20 Years of Pokemon: The 20 best Pokemon Team Rocket belonged

Continuing on Pokemon's 20 year celebration this year, it might the (inappropriately) proper time to jot down the Pokemon belonged to the dastardly trio that keeps chasing Ash and Pikachu from all corners of the world; Team Rocket.

Team Rocket is known to be the most notorious band of Pokemon thieves in the world. Of course, there are different Team Rocket soldiers everywhere but the most famous ones are the dastardly trio of Jessie (Musashi), James (Koujiro), and their talking Pokemon Meowth. Of course, these bad guys deployed tons of inventions dedicated to steal Pikachu but they always blasting off again...and again...and again, every time, everywhere.

Team Rocket are always in the never-ending game of cat and mouse against Ash and Pikachu. They are cunning, vicious, and sadly, very stupid. Still, we enjoy these baddies blasting off as much as any other cartoon villains getting flung at the end and come back for more. So, ready to jot down the best of Pokemon belonged to the dastardly trio?

1) Ekans/Arbok - This slithering Pokemon has been the choice of Jessie when it comes to scare off Ash and Pikachu and even when it evolved into a much terrifying Arbok, it's great to say that Jessie had the best Pokemon until it was surrendered by a poacher in Hoenn.

2) Meowth - This talking feline needs no introduction because this feline is the third member of Team Rocket and always hatching plots to steal Ash's Pikachu, although most of its plans always failed. Meowth's a real bad guy and all bad guys are not cute...although our favorite Pokemon baddie is also tagging along with Pikachu and friends in series of adventures, including Pikachu shorts shown before a Pokemon movie.

3) Koffing/Weezing - James once said that his Koffing "smells like old sneakers soaked in stinkbug juice mixed with some rotten eggs and dead fish with just a touch of skunk fumes!" Same thing goes to its evolved Weezing and either way, this foul-odored Pokemon is always terrorizing Pikachu and friends with its foul and poisonous attacks. Sadly, like Jessie's Arbok, James' Weezing was surrendered to the poacher from Hoenn.

4) Growlie - When James used to be part of a wealthy family, his parents tried to marry him off to a girl named Jessebelle (who looks just like Jessie) and then he ran away along with his Growlithe named Growlie. Of course, with situations like these, James only relies on the "twerps" to escape from Jessebelle's clutches.

5) Lickitung - Because having one Pokemon isn't enough, Jessie gets another one to use it alongside her Arbok and that's a Lickitung, a Pokemon whose tongue is at least twice as long as its body. Sadly, her Lickitung was swapped for a worthless Wobbuffet, who became the fourth member of Team Rocket. How embarrassing.

6) Victreebel - Same thing goes for James because having a Weezing isn't enough so he gets himself a second cour and that's none other than a Victreebel, probably one of the grass-type Pokemons that like to munch on James' head.

7) Wobbuffet - After a mishaps that completely swapped her Lickitung for this, Wobbuffet officially became the fourth member of Team Rocket and always plays as the dimwitted member of the team.

8) Dustox - When May's Wurmple evolved into Silcoon and then Beautifly, Jessie's Wurmple evolved into Cascoon and then Dustox. In addition of using it to attack Ash and friends, Jessie's Dustox is also her one-way ticket to fame when it comes to participating Pokemon contests and facing stiff competition with May and her Beautifly.

9) Seviper - As a replacement for her Arbok, Jessie got a Seviper from the Hoenn region after facing a long-time feud with Zangoose. Although loyal to Jessie, Seviper never back down without a fight and when it comes to attacking Pikachu and friends, this Seviper is vicious.

10) Cacnea - Another grass-type Pokemon that likes to have James' head as its feast is a Cacnea.

11) Chimecho - Apart from his Cacnea, James' second Hoenn Pokemon is a Chimecho after being duped into buying a Hoppip. When it became sick, James left his Chimecho to his Nanny and Pop-Pop but vows to return for it after it recovers...which sadly he didn't came back for his Chimecho.

12) Yanmega - After Jessie captured a Yanma in the Sinnoh region, it evolved into a Yanmega very quickly and with its sharp sense of sight, Jessie's Yanmega can see everywhere when it comes to hunting down Ash's Pikachu.

13) Carnivine - Like Victreebel and Cacnea, James' Sinnoh Pokemon, Carnivine, is also a big fan of his head and likes to munch on it when he calls one out. Believe it or not, this Carnivine is James' long-lost childhood friend. Talk about a heart-breaking reunion, right?

14) Mime Jr. - While James' Nanny and Pop-Pop are nursing his sick Chimecho, this little Pokemon unknowingly jumps into an empty Poke Ball and became part of James' Pokemon entourage. Although cute, this little Pokemon tends to play tricks on Ash and friends.

15) Woobat - One of Jessie's Unova Pokemon in their never-ending game of cat and mouse against Ash and Pikachu, its Gust attack is strong enough to blow Ash's Pikachu out in the sky.

16) Frillish - This is also one of Jessie's Unova Pokemon and one grip from it can paralyze a Pokemon with poison.

17) Yamask - One of James' Unova Pokemon and a great friend of his upon feeding one because the only way to this Pokemon's hearth was through its stomach. It terrified Ash and the gang with its Will-o-Wisp attack as well as Shadow Ball.

18) Amoonguss - Also one of James' Unova Pokemon. Its Body Slam is so strong, it stopped Ash's Pikachu in its tracks and use devious array of attacks to make Ash and friends' lives miserable.

19) Pumpkaboo/Gourgeist - Jessie's Kalos Pokemon is a Pumpkaboo and she caught one upon being caught in a crossfire between them and a Pangoro. Believe it or not, the Pumpkaboo Jessie caught is a Super Size Pumpkaboo, the largest of the Pumpkaboos, and in the XY episode "A Festival Trade! A Festival Farewell?" a heartbroken trade made Pumpkaboo evolved into a Gourgeist and then traded back to Jessie's, showing how much she cherished her friendship with the Pumpkaboo. With the two together, not only they made Ash's life on field miserable, but also Serena's in Pokemon performances.

20) Inkay - Inkay is James' Kalos Pokemon which is also making Ash's life miserable with its Psybeam attack. Our favorite moment of James doing with his Inkay is disguising it into Pikachu while fooling the townspeople thinking that they're Ash (James), Serena (Jessie) and Bonnie (Meowth) in the episode "Heroes, Friends and Faux Alike!" but in the episode "Facing the Grand Design!", James' Inkay plays as the good guy to stop a sinister plot done by a horde of Malamars, showing how much love James and Inkay meant for each other.

That's it for the 20 best Pokemon belonged to Team Rocket as seen in the TV series. So, what's next during the year-long Pokemon 20 year celebration? Find out soon!

Oops! There goes the finishing line; WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!!!

Photo: Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korean women's soccer team heads to Japan

The North Korean women's soccer team are heading to Japan to participate in the final round of the Asian qualifying matches for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The recent sanctions posed by Japan against North Korea include a ban on North Koreans entering the country but the government decided to give them an exemption so it could take part in the Olympic qualifiers that begin in Monday. The team travelled from Pyongyang to Beijing on Tuesday and the Japanese Embassy in Beijing issued them entry visas.

North Korea is one of the six teams participating in the round robin competition, where only two teams will qualify for the Olympics. The other teams are Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, and Vietnam. The match between Japan and North Korea is set on the 9th of March, 2016.

Source: NHK World

Jubilee of Mercy: Jubilee of the Roman Curia

Jubilee of Mercy logo

February 22, 2016 - Pope Francis celebrated the Jubilee for the Roman Curia, the Governorate, and the Institutions attached to the Holy See, part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

The Jubilee occurred on the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, which has the rank of "Solemnity" in the Vatican Basilica, at the Paul VI Hall, where employees of the Vatican and its related institutions, with their families, gathered for a meditation led by Father Marko Rupnik, SJ.

Report: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/02/22/pope_celebrates_jubilee_for_roman_curia,_vatican_employees/1210403

The next event for the Jubilee of Mercy is on the 4th of March, 2016, for the 24 Hours for the Lord.

Let's Do The News! (February 23, 2016)

- The Philippines is keen in raising the issue of rising tensions in the South China Sea at the unofficial meeting of ASEAN ministers in Laos this week, following reports that Beijing deployed SAMs in Woody Island, a part of the Paracel Island chain in the disputed sea. Any member of the ASEAN may raise any issue in the ministerial retreat schedules on February 25 to 27.

- The University of the East issued a statement regarding the expulsion of high school students involved in the viral video regarding the defamation of the Philippine flag. According to the UE president and Chief Academic Officer Ester Albano Garcia, the board of trustees on February 18 unanimously voted to expel the high school students in the video but didn't identify and disclose how many were kicked out. UE released a statement deploring the disrespectful deed of its student shown in a viral video uploaded on the 9th of February, drewing criticisms from netizens as a student in one of the clasrooms in its high school department mopped the floor using the Philippine flag.

- The Iglesia Ni Cristo religious sect continues to grow despite setbacks and the recent church dedication in Southern California is just one of them following members and detractors staging a protest even from the sky to show support from the embattled religious sect as well as the visit of INC's top minister Eduardo V. Manalo.

- Following Nike, Wonderful Pistachios revoked its sponsorship with Manny Pacquiao following his controversial comments against LGBT.

- The death toll from a powerful cyclone that hit Fiji last weekend is now up to 21. Cyclone Winstone is one of the most powerful cyclone recorded in Fiji and caused havoc across the main island of Viti Levu. The Fijian government declared a month-long state of emergency.

- Apple called for an independent panel to discuss whether they should help FBI investigators hack into a locked smartphone belonging to a slain terrorism suspect. The Cupertino-based tech giant refused a request by the FBI to unlock the iPhone belonged to one of the San Bernardino attackers that killed 14 people last year. They posted on its website a message calling on the government to set up an independent panel of experts, calling it the best option.

- The Bentley Mulsanne has been updated for the 2017 model year and for the first time, an Extended Wheelbase model is added.

2017 Bentley Mulsanne

- Phat Company's figure of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls' Minami Nitta, in her Love Laika costume, is now open for pre-orders! You can now book one for just 9,000 Yen plus tax and she'll be arrive to you this August. Be sure to pair one with the upcoming Anastasia Love Laika figure and you'll have yourself the complete duo!

Minami Nitta LOVE LAIKA Ver.

- Mr. Osomatsu fans, rejoice! The Matsuno sextuplets are getting the trading figure treatment courtesy of Orange Rouge. They'll be available in stores this July, each costing 556 Yen plus tax. There are six brothers to collect; Osomatsu-san, Karamatsu-san, Choromatsu-san, Ichimatsu-san, Jyushimatsu-san, and Todomatsu-san! Think you can complete the F6?

Osomatsu-san Trading Figure

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: Breaking Aztek

One of the strangest cars that appeared in the Forza Motorsport 6's Alpinestars Car Pack is none other than the world's least lovable car on the road, the Pontiac Aztek, the crossover, despite its infamous styling, became a cult classic since it became Heisenberg's personal transport in the Breaking Bad TV series. So, what's it all about?



Launched as a 2001 model year, the Aztek is Pontiac's first-ever crossover utility vehicle that shares its underpinnings with the Buick Rendezvous, although the platform these crossovers used is a shortened version used in General Motors' minivans. Rather than using sliding doors, the Aztek's design features a conventional rear swing-open kammback and a bi-parting rear tailgate. It was penned by Tom Peters and reports state that the Aztek was supposed to be a sign of General Motors' rebirth, only to find out that it became a commercial flop until the Aztek's discontinuation and it became the car of choice for Breaking Bad's Walt "Heisenberg" White.

The Aztek is powered by a 3.4L LA1 V6 engine which produces 185HP of power and 210lb-ft of torque, while mated with a 4-speed 4T65-E automatic gearbox. It is available in either front-wheel or four-wheel drive with independent rear suspension.

The Aztek was produced in Mexico from 2001 to 2005 and it was replaced by the Chevrolet Equinox-based Pontiac Torrent. When it was launched, it became the official pace car for the 2001 Daytona 500. Although intended to be sold for the younger demographic, some criticized the Aztek as one of the cars that could save General Motors as well as one of the worst-designed cars in history.

The Pontiac Aztek appeared in the "America's Worst Cars" episode of Top Gear USA as Rutledge Wood's car of choice as the presenters try to make it look cool and sell it to the highest bidder.



I have no idea why the game's producers decided to put this crossover here and any purpose about how this car does in FM6 remains a mystery for now. We already had the weirdest cars in-game such as Fast Five's Gurkha and the Cadillac XTS Limousine, and with the addition of the Pontiac Aztek, it's really difficult to find a purpose to drive this car in-game unless you have endless imagination to do so. Apart from its styling, I find driving the Aztek to be somewhat terrible. Of course, it may have a V6 engine, which is fairly nice, but it's less powerful, meaning it doesn't have the oomph to go further. Because it's mated only with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, you won't find much excitement either.

Handling-wise, the Aztek feels heavy and I find this car doesn't find much purpose on track at all. It's just plain terrible and a quick demonstration comes into driving this car round Long Beach, California. Hey, at least this is a city track so it would work...



While most underpowered cars can get around this track around the two-minute mark, the Aztek did poorly with a lap time of a disappointing 2:13.083 and I thought this Aztek finds its purpose in a city center like this.

It's a shame that we had one of the most terrible cars like the Pontiac Aztek in Forza Motorsport 6 but with a little know-it-all, a little appreciation goes a long way. Who knows, this car might have some potential underneath its bizarre bodywork or having the ghost of Heisenberg do its work for you.

The Cute Wall (Volume Eleven)

Now, the moment of truth is time because it's now time to do...THE CUTE WALL!



Yes, we're back and looks like I'm feeling something special for this.

You're right and since we're nearing to celebrate Pokemon's 20th anniversary and I can't believe 20 is considered to be the lucky number for 2016 because of....well, think about it; this, Biohazard, Sakura Wars, do you know any stuff celebrating its 20th year this 2016?

(audience murmuring)

Well, whatever, but hey! You once made a list about the cutest Pokemon, although there are some of the cutest Pokemon didn't listed in this Cute Wall. Let's have a look...

Clefairy, Jigglypuff, Chansey, Eevee, Togepi, and Scraggy. The ones I listed on the list of the cutest Pokemon but haven't listed here. Best to leave the verdict to you.

Verdict? But you listed it. Why don't you do it?

Oh, all right. I'll put Clefairy, Jigglypuff, Chansey, and Eevee on the CUTE spot. Scraggy...um...better put it on NOT CUTE.

(audience laughing)

As for Togepi, you'll be sitting with Pikachu today because you get the top spot! NAKAKAGIGIL!

(audience laughing)

Speaking of which, I once watched the XY&Z anime series and care to guess what that is?

Squishy

Wait, I know! Isn't that what they called the Zygarde Core?

Exactly. And would you like to know the core Bonnie called when they first met?

Squishy?

You're exactly right! It is Squishy. I don't know why she called it Squishy but that's a good name, I'll give you that. So, what do you think about Squishy?

Well, to be honest. I'm starting to adore that Squishy. Believe it or not, it looks cute when its asleep.

(audience laughing)

Cute when Squishy's asleep? Better be advised that if your new friend turned into the many forms of...well, the three forms of Zygarde, it will be scary as,...ahem.

Oh yes....

So, verdict?

Well, since I'm starting to like that Squishy, I made a sweet spot so Pikachu can enjoy it. Welcome to the NAKAKAGIGIL club, Squishy!

(audience laughing, and applause)

Any other Pokemon to be considered...cute?

Hmmm....how about this? Tepig?

I think Tepig is already proven to be cute when the Black and White years began. Put him in CUTE.

All right. How about Snivy?

CUTE as well.

(audience laughing)

Hmmm...What about Chikorita?

Chikorita's a cute Pokemon and I already know where to put it. CUTE.

Okay, CUTE it is for Chikorita.

(audience laughing)

Do you know any starters we didn't put here?

Well, I have a Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Sadly, only one of these first starters is considered cute and that's Charmander so I'll put Charmander in the CUTE spot while Bulbasaur and Squirtle will be placed at NOT CUTE because I don't find them to be cute.

(audience laughing)

I also don't find Cyndaquil to be cute so NOT CUTE for this one. However, I do find that Totodile, one of the Johto starters, to be somewhat cute so I'll just put it in the CUTE spot for keeps.

What about the Hoenn starters?!

Treecko's not cute. No wait! Treecko's SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE. But Torchic and Mudkip are so they deserved a spot in the CUTE zone.

(audience laughing)

Well, we already put Piplup in the Cute Wall a long time ago. What about the others? Turtwig and Chimchar?

Sorry to say, I don't find either of these two cute so it's a NOT CUTE for both Turtwig and Chimchar.

(audience laughing)

Oh wait. It's a CUTE for Chimchar. I must apologize.

(audience laughing)

Oh, here we go with that beauty pageant mistake dialogue again. Hmmm...Everyone, what's your say about Meowth?

Who?

(audience laughing)

Meowth. Everyone's favorite talking feline villain who is the third member of Team Rocket. Although I find Meowth to be the bad guy, it also one of my favorite bad guys in the history of animation because it's always a cat and mouse chase between Ash and Pikachu and Team Rocket so if it's okay if I...

(chainsaw whirring)

(audience laughing, then applause)

Do not...

(Applause continues)

Do not put villains in the Cute Wall. Now, look what just happened.

What did I do?

Run. Run or you'll be a lot shorter.

(audience laughing)

IT'S TIME FOR THE RECAP!

SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE:
Raichu
Whisper
Minion
Nico Yazawa
Takane Shijou
Azusa Miura
Makoto Kikuchi
Anzu Futaba
Croagunk
Touma Amagase
Shota Mitarai
Hokuto Ijuin
Teru Tendo
Kaoru Sakuraba
Tsubasa Kashikawa
Kyouji Takajou
Minori Watanabe
Kyosuke Aoi
Yusuke Aoi
Shiki Iseya
Haruna Wakazato
Hayato Akiyama
Jun Fuyumi
Natsuki Sakaki
Rui Maita
Chio Hazama
Jiro Yamashita
*Treecko

NOT CUTE:
Dopey
Kwazii
Minion
Amethyst
Rin Hoshizora
Hibiki Ganaha
Minami Nitta
Ranko Kanzaki
Miku Maekawa
Kion
Fuli
Beshte
Bunga
Ono
Pierre
*Scraggy
*Bulbasaur
*Squirtle
*Cyndaquil
*Turtwig

CUTE:
Pichu
Plusle
Minun
Pachirisu
Emolga
Dedenne
Mokona
Mog
Catbug
Bashful
Froakie
Fennekin
Harukasan
Stuffy
Tunip the Vegimal
Minccino
Piplup
Sylveon
Queen Delightful
Axew
Jibanyan
Minion
Serena's Pancham
Umi Sonoda
Eli Ayase
Hanayo Koizumi
Maki Nishikino
Nozomi Tojo
Miki Hoshii
Yukiho Hagiwara
Iori Minase
Ritsuko Akizuki
Anastasia
Kanako Mimura
Chieri Ogata
Miria Akagi
Rika Jougasaki
Kirari Moroboshi
Riina Tada
Rin Shibuya
Mio Honda
Komasan
Komajiro
Grizz
Panda
Ice Bear
*Clefairy
*Jigglypuff
*Chansey
*Eevee
*Tepig
*Snivy
*Chikorita
*Charmander
*Totodile
*Torchic
*Mudkip
*Chimchar

NAKAKAGIGIL!!!:
Pikachu
BMO
Bijou
Poof
George
Happy
Chespin
Doc McStuffins
Mabel Pines
Sofia
Cottonee
Minion
Oshawott
Star Butterfly
Honoka Kousaka
Kotori Minami
Haruka Amami
Yayoi Takatsuki
Chihaya Kisaragi
Ami Futami
Mami Futami
Uzuki Shimamura
Noibat

*Togepi

*Squishy

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea wanted peace talks before missile

According to a US official, they've received a North Korean proposal for peace talks to formally end the Korean War before Pyongyang's recent nuclear test on January 6th, but the two sides failed to start the negotiations and the North went with its test. The official said that after considering the North's proposal, the Obama administration asked the North to include denuclearization as part of the talks but NoKor rejected the call.

The North Korea repeatedly asked the USA to end its hostile policy and conclude a peace treaty with the North while the United States maintained that they will not start any dialogues until the North takes serious steps to curtail its nuclear programs

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (February 22, 2016)

- This week marks the 30th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution and the celebration is as important as other national holidays in the Philippines to remember the most critical events and the people who helped the nation achieve freedom.

- All of the five presidentiables appeared in the first series of debates organized by COMELEC in Cagayan de Oro City yesterday. The five candidates; Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, and Mar Roxas, expounded on their platforms of government if elected president on May 9.

- The Saudi Arabian embassy in Manila warned the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Saudi government received from concerned authorities that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are allegedly initiating and supervising a plan to hijack or bomb a Saudi Arabian airplane, knowing that the threat of terrorist attack on Saudi Arabian airliners is real, eminent, and allegedly in the final stage of implementation.

- Five years have passed since the Christchurch quake in New Zealand that killed 185 people. People have gathered for memorial services at 1251 hours local time, the exact time the quake struck. Reconstruction efforts have made little progress in most areas except for the central part of the city.

- Meanwhile, At the Republican state of South Carolina, Donald Trump wows the crowd at the South Carolina Republican Primary while in the Democrat state of Nevada, Hillary Clinton trounced Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders at the Nevada caucuses.

- An estate version of the Renault Megane IV has been unveiled in time before next month's Geneva Motor Show.

2017 Renault Megane Estate

- The first ever Maserati Levante SUV is officially unveiled ahead of its Geneva Motor Show premiere.

2017 Maserati Levante

- The newest Aikatsu series, titled Aikatsu Stars!, is set to air this April 7 on TV Tokyo with a movie inspired from the new series hits theaters on the 23rd of August.

Aikatsu Stars!

- Disney unveiled a teaser trailer for the upcoming fantasy movie, Pete's Dragon, starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, and Oakes Fegley. It will hit theaters this August 2016. CLICK HERE.

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea conducted artillery drill

North Korea conducted an artillery drill on its side of the West Sea border. They fired multiple shells from its Jangsan cape located across from the South's Baengnyeong-do island. According to SoKor's Defense Ministry, it was likely a normal drill and no unusual activity detected from the North side but as a precaution, the South Korean military called back fishing boats and told the island's residents to be on standby for evacuation.

The South Korean military also announced that they recovered more pieces from the North's rocket launch last February 7th. The Navy says the search for debris is now complete.

In terms of a possible cyberattack, the South Korean ICT ministry is reportedly inspecting the nation's telecom companies and government agencies, as well as online banking systems for security breach purposes.

Source: Arirang News

The fateful reunion of Anselmo and Nidora

Image: Official
Eat Bulaga Facebook page

Long after the most impossible feat in Kalyeserye history, involving the lolas of Kalyeserye meets JoWaPao in a very special Just Duet segment of GMA's noontime show, Eat Bulaga, someone reemerged after seventy long years of separation. Yep, that someone is none other than the love of Lola Nidora's life; Anselmo.

With the two finally reunited, Anselmo expresses his heartfelt gratitude to Nidora after seventy years of separation. They even doing the "boojie" thing as well. Sadly, this will be the last time the two lovers meet each other again because Anselmo's off for some other things.

Keep watching Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics but for now, congratulations to Ritchi Ramos and Richie Austria, whose song ALDUB YOU (MAALDEN KITA) won the top prize!

#BGInsidePiaHorseback

On the February 19, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang;

- Takas ospital gags

- Mang Tañong talks about his involvement in People Power Revolution.

- Hugot lines at the bank

- Clash of the yayas!

- A funeral package with greater benefits...

- Miss Unicorn Pia Horseback is on a sporting gig!

- Bubble Gang does Enervon by spoofing this commercial as INNERVOINK!

- Welcome to your momma's kitchen restaurant!

- More news reversed in Opposite News!

Let's Do The News! (February 19, 2016)

- Sports apparel brand Nike revoked its sponsorship with Manny Pacquiao following his harsh comments against same-sex marriage, saying they're even worse than animals. If losing a sponsorship wasn't enough, Pacquiao may face disqualification in the May 2016 elections because of his final fight against Tim Bradley on the 9th of April.

- China denied the US reports over the deployment of SAMs on a disputed island in the South China Sea. The US government confirmed that China's deployment of air-defense missiles over the past week on Woody Island in the disputed Paracel chain. US Secretary of State John Kerry criticized China for contradicting Chinese leader Xi Jinping's remarks about not militarizing the South China Sea.

- Philippine President Benigno Aquino III signed the Salary Standardization Law that raises the salary of about 1.6 million government workers by an average of 27%.

- Pope Francis condemns Republican frontrunner Donald Trump over his views on US immigration, stating that is "not Christian". After his Mexican trip, the Pope referred to Trump's pledge to build a wall along the Mexican border to repel illegal immigrants if elected. Pope Francis calls Trump's plot "not Christian".

- A nuclear material was stolen in Iraq late last year according to the IAEA, prompting authorities to launch a search for the material. The stolen material is iridium-192 and this isotope is the second most dangerous on its 5-level scale. If contact, it would be deadly over a period of hours to days. The theft has given rise to concerns that the material could fall into the hands of terrorists such as the Islamic State militants and be used to make a dirty bomb.

- The Aston Martin DB10 from last year's 007: SPECTRE film was auctioned for over 3.5 million dollars as part of the auctioning of movie props courtesy of Christie's. The auction exceeds the original estimate of at least $1.4 million and proceeds went to Doctors Without Borders.

Aston Martin DB10 from 007: SPECTRE

- The Volvo V90 flagship estate was unveiled in time before next month's Geneva Motor Show, featuring Volvo's signature safety tech, S90-inspired looks, and a range of engine choices including the T8 PHEV which uses a twincharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor to generate 410HP of power.

2017 Volvo V90

- The Pagani Huayra BC has been uncovered before its Geneva Motor Show debut next month. The V12 engine now produces 789HP of power and 811lb-ft of torque, while mated with a more updated 7-speed gearbox. With lightness is the main focus for the BC, its weight-saving materials made this beast lost 132kg of weight.

2017 Pagani Huayra BC

- Following the 346 Production version Mika Jougasaki figma, her little sister Rika Jougasaki from THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls is getting a brand new Cinderella Project figma variant inspired from the TV series. Order books are open for her with prices start at 5,833 Yen plus tax and she'll be arriving this July. Complete the sisters, right away!

figma Rika Jougasaki
Cinderella Project version

TTFN!!!