Let's Do The News! (September 6, 2016)

- On President Rodrigo Duterte's Laos visit for the ASEAN summit, he assured the Filipino community that his administration is stepping up efforts to fight illegal drugs and corruption and to reach a settlement with rebel groups in the Philippines. In there, he met up with the prime ministers of Singapore and Japan, and his harsh comments caught attention at the annual meeting. 

- However, US President Barack Obama cancels his meeting with Duterte, seeking distance from a US ally's leader during a diplomatic tour that puts Obama near an array of contentious world leaders as well as having Duterte's comments about Obama being an "S.O.B."

- The Malacanang officials declared a state of national emergency following lawless violence in Mindanao. President Duterte signed the proclamation before heading to Laos yesterday for the ASEAN summit. The proclamation comes following the deadly Davao bombing last weekend which killed 14 people and 67 others wounded.

- The two presidentiables are heading on a home stretch on the last two months of campaigning for the upcoming November elections as Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump landed on Ohio with each of their own campaign jet during Labor Day. It's going to be one serious business between those two.

- The European Space Agency says it has located the Philae comet lander, when it went missing after its historic landing on a comet two years ago. On November 2014, the Philae separated from the Rosetta probe and landed on Comet 67P, but several days ago, it was unable to receive enough sunlight to power its batteries and was virtually out of reach. With the Philae's whereabouts was confirmed, there's hope for more analyses to be sent from the lander during its operation two years ago.

- The brand new, seven-seater Land Rover Discovery will make its world debut at next month's Paris Motor Show.

- Following Sony's decision to delay the PS4-exclusive Gran Turismo Sport game to 2017, Sony temporarily stops digital pre-orders for this game until further notice. However, additional info will be revealed at this month's Tokyo Game Show.

- In Pokemon GO-related news, a Russian blogger jailed for playing the app game in church and charged with "enticing religious hatred" files appeal. Last month, the 21-year-old male reportedly posted a video showing him playing the game while at church. He was arrested for the "incitement to hatred and attacks on the liberty of faith". He was ordered to stayed in cells until November pending a trial. If found guilty, he will face a five-year imprisonment.

- Serena Williams overtook Roger Federer for the most number of Grand Slam victories in tennis history with her match wins recorded to 308.

TTFN!!!

Renault Samsung QM6

A few moments ago, Renault uncovered their second-generation Koleos crossover and while it looks bigger than its predecessor, it's becoming one of the new Renaults to incorporate its new signature design since the Espace MPV last year, the Talisman saloon and estate, and the new Megane early this year. It's slated to be sold in most European markets, including France, this 2017, but first, it has to make its presence in Australia, Turkey, the Middle East, some South American countries, and China this year. Also, the second-generation Koleos will make its mark on the South Korean market as the brand new QM6, a larger, more luxurious replacement to the smaller QM5, based on the previous Koleos.

2017 Renault Samsung QM6

Alright, because the QM6 will serve us a preview of the next Renault Koleos, set to hit Europe this next year, time to dive into what to expect in this Korea-spec version sold as a Renault Samsung QM6. Because it has the same look as its sedan brother, the SM6, thanks to the new Renault norm look that has been plastered on new models as part of their "la vie, avec passion" company slogan, there's not much to tell on its design inside and out but take this, while this is exactly bigger than the old QM5, the new QM6's bigger dimensions made this on par with its potential competitors such as Kia's Sorento, Hyundai's Maxcruz, Ssangyong's Rexton, or even Chevrolet's Captiva (note: the one that South Koreans had). How it fares is everyone's guess.

2017 Renault Samsung QM6 interior

2017 Renault Samsung QM6 interior

Of course, even though you can expect typical Renault interior on the new QM6 (Korea's version of the next generation Koleos), its big dimension resulted to a much generous interior space for five people as well as better boot space big enough to fit most of your garage sale haul on the weekends. The QM6 offers luxury car features in a not-so-expensive crossover such as BOSE Surround Sound System and it even comes with Samsung's S-Link multimedia tablet screen on the dashboard, like the SM6 had, serving as a control center for functions like infotainment, navigation, communications, radio, and driver aids.

2017 Renault Samsung QM6

As a crossover made to challenge the rules, the QM6 feels like it's not your average full-size crossover at this caliber. In fact, it uses the same underpinnings used in crossovers like the smaller Renault Kadjar and the Nissan X-Trail, and platform aside, the QM6, as to be expect on the next Koleos, features ALL MODE 4x4-i, which constantly optimizes torque to all four wheels for stability on snowy and other slippery surfaces, as reminiscent to today's Nissan X-TRAIL done to its consumers. It can be switched to front-wheel drive or permanent all-wheel drive, depending on the conditions the road calls on it. No matter the weather calls on this car, it's always ready with its 4WD technology at its disposal. Not bad for a clever multirole.

Under the hood, the QM6 is available only with a 2.0L dCi engine that produces 177PS of power and 38.7kg-m of torque. Much to the dismay of being a European crossover with a Korean citizenship, the QM6 is mated to a new-generation XTRONIC CVT. Doesn't say much but it promises a combined fuel efficiency of 12.8km/L and CO2 emission of around 148g/km, although Renault Samsung were declined to explain the full story about the QM6's performance and ecology. What I did know that while they didn't disclose about its safety tech, it will theoretically had a large Array of Driver Aids (ADAS), which can be controlled from its S-Link tablet.

The asking price? It starts from 27,400,000 up to 34,700,000 Korean Won, which is more costly than the QM5 it replaces but that puts it near the spot where the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe sit beneath their laurels. Even though this is a brand new SUV from the Renault Samsung lineup, this is just a fresh taste of what the next Renault Koleos can do when it hits Europe by next year, if they get all the paperwork done to do so.

Available colors: Cloud Pearl, Golden Beige, Ultra Silver, Urban Grey, Meissen Blue, and Metallic Black.

Photo: Renault Samsung Motors

F1 2016: Italian GP

Photo: Associated Press

Monza, the venue of this season's Italian GP, has becoming a battleground for the Mercedes-AMG team, which involves between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. In the end of this speed-fueled battle in Monza, Rosberg's the winner of the race while Hamilton's placed 2nd. Behind the Mercedes rivalry comes a three-four finish from Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, probably from tire usage issues that kept between them.

Other finishers include Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, Williams' Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa, and Force India's Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg.

With Rosberg's win, the gap between him and Hamilton in the overall standings has been narrowed to just two points.

The next race will be at Singapore on the 18th of September.

Let's Do The News! (September 5, 2016)

- President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Monday a formal document on the declaration of lawlessness before he flew to Laos for the ASEAN summit. Executive Secretary confirmed that Duterte signed the declaration, which is a call of the president to the Armed Forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence following the deadly Davao bombing last week.

- Meanwhile, the Davao City government set a two-million peso bounty for who can provide leads to identify and arrest the perpetrators behind last Friday's deadly blast. Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the government wants to see the suspects alive so they can gain information from them.

- The Department of Health confirmed that a woman from Iloilo City was tested positive for the Zika virus, the sixth case recorded in the country. DOH Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said that the 45-year-old victim, has no record of travel to countries where the virus has been detected.

- In the G20 Summit in China, US President Barack Obama and British PM Theresa May have agreed to work together to limit the adverse effects the so-called Brexit will have on the global economy. It was their first meeting since May took office after David Cameron's resignation following the Brexit vote.

- Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to step up lateral military cooperation, The two nations will conduct joint naval exercises in the South China Sea from the 12th of September.

- Turkish military has expelled the Islamic State group fro the last strip of territory it controlled along the Turkish-Syrian border. Turkish PM Binali Yildirim said in Sunday that Turkish forces and allied Syrian rebels have cleared the militants from a 90km stretch of the border.

- Good news! Zag Entertainment confirmed that the hit animated TV series Miraculous gets renewed for another season! What does that means? More Ladybug, more Cat Noir, more new baddies, and more secrets are yet to be discovered. Pound it!

- In an upcoming Pokemon GO update, Buddy Pokemon will be added, meaning players will be able to select one of the Pokemon they've caught to appear alongside the trainer, resulting for better rewards and experiences. It can be changed any time.

- In case you missed it, presenter Paolo Ballesteros has returned to Eat Bulaga!

- Actress Liza Soberano responded to a basher pertaining to the recently concluded TV drama Dolce Amore and comparing it to its replacement show, Till I Met You.

TTFN!!!

Jubilee of Mercy: Jubilee for workers and volunteers of Mercy

Jubilee of Mercy logo

Part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Jubilee for workers and volunteers of Mercy is not just about the Catholic church honoring the goodwill of the workers and volunteers who find mercy from God but it became a historic moment for the Catholic religion as they officially canonized Mother Teresa as a saint.

Mother Teresa, whose real name was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was born in 1910 in the former Yugoslav nation. She first established her Missionaries of Charity in the slums of Kolkata (Calcutta), India, in 1950, after she left her missionary. Known by her white-and-blue sari and sandals, Mother Teresa was well-respected and admired by many Catholics from around the world. However, behind her spiritual success, she was heavily criticized by some, including atheists who believed she was a fraud. Despite all that, Mother Teresa, thanks to her unbiased miracles from God, awarded her a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and upon her death in Calcutta in 1997 at the age of 87, her miracles was still inspired by her followers, including Blessed John Paul II, who beatified her in 2002.

In that very event, Pope Francis, during a very special mass in St. Peter's Basilica, finally given Mother Teresa the title of Saint and she was therefore known to the Catholic world as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

Full Report: http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/04/europe/mother-teresa-canonization/

Pripara: Minna no Akogare Let's Go Pri Paris

Before the third season of the hit TV series PriPara hit TV Tokyo on April, there was a third movie based on the popular franchise that will up the ante in the PriPara craze. For this third PriPara movie, it's one heck of an adventurous ride for our favorite idols.

Pripara: Minna no Akogare
Let's Go Pri Paris

Minna no Akogare Let's Go Pri Pari is the third PriPara film made in honor of the third season of PriPara, aired on TV Tokyo since April, and in this movie, Laala and the gang set off to a wonderful city called Pri Paris, which is loosely a PriPara equivalent of Paris, France. They're not here for all the glitz and glam, oh no. They're here because Falulu needs their help as she's fallen to an indefinite slumber and it's up to them to save the day.

In typical PriPara fashion, this movie still grinds our Tuesday blues in the same way we enjoyed this TV show every Tuesday nights but in contrast to the previous PriPara movies, it's colorful, vivid, down-to-earth funny, and positive enough for some good vibes in store in the movie.

Of course, even in movies, they're still delighted with moments from their favorite PriPara idols such as Laala, Mirei, Sophy, Sion, Dorothy, Reona, and the others, but rest assured, what overshadows the whole movie is the musical performance in store in this film, just like every PriPara episode with some musical performance in store but for PriPara fans, it's great to see more from them.

My rating: 3.4 out of 5

Bubble Gang - September 2, 2016 #BGEnkangtodo

On the September 2, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Talik gags

- Bonggang Bongbong strikes back in SUMBONG SUMBONG KAY BONGGANG BONGGANG BONGBONG...MAS PINABONGGA! This time, annoying cases include men post shirtless pics, people livestreaming everywhere, and people kept renewing their passports for no reason.

- The legend of four...hanggres has been reborn in...Enkangtodo!

- Hugot lines at billiards

- Another Buhay ng Bakla session

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Kumpleto Na Naman Ang Tambayan, At Merong Na Namang Kaguluhan, Alamin Kung Ano Ang...DAHILAN!!!

- A drama where words speak louder than actions...

- More news reversed in Opposite News!

- Basa-Basa Pik!

Let's Do The News! (September 3, 2016)

- Authorities say they cannot confirm reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group claimed responsibility on last night's deadly bombing in Davao. Last night, a bomb exploded at a Davao night market, killing 14 people and hurt 67 others as of now. No one who's behind the deadly explosion that rocked Davao last night. Right now, President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled his Brunei trip following the deadly explosion on his hometown. The president on Saturday morning has placed the whole nation under a "state of lawlessness". However, President Duterte is still scheduled to go to Laos for the ASEAN Summit on the 6th of September. More on the ongoing situation regarding the deadly Davao bombing can be found here.

- With President Duterte placed the whole country under a "state of lawlessness" following the deadly Davao explosion, the Malacanang explained what that is as this latest declaration came from the Constitution's Article VII Section 18 of the Constitution.

- Pouring more oil into the ongoing fire of the Clinton e-mail scandal, the Federal Bureau of Investigation releases notes from their interview with Democratic Presidentiable Hillary Clinton regarding her e-mail cases when she was a Secretary of State back then.While the Republicans, even Donald Trump (who now hired someone who attacked Clinton with false claims since 1992 as his deputy campaign manager, which makes the fight even dirtier for the two presidentiables), kept using this as a chance to strike against Clinton, the Clinton campaign was very "pleased" by this decision.

- Tropical Storm Hermie caused havoc through the Carolina coasts with powerful winds and rain Friday as it swept up the coast, while Florida attempted to clean up debris and restore power to tens of thousands of customers after the storm. Hermie was a Category 1 hurricane, the first hurricane to make landfall in the state since 11 years ago. At least one person died.

- Uzbek leader, Islam Karimov, passed away, causing concerns for the US in areas such as counterterrorism and could become another flashpoint in worsening tensions between the US and Russia.

- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomes Japan's cooperation plans. Lavrov spoke to reporters on Friday after a summit between President Vladimir Putin and Japan PM Shinzo Abe in Vladivostok. They agree that Putin will visit Japan in December. Japan made detailed proposals on the 8-point cooperation plan that Abe presented to Putin in Sochi last May, including energy development and industrial cooperation in the Russian Far East.

TTFN!!!

The Kalyeserye farewell...presumably

Photo: Official EB Facebook

The Kalyeserye segment on Eat Bulaga has been one heck of a household name on every Filipinos' hearts and minds. It's not just the shindig viewers witnessed everyday, and it's not even the AlDub antics we all love, but it's about what the lolas up to, just to show what Kalyeserye's all about.

Now, here we are, at that very moment when Alden and Maine say goodbye to Lola Nidora and Tinidora. Before they gone through separate ways, they got succumbed to the fun from the internet videos featuring Maine and her male equivalent named Motoki.

Anyway, after their little funtime, the gang thorw the lolas a farewell party and after one heck of a farewell party, it's time. It's time that the lolas packed their bags and going abroad. Kinda sad to see them go but before the farewell, Lola Nidora has some last words to everyone before they said goodbye. "BABALA! We Shall Return!"

Guess this is goodbye to Kalyeserye as we know it but just like what Lola Nidora said, WE SHALL RETURN!

See you soon!

The Tubig at Langis finale

In the final episode of ABS-CBN's intense afternoon drama, Tubig at Langis, the rivalry between Clara and Irene are getting worse and while Clara tries to finish Irene off in the very place where she and Natoy first met, Natoy finally arrives to put an end to this. 

With Natoy here, Clara plots to kill them both but all of her shots were missed because deep down, she still has feelings for Natoy and intends to kill herself to end their suffering. However, Natoy and Irene persuaded her to stop because she still has her child Nathan and with that, Clara finally surrendered and the nightmare's finished.

Six months later, Irene and Natoy finally renewed their vows and remarried. 

Things have finally came in peace after all the suffering they've faced so far and that concludes the story of Tubig at Langis.

Let's Do The News! (September 2, 2016)

- The Commission of Elections yesterday decided to postpone the printing of ballots for the barangay and SK elections despite the absence of congressional resolution deferring the twin polls. COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista said the poll body had ordered the National Printing Office to suspend indefinitely the printing of official ballots.

- The military will deploy thousands of extra troops on their ongoing fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu. Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano said three more battalions will be deployed to add to the six Army and two Marine battalions currently hunting down the terrorists in the troubled province.

- An explosion destroyed the SpaceX rocket and the satellite along with it at Cape Canaveral, Florida on Thursday, two days before it is to be launched. No one was hurt in the accident. NASA and SpaceX say it was test firing its unmanned rocket at a launch pad, when the blast suddenly occurred shortly after 0900 hours local time.

- The State Department will publish the entire schedule of Hillary Clinton during her tenure as Secretary of State before Election Day, adding tensions on the ongoing legal battle on the Democratic Presidential candidate.

- A special art exhibition to mark the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks will open on the 12th of September at a New York museum. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum held a media preview on Thursday. Thirteen New York-based artists have created works showing their reactions to the attacks 15 years ago.

- An annular solar eclipse has been observed from central to southern Africa. In Reunion Island, about 3,000 islanders and tourists enjoyed the spectacle on Thursday, using protective glasses. The moon began to cover the sun around half past noon. The ring of fire was visible after 2PM and lasted for three minutes.

- Speaking of which, with Alolan Rattata uncovered in the latest Pokemon Sun & Moon info, there's a limited-time bonus in store for those who bought the game and yes, it's just a Munchlax but it has a Snorilum Z gem held. What does that mean? It means that when evolved into Snorlax, it can used its signature Z-move called Pulverizing Pancake! It also means that certain Pokemon have their own signature Z moves when holding their very own Z gem. That sounds so special...

- Skoda's flagship SUV, the Kodiaq, was finally revealed in a special reveal event. It will be powered by two TDi and three TSi engines by launch.

2017 Skoda Kodiaq

- The hit Super Mario Maker game lands on the 3DS! Now you can create Super Mario levels wherever you go and show it to the world! In North America, it should be out by the end of the year. No launch date is given to the Japanese market for now...

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS

TTFN!!!

Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid

The powerhouse lineup of the brand new Kia K5, consisting of petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants, got upped with the addition of the plug-in hybrid variant. With the PHEV variant now added, the whole K5 range is complete...almost.

2017 Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid

2017 Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid interior

The new K5 Plug-In Hybrid offers the same fuel-efficient stuff you get in the regular Hybrid model but now with added range courtesy of its 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack that can be recharged within various amount of hours courtesy of its 220v charger that can be plugged at home or can be charged at most charging stations anywhere.

It's powered by a 2.0L Nu GDi petrol engine that produces 156PS of power output, which is connected to an electric motor that joins together with the engine produces 50kW of power, resulting to an overall power output of 202PS and combined fuel efficiency of 16.4km/L. 44km in all-electric mode. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, just so you know.

Just like the regular Hybrid, the K5 Plug-in Hybrid still has the most clever aerodynamics for a fuel-efficient saloon. There's the Active Air Flap, which automatically engages when travelling at high speeds, allowing this car to absorb air through the engine compartment for cooling measures.

Like all variants, it comes with safety features such as Auto Emergency Braking and Advanced Smart Cruise control, just to keep this car safe on the road ahead.

The new K5 Plug-in Hybrid starts at 39,600,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than the normal Hybrid variant of the K5 but for such pricing, this range-extending variant of the K5 is a key turning point for Kia's fuel efficient vehicles right from their portfolio. Things are shaking up in the world of PHEV cars with this newest variant, though.

Photo: Kia Motors