Mini Countryman (F60)

Once the Mini I am not very interested to have one not just for its hunk of sizing and the fact that Mini is becoming one with the crossover craze but for some backstories I only know about, the Countryman has underwent a full model change and it's now the biggest Mini ever offered, quite an irony demonstrated here, but as the name suggests, it was still made for the countrymen who want to treat this one rough, something reminiscent of the legendary Mini Moke of the last century. So, let's investigate the new model to see what's what.

2017 Mini Countryman

This is the brand new Mini Countryman, ladies and gents. And while it looks slightly similar to the old Countryman, it's now the biggest Mini ever offered, much to the dismay of Mini fans everywhere, especially me. With prices start at 26,500 Euros plus delivery, it's slightly more expensive than the Off-road look version of the Fiat 500X, its main rival. This could become a clear choice between the lesser of two evils here because while they're essentially larger than their originators, what matters most is the features at their disposal and I can expect that the new Countryman, being city car/crossover for the posh yuppies, delivers more stuff than the 500X.

2017 Mini Countryman

2017 Mini Countryman interior

Carrying more stuff aside, because this is the biggest Mini ever offered, the new Countryman is now slightly longer and wider compared to the previous model, so there's going to be some space in the inside, am I right? That added dimensions really put personal space to its advantage but the downside is that when you're driving it on tight spots in places like Italy or the one in Northern France, it's going to be quite a challenge to get it back on the road while getting stuck in the maze like a guinea pig. While it still has the dashboard of today's Minis, there's still some time to toy around with the connectivity features while you're at it before heading off to your points of interests.

What's under the hood, the new Mini Countryman offers a choice of petrol, diesel, and an all new PHEV variant called the Cooper S E. Starting with the normal Countryman variants, the most powerful is the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine from the Cooper S variant, producing 192PS of power and 281Nm of torque. The most efficient, as always, the PHEV variant called the Cooper SE. Thanks to its combination of the three-cylinder turbocharged engine, the electric motor, and the 7.6kWh li-ion battery, it promises a fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km and 49g/km of CO2 emissions while the electric range can be up to 40km. All models can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Steptronic but the Cooper SE is fitted exclusively with a 6-speed automatic.

2018 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

If you're a speedo boy, the Countryman you might have been interested in, probably, is the high-performance variant called the MINI JCW Countryman. Like all of today's JCWs, it's powered by a 2.0L petrol engine generating 231PS of power and 320Nm of torque as well as race-derived dynamics. Just like the JCW Clubman, the JCW Countryman comes with the ALL4 control system, which adapts to the road with the ideal blend of power distribution between the front and rear wheels. With either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Steptronic, it does 0-100kph in six and a half seconds and onwards to 234kph, which sounds quick for a crossover of that size. It can be yours for just 38,800 Euros so come on, don't be shy having a Countryman that goes like a rocket while it can go anywhere, well just about.

2017 Mini Countryman

So, what can I say about the new MINI Countryman, well this is still the MINI I'm not particularly interested with, it's still a mini SUV for those who think compact crossovers like the Fiat 500X, the Jeep Renegade, or the Mercedes-Benz GLA aren't that kind of type, although the GLA can make this one well-ridiculed just about anywhere. While this is very big for a Mini, the Countryman is all about the rough stuff it can do just to keep its MINIMALISM in check and while its sizing just can't squeeze through the tight gaps, its roomy creature comforts really surprises the customers as are the tech that flooded through it, although unsure what it is. You can thank BMW for the Countryman's full model change but for now, I have some moping up to do about those backstories.

Photo: MINI

Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale

Anime otakus who can't get enough of their futuristic role-playing adventures of teenagers Kirito and Asuna in the Sword Art Online franchise are in for a big treat because the first ever SAO movie brings a new experience to the futuristic adventure saga and continues to pick up the pieces to further deepen the cybernetic tale of lies, conspiracies, friendship, betrayal, and truths our heroes will get through. Welcome to Ordinal Scale.

Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale

Set in the year 2026, two years after the events of the anime series, Kirito, Asuna, and friends entered to a whole new kind of game, and a whole new kind of trap they've never faced. The game is called Ordinal Scale, and it's an augmented reality MMO game that became popular among players. However, with the imminent threat rising through the depths of this MMO game, there's a risk that it's going to repeat the tragic SAO incident the youngsters have faced and how will Kirito and the gang step up against this new kind of threat and survive? This is a new kind of survival game they're taking on and the differences between real and virtual have been blurred once again.

Although the movie looks slightly different compared to the past two anime series, Ordinal Scale delivers a mixture of returning and new characters, including the arrival of potential new favorite SAO character, Yuna, an augmented reality idol. Seems that this film's getting somewhere and while the film features an all-original storyline, it really picks up the anime franchise's pieces in a new and spectacular way and as what the fans hoped for, this is by no means the best SAO experience ever and you can't really blame for its greatness this film offered.

Packed with suspense, thrills, and a little bit of humor in store, Ordinal Scale is a surprising anime film veterans and newbies can enjoy and it can really show how much anime this movie can offer and this is going to be the talk of the town moviegoers and anime otakus will be talking about after seeing this film. Talk what you want about this film, no matter how good and bad it gets, but rest assured that this is why anime otakus can't get enough of this hit franchise.

My rating: 3.7 out of 5

FIA Formula E 2016-2017: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the venue for the third round of the FIA Formula E 2016-2017 season and in the latest EPrix of this season,

Renault e.dams' Sebastien Buemi made history as the first ever Formula E driver to win three races in the row. It was his ninth win in his Formula E career and 12th for the team. Although his pole position got slipped by ABT-Audi's Lucas Di Grassi and TECHEETAH's Jean-Eric Vergne, Buemi fought his way to victory and he did.

Highlights:

So now, after the Buenos Aires EPrix, Buemi's in 1st place overall with 75 points. Di Grassi is 29 points behind and Nico Prost's in 3rd place overall with 36 points.

The next race is on Mexico on April Fools Day. That's April 1st to you, race fans.

Forza Horizon 3 - Grandma's out in the bag

Look's like Grandma's finally out in the bag today because the legendary Lola T70 in Penske Sunoco colors has arrived and I managed to score one in this weekend's Forzathon event. It wasn't complicated to win one of those this weekend only, right?



As the successor to the 1965 Lola T70, the T70 MKIIIB was designed by Eric Broadley during his four-decade tenure at Lola. Powering the T70 is a 5.0L Traco Chevrolet V8 with wet sump lubrication while mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Did you know that this car used as the basis of the legendary Gulf Porsche 917 for the 1970 racing flick Le Mans that starred Bullitt's Steve McQueen? Quite a kicker, isn't it? And that's not all, some of the T70s were dressed like a Ferrari 512 in the film as well. Now, how didn't they saw it coming that the ones used in the Le Mans flick wasn't really the real ones but rather Lola machines dressed as either a Ferrari or a Porsche?

Well, quite a secret I didn't know about but since I managed to keep this weekend's Forzathon prize car, it's time for a celebratory drive!



See? Granny knows best, especially when it comes to racing against rivals on and off the road!

Bubble Gang - February 17, 2017 #BubbleGangJSProm

In the February 17, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- JS Prom gags

- Conscience gets the better of you being viral

- A gay-bust operation

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Istoryang Nangyari Sa Looban, Sumama Ang Mga Kalooban, Dahil Mga Tao'y...NILOOBAN?!

- Another Buhay Ng Bakla session

- Life in a no-cellphone policy

- A friendly conversation at a restaurant goes ugly

- Meet a new kind of law enforcement on the beach.

- Basa-basa pik!

Forza Horizon 3 - Type ARRGH

As the world brace themselves for the next Civic Type R, let's take a little gander on the FK2 Civic Type R, which is now part of Forza Horizon 3's Playseat Car Pack, and see what to learn so much from the hot hatch inspired by the Euro-spec ninth-generation Civic Type R. I know, it's a little late on schedule to feature this hot Civic here in this game but better late than never, am I right?



Ah, the speedo boy's best friend on the road. The Civic Type R. The FK2 Civic Type R is the first ever Honda sportscar to use a turbocharged VTEC engine, which brings "VTEC just kicked in, yo!" to a whole new meaning. The first-ever K20C 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine produces a massive 310PS of power output and 400Nm of torque, while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Performance aside, Honda draws inspiration from its touring car championship success to create the Civic Type R and by utilizing all of its track-honed characteristics, it's no wonder that its lapped the Nurburgring in 07:51.42, the fastest lap time for front-wheel drive cars until it was smashed by a hotter VW GTi.

You don't need to ask but the FK2 Civic Type R is the only ninth-generation Civic sold in the Japanese market when it was launched in late 2015 and limited to 750 units, each costing 4,280,000 Japanese Yen, which isn't too pricey for a hot hatch imported from Great Britain.



Although its too little, too late to show up on the after hours, I am very pleased to try out the FK2 Civic Type R as long as I like before the arrival of the next model based on the tenth-generation Civic Hatchback. In fact, the next model will have so much to learn from the previous FK2 that I'm driving right now in the Land Down Under. Sampling the FK2 Type R's VTEC Turbo sounds more like it came from the current WRX STi and you can really feel just how potent this turbocharged engine is at any speed at any place.

While the FK2 Civic Type R is proven to be a potent track weapon, I find that its handling is very much mild and menacing. Go too fast and you're in for some catastrophic understeer as this car is too grippy on the corners. No matter how hard you turn the steering wheel on, it just grips and grips and grips and while this is very easy to drive for beginners, it doesn't feel as enjoyable as its chief rival, the Ford Focus RS.

I've tried different kinds of hot hatchbacks in this game for a long time and let me tell you, I've never been in a hot hatch which is very unique and very challenging in every plausible way and looks like the next Type R will be a struggle to shook off the problems the previous FK2 Civic Type R had. Perhaps they should rework on the handling to make it more enjoyable for a front-wheel drive hot hatchback but I think that's enough for that chit chat because now that I've seen everything about the FK2 Civic Type R, time to call in the makeup department to do something special for the outgoing model.







I've been planning to do this up to the moment this Type R arrived and here it is, all dressed in its Ruby Kurosawa-inspired look. Looks like I'm going to give the FK2 Civic Type R a proper sendoff by calling the best of Honda Type R models ever assembled and looks like this is the part where I'll get my trusty filming equipment ready to roll.



And now, the party is on!



This has got to be the best sendoff party ever done for the FK2 Civic Type R and while it got confused upon getting to know its opponents even when they don the red H badge on their faces, the FK2 Civic Type R showed its confidence to kick its VTEC Turbo engine to the top of the pops and shines its way towards victory!





The Civic Type R has been a speedo boys' favorite since the EK9 but for the FK2 model, it doesn't get the same aesthetics as the original. In fact, it slowly loses it charm now that it's becoming more European rather than being a Japanese sportscar that has won the hearts of many speedo boys from around the globe but all hope is not lost as Honda is back at the drawing board to perfect the next Type R the world awaits and when it does, it's going to be worth the one we promised.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Japan, US, S.Korea discuss N.Korean missile launch

Japanese, US, and South Korean foreign ministers issued a joint statement on North Korea's ballistic missile launch on Sunday. They pledged closer cooperation and strongly demanded that Pyongyang refrain from provocative acts.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se met in Bonn, Germany, on Thursday. They met for the first time since Donald Trump took office at the White House.

The 3 countries strongly urged North Korea to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions that ban nuclear and missile development. They agreed to step up cooperation on security issues involving the North. They also discussed the murder in Malaysia of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Source: NHK World

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

- The BRP Tarlac, the largest ship of the Philippine Navy, is on standby in case of humanitarian and disaster relief operations for the victims of the Surigao Quake last weekend. However, the Philippine Navy said that for now, there's no need for the newest vessel of the Navy as they have four ships deployed, conducting mercy missions after the 6.7 magnitude quake last Sunday.

- The Department of Justice formally pressed charges against Senator Leila de Lima on her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. The DOJ filed three criminal cases against De Lima at the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court early afternoon. Cases include sale, trade and protection of the illegal drug trade inside the NBP; based on the accusations of some high-profile inmates against De Lima during the Senate hearings on the said matter.

- The National Bureau of Investigation is reluctant to give up on the Jee Ick Joo murder case. According to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre III, the NBI has an important lead regarding the said case. Due to this, the agency won’t stop its investigation.

- US President Donald Trump held his first solo news conference since taking office. He stressed that the management of his administration is going smoothly, while continuing to criticize the media.

- Despite President Trump not sticking to the "two-state solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley says the United States will support that kind of solution as it would be an error for anyone to say that the United States does not support the two-state solution.

- As the nuclear ban treaty negotiations draw near, preparations at the United Nations has begun. Last December, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to start negotiations on the treaty in March. At the first preparatory meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday, Costa Rican disarmament envoy Elayne Whyte was elected as the chair of the talks. Whyte said she hopes the participants will engage in a productive dialogue to obtain acceptable results.

- Ferrari launched the most powerful V12 Super GT ever made, the 812 Superfast. Helmed as the successor to the F12berlinetta, the 812 Superfast's V12 engine produces 800PS of power, making it the most powerful V12 engine ever made, albeit the last in the history. It became the first Ferrari to adopt Electric Power Steering as well.

2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast

- GENCO and Happy Elements announced that they are postponing the anime adaptation of the Ensemble Stars app game. The anime was originally planned for this year's released but the staff said the anime is now postponed due to "various circumstances."

- Activision announced that the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy game, which is a reboot of the first three Crash Bandicoot games, on the PS4 will be out this June 30. Whoa!

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Malaysian govt. confirms Kim Jong Nam's death

The Malaysian government confirmed that the man allegedly killed in Kuala Lumpur this week has been identified as Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made the announcement at a news conference, saying that they will hand over the body to relatives through the North Korean embassy after police autopsy and all other procedures are completed.

The man, who was carrying a North Korean passport fell ill at the capital's international airport on Monday and he died while being rushed at the hospital.

It is believed that North Korean agents killed him with nerve gas and suspicions are raised that the Korean Peninsula is responsible for Kim Jong Nam's death.

Meanwhile, Malaysian authorities detained a second suspect behind the murder of Kim Hong Nam. Malaysian police announced that a a second woman had been detained in connection with the apparent murder. They say the woman had an Indonesian passport identifying her as a 25-year old. On Wednesday, they've detained a woman holding a Vietnamese passport. Police say both women had been captured on security camera footage in the airport, but they have not said what they have to do with the case. The woman detained told authorities that she and the other woman and four men were also involved.

In other news, North Korean athletes arrived in Japan to take part in the Asian Winter Games, which open in Hokkaido on Sunday. 5 male speed skaters accompanied by officials were seen in transit at an airport in Beijing on Thursday. All were wearing identical black coats and ties. They are expected to arrive in Sapporo on Friday after receiving their visas at the Japanese Embassy in the Chinese capital.

Source: NHK World

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

- The Department of Public Works and Highways started inspections of different in Metro Manila as part of preparations for the expected big earthquake that will hit Metro Manila due to the movements in the West Valley Fault.

- The Supreme Court rejected VP Leni Robredo's motion to junk the poll protest filed against her by former Senator Bongbong Marcos. Based on the resolution issued by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Robredo’s appeal was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction and for being insufficient in form and substance.

- Former Immigration Deputy Commissioner Al Argosino defended himself during the recent Senate hearing regarding the alleged Immigration Bribery Scandal. Argosino denied allegations that he is involved in extortion. Retired Police General Wally Sombero accused the former BI official of demanding Php 100 million from gambling tycoon Jack Lam.

- US President Donald Trump insisted that his administration will not necessarily stick to the "two-state solution" between the Israelis and Palestinians. The president met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday. After the meeting, Trump said at a joint news conference that he can live with either two states or one state if both parties like that. Meanwhile, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said he will still seek a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has joined in a project to recycle used cellphones and other electronic devices to make Olympic and Paralympic medals out of medals extracted from the devices. Tokyo officials set up a recycling box inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building on Thursday. To protect personal information stored on phones, equipment to punch holes through them is available.

- Lamborghini issued a recall for certain units of the Aventador and the limited-edition Veneno for fire risk.

- Game developer Milestone will announce their new racing intellectual property at this year's Games Developers Conference in San Francisco.

- The Pokemon Go app game has been expanded with over 80 additional Pokemon from the Gold and Silver games. Ready to come back and play Pokemon Go?

- Zura? Hanamaru Kunikida's joining the Love Live Sunshine Nendoroid lineup, zura. You can now order her starting at 3,241 Yen plus tax and will be delivered this August, zura.

Nendoroid Hanamaru Kunikida

TTFN!!!

All New Toyota Prius PHV

Because the world radically changes due to the economy, problems in the Middle East, the politics, and the relentless war on...well, whatever that is, people are switching to fuel-efficient cars to adapt themselves to the times. Toyota responded to the times by creating this new-generation Prius PHV, which sets the standards in the market for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

2017 Toyota Prius PHV

Well, this is basically a Toyota Prius with extended range courtesy of its plug-in hybrid powertrain that reminds you of the great Chevrolet Volt. So, what's it all about? Following the success of the previous Prius PHV, which is based on the previous third-generation model, this new Prius PHV, based on the current fourth-generation model is a commitment for Toyota's goal of reducing whole fleet CO2 emissions by 90% in the next four decades through the salves of hybrids, electric, PHEVs, and fuel cells.

2017 Toyota Prius PHV

2017 Toyota Prius PHV interior

To help differentiate the Prius PHV from a normal Toyota Prius, the new model features a different exterior design that promises to look more futuristic in the eyes of the masses while drawing inspiration from the exterior design from the MIRAI fuel-cell vehicle. On the utmost side, it looks more sophisticated to look at than a normal Toyota Prius. On the interior, it's been given a Tesla-esque dashboard that sticks to its futuristic theme of the new model. See anyone who drives the new Toyota Prius and chances are that the kinds of people you met are either environmental activists, Scientologists, Democrats, Tories, Socialists, college professors, IT experts, or maybe the Happy Science people that you once had a chat with them on the dinner table. Hmmm...

2017 Toyota Prius PHV

Although as revolting as the ones you had a chat last night, the drivetrain is somewhat a revolution in every way. Thanks to its new TNGA platform, the new Prius PHV promises to be very promising to drive courtesy of its clever aerodynamics, low ground clearance, better handling, less body roll, and better rigidity compared to the previous Prius PHV. It even has a signature MacPherson strut front and new double wishbone rear suspension that promises a sporty driving feel which is not bad for an eco car for the masses. Believe it or not, it was the first mass-produced car in the world to use a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic tailgate to reduce weight for better fuel efficiency.

The new PHV's Dual Motor Drive System allows the driver to take advantage of its 1.8L 2ZR-FXE petrol engine and a heavily improved electric motor that allows this car to travel by about 10.54km/kWh. Which means, with the improved system, fuel efficiency is expected at 37.2km/L and 68.2km of electric range.

Apart from the performance, the new Prius PHV offers another revolutionary features that sets the PHEVs apart and in addition to its Gas-Injection Heat Pump Air-Conditioning and Battery Warming System, the first ever solar panel exclusive on the PHV is applied on the roof which generates electricity to charge the hybrid system battery even when left stationary. Sounds ideal in case of heavy traffic as long as sunlight is visible in the skies. Depending on weather conditions, solar charging can increase the V driving range by up to five kilometers per day. That's about a thousand kilometers of all-electric driving per annum. This is great if you're driving on the hot summer months in Manila, Dubai, Los Angeles, Delhi, or any other hottest cities of the world. However, if you're living in places that rain such as Seattle, Louisiana, Whitby, or the rest of the Scotland Yard, that seems less likely and you're going to resort charging it at home or at a charging station nearest you. Using a Type II mode III Mennekes connector, it takes less than two hours to fully charge the Prius PHV or over three hours with a normal household plug socket.  Here's one for you; what happens when you use it as an alternate power source for your home in case of a blackout? That's a science project you're going to take on very soon.

But in the meantime, the Prius PHV features Toyota Safety Sense P with active safety tech such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function. These features are also a step ahead to the future for the new Toyota Prius PHV.

The new Prius PHV starts at 3,261,600 Japanese Yen plus delivery charges and while this is more expensive than a normal Toyota Prius, it's the cheapest PHEV in Japan and you can afford one over the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

When the first Toyota Prius was launched in late 1997, the term hybrid has been introduced in the world of motoring and thanks to the Toyota Prius, more and more cars have gone under the hybrid green route. Now, 20 years on, and the Prius continues to evolve in new and almost exciting ways while becoming as influential as Japanese pop culture some petrolheads are disgusted by it. The new Prius PHV pushes the Prius to greater heights with its efficient powertrain that takes them further while enduring today's trends. 2017 maybe the year of the Prius, because this is the year the Prius celebrates its 20th anniversary, but for those eco-minded people, it's becoming a celebration we are unfazed by it and the new Prius PHV is just the start of something new for the history of the Toyota Prius.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My Ex and Whys

My Ex and Whys

If you liked the success of LizQuen that dates back from being Xander and Agnes from Forevermore, Tenten and Serena from Dolce Amore, and their movie appearance in Just the Way You Are, you're in for a sweet post-Valentines treat because even though Valentine's Day is way over now, there's still more time for the month of love because their long-awaited return on the cinematic scale will keep you craving for more on LizQuen.

Titled My Ex and Whys, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano plays the role of a blogger named Cali and his ex-girlfriend named Glo. After a heartbroken moment from a distant past that changed their lives forever, the two met each other again for a certain commitment and as the film progresses, how will the two deal with the bitter pain from their pasts and find the answers to the biggest questions of their lives.

Cathy Garcia-Molina returns to direct the latest LizQuen love story for the big screen and with some scenes shot in South Korea, every single LizQuen moment has never felt so exciting and so alive when they've been placed to another country to see how much fun their chemistry will work just like what they did back in Italy in the Dolce Amore TV show. Although this isn't like what they did on their past exposures to TV shows and movies, it isn't half bad at all to see the two getting their act together. From their fateful encounters, their bonding moments, their sudden revelations that changed them forever, all the way to the reconciliation that will heal the wounds of their past, every moment is a gift for LizQuen and this film deserves all the love fans deserved.

Is this film worth the wait for LizQuen fans worldwide? Don't be hasty but it's a good fun finding out.

My rating: 3.9 out of 5.