Let's Do The News! (August 27, 2016)

- Typhoon Dindo is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility today, but it will continue to induce monsoon rains over the western part of the country, according to PAGASA. As of 4:00 PM yesterday, Dindo was spotted at 1,025km east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

- Despite the sharp rise of extrajudicial killings and recognized him as a threat to the country according to international media, there are most Filipinos seen supporting President Rodrigo Duterte despite today's issues.

- An impromptu ceasefire between the communist rebels and the government takes effect today after the representatives signed a joint declaration in Norway to stop armed hostilities in preparation for talks to end once and for all the decades-long rebellion. The declaration of the truce coincided with the announcement of the release of three policemen by New People's Army rebels.

- The death toll from the central Italy quake has now risen to 278 and 388 people are hurt and hospitalized. Rescue workers searching for survivors of the quake have been facing rapidly narrowing odds of finding people alive following the passing of the 72-hour period.

- The French top administrative court has suspended the ban on "burkini" full-body swimsuits for Muslim women on a Mediterranean beach resort. A burkini is a combination of bikini and burkha, a full-body covering with a mesh screen for the eyes. The Council of State said on Friday that the ban had seriously infringed on basic freedoms, such as religious freedom and individual freedom.

- White House officials voiced concerned about close encounters between US and Iranian military vessels in the Persian Gulf. Military officials say four Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps ships approached within about 270 meters of a US Navy destroyer in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday despite warnings. The next day, an Iranian ship approached within 180m of a US patrol boat. The vessel moved away after the US side fired warning shots, but later approached another American ship.

TTFN!!!

Lolas' Concert

With Maine Mendoza finally returned from her American summer vacation, our very own Lola Nidora and Lola Tinidora got their vocal magic ready for the biggest day of their lifetime after a week of good vibes with Alden during Maine's leave for commitment reasons because the lolas got their own concert in front of the Eat Bulaga live audience!

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook Page

For the lolas' concert in front of the live audience, both Lola Nidora and Lola Tinidora performed some of music history's greatest hits and with the little help of the boys from Lola's Playlist and Alden Richards, nobody does it better. After their little live performance, they are so impressed about the progress over the condition set for AlDub in order to hear Maine's acceptance but what's that "ay" that Lola Nidora talking about? Tune in on Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics!

#BGShootMoYan

On the August 26, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Shoot Mo Yan gags

- Even a small change happening to him can be considered acceptable

- The trouble with amazons

- More wise words from Tata Lino

- A man who's always absent at work is making a case for himself

- Another Buhay Ng Bakla jamming session

- More news for moms in Balitang Ina!

- The morgue gets a beautician...

- A new superhero is feeling the heat!

- Basa-Basa-Pik!

Dolce Amore's Most Beautiful Finale

The story of ABS-CBN's hit TV drama, Dolce Amore, is all about two crossed lovers, Serena and Tenten, trying to overcome all odds in the name of everlasting love. After everything they've been through, these two never gave up on themselves, no matter how sour things get.

In the finale, we see things finally patched up for the two of them as they finally got the wedding they truly deserved and as the two recall about everything they've been through, Serena and Tenten are finally married, much to the delight of the family and friends of their lives.

Moments later, Serena and Tenten had their honeymoon and following a sudden accident, Serena finally remembered...that Tenten is nothing but a womanizer and let's leave it that way.

This concludes the love story of Serena and Tenten in Dolce Amore.

Acura/Honda NSX NC1

Dubbed as one of the most anticipated models in the late 2010s, the legendary sportscar that made a mark in the history of Honda or Acura, after a ten-year absence, has been resurrected and the new-generation NSX is now ready to take on the world's finest sportscars with its unparalleled performance that will raise some eyebrows among speedo boys everywhere, although I'm not quite sure about the NSX's rebirth in any way that gave me some jitters.

2017 Honda NSX

2017 Acura NSX

Sticking true to the concepts, the all-new NSX features a striking design that makes it a perfect fit for a sportscar revived after a 10-year hiatus. It's like reviving a once-famous fantasy show that became a hit ten years ago and as a result, all the elements that made the new NSX one of the most anticipated sports cars in the late 2010s come full circle. One look and you'll know that the new NSX is ready to rewrite the hybrid history books even for a fact that this is actually a hybrid engine-wielding masterpiece that incorporates the knowhow of Honda's motorsport pedigree with a bit of Gran Turismo flair on it ever since its concept version got featured in Gran Turismo 6 three years ago, although unsure if or when this production-version NSX will make it to the upcoming Gran Turismo Sport game, but whatever it is, the new NSX's ties to the Gran Turismo video game will make me condemned that this is a serious hybrid sportscar for those who had enough of driving the hybrid hypercar trio or anything else.

As a hybrid engine-wielding supercar, the all-new NSX features a bold new powertrain that was inspired in most models from its stable. Take this, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, for instance, the Legend/RLX has one but this is a different powertrain for the NSX rebirth because at the heart of it all lies a 3.5L V6 DOHC Twin Turbo engine bolted to three electric motors that take care of the Power Drive Unit and a li-ion battery that takes charge on the Intelligent Power Unit. With such power sources, the new NSX delivers an overall power output of 581PS, more than the recently-facelifted Nissan GT-R had, and it's mated to a 9-speed DCT built exclusively for the NSX. Nine gears in a hybrid sportscar? With such gears, it's starting to feel like a Fast and Furious gearbox, minus the dramatic shifting part that you saw from those flicks, you know what I mean?

Aside from its performance, the new NSX is made to be aerodynamic thanks to a clever feature that produces more downforce while retaining its sharp styling. As for the body, it was made entirely from aluminum, carbon fiber, and high-strength steel, to make it more rigid and light on the corners. 

Because this is a hybrid equivalent of the Audi R8, the new NSX takes things seriously through the corners with a precision that keeps this sportscar afloat, no matter how messy things are, and because this is a four-wheel drive car, just like a Nissan GT-R, the NSX is an ideal all-weather multirole that can take on various road conditions, be it dry, wet, or freezing, and whereas most supercars getting scared on a slippery-when-wet condition, the NSX is not afraid to feel the slip and with such dynamics, the NSX feels like a this is a take-on-all-comers on the supercar empire.

2017 Honda NSX interior

2017 Acura NSX interior

As a handcrafted sports car made by the finest materials forged by the artisanship of experts at the Performance Manufacturing Center in an American state considered a battleground for the two rivals who really run this world in a very dangerous game, the NSX is a delicate item for a prized collector who really values this car more than anything else and because of its handcrafted status, let me give you a tip...

In the US, the NSX will set you about $156,000, but here in Japan, because they consider it as an import from American soil, they will set you up for a mega-expensive 23,700,000 Yen, making it the most expensive Japanese car ever sold in Japan. It's about more pricey than the Nissan GT-R if you asked them regarding the car that can return up to 12.4kmpl of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. Also, selected Honda dealers across Japan, labeled as NSX Performance Dealers, will start accepting reservations and deliveries take place in the February of next year. That's a lot of time, but if I may disregard the mega-high price tag, the new NSX is going to be a flip-flop for me apart from its Gran Turismo ties that set me off. The performance is great for me but when it comes to gaining ties to this car, this will be a challenge because while some are getting jealous on wishing to get their hands on the NSX rebirth, there are a few who are opposed to it due to its ties with Gran Turismo. This should sound like a decent challenge for the hybrid sportscar masterpiece.

Photo: Honda/Acura

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

- After the beheading of another hostage by the Abu Sayyaf Group last Wednesday because of the failed ransom deadline, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered yesterday military troops to eliminate the terrorist group. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has ordered the deployment and insertion of additional troops in Sulu and Basilan to rid the group. The President said he condemned the recent beheading of the kidnap victim, a Jolo native, and son of a court stenographer who was kidnapped last month.

- Personalities involved in a drug matrix recently released by President Duterte may face drug-related graft charges, according to the Palace official. The so-called drug matrix claims that Senator Leila de Lima and Pangasinan Representative Amado Espino Jr. are among the key people involved in the New Bilibid Prison drug trade.

- At least 1,500 overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia have expressed willingness to return home, according to the DSWD. The agency's humanitarian team is currently in the Middle Eastern country to assist distressed OFWs and their families. About 1,575 out of 3,193 OFWs in Saudi's 21 campsites want to go back home but that number is expected to rise as the team continued to reach out to other distressed OFWs located outside the campsites across the KSA.

- In the aftermath of the central Italy quake that killed 250 people, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi declared a state of emergency in areas affected by the quake. Renzi said at a news conference in Rome on Thursday that the government authorized a preliminary 57 million dollars, in emergency funding to deal with the disaster.

- The two presidentiables for the November 2016 elections, Democrat Hillary Clinton and controversial Republican Donald Trump are fighting over minority votes as Trump tries to win over blacks and Hispanics. Trump invited black and Hispanic leaders to his Trump Tower HQ in New York on Thursday while Clinton continues her attack on Trump over his stance on minority groups. At a rally earlier, she called his policies racist, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrants and anti-women and accused him of building his campaign on prejudice and paranoia. Her campaign even posted a clip that connects Trump to white supremacists.

Suspended Brazilian leader Dilma Rousseff is facing the last step of her impeachment trial on charges of manipulating government budgets. The Senate began deliberations on Thursday. The session, presided over by Supreme Court's Chief Justice, heard witnesses for and against Rousseff. If at least two-thirds of the senate find her guilty, she will be dismissed.

- Airsoft gun company Tokyo Marui unveiled the special Samurai Edge Special Color Variation gas blow back handgun to honor the Biohazard/Resident Evil franchise's 20th anniversary. On sale this November for 26,800 Yen, this gold-colored replica of the M92F Custom made for STARS members, as seen from the games, comes with a commemorative pin and a casing. A must-have collector's item for fans of CAPCOM's hit survival horror franchise!

SAMURAI EDGE
Special Color Variation

- ICYMI: Malaysian carmaker Proton unveiled the new-generation Persona midsize saloon. Starting at 46,350 up to 59,350 Ringgit, the new 2017 Proton Persona rides on the same platform used on the Iriz compact and it's powered by a 1.6L DOHC VVT petrol engine, mated with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT.

2017 Proton Persona

- Disney XD announced that their new animated series, Milo Murphy's Law, is set to air this October 3rd at 8:00PM. This new animated series is made by the same people behind Phineas and Ferb and it will star Alfred Yankovic as the titular Milo Murphy in a hilarious, scientifically, fun-filled escapade.

Milo Murphy's Law

- The Grand Tour executive producer Andy Wilman commented about dealing with the BBC while preparing the Amazon original series during his appearance at the Edinburgh International Television Festival. Let's hear what he had to say...

TTFN!!!

Nissan GT-R (2017 Minor Change)

For almost the decade, the Nissan GT-R has been languishing through the supercar ranks with its impeccable performance that puts it near the best sportscars in Europe today and for the 2017 minor change, Godzilla takes a step further with its improved performance that will surpass even the past GT-R updates, even its appealing design that will strike a chord to the speedo boys. Contrary to its 9,960,840 Yen starting price, the new GT-R features major updates that is a one step further for its reputation.

2017 Nissan GT-R

At first glance, its new design looks somewhat similar to the past GT-R updates in its near-decade timeline when Nissan revived the legend back in 2007, but when you look closely to the Nissan V-Motion grille upfront, you'll know that the flagship sportscar is staying in tune in today's trends, although some might find it fishy that it looks awkwardly familiar because it looks like it was coined from the pages of video games.

2017 Nissan GT-R interior

Apart from its mildly-changed exterior, the GT-R's interior has been heavily changed from top to bottom. From the new steering wheel design, new sat-nav, new leather seats, and other changes in store, the new interior balances business and pleasure for the driver in store. It's like being dressed in a three-piece business attire while taking on men on cycling wear on the park. Sounds cheesy as it sounds but the new interior really means business.

2017 Nissan GT-R

Because the Nissan GT-R was born from the knowledge of its motorsports involvement, the elite engineers spend most of their manpower finetuning its near-perfect dynamics to deliver its driving experience to its uncharted heights. Starting with its VR38DETT engine, which has been the hallmark of the GT-R engineering excellence, which now produces 570PS of power and 637Nm of torque. This power output sounds seamlessly familiar to the old Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera but mind you, this ain't no Lambo because the engine's mounted on the front just like how past GT-R updates felt. Mated to its V6 twin-turbo engine is a brand new GR6 Dual Clutch Gearbox for better refinement and performance in a variety of driving situations, making gear changes a lot more smoother than ever.

There's more because in the past updates, the torque drops when the car starts going from a standstill under light throttle but for the 2017 minor change, expect no drop from the torque so the car can go smoothly upon initial acceleration even under light throttle.

Apart from its lavish updates that will keep drivers pushing this car harder and longer as long as they have interests on it, the GT-R still has the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. At the start, it behaves like a rear-wheel drive car but it can be balanced depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, tire slip, road surface, and yaw rate. And thanks to its refined chassis, not only it drives well on the track but also on the roads as well, balancing its sports car and luxury car character at the same pace.

2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO

2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO interior

To further up the Nissan GT-R experience, there's also a more powerful and track-honed GT-R NISMO offered for 18,700,000 Yen. Apart from its race-inspired design and performance that the world should be focused rather than the flawed GT-R LM NISMO LMP1 prototype and the GT500 car that was used on the Super GT series, the V6 Twin Turbo engine produces 600PS of power, which sounds unchanged compared to the old GT-R NISMO, but by inheriting all the updates from the base GT-R, you'll know that this car means business.

The Nissan GT-R has been with us for almost a decade now but with this latest minor change, we can see how far Godzilla can go from its newly refined performance and by comparison against Europe's finest, speedo boys can look forward to see how the latest update unfolds in the real world.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.