Saturday, October 19, 2013

Cars GT6 Should Put (Volume 14)

In a galaxy far far away, just off our backyard, lies Leopaul's Blog; boldly pushing the boundaries of car culture because there's some CARS GT6 SHOULD PUT.



Cars like...

1) BMW Z4 sDrive35is '10

WHY: Only the GT3-spec version of the second-generation Z4 was featured but what about the normal version? How come GT6 forgot to feature the normal second-generation BMW Z4? Please take this into consideration, Yamauchi-sensei, and feature the normal second-generation Z4, mainly the sDrive35is version, on GT6.


2) Renaultsport Megane 250 '10

WHY: Same thing. Why did GT6 only feature the track-only Trophy version rather than the normal Megane RS250 hot hatch? Come on, do something about it because we need this one more than the old 2008 model as seen on GT5.


3) TRD 3000GT

WHY: The TRD version of the hit Toyota Supra sportscar, the one JDM fans love, was first seen at Gran Turismo 2 and because this tuned Supra has so much fanbase on it since its GT2 debut, I really want this Supra back on GT6. The hood, the bumper, the aero kits on this Supra, it's widely sought-after among JDM enthusiasts and do please, bring it back.


4) BMW M5 '11

WHY: There's a new version of the M5 based on the F10-spec BMW 5-Series and this one's powered by a 4.4L Twin Turbo V8 engine which produces more power than the old model's V10 engine. Since power is in the case, I sure hope that GT6 should feature the M5 F10.



5) Volkswagen The Beetle '11

WHY: The 21st Century Beetle was released in 2011, signalling a new look to an all time classic and so far, no video games brave enough to feature the 21st Century Beetle. GT6 should do better than that in order to feature this modern remake of an all-time classic.

フォルクスワーゲン ザ・ビートル ターボ 試乗レポート/今井優杏

The results please? So, if Polyphony's still on the rethinking process whether these cars I've mentioned will be featured on Gran Turismo 6, whether in game or as a DLC, you can't say that I didn't had a bit to do with that.

Take that to Kaz Yamauchi!

BUBBLE GANG 18th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL


Bubble Gang, the longest-running gag show that is became a benchmark for every Filipinos worldwide that every Friday night is Bubble Gang night, is now on its 18th anniversary! Yes, it's the show's 18th year and not to worry...while the show's got more matured, the laughs don't get matured because it's always stay the same and should be. Anyway, on the 18th year special, they got some highlights from the 18th anniversary party starting with Michael V impersonating the Philippine President, Mr. Assimo messing up with the audience, pole-dancing with the Bubble Gang babes, talk with Antonio, Gwen, and Boy2, the Ikaw at ang Ina sketch about 18th birthday, the pool party gags, the bachelorette party sketch, Tata Lino, and so much more.







I hope you enjoyed the 18th anniversary special of Bubble Gang and as always, keep supporting this show because no matter how old this show is, it still has the right dose of laughter in every corner.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Let's Do The News! (October 18, 2013)

The big news today...

- Put on your glasses, Season 2 of Cartoon Hangover's Bravest Warriors, created by Adventure Time's Pendleton Ward, kicks off online with its first episode titled Aeon Worm where heroine Beth Tezuka ventured through the See Through Zone.

- In case you missed it, the Cartoon Hangover short, Bee and PuppyCat, was listed under one of the Kickstarter projects and according to Frederator Studios, they need about $600,000 to fund this into a series. So far, with 27 days left before its deadline, $256,287 were pledged by about 5,087 backers.

- Save the date: 2013 Manila Auto Salon kicks off this November 14 to 17, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Manila.

- Michael Bay, director of Transformers, got attacked by thugs at the Quarry Bay district of Hong Kong, claiming they were owed 100,000 Hong Kong dollars for filming the area.

- Another celeb breakups on the list and this time, celebs Jennylyn Mercado and Luis Manzano confirmed their breakup.

- Bad news to Glee fans: Season 6 will be the final season for the hit FOX musical TV comedy-drama. That announcement was confirmed by series creator Ryan Murphy.

- Hold your bacons! Study shows that eating bacon decreases the sperm count while eating fish increases the sperm count.

- Did you know that the Senate Aid for victims of calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes is worth 6 million Pesos (about US$140,000) while the Senate Christmas Bonus is worth 30 Million Philippine Pesos (about US$1.4 million)? Well, that's worth convincing eh? Tell the Philippine Government to sort the mess out first before their personal affairs.

- A new iPad model will be launched next week but what is it?

- The next-generation Ford Mustang will be unveiled this December.

- LucasFilm, now owned by Disney, featured a short clip behind the scenes of the upcoming Disney XD series titled Star Wars Rebels and based on the BTS clip, they've announced an original character for the new 2014 series.



TTFN!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: The story so far (10/17/13)


The story so far from the Korean Peninsula:

- One of the biggest conferences in the world of cyberspace currently being hosted in Seoul for the next two days. It has brought over 15-hundred officials and experts from nearly 90 countries and 18 international organizations.

- South Korean president Park Geun-hye held bilateral talks with her Philippine counterpart, Noynoy Aquino, who is here for a two-day state visit to discuss trade, investment, development, and cultural exchanges.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Let's Do The News! (October 17, 2013)

The big news today...

- Nissan Moco, the last of the Suzuki-sourced Nissan kei cars, gets an update for the 2014 Model Year and it features a brand-new variant called the Dolce, which is the Nissan equivalent of the Suzuki MR Wagon Wit. While featuring the same cosmetic alterations as the Suzuki equivalent, the Moco Dolce's 660cc engine now has a fuel economy of 30km/L, based on JC08 Mode standards.

2014 Nissan Moco Dolce

- Lexus GS now reaches on its 2014 Model Year and it welcomes the hybrid model's entry level GS300h which features the same 2.5L hybrid powerplant inherited from the 2014 Lexus IS and the Toyota Crown models. The GS350 model now sports an 8-Speed SPDS gearbox.

2014 Lexus GS

- IS THIS THE END? After 16 days of shutdown and tensions between the Demos and the Reps, US Government will be reopened after US President Barrack Obama backs the approved budget bill from the Senate and the House. Not only the US Government will be reopened but the debt ceiling will be increased as well as the spending limit until January 15, 2014.

- Camaro Z/28 vs. Boss 302 - which is best? Watch this video below...



- A Filipino tuner, John Pangilingan, will be working with Hyundai Motor America to create a specially-tuned Genesis Coupe JP Edition for this year's SEMA Show.

- Ever since the official distributor of Volkswagen in the Philippines, Automobile Central Enterprise, investigated that they can't sell petrol-power variants because of the Philippine fuel's manganese content, the Usapan AAP forum hosted by the Automobile Association Philippines questions about how come Philippine fuels come with manganese.

- So far, 158 people died in the October 15 quake in Bohol. Study shows that with that magnitude from that quake two days ago, it could kill about an estimated 50,000 people in Metro Manila.

- NAIA 1, still the top of the World's Worst Airports based on the sleepinginairports.net polls.

- The survivors from the 1990 Luzon Earthquake disaster...how are they? How are the survivors from the 7.8 magnitude quake in Luzon since 1990 are doing? TV5 investigates and survivors had messages to those affected from the recent October 15 quake in Visayas.

- US President Barrack Obama is the cover man of the Esquire Philippines Anniversary Issue. This issue celebrates 80 years of the original US version of this men's magazine and other highlights include "Esquire’s Third Car Awards", "The 20 Men Who Matter", and "The Best and Brightest 2013".

TTFN!!!

BMW M5 F10 Competition Paket vs. MB E63 AMG W212 S-Modell

Let's begin with the BMW M5, a modern-day European sports saloon for the people who came home 4 in the morning, smelling of whiskey and covered in lipstick. Although, it starting to pick some paces for this latest predecessor, it's surely becoming the best M5 ever made. I had to admit it that the BMW M5 is definitely the best 4-door saloon car ever made and that's the end of it.

2014 BMW M5
Now though, BMW claimed that they made it even better. So, I wonder what's new for the BMW M5? Well, for starters, it now has a new design on its kidney bumper and on the top right, you can now see the M5 logo on it. That's odd but we all know THIS IS the M5. Why would they need to put a badge on the grille anyway just like the new M6? Anyway, a few things have been changed for the M5 to keep it fresh and now, it comes with a newer version what BMW calls it the Competition Paket.

It still has the 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo which makes a rather bland exhaust note and then faking it from the interior but get this, it's now enhanced so now it develops 575PS of power. This model is now 0.1 seconds faster in the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint and 0.2 seconds for the 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) acceleration. That sounds as electrifying as Oliver Skeete in an electric chair and judging by its fun factor, it feels a bit faultless. You can get yourself intoxicated by the sheer pleasure it triggers and no matter the circumstances, it still tries to leave a huge smile in a face. You can pull a few tricks just like what Yorkshire Stig used to do last year and with the right skill, you are surely manage to blitz through the assault course with its wild side.

Judging by the way how juvenile the version is, the Competition Paket is like turning a child star into a more fiercer, bolder, and more hardcore star that introduced the whole T meme. What was that? Oh yeah, it's Twerking of course. This car sure knows how to do the twerking and imagine if you see one parked near a preschool, that's a childhood worth ruining or enhancing. Don't tell me why...

2014 BMW M5

The Competition Paket made the BMW M5 more fun to drive but sadly though, it tastes like s**t when you drive one on the public roads. Think of it like...JoJo Tickle drank some pee no matter how purified it is. Seriously, can you purify your own wee to drink? That's disgusting but tell you what though, there is one thing worth worse than drinking a glass of wee and that's the M Dynamic Mode which makes the M5 more difficult to regain its handling and more chances to kill you if you're not careful. Just can you think of something that is worth dynamic and challenging? Well, there's the SLS Black, the VXR8, the Vanquish, the F12, there are so many cars worth dynamic and challenging and if you're a beginner, this is not the car for you so you better off with a hot hatch or a Porsche 911 with a mild driving feel until you're ready.

As dynamic as the cars I mentioned earlier, the new M5 with the Competition Paket is not recommended for the faint at heart and it's only made for brave people with some hair in their chests. It's the car made for people who want a bit of some "crash and burn" in their lives but there's something a bit more than this car....

2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

The latest version of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Like the M5, it's still not the car made for the shy type of persons and it's definitely a brave man's car if you're facing the YOLO word. Yes, you might get uncomfortable every time when you see the YOLO word because...well, you know but unlike the M5, the E63 is worth perfect and don't need the fakey exhaust sound gizmo on the stereo because of its bewildering exhaust note worth intoxicating. For the first time, it now features a brand new S-Modell which bumps the E63's 5.5L V8 turbo engine up to 585PS of power, 10 more than the M5 Competition Paket, and unlike the M5, the E63 S-Modell is four-wheel drive, making it a bit less complicated. 0-100kph time is now 3.6 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph or with the optional package, you can have the limit raised to 300kph.

It maybe four-wheel drive, it may have more power than the M5, and it maybe better looking than the M5 but sadly, the new E63 also has the same twerking trait as the M5 rival but it's a different kind of twerking because the E63 is starting to get more convincing and to do that, let's resort comparing the E63 AMG S-Modell to a totally different kind of league. Take this Nissan GT-R for example, while the E63 has more power than the GT-R, be warned that the GT-R has a better 0-100kph time than the E63 S-Modell and the E63 S-Modell costs more than the GT-R, by about 10,000 Euros. Hashtag? Sorry, can't tell what kind of hashtag will be but here's the word: 100,000 Euro German Sports Saloon with 585PS of power - gets raped by Godzilla. Ouch!

2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

So, it may not be a proper Godzilla rival but the E63 S-Modell sets the ultimate benchmark as one of the most powerful V8 sports saloons ever made and the BMW M5 can't get even closer because it needs to do better than that. Sadly though, even though the E63 S-Modell is the best saloon car for the bravest of the few, I wouldn't recommend it and instead, go for the Nissan GT-R. Why? It's quicker than the E63 S-Modell and that's the end of it. Case closed.

What's in our Car Town garage today? (October 17, 2013)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2011 Nissan Leaf

The Leaf, launched in Japan since the end of 2010, signaled a new generation for Nissan to create zero-emission vehicles as part of their portfolio. It promises zero emissions thanks to the fact that it runs only in electricity, affordable pricing, distinctive design, real-time range autonomy of 100 miles, and connected autonomy. This car won Japan's 2011 Car of the Year, making it the first EV car to win such an award and it also won the 2011 World Car of the Year. There are so many awards and accolades garnered for Nissan's electric car.

2011 Nissan Leaf

2008 Ford Fusion

Launched in 2005 and slotted to the spot where the Ford Taurus left off, the Fusion midsize sedan is America's answer to its Japanese rivals like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Although it is an American car, there's a bit of a Japanese touches on it because the base 2.3L Duratec engine was designed by Mazda while the transmission choices for the Fusion were actually sourced from Japan. Thing is though, despite all of that, the Fusion scored very well in the NHTSA crash tests and with airbags, it has scored positive results at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

2008 Ford Fusion

2013 Ford Fusion

Revolutionizing Ford's midsize sedan for today's trends, the brand new Ford Fusion is now made to be a global car under the One Ford approach. So global that Ford decided to sell the new Fusion in other parts of the world, especially Europe, as the Ford Mondeo. Although it may have the controversial Aston Martin-lookalike grille like every Ford model has, the brand new Fusion tries to stand tall from the competition and the top-of-the-line model with the EcoBoost 2.0L engine promises the power of a V6 engine with the fuel consumption of a compact car. The Fusion also comes with a hybrid or a PHEV under the Energi banner.

2013 Ford Fusion

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Let's Do The News! (October 16, 2013)

The big news today...

- The October 15, 2013 Visayan earthquake, what reports said, is the STRONGEST IN 23 YEARS. It's so strong, it has the same force of 32 Atomic Bombs. So far, over a hundred people died in the October 15 Visayan quake, and over 700 aftershocks were recorded. Historical churches in Cebu and Bohol, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, commercial establishments, they all took a massive toll from the strong quake.

- US Government Shutdown reaches Day 15 and so far, US House fails to produce plan to avoid default, to try again tomorrow. Stay tuned as the crisis looms to a frightening climax...

- PAGASA tracks another approaching Low Pressure Area moments after Tino left for Japan. When became into cyclone when it hits the Philippine Area of Responsibility in one or two days, it will be named Urduja and it could be powerful and potentially destructive, adding cyclones at this time of the year are powerful.

- Typhoon Tino (known worldwide as Wipha) might become the strongest typhoon to hit Japan in 10 years. It may make landfall in the Kanto region this morning and may hit Fukushima by day's end.

- British-born Porsche Supercup driver Sean Edwards was killed in a crash at the Queensland Raceway in Australia. Sean Edwards is the son of the former F1 racer Guy Edwards, who pulled Niki Lauda out of his burning Ferrari after the fiery Nurburgring crash in 1976.

- Former F1 racer, Robert Kubica, confirmed that he will race in next month's World Rally Championship at the Wales Rally GB, making it his first time since switching from F1 to rallying after that horrific accident in February 2011 which partially severed his forearm.

- There's still more KuroBas death threats going on as this time, 7-Eleven Japan began temporarily removing those Kuroko no Basket snacks from its shelves due to the letter claimed that the writer left poisoned packages of the snacks in stores. Reports noted that the letter was also sent to the school the series creator, Tadatoshi Fujimaki, studying at - Sophia University.

- Somewhere in Iwami, Tottori Prefecture, there is a scarecrow made to look like Iwatobi-chan from the swimming anime Free! and it is currently set up by Cosmos Road along the Yoshida River on the Uradome coast. Also, the Iwami Tourism Association even posted a guide for some exclusive Free merchandise this month.

TTFN!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: The story so far (10/15/13)


The story so far from the Korean Peninsula:

- Lawmakers continued to probe the Board of Audit and Inspection amid suspicions the organization had been filing reports for the controversial four rivers restoration project, which is the pet project of former South Korean leader Lee Myung-bak.

- South Korean army reportedly eyeing the adoption of the US-designed missile defense system that could strike different ranges of ballistic missiles in mid-air during their terminal phase.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Geekdom's Guide: Jelly patty

Jelly patty


In one episode of SpongeBob SquarePants, when SpongeBob asks Mr. Krab's permission for a five minute lunch break, he made a new twist to his beloved Krabby Patty by adding jellyfish jelly on it. When he ate one, he's indulged by the delicious jellyfish jelly until a customer asked what that is and then the customer tasted it and then..."Hey all you people!"

Well, you get the idea but sadly, we can't get jelly from jellyfish in real life because...yeah, it hurts a lot when you touched the jellyfish's tentacles on it. Instead, why not find some jelly from your nearest supermarkets? Make sure it's flavored because if it's a jelly without a flavor, that's so bland.

We prefer ready-made Jell-o's or Jellyace or whatever you call it but be sure it's ready-made for convenience. That's it.

How to make a burger? A 100% pure beef patty and some buns. If you can't find one at your nearest grocery, make your own.

With a cooked beef patty and buns at hand, stack them up but if you have a jelly at hand, place your jelly of choice at the top of your beef patty before stacking them up with the top bun.

Within moments...hey all you people! Hey all you people! Hey all you people, would you listen to me!!!

The geekdom's guide of jelly patty....

Let's Do The News! (October 15, 2013)

The big news today or tonight or this morning...

- A huge catastrophe happened in Central Visayas! At exactly 8:12 AM, Philippine Standard Time, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the province of Bohol. The quake was tectonic in origin and occurred 2 kilometers southwest of Carmen town. So far, 4 people died and for worse, some historical monuments took massive damage from the earthquake. If you want to seek help from the victims of the recent earthquake, call the Philippine Red Cross hotline at 143 or visit http://www.redcross.org.ph/ if you are willing to help Central Visayans affected from the quake.

Photo source: http://instagram.com/p/feMsZlrBbG/

- US Government Shutdown reaches Day 14 and as the October 17 default draws near, U.S. senators hint at possible fiscal deal on tomorrow. Will this work or not and we are succumbed by the US default threat? Tune in next time and find out!!!

- Is it bye-bye for the Nissan Skyline for good?! Nissan plans to launch the Infiniti brand in Japan at the end of the year with the Q50 Hybrid sports saloon. Unlike Toyota's Lexus, no standalone sales channel for Infiniti in Japan and depending on the outcome, it may expand models.

2014 Infiniti Q50


- The new 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, the one with the big 7.0L V8 engine on it, records its Nurburgring lap time of 7:37.47, faster than the standard Lexus LFA and Porsche 911 Carrera S.



- 2013 Formula Drift season comes to an end and for the first time, Michael Essa and the GSR Autosport Yokohama BMW M3 won the tenth season of Formula Drift.



TTFN!

2014 Toyota Harrier sparks international media confusion

2014 Toyota Harrier


Back in the summer, Toyota Motor Corporation teased the world with its upcoming 2014 Harrier luxury crossover, which will be on sale at the end of 2013. However, although it's going to be a Japan-only model, the international motoring press often think that the 2014 Harrier hints at the next-generation Lexus RX or perhaps based on the Lexus RX. Oh great, there goes mass hysteria in the pressing issues right now. Reports said that the model's hybrid model will have the same powerplant as the Lexus RX450h. Is this true? Some say, the next generation Harrier hybrid may sport the 2.5L hybrid powerplant inherited from the Toyota Camry saloon. Others say that the 2014 Harrier is essentially based on the latest-generation RAV4, the crossover that the Japanese market hasn't got one until now.

Come on, the 2014 Harrier DOES NOT hint a future Lexus RX, it's now based on the new RAV4, and some say, it will have either a 2.0L petrol engine or a 2.5L hybrid engine.

The 2014 Harrier will be making its world premiere at November's 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and the truth will set out...

What's in our Car Town garage today? (October 15, 2013)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1991 Toyota Celica GT-Four

If the Japanese commercial for this car with Eddie Murphy on it says WANTED, then this is the JDM sportscar you really wanted to drive if you were a 90's kid but there's more to it than that because this fifth-generation Celica is well known to be one of the most formidable rally warriors in the Group A category. There's also a special model dedicated to Carlos Sainz, a Spanish racer who became Toyota's first WRC champ in 1990.

1991 Toyota Celica GT-Four

2012 Lamborghini Urus

Although it may not quite be a tribute to the original "Lambo Rambo" offroader, the LM002, Lamborghini's Urus concept car, as seen at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, showcases the future of what if Lamborghini made an SUV, which is more of an unorthodox since Lamborghini showcased the 4-door concept car, Estoque, at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

2012 Lamborghini Urus

2007 Pagani Zonda F

Six years since Pagani launched its first ever hypercar, the Zonda, in 1999, the people at Pagani are wondering how to make the best hypercar of all time even better and the result is none other than the F version. Premiered at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, the Zonda F is one of the most advanced Zondas ever made. Named after a Formula One driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, the Zonda F features a recalibrated version of the AMG 7.3L V12 engine, so it produces 602PS of power and 759Nm of torque. Only 25 cars were produced.

2007 Pagani Zonda F

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: The story so far (10/14/13)


The story so far from the Korean Peninsula:

- The first day of the first parliamentary audit under the Park Geun-hye administration as lawmakers were dispatched to government offices around the nation to audit government offices.

- More than 500 Koreans sought asylum outside the country last year, according to a recent ministerial report.

- Pre-trial hearing for Lee Seok-ki, the leftist lawmaker accused of plotting an armed rebellion against his own government, was held on Monday.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Let's Do The News! (October 14, 2013)

The big science today...

- Thai tourist officials were left red-face and the Thai sex show owner got arrested after Rihanna tweets about her visit and underscored the bad side of Thailand.

- To fight hackers, they created cyber warriors and hostile activity from hackers spawned a growing number of corporate defenders dedicated to fight back. The US military's Cyber Command is due to quadruple in two years time with 4000 new personnel while UK announced a new Joint Cyber reserve last month. Sadly, demand for specialists has far outpaced the number of those qualified for the job at hand, leading to a staffing crunch as talent is poached by the competition offering huge salaries.

- A comic book dream come into reality? US military developing armor that allows special ops to walk through stream of bullets, see in the dark, heal wounds, and monitor vital signs, similar to the ones they saw from Marvel's Iron Man.

- For the two holidays of October 2013; the celebration of Eidul Adha on the 15th and the barangay elections on October 28, DOLE issues pay rules for two October holidays.

- Iglesia Ni Cristo is conducting a medical and dental mission to extend help to more than a million people but there are some roads have been closed to make way for the mission. Check out the quick guide to Metro Manila traffic today.

- Two million Muslim pilgrims began the annual Hajj today, heading out of the holy city of Mecca towards Mina before moving on to Mt. Arafat tomorrow. Sadly, numbers are reduced due to the fears of the MERS virus.

- Iran rejected the West's demand to ship their uranium abroad. Talks about Iran's nuclear program are due to start in Geneva on Tuesday.

- High alert people! High alert! Typhoon Tino enters PH but it won't make a landfall except cloudy skies and isolated rainshowers. Tino packs sustained winds nearing 170kph today with gusts up to 240kph. That's about as similar as the super cyclone that hit India last weekend. Some say, Tino (world name: Wipha) may hit Japan in the coming days.

- Former tester for the Marussia Formula One team, Maria de Villota, was found dead last Friday in a hotel room in her native Spain, a year after de Villota suffered a horror crash while testing Marussia’s 2012 F1 car that cost her her right eye and ended her racing career.

- The global press had been fallen victim over the hoax Jeane Napoles bathtub pic. It's the one where she's been showering with lots of cash.

- France will send more troops to the Central Republican Republic at the end of the year as part of the UN resolution aimed to end violence in the country.

- Survival drama Genesis airs on GMA-7 today featuring the theme song "Nandiyan Palagi" sung by Asia's songbird, Regine Velasquez.

- Philippine indie film, Transit, won Busan International Film Festival.

- Shocking news that there's a different kind of drug in Russia called Krokodil, a drug that eats the inner parts of the human body. That's worth a fearsome and tell you what, this is as fearsome as some zombie movies and shows you commonly watched.

Tales of Symphonia Unisonant Pack

Ten years ago, it's the year 2003. Let's see...what things does the year brought us out? In the year 2003, we got...Yumeria? Okay...What about Braniac? The one with Richard Hammond on it before? All right...What else? What else does the year 2003 brought us? Yes, the war on Iraq and the fall of Saddam Hussein. We all remember that. Anyway, there's this game we all remember in the year 2003 and that's Tales of Symphonia, one of the most memorable Namco Tales games ever made and it's definitely one of the Tales games we got hooked on.

Before explaining what it's about, let's look back at last year's Tales of Xillia 2. For starters, it maybe somewhat more of a sequel to the Xillia game that most Tales fans got talked about. Sometimes, even though it's the latest chapter, fans sometimes kinda let themselves down to the storyline that leaves everyone puzzling with questions left to be answered but that's the whole point of the Tales stories, you'll expect more twists and turns as the player made crucial choices.

What fans want for the Tales of game is a Tales of game that is new but it's not new. What they actually want is this...

Tales of Symphonia Unisonant Pack

Refreshed from the archives of the history of NAMCO, this is Tales of Symphonia Unisonant Pack. At first glance, it looks like the old 2003 video game as well as its 2008 follow-up; Ratatosk no Kishi (Dawn of the New World) but it's been peppered with modern touches.

It's a classic Tales of game but since it's made to celebrate Symphonia's 10th anniversary, you can now play both Symphonia and Dawn of the New World into one in your PS3 console! Although it maybe an old game redefined but when you played both of these two in a new packaging and the same mechanics, it gets you in there, relieving every moments you have encountered throughout the Symphonia storyline. This is like a tribute band which rocks like the original! No, wait! Even better!

Featuring an innovative battle system with numerous special attacks, spells, and combos, it also comes with a customizable growth system which allows you to change your fighting style and alter the storyline according to the character's relationships. In Tales of Symphonia, aside from the battles, there's also a wide variety of minigames and side quests for added gameplay value.

Meanwhile in the 2008 followup: Ratatosk no Kishi (Dawn of the New World), as Emil, a young man who posses the power of Ratatosk, you can acquire different kinds of monsters which you can raise to their full potential after battles. It also features an enhanced free-run battle system complete with unison attacks and a strategic elemental system.

However, those mechanics doesn't matter to us because celebrating Symphonia's 10th anniversary since its 2003 debut on the Gamecube is more than enough to celebrate one of the most adorned Namco Tales ever assembled. Despite being made as a tribute to the game's 10th year, I had a confession to make. As a matter of fact, they could have overdone this. Since Tales of Symphonia was launched in 2003 on the Gamecube and its Dawn of the New World followup launched on the Wii in 2008, why would they have to put these two chapters into one and plug it on the PS3 console instead of the newer Wii U console? Perhaps the reason why they put it on the PS3 is because they are concentrating on the looks, the feels, the sounds, and everything to make it even better for the masses. That's how that really mattered.

Thing is though, this is like more of a worship. It's like the monks paying respect to their idol and they are blessing it with exquisite gifts. If by gifts, there are surprises because here in Symphonia, you can expect unlocking costumes from various Tales of games.For Lloyd and Genus, you can unlock their costumes derived from Tales of the Abyss. For Collete and Sheena, costumes from Tales of Vesperia.  For Kratos, Presea, and Zelos, good luck finding the costumes from the Tales of Xillia chapters. Lastly, for Regal and Raine, find outfits derived from Malik and Pascal from Tales of Graces F. As for the 2008 followup, hats! Good luck unlocking some hats for Emil, Marta, and some of the returning cast! Also, when you finished Dawn of the New World, you'll get the Gallery Mode featuring character concept artworks as well as the skits from the game itself.

What this is, in truth, is more than just a gala for the devoted Tales fan. It's like a love letter to a game.

F1 2013 Japanese GP

F1 2013


The F1 2013 Japanese GP sees a win for Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel, making this his ninth success of the season - and fifth in a row - after a finely judged two-stop race. He might win the battle but his title as F1 2013 World Champion has to wait for a while.

PRESS RELEASE:

Race - Vettel beats Webber in Japan, but title must wait

At times it seemed that Lotus’s Romain Grosjean or Red Bull’s Mark Webber might emerge victorious from a tactical race in Japan on Sunday, but in the end it was Webber’s team mate Sebastian Vettel who took his ninth success of the season - and fifth in a row - after a finely judged two-stop race.

Webber’s chances were hampered at the start when both he and Vettel were slow away and Grosjean’s Lotus burst through from fourth on the grid to snatch the lead going into the first corner, but for a while the Australian’s three-stop strategy looked good as he swapped to Pirelli’s medium tyres for his final stint with 11 laps to go. Unfortunately it took him until the 52nd lap to dislodge Grosjean from second place, by which time Vettel was far too far ahead.

The result was not enough to clinch the drivers’ championship for Vettel as Fernando Alonso’s plucky fourth place for Ferrari leaves him 90 points adrift with 100 still up for grabs in the final four races. 

Alonso played second fiddle for a long time to Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa, but then moved ahead of the Brazilian and in the closing stages fought and won a tight battle with Sauber’s again-impressive Nico Hulkenberg. The latter was also displaced near the finish by Kimi Raikkonen, who brought his Lotus home fifth. But as Esteban Gutierrez drove the best race of his short F1 career to score his first points with seventh place, it was a good race for team owner Peter Sauber who was back home in Switzerland celebrating his 70th birthday.

Gutierrez earned his spurs by holding off the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg to the flag, as Jenson Button passed Massa on the penultimate lap to score two points for McLaren. The Brazilian had lost time with a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

It was a tough day for Mercedes, who lost Lewis Hamilton as a contender in the first corner. As Grosjean came down the inside Hamilton was pinched between the two Red Bulls as they struggled for momentum. As Vettel had to move left to avoid the Lotus he clipped the Mercedes’ right-rear tyre with his left front-wing endplate. Hamilton limped to the pits with a puncture, resumed, but soon retired as the resulting aerodynamic damage was costing him more than a second a lap.

Paul di Resta drove a feisty race for Force India but just lost out on points to Button and Massa in the closing stages and thus finished 11th, while Jean-Eric Vergne fought to 12th for Toro Rosso, just ahead of team mate Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian started on the hard tyres and did the longest first stint, but his chances of points were ruined when he got a drive-through penalty for completing a pass on Force India’s Adrian Sutil by going off track exiting 130R on the 28th lap and being deemed by the stewards to have gained an unfair advantage.
Sutil made a brilliant start from last on the grid and was always in the lower midfield fight, but had to settle for 14th, a long way behind Ricciardo and a mere tenth of a second ahead of Sergio Perez, who like McLaren team mate Button did a three-stop run.

Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas were 16th and 17th for Williams, the Finn dropping from 13th in the final laps after a mistake in the heat of the battle.

Caterham and Marussia lost Giedo van der Garde and Jules Bianchi at the very first corner when the Dutchman and the Frenchman collided at the start, but after serving a drive-though penalty in the first five laps for driving through a red light during qualifying, Charles Pic fought through to lead Marussia’s Max Chilton home.

Vettel's fourth win in Japan brings him to 297 points in the standings to Alonso’s 207, which means he can clinch the title at the next round in India by finishing fifth or higher, regardless of what the Spaniard does. Raikkonen pulled further away from Hamilton in third place with 177 to 161, while Webber is moving back into contention with them on 148.

The result gave Red Bull another 43 points, bringing their total to 445. Ferrari’s run pulled them further ahead of Mercedes, the gap going out to 10 points with 297 to 287, while Lotus are back in the fight for second place with 264. Much further back McLaren have 83 to Force India’s 62.

Source: FORMULA ONE official

Vettel's win in Japan is one step further from his title because if he placed 5th or better at the Indian GP, coming October 27, 2013, then the title is his. Stay tuned for more drama at the F1 2013 season as Vettel's nearing to his title!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Let's Do The News! (October 13, 2013)

Inside the blog's test tube today...

- US Government Shutdown reaches Day 12 and as of now, US President Obama failed to reach a deal between the Republican's offer to extend the debt limit. With just a few days before the October 17 deadline, the risk of the default draws near and this is BAD. REALLY BAD.

- Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez, two boxers who defeated Manny Pacquiao last year, faced each other in a 12-round fight at Thomas and Mack Center and after 12 rounds, via split decision, Bradley remained undefeated.

- After Santi, Philippines are in high alert for an incoming typhoon approaching the Philippine Area of Responsibility this Monday under the name "Tino". Wait a minute...Santi first, then Tino...Is it Santino?! Never mind but some say, Tino will not expected to make landfall in the Philippines and is predicted to exit PAR on Tuesday morning.

- The Hyundai Tucson Zombie Survival Machine will make its first ever tour around the Metro starting at October 12 at SM Mall of Asia, October 13 at Greenbelt/Glorietta, October 14 at Ayala/Rockwell area, October 16 at Ortigas CBD, October 17 at Taft Avenue, and October 18 at Bonifacio Global City. It is expected to make its appearance at next month's 2013 Manila Auto Salon.

So, you want to see the Hyundai Tucson zombie survival machine?
Hyundai Tucson Zombie Survival Machine

- BMW unveiled the Cabriolet version of the BMW 4-Series and it will make a world premiere at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show.

2014 BMW 4-Series Cabriolet

- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago recently filed a bill made to to protect the rights of taxi passengers and penalizes both drivers and operators who violated these rights.

- The latest episode from the latest season of FOX's TV show, Glee bids farewell to Finn Hudson, the hunky, kind-hearted jock played by the late Cory Monteith, who died from drug and alcohol abuse last Summer at the age of 31. The episode was titled "The Quarterback" and the staff of the show weren't allowed to use the actor's cause of death to send message about drug abuse and for that, Finn Hudson's death remain unknown.

- Thanks to her and the twerking meme, actress Miley Cyrus was no longer listed in the stuff of everything Hannah Montana, the Disney Channel TV show about a high-school girl's alter ego as an idol which aired from which was aired from 2006 and ended in 2010 after four seasons. The name "Miley Cyrus" was completely wiped out from anything connected to Hannah Montana on iTunes! And when you look at the credits for Hannah Montana The Movie in Apple's media library, where's Miley? How come "Hannah Montana" was listed? Also, in the album Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus, what just happened? There's none! Miley's name is gone!!! Oh well, best to label it "CHILDHOOD RUINED" for good.

TTFN!!

Tropa Mo Ko Unli - 10/12/13

On the October 12, 2013 episode of TV5's Tropa Moko Unli, what happens when you mash up the stories of Adrian and Chichay from Got To Believe, Ser Chief and Maya from Be Careful With My Heart, and Vincent, Eric, and Lally from My Husband's Lover? It's simple, GOT TO BE CAREFUL WITH MY HUSBAND'S LOVERBOY!

Also, there's still more from the Battle of the Brainless!

1) FILL IN THE BLANKS: Heto ako basang-basa sa _________.

Kama? Laway?! Pawis? Shower? Inidoro?! Eula?! You?!! Tulo?! Ulo?! SUSO!!!

2) Twinkle, twinkle little _____.

Prosti!? Frosty the Snowman!? Pimples?! Bading!? Best actress!? Best actor?! Supporting actor?! Supporting actor na wala nang buhay?! SHOES!!!

3) Tuwing may lamay, madalas ay binibigyan natin ang mga bisita natin ng kape at _____. Ano ang ____ na ito?

Kuko?! Asukal?! Tasa!? Tinidor?! Bra!? CROISSANT!!!

Willie Revillame bids Wowowillie adieu

Willie Revillame

Yesterday, controversial high-profile entertainer Willie Revillame bid farewell to his Wowowillie variety show as the last show of the series reached its fond farewell last October 12, 2013. He thanked the TV5 management and the people who worked closely with him through the very end ever since Willie Revillame started his TV5 career back in 2010. Amid the controversies and the complaints from other people, there are so many Filipinos supported Willie through the very end.

In case you missed his emotional final speech on the last show of the series, watch it here.

Audi RS Q3 and VW cross up!

2014 Audi RS Q3

What Audi did is take an ordinary Q3 on the nightclub, strip out most of its dignity like watching and paying for girls dancing, and then the result for all of those beer breath hangover is this; a crossover running from the law like what teenagers running away from the public with a bag snatched from a lady, some drugs hidden in his pants, and remain as anonymous as Guy Fawkes. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the brand new Audi RS Q3.

The normal Q3 is made for the sort of people who realize that they are the sort of geek or nerd trying to think smart and act smart, like any dorky high-IQ morons in their skinny jeans, suspenders, polos, and dorky glasses. Whoever came here gets the bulls from the bullies and later on gets flushed down to the toilet. We're not talking about that but the Q3 really suits the description well because it's just one of the tall hatchbacks many people wanted to buy for no reason. This whole crossover trend, those fakey and phoney hatchbacks claim to be SUVs, it always here to stay and that really creeps me out. Anyway, what's this all about the RS version?

This is like when you turn a nerd into a ladies' man by giving him lots of adrenaline, not by steroids but taking him on a wild ride on a theme park like roller coasters, bumper cars, anything highriding that thrills him. That's true, it is an adrenaline-induced tall hatchback made by the skunk works lurking through the bowels of Quattro GmBH.

2014 Audi RS Q3 interior
Audi claims that this is the first ever SUV to get the RS treatment by quattro but to me this isn't an SUV indeed. The thing is though that the whole idea of having a high-performance SUV is by turning it from a family-friendly car into a car only selfies want to start some bar brawls by night. Think of it like Patrick Swayze's Road House in a mindless kind of way. Road House...

Under the bonnet, the RS Q3 is powered by the same sort of engine you'd expect from the old 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback. It develops 310PS of power and 420Nm of torque. 310PS of power...that's about 8PS less than the Lexus IS350 but still, the RS Q3 has a 0-100kph time of 5.5 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph. That sounds like a countdown to a disaster, much more like, well you know...

What about the way it handles? For a crossover like this, the RS Q3 really is worth a juvenile streak and because it's 4WD, handling never felt so...so...well, modest. It doesn't want to kill you like most high-powered sportscars do but still, it's worth a smile indeed to the driver's senses. Think of it like...salad preparation, the Brainiac way. You're making a salad with the use of pencil sharpener, a guillotine, and a paper shredder. Hmmm...convincing if you ran out of knives for chopping but it leaves out with some paper shreddings and pencil shavings. Ick!

If by ick, I mean of course, it's worth terrible to drive one of those if you were in the middle of a trip to groceries or to the mall because if you do, people might think you're just another one of people who spent the government's pork barrel for no reason at all and the authorities might get you noticed. There's another problem with the RS Q3 because hey, while it's worth exciting to drive, it's definitely not quite the weekend car for a treat and because Audi spent so much making it too sporty, being a weekend car is a bit of a contraband because it makes you upset more than your Photoshop teacher in class. Ouch...

But still, the biggest problem for the RS Q3 is of course, the price and since it starts at 54,600 Euros, twice as expensive as the regular Q3 but as a general rule, it's the most affordable RS model for now because when you look at the price list for Audi models, the RS Q3 costs less than the present Audi RS model. The most expensive so far was the very serious RS7 Sportback with the pricing of 113,000 Euros.

So yes, the new RS Q3, it maybe more of a value than any other Audi RS but what you get for what you pay for is a Q3 with too much power that doesn't make any sense. Too much power for a crossover? Hmmm... Where did I get that idea? Never mind about that, but if I want more fun out for the buck, it might be best not to have one of these but instead, I should be getting one of these...

2014 Volkswagen cross up!

2014 Volkswagen cross up! interior

Yep, just another tall hatchback but this time in the form of the Volkswagen up! compact car, the small car worth enjoyable enough if you want to play a game of badminton out of it. It's called the cross up! and this model starts at around 13,950 Euros and you don't need to have too much stuff that the Audi RS Q3 had. Sure, the RS Q3 maybe a crossover which has the strength of a crossbow but it's a bit too much and with the cross up!, you're not the sort of person who spends most of the pork barrel, you're just a busy man out with some casuals for casual Friday. Since it's not Friday, it's a bit of a casual everyday if I'm honest.

With the 1.0L engine from the normal up! compact, it develops about 75PS of power, extremely less than the RS Q3 but unlike the RS Q3, it's not very thirsty indeed because it has about 21.3km/L of fuel economy. Not bad though, not bad. Even though it's too small and it's too slow, the cross up won't definitely kill you more than the RS Q3.

So, in conclusion, the RS Q3 is worth the fun but if it's too much, better downgrade yourself to the cross up! instead because sometimes, the smallest can rest easily on the road like a baby carried by a stork. Quite a tearjerker to end this impression here...