THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM MASTER 03 Amaterasu

THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM MASTER 03 Amaterasu

The third volume of THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM MASTER lineup, inspired from the PS4-exclusive THE IDOLM@STER Platinum Stars video game, has arrived and as inspired from the recently launched third DLC catalog offered in-game, the full M@STER VERSION of the new song as heard from Platinum Stars, titled アマテラス, has arrived.

Judging from their cool ancient-style outfits featured in the cover, just like in-game, you can expect that this latest song has a blend of ancient Japanese stuff and the similar iM@S upbeat rhythm you would expect in most iM@S songs. If you had enough fun listening to their latest song several times, there's two audio drama part that will take you behind the scenes on this latest song; including the 765 Channel part inspired from the song and another one of Kotori Otonashi's files that will delve you deeper to the latest song.

Something missed? Oh yeah! Because with everything's in full place, Kotori and 765Pro's President Takagi have a big word for all of you and if by "word", they meant of course a song! That sounds awkward to hear music and vocals by these two but looks like you'll be joining the fun as well.

The game's theme song, Happy!, and the other PLATINUM MASTER installments, are also available so be sure to collect them all if you can!

TRACK LISTINGS:
1) アマテラス(M@STER VERSION)
2) ドラマ「765チャンネル vol.3 〜天照突破アマテラス〜」
3) アマテラス(M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ
4) ドラマ「音無小鳥の妄想編集室 vol.3」
5) 飛べない鳥は夜に鳴く
6) 飛べない鳥は夜に鳴く オリジナル・カラオケ

Let's Do The News! (October 18, 2016)

- Typhoon Lawin (Haima) may be almost a super typhoon when it makes its expected landfall in Northern Luzon this week, according to PAGASA. The typhoon is expected to make landfall in early Thursday morning in the Cagayan area with very strong winds between 200 to 220kph. The government will raise Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal 4 if Lawin reaches such intensity. Lawin is expected to leave the PAR by early Friday morning.

- President Rodrigo Duterte told Chinese reporters that China is the key for the development of the Philippines. His visit to China starting Tuesday points toward a restoration of trust between the sides following recent tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. He said China is a potent source of capital for infrastructure development and the Philippines should leverage its 2-million-strong ethnic Chinese minority as a bridge to encourage Chinese investment.

- The Supreme Court has extended the halt order on the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos until November 8. This move halts the supposed internment of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

- The House of Representatives Justice committee approved its report on the inquiry into the proliferation illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison. The report was approved through a viva voce vote after 47 hours of hearings and two executive sessions.

- The Nobel Foundation has yet to receive word from singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, who was the recipient of this year's Nobel Prize in literature. The selection committee tried to reach him several times but it has not heard back from him in the 4 days since the announcement.

- 60 people have died during intense fighting in South Sudan between the government and the rebels.

- The United Nations Security Council issued a press statement on Monday following the failed launch of an ICBM by North Korea last Saturday. The UNSC strongly condemned the recent failed launch from the Korean Peninsula.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: Day off with a Subie

While I'm in the middle of a do-nothing day, I set off in a VAB Subaru STi to see how much fun this four-door sports saloon forged from Subaru's motorsport heritage in rallycross and endurance racing where it dominated the SP3T class of the NBR 24HR challenge. Nothing like taking a little time off with my favorite Subie on Australian roads while taking some time off from Horizon duties.

As I recall, the latest WRX STi is the high-performance version of Subaru's WRX line, which is now based on the Levorg station wagon. The WRX line comes in two different versions; one is the comfort-purpose S4 with the 2.0L DIT engine with a CVT and this, is the STi which comes with the same turbocharged EJ engine mated to a 6-speed manual. In Japan, just the two-liter is offered while world markets get the bigger 2.5L engine but either way, they produce almost the same, if you know what I mean?

Anyway, because the current STi is a high-performance variant of the WRX range and because it's civilized version of the WRX was called S4, not to be confused with the Audi S4, that rang me a perfect idea so I headed back to the festival to do some brainstorming and then doing some stuff before hosting an event just for this beauty I lined up.





Okay, you got me, but my Subie's now themed after the elite honor students as seen from the Aikatsu Stars anime series, which are called, of course, the S4! S4?! Would I expect to put the S4 in the STi? That sounds a rather redundant joke but there are other things why I made this thing up from scratch. The first thing they might realize is that they might mistake it for an ordinary WRX S4 that has been swapped with bits and bobs from the STi or perhaps a WRX STi that wants to be an S4 for no reason.

Enough about that but I'll give you a little secret. I had a cousin who used to own a fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro and because the fifth-gen Camaro has gone out of style with the introduction of the latest model, he traded in his Camaro with a brand new Subaru WRX. What kind of WRX has he got? Nope, you're wrong because it's an S4...except for one bit; it has a manual gearbox that the Japanese version didn't have. Yep, world-market WRXs come with either a CVT or a manual, which sounds unfair to Japanese drivers.

Anyway, now that you got the idea, time to spice my Subie with the elite idol schoolgirls from Aikatsu Stars, which is the S4 by the way, by playing rough in an event made for Subies, by Subies.

Lights! Motor! Action!!!



Heck yeah! It pays to have a cousin driving a Subie, which is cooler than my grandma's friend who also drives a Subie except it isn't as cool as my cousin's. This is what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

Wait, where did I get that line before? Oh well...

Let's Do The News! (October 17, 2016)

- As the nation is reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon Karen, Typhoon Lawin approaches the country's vicinity. As of 0500 hours local time, the storm, with the international name Haima, packs max sustained winds of 175kph near the center with gusts of up to 212kph, according to the US's JTWC. It was tracking north westward at a pace of 27kph early on Monday toward waters off Northern Luzon.

- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed a bill which seeks for the creation of an independent Foreign Policy Advisory Board which will have the same status as that of a national agency under the Office of the President.

- President Rodrigo Duterte agrees that giving up Scarborough Shoal to China is an impeachable offense and he will not "barter" away the country's territory and economic rights as he headed to China for a state visit this week.

- Saturday night in North Carolina, there was an attack occurred on a Republican office at Orange Country. A bottle of flammable liquid was thrown through one of the building's windows, igniting a four-room fire and leaving behind blackened walls and charred campaign posters - but no casualties.

- Iraqi troops launched a historic offensive to take back the city of Mosul from Islamic State militants. Mosul is the militant group's largest stronghold in Iraq.

- In case you missed a special announcement from last weekend's THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls 4th Live concert, the Cinderella Girls are back in a form of pint-sized anime shorts called Cinderella Girls Theater! The staff from the Puchimas shorts will return to make the shorts featuring your favorite 346 Production idols! Also, there will be a new web manga called Cinderella Girls U149, highlighting the unsung idols.

- New Pokemon Sun and Moon info on the radar! The latest info involves new evolved forms and new characters. Check it out and...beware of Alolan Grimer and Alolan Muk because...they're ultra scary to look at them.

TTFN!!!

PlayStationVR

PlayStationVR

This is Sony's foray to the future of virtual reality gaming at the comfort of everyone's home and this will be the hallmark to the history of video gaming as far as anyone can see to it. Welcome everyone to the brand new PlayStation VR, which is basically a PS4-compatible hardware that requires complex installation that will take hours to set it up from scratch.

If by complex, care to read the instruction manual first? If you read it completely, you will see how much do you need to connect this new thing to your PS4. For a gaming system with a starting price of 44,980 Yen plus tax, perhaps you're going to need more because to deliver the best experience out of the PSVR, you'll gonna need a PlayStation Camera and a PlayStation Move accessory to deliver the best out of the PS VR because there are some games that require those kind of mechanism. That's gonna cost you your monthly payday from work, if you know what I mean?

Sure, I don't want to make this long but for starters, here's how to use it. Inside, there's a Processor Unit, USB Cable, AC adaptor, stereo headphones, HDMI cable, AC power cord, VR Headset connection cable, the PS Camera (if you bought the bundle for 49,980 Yen plus tax), and the PS VR. Of course, the PS Camera is required to do so and to attach the PS VR on your PS4, first disconnect the HDMI cable from the PS4 connected on the TV (HD or 4K preferably) to the Processor Unit. Then, attach the HDMI to both the PS4 and the processor unit. Next, attach the USB cable in one end to the PS4 and the other end to the Processor Unit. Connect the AC power cord to the AC adapter for the Processor Unit. The VR Headset Connection Cable should be attached to the front of the processor unit and make sure all symbols are aligned to each connection. Then, attach the headphones to the jack of the inline remote from the VR headset connection cable.

Having solved the complex budget and installation conundrum, what's it like to be in the stepping stone of video game history that sets the benchmark of virtual reality that started with the Oculus Rift? Playing alongside with normal PS4 games you had in your collection, the PS VR is a great way to keep yourself busy and distracted from the busy day ahead but in games that require the PS VR, this is serious stuff as you're going to need to be claustro-avoidant so no one will bother your experience. Oh yeah, since your ears are on the headphone while your eyes are connected to your PS VR, be sure to play moderately and responsively because the next time your mom and dad call you out, you won't even listen to a word they're saying. Piece of advice here.

At launch, the PlayStation VR offers you some good games that can unleash the true potential of its VR capabilities such as Summer Lesson, THUMPER, The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Viewing Revolution, and Rise of the Tomb Raider 20th Anniversary Edition, In the coming moments, more games are coming such as Driveclub VR, Tsumiki BLOQ VR, Eagle Flight, Biohazard 7 resident evil, and more. There's so much games you can try out but if you're not even bothered to try out any normal PS4 games or watch a movie while wearing the VR, feel free to engage the VR's Cinematic Mode.

So, the PlayStation VR maybe costly to own and more complexing to install without the PS Camera but with such experience, you will be hooked to your PlayStation 4 even more, and more, and more until your parents leave you in the dark because you didn't listen on what they're saying. Good luck with your new PS VR!

Bubble Gang - October 14, 2016 #BGHearing

On the October 14, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Hearing gags

- The trouble with cellphone recalls

- Women gone nuts with approaching men

- The Jungle Belles are dealing with their gay victim

- Another Buhay ng Bakla session

- The PPAP spoof with Jacky Woo

- More Patok Taktiks examined

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Maupo Na Kayo Sa Harapan, Palamig ng Ulo sa Kwentuhan, Ulo Din Ang Topic Ng...PAG-USAPAN?!!

- Dog puns involved in a lovers' quarrel

- Basa-basa-pik!

The Return of Kalyeserye

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook Page

Yes, you heard it very correctly. After weeks of waiting, Kalyeserye's back in Eat Bulaga and today sees the return of Lola Nidora, Lola Tidora, and Lola Tinidora in the mansion as they are invited to a pamanhikan of Alden and Maine. Believe it or not, AlDub's engaged and the proof is on their engagement rings. Lola Babah was present as well and she was impressed upon hearing the announcement.

WATCH:


So, with everyone very happy about the recent pamanhikan, another big news has arrived and yes, they're not joking (or are they?), AlDub's getting married! But the question is when? When will their wedding take place?

That's one question that needs to be answered soon so keep watching Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics!

Let's Do The News! (October 14, 2016)

- Numerous supporters of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos began a four-day trip from Ilocos Norte to Metro Manila on Friday to show support for the burial of the former president at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Called the "Kailian March", it started from Paoay Church and it set to arrive in San Fernando City, La Union, tomorrow and will pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor soldiers and guerillas killed during the Second World War. On Sunday, they will travel through the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan, and on Monday, they are expected to arrive in Metro Manila.

- The prosecutor from the International Criminal Court said that extrajudicial killings will fall under their jurisdiction. Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said the Philippines is a party to the ICC, which examines, investigates and prosecutes crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Bensouda called the reported killings of over three thousand drug suspects in the Philippines "worrying" and vowed to follow developments in the country within the coming weeks.

- Supreme Court Senior Associate Antonio Carpio warned that President Rodrigo Duterte can be impeached if he surrendered the Scarborough Shoal to China. Carpio noted that Duterte would be violating the Constitution if he concedes to Beijing on the issue of the Scarborough Shoal.

- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand passed away at the age of 88 on Thursday. He died peacefully at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital. He was longest-reigning monarch since he took power in 1946.

- Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres was named as the next United Nations Secretary General. The appointment came on Thursday after the Security Council named Guterres the 9th UN secretary-general. Outgoing secretary-general Ban Ki-moon applauded the decision and he's optimistic that Guterres will shape the United Nations while dealing with the current issues.

- The Kurdish Peshmerga forces created their improvised battle-ready vehicles to combat against the Islamic State militants. Their improvised military vehicles consist of armor, guns, and rocket launchers fit for battle through the ISIS strongholds in Iraq.

- The long-going news about exploding Samsung phones endangered the sale of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' parts supplier, Magneti Marelli.

- Former F1 driver and endurance racing driver for Porsche, Mark Webber, will retire at the end of the FIA World Endurance Championship season.

- Here comes a new challenger! The Pincer Pokemon Scizor joins Pokken Tournament on the latest arcade update. Now, you can unleash its bullet punches of fury in the arena.

- For fans of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls, three of your favorite idols are dressed for pool as their latest addition of FREEing's S-Style figure brand. You can have either Uzuki Shimamura, Anastasia, or (!!!) Minami Nitta as they're ready for order starting at 3,222 Yen each and deliveries will commence this April.

FREEing S-Style Uzuki Shimamura

FREEing S-Style Minami Nitta

FREEing S-Style Anastasia

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: My #Forzathon toy!

See this S14 Silvia here? I won this from a one-day only Forzathon challenge in Forza Horizon 3. To those who know what Forzathon is, its a series of challenges offered through the week. Last week involves set of comedy horns, which packs a joke of a honk when you honk at your nearest driver. Now, they've offered this special car by doing this particular challenge like this:

"Score 35,000 points in a Drift Zone with the Toyota Trueno to win the Nissan Silvia K's 94"

I know it had to be any drift zone, be it a completed one or not, but if anyone can get to the target drift score set for this Forzathon challenge with the specific car, anyone can get this S14 Silvia for keeps and like you and I, we got the keys to the S14 Silvia, one of the most popular drift cars for speedo boys elsewhere. If you missed it, there is a chance it will appear on future events.

 

Speedo boys will happily notice that the S14 Nissan Silvia is just one of the selected few to come with bodykits and the bodykit offered is a Rocket Bunny kit, which makes it less discreet but with some stance to woo the speedo boys elsewhere. Ah, speedo boys. They sure love to meddle with their cars not just by looks but the way it drives and because the S14 Silvia is a popular drifting machine for the speedo boys, they can turn theirs into a freak show by giving it lots and lots of power and turn its handling unnecessarily out of control. Sounds dangerous but that's the way they want to do with their newly acquired Forzathon prize.

Excuse me while I'm taking a little time out with my new toy...

Let's Do The News! (October 13, 2016)

- President Rodrigo Duterte has formed a task force that will ensure a safe environment for members of the media amid growing concerns over the harassment of journalists who have been reportedly critically of the administration. The creation of the presidential task force on violations to the media's right to life, liberty, and security is the first administrative order of Duterte as he signed the order two days ago.

- According to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, high profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian will be placed under the witness protection program if he tells the whole truth behind the Bilibid drug trade. Aguirre noted that he doubts some of Sebastian's statements when he testified at the House of Representatives Committee on Justice's inquiry last Monday.

- The Chinese government is looking forward to developing relations with the Philippines as President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to arrive in Beijing from the 18th to the 21st of October. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Beijing stands ready to work the the Philippines to advance bilateral relations in a "sound and steady manner."

- In the current situation of the US Elections, thousands of emails are released almost daily by WikiLeaks, which are posing threat to the Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton, making it as ammunition for her Republican enemy Donald Trump against her. Meanwhile, reports told that accounts of two women who claim that Trump inappropriately touched them years ago.

- The US Defense Department is alarmed by the Islamic State's use of drones as weapons. The Pentagon says Kurdish troops in northern Iraq found a drone that had crashed and took it back to their camp to investigate. It suddenly exploded, killing two Kurdish troops and hurting two French special forces personnel who were providing military training.

- The new generation BMW 5-Series was officially unveiled and it's now bigger, lighter, more efficient and more technologically advanced than the previous model.

2017 BMW 5-Series

- Audi reportedly ceased production of their R8 e-tron electric sportscar with less than 100 built. One of the probable causes for its untimely demise is its pricing and very limited market reach.

- SCG's new supercar, the SCG003S, has uncovered and it will be packed with a carbon-fiber chassis, a 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine producing over 750HP of power, and a top speed of over 350kph. It has a pricing of over a million pounds.

SCG SCG003S

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (October 12, 2016)

- In an act of defiance against extrajudicial killings, Senator Leila de Lima filed a bill which defines extrajudicial killing and provides for its penalty amid the high rise of killings of drug suspects. The Senate Bill 1197 seeks to strengthen the Commission on Human Rights, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police in investigating extrajudicial killings.

- Meanwhile, a bill seeking the creation of a Philippine mental health council and a national mental health care delivery system has been filed by the House of Representatives by an Ifugao solon to promote mental health protection and improve mental health services in the Philippines.

- A recent Pulse Asia survey shows that President Rodrigo Duterte's trust rating slightly fell by 5% from 91% in July to 86% in September. Results of the nationwide "Ulat ng Bayan" survey released on Wednesday showed a more pronounced "ambivalence toward presidential performance in his first three months in office."

- 14 people are reportedly killed on the attack of a Shia shrine in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening when the shrine was crowded with worshippers there to observe the holy day of Ashura. The gunman exchanged fire with security officers, but was later shot to death.

- In the race to the November 2016 elections, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton rallies with former Vice President Al Gore while sharply criticizing her Republican foe Donald Trump over his stance on climate change. Meanwhile, Trump continues to lash out against Republican leaders, highlighting rifts within the Republican Party less than one month before Election Day.

- Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it had decided to start a study toward a cooperative relationship with Suzuki Motor Corporation.

- In his attendance at last weekend's New Yorker Festival, 007 actor Daniel Craig responded the question on his role's future, saying, “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve got the best job in the world. I’ll keep doing it as long as I still get a kick out of it. If I were to stop doing it, I would miss it terribly.” About last year, after the success of the latest 007 film SPECTRE, Craig lashed down some harsh comments about continuing his James Bond role but in truth, he's taking a little break from the James Bond franchise, which he's done, working on a heist film Logan Lucky with director Steven Soderbergh.

- Actor Robin Padilla believes that the late Dick Israel was a victim of "medical marijuana oppression."

- Eat Bulaga's Alden Richards confirms that he and Maine Mendoza will make special appearances in the upcoming Enteng Kabisote film.

- The first trailer of the 2017 Power Rangers film is now up and running.  Check it out.

TTFN!!!

Seat Ateca

This is known to be as SEAT's first ever crossover utility vehicle in history and because this is the first in SEAT's lineup, the new Ateca is a solid all-rounder that fits through everyone's lifestyles at work or at play. Be it a daily driver or a weekend getaway vehicle, the Ateca is all about multitasking at a crossover's pace. So then, what's it all about the Ateca?

2017 Seat Ateca

At first glance, the new Seat Ateca looks like a jacked-up Leon with some sorts but in reality, it's basically a Tiguan underneath so you might expect the similar behavior you can expect from the latest VW Tiguan only this time in Seat's perspective.

2017 Seat Ateca interior

2017 Seat Ateca interior

The inside is just typical SEAT from within but if you're very busy digging deeper on the Ateca's interior, you can spend most of the time toying around with its ambient lighting, class-leading space for some bare necessities before setting off from one point of interest after another, five-seater capacity which is typical for a crossover, Full Link connectivity, and some concessions of comfort and convenience that balances what you can work and you can play. Nothing says mixing business and pleasure in a very unique and clever packaging so it's like a nice stay at a very posh condo in the city.

2017 Seat Ateca

Because the Seat Ateca's riding on the same platform used on the VW Tiguan, you can expect the Ateca to behave just like the Leon as if the new Tiguan behaves like a Golf. MQB relatives, if you know what I mean, but that's just the first half of it because the biggest key point of the Ateca is the available 4Drive system, which uses a newly made multi-plate coupling with hydraulic actuation and electronic control. Seat says that it reacts quickly on different driving situations and in general, the Ateca's four-wheel drive system is a great all-rounder that can be taken anywhere, rain or shine.

Under the hood, the Ateca offers a wide array of engine choices such as a 1.0L TSi, a 1.4 TSi, 1.6L TDi, or a 2.0L TDi engine. They are varied with different configurations, you know. Meaning if you want something powerful, you should go for the 2.0 TDi engine, which produces 190PS of power and 400Nm of torque, or if you want something economical, there's a 1.6L TDi ECOMOTIVE engine that delivers a claimed CO2 emission of 111g/km. Gearbox of choice? Depending on the variant, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG.

As a technologically advanced crossover, the Ateca comes with a wide array of tech such as Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Top View cameras, Park Assist 3.0, Emergency Assist, and High Beam Assist.

Should you buy it? The SEAT Ateca starts at 20,440 Euros, which is five grand less than its relative crossover, the VW Tiguan, making it a good value for those who can't afford the latest VW Tiguan. With that kind of pricing, SEAT's first SUV makes it a healthy competitor in the world of compact crossovers and if the underdog is taking its first steps in this category, so be it.

Available colors: Azul Mediterráneo, Blanco Bila, Rojo Pasión, Blanco Nevada, Plata Brillante, Gris Rodium, Beige Capuccino, Marron Mato, Azul Lava, Verde Jungla, Naranja Samoa, and Negro Magico.

Photo: SEAT, S.A.