Let's Do The News! (September 21, 2016)

- Palace officials said President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes any activities launched in observance to the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. About 44 years ago, the late Ferdinand E. Marcos signed the Proclamation No. 1081 placing the entire country under Martial Law.

- There are six more Zika cases recorded in the Philippines, bringing the number to nine reported cases this year according to the Department of Health.

- Senator Leila de Lima wants the United Nations to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration's intensified illegal drugs campaign in the country. Under Senate Resolution No. 153, De Lima urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to invite UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard to look into the spate of extrajudicial killings and summary executions.

- The world's gone outrage over Donald Trump Jr.'s comments of comparing Syrian refugees to a bowl of Skittles. The son of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump posted an outrageous comment on Twitter liken Syrian refugees to a bowl of potentially deadly Skittles. The makers of the Skittles candy told in the statement that "Skittles are candy, refugees are people". Netizens even expressed rage over Trump Jr.'s "skittles" post showing children affected from the Syrian war.

- The suspect behind last weekend's Manhattan bomb attack was carrying a notebook with content empathizing with Islamic extremists in the Middle East, according to reports.

- Shocking news in Hollywood showbizness; the famed couple of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are officially split as they filed for divorce in Los Angeles last Monday. Jolie and Pitt co-starred in the film "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" until they became a real-life couple in 2014, having three adopted and three biological children. Jolie is seeking custody of all of them.

- Bentley adds a 4.0L V8 diesel engine on the Bentayga SUV. This new variant produces 435PS of power and 900Nm of torque, while mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It will do 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and onwards to 168mph.

- MINI unveiled the JCW Clubman, a high-performance version of the new Mini Clubman estate, packed with 350Nm of torque from its turbocharged two-litre engine.

- New Pokemon Sun and Moon info on the radar. Latest info reveals there are Pokemon exclusive to each version. In Pokemon Sun, you can only get Passimian and evolve Rockruff to Lycanroc in its Midday Form. In Pokemon Moon, however, you can only get Oranguru and evolve Rockruff to Lycanroc, this time in Midnight Form. In addition; Pikachu and Eevee get their own Z-moves. Pikachu can unleash the signature Z-move called Catastropika or Eevee can sharply raise all of its stats with its Z-move called Extreme Evoboost. Trainer personalization and new Pokemon Refresh is featured as well in the latest info.

TTFN!!!

THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM MASTER 02 Bokutachi no Resistance

The second installment of the PLATINUM MASTER range, inspired by the PS4-exclusive THE IDOLM@STER Platinum Stars, has arrived and for this installment, it's inspired from the highlight of the second DLC catalog offered in-game, titled 僕たちのResistance.

 THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM MASTER 02
Bokutachi no Resistance

Just by looking on the cover art featuring the girls in their in-game "Trench Camouflage" attire, you might think that deep down, this is just another hard-rocking song that gets your adrenaline pumping but no. It's all typical iM@S upbeat to this brand new music as heard in the game and with the full M@STER VERSION offered in the latest CD, you'll get the whole picture just by listening to the rest of the song plus a new song titled インセインゲーム.

Apart from two new songs, there are two audio drama parts that will take you behind the scenes on this latest installment from the 765 Channel segment to the files of Kotori Otonashi, delving deeper on this latest song and what's next for the 765 PRO ALL-STARS.

Don't stop there because the more DLC Catalogs coming on THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM STAR, the more this PLATINUM MASTER range expands and stay tuned for the next installment based on next month's DLC Catalog very soon!

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 僕たちのResistance (M@STER VERSION)

02 ドラマ「765チャンネル vol.2 ～僕たちのResistance・Z～」

03 僕たちのResistance (M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ

04 ドラマ「音無小鳥の妄想編集室 vol.2」

05 インセインゲーム

06 インセインゲーム オリジナル・カラオケ

Let's Do The News! (September 20, 2016)

- A Saudia Airlines flight SV872 has been reported isolated on a runway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Tuesday afternoon. Initial reports say police has been deployed in the area.

- Senator Leila De Lima uncovered the names of cops who are alleged members of the Davao Death Squad, a vigilante group behind the extrajudicial killings in Davao years ago. The names De Lima revealed are similar to those mentioned by the hitman Edgar Matobato, who testified before the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights last week.

- The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal on Senator Grace Poe's eligibility to run in the 2013 elections and ruled that she is qualified to sit as the senator of the republic. A decision was made on Tuesday and declared Poe as a natural-born Filipino citizen, and, therefore qualified to hold the senate office.

- Back to the Manhattan bombing, the suspect behind last Saturday's bombing, Ahmad Khan Rahami, made many visits to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rahami was arrested by authorities on Monday after a shootout with the police. Reports quoted investigators as saying Rahami repeatedly visited the two countries between 2011 and 2014. He reportedly once stayed in the countries for a year. There are also reports claimed that his family members claimed to be victims of an anti-Muslim discrimination.

- The suspect behind the Minnesota knife attack last weekend, which hurt 9 people, was a 22-year-old Somali. The man attacked shoppers with a knife at a mall on Saturday and the attacker was killed by the police at the scene. Reports told that investigators have identified the suspect as a Somali who lives by the city and made references to Allah during the attacks and asked at least one of the victims if he or she is a Muslim. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for this attack.

- Police are investigating the deaths Robert an Sharon Gordon when their bodies are fund in their Orange, California home, although it is believed that their deaths are in a apparent murder-suicide. Robert "Baja Bob" Gordon was a famed off-road rally driver who later focused on horse racing. He is the father of the famed racing driver Robby Gordon.

- The once forgotten American supercar, the Saleen S7, is back with a limited-edition model called the S7 LM. Only seven will be made, in honor of the company's 20th anniversary of a seven-year run of racing championships. It will feature exposed carbon fiber, advanced electronics, and a mighty 1,000 HP of power from its 7.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine.

- Citroen will show off their C3 WRC Concept, based on the third-generation Citroen C3, at next month's Paris Motor Show, previewing Citroen's next WRC competitor.

- The Amazon Original Series, The Grand Tour, hosted by former Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, will be available for Amazon Prime subscribers beginning November 18 and it will run for 12 episodes with a new one every Friday.

TTFN!!!

F1 2016: Singapore GP

Photo: Reuters

The streets of Singapore have been overshadowed by the roster of Formula One drivers competing for the top spot on the ongoing F1 2016 season and with every twists occurred in each and every corner just like what happened in past races, there's still more for the likes of Mercedes' Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton gunning for the top spot of the rankings.

A point has been demonstrated by Rosberg's recent win in Singapore followed by Hamilton, Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, and many other finishers, as well as Haas' Esteban Gutíerrez, who scored his fifth 11th-place finish.

Following the end of the Singapore Grand Prix, Rosberg leads Hamilton on the overall standings by eight points, 273 to 265, but at this rate, Mercedes's almost clinching its Constructor's Championship win and the only race to do so is at the Malaysian Grand Prix, happening this 2nd of October.

Mercedes-AMG GLC43

Time to give AMG credit because with thanks to the SLC43, almost any other Mercedes models in its range is joining the AMG bandwagon and whereas V8-powered 63 models and V12-powered 65 models are the stalwarts of the range while the "45" babies such as the A45, GLA45, and the CLA45 keep on rolling like grumpy babies scratching their diapers, the AMG 43 range continues to grow, perpetually making performance as its new norm, until the day comes where it can be one complete happy family.

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43

One fine example is the brand new Mercedes-AMG GLC43, which is based on the brand new GLC-Class crossover, which replaced your auntie's favorite crossover, the GLK-Class, Because this semi-high performance crossover is made for those who believed that having an Audi SQ5 is becoming worrisome due to the ongoing problems with diesels right now, this is a much more enjoyable alternative despite being a crossover made for the weekend getaway.

As an AMG bearing the "43" moniker, the GLC43 comes armed with a 3.0L V6 twin turbo engine producing 367PS of power and 520Nm of torque while mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox. Although top speed is normally limited to 250kph, it can get out to 100kph in 4.9 seconds, which sounds very quick compared to the SQ5 despite its torque difference where the SQ5 sets the GLC43 apart.

While not in the mood to compare this to the SQ5, the GLC43 is an excellent all-rounder that balances what it works and what it plays to the beat of its tune. From its clever damping adjustment, clever suspension, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the GLC43 is capable to make everyday feel like its weekends somewhere, despite the elements. It maybe a family car but best to warn the families that this is an AMG crossover and it's going to be very addictive for a crossover of such magnitude. It can be a decent daily driver on a normal basis but when the weekends kicked in, this is where the GLC43 unleashes its wild side as a semi-high performance midsize crossover that loves to make the embattled Audi SQ5 licked its rear bumper as a sign of bittersweet surrender.

The GLC43 is priced at 61,761 Euros, which is two grand more than the SQ5 competition model from Audi, which is less expensive but sounds like a bargain for a semi-high performance crossover that balances work and play at the same pace. So, even in its near sleeper styling and its turbocharged V6 power for a crossover, it's no surprise that the GLC43 from Mercedes-AMG could turn this segment from step zero to one and this could be a clear winner from the very start.

Photo: Daimler AG

Let's Do The News! (September 19, 2016)

- Embattled Senator Leila de Lima walked out of the Senate hall while Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was delivering his privilege speech, criticizing her for lack of objectivity in the justice committee's investigation. De Lima, presented the confessed hitman at the last hearing into the rising number of extrajudicial killings. The witness claimed President Rodrigo Duterte ordered killings of suspected criminals in Davao City as mayor.

- Last weekend, the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf has freed three Indonesians and two Filipino captives following the widespread military operations against the said group and the release of a Norwegian hostage from a year-long captivity.

- Five people were reportedly detained for possible links from last Saturday's explosion in New York, which hurt 29 people. Reports told the detention late Sunday, quoting an investigative source but no other details have been known. It is believed that the explosion was caused by a homemade explosive similar to the one used on the Boston bombing years ago and links to the New Jersey explosion.

- The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are finally finished and the closing ceremony took place at the Maracana soccer stadium, ending 12 days of events. It's now passed on to the next venue set at Tokyo, Japan, this 2020.

- A political party backed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, called the United Russia, appears to snag a win at the lower house elections.

- The legend of Ryunosuke Naruhodo continues as Capcom announced the sequel to Dai Gyakuten Saiban game, which is a Meiji-era Gyakuten Saiban game for the 3DS first launched last year.

- A teaser clip for the upcoming Biohazard/Resident Evil Vendetta movie is now up and running. The new movie hits theaters this Spring 2017. Zombies inbound!

- Aston Martin announced that their open-top version of their new DB11 will be launched this Spring 2018.



- Volkswagen teases a revolutionary electric car concept that will debut at next month's Paris Motor Show.

TTFN!!!

Renault Megane IV Estate

The same recipe you'd expect from the normal, fourth-generation, Renault Megane hatchback, now with added boot space fit for more stuff on the weekends, and with the new Renault Megane Estate, customers feel like it's weekends somewhere.

2017 Renault Megane Estate

Thanks to Renault's design language that applies through newer models since the Espace and the Talisman, the new Megane Estate, based on the new Megane, looks vaguely familiar to some and by familiarity, people will just mistook it for a Talisman Estate but even though it looks the same as the Talisman Estate, think of the brand new Megane Estate is a miniaturized version of the said car but categorized in the same magnitude as the Opel Astra Sport Tourer, VW Golf Variant, Peugeot 308 SW, or even the Toyota Corolla Fielder, meaning there's going to be a healthy dose of competition around the newly regenerated model, based on the recently regenerated Megane.

Despite being new, the new Megane Estate retains the same 580L luggage space as the previous model but it has a class-leading load length of 2.7 meters. That's more than enough to fit most of this weekend's thrift store haul and best of all, it's adjustable to balance this estate from being a family car or a luggage hauler in the same pace. Nothing like tackling day-to-day routine with this one, though.

Like the hatchback, the new Megane Estate comes with several choice of petrol and diesel engines ranging from the more powerful Energy TCe 205 available on the GT model and the more efficient Energy dCi 110 engine ECO2, mated with either a 6-speed or a 7-speed EDC gearbox. Like the hatchback, there is little fun and games in the new chassis it sports as well as a more clever suspension setup fit for European roads, and in case for the GT variants, it's all business and leisure for its behavior, though.

Should you buy one? The new Megane Estate starts at 19,900 Euros, which makes it a very competitive estate from a very competitive category that slots beneath other wagons like the Astra Sport Tourer, Golf Variant, and the 308 SW. With all that spacing at the back makes a big difference and with the new Megane Estate, you know that it makes sense.

Photo: Renault

Bubble Gang - September 16, 2016 #BGFridayBash

On the September 16, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Hangover gags

- More jungle fun with the Jungle Belles

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Hindi sigurado kung uulan, pero sigurado ang tawanan, makinig ka lang sa 'ming...KWENTUHAN!!!

- In this week's Enkangtodo, the Hungres are facing a powerful enemy too heavy to handle!

- Another Buhay ng Bakla session

- Today's cases in Mas Pinabonggang Sumbong Sumbong Kay Bonggang Bongbong are women coloring their hairs, picturetakers at a birthday party who missed taking a pic of someone blowing a cake, and men who are bisexual but never met a woman.

- Men getting showered on the chatter

- More news for mommies in Balitang Ina

- Basa Basa Pik!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Meeting in New York this week

The top diplomats from South Korea and Japan will hold a meeting later this week in New York to discuss countermeasures against North Korea's recent nuclear test. The bilateral meeting between South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, will be held on Sunday local time, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session. The two diplomats will discuss the current agenda items on the UNSC and other measures against the North. They are expected to discuss the issue of forging the General Security of Military Information Agreement, a military intelligence sharing pact. The long protracted issue was discussed during summit meeting between President Park Geun-hye and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in Laos earlier this month.

Meanwhile, North Korea may take further provocations following its recent nuclear test, according to Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho. North Korea watchers see the senior official's comments as a protest against the US B-1 bombers that flew over South Korea on Tuesday in a show of force against the Korean Peninsula's biggest nuclear test to date. Some say, it's part of the North's efforts to soften new UN sanctions that are all but certain to come.

Source: Arirang News

Second Generation Honda Freed

It's been eight years since Honda gave us a compact minivan, the Freed, which is as practical as the other recreational vehicles offered from its range. Now, the Freed has been regenerated for its second iteration and it promises to be more convenient than ever while delivering class-leading fuel consumption perfect for the long journey ahead.

2017 Honda Freed

The new, second generation, Honda Freed, is what really happens when you make one of the most practical MPVs in the market even better by adding tons of convenience, fuel efficient performance, and a host of tech to make everything meaningful for the average household. So, with the new model, what's it like to be in the new Freed?

First impressions can be somewhat average and when you look at the way it looks, you can really look at the signature "Solid Wing" face that most Hondas had since the third-generation Fit, making it very noticeable but look closely on the rear and you can see that the back looks highly reminiscent of the old Suzuki Solio you used to had a few years ago. In broad context, it looks a bit half-baked for a people carrier to have such design.

2017 Honda Freed interior

2017 Honda Freed interior

One of the most redeemable key points about the new Freed is its interior and while this is even more roomier compared to the last one, you have a lot of choices to make in terms of carrying people or stuff depending on your lifestyle. For models with third-row seating, it can be either a six or a seven seater, depending on the variant, and unless there are any soccer moms putting kids on the second row seats, whichever you'll seat on the new Freed is above average as long as you're not moaning about. Of course, if you're not a big fan of third-row seats, there's an even spacious alternative; a five seater variant called "Freed+", which trades third-row seats for bigger boot space as well as a special utility board that can separate the boot space to two rows; one at the top and one at the bottom, which is perfect to carry lots of garage sale stuff you bought on the weekends. Also, it can be useful for all kinds of trips such as fishing trips, camping trips, diving trips, bad trips, whatever trips you're having on the weekends. It's kinda like the old Spike model in so many ways and this MPV knows the customers are onto something here.

2017 Honda Freed

The new Honda Freed can be offered with a normal 1.5L petrol engine connected to a CVT gearbox or a hybrid variant with the 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox on it. When I said "dual clutch", Honda says it's SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (intelligent Dual Clutch Drive). I know. It's been around for three years since the Fit and it's been around in most everyday models like the Vezel, the Shuttle, the Jade, and the Grace. With such combo, fuel economy is an estimate 27.2kmpl based on the JC08 Mode standards. For the first time in a hybrid compact minivan, there is a four-wheel drive variant which is great for any weather conditions, be it rainy or snow, or road conditions.

Because it's surprisingly compact, it's just feels so easy to drive, easy to park, and easy to live with. Whether on the city center or on the open roads, the new Freed truly feels at home anywhere. It also packs Honda Sensing, which comes with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Connectivity aside, the internavi service on the new Honda Freed now comes with Apple Carplay compatibility, meaning your iPhones can feel at home in this car.

Should you buy it? The new Freed starts at 1,880,000 up to 2,748,200 Yen, which sounds expensive compared to its main rival, the Toyota Sienta. Sure, both the new Freed and the Sienta are seven-seaters and they come with hybrid variants with similar fuel efficiency, but despite the comparative pricing, the new Freed is bigger and spacious compared to the Sienta and when the previous model had its share in the ASEAN market, there's high chance that the new generation Freed could make it to the ASEAN market so it can take its rivalry with the Toyota Sienta elsewhere. There's going to be a buzz from elsewhere about what's it all about the new Honda Freed anytime and it's more than enough to take it as an ideal compliment, no matter the odds.

Available colors: Blue Horizon Metallic, Citron Drop, Cobalt Blue Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, Mandarin Gold Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Luna Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News! (September 16, 2016)

- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday questioned Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III for going "out of bounds" in denying Senate protection for self-confessed Davao Death Squad member Edgar Matobato. Trillanes said that he will inquire if Pimentel has the authority to overrule the ruling of the Senate justice committee.

- According to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, the convicted drug lord and robbery gang leader Ampang Colangco will testify against Senator Leila de Lima at the congressional inquiry next week. President Rodrigo Duterte identified Colangco as one of the two drug lords already imprisoned but are still directing operations of their crime groups.

- Donald Trump Jr., the son of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, made headlines over his anti-semitic speech regarding the use of gas chambers to make a political attack. Meanwhile, Trump doubled down on his tax plan benefiting billionaires while he continues to refuse to release his own tax returns. Earlier, he released his medical records on the Dr. Oz show.

- Recovered from her sickness, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's back on the campaign trail at North Carolina.

- A huge meteorite weighing about 30 tons has been discovered in Argentina. Scientists say it is one of the biggest meteorites ever found in Earth. The meteorite was found in the country's northern province of Chaco. A local astronomy association unearthed it using a crane on the 10th of September. Over four millenniums ago, a meteor shower hit the area where the meteorite was found, leaving some craters.

- In case you missed last night's special announcement at the end of the Pokemon XYZ one-hour special, Pokemon Sun and Moon will become a TV anime series coming to TV Tokyo this November 2016. From new Pokemons, Team Skull, new characters, and Ash goes to school (?), life in Alola couldn't get even more exciting.

- More Resident Evil/Biohazard news! Announced at the TGS 2016, the latest 3D CGi film, Biohazard (Resident Evil) Vendetta will hit theaters this Spring 2017. Also, a new Biohazard 7 clip showcasing "the Bakers".

- Based on the new Volvo V90, the new V90 Cross Country features the same stuff as found on the normal V90, now with added ground clearance and all-weather capability as an all-wheel drive sport utility wagon.

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country

- The final Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ever made was auctioned for $76,000 and proceeds will benefit Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

- General Motors reported that the Opel Ampera-e, the European version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, won't be sold in the UK as a Vauxhall due to expense and risk, probably all thanks to the Brexit issue.

TTFN!!!

Audi SQ7

In the not too distant past, when the first-generation Q7 didn't had a high-performance model, they once offered a V12 variant, which is by no means one of the rarest attempts to create a V12-powered SUV, a breed unknown to many. That diesel-powered V12 Q7 was a rare breed for the privileged few and treated it to be a super SUV in its own right but sadly, like dinosaurs, it was extinct. In today's Q7, you don't expect to have a big diesel engine to be bolted to it but instead, a much milder, yet menacing, version has stepped in and it wants to capture the essence from its prehistoric predecessor, except for every single detail.

2017 Audi SQ7

2017 Audi SQ7

This is the brand new Audi SQ7 and this semi-high performance full-size crossover SUV is just one of the main reasons why performance is becoming a new normal, especially when it's diesel-powered. Sure, despite big setbacks facing today's diesel engines because of today's headlines but the new SQ7 really despises the setbacks and, in return, it does taking cases seriously on the road.

Behind its athletic styling inside and out, the SQ7 is powered by a brand new 4.0L V8 TDi engine with the world's first electric powered compressor. While it produces less than the old Q7 V12, 435HP and 900Nm compared to over 500HP of power and 1000Nm of torque, it's quicker to 100kph compared to the old Q7 V12, 4.8 seconds versus 5.5 seconds while top speed limited to 250kph, couple that to its lightweight construction, 8-speed automatic gearbox, and signature quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Although as strong as a beefed-up Russian female bodybuilder, its average fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km really means it's surprisingly frugal of a semi-high performance SUV of that size, well-fit for a family vehicle doped for perfection.

Because it's lighter and quicker than the old Q7 V12, you might think that the SQ7 handles better than the old Q7 V12 and the answer is...slightly improved. It maybe lighter compared to the old Q7 V12 thanks to its extensive use of lightweight materials as demonstrated on the normal model but there's still a hint of mildness when you drive it like a sportscar. If it gets understeer, you'll be having a big expression of dragging a very heavy object from point A to point B and when that thing drops on your foot, even when you're wearing shoes, you'll be amputated...quickly. 

Although you'll going to need a lot of force to corner it in the event of understeer, the SQ7 really ups the challenge for those who aren't afraid to say "challenge accepted" and if they get it right, the SQ7, despite the bulk, is a potent competitor compared to sports SUVs, including the Porsche Cayenne or even the Bentley Bentayga.

The price of this hunk of diesel greatness? It starts at 89,900 Euros and that's less expensive compared to the heavyweights, including the Bentley Bentayga. Despite the high-price tag, the new SQ7 really is a potent successor of the old Q7 V12, even though it has a smaller V8 diesel engine, and if drivers get things right to master this diesel behemoth on the road, feels like this day will never end and they will have more fun going places in a semi-high performance SUV that despite its size, it remains a fun family car full stop.

Photo: Audi AG