Nissan Note E12 (2017MY Minor Change) and Note E-Power

The current-generation Nissan Note has been on the road for four years and for the 2017 model year, not only the Note E12 sees a minor change on the inside out but this is the first time this Nissan Note 2017 Minor Change introduces a revolutionary E-Power variant that will game-changing the compact car segment in terms of fuel efficiency.

2017 Nissan Note

2017 Nissan Note interior

Of course, the minor change sees a revised exterior design complete with the V-Motion grille that will serve as the new signature design for future Nissan models since the Serena and the GT-R as well as a revised interior featuring a new steering wheel design, also on the new Serena and the new GT-R, that will soon be applied on future Nissan models, but the e-Power variant will be the key topic for this 2017MY minor change Nissan Note.

What is e-Power? Time to get your notebooks, folks, because this innovative drive system is pretty much new to us. Ready? Okay. So, e-Power features a full electric-motor drivetrain in which the wheels are completely powered by the electric motor, and the Note's 1.2L HR12DE petrol engine simply charges the batteries. The way how electricity is made is what differs it from an electric vehicle or conventional hybrid and with e-Power, the 1.2L engine and the wheels are not connected similar to an electric car as the power is sourced from the petrol engine, allowing it to run without having to charge the battery from an external source.

2017 Nissan Note interior

Because the batteries are 1/20th the size of the ones from the Nissan LEAF, its compact sizing made it to fit under the front seats without cramping the interior space and the e-Power's total power output is 109PS and a massive torque output of 254Nm, similar to those from two-liter engines. Fuel efficiency? It's a whopping 37.2kmpl on JC08 Mode standards and with this kind of efficiency, it's a clear vision to the future of Nissan's electrification strategy under Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

2017 Nissan Note

So, with the quick and clear lecture about how e-Power works is done, let's move on to other stuff, shall we? In the 2017 minor change Nissan Note E12, there's a brand new Smart Room Mirror that when activated, the rear view cameras will provide a full rear view on the mirror. Useful for those who are being pursued by some stalkers or for some reverse parking. Also, the new Note comes with an array of safety tech that is part of the Nissan Safety Shield technology such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning, and a collision prevention assist.

The e-Power variant will cost you about 1,772,280 Yen while non e-Power models start 1,393,200 Yen. Rest assured, the ones didn't had e-Power on it comes with two kinds of 1.2L petrol engines; a naturally aspirated one or a supercharged one with 26.2kmpl of fuel economy. For those who prefer the look of a pre-facelifted model because the V-motion grill look isn't too pleasant to look at, fear not because a special Mode Premier model, courtesy of Autech, is available starting from 1,906,200 to 2,207,520 Yen. Still has the same engine choices as well as the brand new e-Power variant but you'll get a Note with pre-facelift looks and a touch of class.

Available colors: Premium Corona Orange, Galaxy Gold, Olive Green, Garnet Red, Super Black, Dark Metal Gray, Brilliant Silver, Shining Blue, Sonic Blue, Nadeshiko Pink, Brilliant White Pearl, and White,

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

F1 2016: Mexican GP

Photo: Associated Press

The Mexican Grand Prix of the 2016 Formula One season is a cyclone of calamity from start to finish, as demonstrated by those disastrous crashes that turned race day into a complete nightmare, although there are some drivers managed to brave through the horrific nightmare just to survive themselves all the way to the end of the race.

At the end of this piled rubble of mess, only a handful of drivers made it to the finish line and thanks to the recent win for Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, the gap between him and Nico Rosberg has been narrowed to just 19 points in the fight for the driver's championship, although a 1-2 finish would mean that they can keep on fighting until the winner is decided.

For third-placer Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, his day's never going to end as a recent radio conversation that made Max Verstappen's move upset him. Right now, Verstappen's been penalized for a move he made on Vettel.

The next race will be on Brazil on the 13th of November.

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

- The Malacanang Palace has appealed for a clean, orderly, and crime-free observance of All Souls Day. In a press statement released on Tuesday by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar urged the public to observe the solemnity of the occasion. Almost 10,000 police personnel were deployed to secure various areas of interest in the observance of All Souls' Day.

- Senator Ping Lacson said that the Philippines did not lose anything after the US State Department reportedly stopped the planned sale of about 26,000 rifles to the Philippine National Police because they can look elsewhere. The decision was made after US Senator Ben Cardin oppose the planned sale because of alleged human rights violations. Lacson believes that there are other countries that manufacture better and affordable rifles than the US and added the Department of National Defense has even more reason to revive the country's self-reliance program to produce its own weapons and ammunition.

- With the Philippines' affair with China is done with greater results at a cost, former president Fidel V. Ramos announced yesterday his resignation as special envoy in China. Ramos' announcement came amid his scathing criticisms of President Duterte's pronouncements and priorities.

- A bipartisan group of almost 50 State Attorneys General issued a following letter expressing concern over FBI Director James Comey following last week's letter to the congress regarding e-mails in connection to Hillary Clinton, calling it "unacceptable" and a "serious mistake".

- A new report showing that the Trump Organization has a secret server registered to Trump Tower that has been secretly communicating with a Russian-based bank, proving possible links between Donald Trump and Russia.

- Retired army general Michel Aoun was elected by the parliament as the new president of Lebanon, ending a political standoff that lasted for over 2 years. The appointment of Aoun, a Maronite Christian, came as different factions reached an agreement to elect him on Monday.

- Mercedes-Benz unveiled four brand new engines with the half being straight-six engines. The new engines consist of a 3.0L straight-six petrol as well as its diesel equivalent, a 4.0L twin-turbo V8, and a 2.0L twin turbo engine. The new V8 and the straight-six petrol engine will make it on the upcoming Mercedes S-Class minor change while they're still deciding which cars will have their new engines.

- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' offerings on this week's SEMA Show include a modernized 1971 Dodge Challenger, a CJ66 concept made with mashed-up Jeeps of the past and present, a Ram ProMaster bar, a Mopar Pacifica, a Dodge Durango Shaker concept with a V8 engine, and a Ram Macho Power Wagon.

- Chika Takami from Love Live Sunshine gets her own figma! This figma based on the character who appears on the hit TV series can now be yours to order for 5,370 Yen plus tax and deliveries will commence this April!

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: Godzilla flashback

Yes, there is now a recently facelifted Nissan GT-R offered in Forza Horizon 3 but before driving the current version, let's take a trip down memory lane on the previous facelift circa 2010 to 2016.

Okay, when I drove the previous facelift of the Nissan GT-R in the original Horizon four years ago, I had a sensation to think that it was a major improvement over to the one that was launched since 2007. As you know, next year's going to be the R35 GT-R's 10th anniversary so what I'm going to do with this one though is to make the most of it out of Godzilla's anatomy. As a car built from a hermetically sealed factory, it became the last name for speed. The body, the brakes, the 3.8L twin-turbo V6 engine, the steering, the dual-clutch gearbox, everything works like this car means it.

Speedo boys who are enjoying the previous facelift of the R35 Nissan GT-R are pleased that it was listed as one of the cars that come with upgrade presets. In fact, it comes with a special body kit courtesy of Liberty Walk and with this body kit, one squint and you'll notice that it has a close resemblance to Brian's GT-R from Fast and Furious 6...or so I thought. I know this body kit looks similar to the one from the movie but for sharp-eyed speedo boys, it wasn't nearly as "Brian's car" they've hoped for, but who cares about it. With all that erectus dominus dominated on every bit of Godzilla's tough body, and in the subject that I'm on vacation leave, better hit it to the streets to show everyone the "way of the road" but first...

Anyone familiar with this design I made back in Europe in the previous Horizon 2 game? Yep, that's the one but this time, a new Ritsuko Akizuki from THE IDOLM@STER Platinum Stars was made to keep up with the times. So with a fresh new update on a familiar design I made, some major adjustments to be made to make it more competitive and here's the thing. Because this car's four-wheel drive, even trying to max it up to over a thousand horsepower won't try to kill you and you can still survive driving it unless if you're on a catastrophic understeer, of course. Anyway, here comes the R35 GT-R with a Liberty Walk kit in action.

Even when you made it up to over a thousand horsepower, which sounds scary if you're in a rear-wheel drive car, that GT-R can still survive like a big boss. So, now that you know about the previously facelifted R35 GT-R circa 2010 to 2016, next time, let's focus on the 2017MY GT-R and I can't wait to see how it behaves.

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

- PAGASA warned that the Philippines can expect five more cyclones until the end of the year. Right now, two low pressure areas will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this week and may intensify into typhoons.

- Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed during a gunfight at Indanan, Sulu yesterday. Army Scout Rangers fought the bandits starting at 0645 hours, local time, according to sources. The body of one of the killed terrorists was recovered at the scene of the fighting, while residents saw the other body being dragged by retreating comrades.

- Despite fishermen happily return to fishing at the disputed Panatag Shoal, the Chinese Coast Guard vessels are still guarding the shoal, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

- Another quake struck the central Italy as a M6.6 quake jolted the city of Norcia on Sunday. About two months ago, a strong quake killed nearly 300 people in central Italy.

- A group of nearly 100 former federal prosecutors and high-ranking Department of Justice officials, issued a following joint letter expressing serious concerns about FBI director James Comey's departure regarding last week's letter sent to the Congress regarding fresh batch of e-mails in connection to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

- Meanwhile, another revelation regarding Clinton's Republican foe, businessman Donald Trump's lack of charitable giving, despite his history of making promises of donations and the scandal that hit the Trump Foundation.

- The next-generation Mazda CX-5 crossover is set to debut at November's Los Angeles Auto Show with its first teaser.

- Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the company's solar roof-top panels as well as the new Powerwall 2 high-capacity residential battery pack for both home and businesses.

- Next year's Pripara movie has a title! Their fourth movie based on the hit TV series will be called PriPara Minna de Kagayake! Kirarin Star Live and in this movie, set to hit theaters this March 2017, our favorite characters are going for a tour around the solar system!

TTFN!!!

Peugeot 3008 II

This is not deja vu, folks. Of course the name is the same as the old one but look closely that everything's all new inside out because Peugoet's medium-sized crossover, the 3008, has been regenerated with an all new look, all new interior, all new performance, and all new tech that will surely shape up the crossover competition.

2017 Peugeot 3008

So, what's it all about the new Peugeot 3008? First of all, let's take a look at the details before going deeper to its core as you can see, the new design is basically an improvement compared to the previous model. It's like a beefed up 308 hatchback after going to the fitness center to do some workout but while the front and back is basically nice to look at, the sidelines are a bit redundant and it needs a little class to bring out its alluring looks in order to swoon the customers.

2017 Peugeot 3008

That said, with the new exterior is almost a letdown on the sidelines, the interior is worth a redeemable one, almost, because with so many stuff around the inside, flickering one of these features to see how it works will take about half an hour before getting off and giving way to anyone who want to check out the interior. One word of warning, however, is because everything's high-tech, especially the touch screen sat-nav, the digital curiosity will almost scare away the speedo boys everywhere because, like most speedo boys feared, there is no radio or CD player to replace on. Just iPod connectivity that speedo boys find it complicated. Fact it folks, this is the future and in the future, radios are irreplaceable on cars like these.

Anyway, while the dashboard is not made for speedo boys many, the new interior is even more practical and more convenient than the last one and as a five-seater car that is fit for work, for groceries, for shopping, or whatever they want to do in their free time, the 3008 really knows how to double-checking listings one after another. Space-wise, thanks to the new platform implemented on it, it's even bigger than before and with the rear seats folded, it takes two office chairs laying under (and some other thrift store hauls) to fill it up. Well, as a theory.

2017 Peugeot 3008

Because it was utilized on the same new platform derived from the latest 308, the all new 3008 is more sharper and comfortable than the last one, although sportiness is isn't in this crossover's mind, especially when you go for the semi-sporty GT model, which comes with a 181PS 2.0L BlueHDi engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Needless to say, with a 1.2L PureTech, 1.6 THP, 1.6 BlueHDi, and 2.0L BlueHDi engines available at the very start, choosing which engine to go for in terms of performance, efficiency, or both can be a pain in the brain cells but it can be somewhat an enjoyable customer experience because choices play a crucial part of buying a crossover like this.

Despite being an SUV, it's front-wheel drive only just like the original, meaning it's just another commoners' car on the city and when you take it off from the city streets to the grassy mountainside, its city car characteristic is still noticeable until you flicker the traction control switch that can handle mud, snow, or sand, which makes it barely an adventurous car while keeping its city car trait intact. It's like being a city boy taking a time out on the wooden village along with his family for a night.

The performance can be somewhat average for a crossover like this one but the tech is what goes around, comes around for the new 3008 and with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems along with its Visio Park and Park Assist stuff, it's a prime example why tech is becoming a dominant force for cars like these and although very nice to accommodate for the commoners, the tech features will make speedo boys unhappy with it until they fiddle with the nuts and bolts of it.

2017 Peugeot 3008

So, should you buy one? The new 3008 starts at 25,900 Euros up to 41,650 Euros for the GT version. Sounds expensive compared to the Japanese-made crossovers but it's a competitive one because with all these features that revolutionized this new model, the all new 3008 is a crossover that will rise to the challenge on this category and everyone's looking forward to see how the new model unfolds.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Forza Horizon 3: Rivals, friends and foe alike!

Having managed to escape EA exclusivity following their appearance from last year's NFS game, as a theory that someone tested it and failed, the brand new Ford Focus RS and the newest addition to the Forza Horizon 3 family, the brand new BMW M2 Coupe (part of The Smoking Tire Car Pack) are finally getting a little day out round Australia or so I thought because, between these two machines, they can make a dignified rivalry to show which one is best.

But first, let's start with the basics.

Ever since Ford announced that they decide to sell the new Focus RS on American soil, the speedo boys rejoice because, for the first time in forever, they got a chance to try out the ultra-hot Focus they never tasted for years ever since the foundation of Ford Performance that brought America's SVT and Europe's RS together as one forging force to be reckoned with. It has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 320PS and it has the strongest braking system ever made for a Ford. Unlike the previous Euro-only Focus RS, the new model is now all-wheel drive, just like the Subaru WRX STi, and it comes with a super-secret Drift Mode feature that allows anyone (almost) to drift this car a la Ken Block Hoonigan clips. For an all-weather hot hatch with some tricks up to its sleeves, I knew that this ultra-hot Focus never fails to impress the speedo boys, especially me.

The new BMW M2 Coupe picks up where the old 1M Coupe left off. In fact, this car is discerning for those who believe that the bigger M4 Coupe is a bit grown-up and matured for no reason. Under the hood lies a brand new 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engine that produces 370HP of power and 465Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual, which is okay for us, and a 7-speed M DCT for the purpose of being quick on the line. I still remember driving the 1M Coupe a few years ago in past installments and in this M2, the spirit of the 1M comes alive in its new form and the way it moves is just one way there some cockamines began migrating from Bimmers to Audis because the more things change, the more that says the same. For a fun car that is more enjoyable than the M4, the new M2 is a clear example that even the smallest can enjoy crashing piling on anyone, and force them to say "uncle."

Well, that's it for my quick evaluation of these two and because these two crossed the borders just to get a little time out Down Under, I have a better idea that will make these two border-crossing sportscars a lot more interesting for anyone who wished they were migrated from NFS to here.

Rivals! Today and tomorrow! Oh, sorry about that but anyway, speaking of rivals, see the new designs I made for these cars? They're all themed right after the stars of Aikatsu Stars; Yume Nijino and Rola Sakuraba.

While I'm busy preparing what to do with these two, both these specially-prepped machines are showing what they can do by partaking in several events.

So, now that these cars showcased what they're made of, I made a little something for these two cars. It's a challenge involving getting from Coober Pedy Town, which is one of the Bucket List Blueprint Points I set, to the Surfers Paradise Festival Site within 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The fastest time wins and because this is Horizon, it's by any means necessary. Time to hit the concert at the metropolis as these two rivals will show how are they capable.

Lights! Motor! And Action!!!



Is anyone wondering why a piece of background music from Halo 5 Guardians was played? Because it's empowering every time I use it on my own Bucket List challenges. And why is the horn sounded like the Halo theme? I unlocked it at the recent Forzathon event. Anyway, now that these two rivals showed what they're truly capable of, I think the Focus RS beats the M2 despite its power and weight advantage because while the M2 is rear-wheel drive, the Focus RS is all-wheel drive, meaning it has no problem getting through the dirtiest of conditions, although it could use a little drift mode to slip through the corners before arriving through the concert in style.

Still, I love driving the BMW M2 more because although the Focus RS has beaten it by a long shot, it is an enjoyable character that the 1M Coupe retains in this new car and the more I'm getting swooned by its character, the more I'm going to drive this car over and over again, all in the name of breaking its limits.

Like a heated rivalry between those two, this will go on because the more they always change, the more they'll stay the same until one of them comes out on top.

Rivals! Friends and foe alike, today and tomorrow! I'm gonna take a vacation for a while before the top brass yells at me for a bit...

Kalyeserye goes cooking!

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook Page

Long before the recently married couple of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza heading off to a distant place for their honeymoon, they are doing some goodwill stuff with a little help of the That's My Baes, the stars of their recent TV drama show Trops, which airs weekdays before Eat Bulaga.

While they are preparing the relief goods to be sent for the benefit of those who are heavily affected by Supertyphoon Lawin (Haima), the two are decided to do their own special pasta recipe they called it "Pasta Ikaw, Nangiginig pa!"

 So, care to see how its done? Let's watch...

Or in case you want their recipe, here's the list of ingredients...

1) Butter
2) Chopped onions
3) All-Purpose Cream
4) Canned Tomatoes (Chopped)
5) Penne Rigate Pasta
6) Mozzarella Cheese (Diced-small)

...and here's how to make one:

1) Heat butter on pan
2) Sautee chopped onions
3) Add all-purpose cream
4) Add canned tomatoes
5) Add chopped basil leaves
6) Simmer for about 5 minutes
7) Season sauce with salt and pepper
8) Add cooked penne rigate pasta and mix together
9) Add diced mozzarella cheese
10) Serve while hot

So, how's their cooking? Delicious, right? Anyway, after the whole cooking show's over, looks like the AlDub honeymoon is happening now and while AlDub are away for a few days, something new is coming so keep watching Eat Bulaga for more Kalyeserye antics.

In the meantime, congratulations for Tangong Grasa champion Isabel Granada for winning the Challenge Accepted Best of the Best.

Inferno (The Da Vinci Code)

It's been 10 long years when award-winning director Ron Howard gave us the movie adaptation of the bestselling Dan Brown novel that sparked a worldwide phenomenon not just for readers but for the conspiracy theorists, The Da Vinci Code. Three years later, the sequel Angels and Demons (which is the first book of The Da Vinci Code saga) was launched and the first two films sees symbologist Robert Langdon crisscrossed round the world in search for the world's greatest mysteries while averting a global threat. Now, the latest chapter of The Da Vinci Code is here and it's going to be a thriller as the film progresses. As one passage of The Divine Comedy said "abandon hope all ye who enter here."

Inferno

Inferno, the latest chapter of The Da Vinci Code saga, sees Langdon (reprised by actor Tom Hanks) awakened from the hospital, recalling nothing of the last 36 hours, including how he got there...or the origin of a macabre object that his doctors found from his belongings. Having found himself in the depths of Florence, Italy, Langdon is joined by Sienna Brooks to uncover secret codes written by a rogue scientist, who has a strong obsession to Dante's Divine Comedy. Racing against time, the unlikely duo ventured through Florence's historical landmarks to uncover hidden paths and ancient secrets as well as a shocking pattern that could endanger all of mankind.

Those who managed to survive reading the book from the start to finish will know that the latest movie is definitely not for the faint at heart because sticking true to the past installments, Inferno is just more of an adventure that focuses on the colorful backdrop of Italian culture but it is worthy of being a powerful thriller that can shock anyone with unpredictable twists and turns this film possess as much as the main character uncovers the hidden truth that could change the world forever.

It can be downright scary because of the ominous patterns that will reveal everything we know from science, faith, literature, and culture just like the past installments but for the bold, Inferno is a no-frills masterpiece that sticks true to Dan Brown tradition. With the collaboration of Dan Brown and Ron Howard a fruit of truth and ideals, this world-changing movie will keep changing the world we know just like how The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons did.

Good luck watching that and be warned; "Full soon shalt thou be where Thine eye shall answer make to thee of this, Seeing the cause which raineth down the blast."

My rating: 4.3 out of 5

Bubble Gang - October 28, 2016 #BGHalloween

On the October 28, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Manananggal gags

- Let's cook Tortang Talong with a twist in Patikim ni Kim!

- Duet at a doctor's office!

- A famous TV presenter is spicing up the funeral guests!

- Can't get enough of the heimlich

- More PPAP spoofs from Taran Taro!

- Bubble Gang does Chicken Mcdo by spoofing this commercial as CHICKEN WCDO! Our best-tasting chicken.

- More wise words from Tata Lino!

- Road rage get reversed

- Basa-basa-pik!

Let's Do The News! (October 28, 2016)

- Senator Leila de Lima is facing a disbarment case over her alleged affair with her former driver Ronnie Dayan. According to the complaints filed against her before the Supreme Court, De Lima was accused of gross immorality and violating the Lawyers Oath and the Code of Professional Responsibility.

- The Social Security System eyes mandatory pension fund investment on toll roads. According to the chair of the Social Security Commission, all toll roads, 25 to 35 percent should come from the pension fund.

- A mayor in Maguindanao city who was on the "narco list" was shot dead by lawmen during a gunfight while about to search for drugs in their vehicles in Makilala town in North Cotabato. The slain mayor, Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao, is among dozens President Duterte had earlier tagged as large-scale drug traffickers.

- The UN General Assembly committee has approved a resolution calling for a treaty to ban nuclear weapons. Japan was among the countries that opposed it along with nuclear powers including the United States.  The resolution was adopted on Thursday by a majority vote at the General Assembly's First Committee on Disarmament. 123 countries voted in favor while 38 voted against.

- An 3-day anime convention held somewhere at the UAE capital city, Abu Dhabi, has kicked off on Thursday. TV stations in the region have long broadcast Japanese anime shows in Arabic dub. Recently, young people, who make up a large portion of the area's population, have been watching them online. Anime theme song singers put on a show and signed autographs while related merchandise were also on sale at the venue.

- New Pokemon Sun and Moon info on the radar! The Alolan starters finally unleashed their final evolutionary stages. Rowlet's final evolved form is the Grass-and-Ghost type Decidueye while Litten's final evolved form is Incineroar and Popplio's final evolved form is Primarina. Also, the guardians of the Alola region are fully uncovered as well as other info about the Battle Tree, where those who made it to the Hall of Fame can battle against other ace trainers, including special guest appearances from past games.

- The sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur saloon has been uncovered and its set to launch in South Korea by next month.

2017 Hyundai Grandeur

- Johnny Guindi Hamui from Mexico is named the winner of the annual Nissan GT Academy. Following his win, Hamui will be taking part of the Nissan Driver Development Program before setting off to next year's 24 Hours of Dubai endurance race.

- BBC announced that the first episode of the fourth season of the hit TV show, Sherlock, will be aired on New Year's Day 2017.

TTFN!!!

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

- Although being harsh against the United States against his platforms, President Rodrigo Duterte told Japanese reporters that he affirms his alliance with the USA as he and the Japanese government agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability. Yesterday, both countries agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability and acknowledged the importance of US alliance, although a joint statement focused largely on Japan's contribution to Philippine maritime security and other projects totalling a 21 billion yen loan.

- The House minority acknowledged the Committee on Justice's report on the Bilibid drug trade but insisted that charges should be filed against Senator Leila de Lima over her alleged involvement. The committee report refused to recommend the prosecution on De Lima over her alleged involvement on the drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison.

- The Abu Sayyaf terrorists gained at least 353 million Philippine Pesos from ransom kidnappings in the first six months of the year and have turned to abductions of foreign tugboat crewmen as military offensives restricted the militants' mobility, according to reports.

- Two strong quakes rattled central Italy on Wednesday night. Dozens of people were injured but no reports of casualties. The USGS says a M5.5 quake struck shortly after 7PM on Wednesday, followed by a M6.1 quake two hours later.

- The UN General Assembly committee will vote on Thursday on a draft resolution calling for a legally binding treaty to ban all nuclear weapons. The draft was jointly submitted to their First Committee on Disarmament by almost fifty nations, calling for convening negotiations on a treaty prohibiting the possession and use of nuclear weapons.

- Because of the ongoing Dieselgate scandal, Audi ended their Le Mans endurance racing program after 18 years, focusing on its involvement on the FIA Formula E Championship instead.

- The Apollo Arrow, as seen from the Geneva Motor Show last spring, will utilize a carbon fiber chassis from Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, makers of the SCG003 hypercar as seen on the same event.

- The next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Insignia was previewed and sadly, it will be soon be available in Australia as the next-generation Holden Commodore, making it the first fully-imported Commodore since production of the original rear-wheel drive model will end in 2017.

- Ritsuko Akizuki joins Phat's lineup of THE IDOLM@STER anime DVD/Blu-ray cover figure range and she's available for preorder starting at 9,000 Yen (plus tax) while deliveries will commence this May 2017.

TTFN!!!