THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER 07 Samakani!!
Now it's time to hear another installment of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Master range, inspired by the Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage app game, and even though it's already winter in here, the latest installment brings summer to the ears of most fans who enjoyed this game.
The star highlights of this installment are Mizuki Kawashima (CV: Nao Toyama), Akane Hino (CV: Chinatsu Akasaki), Hori Yuko (CV: Eri Suzuki), Suzuho Ueda (CV: Nanami Haruno), Emi Namba (CV: Arisa Date). In here, there are three brand new tracks as heard from the Starlight Stage app including the full M@STER VERSION of the song サマカニ!! as well as two others such as にょわにょわーるど by Kirari Moroboshi (CV: Rei Matsuzaki) and cherry*merry*cherry by Chieri Ogata (CV: Naomi Ohzora).
With these tracks, you can be sure that it feels like it's summer again, even when it's getting cold in here. Be sure to collect the rest of the STARLIGHT MASTER CDs and expect more to come in this range, inspired by the Starlight Stage app game.
- According to the National Bureau of Investigation, the suspected drug lord Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte, was killed during a "rubout" inside a provincial and not in a shootout with the CIDG officers. Releasing the findings of its probe into Espinosa's death, the NBI has recommended to the Department of Justice the filing of multiple murder and perjury charges against 24 CIDG-8 officers and others involved in the Espinosa murder case.
- 25 high-ranking Philippine Coast Guard officers have been suspended by the Ombudsman for irregularities in cash advances totaling 67.5 million pesos. The respondents are facing charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonest and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
- Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Monday to discuss the current state of bilateral relations between the two nations. On his first Russian visit, Yasay and Lavrov discussed regional and global issues including the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017. They discussed the prospects to enhance cooperation in various areas such as the political, security, economic, cultural, and people-to-people spheres.
- US President-elect Donald Trump met with former US Vice President Al Gore, a leading figure in the fight to stop global warming and a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2007. The meeting took place at Trump Tower in New York on Monday and Gore said they had an extremely interesting conversation.
- As of now, the death toll from a fire in a warehouse in Oakland, California has risen to 36. Last Friday, a fire broke out in the warehouse where over 50 people were gathering for a dance party.
- Member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency have agreed to tighten control on nuclear materials to prevent terrorism with the nuclear watchdog playing a key role. Delegates from 130 countries took part of the IAEA's International Conference on Nuclear Security in Vienna, Austria, on Monday. In an opening speech, IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said the number of participants shows that governments are serious about enhancing global efforts to protect material and facilities.
- The last LaFerrari ever made has been auctioned to seven million dollars and all of the proceeds will benefit Italian earthquake reconstruction. Meanwhile, Ferrari launched a 488 Challenge racecar, which signals the start of their new one-make race series using the fastest Ferrari Challenge car yet, courtesy of its turbocharged V8 engine producing 670PS of power. Then, Ferrari built a coachbuilt F12 called the SP275 RW Competizione, which debuted at Daytona International Speedway last weekend.
- Suzuki will launch the new Swift by January. It will be a hybrid hatchback and it will feature a new platform as well.
- As the premiere of the third Yo-Kai Watch film draws near, the hit franchise will be getting a fourth film next winter.
- Actor Cesar Montano will reportedly become part of the Department of Tourism as chief operating officer of its Tourism Promotions Board.
Since 1998, the first Pokemon movie shown in Japanese theaters and now, a Pokemon movie has been the hallmark for the Japanese summer vacation. Every summer in Japan, there is a new Pokemon movie and to date, there are 19 Pokemon films ever made to keep the kids during their summer holiday interested for more. For every Pokemon movie, there is a new Pokemon featured. Some are what the called mythical Pokemon and can be given to gamers while others are preview for new installments to come in the future.
So, with the 20th Pokemon movie ready to hit theaters in the Summer of 2017, made to honor the TV series' 20th anniversary when the TV show adaptation began airing on TV Tokyo since 1997, let's jot down the films that expand our love of Pokemon.
Since the beginning:
Pokemon: The First Movie (1998) - In the first ever Pokemon movie, shown in Japanese theaters in the summer of 1998 and then a year later globally, Ash and the gang takes on the most powerful adversary ever faced; a genetic Pokemon Mewtwo. What's supposed to be an invitation to take on the most powerful trainers in one place, turned out to be a trap set by Mewtwo, to create clones of their Pokemon in order to destroy the balance between Pokemon and trainers alike. We had a lot of memorable scenes in this film and its appearance of Mew made everyone want to have one in their collection, especially when they offered it as a gift for the moviegoers. Before the film, moviegoers are treated with a Pikachu short film featuring new Pokemon such as Snubbull and Marill.
Pokemon The Movie 2000 (1999) - The second film sees the debut of the legendary Lugia, a Pokemon which appears in the Gold and Silver games, as well as the three legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. A mysterious adversary tries to gain control of the three legendary birds just to hunt down the legendary Lugia. Unaware on what's going on around here, it seems that only a person like Ash could change the future of the world and how he lives up to his name and the foretelling (according to Slowking's wisdom) is a risky challenge. Like the first one, filmgoers are treated with another Pikachu short film,this time it featured newer Pokemon such as Elekid, Bellossom, and others.
The Johto Journeys:
Pokemon The Movie 3 (2000) - In this third film based on the Johto Journeys arc of the show, a young girl is trapped on her dream set by the mysterious Unown and her father became a legendary Pokemon Entei, who took Ash's mom for a certain reason. It's up to Ash and the gang to uncover the hidden truth behind the series of strange events. Before the action kicked in, there is a Pichu and Pikachu short featuring Pikachu and the Pichu Bros in an adorable adventure in the city.
Pokemon 4Ever (2001) - 40 years ago, the mythical Pokemon Celebi is fleeing from a vicious hunter and a young trainer rushed to rescue Celebi. The legend of the mysterious trainer who saved Celebi and vanished into thin air has about to become real as Ash and the gang find out when will the young trainer and Celebi able to show up again. However, there are still people wanted to hunt down Celebi, and this time, a powerful villain plots to get Celebi by a mysterious Poke Ball that will enslave anything in evil it captures. With Celebi fell into the wrong hands, Ash and the gang is on a quest to save Celebi from the crutches of a villainous Iron Masked Marauder. Before the film, there's a Pikachu short featuring new Pokemon such as Kecleon and Azurill, and this short sees Pikachu and friends getting through all sorts of trouble. Those who witnessed the film got their hands on Celebi, for use in the Gold and Silver games.
Pokemon Heroes (2002) - The fifth film sees Ash and the gang made a fateful encounter with the Eon Pokemon Latias and Latios. In the start, upon losing the Water Pokemon race, Ash rescued a young girl from two femme fatales but the young girl Ash rescued is actually Latias in disguise and those two femme fatales they've encountered, they're going after Latias and Latios as well as the mysterious Soul Dew, which controls the powerful machine that protects against danger. With imminent danger has risen, it's up to Ash and the gang to save the day. Before the film, there's a Pikachu short where Pikachu and the gang are going camping, with the special appearances of Wynaut, Duskull, and Volbeat.
The Advanced Generation:
Jirachi: The Wish Maker (2003) - Based on the Advanced Generation saga of the show, Ash and the gang are on a wishful adventure to save the mythical Wish Pokemon Jirachi from a powerful villain who wished to revive Groudon and wreak havoc over the land. Before the film, there's a short film which sees Meowth throwing up a party where all Pokemon invited and Meowth's going to need their help to make the best party ever. Those who witnessed the film got their wish come true by having Jirachi on Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire games.
Destiny Deoxys (2004) - The next Advanced Generation flick sees Ash and a gang met a young boy who is afraid of all Pokemon, even the cute ones like Pikachu, and got caught in a crossfire between two powerful Pokemon Deoxys and Rayquaza. Those who watched the film got their own Deoxys for use in the Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green versions and with this Pokemon, they can unleash different forms in terms of attack, defense, and speed, as well as its signature Psycho Boost attack.
Lucario and the Secret of Mew (2005) - Upon winning a battle, Ash became a ceremonial Aura Guardian and out of nowhere, a mysterious Aura Pokemon Lucario appeared and following its long betrayal from its long-time master, a descendant of a Aura Knight, Mew appeared and took Pikachu and Meowth away to the Tree of Life. As the situation becomes critical, Ash and the gang must convince Lucario to put aside its betrayal and save their friends. Of course, while moviegoers never got the chance to have Lucario, as well as the other new Pokemon appeared in this film, they got Mew instead for use in the Fire Red and Leaf Green versions.
Pokemon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006) - Ash and the gang got mixed into the action when May befriends a mythical Pokemon named Manaphy and that Pokemon was targeted by a pirate who wants to gets his hands on the Sea Crown. Teaming up with a Pokemon Ranger, who has a Buizel at his side, they have to shake off the pursuers to protect Manaphy before its too late. Since this is 2006 and this is the year when Diamond and Pearl are out, those who got the game got a special Manaphy bonus in-game.
Diamond and Pearl
The Rise of Darkrai (2007) - The first of the Diamond and Pearl films and in this film, Ash, Brock, and Dawn got caught in a conflict of time-space proportions and witnessing the wrath of the mythical Pokemon Darkrai, which causes nightmares for humans and Pokemon alike. Those who witnessed the film got their hands on Darkrai, which comes with its signature Dark Void attack which renders multiple Pokemon to sleep and then let its Bad Dreams ability drain the sleeping opponents' HP per turn.
Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008) - Since the launch of Pokemon Platinum, a second Diamond and Pearl movie went out and in this film, following events from the previous film, Giratina, the renegade Pokemon, dragged Dialga to the Reverse World until it was thwarted by the mythical Shaymin. Ash and the gang are helping Shaymin return to Gracidea garden until an evil plot threatens the very landscape by harnessing the power of Giratina. Giratina's Origin Forme and Shaymin are the star highlights of the film and while players are able to unleash Giratina's Origin Forme from Platinum, players who watched the film get a chance to have Shaymin as well as the Gracidea that transforms Shaymin from Land Forme to Sky Forme only on the daytime.
Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009) - Since the dawn of time, the Alpha Pokemon Arceus was worshipped as a god, and then betrayed by those after granted with the Jewel of Life. With the world's under threat from disruptions from the previous films, an imminent end of the world draws Ash and the gang travel back in time to revert the mistakes its ancestors done to Arceus. In addition to the mythical Arceus, a spiky-haired Pichu was present in the film and both are special bonuses given to players who played Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver.
Zoroark: Master of Illusion (2010) - A city that was ravaged by the three legendary beasts; Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, as well as the return of Celebi, sees Ash and the gang team up with the mischievous Zorua to solve the series of unfortunate events, where the turning point is the work of a Illusion Fox Pokemon named Zoroark. Since this film was launched in the same year Black and White went out, players get their own Zorua or Zoroark in the game by catching one normally.
Black and White
Pokemon the Movie Black/Pokemon the Movie White (2011) - To celebrate 15 years of Pokemon, their Summer 2011 film is a dual film experience. The storyline is the same but what's differ between these two film is the appearances of the Pokemon. Since this is a double sided film, moviegoers think twice about which side are they on. If they want Black; the tale of Victini and Reshiram is told, but for those who gone White, it's going to be the tale of Victini and Zekrom. Either way, the double film experience sees Ash, Iris, and Cilan, help Victini free from the barriers it couldn't escape while uncovering the truth or ideals that surrounds them.
Kyurem vs. The Sword of Justice (2012) - Ash and the gang meets up the mythical Pokemon Keldeo, who got caught in trouble when the Swords of Justice; Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion, held captive by the powerful Kyurem and its power to combine genes of either Reshiram or Zekrom to become more powerful. Unaware of this, the gang must shake off by any means necessary while letting Keldeo face its own destiny. Before the film, there's a short musical film featuring Pikachu and the gang as well as the mythical Meloetta.
Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013) - Genesect, a paleozoic Pokemon, lived a million years ago until Team Plasma modified it to become a powerful weapon. In a middle of nowhere, searching for their home, five Genesects, led by the shiny Red Genesect, made a fateful encounter with the legendary Mewtwo. Moments later, Ash and the gang caught up in a deadly crossfire between the Red Genesect and Mewtwo and how will our heroes prevent a possible disaster caused by these powerful Pokemons while promising a certain Genesect to find its home. Before the film, a special Pikachu short features Eevee evolutions, including the new evolved form, Sylveon. A different kind of Mewtwo and Sylveon became a mystery to the viewers until the launch of XY tells all that Sylveon's a Fairy-type Pokemon and that Mewtwo in question is Mega Mewtwo Y, one of the Mega Evolutions.
XYZ
Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014) - The first film in the show's XY saga sees the mythical jewel Pokemon Diancie making its debut appearance. In this film, the Heart Diamond at the Diamond Domain where Diancie and the Carbinks live is disintegrating and Diancie's not powerful enough to make a new one. As it ventures to find the legendary life Pokemon, Xerneas, Diancie is being targeted by mysterious adversaries trying to take advantage of it and with Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie met up with Diancie, the gang are trying to fend off against pursuers before the wrath of Yveltal was unleashed. Those who witnessed the film got their hands on Diancie for use in the X and Y games and when Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire went on sale in November 2014, they can transfer Diancie via Pokemon Bank and gain the Diancite mega stone to mega evolve it. Oh yeah, before this film was shown, there's a Pikachu short where Pikachu and friends met up with Klefki and embark on a journey like no other. Mythical Pokemon like Jirachi, Manaphy, Darkrai, and Victini made special cameos in this short.
Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015) - In this film, our heroes arrived at a desert city by the sea and later, they've been introduced by the mythical Pokemon Hoopa. Hoopa has the power to summon different things, especially humans and Pokemon, through its magic ring. What they didn't know that there was a tale about a young hero who managed to stop a major cataclysm unleashed by a powerful Pokemon long ago and with the darkest secret waiting to be unleashed, how can Ash and his friends protect Hoopa before a massive onslaught bring chaos to the world? This film features a powerhouse cast of legendary Pokemon that overshadowed the star Pokemon of the film, Hoopa, and those who witnessed the film got their very own Hoopa for use in XY and ORAS, and to unleash its Unbound form, players need to find the Prison Bottle at their nearest PokeMarts in-game. Oh yeah, there's a Pikachu short where Pikachu and the gang are doing a musical.
Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016) - Shown in Japanese theaters last summer of this year, this last film of the XYZ saga stars two mythical Pokemon such as the Steam Pokemon Volcanion and the Artificial Pokemon Magearna. In this film, Ash and the gang made a fateful encounter with Volcanion, a powerful Pokemon who despises all humans, and the unlikely pair set off on an adventure to save Magearna from a rogue minister trying to take control its Soul-Heart for hostile takeover. Although Volcanion and Magearna are the stars of the film, the real credit goes to the Mega-evolved Pokemon, including the shiny Mega Gengar and the shiny Mega Gardevoir. Of course, those who saw the film got two special bonuses. One is a code to get Volcanion for use in XY and ORAS, while the second is a Magearna card for use in the Pokemon Ga-ole arcade game by Takara Tomy. Thanks to Pokemon Sun and Moon's QR scanner, they managed to scan its QR code to add Magearna to their Alola adventure. With the addition of Magearna, the total number of Pokemon recorded on the National Pokedex, if you add the Alolan Pokedex, is now 801.
So, what will next year's Pokemon movie going to be? Since it's made to honor the TV series' 20th anniversary, it's going to be very special in store for the fans and your guesses will be as good as mine so see you in 2017!
- Vice President Leni Robredo filed her letter of resignation from President Rodrigo Duterte's Cabinet on Sunday due to "differences". In her resignation letter, Robredo stressed that she has exerted all effort to put aside their differences and maintain a professional working relationship with Duterte. Robredo is tendering her resignation as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council effective immediately.
- Meanwhile, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan was barred by the Malacañang to attend Cabinet meetings. Licuanan, however, said that she will remain in her post despite being barred from attending Cabinet meetings. As an appointee to former President Aquino, she is serving her fixed term until 2018.
- Lovely Adam Impal, the "drug queen" source according to alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, surrendered to the Philippine National Police on Monday morning. PNP Director General Roland "Bato" dela Rosa said that Impal surrendered out of fer for her life.
- PNP Director General Roland Dela Rosa and Senator Leila de Lima are on a heated argument over the real reason how President Duterte reinstate Superintendent Marvin Marcos as the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for the Eastern Visayas. Superintendent Marcos was relieved from her post after confessed drug distributor Kerwin Espinosa alleged that he was one of his protectors but reinstated the same day. President Duterte said that his reinstatement is because he wants him investigated.
- 30 people are confirmed dead in a massive fire in Oakland, California. The blaze broke out in a converted warehouse late Friday night. Reports told over 50 people were inside at a rave party at a time of the fire.
- Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, will resign after a referendum that rejected his proposal to amend the constitution in order to reduce Senate power. The interior ministry said early on Monday that over 60% of tallied votes from Sunday's referendum were against the change, which would have allowed the government to pass bills using only the lower chamber.
- Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced his resignation for family reasons. The prime minister told reporters in Wellington that it was the right time to leave. Key worked at financial institutions before he became a lawmaker in 2002. He was elected as leader of the National Party in 2006 and became prime minister in 2008.
- US President-elect Donald Trump launched a Twitter attack on US companies that plan to shift operations overseas. The President-elect said companies that do so will face a 35 percent tariff on goods they ship back to the United States. Trump said any business that fires workers and moves abroad, then thinks it can send its products back without retribution or consequence, is wrong. Later, Trump tweeted messages rebutting China's claims to the South China Sea and accusing the country of keeping its currency artificially low.
- Vote counting is underway following Sunday's presidential elections in Uzbekistan. Reports told that prime minister and acting president Shavkat Mirziyoyev is leading three other companies. The Central Election Commission said the turnout was 87.83 percent. Preliminary results are expected Monday evening.
Based on the current-generation Chevrolet Camaro, which came out last year, this all-new convertible model features all of the same stuff from its hardtop equivalent, only now in a soft-top roof configuration.
Since the last century, a convertible muscle car has been every car enthusiast's weekend car and while it was slightly different than its hardtop equivalent, especially the weight difference, the perks of having a convertible muscle car is that you don't need to turn on the air conditioning and let the breeze freshen you up while driving on a hot sunny weekend and you can also hear the sounds of the engine noise transmitted to the exhaust pipe even better because with no roof, taking a stroll to the open roads is a weekend tradition for the car enthusiasts.
For the new Camaro Convertible, just like the hardtop equivalent, you get a choice of three different engine configurations that suits your taste. First and obviously not recommended for the serious speedo boys, a 2.0L turbo engine that produces 275hp of power. Then, there's a mid-range 3.6L V6 engine delivering 335HP of power. And finally, the best ever 6.2L V8 on the SS version producing 455HP of power and same amount for torques. Both are mated with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic.
The V8 engine is the best pick because not only it's powerful, it sounds like what a muscle car should be and when you take it on a stroll round the hot Nevada desert, as long as you're not disturbing a top-secret airbase somewhere, the sound of the V8 engine with the roof down is the ideal combination to get addicted to this Camaro even more.
While the Camaro Convertible looks surprisingly addictive with the roof open, the weight difference is what really gets you noticed because even though it weighs more than its hardtop version, its use of lightweight materials makes it lighter than the previous Camaro Convertible. Approach with caution, however, because while this new model is vaguely as American as what American muscle cars can get, the way it handles can be drastically a challenge because even though it comes with the most sophisticated dynamics inspired from European sportscars, its dynamic character, despite its open-top appearance, cannot be ignored because once you're driving it on trackdays, you really don't have the time to feel numb because you're going to need some serious concentration or die trying to control its oversteering woes. Still, it can be worth the fun for the driver who demands.
Speaking of its dynamics the driver demands more challenge, the pricing is what really gets you noticed because the convertible model starts at $32,600, which is over 3,000 dollars more than its rival, a turbocharged Ford Mustang convertible. Yes, that's a bit of a downer in terms of pricing as well as its performance compared to the Mustang opposition per se, but if you really want an open-top sportscar, you're not a fan of the Mustangs, or don't have the cash to buy some European open-top sportscars, perhaps the new Camaro Convertible could be your best bet for the job and even with its ups and downs in store for this new model, you'll know that the way it performs for you will make sense.
The Lamborghini Huracan; a V10 supercar that served as the successor to the Gallardo, named after a Mayan god, and essentially faster than an Aventador round the Top Gear Track. With a 0-100kph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 325kph, it's still a quick car to drive even when it's powered by a nearly-extinct V10 engine that will soon be fading away through the pages of history due to downsizing trends, and of course, you are probably familiar with this car ever since it became the cover car from the previous installment, Forza Horizon 2. You are also familiar with it as the car Benedict Cumberbatch drove until he broke his hands in an accident and later become a superhero called Doctor Strange. Get it?
Those who have driven the Huracan can result to mixed opinions. They say that they are very happy that the Huracan feels like it retains the same Lamborghini madness they would hope for while some who believed that the Huracan is too matured to be a Lamborghini or a supercar. Either way, they should really need to drive that Huracan again to prove if they were right or wrong, especially while taking a day off Down Under.
As for myself, while on the subject of honoring Lamborghini week in this weekend's Forzathon event, happening now on Forza Horizon 3, me and my Huracan got into all sorts of trouble just to clear this weekend's Forzathon challenges by any means necessary. It's like I'm taking on the stranger yet louder things on the road, if you know what I mean. Several hours later, I managed to beat almost all of this weekend's challenges and it's about as simple as riding a mechanical bull at a bar on a midnight, with the brokeback part at the end of it. Who knew trying to get all three stars in ten speed traps or speed zones can be so hard?!
Speaking of which, remember that old Lamborghini Huracan with a design theme I made after THE IDOLM@STER's Miki Hoshii? You know, the one I made back while in Southern Europe during the finale? Well, I brought it back for nostalgia's sake and improved it to meet Platinum Stars standards. Don't ask why but since I finished most of the weekend's challenges, I decided to have a little free time with this machine while I'm at it.
Of course, following my series of stranger yet louder things happened between me and my baby Lambo, I've drawn an attention to an all-out war between the two Italian supercar company rivals; Ferrari and Lamborghini. With me getting involved in the fray, I got no choice but to get involved in the fight between Italian supercar supremacy. The war between raging bulls and wild horses, which I'll be tackling it next weekend before heading through sub-zero proportions, is about to begin.
Whew. After getting involved in the war between bulls and horses, I managed to get out of the scrap and feeling proud that I survived the clash and finished most of this weekend's challenges. I think it's dare to say that the Huracan, despite its nearly extinct V10 engine that is no match to signature Lamborghini V12 awesomeness, is everything what a Lamborghini should, being an image of insanity, not perfection, and the way it performs is a clear way to show its real, literal, self.
Sure, I had fun in the Lamborghini Huracan but there are some stranger yet louder things that needs to be done in Down Under as the journey continues. Good thing my hands are still there, otherwise, I could wind up like Sherlock becoming Doctor Strange. Get it?! Still, this ordeal is only a prelude to stranger things to come.
Following last week's championship win, Nico Rosberg, the top driver from the Mercedes-AMG team, made a shocking announcement that he will officially retire from Formula One racing.
The 31-year-old son of former F1 champion Keke Rosberg raced in 206 F1 GP races in his career while winning 23 races, 30 pole positions, 20 fastest laps, and recently, his world title following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In his statement released from his official Facebook page, Rosberg states that being a world champion in Formula One has been his target on his 25-year career and he began to think about ending his career once he won the championship.
The second part of Bubble Gang's 21 anniversary special, or should we say 21 Gang Salute , continues the celebration not just the show but to honor most of the Philippines' greatest comedians in history in series of sketches and segments.
Stuff include Mr. Assimo and Babalu at the office, Ikaw at ang Ina takes on Snapchat, drum majorette, Tata Lino meets the legendary comedians, mission briefing gags, Tadyakan song, Let's Duet at the albularyo with AlDub, and Hugot Lines at the hospital.
It's been an honor to have the whole cast giving this show a 21 Gang Salute it deserves and as always, happy 21st anniversary, Bubble Gang!
On the third episode of Amazon's original motoring TV series, The Grand Tour, the Italian road trip of Jeremy Clarkson and James May in the Aston Martin DB11 and the Rolls-Royce Dawn has been "hellishly" ruined by the arrival of Richard Hammond in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and his entourage of tire supply in case of doing burnouts all day long.
On the road through Venice for some arts and literature, seems that Hammond's American habits completely ruined both the presenters' rest and relaxation through the Italian landscape and even when they reached the end of the trip, no one's safe from Hammond's Americanism antics.
Onto that episode, it seems that Simon Pegg's been added to the list of Celebrity Braincrash casualties after he accidentally fall off the bridge and into his "watery grave" while Jeremy showcases his kind of autonomous driving by creating his kind of self-driving car, except it was powered by a Romanian male in it. In the end of the episode, viewers witnessed the demolition of Clarkson's house by doing whatever means necessary to blow away Jezza's house for good after that bet from the first episode.
- PNP Director General Roland "Bato" Dela Rosa turned over the task of securing the New Bilibid Prison to a new set of Special Action Force units in Friday's ceremony. Dela Rosa said that 410 members of SAF have been rotated in to prevent the possibility of the elite police officers succumbing to bribe offers from inmates.
- The Armed Forces of the Philippines considered having a ceasefire between them and the Maute group to avoid further conflict. The AFP supports ongoing efforts to peacefully end the fighting between government forces and ISIS-inspired militants following President Duterte's statement that he would "befriend" the Maute group to prevent more conflict.
- The Department of Health will distribute condoms in schools nationwide as part of the effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS among the Filipino youth. According to Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, this trend in the Philippines should be averted and they are looking to distribute condoms not only in health facilities, but even in non-traditional outlets like school clinics. The DOH would work with the DepEd to implement the program on a test-run basis.
- US President-elect Donald Trump named retired US Marine Corps General James Mattis as his Defense Secretary. Mattis once led the Marines on an expedition in Afghanistan and led the battle in Fallujah during the Iraq War. In 2005, he was criticized for saying it's a lot of fun to kill everyone, whom he described as bad men, in Afghanistan.
- United Nations secretary Ban Ki-moon has apologized to the people of Haiti over their failed efforts to combat the cholera outbreak. Haiti has been dealing with this outbreak since the earthquake six years ago. 9,000 people have died so far.
- Meanwhile, UN human rights experts urged the international community to stop what it calls ethnic cleansing in South Sudan. The team released a statement on Thursday following a 10-day visit to the country last month. The statement said there is already a steady process of ethnic cleansing underway in most areas using starvation, gang rape, and the burning of villages.
- Russian leader Vladimir Putin welcomes close economic ties with Japan through joint projects and programs. Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address to parliament on Thursday. He spent most of his speech discussing domestic issues before turning to diplomacy. He stressed the growing importance of strengthening ties with Asian countries, even China and India.
- Rolls-Royce teases their upcoming SUV that is set to launched soon. The company's attempt to created a full-size SUV showcased its finalized design apart from the camouflage.
Teaser for Rolls-Royce's first SUV
- Kia is teasing their upcoming high-performance saloon with a test round the Nurburgring.
- Former NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon steps out from retirement to drive the new Cadillac endurance racer at the Rolex Daytona 24 Hour endurance race.
The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution to impose fresh sanctions against North Korea following their 5th nuclear test last September.
Since the test, UNSC members have engaged in talks on further sanctions, led by the US and China. The members unanimously approved the resolution on Wednesday. The resolution caps UN member countries' annual coal imports from North Korea at 7.5 million tons or 400 million dollars, bringing less than half the current amount. The sanctions also impose a ban on imports of minerals from North Korea.
Sources say that this sanction will drop North Korea's annual hard currency revenue by 800 million dollars or nearly 25%.
- One of the framers of the 1987 Constitution warned that the Duterte administration might have a bigger agenda for proposing a shift to federalism in the Philippines. Lawyer Christian Monsod said at a forum at the FEU, Makati City, last Tuesday, that federalism may be a Trojan horse for authoritarianism to suit the preferences of President Duterte.
- With Maria Serena Diokno resigned from the top post of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines following the Marcos burial, two other board members of the NHCP have resigned as well. Diokno said that aside from her, two other board members, Francis Gealogo and Filomeno Aguilar Jr., resigned after the unannounced burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on November 18.
- Following the foiled terror attempt at the US Embassy in Manila, the Philippines has been placed on Terror Alert Level 3. PNP Director General Roland Dela Rosa did not elaborate on what the raised alert level means but reminded the public to expect tighter security measures. Alert Level 3 means there's a strong chance of a terrorist attack and it was raised in 19 areas in the Philippines last year in response to reports that the Abu Sayyaf or the BIFF would stage attacks.
- Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that President Rodrigo Duterte's threat to kill human rights advocates is just a figure of speech and should not be taken seriously. In a speech on Monday, Duterte warned that human rights advocates are contributing to the country's drug problem.
- US President-Elect Donald Trump has filled the key economic posts for his administration. He named investor Wilbur Ross as commerce secretary and former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin as treasury secretary. Following the announcement, Trump said on Twitter that he will leave his business in total to focus on running the country.
- Colombian congress has approved a new peace agreement to end the more than half-century of fighting with the country's largest insurgent group. The lower house endered the deal, a day after the Senate did the same. However, the opposition boycotted the voting in both chambers. Over 200,000 people died during the 52-year civil war.
- The McLaren 570S sportscar has gained a new Track Pack option, which reduces 55lbs of weight as well as adding a special rear spoiler for added downforce.
McLaren 570S Track Pack
- Cadillac returns to endurance racing with a brand new prototype set to be unleashed by next year. Codenamed the DPi-V.R, made to address IMSA's DPi regulations, it will be powered by a 6.2L pushrod V8 which produces 600HP of power and the car weighs 2,050lbs. Wayne Taylor Racing and Action Express Racing will be running these new machines for next year's Rolex 24 at Daytona.
- The live-action Pokemon movie will be titled "Detective Pikachu" and will be directed by Rob Letterman while employing writers from Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and Disney's Gravity Falls.
