Let's Do The News! (January 19, 2017)

- Philippine negotiations and communist guerillas are set to resume peace talks at Rome on Thursday, with the Maoist insurgents warning that alleged government violation on human rights may prompt them to end a month long ceasefire. Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser to the talks, said the government have hopes about the resumption of the Norway-brokered negotiations in the Italian capital.

- The Department of Justice revealed that the Korean victim of "tohkand for ransom" was killed inside the Philippine National Police Headquarters in Camp Crame. Co-accused SP04 Roy Villegas said in his affidavit how the alleged mastermind SP03 Ricky Sta. Isabel executive businessman Jee Ick Joo at Camp Crame in October. Following this, the South Korean Embassy in Manila expressed concerned for over 90,000 Koreans living in the country.

- After receiving a letter from President Rodrigo Duterte, Pope Francis will bless the president, according to Jesus Dureza, the presidential peace adviser. In his Facebook post, Dureza shared that he was able to meet Pope Francis.

- The Philippine and Japanese governments have signed a program document to ensure cooperation on the treatment and rehabilitation of illegal drug users. The signatories were officials of member-agencies of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Establishment and Support of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRCs). The Japan International Cooperation Agency signed the program document for the CARE program in Malacanang last January 13th.

- The Iraqi government says its forces regained control of eastern Mosul, the largest stronghold of the Islamic State militant group. In this announcement, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the Iraqi forces achieved a major victory in their operations over the past few days.

- Two days before the inauguration, a wax sculpture of US President-elect Donald Trump has been unveiled in Washington. The Madam Tussauds museum unveiled the figure on Wednesday. Work began in London last June, when Trump essentially clinched the Republican Party nomination.

- Many people are feared dead after an avalanche hit a hotel in central Italy. The avalanche is believed to be triggered by numerous earthquakes that struck on Wednesday. Earthquakes of about magnitude five hit a mountainous village in the region.

- Audi returns to rallying with their new S1 EKS RX Quattro rally car set to compete at this season's FIA World Rallycross Championship. 

Audi S1 EKS RX Quattro

- Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, a show hosted by comedian Jerry Seinfeld, is moving to Netflix for a brand new season.

- In preparation for the launch of BIOHAZARD 7 -resident evil-, the first DLC episode was announced, titled "NOT A HERO", slated to be available this Spring 2017. Also, there will be two "banned footage" DLCs coming this year and it is covered via Season Pass sold separately or part of the Deluxe Edition.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: King of Rally Monsters

The Audi Sport Quattro S1 has been well-respected by many enthusiasts as the king of rally monsters because when this car took on Group B rallying, it racked up more WRC wins than any other rally car familiar by many.

From 1981 to 1985, from Hannu Mikkola to Walter Rohrl, the record of 23 WRC rally wins and two championship wins is clear benevolent factor that this legend is unstoppable in its own tracks until the end of Group B rally due to countless fatal accidents recorded in rally history.



With Forza Horizon 3 being a penchant for bringing rally cars on the open landscape, Festival-runners are free to explore the unmatched potential of this Group B rally king by any means necessary and as a matter of fact, spending lots of time driving this legendary rally monster is as enjoyable as a day-long binge watching of every VHS tapes featuring the very best of the Audi Sport Quattro's WRC career from start to finish.

Nothing like nostalgia best served hot and cold in a very reasonable manner and for anyone who has a delicate taste over classic rally machines, there's something worth as delicious as a gourmet school lunch.



With the car's bodykit preset locked and loaded, this 500HP monster has become even more potent on the dirt courses offered all over the Land Down Under, although the added weight is a small price to pay for a rally car with improved dynamics and further work needs to be done in order to bring out the best of this rally monster.

Care to see what's like to be with the legend?



Yeah, the one where the spoiler cut loose is a big whoopsie for me but it's been a honor to get to know about the Audi Sport Quattro S1, the legendary rally monster that teared down the woods during its rallying career.

Let's Do The News! (January 18, 2017)

- President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to meet governors on Thursday to discuss the country's drug problem a week after he confronted mayors believed to have ties with the narcotics trade. Duterte's meeting with the governors was scheduled at 2PM at the Palace's Heroes' Hall, a schedule provided by Malacanang to the media showed. Duterte once warned that he will declare martial law if the country's drug problem becomes virulent.

- Senator Allan Peter Cayetano said that he is "preparing for different jobs" as he is yet to receive a formal offer to join President Duterte's Cabinet. The president earlier said that Cayetano will head the Department of Foreign Affairs before Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. steps down to return to the United States.

- Sen. Grace Poe on Tuesday said she supports the government’s move to block websites that allegedly distribute child pornography Poe said users in the Philippines should be prevented from viewing pornographic sites.

- The Chinese government insisted that the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea is part of its inherent territory following a diplomatic note sent by the Philippines. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that the nation can peacefully resolving maritime disputes in the region through negotiation and consultation with concerned countries.

- 52 people have been killed in Nigeria in a mistaken air strike by the country's military. The bombing was part of the government's ongoing offensive against the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram.

- The incoming White House spokesperson says Donald Trump will use his presidential authority from his first day in office. Trump will be sworn this Friday as the nation's 45th President of the United States and in his first day at office, he will pull the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement as well as replacing and repealing Obamacare. Opinion polls show that Trump has scored the lowest ratings in four decades.

- The Ford Mustang has been given a minor change for the 2018 model year, featuring a new front face, new performance upgrades, new tech, and a brand new 10-speed automatic. The V6 variant is discontinued

- General Motors Europe unveiled the new Opel/Vauxhall Crossland X midsize crossover prior to its Geneva Motor Show debut this March. It is the second of the Opel/Vauxhall X-line of crossovers.

- The 2017 PriPara anime has been titled Idol Time Pripara, featuring three new protagonists, the return on Laala Manaka, a new setting, and a brand new story. Meet Yui Yumekawa, Nino Nijiiro, and Michiru Koda in  the brand new show airing this April.

TTFN!!!

Gyakuten Saiban Series Best Selection ~ Naruhodou-hen and Odoroki-hen

Gyakuten Saiban Series Best Selection
Naruhodou-hen

Gyakuten Saiban Series Best Selection
Odoroki-hen

Last year, CAPCOM's Gyakuten Saiban (Ace Attorney) franchise celebrated its 15th anniversary with the TV anime series last spring and the long-awaited Gyakuten Saiban 6 (Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice) installment on the 3DS last summer. As the celebration comes to a near closure, CAPCOM's Suleputer music label reopened the evidence room for you to listen the very best tunes from the Gyakuten Saiban series.

The Naruhodou-hen of the Best Selection highlights the very best of Ryuichi Naruhodou (Phoenix Wright) from his first turnabout, being together with Mayoi Ayasato (Maya Fey) case after case, and stiff courtroom rivalry from the likes of Reiji Mitsurugi (Miles Edgeworth), Mei Karuma (Franziska Von Karma), Godot, among many others during his rise, his fall, and his rebirth as the defense attorney everyone loves. The Odoroki-hen, meanwhile, highlights the best of the young defense attorney Housuke Odoroki (Apollo Justice), from tagging along with Minuki (Trucy) case by case, and strong rivalry against other defendants in his career, not to mention a little help with Kokone Kitsuki (Athena Cykes) as well.

Each version features the best tunes from the series from the first to the very latest installment. There's even a bonus track that sounds very new for the fans as well.

CAPCOM is very happy to thank everyone to celebrate 15 years of the Gyakuten Saiban (Ace Attorney) franchise and they can look forward for more cases ever turned about in this hit franchise where the difference between innocence and guilt is an objection away. OBJECTION!

Let's Do The News! (January 17, 2017)

- Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr, stresses that the military cooperation between the Philippines and Russia is unlikely to happen.

- Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano wants the newly instated commander of Westmincom to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf group within half a year. Ano issued his order to Major General Carlito Galvez whom he installed as Westmincom chief to replace Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, who recently assumed as the inspector general of the AFP.

- Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III was forced to suspend plenary session on Tuesday afternoon following a heated debate between Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri. The two senators lashed each other following a debate on which panel will investigate the bribery scandal case in the Bureau of Immigration.

- The suspect behind the nightclub attack at Istanbul, Turkey, during the New Year celebration has been arrested by the police. Reports told that the man was captured in Istanbul on Monday night at the home of a friend, who is of Kyrgyz descent. That followed Friday's arrest of two ethnic Uygur men on suspicion of aiding the deadly nightclub attack.

- As the countdown of the inauguration of Donald Trump draws near, outgoing US President Barack Obama issues warning over the Iran nuclear deal that Trump plans to scrap it. Obama stressed the significance of the deal in his statement. Outgoing VP, Joe Biden, meanwhile, said the international community must continue to stand up against Russian coercion and aggression following his meeting with Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko in Kiev on Monday to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. In Trump's scenario, the plan to replace the Affordable Healthcare Act or Obamacare is nearing its completion.

- Reports told that UK Prime Minister Theresa May will seek a full withdrawal from the European Union. May is scheduled to deliver a speech on Tuesday laying out her government's plans for the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.

- The BMW 4-Series range has been given a minor change for the 2018 model year, with new LED headlights, new rear lamps, upgraded interior features, and more.

2018 BMW 4-Series

- Valtteri Bottas will be joining alongside Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes-AMG team for the Formula One 2017 season, replacing last year's world champion Nico Rosberg.

- The mayor of Madrid, Spain, wants all private cars to be banned from driving the Spanish capital by the time she leaves office in May 2019. The effort is part of a plan to fight the city's rising pollution, which also includes a ban of all diesels by 2025.

TTFN!!!

Third-generation Kia Morning/Picanto

Kia Motors starts the year 2017 with a brand new car and this is none other than the all-new, third-generation, Kia Morning (Picanto) compact hatchback, and because this is an all-new model that succeeds where the previous less-adored generations left off with new stuff that will take lots of time to learn more from this full model change. So, let's find out what's what about the all-new Morning.

2017 Kia Morning

2017 Kia Morning

Focusing on the exterior, the new model's design sees a much better improvement compared to the previous model. When I said improvement, look closely at the new exterior design. It feels like it came from the latest K5 judging from a sharper take on Kia's signature Tiger Nose grille as well as the headlamps look very similar to the K5 as well. As for the back, it's very reminiscent of the Hyundai Accent, although it's even sharper to look at compared to the previous model. As a result, the new Morning's design promises to be something special for the customers, although what this car does is yet to be felt.

2017 Kia Morning interior

Inside, it still remains skeptical hidden beneath its exciting design. Even if you are toying around with the new tech with smartphone connectivity, climate control, new instrumental cluster, sporty interior coordinates, and much more of what this new car can offer, especially with its five-seater capability and added space for some usual shenanigans, you are still wondering what will this new car be hidden beneath its exciting new design, unless if you can go deeper to find out.

2017 Kia Morning

If you can go deeper through this car, the all-new Morning sees a much major improvement compared to the last model. The body is now 44% made out of a super high strength steel plate with 67m of structural adhesive for the car's body as well. Not only it feels slightly lighter than the previous model but it is more durable and more robust than the previous model, making this foundation a much stronger base in an event of a collision.

Apart from the more durable bodywork, the Morning is powered by the brand new 1.0L Eco Prime Kappa 3-cylinder engine with the firsts from this category such as cooled EGR, OVC on the CVVT, and separate cooling flow stop valves. With these new engine features, it produces 76PS of power and class-leading 15.4km/L of fuel economy (or perhaps higher or lower depending on the variant). It can be mated with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The new Morning comes with the category's first features such as Torque Vectoring Brake Based system, which transfers the power to the outer wheel while braking for better handling, Straight Line Stability, which controls the unstable phenomenon of leaning to the left or right when braking in the event of braking on the straights, Vehicle Stability Management +, and Autonomous Emergency Brake, With numerous active and passive safety features offered, the new Morning is all about being prepared in the case of the inevitable.

With prices starting at 10,750,000 Korean Won (P460,000/$9,300), it still is one of the most affordable cars ever offered in South Korea, although some small price to pay for delivery charges and optional extras you are gunning for. Still, with the robust backbone, a more efficient petrol engine, and some new tech, the new Morning really is a compact car that can really ring in the new year with a bit of pop rather than a bang. Yep, Kia really is starting a New Year with pop with the arrival of the Morning's full model change.

Available colors: Crystal White (Black/Metal), Crystal White (Lime Point), Milky Beige (Black/Metal), Milky Beige (Red Point), Aurora Black Pearl (Metal Point), Aurora Black Pearl (Red Point), Sparkling Silver, Shiny Red, Titanium Silver, and Aries Blue.

Photo: Kia Motors

Forza Horizon 3: Tricolore ~ Cante II

Not too long ago, the Holy Trinity of the Italian Supercar hierarchy dished each other to see which is the best. From the Ferrari F12berlinetta, Lamborghini Aventador, to the Pagani Huayra, the clear winner by a complete surprise is a turbocharged V12-powered Pagani Huayra, knowing that Modena's finest can really topple against the establishments. However, the fight between those three is far from over because they are flexing their muscles for more and now, the more powerful versions have arrived for a rematch.

Here they are, the more powerful versions of the three Italian V12 kings; the Pagani Huayra BC, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV, and the Ferrari F12tdf. With all the added firepower in the mix, deciding which of these three is the king will be similarly different from the last time when the normal three V12 machines fought against each other like Roman gladiators.

First, let's start with the Ferrari F12tdf, which is the most powerful of the three. For starters, the tdf name was derived from the legendary Tour de France endurance road race that Ferrari ruled in the 50's and 60's with the 250 GT Berlinetta which won four consecutive editions in a row. With 799 units ever made and sold, this special F12berlinetta features an upgraded version of the same 6.3L V12 engine from the normal F12berlinetta, producing 780PS of power, and when mated to a 7-speed Formula 1 gearbox, it can go from 0 to 100kph in 2.9 seconds and top speed of over 340kph. Apart from the added power, Ferrari reworked on the aerodynamics and the handling to make it more track-focused and more aggressive on the bends. It lapped the Fiorano test track  in 1 minute and 21 seconds, faster than the normal F12.

The Aventador LP750-4 SV, meanwhile, may have 30PS less than the F12tdf, as well as sticking with the 7-speed ISR gearbox rather than double clutches as seen on the Huracan, but with its improved power-to-weight ratio courtesy of its improved dynamics and weight loss (not to mention the removal of the sat-nav) resulted to a 0-100kph time of 2.8 seconds and over 350kph of top speed.

The Pagani Huayra BC's turbocharged 6.0L V12 engine may have the similar power output as the Lamborghini Aventador SV's as well as the same seven-speed automatic gearbox setting but this car is the lightest of the three, with 1,218kg of dry weight, 132kg less than the normal Huayra, courtesy of its new type of carbon fiber that is lighter and slightly stronger than a regular carbon fiber. This extreme version of the Huayra is surely a odd-defying beast that can unleash a typhoon at a mighty swing of a fan.

If you recall a quick comparison a while back at a certain street racing route in the Outback, the Huayra lapped quicker than both the established supercars from Ferrari and Lamborghini. Now, let's find out if the hardcore versions are any better than last time...

And now the results...
2015 Ferrari F12tdf - 2:25.979
2016 Lamborghini Aventador SV - 2:22.075
2016 Pagani Huayra BC - 2:17:337

Once again, the lone gladiator from Modena has toppled against the establishment even with a new set of twists in store for them and the Huayra BC remains the undisputed winner of the three. So, Pagani may have won the battle but the war goes on because pretty soon, the three kings of Italian supercar hierarchy will be showing their upgraded versions of their normal V12 machines of their lineup and they're going to be as good as...other cars can get.

In the meantime, let's give these three a chance to get their wow factor on the Horizon Festival around Down Under because after their long, grueling, battle, they now have the free time to let loose of their hidden talents and potential as cars and since they're having a leisure trip on Aussie roads, it would be the ideal time for these three to get some "extra service."







The F12tdf will be sporting a design heavily inspired from THE IDOLM@STER's Makoto Kikuchi, although the design layout is very similar to the one I made a while back, while the Aventador SV will be wearing a design similar to the Ad Personam personalization done by the Lamborghini Newport Beach dealership, which is very cool, and the Pagani BC wants to cloak itself with some specialized square camouflage.

Anyway, with their respective designs all set to go, the three V12 kings, recharged, are off to see how they perform when faced against different strangers of all kinds...



Although the age of V12 engines will come to an end someday, the rivalry between the three Italian supercar greats will keep on burning for many generations to come as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani, no matter which path they'll be going, will keep on fighting until the very end. They may not be forever, but their rivalry between these three will surely becoming one of the automotive greats in history.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Fifth hearing of the President Park impeachment case

South Korea's Constitutional Court is holding the fifth hearing of the President Park Geun-hye impeachment case.

President Park's longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil appeared in court as witness, which is the first time the country has had a chance to hear Choi's side of the story in her own words, and not her lawyer's. Choi did acknowledge that she had been to the presidential office for personal reasons but didn't elaborate further as to how frequently she visited. Choi has also denied knowing Kim Ki-choon, the President's longest-serving chief of staff and one of several former presidential aides who are suspected of influence-peddling.

 Meanwhile, acting president and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn met with South Korea's ambassadors to the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and the United Nations today. At the meeting, Hwang said the recent challenges surrounding the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia are very difficult, and underscored the rising North Korean threats. The discussions centered around concerns about the diplomatic vacuum in South Korea, due to the political unrest. Also, tensions with China and Japan, due to the THAAD, and the recent installation of a comfort woman statue, respectively, were given spotlight.

Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se is expected to discuss these issues and ways to implement the major diplomatic tasks of the year at a separate meeting with the key ambassadors.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (January 16, 2017)

- A party-list lawmaker decided not to implement the controversial "vanity tax" on cosmetic products and beauty services following backlash from netizens. Last week, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe proposed the imposition of 10-to-30 percent vanity tax on cosmetic products and beauty services as an alternative to the VAT implemented on gasoline.

- The first Philippine eagle, Pag-asa, turned 25 years old yesterday. Pag-asa is the first to be produced under the captive breeding program of the non-profit Philippine Eagle Foundation through the combined artificial and natural incubation technique taught by the World Center for Birds of Prey. In 1995, it replaced the maya as the national animal of the Philippines under President Fidel V. Ramos' decision.

- The Catholic Church reiterated their stance against the legalization of divorce in the Philippines suding the feast of Sto. Nino or Child Jesus yesterday. Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo warned that divorce would destroy the foundation of families and that children would be the ones to suffer most.

- As the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump draws near, a growing number of Democratic lawmakers who will boycott Trump's inauguration following the Martin Luther King weekend spat between him and Congressman John Lewis that the Trump team tried to tamp down on Sunday. VP-elect Mike Pence and Reince Priebus expressed disappointment in the Georgia congressman's remarks on Trump's legitimacy.

- Meanwhile, Donald Trump said that he will lift sanctions against Russia in exchange for a nuclear arms reduction deal with Vladimir Putin. Trump said he wanted both the world superpowers' nuclear arsenal to be "reduced very substantially."

- Following the resignation of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, UK's Northern Ireland minister is set to call an early election in the province on Monday. McGuinness stood down in protest at First Minister Arlene Foster's handling of a controversial green-energy scheme, risking political paralysis in the region as Britain plans to leave the European Union. Secretary of State James BRokenshire will be obliged to dissolve the assembly if the Sinn Fein party fails to name a replacement within the 1700 hour deadline.

- Comedian and Late Late Show presenter James Corden will be joining the cast of the upcoming Ocean's Eight film.

- American pop star group Fifth Harmony will be officially performing in Manila on the 5th of April, 2017, part of their 7/27 Tour. Their Philippine leg of their tour will be at the SM MOA Arena on the said date.

TTFN!!!

The Grand Tour - Episode 10

The Grand Tour Episode 10

The tenth episode of Amazon's original motoring show, The Grand Tour, sees the trio coming up with an idea to submerged a scrapped car body under the sea in order to become a new home for the fishes, having drawn inspiration from a certain move done by a certain nation to submerged an old ship to make a new home for fisheries due to the ocean's coral shortage because of the so-called global warming.

With the tropical island of Barbados is the main stage for this experiment, the gang are pulling the stops to turn the scrapped metal into a new aquarium for the fishes. Sadly, the only thing they done so far are messing up the popular vacation spot for tourists. Still, after several ruckus later, as well as having four scrapped cars gone to complete waste, the scrapped Land Rover body managed to be submerged successfully, accomplishing their so-called environmental mission.

Before that, Jeremy Clarkson goes to Wales to try out the brand new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde sports saloon and then took it for a spin round the Eboladrome. Then, AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson is the latest casualty of the show's Celebrity Braincrash segment.

Bubble Gang - January 13, 2017 #BGBagongMaid

In the January 13, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Kasambahay gags

- The vocabulary of boys and girls are examined

- Mas Pinabonggang Sumbong Sumbong Kay Bonggang Bongbong takes on people livestreaming themselves while covering their faces, people reading posts about their favorite celebs and then add greetings, and people taking pics and vids during an emergency situation.

- Men fighting with words

- Hugot lines in magic shows

- Today's Patikim Ni Kim recipe is banana split.

- A movie with a dog slaughtered on it was explained...

- The warrior enters the cafe

- Basa-Basa Pik!

The Honda Civic returns in Japan this summer

In a surprise twist at the recent 2017 Tokyo Auto Salon, Honda announced that the tenth-generation Honda Civic will be available in Japan this summer, marking its return in its home market after its seven-year absence.

We knew this is coming since Honda didn't got the previous model, although the current FK2 Civic Type R was the only ninth-generation Civic sold in Japan since 2015.

The Civic will be offered in sedan, hatchback, and the upcoming high-performance Type R model. The sedan will be made in Japan while the hatchback and Type R will be made in England. The sedan and the hatchback will be powered by a 1.5L VTEC TURBO petrol engine.

The tenth-generation Civic was launched in the USA since late 2015 and then the rest of the world a year later. Japan may have been late to the party but it's great to have the Civic back to where it truly belonged.

URL: http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2017/4170113.html

Things we learned from the Nintendo Switch presentation

Nintendo Switch

When Nintendo announced the Switch last fall, the video game community rejoiced to the latest offering from the Japanese video game giant with new ways to play with Nintendo's next-generation console that can be either a home console, a hand-held, and both, giving them the best of both worlds. 

People who can't wait to be "switched" are still skeptical about what the Switch can do while there are some questions are yet to be answered until the recent presentation reveals...almost everything we need to know about the Switch.

First off, Nintendo announced that the Switch will be launched globally on the 3rd of March, 2017. In Japan, it will be priced at 29,980 JPY, while in the US, it will be priced at 299.99 US Dollars, meaning it is more expensive than the old Wii U and it's similarly priced between the XBOX One and the PS4. What we have here is a stalemate of next-gen consoles offered in the market.

One of the real kickers behind the Switch is that the new console will not have Region Locking at all. I repeat, NO REGION LOCKING IMPLEMENTED. That sounds great news to us and regardless of where you bought that game elsewhere, the Switch plays it all, no matter the region is.

There are three ways to play with the Switch, as demonstrated since the announcement video last year. First, the TV mode, where you can play the Switch traditionally on TV. Then, there's the handheld mode where you can turn the Switch from a home console to a handheld console that you can take it anytime, anywhere. And lastly, the tabletop mode. With three ways to enjoy the Switch, this is the gaming freedom the fans are waiting for. You can even charge it with a USB cable as well. It also works with amiibo figures as well.

The launch game for the new Switch is 1-2-Switch, a fun variety game that makes full use of the JoyCon's capabilities. Later, it will be joined with the brand new fighting game ARMS, Splatoon 2, Super Mario Odyssey, and many others as seen in the presentation. Annoyingly, no sign of Smash for the time being.

In the fall of 2017, Nintendo will offer a paid online service on the Switch and what does that mean? Looks like you are going to need a paid subscription to enjoy multiplayer games, giving more reasons why your wallet's not safe from paid online services on those next-gen consoles.

Anyway, after viewing the presentation, let's take note that the Switch is available worldwide starting at the third of March, 2017. Looks like this year will be a great one for Nintendo...whatever that is.

Let's Do The News! (January 13, 2017)

- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took breakfast at President Rodrigo Duterte's home in Davao on the second and the last day of his Philippine visit. Over the course of Abe's Philippine visit, he pledges 8.7 billion dollars worth of business opportunities, private investments, speedboats, and counterterrorism equipment to the Philippines.

- Following the harsh stance posed by former ExxonMobil CEO and Trump's Secretary-of-State pick Rex Tillerson over the South China Sea dispute, the Chinese government reminded the US to reject the "Cold War" mentality, seek partnerships instead of alliances, and respect the ASEAN agreement on South China Sea.

- Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. has relayed to the Indian embassy that the government will strictly enforce President Duterte's policy to end the so-called "5-6" lending scheme practiced by Indian nationals, purportedly to protect the people from unscrupulous activity. Yasay said he told Ramakrishnan Narayana, charge d'affaires of the Indian embassy, as the first vin d'honneur of the President in Malacanang Wednesday that ending this lending scheme is part of addressing domestic problems.

- Thousands of US ground troops have arrived in Poland to serve as a deterrent in Eastern Europe following the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. US and Polish soldiers attended a welcome ceremony at an army base in the western town of Zagan on Thursday. Roughly 3,500 US Army troops began entering Poland last week with armored vehicles and more than 80 tanks.

- Japanese and Russian ministers have agreed to come up with a timeframe around the end of March to implement energy deals signed during President Vladimir Putin's Japanese visit last month. The agreement came in a meeting between Hiroshige Seko, the Japanese Minister for Economic Cooperation with Russia, and Alexander Novak, the Russian Energy Minister, on Thursday. Governments and companies from both countries signed 80 agreement documents based on an economic cooperation plan presented by Tokyo, focusing on energy deals, including gas and nuclear power.

- Takata reportedly agree to the one billion dollar settlement on Friday and expected to include a guilty plea to wire fraud. The fine will include 25 million dollars for a criminal penalty, 125 million dollars to victims of the faulty air bags, and 850 million dollars to automakers affected by the airbags.

- Since New Year's Eve 2016, the popular boy band SMAP broke up after their successive careers and just as last week, they've sent farewell messages to fans. Find out here.

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Fourth hearing on the President Park impeachment case

The fourth hearing of the impeachment case of South Korean president Park Geun-hye held earlier today.

Former president as well as a current reporter of a local daily Segye Ilbo, both testified about how the daily were able to obtain documents that detailed the ties between Chung Yoon-hoi, the ex-husband of Choi Soon-sil, and senior presidential officials that led it to run an exclusive report in late 2014.

The daily said it was subject to tax audits and search and seizure raids after the report was published and that the Park administration had ordered the actions.

Meanwhile, a former member of a special investigative team that looked into the Sewol tragedy said based on his ten-year experience working for the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae, the top office can promptly deliver emergency situations to the president's secretaries.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (January 12, 2017)

- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has arrived in Manila for a two-day official visit in the Philippines. Abe landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 around 2:50 PM local time aboard a Japanese Air Force plane from Tokyo. For his visit, Abe is expected to renew Japan ties with the country by meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and business groups in Manila and Davao City.

- China has reassured its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the region but stressed its "indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their adjacent waters," part of which Manila claims and calls the West Philippine Sea. The State Council Information Office's policy paper released to media said that "has always been committed to resolving disputes peacefully through negotiation and consultation, managing disputes by setting rules and establishing mechanisms, realizing mutually beneficial outcomes through cooperation for mutual benefit, and upholding peace and stability as well as freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea."

- ExxonMobil CEO and US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary-of-state, Rex Tillerson,  wants aggressive stance against China's island-building activities in the South China Sea. In his confirmation hearing, Tillerson likened China's activities in the South China Sea to Russia's annexation of Crimea.

- US President-elect Donald Trump held his first press conference since July 2015 at the Trump Tower, stressing his administration's mission to correct trade imbalances with other countries and put priority on national interests. He called the country's trade deals a disaster, praised companies, cooperate with Russia, and blaming Democrats. He, as always, denies the recent reports about his sexual activity during his Russian visit. Moments ago, reports told that the Russians have embarrassing personal and financial information about Trump. The media reports say the document in question contains a claim that Russian operatives may have obtained information about Trump.

- US authorities have charged two relatives of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon with attempted bribery. Judicial officials in New York said that they inducted an executive of a South Korean construction firm and his son, a real estate dealer based in New York. The executive is Ban's younger brother. The two are suspected of trying offer 2.5 million dollars to a Middle Eastern official as part of their effort to sell a high-rise building in Vietnam to a Middle Eastern investment funds for 800 million dollars.

- A Japanese broadcaster found an unreleased audio tape of an interview with the late novelist Yukio Mishima. The interview was apparently recorded in February 1970, nine months before the novelist committed ritual suicide in a Self-Defense Force building in Tokyo. He was 45.

- Jaguar's F-Type range has been given a minor change for the 2018 model year, featuring a revised design, new infotainment system, and the world's first ReRun app that combines vehicle data with GoPro video to enhance the driving experience. A special edition 400 SPORT was announced, equipped with a 400PS 3.0L supercharged V6 engine and special extras.

2018 Jaguar F-Type

- The second addition to Phat!'s THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls anime DVD and Blu-ray cover figure range, Kirari Moroboshi and Anzu Futaba, has arrived. Two girls, one figure. What more can you expect? It's now available to order starting at 17,800 Yen plus tax and deliveries will commence this July.

Phat! THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls
Kirari Moroboshi and Anzu Futaba

- Bailey May will portray the role of Daniel Padilla in an upcoming episode of ABS-CBN's Maalaala Mo Kaya.

TTFN!!!

Third-Generation Toyota Vitz (2017 minor change) and Vitz Hybrid

2017 Toyota Vitz

So, the current-generation Toyota Vitz has been around since December 2010 and while the sharper looks captures most baby boomers and millennials alike, its driving can be somewhat "regular". It's been on the block for about seven years and for the second time, the third-generation Vitz has been given a minor change for the 2017 model year.

2017 Toyota Vitz

2017 Toyota Vitz interior

For the 2017 minor change, the Vitz now features a brand new exterior design that keeps it edgier than the previous facelift. First, there's a new, sleeker, front nose that makes it very sleek for a compact hatchback made for baby boomers and millennials alike, and then the rear view has been drastically altered to resemble more of its big brother, the Auris. Although not much has changed on the interior, the lineup is what gets you noticed. You still have a choice of either a 1.0L or a 1.3L 1NR-FKE engine mated with a Super CVT-i gearbox but there's bad news for speedo boys in the world; the RS variant has been sadly deleted from the lineup, which is very disappointing for the speedo boys despite hearing the news that the Vitz will be ready for the World Rally Championship for the first time after 18 years. Sure is sad to see the hotter Vitz go away for the 2017 model year but there's one major addition in the 2017 Vitz range that will get you noticed also and let's cut to the chase; there's a hybrid variant.

You heard it right. There's now a hybrid variant on the Vitz and while it can be questionable to sell it alongside its relative, the Aqua, because both of them are hybrid compacts, it's undeniable proof that no car in Japan is safe from being turned into a hybrid. That's political climate for you. Anyway, the hybrid variant features a 1.5L 1NZ-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery, which Toyota keeps on using it on their hybrids rather than the Li-ion batteries most carmakers are using right now. Taking advantage of the THS II and the CVT mated on it, the Vitz Hybrid produces a total power output of 100PS and fuel efficiency of 34.4km/L. In general, that's about 2.6km/L less than the Aqua relative.

Although it isn't as enjoyable as the Vitz you are familiar with seven years ago, its compact sizing makes it good for a daily driver for work and play. The 4.5m turning radius makes it easier to park and easier to get in and out in the narrowest of situations. As for safety, the Vitz offers the Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function.

2017 Toyota Vitz

The Vitz Hybrid starts at 1,819,800 Japanese Yen while the regular Vitz lineup starts at 1,181,520 Yen. Needless to say, while the new exterior design is a major improvement for the aging third-generation Vitz, the fun factor as a compact is already gone and in return, it's still a regular compact with regular tastes that is somewhat too normal for its own kind and with the addition of the hybrid variant, resistance is futile because as Japan keeps on selling more and more hybrids, the definition of "fun" will soon be wiped out from their vocabulary and who can blame them?

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Emperor Akihito announces his abdication at the start of 2019

Japanese Emperor Akihito is set to be abdicated an allow his eldest son to take over his throne at the start of the year 2019, according to reports.

Akihito, aged 83, who succeed from his father Hirohito, who passed away in 1989, hinted last summer that he wants to retire, as his ailing health conditions made him difficult to take his duties.

The Japanese government is making preparations for the nation's first abdication for two centuries as the possibility of the Crown Prince Naruhito taking over is very likely, according to reports. 

The last abdication took place in 1817 when Kokaku announced his abdication and let his son Ninku take over his throne.

Report: http://www.newsweek.com/japanese-emperor-akihito-abdicate-new-year-2019-reports-541490

Extra Service

ABS-CBN's Star Cinema starts the year 2017 with a bang as the first offering of the year is a hilarious spy flick featuring the hottest celebs in showbiz as Extra Service locks their crosshairs to the cinemagoers and shoot them with their blend of wit, humor, and hotness this action-comedy flick can offer.

Extra Service

Extra Service is about three women named Aw (Arci Munoz), Em (Coleen Garcia) and Gee (Jessy Mendiola) as they're starting their new lives as your basic masseurs but behind their daily lives as masseurs, they're a trio of spies who are on a mission to reclaim a valuable treasure in exchange for their freedom. Sure is a challenging attempt for the ladies but how hard can it be?

In addition to the actresses starred in this flick, we can expect other celebs like Enzo Pineda, Ejay Falcon, Vin Abrenica, and Carmi Martin, among many others.

As a comedy flick, this movie fails to gut the viewers with their own brand of jokes because some say, it's a bit bland and very corny to laugh on their misfits. As a action flick, meanwhile, it doesn't pack some thrills until it hits the right spot where things starting to unfold to deliver the "extra service" this film deserves. So, it's not quite funny nor thrilling as any other action comedies had but what does this film loaded with is the sex appeal and seeing the stars dishing out their brand of hotness really wants to get your butt kicked by this film, get choked to unconsciousness, or get your bones break, whichever this film throws at you.

Extra Service may not be funny or thrilling but the sexual sensation of this film really stimulates your senses into beating yourself up right through the very end of this flick.

My rating: 2.6 out of 5

THE IDOLM@STER LIVE THE@TER FORWARD 02 BlueMoon Harmony

THE IDOLM@STER LIVE THE@TER FORWARD 02
BlueMoon Harmony

The second installment of THE IDOLM@STER LIVE THE@TER FORWARD trilogy of CDs now highlights on the BlueMoon Harmony gals of the 765 MILLION STARS from THE IDOLM@STER Million Live mobile game.

For this installment, fans got their ears on the next batch of their favorite Million Live idols such as Reika Kitakami (CV: Emi Hirayama), Karen Shinomiya (CV: Yui Kondou), Julia (CV: Aimi), Sayoko Takayama (CV: Yuri Komagata), Tomoka Tenkubashi (CV: Kotori Koiwai), Megumi Tokoro (CV: Yukiyo Fujii), Subaru Nagayoshi (CV: Yuka Saito), Yuriko Nanao (CV: Miku Ito), Chizuru Nikaido (CV: Kanako Nomura), Ayumu Maihama (CV: Megumi Toda), Mizuki Makabe (CV: Rika Abe), and Shizuka Mogami (CV: Azusa Tadokoro). In here, fans are greeted with five brand new songs and six brand new audio drama parts focusing on BlueMoon Harmony team and its sub-units Sagittarius, Pisces, Virgo, and Aquarius. Need to expect more?

Be sure to pick up the Sunshine Rhythm installment of the LIVE THE@TER FORWARD trilogy CDs and brace yourselves for the upcoming Starlight Melody installment, coming this February. There are more reasons why you should come back for more at THE IDOLM@STER Million Live.

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 ドラマ1「開演のご挨拶」

02 Raise the FLAG

03 ドラマ2「MC01～その頃舞台裏では」

04 P.S I Love You

05 ドラマ3「MC02～その頃舞台裏では」

06 プリムラ

07 ドラマ4「MC03～その頃舞台裏では」

08 待ちぼうけのLacrima

09 ドラマ5「MC04～その頃舞台裏では」

10 brave HARMONY

11 ドラマ6「終演後～その頃舞台裏では」

Let's Do The News! (January 11, 2017)

- President Rodrigo Duterte sworn in over 200 appointees to various government posts, stressing his fight against corruption. It was the first speech he made after his weeklong hiatus and the President reminded the new officials to cooperate and render the kind of service Filipinos deserve.

- Secretary Gina Lopez and three other officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are facing criminal and administrative charges from a consumer group over an allegedly anomalous purchase of air quality monitoring equipment. In a nine-page complaint filed yesterday, the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters accused Lopez of inaction for not launching any investigation on what it called an anomalous purchase of equipment by the DENR's Environmental Management Bureau-Air Quality Monitoring System.

- President Duterte sent an official invitation to US President-Elect Donald Trump for the ASEAN summit to be held in the Philippines in November, President Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Trump hasn't confirmed his visit to the Philippines for the summit.

- Filipino netizens draw flak against the proposed imposition of a 10-to-30 percent excise tax on cosmetic products and beauty services as an alternative to imposing additional tax on fuel products. A certain partylist representative proposed the "vanity tax" that will also be imposed on services such as liposuction, facelift, nose job, and breast augmentation and it would be better to impose it on those who want to look good, which, he said is a luxury.

- US President Barack Obama delivered his final and emotional speech of the nation in Chicago, Illinois before next week's inauguration of Donald Trump. Obama urged all Americans to stand up for US values and reject discrimination as the country transitions to the presidency of Republican Donald Trump. Obama plans to stay in Washington for the next two years while his younger daughter, Sasha, finishes high school. The president wants to give Trump the same space that his predecessor, Republican President George W. Bush, gave Obama after leaving office by not maintaining a high profile.

- Iran's political leadership has bid farewell to former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani at his state funeral in Tehran. Attendants at the funeral on Tuesday included supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani.

- A US jury recommended the death penalty of a white male charged with killing nine black people at a church in South Carolina last June. Dylann Roof faces 33 charges, including hate crimes, over the shootings in Charleston. Last month, the same jury convicted him of all the charges. They jury gave the verdict after deliberations on Tuesday on whether to sentence the man to death or not.

- FIFA says the 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams, 16 more than at present. The council unanimously approved the expansion in a meeting in Zurich on Tuesday. This is the first time in 28 years the World Cup finals will be expanded. The 2018 World Cup will take place in Russia in the summer of 2018.

- A new trailer for the upcoming Disney-Pixar's Cars 3 has arrived and looks like Lightning McQueen's not giving up without a fight, especially he has a fierce opposition against a more modern rival, Jackson Storm. With the help of his new trainer, Cruz Ramirez, can Lightning McQueen strike back in the race? Find out this Summer 2017.

- 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of everyone's favorite virtual idol, Hatsune Miku, and something big is happening to celebrate the occasion.

TTFN!!!

Stars of the 2017 NAIAS

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2017 North American International Auto Show, going on now until the 22nd of January, 2017, will be the show's last outing before the incoming Trump administration that will dramatically shift the automotive sector in the United States. Thanks to the sudden rise of the controversial US President-elect Donald Trump and his tortured metaphors that changed the world for the next four years, it's assuming that car companies will go big (or go home) in the United States. during his term.

Ford, for instance, say that they will cancel building a new plant in Mexico, which Mr. Trump strongly opposes, and instead invest in building electric vehicles at their Flat Rock Assembly Plant. In addition of announcing that they will build hybrid versions of the Mustang and F-150, they also announce the return of the Ranger pick-up and the Bronco SUV in 2020. FCA, meanwhile, they would invest a billion dollars in manufacturing plants in Ohio and Michigan for new SUVs. Then Japanese car companies are planning big on the US car market. Honda launched a US-made minivan with the company's first 10-speed gearbox while Toyota launched a new-generation midsize saloon and promised over ten billion dollars to be invested in the US market in the next five years.

Anyway, while this is all in the name of Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign, let's take a look on the stars of this year's show before giving way to the administration that we're in for a rollercoaster ride...

2017 Audi A5 Convertible
2017 Audi S5 Convertible
2018 Audi SQ5
2017 BMW 5-Series
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
2018 Ford F-150 Minor Change
2018 GMC Terrain
2018 Lexus LS
2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Minor Change
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Minor Change
2018 VW Tiguan Allspace
2017 Audi Q8 Concept
2017 Infiniti QX50 Concept
2018 Porsche 911 GTS
2017 Rinspeed Oasis Concept
2017 Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Concept
2017 VW ID Buzz concept

...and more.

URL: http://www.carscoops.com/2016/12/2017-detroit-auto-shows-z-debut-guide.html

Citroen C-Elysee (2017 minor change)

Back when Citroen decided to sell the C-Elysee compact saloon in Europe following its success in developing markets, including the People's Republic of China, the French car company wanted to make sure that their most affordable four-door saloon tries to cut off against the likes of other low budget saloons in Europe such as the Skoda Rapid, Seat Toledo, or even the Fiat Tipo. Sadly, its regular looks never seem to please motorists as well as its regular driving characteristics. Now, Citroen revised the low-cost saloon for the 2017 model year to cope up with its regularity.

2017 Citroen C-Elysee

2017 Citroen C-Elysee interior

No time to talk because let's see what the recent minor change has done to the low-cost Citroen C-Elysee saloon and how can this new model can keep up with its "regular" characteristics as expected for first-time buyers. First up, the exterior has been revised with the new, broader radiator grill and chrome-plated chevrons that works well with the new headlamps as well as the new LED lighting strip on top of the fog lamps while the rear view has been mildly revised.

The interior has been revised and now features a new 7-inch touchscreen interface with smartphone connectivity that makes full use of its newly found Apple Carplay, MirrorLink, and Android Auto compatibility so your smartphone can feel connected with the new C-Elysee. That all sounds lovely to toy around with but in terms of comfort, it still remains the same as well as its 506-litre boot space for your recent garage sale stuff.

As always, the C-Elysee is still powered by a choice of either a 1.2L petrol engine producing 82PS of power and 1.6L BlueHDi diesel engine producing 100PS of power, both mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The new C-Elysee starts at 13,750 Euros, about three hundred more than the previous model but it's still on the same price bracket as the Skoda Rapid, Seat Toledo, or even the Fiat Tipo. It maybe vale for money but you have to be wise enough not to mess this low-cost saloon from the ground up.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen