May 5th, 2016 - Pope Francis presided over a prayer vigil "To Dry the Tears" in St. Peter's Basilica during the Feast of the Ascension. This event is part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, which is ongoing until the 13th of November this year.
During the Prayer Vigil, the reliquary of Our Lady of Tears of Syracuse were on display inside the basilica for the veneration of the faithful. It was linked to the extraordinary phenomenon occurred in 1953, when a small plaster picture depicting the Immaculate Heart of Mary that was hanging above the bed of a young Italian married couple shed human tears.
" At the foot of every cross, the Mother of Jesus is always there. With her mantle, she wipes away our tears. With her outstretched hand, she helps us to rise up and she accompanies us along the path of hope.” - Pope Francis
The next event on this ongoing Jubilee of Mercy is on the the 27th of May, the Jubilee for Deacons.
The annual Golden Week in Japan doesn't stop car enthusiasts from across Japan to get through Fuji Speedway just to witness the Fuji Speedway leg of the Super GT 2016 season. In the GT500-class, there's another win for the #1 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R driven by Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli following its season opener win, while the #3 B-MAX NDDP GT-R, driven by Kazuki Hoshino and Jann Mardenborough, is the GT300 class win in this round.
Highlights:
After the race, the committee announced that the third round of the Super GT 2016 season, to be held at Autopolis (which is near the quake-struck Kumamoto Prefecture) was suspended but the committee will continue to assess the current situation to still have an eight-round season.
A certain reporter visiting North Korea has seen crowds of people being mobilized in preparation for tomorrow's opening of the ruling Workers' Party's first congress in 36 years. They will hold its 7th congress in Pyongyang.
Reporters from Japanese news organizations arrived on Tuesday as part of a group of over 100 foreign media personnel North Korea invested for the occasion, which is intended to underscore Kim Jong Un's grip on power. National flags and billboards with words celebrating the opening were seen all over the city. Women wearing ethnic costumes and carrying flowers were seen gathered at central plaza.
They were apparently there to take part in rehearsals for celebratory events.
On Wednesday, officials invited reporters to visit the site where North Korea's first weapons factory used to stand.
- The Commission on Elections announced that its website is now restored with enhanced security features. The website went back online Tuesday and assured the public that it's a safer website due to a stronger firewall, among others.
- Liberal party presidential candidate Mar Roxas is unfazed by the endorsement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte by the Iglesia Ni Cristo even as he vowed to continue the fight for decent governance. Despite failing to get the support from the INC, Roxas thanked them for giving him the opportunity to present his platform.
- The three ASEAN countries; the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, agreed to run coordinated patrols to boost maritime security following the kidnappings at sea of Indonesians by suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists. The top foreign ministers and military chiefs of the three countries held talks in the Indonesian ancient royal capital city of Yogyakarta, hashing out the details of joint patrols to protect shipping in the waters between the border areas.
- A Chinese diplomat asked politicians and media outlets in the United States and the United Kingdom to spot meddling in the South China Sea dispute. Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom Liu Xiaoming said in the signed letter to The Times "The issue of the South China Sea is being ramped up by those in the US and the UK who accuse China of causing tension in the region. They proclaim the principle of free navigation and overflight but in reality their prejudice and partiality will only increase tension".
- Ohio Governor John Kasich dropped out from his Republican presidential race, leaving frontrunner Donald Trump the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party in the presidential elections following Ted Cruz's dropout.
- Last Sunday, a massive wildfire broke out in western Canada and it lasted for three days, leaving 16,000 structures burned. Firefighters are struggling to put out the fire but strong winds and dry weather are hampering their efforts.
- Another teaser for the revamped Top Gear hits the web with more cars and more Matt LeBlanc, gearing up to this month's premiere.
- Following its reveal, Volkswagen's special GTi Clubsport S lapped round the Nurburgring at 7:49.29, making it the fastest front-wheel drive car to lap round the track and it's faster than the Honda Civic Type R FK2.
- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye, today marks the 42nd weeksary of AlDub and the gang are prepping up for their Italian job, while leaving Lola Nidora mope. However, Divina has other plans for the lolas as she throws them a picnic. After the picnic, there's a big announcement happening this Saturday and Lola Tinidora says it's going to be...a farewell party?! Tune in next time and find out!!!
The next-generation Ford F-150 Raptor, much like the new Ford GT and the Shelby GT350, made its early video game debut at Forza Motorsport 6 since its launch and I was one of the happy people to get a first bite out of Ford's next-gen extreme offroader before this car reaches dealerships in the Autumn of 2016.
Before taking a spin on the next-generation F-150 Raptor, let's have a quick intro. Making its world premiere at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the next-generation Ford F-150 Raptor is the result of Ford Performance's superior off-road capability, from rock crawling to sand running.
Based on the 13th-generation Ford F-Series trucks, the new F-150 Raptor, like the normal F-150, takes advantage of advanced materials such as high-strength steel and high-strength, military grade, aluminum alloy, allows this truck to lose 500 pounds of weight compared to the old Raptor.
The new F-150 Raptor is powered by Ford's brand new 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that produces more power and better fuel economy versus the old Raptor's V8 engine. This engine is mated with Ford's first-ever 10-speed automatic gearbox.
It is now the most capable Raptor ever made thanks to its available Torsen front differential, standard FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology that works to damp and stiffen suspension travel over rough terrain, and new shock canisters. It even comes with the all new Terrain Management System with six preset modes help the truck power through different terrain and driving conditions.
Sure, the new Raptor is an extreme offroader in its own right but here in the world of Forza Motorsport 6, it sounds too pointless because this is basically a racing game where all good cars race on tracks. Despite being too pointless here, I can hardly feel just how improved the new Raptor is aside from its miniaturized engine that delivers more than the old one but its military-grade aluminum bodywork shows just how light and durable this car is. Even though this is a major improvement than the previous model, handle with care because this is still a heavyweight juggernaut and you have to be very alert and very precise to handle even the slightest of corners.
Because this is the first truck in the world to offer a double-digit gearbox, you can really feel that ten gears in a truck is far too bulky on the shifting ratio but what are the odds? You never know until you try.
This car loves to get messy in the rough but in FM6, playing rough is not a necessity here or could it be? Because this is an all-new model, let's find out how much the new model has improved over the previous one and for that, I have to go to the Top Gear Test Track and find out.
This is going to be a fun science experiment because this is where I find proof if the all-new F-150 Raptor stacks up against the old F-150 SVT Raptor. Let's find out!
After sending these heavyweights their big run on the Top Gear Track, the results are in. The old Raptor did it in 1:41.106 while the new Raptor did it in 1:37.835, about four seconds quicker than the old one. Which means, even this truck doesn't have a spot to play rough in FM6, the new Raptor, thanks to its EcoBoost V6 engine, aluminum bodywork, enhanced dynamics, and a hunky 10-speed gearbox, this hunk of junk is no longer a hunk of junk. It's now...just a hunk. A hunk that can get through even the toughest jobs in the world of Forza.
2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the Hyundai Grandeur when the first-generation Grandeur came out in South Korea in July 1986, one of Hyundai's longest-running brands has spawned five generations and pretty soon, there's an all-new model heading its way, just to blow the birthday cake to Hyundai's longest-running saloon. So, time now for a quick history lesson.
First Generation (1986-1992) - The first ever Hyundai Grandeur is basically a South Korean version of the second-generation Mitsubishi Debonair (S10) saloon much like any other Mitsubishis in Korea sold as Hyundais in the last century such as the Grace and the Galloper. Whereas the Japanese Debonair is powered with either a 2.0L V6 or a 3.0L V6 engine mated with a 4-speed automatic, the Grandeur is powered with three engine configurations such as a 2.0L 4-cylinder, a 2.4L 4-cylinder, and a 3.0L V6 engine, mated with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
The First Grandeur (1986)
Second-generation (1992-1986) - After the first generation, the partnership between Hyundai and Mitsubishi continues in the '90s with the Grandeur undergoing a full model change similar to the final generation Mitsubishi Debonair saloon. The design is now more modest, more luxurious, and more Korean as some say, the second-generation model offers different V6 engines from a 2.0L to a 3.5L, mated with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The second-generation Grandeur became a status symbol for South Korea, which politicians and executives used at the time. Ironically in Japan, the Debonair was less successful and it was therefore phased out from Mitsubishi's saloon range in 1998.
The Second Grandeur (1992)
Grandeur XG (1998 - 2005) - No longer a rebadged Mitsubishi, the third Grandeur is now called the Grandeur XG and it was built originally by the engineers from Hyundai. This is the first time this generation is sold globally as the XG. It is essentially based on the EF Sonata but it's slightly longer than the EF Sonata and it comes with different V6 engines ranging from a 2.0L, 2.5L, and a 3.0L.
The Grandeur XG (1998)
Fourth-generation (2005 - 2011) - The fourth-generation Grandeur was launched in South Korea in May 2005 and it was based on the NF Hyundai Sonata. It was exported globally as the Azera. When it was first launched, it comes with a choice of a 2.4L 2.7L V6, 3.3L V6, and a powerful 3.8L V6 engine. This car underwent two facelifts and the latter, dubbed The Luxury Grandeur, features a revised front grille, interior, and engine choices such as a 2.4L 2.7L V6, and a 3.3L V6.
The Fourth Grandeur (2005)
Fifth-generation (2011 - onwards) - Before the Grandeur made a world premiere at the start of 2011, it made a surprise appearance in the Korean drama Runaway Plan B starring Rain. Since its debut, the 5G Grandeur employs Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, giving it a sleeker appearance. Since this car was based on the Kia K7 (Cadenza), it offers a different choice of engines such as a Theta II GDi 2.4-litre engine, a Lambda II GDi 3.0-litre engine, and a 3.3L GDi engine. For the first time in Grandeur's history, a hybrid and diesel variant was offered. The hybrid is powered by a Theta II 2.4L engine mated with an electric motor and a li-ion battery while the diesel features a 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine.
Delegates of North Korea's ruling Worker's Party are gathering in Pyongyang, ahead of its first congress in three and a half decades. The congress, which will open this Friday, is expected to reaffirm leader Kim Jong Un's tight grip on power, four years since the assumption of the party's top post.
State-run Korean Central Television reported that trains carrying delegates from different parts of the country arrived one after another in the capital. No details have been announced on how many days the upcoming congress will last or the number of participants.
In 1980, about 3,000 delegates attended the previous congress and lasted for five days.
Observers are keeping the eye on the Korean peninsula as the reclusive state may conduct a fifth nuclear test ahead of the congress.
- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV uncovered the list of assets from the children of Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte following the release of the list of properties. The ten-page list provided to reporters showed the supposed bank accounts of Duterte's children.
- The Supreme Court allowed former president and now Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to undergo dental procedures at a clinic in Makati. In its resolution, the high court allowed Arroyo to undergo dental procedures on the four days to be fixed by appointment with her personal dentist. Earlier, Arroyo was allowed to vote in her hometown in Lubao, Pampanga on the May 9 elections.
- Senator Grace Poe released a copy of her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth for 2015 in which she declared a net worth of P89,118,760.02, a slight decrease from the P89.46 million enrolled in her SALN for 2014.
- In the recent presidential primary, Ted Cruz is officially suspending his campaign, leaving Donald Trump the Republican Party's presumptive nominee following the Indiana primary. With another Republican opponent out of Trump's way, the frontrunner vowed that he will beat Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton in the general presidential election. Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders snagged a win against Clinton in Indiana as well.
- The torch relay for the Rio 2016 Olympics has begun in Brazil. The Olympic flame was lit in Greece and it arrived by plane in the country's capital, Brasilia, on Tuesday. The torch is scheduled to arrive at the site of the opening ceremony, Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium, on the 5th of August.
- Volkswagen unveiled a limited-edition Golf GTi Clubsport S packed with a 306HP 2.0L twin turbo petrol engine while mated exclusively with a manual gearbox. Only 400 units will be made, 100 destined for Germany.
VW GTi Clubsport S
- The Hot Wheels Car Pack for Forza Motorsport 6 is now available, featuring two playable Hot Wheels cars such as the Bone Shaker and a specially-made Hot Wheels Mustang. In addition, the all-new Ford Focus RS, sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, the McLaren P1 GTR, Prost's #1 Scuderia Ferrari 641 and the new BMW X6 M. Available on the XBOX Live Marketplace for seven dollars.
- The Ford F-150 pickup truck receives a 2017 model year update packed with brand new 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine producing 365HP of power and 450lb-ft of torque while mated with a first-in-class 10-speed automatic gearbox, same as you'll expect this gearbox to arrive on the hot F-150 Raptor.
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
- The Hyundai Grandeur celebrates its 30th anniversary with a special "The Timeless" model. The anniversary model is festooned with Ice White exterior color, golden brown stitching, some golden brown wood paneling, and it starts at 36,800,000 Korean Won. Since its 1986 debut, the Grandeur has spawned five generations and there's a new one coming very soon.
The boys are getting ready for the annual 24 Hours of Lemons endurance racing held at the Sonoma Raceway. But first, the gang decide which of the $500 used car will be used for the race. Tanner goes for the VW GTi while Rut goes for a Nissan pickup and Adam goes for the Ford Crown Victoria.
After numerous tests later, both the hatch and the truck got destroyed and left the boys using the Crown Victoria as the car of choice in this budget racing.
While the boys went to do some racing modifications...
...Tanner flies to Sweden to check out the ultra-powerful Koenigsegg One:1 megacar and see if he can beat his personal speed record of 223mph. In the end, he did two mph quicker.
After his max speed run, Tanner returns and in return, the Crown Victoria they're using, turned into a moving lemonade stand, costing its weight, handling, brakes, whatever that causes so much misery for the boys. A day later, after numerous disastrous laps later, The Stig surfaces to help the boys in the race but despite Stig's best efforts, the car broke down.
Despite the odds, it's a clear saying that budget endurance racing can be a lot more fun to try, no matter how disastrous the results are.
South Korean leader Park Geun-hye departed Iran after her first successful state visit to the Middle Eastern country.
Over 37 billion US dollars worth of deals to improve Iran's infrastructure were signed under the comprehensive partnership agreed between her and Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani. President Park also won Tehran's support for the denuclearization of North Korea, a diplomatic coup considering Iran's close ties with the Korean peninsula. With her Iranian trip finished, President Park completed a chain of visits to Turkey, Arab nations, and Iran during her term, reinforcing her diplomacy in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the South Korean military has once again warned that the Korean peninsula may carry out their nuclear test any time now. During the parliamentary defense committee meeting on Tuesday, Defense Minister Han Min-koo echoed earlier warnings that North Korea may coincide their plausible fifth nuclear test with the upcoming Worker's Party congress slated for Friday. He also said that the North's Punggye-ri nuclear test site is fully prepared for a new test. Also, Han touched on the deployment of the THAAD US missile defense system, saying South Korea will provide the land and facility for the system while the US will cover their expenses.
- Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte warned that if elected President, he will form a revolutionary government if Congress will not support his program of crafting “a new country.” Duterte also called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front to stand down and to not bear arms until after the elections.
- The Department of Social Welfare and Development gained P842.5 million of Quick Response Fund to help address the El Niño weather phenomenon that has brought to most parts of the Philippines. According to reports, the money will be used to buy family food packs, for cash- and food-for-work programs, shelter assistance and to buy relief supplies.
- Senatorial candidate Greco Belgica filed a petition before the Commission on Elections for an investigation into alleged vote buying by the Liberal Party led by its standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and by presidential bet Sen. Grace Poe. Belgica claims that he had proof that the presidential candidates tried to buy votes.
- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with French President Francois Hollande in Paris on Monday as the two leaders cooperate on a counterterrorism action plan during the upcoming G7 summit. They will also cooperate on strong statements with the aim of stabilizing the global economy, including the need for possible fiscal stimulus.
- The Turkish interior minister said that the Islamic State militants claimed responsibility of the car bombing that killed two police officers near the border with Syria.
- What happens when the latest Hyundai Avante borrows a 1.6L T-GDi engine from a Veloster Turbo? Hyundai recently added a Sport version to their compact saloon, packed with a 1.6L T-GDI engine producing 204PS of power.
- 2016's Call of Duty game is announced. Infinite Warfare is coming to the PS4 and XBOX One consoles this November 2016.
- The VW Amarok pickup truck has been given a 2017MY update with an all new 3.0L V6 diesel engine and other extras.
- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye, there's another thing coming to AlDub apart from the script they got yesterday. That thing Lola Nidora got for them is...tickets. More specifically, plane tickets to Italy. Could this mean that AlDub will have a movie shot in Italy? Tune in next time and find out!
The Russian leg of the 2016 season of Formula One at Sochi sees another win for Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, marking it his seventh win in his career. Hamilton, meanwhile, placed 2nd and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen placed 3rd.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel faced a disastrous misfortune at the race. First, he got penalized to five grid spots for a last-minute gearbox change. Then, he got crashed by Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat...twice. For that, Kvyat was penalized three points and held for 10 seconds in the pits.
Anyway, onto the driver standings, Nico Rosberg's in the lead with 100 points while Lewis Hamilton's 2nd place overall with 43 points behind Rosberg, and Raikkonen is now 3rd with 57 points behind Rosberg.
