Let's Do The News! (October 10, 2017)

- The Malacanang regrets that the congressional Commission on Appointments rejected Department of Health secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial's appointment. A Commission on Appointments panel on Tuesday afternoon voted to reject the ad interim appointment of Ubial.

- The Supreme Court votes 9-6 to junk Senator Leila de Lima's petition to nullify her arrest and a halt order on the criminal proceedings against her due to lack of merit her petition challenging the legality of her arrest.

- Ralph Trangia, one of the main suspects behind the hazing of Horacio "Atio" Castillo III, has returned to the Philippines. Trangia fled to the US on September 18, a day before the Department of Justice was able to issue to an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against him and several other members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, the University of Santo Tomas law fraternity being blamed for Castillo's death.

- Catalan leader Carlos Puigdemont is set to reveal his plans for independence as he addresses the regional parliament for the first time since the referendum that provoked the standoff with the Spanish government.

- Mazda will display two new concept cars at this month's Tokyo Motor Show.

- Sergio Marchionne confirmed that Ferrari will have an SUV in the foreseeable future.

- Watch Hoonigan's Ken Block messing around with the legendary Escort Cosworth WRC.



- Here comes the new trailer for STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, coming in theaters this December.



TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 7: Not the same...!?

While JDM fans mourn the deletion of production Toyotas and Lexus on FM7, the majority of 86 sympathizers who can't cope with the loss of Toyota's 21st century JDM hero are making due with its Subaru equivalent, the BRZ. Question is that even though the BRZ is a Subaru version of the Toyota 86, does this car had the same feeling or not?



Built in the same factory as the Toyota 86, the Subaru BRZ is the company's first-ever rear-wheel drive car, breaking Subaru's tradition of making four-wheel drive cars in its lifetime. This is also Subaru's first two-door coupe of the 21st century since the Alcyone, the SVX, and the Impreza Retna. Under the hood, the BRZ is powered by a 2.0L D-4S BOXER engine, which is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, producing 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque. It promises about 12.4km/L to 13.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode test cycle. There are two transmission types available such as a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Paddle Shit transmission.



A Hachiroku fan driving a Subaru BRZ might say that even though they're made from the same factory, he or she believes that BRZ's driving style doesn't match Toyota's 21st century JDM sportscar and I have a clear reason why. The moment I taste the BRZ on the road, I have a clear impression that heritage is what separates them apart because while the Toyota 86 follows the tradition of Toyota's successful sports cars, the BRZ breaks the Subaru tradition like a village idiot in a family of geniuses. That's why more and more believe that the 86 and BRZ are not the same when it comes to its audience impact rather than performance and handling likewise.



Well, since the producers kicked out most of the Toyota-made cars, including our favorite, guess this is no other choice but driving Subaru's take on the Hachiroku whether we like it or not as I shall now demonstrate it by driving this car round the entire Long Beach track, even though this city course is sponsored by Toyota, which is a shame for us.



The Subaru BRZ maybe a treason to Subaru's heritage or despised by most Hachiroku fanatics for not living it up to the 86's promises but hey, at least they made a fun and affordable rear-wheel drive car we can live with and I agree with that. Although I still going to miss the 86 in every tangible way, this Subie keeps me company for the time being in FM7.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Hangul history

Today, Korea celebrates Hangul Day, the 571st anniversary of the invention of the Korean alphabet, which is considered as the most scientific and logical writing system in the world. It was invented by King Sejong the Great who officially invented the new writing system in 1446.

An official ceremony was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon gave a speech during today's ceremony as he highlighted the intentions of King Sejong the Great and honored numerous people who have helped spread the Korean language worldwide and brought up the increasing popularity of Korean, with more and more people studying it as their second language.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that North Korea's nuclear weapons program should have been taken care of 25 years ago, blaming his past administrations for mishandling the issue. President Trump pointed at former president Bill Clinton for paying billion of dollars to the regime but failing to bring results.

Trump emphasized that the US has a very strong military, and said that now more than ever is the time to have a great military. The president has spoken about using military force against North Korea when necessary.

In the meantime, the USS Theodore Roosevelt has been deployed to the West Pacific region amid growing threats from North Korea. Carrier Strike Group Nine left its home port of San Diego on Friday.

The group comprised of around 75,000 sailors and marines will focus on maritime security and security cooperation efforts in areas including the Korean peninsula.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (October 9, 2017)

- Senate President Koko Pimentel said that the ruling PDP-Laban party will not accept new members by the end of November in preparation for the 2019 midterm elections.

- President Rodrigo Duterte fired two high-ranking Philippine National Police officials allegedly involved in the drug trade.

- As President Duterte's satisfaction and trust ratings drop in a recent survey, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said that President Rodrigo Duterte is not in a "popularity contest." He also states that having Duterte as impeachment prosecutor is pure nonsense.

- Hundreds of thousands of people joined a rally in Barcelona to express their opposition to Catalan independence from Spain. Carles Puigdemont, the regional president, is expected to address the Catalan Parliament on Tuesday, when separatists could declare independence. The Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, said that he was “not ruling out anything” to maintain the country’s integrity.

- The US and Turkey suspended non-immigrant visa services at their respective consulates days after the arrest of a consulate employee in Istanbul over alleged ties to Fethullah Gulen, the exiled Islamist cleric who Turkey says orchestrated a failed coup last year.

- Harvey Weinstein was fired by the directors of his film company days after a recent investigation revealed accusations of sexual harassment that stretched back decades.

- US President Donald Trump laced into Republican Senator Bob Corker over his decision not to run for the 2018 midterm elections. In an interview, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee warned that Trump's "recklessness" could put his nation on the verge of war.

- In case you missed it, the next Fast and Furious film got delayed to 2020 launch.

- A selection of Mercedes-Benz cars will be making an appearance in the upcoming Justice League movie, including the AMG Vision Gran Turismo.



TTFN!!!

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - Bank of America 500

The Monster Energy NASCAR series returns at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Bank of America 500 as the Playoffs are now on the Round of 12 where drivers are striving to survive the oval warfare for the coveted title or risk losing it all in the cloud of dust and debris.

In Lap 44, Ryan Newman's car spins and caused light damage as he tries to regain control of his car until his car caught fire, forcing him out of the race. Kevin Harvick won Stage 1 of the race. In Lap 137, Kyle Busch's car sustained damage while Harvick scored another stage win of the race. In lap 265, the #38 and the #10 got involved in a crash and then in lap 331, Kurt Busch spun out of control.

Martin Truex Jr. wins the Bank of America 500 race in Charlotte, earning himself a top spot of the Round of 8.

Here's the post-race Playoffs results as the drivers are advancing to the Round of 8.

1) Martin Truex Jr. - 3106
2) Kyle Larson - 3072
3) Kevin Harvick - 3069
4) Chase Elliott - 3059
5) Denny Hamlin - 3056
6) Kyle Busch - 3055
7) Jimmie Johnson - 3051
8) Jamie McMurray - 3044

The playoffs continue at Talladega Superspeedway for the Alabama 500 on the 15th.

Super GT 2017 - Thailand

Of course, with Japan became a battleground for Formula 1, the Autobacs Super GT Championship continued their 2017 season at the Land of Smiles, Thailand. Specifically, Chang International Circuit. Different nation, same Super GT action, especially if this is the penultimate round of this season.

In this penultimate round of the 2017 Autobacs Super GT Championship, which lasted for 66 laps, the pole position advantage prompted the #37 KeePer TOM'S LC500, driven by Ryo Hirakawa and Nick Cassidy, won the GT500-class race while the #51 JMS RMU LMcorsa RC F GT3, driven by Yuichi Nakayama and Sho Tsuboi, won the GT300 class.

Highlights:



Don't miss the final round of the 2017 Autobacs Super GT Championship happening on Twin Ring Motegi on the 12th of November. Who will win the title? Watch for it!

F1 2017: Japanese GP

It's the mid-autumn of the year and despite the cool climate going on around Japan, the Suzuka Circuit served as a table-turner for the F1 2017 season and nothing's more sweeter than someone's luck to block out a certain obstacle from chasing the dream of snagging this year's title.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, Sebastian Vettel's mechanical failures on the track prompted Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, thanks to his pole position, a sheer and flawless victory in Suzuka, followed by the rest of Red Bull Racing who tasted a podium finish with a 2nd-3rd combo with Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. Other finishers in this year's Japanese GP are Valtteri Bottas, Kimi Raikkonen, the Force India duo, and Kevin Magnussen.

Thanks to what happened to Vettel during the Japanese GP, the gap between the two racers in the championship standings is now up to 59 points, 306 for Hamilton vs. 247 for Vettel but since 3rd placer Bottas is now 13 points behind Vettel, it won't be long before another Vettel-related mishap in the next race will dethrone the German ace down to his knees while Hamilton's gaining his upper hand.

Next race is on the United States this 22nd of October.

The Cute Wall (Volume Ninteen)

Now, the moment of truth is time because it's now time to do...THE CUTE WALL!



(applause)

Before we begin, I want to ask you what happen to our good friend out here. Look at him...

Whoa...You don't see that everyday.

What happened to him?

Well...

SEVERAL DAYS AGO...

Sir. I want you to know that Love Live Sunshine returns this weekend and we can expect a much crazier Mari Ohara on the show. Tie her up somewhere and remember, don't believe anything she says, always keep her in front of you, and most importantly, don't let her kiss you. Okay?

Okay.

PRESENT DAY

Looks like he broke the no kissing rule. Mari lured him and then kissed and then later, he's gone. Poisoned or could be worse.

You think Mari Ohara's wearing some kind of...lipgloss? Hmmm?

You mean Paralyzing Lip Gloss?

Yep.

Sneaky little b******d.  All of you, hunt Mari Ohara down! I want her alive for questioning. And don't fall her to her kissing tactics!

Yes. She's wearing a Paralyzing Lip Gloss. Kiss her and you'll be as good as dead two hours later.

(audience laughing)

Don't worry. If all else fails, I know someone who can hunt Mari Ohara down. We got a Pokemon who can do that job rather well.

You don't possibly mean...

Chandelure!

Chandelure

Don't worry. Chandelure learned a little finale it pulled off during our Pokken matches with our mates. I'm sure that Ghost-and-Fire type Pokemon will struck Mari Ohara from her back and BAM! BAM! BAM!

Ooohhh! Hey! Everyone! Take Chandelure with you!

(footsteps)

Well, that settles it. Good luck with Chandelure. Although I might put this on NOT CUTE just in case. This Pokemon has been a real thorn to my Pokken career.

(audience laughing)

Shall we begin?

Of course and let's begin with...this fella.

Nebby

Who's that? I think I'm familiar with this little fella.

Yes but our friend, the Rotom Dex, didn't know what kind of creature Ash found somewhere before he showed it off to the rest of the class. That meant they gave it a name, Nebby.

Nebby? As in the "get in the bag, Nebby!" Nebby?

(audience laughing)

You really did do your homework, huh? Now, Ash's got two little critters in his backpack. Rowlet and Nebby. No wonder the Aether Foundation asked Ash to accept their offer to take care of Nebby until they figure it out what its power is.

But at what cost?

We'll never know until Ash learns Nebby's secret. Still, look at our Nebby friend. It goes PEW! PEW! PEW!

(audience laughing)

Wow. That does sound cute. PEW! PEW! PEW!

So, care to guess where should we put little Nebby in the wall? Oh wait! I know! Get in the NAKAKAGIGIL section, Nebby!

(audience laughing)

Hmph. Bags. Who's next?

(ooohhh)

Wait, what's going on?

What's going on around here?

Shuka Hanazono

OH SHRIMP! It's Shuka Hanazono from Idol Time Pripara! The rich girl who's making Laala and Yui's life miserable!

Shu-shu-shu-Shuka Hanazono? Wait, I'm familiar with that girl.

You know her?

All I know is that Shuka Hanazono is the sister of a famous personality and what I heard is that Shuka has some connections with Hibiki, which makes her one of the most powerful and influential idols in Pripara. Don't underestimate her, okay?

Yeah. I wasn't. She's all business to her, even at school and at Pripara. For her, (ahem) Idol Time Is Money, even in Pripara.

(inaudible noises)

I was going to say that but the audience impact is too much. Oh wait, I think she's leaving.

(noise fades)

Well, now that she's left, I'd guess I'd better put her to SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE because for a girl who has interests in money, she's too much to slap her face with. After all, money talks, even idols.

(audience laughing)

Who's next?

(ooohhh)

Again?!

Who is it this time?

(angelic singing voice)

Huh?

Wait. I remember who that singing voice is...

Aria Futaba

Aria Futaba.

Aria Futaba?

Yes. The new My Little Heart bearer.

Wait. She's now bearing the My Little Heart name Yume and Hime used to possess?

That's right. Since the very beginning, Yume Nijino and Hime Shiratori possessed the My Little Heart name and perfected it performance after performance. Now, Yume's an official S4 member and possesses her Berry Parfait name (now Rainbow Berry Parfait) and Hime's graduated from the academy, leaving doubts over what happens next for the My Little Heart name until this time, there is now someone to pick the My Little Heart name and that someone is none other than...

Aria?

Exactly. Sorry, must have read the journal. Anyway, did you notice something about Aria Futaba's...what's the word?

Singing? Well, if she keeps singing, the whole place is covered in Misty Terrain.

Misty Terrain? Wait, isn't that a Pokemon thing?

Misty Terrain covers the field for a brief moment of time. With this, you will deal less damage from...ahem...dragons.

Dragons.

Yep. Dragons and with this Misty Terrain, you are immune to status conditions.

Okay, enough about the Misty Terrain stuff. I already got the point but that Aria's an intriguing idol indeed with such "angelic" voice and if I said "angelic"....uh oh.

Huh?

(distant echoes)

ARRGH! My head! It hurts! Put her to NOT CUTE! NOT CUTE?

Seriously?! What's going on?

(murmuring)

What?!

(murmuring)

Okay, fine. Put her in. Sorry about what's going on with my partner here but anyway, that's Miss Aria Futaba to you, the fairy idol with angelic voice from Aikatsu Stars. Don't worry, I know what will cheer you up. Remember Ducktales?

Ducktales? That's a very old show...

Uh-huh, but now it's back with a fresh new twist and with a star-studded cast and new adventures pushing them through uncharted heights, the new Ducktales is going to be the next Gravity Falls or is that what I think it is...

Ducktales

Oh! That new Ducktales. The newly revived Ducktales cartoon that eats fictional adventurers for breakfast, not even the likes of Jones, Croft, Drake, or whatever adventurer I know in my lifetime. So, these are the stars of the new Ducktales? Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby?

Yep.

Hold on. Huey, Dewey, and Louie are Donald Duck's nephews and in their classic taste, they're tad adorable. But in the modern Ducktales, these three felt a bit...mature? Grown up? Adolescent?

(audience laughing)

Why you ask?

They sounded like grown-ups and look at Miss Webbigail Vanderquack. In the original, she looks rather adorable for a sidekick, but now in the modern Ducktales, gosh, she's crazier than both Mabel Pines and Star Butterfly.

(audience laughing)

Here's a little secret. To prepare for her comeback, Webby took some grappling hook classes from Disney characters who used a grappling hook such as Kim Possible and Mabel Pines.

(audience laughing)

Even Milo Murphy's on that stint.

Exactly, so when Ducktales is back for 2017, Webby is now known as the new Mabel Pines. Simple as that.

(audience laughing)

Not forget her pom-pom hardcore thing. She learned it from Kim Possible. Ha ha ha...

So, for that, these boys should be put in NOT CUTE because they now talk like grown men...

(audience laughing)

...and Webby should be put in NAKAKAGIGIL because of her Mabel-ish attitude.

(beeping)

Speak of the devil. What's this? "Meet me at the rooftop tonight. I know what's going on with that Aria girl of yours."

Who's that?

Says here it's from our friends from The Wayne.

The Wayne. Oh! Did you mean the Team Timbers?!

Team Timbers

Yep. The Team Timbers from Welcome to the Wayne. Ansi Molina, Olly Timber, and Saraline Timber are three kids investigating the weird stuff going around The Wayne. It's their kind of thing.

Oh. Those guys. Hold on. I got another message. Says here (ahem) "I know your guys are doing that wall thing. Put me on NOT CUTE or you'll regret it. Saraline."

Ouch... Well, too much investigating spoiled their cuteness so let's put them in NOT CUTE secretly. He he he...

(audience laughing)

TIME FOR THE RECAP!

SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE:

Raichu

Whisper

Minion

Nico Yazawa

Takane Shijou

Azusa Miura

Makoto Kikuchi

Anzu Futaba

Croagunk

Touma Amagase

Shota Mitarai

Hokuto Ijuin

Teru Tendo

Kaoru Sakuraba

Tsubasa Kashikawa

Kyouji Takajou

Minori Watanabe

Kyosuke Aoi

Yusuke Aoi

Shiki Iseya

Haruna Wakazato

Hayato Akiyama

Jun Fuyumi

Natsuki Sakaki

Rui Maita

Chio Hazama

Jiro Yamashita

Treecko

Jill Valentine

Rebecca Chambers

Claire Redfield

Ada Wong

Ashley Graham

Sheva Alomar

Helena Harper

Sherry Birkin

Moira Burton

Natalia Korda

Osomatsu

Karamatsu

Choromatsu

Ichimatsu

Jyuushimatsu

Todomatsu

Miyabi Fujiwara

Risa Shirakaba

Rin Kurosawa

Mia Fey

Rayfa Padma Khura'in

Buttercup

Yoshiko Tsushima

Sion Todo

Aroma Kurosu

Gaaruru

Hibiki Shikyoin

Ako Saotome

Yuri Katsuki

Victor Nikiforov

Grumpy

Chiri Tsukikawa

Lori Loud

Lucy Loud

Lola Loud

Manjimutt

Shogunyan

Mimikyu

Mareanie

Michiru Koda

Elza Forte

*Shuka Hanazono

NOT CUTE:

Dopey

Kwazii

Minion

Amethyst

Rin Hoshizora

Hibiki Ganaha

Minami Nitta

Ranko Kanzaki

Miku Maekawa

Kion

Fuli

Beshte

Bunga

Ono

Pierre

Scraggy

Bulbasaur

Squirtle

Cyndaquil

Turtwig

Sumire Hikami

Juri Kurebayashi

Nono Daichi

Hime Shiratori

Tsubasa Kisaragi

Yuzu Nikaido

Yozora Kasumi

Maya Fey

Pearl Fey

Ema Skye

Trucy Wright

Kay Faraday

Athena Cykes

Blossom

Mirai Kasuga

Shizuka Mogami

Tsubasa Ibuki

Shiho Kitazawa

Umi Kousaka

Julia

Megumi Tokoro

Yuriko Nanao

Serika Hakozaki

Anna Mochizuki

Kana Yabuki

Nao Yokoyama

Riko Sakurauchi

Dia Kurosawa

Mikan Shiratama

Junon

Kanon

Pinon

Mahiru Kasumi

Doc

Sleepy

Lily Shirogane

Pepper Taiyou

Lynn Loud

Lana Loud

Dismarelda

Nino Nijiiro

Rei Kizaki

*Chandelure

*Aria Futaba

*Huey

*Dewey

*Louie

*Ansi Molina

*Olly Timber

*Saraline Timber

CUTE:

Pichu

Plusle

Minun

Pachirisu

Emolga

Dedenne

Mokona

Mog

Catbug

Bashful

Froakie

Fennekin

Harukasan

Stuffy

Tunip the Vegimal

Minccino

Piplup

Sylveon

Queen Delightful

Axew

Jibanyan

Minion

Serena's Pancham

Umi Sonoda

Eli Ayase

Hanayo Koizumi

Maki Nishikino

Nozomi Tojo

Miki Hoshii

Yukiho Hagiwara

Iori Minase

Ritsuko Akizuki

Anastasia

Kanako Mimura

Chieri Ogata

Miria Akagi

Rika Jougasaki

Kirari Moroboshi

Riina Tada

Rin Shibuya

Mio Honda

Komasan

Komajiro

Grizz

Panda

Ice Bear

Clefairy

Jigglypuff

Chansey

Eevee

Tepig

Snivy

Chikorita

Charmander

Totodile

Torchic

Mudkip

Chimchar

Hinaki Shinjo

Madoka Amahana

Kokone Kurisu

Nina Dojima

Yume Njino

Rola Sakuraba

Laala Manaka

Bubbles

You Watanabe

Kanan Matsuura

Ruby Kurosawa

Hanamaru Kunikida

Mari Ohara

Sophy Hojo

Dorothy West

Reona West

Falulu

Fuwari Midorikaze

Koharu Nanakura

Sneezy

Non Manaka

Rowlet

Litten

Popplio

Togedemaru

Rockruff

Bounsweet

Lincoln Loud

Leni Loud

Luna Loud

Lisa Loud

Lily Loud

USApyon

Happierre

Tomnyan

K. Koma

K. Jiro

Hidabat

Robonyan

Robonyan F

Gnomey

Steenee

Alolan Vulpix

NAKAKAGIGIL!!!:

Pikachu

BMO

Bijou

Poof

George

Happy

Chespin

Doc McStuffins

Mabel Pines

Sofia

Cottonee

Minion

Oshawott

Star Butterfly

Honoka Kousaka

Kotori Minami

Haruka Amami

Yayoi Takatsuki

Chihaya Kisaragi

Ami Futami

Mami Futami

Uzuki Shimamura

Noibat

Togepi

Squishy

Ichigo Hoshimiya

Aoi Kiriya

Ran Shibuki

Akari Ozora

Braixen

Chika Takami

Mirei Minami

Luan Loud

Yui Yumekawa

Bewear

Kirara Hanazono

*Nebby

*Webby

Forza Motorsport 7: My first ride

Yes, baby, I'm back in Forza Motorsport for their seventh and ultimate installment to date and while some of you got their sweet first ride of the game, my first FM7 ride is not what you call exciting, a tad above average if you may. So, in the spirit of first impression, I will share you which car I began with; it's the Corsa E VXR.



Need a refresher? The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa E OPC/VXR was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and it is known to be the ultra-powerful small hot-hatch in the OPC/VXR lineup that is less expensive than its competitors with its £17,995 on-the-road pricing.

Under the hood, this hot Corsa is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 205PS of power output, 245Nm of torque, and mated exclusively with a second-generation six-speed transmission with a short, fluid gear change. It is capable of going 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph - quicker than the outgoing car it replaces.

For this model, they've enlisted damper-supplier, Koni, to develop the Frequency Selective Damping which  allows damping forces to adapt to the car's movements, balancing body control and ride quality depending on the speed.

Customers can opt in for the optional Performance Package which comes with a Drexler limited-slip differential, larger 330mm-diameter Brembo front brake discs, 18-inch alloy wheels with super sticky Michelin Pilot Supersport tyres and enhanced FSD damper settings.



Once a tater tot that can humiliate a supercar in the parking lot, the Corsa VXR is a small wonder that can pull different tricks from its sleeves but when I put it on the track, it's hard to get around through the corners even though this VXR comes with a Performance Package that unleashes its full potential of the smallest VXR hatch ever made. It maybe slower on the straights, it may be harsher on the bends, but when it comes to enjoying your first race, the Corsa VXR always leave first-timers a first impression they will never forget since they chose on from the very beginning.



After having my first impression with the Corsa VXR, I'd decided to see how it fares on a real track where everything comes full circle with this pocket rocket. How about putting it on the Indy Circuit layout of Brands Hatch? That will make it the perfect breeding ground for this small VXR hatch. So, who wants to see it go round Brands Hatch?



Well, that handling left me with a nasty bruise in my arms, but this is a great start for me because now that I'm back in driving real cars in real tracks, Forza Motorsport 7 has a lot of opportunities waiting for me and this is just the beginning.

Blade Runner 2049

35 years ago, the original Blade Runner film that starred Harrison Ford in it was forever known as the original Matrix when it came out in theaters and set the template for the future-set cyberpunk genre even pop-culture critics appreciated how the original went. To celebrate the original's 35th anniversary, the true sequel to one of the most iconic films of the 80's has arrived in theaters and with new and returning faces in store, Blade Runner 2049 pushes the limits to this genre with precise storytelling those who watched the original will surely love.

Blade Runner 2049

The classic sci-fi action flick from the early 80's has returned with the long-awaited sequel that picks up where it left off and with Blade Runner 2049, there are so many reasons why this sequel will fare against the best films of the year with its unique storytelling that sets them apart as well as new and returning characters.

The year is 2049, 30 years after the original film, and with blade runner Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) went missing in action, the human-like androids known as Replicants are still among us and as Replicant threats are looming in this dystopian future, a new blade runner known as K (played by Ryan Gosling) discovered a deadly secret that would wipe out humanity in one fell swoop and that lead to the search for Deckard himself to finish this powerful new threat once and for all.

In addition to Ford and Gosling, Blade Runner 2049 also stars Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie James, Dave Bautista, and Jared Leto. Ridley Scott, who directed the original, returned as executive producer while Hampton Fancher served as the scriptwriter for the sequel and with collaboration with award-winning Denis Villeneuve, who directed this film, this sequel is Blade Runner at its finest and thanks to its new and recurring people that revolved the original like clockwork, the new movie brings out everything sci-fi geeks ever wanted to have; the drama, the suspense, the thrills, everything is possible in this long-awaited sequel.

Come to think of it, 30 years? How long for this story to unfold? Well, thanks to three prequels that spans through the year 2022, 2036, and 2048, people who are eager to watch Blade Runner 2049 had all the answers they need but if you really want to jump through this film without going through the prequel shorts currently streaming on YouTube, as well as the original, feel free to do so. Besides, if you are new to this story, this film won't stop you from enjoying the full experience of what a sci-fi action thriller like this can do. Newbies or veterans, it doesn't matter who you really are because this film blends the past and present through the future like a Saturn V-powered blender.

In the end, Blade Runner 2049 is a worthy contender as one of the best films of 2017 and because it fares better than the original Blade Runner from 1982, the legend is back and it's now more thrilling than ever to satisfy even the most entertainment industry elites with its explosive storyline. Needless to say, you can forget about that lousy Ghost in the Shell film you saw last spring because this BD 2049 film eats it for dinner and it was deliciously addictive and insane from start to finish.

My rating: 4.4 out of 5.

My Little Pony: The Movie

When Hasbro's My Little Pony franchise got reborn seven years ago with the launch of the Friendship is Magic TV series, it garnered a whole new bunch of fans, especially grown male adults who secretly can't get enough of this show and forever labeled themselves "Bronies". Because of its unusual fanbase, the little girly stuff has grown into one of the most successful franchises in history and no matter how old or who you are, they are the ones that made the Mane 6 great again. As a reward for their greatness since seven years ago, there is now the long-awaited movie adaptation of My Little Pony; Friendship is Magic and this is where our favorite ponies pushing themselves to the limit.

My Little Pony: The Movie

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, even Bronies, the long awaited movie adaptation of the My Little Pony franchise has arrived and this film is where everyone who watched the whole show or binge-watched for the first time got rewarded to witness the Mane 6 into full circle as Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity take on a brand new adventure from the comfort of the kingdom of Equestria. A powerful new threat has arisen in Ponyville and as darkness plunges, the Mane 6 sets off to an all new adventure by land, by air, by sea, in an all-out effort to save their home.

Unlike the TV series, the movie features an all-star cast lending their voices to this film including Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoweth, Liev Schreiber, Michael Peña, Sia, Taye Diggs, Uzo Aduba and Zoe Saldana. I know, using celebrities in lieu of the TV show's voice actors is sacrilege for the fans and for purists, this film is nothing but sacrilege or treason to the fanbase because all they ever wanted for the film they've desperately waited since eternity is to have the same feeling as they get from the TV show but this is what they get. They replaced them with Hollywood stars to do the voices of the characters they're familiar with and that sounds painful for some.

Despite the use of Hollywood actors for our favorite MLP characters, this film is all about beyond the bounds and when I say "by land, by air, by sea", they really did mean it because in one part of the film, we get to see the aquatic version of Equestria and seeing both sides of the coin does made up for the ultimate My Little Pony experience the fans will surely adore. Even though this is a movie, all the signature My Little Pony moments we all love are still there and despite the loopholes, this is definitely the long-awaited film the world's been craving for. I'd expect post-movie chatters when they got out from watching it with mixed results.

My rating: 3.9 out of 5.

Forza Motorsport 7

With the upcoming launch of the XBOX One X, which is known to be the most powerful XBOX One to date, it didn't took long before the Forza producers took off the wraps for their latest installment built to prepare for its stunning 4K HDR detailing the most powerful X1 has to offer. Welcome to Forza Motorsport 7, the most definitive Forza Motorsport title to date, or is that what I think it is...

Forza Motorsport 7

Exclusive for XBOX One and Windows 10 PC (via XBOX Play Anywhere), Forza Motorsport 7 is the definitive installment of the Forza racing simulation franchise because as the producers say, this is Forza at is best because of returning racetracks, over 700 cars to choose from, a revamped career mode, and all the classic Forza goodies we love since FM2 such as the livery editor, auction house, and so much more. There's something to notice about the ultimate Forza to date, although just as I thought Turn 10 will call themselves quits after FH3 but I was wrong.

First off, let's take a look of the cars and in Forza 7, they have over 700 cars to race with, modify with, or design it, spanning half a century of timeline from American muscles, European exotics, Asian street racers, vintage racers, and so much more. Although the diverse range of vehicles, past and present, are here to satisfy every criteria, how to obtain them can be a challenge. Of course, you can buy them with your hard-earned cash but there are some cars that you can't obtain by normal means. Each car represents a tier and you can't get your dream ride below your tier and if you want to get that sweet ride you're desperate to have, you need to collect more and more cars. The more cars you collect, the higher your tier is and you will gain access to powerful cars, including the game's star car, the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

There's another hurdle when it comes to obtain cars and while tiers are something to worry about, these hard-to-get cars can be obtained via prize crates, time-limited specialty dealers, Forzathon, Forza Driver's Cup, and Showcase Events. Easier said than done.

Moving on to tracks and while FM7 retains some of the most notable tracks from the last installments, in addition to the new Dubai track, three fan favorite tracks made a comeback in this installment such as Mugello, Maple Valley, and Suzuka. Depending on the track, you are challenged by the game's dynamic weather which adds some life to the racetrack and that meant extra concentration is strongly advised because with the weather now changing its mind on the race, you'd better think fast.

Then, there's the revamped career mode called the Forza Driver's Cup. This solo-player campaign gives players the freedom of how they can progress through the career. There are six main categories in the career and to proceed to the next stage, players need to gain enough points by completing races, especially showcase races. Also, to accommodate certain races, you car gets homologated for the category it set foot. It is automatic by default but feel free to do some tweaks as long as you're not exceeding the homologation regulations.

Need a little style before you race? Don't worry because for the first time, Forza 7 allows players to personalize themselves with a wide range of driver gear that can be unlocked through normal gameplay or by crates. Although showing off won't do any good, picking your favorite driver gear is a clear way of showing your style, your pride, or bragging rights.

As esports becoming the new norm for real competitions, Forza 7's come fully prepared with a wide array of improvements in terms of multiplayer. With this, it is now possible for players to practice round the track before the race starts or even host non-racing lobbies, either for fun or for real. With Forza 7's esports features refined, it won't be long before the next ForzaRC comes to Forza 7 in the near future but until then, feel free to organize a multiplayer race whatever you like.

My take? Well, even though the car list is massive in numbers, the lack of Toyotas is what made JDM fans disappointed. Also, the majority of cars are more oldies than newbies, perhaps this is just the main reason why the Forza franchise is poisoned against them by baby boomers. Come on, this is a 4K-powered game in the 4K generation and we deserve cars built from the millennial era, not from the baby boomer era and with incoming DLCs, I'd expect the producers to make the right thing or draw flak from Forza fans complaining why there are so much oldies in the DLC rather than focusing the latest and the hottest cars straight from the press. Although the car list is worth criticizing, the lively graphics, the career mode, the community features, and the dynamic weather is what impresses the players the most and Forza 7 is a racing game that breaks its limits for the pursuit of creating the most definitive Forza to date. So definitive, you would definitely want to play this game all day long to see what the craze is all about and that's just the half of the story.

Welcome to the ultimate Forza experience, drivers. The tracks and cars are waiting your call...