery form, it's still considered as alcohol and this variant's not suitable for children due to its 0.8% alcohol content the packaging warns.

- The IDOLM@STER's official radio program, iM@STUDIO, will air its last episode on the 12th of February on the HiBiKi Radio Station and on the 20th of Fenruary on the Nicovideo site. For over 252 episodes, we witnessed Eriko Nakamura and Asami Imai providing the best updates in the world of iDOLM@STER as well as some added variety when the show began in April 2011.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye; guess who's back? Yep, it's that Frankie Arinolli again, and any idea why he came back? And who is the secret admirer Yaya Dub's talking about? Tune in next time and find out.

- Life after Disney's hit TV cartoon show, Gravity Falls, ends this mid-February, series creator Alex Hirsch is developing a new cartoon comedy show for FOX Television.

TTFN!!!

Broncos won historic SB50 match

The 50th Super Bowl match is by no means the most historic of all the past Super Bowl matches since the first Super Bowl occurred in the 60's and with the match between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers, this was one heck of a match that, of course, will be written in the American football history books.

At the score of 24-10, the Denver Broncos won the historic match against the Carolina Panthers, all thanks to their questionable but rough offensive and defensive strategies pulled by the Broncos' finest players. The Panthers did well but they were lacking much effort, even for the star player Cam Newton himself.

Post-game, Broncos' Von Miller was named as the SB50 MVP and joining the ranks of the past Super Bowl MVPs in history. As for star player Peyton Manning, during an interview, looks like he puts his retirement decision on hold and he will keep playing to his heart's content.

Well done Broncos for your historic win in the 50th Super Bowl match!

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 73

In case you missed it, the Denver Broncos named as the champions of the historic Super Bowl 50 game. Long story short but on this Super Bowl special of the Driving Music 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) Somebody To Love by Queen - from the US Honda Ridgeline "Somebody to Love" commercial

2) Apache by Incredible Bongo Band - from the US Toyota Prius "Prius Car Chase" commercial

3) Whatta Man by Salt 'n' Pepa With En Vogue - from the US Hyundai Elantra "Ryanville" commercial

4) Runnin' With The Devil by Van Halen - from the Acura "What He Said" commercial

5) Starman by David Bowie - from the US Audi R8 "Commander" commercial

6) Another One Bites The Dust - from the US Hyundai Genesis "Dad" commercial

...and that is it. Hope you've enjoyed the game as much as enjoying the big game ads!

20 Years of Pokemon: Your favorite per type?

Continuing on the celebration for twenty years of Pokemon, it's time to focus on my favorite Pokemon per type. Up until now, there are 18 Pokemon types from Grass to Fairy and these types decide the battling factor for every trainer if they have the knowledge to know what's super effective against, not very effective against, and what doesn't affect. Between you and me, each type has its fanbase and if somebody asked me...do you have a favorite Pokemon? Well, I can tell you what's my favorite Pokemon...by type!

Bug - I would say Vivillon because despite being dreadful that it's considered as the, well you get the idea, Vivillon is well famous for its different kinds of patterns most trainers wanted to collect by trading each others' Vivillons for patterns. Although I'm not nearly once for pattern collections, I find Vivillon to be quite a charm for me.

Dragon - I think it would have to be Salamence because thanks to its brutal offensive powers as well as its Intimidate ability, I see Salamence to be quite a multirole in terms of Pokemon battles. With its Mega Evolution introduced in ORAS, my strong liking to Salamence has been powered up a little further.

Fairy - Like everyone else in the world, I would prefer Sylveon. Since the introduction of Fairy types in XY (perhaps I have a strong theory that someone worked under the influence of Project Fairy in the making of these games), some are very skeptical about Fairy types. There are those new to the franchise and there are existing ones reclassified as Fairies, but either way, the Fairy type has been quite a welcoming addition to the franchise and this Sylveon, one of the Eevee friends, takes the cake.

Fire - Charizard because it has been the pride of every Pokemon trainer in the world since the very beginning. Red from Pokemon Origins has one, Ash used to had one of those, even Alain (the guy from the Mega Evolution specials and now reappearing as Ash's formidable rival in the XYZ series) has one! Anyway, I have always been a fan of Charizard since the first games and while stories get older, Charizard gets better.

Ghost - My favorite Ghost Pokemon will always be Gengar because apart from its scary appearance, Gengar's quite a quick fighter to lunge its foes with its long range attacks. I have been in love with Gengar since the first games, although I didn't managed to have one in the past due to the fact that Gengar evolves by trading.

Ground - Groudon is my favorite Ground Pokemon because apart from being one of the Hoenn legends, Groudon's proven to be the most powerful of all the Ground types and with Primal Reversion, the unique combination of Ground-and-Fire really is proof that Groudon is the master of the lands, which is the same way as Kyogre rules the seas.

Normal - I couldn't think of a favorite Normal type Pokemon but if there's one, there's room for Swellow because I find Swellow to be quite a dark horse in battles thanks to its Guts ability. When Poisoned, Burned, or Paralyzed, its attack power is boosted and with the combination of this Guts ability and the Facade attack, Swellow's bound to deliver some serious damage to its enemies. Clever, I dare say.

Psychic - I know one and it has to be Gardevoir because in my previous posts, I've listed Gardevoir as one of the prettiest Pokemons in history and apart from being a graceful looking Pokemon, Gardevoir is a fierce fighter that takes advantage to its Special Attack power.

Steel - Aegislash for me because back then, I managed to take advantage of Aegislash's strategy involving defend-first-before-attack. That's when its King's Shield comes into play and while taking advantage of its incredibly high defense on Shield Form, I can unleash powerful attacks when switched to Blade Forme. Then, I managed to have Aegislash defend again. This whole defend-before-attack trick is what made others taking advantage of Aegislash.

Dark - Of all the Dark types, my bet would be on Zoroark. It's a shame that I didn't put Zoroark in the list of scariest Pokemons but what made me surprised is its Illusion ability that takes the appearance of the last conscious party Pokemon upon battling. It's like a Ditto in so many ways but there's a chink; it can only use most of Zoroark's moves. Tricky, isn't it? You couldn't tell unless the impostor used the Night Daze. If it uses it, it's bound to be Zoroark's.

Electric - Pikachu will always be, and ever be, my favorite Pokemon not just for the Electric types but for the rest of the Pokemon. It's the cutest, the prettiest, and the scariest Pokemon I will always remember for.

Fighting - I strongly believed that Lucario is my favorite Fighting-type Pokemon just like the rest of the world does. While its defense is somewhat lacking, it's amazing combination of offense and speed is what made Lucario great on Pokemon battles and when its Mega Evolution's engaged, Lucario can triumph any challenge it sees fit.

Flying - Yeah, I admit, I should have mentioned....someone from far above, but if I have a favorite Flying-type Pokemon, I think it would have to be Talonflame because it's brave enough to use whatever recoil attacks it see fit and it's quick on its Gale Wings. Get it?

Grass - For Grass-types, my favorite will be the pretty Roserade because I am in love in its appearance and it makes me want to have one, although I may find that its attributes haven't tested yet in the field of battle, but the more I'm using Roserade, the more it will unleash its inner potential.

Ice - From the long list of Ice types, my favorite will be Weavile because not only it's offensive, it's darn quick. I wish I want to try Weavile out when Pokken Tournament comes out because I wanna see if that Weavile lives up to its quicky promise.

Poison - Well, you got me, but Muk's my favorite Poison-type Pokemon because its scary appearance is what made me swoon since my childhood.

Rock - I am no fan of Rock-type but if I had a favorite, I believe it's Aerodactyl. Having emerged from the Old Amber fossil, Aerodactyl's well known for its combination of brute force and speed and with its Mega Evolution engaged, Aerodactyl knows who's laughing now at the end of the battle.

Water - Blastoise is not just my favorite Water-type Pokemon but it's the first Pokemon I will always remember for ever since I had a Blue Version when I was a elementary school kid. Blastoise and I had been in numerous challenges and I had fond memories with it. You will always be my first Pokemon.

Well, that's all there is to it but the Pokemon 20 year celebration continues because throughout the year 2016, let's talk more about what's what in the world of Pokemon from games, the TV show, and whatever. Until then, see you next time.

Photo: Pokemon

Honda Odyssey Hybrid

For the first time in the Honda Odyssey's two-decade-long history, a hybrid model is offered in Honda's flagship minivan that has been nosing around against the likes of Toyota's Alphard and Nissan's Elgrand. So, what's it all about?

2016 Honda Odyssey Hybrid

Previewed from last year's Tokyo Motor Show and now on sale across Japan, the Odyssey Hybrid offers the same luxury features as the normal Odyssey would provide now with the hybrid powertrain to keep things going the distance. Of course, Japan is the nation where the hybrid car is born and is now spreading worldwide like a viral outbreak, but underneath the Odyssey Hybrid is the same hybrid powertrain derived from the Honda Accord.

It comes with the similar Sport Hybrid i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) powertrain and if you need a quick refresher on that, it uses three different engine modes such as EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode, and Engine Drive Mode.

With the Hybrid Drive Mode engaged, both the 2.0L i-VTEC petrol engine and the electric motor are working in unison to deliver a combined power output of 184PS of power and 315Nm of torque. With all that torque, looks like this minivan is off to a clean getaway now without all the drama involved. As for the fuel economy, it's no surprise that with the hybrid drivetrain and the CVT gearbox equipped, it's capable of 26.0km/L, which is surprisingly more than what the hybrid Toyota Alphard gets. Sharp move, though.

Apart from its hybrid powertrain, the new Odyssey Hybrid still has the same suspension layout as the normal gasoline variant, meaning it still comes with the front MacPherson struts, rear Torsion Beam, and Rack and Pinion Steering. Although it feels heavier to drive than the normal Odyssey and less exciting to drive for an individual, it's rather good and comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis. Apart from using it as a family car on your next family bonding, it's well suited as an escort for celebrities, politicians, or any other VIPs. Sounds classy, right?

The Odyssey Hybrid starts at 3,560,000 Yen and while this may be more expensive to own than the normal Odyssey, it's surprisingly cheaper to own than the hybrid version of the Toyota Alphard, making it a smart buy.

Available Colors: White Orchid Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Venus Black Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, and Premium Spice Blue Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Forza Motorsport 6: 500 miles a day

Subaru's classic JDM 4WD grand tourer, the Alcyone SVX, is undoubtedly one of the most requested rides to be featured on Forza Motorsport 6 and with the release of the Alpinestars Car Pack, we have been given the chance to try out this classic Subie noteworthy of its "500miles a day" slogan. Why? Because it said so in the TV commercial back in the 90's. Anyway, so what's it all about the SVX?



Launched in 1991, the Alcyone SVX served as Subaru's flagship grand tourer coupe with the slogan "500miles a day".

Apart from its Giugiaro-inspired styling and its glass-to-glass round-canopy, the Alcyone SVX comes with a water-cooled 3.3L boxer-six engine and Subaru's first variable torque distribution electronically controlled four-wheel drive (VTD-4WD). The engine produces 230HP of power and 228lb-ft if torque while mated exclusively with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It comes with strut suspension on both front and rear wheels as well as ventilated disc brakes.

Despite the heavyweight body, the SVX drives just like a luxury grand tourer with its comfort and accessible handling suitable for the long-distance cruising ahead.



It's kinda shame that despite its futuristic styling reminiscent of its arch-rival, the first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, its auto-only gearbox is what made the SVX failed as a sportscar made for the discerning car enthusiasts looking for some alternatives to the R32 Skyline GT-R and no matter how far you'll go, the SVX doesn't feel as exciting to drive as today's WRX STi or BRZ, but despite its massive flaws, the SVX remains a future classic not by its fanbase and its Giugiaro-penned styling but it's the rarity that makes it hard to find one nowadays. I kinda admit I was swooned by nostalgia because every time I drive the SVX in game, it kinda reminiscent of the classic commercial. Makes me wanna fall asleep and dream that I'm seeing the SVX's Japanese commercial again and again and again, day in and day out.

Anyway, no time for nostalgia trip because I head on the Top Gear Test Track on a rainy day to compare against other coupes Subaru made throughout its history.



What I brought here is the past and present Subaru coupes the SVX will face today. On the top, it's the perfect version of the Impreza Retna called the 22B STi, styled in honor of the WRC-winning rally car, and in the bottom, it's the Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive coupe built in collaboration with Toyota. Relax, this is just a Toyota 86 in Subaru's clothing.

Anyway, since it's raining outside the track, I'd expect the 4WD Subies will perform just the way it was made, especially the SVX, because the BRZ's a rear-wheel drive and rear-wheel drives can be problematic in the rainy weather...or is it? You see, despite the BRZ being short on power compared to the SVX, it's surprisingly lighter even though it comes with rear-wheel drive. So, without further ado, let's drive these two-door Subies round the Top Gear Track, even when it rains!



After a lap round the Top Gear Track, the results are in. The SVX did in in 1:41.825 while the 22B STi did it in 1:36.916, and the BRZ in 1:40.754.

The conclusion; even though the SVX failed to meet its sportscar credentials in Subaru history, it still is a not-so-bad grand tourer that you can enjoy for as much as the driver likes. I wanna drive this car for just 500 miles a day. Whoop! There goes the commercial. Ha ha ha... Still, it's good to have the SVX part of the FM6 car roster.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea launched a missile

The Japanese government says that North Korea has launched what is believed to be an ICBM on Sunday morning, ahead of the planned Monday launch schedule. Officials verified that one projectile was fired from the western coast of the Korean Peninsula heading south at around 0931 Hours Japan Time.

The so-called ballistic missile was split into five parts. One fell into the Yellow Sea about 150km west while the other two landed in the East China Sea about 250km southwest. They estimate another part flew through Japanese airspace over Okinawa and dropped to the Pacific Ocean, about 2,000km south of Japan. A fifth part also went over Japanese airspace and continued southward.

Source: NHK WORLD

From parting of ways to what lies ahead on latest Kalyeserye

On the recent Kalyeserye portion of Eat Bulaga, viewers witnessed the biggest sacrifice ever committed to Lola Nidora seventy years ago for the sake of Anselmo's survival and that meant that after Anselmo's operation, she will be separated from him for the rest of her life. Long before Nidora's impending departure, she had suffered from what we believed to be a miscarriage of her baby...because her baby fell off.

Those bitter memories occurred over the last seventy years...this is truly what Lola Nidora became now and with Yaya Dub and Alden arrived on set, they've invited her and Tinidora onstage to cheer them up. After a heartful of performance, Lola Nidora finally opened her mind and asked Alden and Yaya Dub if they are ready to be in love.

So, the main question is...are Alden and Yaya Dub ready to be in love? Tune in to Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics. But in the meantime, Happy Year of the Monkey (sorry, Allan K.) and Kung Hei Fat Choi, AlDub Nations! AlDub You Goodbye.

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook Page

M6.4 quake hits Taiwan, kills 5

Map by Google Maps

A powerful M6.4 quake struck the southern part of Taiwan, toppling down a 16-floor apartment complex, killing five people as of now, and injuring hundreds. Reports told that thirty people are feared to be trapped in the rubble.

Among the victims died in the rubble were a 10-day old baby girls and a 40-year-old male who were pulled dead from the building by rescue workers. There was also a woman who died after being hit by a falling water tank at another site with no details immediately available of the other two deaths.

The quake struck at depth of 10 kilometers around the early hours and 39 kilometers northeast of Kaohsiung, the second-largest city of Taiwan and an important port. It was reported to have a 6.7 magnitude but was downgraded to 6.4. A tsunami was not expected.

17 years ago, there was a powerful 7.6 quake struck Taiwan and killed over 2,400 people.

Report: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/5-dead-in-taiwan-quake/2493414.html

#BGFixedMarriage

On the February 5, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Fixed marriage gags.

- Hugot lines for the Chinese New Year.

- This guy wants to be health-conscious.

- The stupidity of being judgmental is examined.

- The boys are getting pervy at a female office worker...

- Angry taxi drivers staging a protest.

- An inheritance goes awry over the truth.

- The extra guy's back to make another appearance.

Friends actor Matt LeBlanc joins Top Gear

Photo: BBC

A familiar Friend is joining the rebooted Top Gear alongside incoming presenter Chris Evans as Friends actor Matt LeBlanc, who once set the fastest lap time in Star in a Reasonably Priced Car since early 2012 in a Cee-apostrophe-D and hosted the "Top Gear: The Races" special episodes, is joining the worldwide hit motoring show as Chris Evans' co-host.

With the Friends alum actor joining alongside radio DJ Chris Evans, we can expect more on what's going to be in the rebooted Top Gear when it premieres this May 2016. Expect more reports coming soon on who's going to be next in the brand new Top Gear.

URL: http://www.topgear.com/car-news/top-gear-tv/matt-leblanc-joins-top-gear