Let's Do The News! (February 26, 2016)

- Vice presidential aspirant Senator Alan Peter Cayetano vows that he will provide full PhilHealth coverage to all members of the Philippine Health Insurance Company if he got elected as vice president at the May 2016 elections. He made the statement during his Cebu visit to listen to the plight of indigent patients at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center as part of the "Ronda Serye" listening tour he is holding nationwide alongside Davao Mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte.

- The People's Republic of China accused the US-backed Philippines of "political provocation" in seeking international arbitration over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the decision by Philippine leaders to lodge a case with a tribunal in the Hague last year was "irresponsible to the Filipino people and the future of the Philippines".

- Meanwhile, a top American admiral expressed concern that China will exercise "de facto" control of the South China Sea following its recent activities in the disputed sea.

- Earlier, Lanao del Norte Mayor Rommel Arnado of Kauswagan was disqualified for using his American passport after renunciation of his US citizenship. The recent disqualification of the mayor who used US passport does not apply to the case of presidential aspirant Grace Poe.

- Former executives of the Tokyo Electric Power Company are set to face court trial over the March 11, 2011 disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Reports learned that court-approved lawyers have decided to indict former TEPCO chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata and former vice-presidents Sakae Muto and Ichiro Takekuro.

- US President Barack Obama wants all parties to a planned ceasefire hostilities in Syria's civil war to work hard for its success. The USA, Russia, and other nations agreed to a ceasefire from Saturday but the agreement doesn't include attacks against Islamic State militants. The Syrian government force under President Bashar al-Assad, and opposition forces, must notify the United States or Russia of their intentions by Friday noon in Syria.

- A teaser of the upcoming Aston Martin grand tourer is now live before the full uncovering at next month's Geneva Motor Show, highlighting the history of the Aston Martin DB bloodline.

- Developer Kunos Evoluzioni announced that the launch date for the console version of their Assetto Corsa racing game has been pushed to June 3rd for Europe and June 7th for North America.

- Lotus unveiled a more powerful Evora model called the Sport 410, features a 10hp increase to its supercharged 3.5L 6-cylinder engine as well as a drop of 154lbs of weight.

2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410

TTFN!!!

Renault Talisman

Today's luxury saloons in France is becoming a bit weary now and for a company like Renault, they're making drastic measures like replacing both the poorly-sold Laguna and Latitude with an all-new model with a familiar name. Enter the new Renault Talisman.

2016 Renault Talisman

The Talisman name from Renault was derived from two irrelevant vehicles; the first is a concept car circa. 2001 and the second is the Chinese version of the Renault Samsung SM7. For 2016, the Talisman is now used as Renault's flagship saloon that replaces both the Laguna and the Latitude. While it will be marketed exclusively in selected left-hand drive markets in Europe and Asia, there is a very high possibility that it will be selling in South Korea this Spring as the Renault Samsung SM6, although it is unclear if this saloon will replace both the SM5 and the SM7 (where the Talisman name was used for the Chinese market) respectively.

2016 Renault Talisman

2016 Renault Talisman interior

One of the key highlights of the Talisman is the design and thanks to Renault's new design language that incorporates the company's "La vie, avec passion" slogan, the exterior design of the Talisman incorporates a much athletic look for an executive saloon of this size. The front and the side profile looks fantastically gorgeous at all angles but the rear view kinda spoils the premium aesthetic. It's like fiddling a nice well-done brisket with labuyo and dinuguan and that's not first class dinner served at the table.

Just like the recent Espace and the Megane, there goes the new signature interior featuring an irreplaceable touchscreen with no CD players on it, which speedo boys called this dashboard layout a witchcraft because the audio system is very irreplaceable, just like high-end luxury cars whose radios will never be replaced indefinitely. Either way, the comfort really is German saloon quality, an aesthetic similar to Citroen's C5 when they marketed it to be unmistakingly German. Remember, this is a French saloon and the way Renault has done in the making of the Talisman is really great indeed.

2016 Renault Talisman

Now, let's talk about performance and by launch, the Talisman is offered in three different configurations; a 1.6 TCe petrol, a 1.5 dCi diesel, and a 1.6 dCi diesel. The most powerful one is the 1.6 TCe petrol with the 200ps power output which can go 0-100kph in 7.6 seconds and onwards to 237kph, while the most economical in the Talisman range is the 1,5 dCi engine with the combined fuel consumption of around 3.6L/100km. Depending on engine choices, the Talisman can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed EDC, or a 7-speed EDC. In terms of dynamics, the Talisman features  a four-wheel steering system and the Multi-Sense which allows the driver to choose four different settings as well as a customized preference to make driving a bit somewhat individual to each of their own. Whichever the settings implied, the Talisman feels very German again because it delivers the right blend of comfort and sportiness that most German saloons possess.

In terms of safety, the Talisman is offered with available safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic sign detection, and blind spot alert, among many others.

Should you buy one? The Talisman starts at 27,900 (for the base Life model) up to 40,300 Euros (for the flagship Initiale Paris model), which is somewhat costly to own than the recent VW Passat, but despite the pricing, the Talisman from Renault has the equivalent feeling of German non-luxury saloons in terms of styling, comfort, and performance. There is nothing you can't go wrong about this latest offering from Renault.

Available colors: Gris Cassiopee, Blanc Nacre, Rouge Carmin, Blue Cosmos, Beige Dune, Brun Vison, Noir Etoile, Gris Platine, and Blanc Glacier.

Photo: Renault

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Two superpowers agreed on sanctions against NoKor

The two world superpowers, the United States and China, have finally reached an agreement on the UN Security Council's new sanctions on North Korea following its recent rocket launch and nuclear test.

It's a breakthrough, as the two nations wield veto power on the council but they were clashing about the level of sanctions to be imposed on Pyongyang. And now, members of the UNSC will assemble at the UN HQ in New York on the implementation of new, stronger sanctions on North Korea.

Unknown sources say the key NoKor agencies that are expected to be sanctioned include the General Reconnaissance Bureau, the Ministry of Atomic Energy Industry, and the National Aerospace Development.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (February 25, 2016)

- February 25, 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. Thirty years ago, Filipinos band together to put the Marcos regime down to its knees and inspired pro-democracy uprisings in other parts in the world (like the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the return of democracy in South Korea and Romania) and must not be forgotten by Filipinos. For the full speech of President Benigno Aquino III's message about EDSA 30, CLICK HERE.

- Davao City Mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte vows that the martial law during the Marcos regime will not be happening again if elected as the new leader of the Philippines.

- The Cupertino-based tech giant Apple faces 12 other requests to unlock its encrypted devices according to the court records from the US Justice Department. The requests were made since late last year but didn't mention about the case of a suspect in December's San Bernardino shootings.

- Margaret Chan, the head of the World Health Organization, sought continued cooperation from Brazilian officials and researchers in establishing a link between the Zika virus and a rare birth defect. Chan visited a public clinic in Brazil's northeastern state of Pernambuco before finishing her 2-day visit to the country.

- The North Korean women's soccer team arrived in Japan for the final round of the Asian qualifying matches for the Rio 2016 Olympics. The team flew from Beijing to Osaka on Thursday and despite sanctions after NoKor's recent rocket launch and nuclear test, they made an exemption by the Japanese government because an official said that athletes should not face discrimination based on nationality. The qualifiers kicks off on Monday and it will be a round-robin match where only the best two teams will enter the Olympics. Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and Vietnam were one of them.

- Looks like the dream of having the world of Sword Art Online is slowly becoming a reality thanks to the cooperation with IBM Japan. They began taking preregistration for the alpha test, which will occur from the 18th to the 20th of March, 2016 and applications will be accepted until the 4th and 208 participants will be chosen.

- It may have been around for six years now but the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback has been given a minor change with a revised exterior, revised interior, new tech, and a new logo.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

- Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson made a public apology and payed a hundred thousand pounds to former producer Oisin Tymon who was attacked in the incident last year.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, today is the 32nd weeksary of AlDub and while the lolas are busy with their fashion show gig, Alden and Yaya Dub are onstage wearing their wedding attire, which sparked outrage from Lola Nidora. Because of that kissing incident occurred recently, Lola Nidora's back to her mean self again. Any eagle-eyed viewers caught where they kissed? Anyway, tune in next time to find out!

TTFN!!!

SEVENTH HAVEN

Fans of Dounts' ever-popular idol rhythm mobile game, Tokyo 7th Sisters will be familiarized with the story of the fabled idol group 7th Sisters, the idol group that rose to stardom until their breakup two years later, giving birth to new talents from the 777, the studio named in honor of the fabled idol group. Here's your chance to uncover their never-before told backstory in this new CD.

SEVENTH HAVEN

The latest single, inspired from the hit app game Tokyo 7th Sisters, features two songs performed by the legendary SEVENTH SISTERS (comprising of Nicole Nanasaki, Mito Hanyda, Mana Misonoo, Qruit Kotobuki, Rui Wakaoji, and Memoru Yusa) such as SEVENTH HAVEN and FALLING DOWN. The drama part, titled What is truly 2030??, gives listeners an in depth hearing on who are the SEVENTH SISTERS; two years before they're formed and four years before they're finished, giving fans a much critical backstory in the world of Tokyo 7th Sisters.

There was a limited edition where not only this disc is offered but also one of six special pin badges featuring one of the members of the legendary idol group.

Let's Do The News! (February 24, 2016)

- Vice President Jejomar Binay mulls building a Malacañang of Mindanao. In his speech, the United Nationalist Alliance's standard bearer wants to build a satellite office in Mindanao because he wants to reach out to them and address their concerns. He also states that if he became the new leader of the country, he will experience the true meaning of decentralization.

- Senator Ping Lacson mulls restoring the two-party system that would improve the current Philippine political system. The former senator pointed out that having a two-party system is one of the possible amendments to the 1987 Constitution worth considering.

- An "experimental" museum and an air show will be the top highlights of tomorrow's commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the People Power Revolution that put an end of the Marcos regime.

- The two global superpowers; the United States and China, showed no signs of tensions in the South China Sea as the two diplomats meet up in Washington for an agreement on a UN resolution to punish North Korea after its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.

- Meanwhile, South Korea responded aggressively on North Korea's warning referring to the annual drills scheduled to start on the 7th of March, stating they would carry out a pre-emptive strike at the slightest indication that enemy forces and equipment were poised for an attack and also targeting the South Korea's presidential Blue House. This year's US-SoKor joint exercises will be the biggest.

- Reports told that China has sent fighter jets to the contested island in the South China Sea where SAMs are deployed. The Chinese deployed a Shenyang J-11 and Xian JH-7 fighter jets over Woody Island, part of the Paracel chain controlled by the Chinese.

- The fourth-generation Renault Scenic MPV has been unveiled in time before its Geneva Motor Show debut this March.

2017 Renault Scenic

- The Volvo V40 range will be receiving a minor change prior to its Geneva debut next month, featuring a new design, new tech, and new features.

2017 Volvo V40 Cross Country

2017 Volvo V40

- Steven DeKnight, the executive producer of TV shows like Daredevil and Spartacus, pitches in as the director in the upcoming sequel of the Pacific Rim film.

- In case you never once heard of the Tokyo 7th Sisters, it's a idol rhythm app game set in the not too distant future where a new generation of idols straight from the studio 777 take the centerstage and continue the legacy where the legendary 7th Sisters left off. Anyway, a few already heard of it but its popularity is faring well with the other idol stuff we all know about. Anyway, 2016 marks its 2nd year in service and to celebrate the very occasion, a second live event has announced from the official website and it's happening this 21st of August, 2016, at the Pacifico Yokohama National Convention Hall. In addition, a second album titled "Are You Ready 7th-TYPES??" is coming this June 2016 with four new songs.

TTFN!!!

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