Let's Do The News! (September 1, 2016)

- The Low Pressure northeast of Itbayat, Batanes has developed into a tropical depression, named Enteng, according to PAGASA. As of 0800 hours local time, Enteng was located at 695km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday morning.

- The Commission of Elections has lauded Congress for agreeing to postpone the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to next year. COMELEC is reacting on the decision last Tuesday by the Senate and the House of Representatives which agreed to move the forthcoming polls to the 23rd of October, 2017.

- Senator Leila de Lima confronted some of President Rodrigo Duterte's closest allies with questions on the anti-wiretapping law on suspicion that her cellphone has been rigged. At the Senate hearing on the problem of illegal drugs, De Lima told Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and Philippine National Police chief Director General Bato dela Rosa that someone might be listening in to her personal communications seemingly without any compelling reason to do so.

- Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump delivered his most aggressive immigration speech in Arizona but before that, he flew to Mexico to meet up with President Enrique Peña Nieto. Trump did talked about his planned wall-building but didn't discuss who will pay for it. Behind the scenes after Trump's visit, Peña Nieto said that they will not pay for the wall. Now, onto his aggressive speech during his Arizona visit, he outline his 10-point plan for immigration reform, in his plot to rid the country of 16,000,000 illegal aliens.

- Meanwhile, reports told that Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton used her private server to send an email to high-ranking officials and members of the diplomatic corps about a nuclear deal with the United Arab Emirates months after she left her post as Secretary of State. The email was part of the over 800 pages of emails, provided by the RNC in response to a Freedom of Information Act request for documents sent the years following Clinton's tenure as Secretary to top aides still at the State Department. Still, could be worse, her unpopularity rating's drastically increased to 56% compared to Trump's 63% unfavorable view, according to ABC News. Sure, Clinton's leading Trump in average support ratings in the run up to the November elections but the gap between them is narrower and narrower.

- The Swiss Federal Court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal by Russia's Paralympic Committee against a total ban on the country's athletes, leaving no chance of them participating the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games this month. Russia took the case to Switzerland's highest court after the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne on the 23rd of August supported the decision by the International Paralympic Committee to bar its athletes from the competition.

- Honda's Modulo releases a more stylish StepWGN Modulo X variant, set to be on sale this October 2016. Joining alongside Modulo X models such as the N-Box and the N-ONE, the StepWGN Modulo X features a sportier design courtesy of Modulo.

2017 Honda StepWGN Modulo X

- Kia's new-generation Pride/Rio compact has been officially revealed before its world premiere at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

- The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4MATIC gets a brand new Coupe variant and comes with the same 3.0L V6 BiTurbo engine as expected from the AMG 43 range.

- Ferrari will build one more LaFerrari and to be auctioned for the benefit of the victims of the deadly Central Italy Quake last week, which killed less than 300 people.

- Today marks the 59th weeksary of AlDub and in case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye, when Alden asked Maine if she loved him very much, yes. Maine really loved Alden very much but is she? Tune in next time and find out!

TTFN!!!

Toyota Pixis Joy

Daihatsu's Cast range from last year features an eclectic mix of three versions to choose from such as the chic-friendly Style, the crossover Activa, and the hot hatch Sport. Now, Toyota decided to borrow the Cast range to be sold in all Toyota dealerships as the new Pixis Joy.

2017 Toyota Pixis Joy

The new Pixis Joy ranges from three different versions to choose from, just like the Cast range. There's the F as in fashion, C as in crossover, and S as in Sport. You should be familiar that the F is like the Cast Style, C for Cast Activa, and S for, you guessed it, Cast Sport.

For both the Pixis Joy C and F, is a choice of a KF-VE4 660cc engine that promises 30.0km/L of fuel economy and a KF-VET 660cc turbo engine with a fuel economy of up to 27.0km/L, all mated with a CVT gearbox and some fuel-efficient technology derived from most kei-cars in the lineup. Of course, you can opt in for a four-wheel drive variant when things get a little slippery. For the Pixis Joy S, ot still comes with a KF-VET 660cc turbo engine but because this is a sport-oriented model, even though it comes with a CVT gearbox, there are paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel for added control over its simulated gear changes. However, fuel consumption is around 24.8km/L.

Most Pixis Joy models come with the Smart Assist II consisting of Emergency Stop Signal system, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Detection, and many other safety tech offered for these models.

The F starts at 1,414,800 Yen while the C starts at 1,517,400 Yen and the S starts at 1,620,000 Yen.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Historic Senate trial impeaches Brazil leader Rousseff

Anyone remember the infamous trial in the Philippines back in 2000 when the Senate majority decided to impeach then-President Joseph Estrada due to graft and corruption? Well, that similar story does apply in Brazil where a majority of the Senate voted in favor of ousting the suspended President Dilma Rousseff accused of breaking fiscal laws and mishandling the country's budget.

Rousseff, age 68, was Brazil's first female president when she took office five years ago and won her second term two years ago with a majority of over 54 million votes. She is a former guerrilla fighter who was jailed and tortured during the country's dictatorship in the 1970s, and drew a connection between her past and the current situation.

Following her removal from office, Vice President Michel Temer, who was served as the interim president since her suspension, was sworn in Wednesday afternoon as the new president for the remainder of her term through 2018. He formed a Caninet member comprising of white males, which sounds controversial in Brazilian headlines.

With Rousseff now ousted from power, what's next for her? She once said she will retire at her Porto Alegre home in southern Brazil.

Report: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/brazil-senate-impeaches-president-dilma-rousseff-n640701

Screengrab: tvsenago/NBC News

Forza Motorsport 6: March of the V-Dubs (Part Two)

Previously, I held a little farewell party for the best of VWs offered on Forza Motorsport 6 following the sudden announcement from the producers that they will be missed out all the Aussie fun in the upcoming Forza Horizon 3 game due to reasons I don't really understand. The 20th century hits from the Volkswagen timeline, including the Beetle and the Sambabus, had the time of their life, only then the arrival of the hottest V-dubs of the 21st century came into view.

Now, with the hottest 21st Century V-Dubs came here to celebrate their epic farewell party round Bathurst, let's see what's what on the list.



The Golf IV R32, a hot hatch famed for having a V6 engine upfront, which sounds unorthodox for a VW hot hatch, but resulted to being the the top dog of the pack.





The Golf VI R, a hot hatch that balances high performance and fuel efficiency thanks to its smaller but powerful 2.0L TSi petrol engine.





The Scirocco R, the hot version of the revived Scirocco three-door sport coupe and was heavily inspired by the one that made a class victory at the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hour Race.





The Golf VII R, whereas most hot hatches in VW history come and go, this latest version is how you make this Golf the most powerful in the range and make it live up to the fullest.



Watching those VWs roaming around Mount Panorama is like a flock of birds flying together on sunset and it feels so beautiful to watch when I see those driving through a slice of Australia together. Feels like their time has come for the V-dubs to bow themselves...unless, before the V-dubs say goodbye to the Forza franchise, looks like the V-dubs wanted to see which V-dub is the best. I managed to lap round Bathurst in any of the VW offered in FM6 and here are the results;

VW Type 2 - 4:12.154
Beetle - 3:58.047
Scirocco S - 3:26.661
Rabbit GTi - 3:21.710
Scirocco 16v - 3:14.776
Golf II GTi - 3:09.770
Corrado - 2:56.635
Golf III GTi - 3:03.056
Golf IV R32 - 2:54.343
Golf VI R - 2:48.192
Scirocco R - 2:46.390
Golf VII R - 2:44.110

The Golf VII R, being the pinnacle of the Golf hot hatch realm, seems to be the best VW to drive in FM6 because of its improved performance and character and when it comes to choosing which VW I would drive for one last go before VW's big farewell to the Forza franchise, this could be it. The one and only. The fast Golf. Yep. That's the one I'll be having a final go on it.



Phew. Guess it's time to say goodbye to the VW family in the Forza franchise. When they first came in the first Forza Motorsport game a decade ago, fans can't get enough of their greatest hits such as the Golf and the Beetle but now, they're all gone for no reason. It's been a wild ride for all of us.

Goodbye, VW.

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER 05 Junjou Midnight Densetsu

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
STARLIGHT MASTER 05 Junjou Midnight Densetsu

Just like the previous four installments, the fifth addition of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Master range, inspired by THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage app game, has arrived and guess what? Strong aftertaste after hearing three brand new songs as heard from the app game, including the hardcore song that is literally the most extreme to master on MASTER difficulty setting, 純情Midnight伝説.

Apart from listening to one of the most intimidating songs to play in Starlight Stage, there are also two additional songs that can be mild and tangy but extra hot when you keep listening to it. There's おかしな国のおかし屋さん by Kanako Mimura and Bloody Festa by Koume Shirasaka. Well, hope you guys like the latest addition to the Starlight Master range, inspired by THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage app game, but which of the Starlight Stage songs be giving the full treatment next? Be ready for more.

TRACK LISTINGS:
01) 純情Midnight伝説 (M@STER VERSION)
02) おかしな国のおかし屋さん
03) Bloody Festa
04) 純情Midnight伝説 (M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ
05) おかしな国のおかし屋さん オリジナル・カラオケ
06) Bloody Festa オリジナル・カラオケ
07) 純情Midnight伝説 (GAME VERSION)

Let's Do The News! (August 31, 2016)

- If things worked out as planned, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to meet up at least five heads of state, including his US and Russian counterparts Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos next week. Duterte is also expected to meet Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.

- Senior Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio argued that the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was dishonorably discharged by the 1986 People Power movement. In questioning lawyer Neri Colmenares, among those opposed of Marcos' burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Carpio said Marcos as the head of state was also the highest military official and may have forfeited his entitlement to be buried at the Heroes' Cemetery, considered a national shrine.

- Republican presidentiable Donald Trump is expected to meet with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto this Wednesday. Reports told that Peña Nieto had extended invitations to both Trump and his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, to travel to Mexico City for a meeting. Trump said during his Everett, Washington rally that he is glad to meet up with Peña Nieto. Coinciding the moment he delivers his big speech on immigration.

- The US Defense Department has yet to verify the reported death of an ISIS spokesman. The group said through its online news agency on Tuesday that Abu Muhammad al-Adnani had been killed while surveying a military operation in Aleppo, Syria. It did not say how he died,

- About 11 people died while three missing in the record rainfall brought by Typhoon Lionrock (Dindo) that flooded most parts of northern Japan.

- Brazilian senators are deliberating whether to dismiss President Dilma Rousseff on the final day of her impeachment trial. As of 1900 hours local time, 11 were for dismissal, 8 against, and 2 did not make their positions clear. More than 40 other senators are to express their opinions.

- Sony announced that the launch for the upcoming PS4-exclusive Gran Turismo Sport game was delayed to 2017.

- See Hatsune Miku like no other in her Lux Shampoo commercial appearance. Scarlett Johansson also included.

- The Warthog from the Halo franchise makes an appearance at Forza Horizon 3 and yes, it's playable...if you already played Halo 5: Guardians or Halo: The Master Chief Collection.



- Doctor Who actress Karen Gillan lands her role in an upcoming revival of the Jumanji movie, which stars action star Dwayne Johnson, comedian Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and singer Nick Jonas. The film is set to debut this Summer 2017.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: March of the V-Dubs (Part 1)

Now, when we heard the news that the upcoming Forza Horizon 3 will no longer feature Volkswagen in the lineup at launch, we were saddened by the shocking announcement that the iconic German car company will be missed out on its Australian journey on the next Forza Horizon game. Don't know why they exclude it but probably due to the ongoing scandals that VW faced so far, in fact, it's becoming not quite healthy for the scandal-stricken VW to be featured on video games, well almost.



It's a shame really because while we had fun driving the Golf VII R on FM6, it's sad to say that it won't be appearing in FH3 as well as the other VWs but because it's on an Australian landscape, maybe you can make V-dubs have a little taste of Australia...sort of. Well, since I'm on Bathurst, which is in Australia, I'd decided to give those V-dubs a little Australian vacation before their little farewell party.

In this first part, the 20th century masters of V-dub are having a little free time round Mount Panorama, Bathurst.



The classic Volkswagen Type 2 Sambabus, the minibus that became popular with the hippie crowd.





The original VW Beetle. As many cars go, this "people's car" remains one of the world famous cars in the history of motoring. It even got starring roles such as the original Bumblebee from the Transformers cartoons and Herbie from the wonderful world of Disney.





The first-generation VW Scirocco, which remains one of the most important VW hatchbacks to date and one of the finest specimens designed by the renowned Giugiaro.




The VW Rabbit GTi. Although this is an Americanized VW Golf Mk.I GTi, it's still one of the forefathers of the hot hatch realm.




The second-generation VW Scirocco. An evolution to the first one and the last Scirocco sold in the North American market.




The VW Gold GTi Mk.II, a second iteration of VW's hot hatch icon which takes its hot hatch level a little further.




The VW Corrado VR6, one of the rarest specimens on the road and already a classic in its own right when it stopped production two decades ago.




The VW Golf GTi Mk.III, a third chapter of VW's Golf GTi saga and it comes with the more potent VR6 engine sourced from the fallen Corrado.


Seeing those 20th century hits from VW, it's like living to its last toes while trying to fulfill what's on their bucket list today. From classic icons like the Beetle and the Sambabus, to hatchback favorites like the Scirocco and the Golf, those 20th century masters are living it up to the fullest like there's no tomorrow and because VW won't be coming back on FH3, presumably, feels like they're having a farewell party. Of course, they're all having a farewell party for VW's 20th century hits but what about the best of the 21st century from VW?

To be continued...