Let's Do The News! (February 17, 2016)

- According to reports, China has deployed surface-to-air missiles in one of the contested islands in the disputed South China Sea. Based on the satellite imagery, advanced missile launchers and a radar system are detected on Woody Island, proving that China is militarizing the islands in the disputed sea and intensifies tensions in the region. China denies that, of course.

- After his stint at the US-ASEAN summit, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III met up with the top officials of Walt Disney International, discussing the possible investment opportunities with the entertainment conglomerate. Aquino's in California for a two-day working visit which involves business meetings with Western Digital Corp. and AECOM's Enterprise Growth Solutions.

- Presidential aspirant Mar Roxas told the truth about the planes he used for his campaign, stating that he paid for them. According to reports, Roxas and the other candidates are using a Citation Mustang worth $2.5 million; a Citation CJ4 worth $9 million; a Cessna Sovereign worth $19 million; four Cessna Caravans, each worth $2.5 million, and a Bell 429 helicopter worth $6.5 million.

- The top officials of the United Nations discussed for the first time the outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika Virus. The Zika Virus has spread to over 30 countries, mostly in Central and South America. Researchers suspect the link between the virus and numerous babies born with abnormally small heads.

- Former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, passed away at the age of 93. The veteran Egyptian diplomat who served from 1992 to 1996, led the UN during conflicts in Somalia and Rwanda, died at the hospital in Cairo. Boutros-Ghali is the professor at Cairo University and once served as minister of state in charge of foreign affairs under the administrations of Anwar Sadat and Hosni Mubarak.

- The upcoming Jaguar F-Type SVR, due to be unveiled in next month's Geneva Motor Show, will be powered by a more powerful version of the Supercharged 5.0L V8 engine, producing 575HP of power and 516lb-ft of torque. 0-60mph is now 3.5 seconds and to speed is over 200mph (195 for the convertible model).

2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR

- Lotus unveiled the ultimate version of the open-top Elise, called the Elise Cup 250. Limited to 200 units, the Cup 250 features an updated 1.8L supercharged engine that delivers 250PS of power and 184lb-ft of torque. It can do 0-60mph in 3,9 seconds and onwards to 154mph. Prices start at 45,600 Pounds.

Lotus Elise Cup 250

- Surprise! Another Alpine Concept is set for next month's Geneva unveiling. Called the Vision Concept, this concept car is a sign that the Alpine brand from Renault is all set to be unveiled before the end of 2016 and production will be commenced next year.

Alpine Vision Concept

- If you have ten thousand yen to spare, why not book on this? It's a DreamTech figure of Kaede Takagaki (in her casual clothing) from The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls. To be released this July, this figure costs 9.800 Yen and this can be a great part to your collection of your Cinderella Girls.

Kaede Takagaki (Casual version)

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: President Park Geun-hye urged even harsher sanctions

South Korean leader Park Geun-hye urged national unity and tougher sanctions against North Korea's further provocations. In her speech at the National Assembly on Tuesday, the Kim Jong-Un regime is on a reckless charge and that North Korea has the potential to deploy a nuclear weapon if there is no change in the current approach. She also said that the South Korea should be more proactive in working toward the goal of reining in the North and stopping operations at the Kaesong Industrial Complex is just the beginning of the sanctions the South will impose on the North in conjunction with the global community.

Source: Arirang News

Kia Mohave (2016 minor change)

Kia's flagship SUV, the Mohave, has been around for eight years when it was first launched in 2008 and despite its scarcity, the Mohave's becoming less of an instant classic apart from its stagnant look that's left unchanged through the years. For the year 2016, the Mohave received its minor change to keep their flagship offroader refined, recharged, and reloaded for whatever.

2016 Kia Mohave

2016 Kia Mohave interior

Although the recent minor changed remained as stagnant as ever, the revised Mohave featured a refined front grille some LEDs front and back. On the inside, it's been heavily revised with a new instrumental panel, well-trimmed seats, an updated software on the sat-nav to comply with Kia's UVO2 telematics system, and more concessions of comfort that will make the new Mohave more luxurious than ever. Besides, it's basically a seven-seater, meaning it can be used for multiple uses; be it a family mover or an escort or a good car for your next road trip with your mates. They can be folded to accommodate numerous luggage scenarios.

There's big changes occurred behind its stale exterior and that includes the all-new Euro-6 compliant V6 S2 3.0L diesel engine that generates 260ps of power and 57.1kg.m of torque, while mated with an all-new 8-speed automatic gearbox, a first for a Korean full-size SUV. When you put your foot down, the diesel engine sounds more chunkier than ever and it's as beefy as a beef jerky with all that torque more than enough to dig a moat, well almost a moat. Oh, and the fuel consumption for this new engine is around 10.7km/L.

The 2016MY Mohave is now more tech-savvy and more safer than ever thanks to added features such as Around View Monitor, Hill Ascend Control, Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Warning System, High Beam Assist, and much more.

The 2016MY Mohave starts at 40,250,000 Korean Won

Available colors; Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Gravity Blue, Platinum Graphite, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Photo: Kia Motors

THE IDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 3 FINALE Destiny

THE IDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 3 FINALE Destiny

Last year, the MASTER ARTIST 3 range, inspired from the PS3-exclusive THE IDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL video game, introduced us with the prologue Only My Note and all 13 volumes ranging from Haruka Amami to Ritsuko Akizuki. Just as we thought they are wrapping up the range, we were wrong because there is one final sendoff to the MASTER ARTIST 3 range.

This latest single, titled Destiny, is the grand finale of the MASTER ARTIST 3 range and true to what the single said, it features the titular song Destiny, sung by the 765 Pro All-Stars, and apart from that, it features a new song sung by the most formidable idol of all, Leon, titled アルティメットアイズ.

There is a limited-edition Blu-Ray Audio Disc featuring a solo version of the song Destiny, each sung by the members of 765 PRO ALL-STARS; Haruka Amami, Hibiki Ganaha, Makoto Kikuchi, Miki Hoshii, Iori Minase, Takane Shijou, Chihaya Kisaragi, Ami and Mami Futami, Yukiho Hagiwara, Azusa Miura, Yayoi Takatsuki, and Ritsuko Akizuki.

The 765PRO ALL-STARS wishes everyone a hearty thanks for supporting ONE FOR ALL and they'll be looking forward to their next journey in the upcoming PS4-exclusive THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM STARS, coming this year.

TRACK LISTINGS:
1) Destiny (M@STER VERSION)
2) アルティメットアイズ (M@STER VERSION)
3) Destiny (M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ
4) アルティメットアイズ (M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ

Let's Do The News! (February 16, 2016)

- Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and his Cabinet members arrived in California for the US-ASEAN Summit hosted by his American counterpart Barack Obama. Aquino is scheduled to attend the first retreat session of the Summit as this session bears the theme "Promoting an Innovative, Entrepreneurial ASEAN Economic Community" while the second retreat session on the next day involves "Protecting Peace, Prosperity, and Security in the Asia-Pacific."

- The printing of ballots for the May 2016 elections has commenced yesterday after minor setbacks and all six presidential candidates, including those that passed away, are listed on the official ballot. With disqualification cases still unresolved by the Supreme Court, the COMELEC released the list of candidates for the elections as the National Printing Office commenced printing on 55.6 million official ballots.

- The LGBT group Ladlad condemned Sarangani Representative and senatorial aspirant Manny Pacquiao and urged not to vote for him following his comments about same-sex marriage.

- The European Union decided to ease sanctions on Belarus and its authoritarian president following the nation's improvements in the human rights situation. Despite the lifting of the travel ban, asset freeze and other measures imposed on Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko as well as 169 other officials and three companies, an arms embargo is still in place.

- Turkey accused Russia of carrying out an air strike that killed many civilians in the northern Syrian town of Azaz. Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu said a Russian missile fired from the Caspian Sea hit a hospital and a school in the town.

- A hybrid version of the Lexus LC is ready to be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show, packed with a brand new hybrid system.

2017 Lexus LC500h

- Marian Rivera confirmed that she will be part in the upcoming 2016 reboot of the hit GMA fantasy drama Encantadia but who will be joining her in the modernized fantaserye?

- All three versions of THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Festa app game will be ceased to be operation in the 15th of March. For a big send-off, all three versions have a huge discount while in-game music DLC will be available for free until the cut-off time.

- Here's the first look of the Takarazuka Revue stage play based on the hit Rurouni Kenshin/Samurai X anime series.

TTFN!!!

GSV TIZERGB UZOOH URMZOV

If you know the secret message above, it says "THE GRAVITY FALLS FINALE". So, how was it?

Gravity Falls finale

The finale episode titled "Weirdmageddon 3: Take Back The Falls" sees Dipper and Mabel band the remaining residents of Gravity Falls as well as the other monsters such as the gnomes, the Man-otaurs, the golfballs, the multi-bear, even Rumble McSkirmish, to stage a resistance and save the universe from Bill Cipher's impending plot to destroy the universe, even if it means that one of the Pines will face the inevitable sacrifice.

Upon saving Great Uncle Ford in Bill's Fear-amid while Bill's eye got ruptured by the Shacktron, Ford utilized a plot to defeat the space demon and that meant utilizing the ancient prophecy that only the ten individuals bearing the significant symbols are the key to eradicate Bill.

Ford, Stan, Soos, Wendy, Dipper, Old Man McGucket, Pacifica, Mabel, Lil Gideon, and Robbie V, they're bearing the symbols prophesized to defeat Bill but due to the sibling rivalry between the two Stans, the prophecy's failed and Bill's taking them hostage along with Dipper and Mabel but Mabel sprayed Bill's eye, prompting the Mystery Twins to get away. Meanwhile, the two Stans confessed themselves about their pasts while the Mystery Twins reached the dead end.

Caught by Bill, Ford's ready to pay up the ransom (by letting Bill entering Ford's mind) and when the ransom's done, Bill entered Ford's mind when suddenly, Bill saw Stan. Bill fell for the switch glitch and with Bill trapped inside Stan's mind, Ford's firing the memory-erasing gadget (as seen from the Society of the Blind Eye) to Stan, eradicating Bill Cipher out of his existence, but sadly, Stan's memories also wiped out as well.

Following the victory against Bill Cipher, the Mystery Twins are trying to recover Stan's memories and then Mabel's scrapbook comes into mind (and so is Waddles), the key to recover Stan's memories. Nothing like a good old family bonding in the end.

Onto the climax; Gravity Falls is back to the way things were, Mayor Tyler Cutebiker passed the "Never Mind About That" Act, the Northwest family went bankrupt and all their properties now belonged to Old Man McGuckett, Lil Gideon's moved on from his bad ways and living like a regular kid (almost), and the Mystery Twins celebrated their 13th birthday. However, following Ford's decision to join Stan to his journey, Stan announced that he's shutting down the Mystery Shack for good but Soos opposes because most of the dreams, even his, are on this Shack. Thanks to this persuasion, Stan appointed Soos as the new manager of the Mystery Shack.

A day later, the Mystery Twins bid everyone at Gravity Falls farewell, even the Stans, Mabel's friends, and Wendy who swapped hats with Dipper and gave him a farewell letter. However, there's one individual too bonded to have it left and that's Mabel's pig Waddles and thanks to the Stans threatening the bus driver, Waddles is joining Dipper and Mabel on their journey home.

The finale of Disney's hit TV show Gravity Falls brings joy, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear among viewers while witnessing the Pines' final battle against the god of destruction even if noble sacrifices are meant to be made for the salvation of the universe and even though the show ended its four year run since it started last summer 2012, you, I, and the rest of the fans, will remember this instant classic show about the pre-teen twins solving mysteries in every single corner after another for generations to come. If I had my last words about this show, I would say I am thankful to have such a show like this because like what Dipper said "It's part of growing up. Everything changes. Summer ends," but even Gravity Falls is over, this show will be remembered forever by kids and kids once upon a time, even me.

Speaking of which, did you caught the glimpse of the final secret message during the final credits roll? If so, what's it said? Anyway, no time to crack what's the final secret message is but I hope everyone enjoyed the finale.

Thank You, Gravity Falls.

Image: Disney

Let's Do The News! (February 15, 2016)

- Davao City Mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte didn't show up at a scheduled rally in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, according to his running mate Senator Allan Peter Cayetano, due to mechanical failures on his plane.

- Philippine President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to declare his resolve for the peace process during his attendance to the ASEAN-US Summit. This will be the last summit he'll visit as president as he seeks to strengthen the strategic partnership between the ASEAN and the US.

- The Philippine Navy didn't specify a timeline to restart the resupply mission to the Philippine-controlled maritime features in the disputed West Philippine Sea after problems were encountered with the delivery ship.

- A military helicopter crash landed in a field near an army base in Gangwon Province, Chuncheon, South Korea, killing three crew members onboard and leaving one badly injured. The helicopter crashed at around 1010 hours KST while on a test flight.

- A year has passed since the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists signed a ceasefire agreement and the two sides agree to revise Ukraine's constitution to grant more autonomy to pro-Russians in the east, and to hand over border control of areas bordering Russia to the government to Kiev.

- Australian prosecutors seized mass amounts of methamphetamine worth over 900 million dollars. They confiscated 720 litres of the said illegal drug at numerous locations in Sydney, including a shipping container sent from Hong Kong.

- Since its showing in theaters last week, the movie adaptation of the Marvel cult phenomenon Deadpool killed the box office records after scoring $135 million in the opening weekend. It was the biggest R-rated film opening of all-time, biggest February opening, and biggest opening for 20th Century Fox.

- Here's the first look of the 2016 reboot of the hit Carton Network show, The Powerpuff Girls, coming this spring 2016.

- The title of the 2016 Pokemon XYZ film is revealed as ボルケニオンと機巧（からくり）のマギアナ and apart from the mythical Pokemon Volcanion, there's a new Pokemon making its special appearance in the upcoming Summer 2016 film. Meet Magiarna! (Pronounced Mah-Gee-Ah-Nah)

Magiarna

And here's the synopsis of the upcoming Pokemon XYZ film, served as the 20th anniversary offering for the franchise, which will hit theaters on the 16th of July, 2016, across Japan;

"In this latest cinematic adventure, Ash meets the Mythical Pokémon Volcanion when it crashes down from the sky, creating a cloud of dust —and a mysterious force binds the two of them together! Volcanion despises humans and tries to get away, but it's forced to drag Ash along as it continues its rescue mission. They arrive in a city of cogs and gears, where a corrupt minister has stolen the ultimate invention: the Artificial Pokémon Magearna, created 500 years ago. He plans to use its mysterious power to take control of this mechanical kingdom! Can Ash and Volcanion work together to rescue Magearna? One of the greatest battles in Pokémon history is about to unfold!"

TTFN!!!

Jubilee of Mercy: Missionaries of Mercy

Jubilee of Mercy logo

On February 10, 2016, Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis commissioned hundreds of "Missionaries of Mercy" at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, which is part of the ongoing celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, which started last year and ends in the 13th of November this year. 

During the Ash Wednesday Mass, Pope Francis focused on the theme of mercy as the Lenten season draws near. The Holy Father states the day's readings present two invitations; to be reconciled to God and to return to Him with their whole heart. The Missionaries of Mercy "would be a sign of the Church's maternal solicitude for the People of God, enabling them to enter the profound richness of this mystery so fundamental to the faith" according to the Holy Father.

Full Report: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/02/10/pope_commissions_missionaries_of_mercy_on_ash_wednesday/1207414

The next event for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy will commence on the 22nd of February for the Jubilee for the Roman Curia, the Governorate and the Institutions connected with the Holy See.

Six Nations 2016: Round 2

The second round of the 2016 season of RBS Six Nations sees a much rougher action between six of the best rugby teams from England, Wales, Scotland, Italy, France, and Ireland as they're vying to gain the title. Right now, time to take aim on the match between WRU and Scotland.

WRU's George North never once scored a try since last year's Rugby World Cup qualifiers but his superb late solo at the second half led the WRU to victory against Scotland at the score of 27-23. However, it was Dan Biggar who did very well in the match following his consecutive penalties and conversions.

Under cover of the match, the FFR defeated the IRFU at the score of 10-9 while the England Rugby defeated FIR at the score of 40-9. Such score is giving the England Rugby a big lead.

Highlights:

The next match starts with WRU taking on the FFR on Friday, 26th of February, at 2005 hours GMT while the FIR taking on Scotland on the 27th of February at 1525 hours and England Rugby taking on the IRFU at the same day at 1650 hours.

Meet the new and expanded TG gang

The new Top Gear gang

Following the announcement of Friends actor Matt LeBlanc joining radio DJ Chris Evans as the host of the newly rebooted Top Gear, due on May 2016, the BBC announced the newest and finalized members that will be joining the hit motoring TV show.

Joining Matt and Chris are Nurburgring queen Sabine Schmitz, YouTube motoring journalist Chris Harris, Formula One expert Eddie Jordan, and motoring journalist Rory Reid. Of course, Top Gear's mascot racer, The Stig, still remains and always will be.

Top Gear returns on BBC2 and BBC2 HD this May 2016.

Report: http://www.topgear.com/car-news/top-gear-tv/meet-your-new-top-gear-presenters

Deadpool (2016 film)

One of the most anticipated films of 2016 is none other than everyone's favorite "Merc with the Mouth" who is good to be bad at being the good guy. Enter Deadpool.

Sadly, I can't explain what's what about this film because Deadpool's here to explain what's what about his film because if I can explain about this myself Deadpool's going to blow my house down with some explosives rigged under my bed.

Deadpool

Hello! Privet! Namaste! Ahoj! Merhaba! Hola! Salut! Yia sou! Selam! Guten Tag! Ni Hao! Konnichiwa! Witaj! Shalom! Saluton! Annyeong! People of the world! Yes, it's me. The merc with the mouth they called me Deadpool and how it's great to have a movie about myself. If by myself, I mean REALLY. Myself.

If you don't know who I really am. Lemme tell you a story and don't worry, I won't put you to sleep like what your mama, papa, nana, and pepop do when you're little. Once upon a time, there was a mercenary named Wade Wilson and he was diagnosed with the little C-word that everyone's afraid to have one in their life, but then, a secret experiment lured Mr. Wilson to a choice to live a second chance or face his imminent death. However, the experiment didn't healed his cancer but gained mutant genes to regenerate himself. Wilson's cancer left him disfigured but incapable of death. This is where Deadpool is born. Yep. That's me! We're you surprised?

My good friend Ryan Reynolds did a great job of being me and to be honest, both Ryan and I can make a perfect combination because he's so good at being me in this film. Also, my other good friend, director Tim Miller, did a great job of perfecting a film about me everybody in the world would love. I just want to be with those guys for the rest of my life, if you know what I mean?

Some people heard about my film is a total wreck compared to those low-life Marvel films and I said I disagree because my film "kills" all of the other films from the Marvel universe! Avengers, Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Guardians of the Galaxy, you name every stuff from the Marvel universe and I can top them all thanks to my...um...what some might call fighting style as well as my charisma that pleases the viewers.

I want all of you, fellow supporters of me, Deadpool, to enjoy my film made by the people who knew better about me, the Merc with the Mouth, because this is why my dream of having a movie about me came true thanks to my new friends Ryan Reynolds and director Tim Miller and before you're getting all emotional, you'd better wipe off your tears with your bare hands. Got it?! Good.

P.S. Don't have a date for Valentines? Spend a date with me, Deadpool.

Thank you Deadpool for your rhetorical message and for that, I'll give you a 3.9 out of 5 on the rating scale. Happy now that you got your own film?!

The AlDub Valentines Date

Valentine's Day comes early on the latest Kalyeserye segment on GMA's Eat Bulaga as Alden and Yaya Dub travelled to Taal Vista Hotel to spend their Valentines Date between them. This is becoming the perfect date to end all dates that AlDub done before since last year.

During the date, Yaya Dub had a surprise just for Alden and that's none other than another love poem that pleased not just Alden but also Lola Nidora as well even though they're miles aways between Broadway and the Taal Vista Hotel.

With the perfect date complete, what comes next for AlDub? Tune in on Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics. 

In the meantime, congratulations to the top four AlDub songs that made it to the final round of the first-ever AlDub Songwriting Contest. The songs are Ta Pa by Maria Nuevo and Karlo Zabala, Sana Naman by Nicanor Gatchalian Jr., ALDUB YOU (MAALDEN KITA) by Ritchi Ramos and Richie Austria, and Tamang Panahon by TJ Paeldon. Which of the songs will be the grand winner? Find out soon!