Saturday, May 3, 2014

Let's Do The News! (May 3, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Now I know most of you were busy watching news about Crisis in Ukraine and yes, it's a big one that hits the airwaves because of the days, there has been brutal fights, helicopters down, and innocent civilians got caught on the crossfire. Earlier, there was a report that over a dozen were killed in a crossfire in southern Ukraine while Ukrainian security forces unleashed their most intensive effort yet to dislodge pro-Russian separatists, who seized numerous government buildings in nearly a dozen cities and towns. Read this CNN report here.

- Another disaster happened in South Korea and this time, it's a high-speed train that rear-ended on another train, injuring over a hundred passengers inside. Check out this report from CNN.

- The UFC files a $32 million lawsuit against a New York man who pirated numerous UFC matches and distributed through the net illegally. Read here.

- The World Health Organization warns about the threats of Antibiotic Resistance, where the antibiotics are losing their effectiveness on sick people. In other words, most antibiotics won't work.

- Let's move on to some good news as the Philippines eyes on more mango exports to the United States.

- Tuner Callaway unveiled their first tuned version of the brand new Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray sportscar at the National Corvette Museum and this tuned version ups the V8 engine to 620HP of power output thanks to the added supercharger and a three-element intercooler which only allows the inlet air temperature to increase by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.



- General Motors is working on the company's Performance and Racing Center at Pontiac, Michigan and operations will start in mid-2015. This will serve as the new hub for the company's motorsports involvement as well as performance vehicles.

- The Peter Rabbit animated series garnered eight Emmy Award nominations! Here's the scoop courtesy of Brown Bag Films, the studio behind this modern take of a children's classic!

- The folks from Brown Bag Films showcased us how our notable Octonauts machines, Kwazii's Gup-B and the short-lived Gup-F as seen in The Octonauts and the Speedy Sailfish episode. Let's find out how it's made.

- IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The hit Disney Junior series Doc McStuffins won the Best Animation Award from the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications. The series creator, Chris Nee, was pleased how powerful their medium was.



- Back to the topic of Brown Bag Films as the Irish-based animation studio streamed a five-minute animation short for the benefit of TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE. It's called ANYA and this short highlights are rather touching two decades in the life of a Russian orphan. This short was directed by Damien O' Connor, produced by Edel Byrne, music by Darren Hendley, vocals by Lisa Hannigan, and narration by Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova. We do please watch this touching clip and donate to TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE to continue helping orphaned Russian children in need.

- The swimming anime series, Free! Iwatobi Swim Club, returns for a second season called Free! Eternal Summer and this summer sequel continues the splashing drama of swimmer Haruka Ayase and the Iwatobi Swim Club as this summer will be their first and last eternal summer. Read the details.

- Jennifer Lawrence, the Hunger Games actress, is the world's sexiest woman of 2014 according to FHM Magazine.

TTFN!!!

Bubble Gang's 2-Part Summer Special (Part Two)



In the conclusion of the Bubble Gang 2014 Summer Special at The Greenery, how are the guys doing in their hot summer escapades?

- Holding Hands While Walking gags

- #youreamoron #yourecrazy #toomuchhashtags!!!



- Girls never realized that the last person they've encountered...is actually a wealthy playboy!



- This week's STARPOK interview with Valeria the Designer!




- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...taking pictures while on special occasions!



- Summer weddings will never be the same! Swimsuit weddings!


- Mr. Assimo plays golf.



- Istambay, Istambay sa Pasyalan, Makinig na kayo sa kwentuhan, tungkol sa pasaway na kaibigan, tawagin natin siya na...SINO YAN?



- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...taking pics on the restroom mirrors!



- Even if it's hot summer, Brod Pete and his pals are always here to answer life's hottest questions on ANG BAGONG DATING DOON

- More summer wisdom from Tata Lino

- An encounter that was not hopeful to be...

...and that pretty much that's it! Well, it's been two weeks of comprehending this but I'm sure most of you enjoyed your hot summer fun with the Bubble Gang for the whole summer and it's worth a blast. Thank you for watching the two-part Bubble Gang 2014 Summer Special!

Sewol Tragedy: Death toll now 226


The death toll from the Sewol ferry tragedy has now risen to 226 with 76 people remained missing in the disaster zone. South Korean president Park Geun-hye says that it is the duty of the president to officially apologize for the most tragic maritime disaster in South Korea and she will do everything she can to ensure that the missing passengers are found and once again pledged for an overhaul of the nation's disaster response system.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Let's Do The News! (May 2, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Shooting for the upcoming Disney XD comedy series, Kirby Buckets, is underway.

Kirby Buckets

- The hit Disney Junior cartoon series, Sofia the First, garnered six Daytime Emmy nominations!

- IT'S OFFICIAL: Mark Fields is named as the successor of Alan Mulally for being the CEO of Ford Motor Company. The outgoing Ford CEO, that is Alan Mulally, will retire beginning July 2014.

- Continuing on the tribute of the legendary Formula One driver, Ayrton Senna, Gran Turismo showcased a documentary clip called Ayrton's Wish as a tribute to the legendary racer who died in a tragic in-race accident at Imola 20 years ago. Coming at the end of this month, Gran Turismo 6 will get an update called the "Ayrton Senna Tribute" as part of the game's partnership with the Ayrton Senna Foundation.



- Remember West Coast Customs? Yes, it's that tuning garage as seen on MTV's Pimp My Ride before Galpin Auto Sports took over the spotlight for modifying bangers into blingers. There's a report told that West Coast Customs is embattled with the feds over charges that employees were chronically underpaid between November 2010 and January 2013.

- It may sound more deja vu but Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors, will launch three new vehicles next year and all three are sourced from Opel or Vauxhall. First, there's the Cascada convertible, the Insignia VXR, and the 3-door Astra GTC (as well as its hot VXR model). Give me a headache anyway but the folks from HSV are facing problems upon the arrival of these Euro-sourced machines saying that it would be a challenge to improve their performance just as what they do to their Commodores.


- There's a conspiracy going on around the Philippine showbizness as veteran broadcast journalist, Tony Calvento, reveals that there was an assassination plot against mauled actor Vhong Navarro. We're not kinda sure about this conspiracy but there's more to it than that.

- DISASTER! There was a Miss Earth Philippines contestant who got fainted while she was in a middle in the swimsuit contest portion of the pageant. Leslie Ann Pine, one of the contestants, is the Fil-Am representing San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, who got fainted during the pageant, just shortly after the awarding ceremony. Don't worry though, she's still safe.

- It seems that the North Koreans are testing an engine for a possible ICBM. Is this still one of their threats against humanity?

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: If you catch the trailer during the commercial breaks of the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards, you might noticed that there's a brand new Disney cartoon where the seven dwarves got themselves a brand new spin. Called The 7D, the new summer cartoon series features a fresh comedic take on the seven dwarves. Featuring the voices of Kelly Osborne, Bill Farmer, Maurice LaMarche, Kevin Michael Richardson, Scott Menville, Dee Bradley Baker, Stephen Stanton, Billy West, Paul Rugg, Jess Harnell and Leigh-Allyn Baker, the new series airs this summer on various Disney networks, including Disney XD where they'll be broadcasting this new show. Oh, and be sure to pack a sick bucket with you unless you're vomiting rainbows.

The 7D

- Check out the new "Hold On" music video by Sweet Suspense!



TTFN!!!

Sewol Tragedy: Death toll now 213


As of now, the death toll from the Sewol ferry tragedy is now 213 while 89 people remained missing in the disaster zone. As the investigation on the cause continues, authorities arrested two senior employees of the Chonghaejin Marine Company for negligence. They were accused for allowing the ferry to be renovated so it could hold more cargo, knowing that it was dangerous. Perhaps excessive cargo and weight on board the ferry is seen as one of the main causes of the sinking of the Sewol ferry but the investigation continues...

Source: Arirang Radio

Mercedes-Benz V-Class (W447)

Mercedes-Benz made saloons, crossovers, and sometimes sportscars but rarely, they made themselves an MPV in case you never heard of it. Yes, over the years, Mercedes-Benz do really have multipurpose vehicles in the form of the Viano, the Vito, the MB100D (which is a Ssangyong or Daewoo Istana made by Koreans for the MPV-hungry customers), and the now defunct R-Class but those MPVs do have a problem; even though they're made to be as versatile as any other people carriers, they don't have the same Mercedes-Benz luxury flavor as expected from any other luxury saloons...until now.

2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

This MPV does sounds convincing though and even though it dons the Mercedes-Benz badge on it, the all-new V-Class is what happens when the German carmaker wanted to take on MPVs on all sizes; small, medium, and large. Asians, Americans, even Europeans, this new MPV wanted to dethrone the world's best MPVs and become the king of MPVs. Although it maybe too big to be considered a minivan, I just want to know if the V-Class got what it takes to take on the finest MPVs such as Nissan's Elgrand or Chrysler's Town and Country. Yes, they're luxury MPVs. They combine versatility and space with luxury features such as a premium sound system, a decent entertainment system ordinary MPVs could only dream of and how it treats not just a family car but a chauffeur-driven machine where wealthy people can relax on the rear seat like a boss.

2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class interior

2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class interior
Forget about the exterior because the biggest focus on the new V-Class is the interior itself because a true luxury MPV should have a very luxurious interior fit for a CEO to relax like a boss and in general, the new V-Class really blows the opposition out of water. Because of the height of the V-Class, the interior feels more of an office rather than the living room and because it's been festooned with high-tech gadgets that most luxury MPVs stored on the inside, you can't go wrong.

The V-Class can be offered in either a 6-seater, 7-seater, or an 8-seater, depending on how many family members, office employees, or politicians can fit in and if you are a rich premiership footballer who has kids and relatives alike, the 8-seater is your best bet but the real party piece of the V-Class is where the 2nd row seats facing to the 3rd row seats. Not even Japanese luxury MPVs has this! Well sort of because unlike Japanese MPVs, the V-Class doesn't have ottoman seats so that's one of the problems this new V-Class faced. No ottoman seats? Who cares? 2nd row seats facing to the 3rd row seats is the party piece an MPV buyer would go for although...you can also have a V-Class with a typical seating arrangement that you can expect in most MPVs but for this special feature, which is the one where the 2nd row seats facing on the 3rd row seats, is what I'm interesting at

Anyway, enough on the passenger side, let's move to the driver side because even though the passenger side is the big plus, the driver's side is where I'm focusing at and if you're working as a family driver or a chauffeur, the cockpit is less complicated than driving a big truck. While the cockpit design is okay, the infotainment system is worth worrisome for first timers because you need to use the dial to select specific functions such as navigation, music, radio, settings, and others but if you are familiar with the gizmo nonsense, there's no hardship at all.

2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class
At the start, the new V-Class is powered by a 2.1L OM651 DE 22 LA 4-cylinder common rail diesel engine in three different configurations. In the V200 model, the entry-level model, it produces 136PS of power output and 330Nm of torque while the top-of-the-line V250 BlueTEC model develops 190PS of power and 440Nm of torque. The V200 and V220 comes with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox with an optional 7G-TRONIC while the V250 BlueTEC has the 7G-TRONIC standard. The first two maybe Euro 5 but the V250 BlueTEC is Euro 6 compliant because why? Thanks to its clean diesel technology, the combined fuel consumption is about 16.7km/L and CO2-Emissions of 157g/km. The Euro 6-compliant model balances between good fuel consumption and moderate performance levels and when I say performance, the V250 can go 0-100kph in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 206kph.

Although the 7G-TRONIC is not the transmission you may like if you're more of a free-will, being and costly in the servicing department, the one thing I'm concerned about is the driving comfort but the V-Class is way ahead of me thanks to its modern suspension setup in the form of independent suspension, MacPherson struts, and the new AGILITY CONTROL. Such sophistication really made this quite a comfortable van even though I find the electric power steering to be more prone to its understeering doom. Careful driving is essential because I know the V-Class can be a very heavy car, as heavy as a big American SUV, and it's a fragile beauty to handle with care because on the speed bumps, it feels like you'll almost spilled your coffee during a chat with your boss when your chauffeur's driving like an undertaker so rest assured that because it's a big van with some luxury features, handle this stuff with care.

Of course for a good luxury MPV, safety features is a must to provide a peace of mind for the driver and passenger in an event something terrible happened and for the V-Class, they're one step ahead by implementing most of the safety features that most Mercedes-Benz models had. From ADAPTIVE ESP to Brake Disc Wipe, from PRE-SAFE to INTELLIGENT DRIVE, every single safety feature in the V-Class is highly necessary to keep this van safe for everyone inside and what's noticing is the safety precautions after the accidents. When a crash occurs, the airbag control unit sends a message to the in-car CAN data bus and in the case of the accident, triggers precautions such as conspicuous illumination, emergency door unlock, lowering of the side mirrors, switching off the blower, and of course, the activation of the air recirculation function. I can hardly imagine if high-ranking officials had this van for some point...

2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

So, with all those gizmos and comfort loaded in the V-Class, I was expecting this to be very expensive...and it is. It costs 42,900 Euros (estimated $59,500) for the V200 CDI model up to 49,183 Euros (estimated $68,200) for the V250 BlueTec model. That's more expensive than the Elgrand or the Town and Country but for an MPV, the V-Class is guaranteed to be the ultimate luxury MPV that can triumph against the opposition despite its downsides because the interior space is the best upside for the V-Class. I just want to have one in my whole life more than those Japanese-made luxury MPVs.

Available colors: kieselgrau, arktikweiβ, flintgrau metallic, dolomitbraun metallic, obsidianschwarz metallic, jupiterrot, navyblau, brillantsilber metallic, cavansitblau metallic, bergkristallweiβ metallic, granitgrun, and indiumgrau metallic.

Photo: Daimler AG

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Let's Do The News! (May 1, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Today is the 20th anniversary of the death of the legendary Formula One driver, Ayrton Senna. Before his untimely death at Imola since the 1994 San Marino GP, Senna entered 162 Grand Prix races, won 41 races, scored 65 pole positions, 80 podiums, and being a three-time world champion. Every Formula One racer of today always respected who Ayrton Senna is not by his career as a racer but also being one of the most influential personalities during his time. The folks from Top Gear compiled the top ten defining moments during Ayrton Senna's career.

Ayrton Senna

- Also, Top Gear features an exclusive preview for the upcoming Senna book written by Maurice Hamilton commemorating 20 years since Senna's death.

- Ayrton Senna's Formula One 1991 racing suit is set to be auctioned at RM's Monaco sale.

- Disney and LucasArts announced the official cast for the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII flick. With the return of the legendary cast of Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker, Episode VII will feature actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this new Star Wars film is set to show in theaters Christmas 2015 worldwide.

- Moments after the NBA sacked Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, for his strong racist remarks during the game against the Golden State Warriors, it seems that the sponsorships such as Kia Motors, Mercedes-Benz's SoCal dealership group, and used car dealer CarMax (as well as State Farm Insurance, Red Bull, and Sprint, among many others) are mulling about returning to the NBA for their sponsorship.

- To maintain the exclusivity of the new Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, there's a report indicating that General Motors will be limiting parts for this hardcore Camaro, ranging from the mechanical and aesthetic components like the brakes, wheels, differential, body flares, seats, grille and the signature "Flowtie" emblems so those speedo boys can't replicate it using normal Camaros. You have been warned...

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

- It's been 20 years ago since the Volvo 850 Estate took on the BTCC with flying colors. Check out their tribute;



- May 1, 2014 is Labor Day in the Philippines. Despite we're disappointed about we're not getting a wage hike, the President of the Philippines, Noynoy Aquino, announced that the government is still committed to address the Philippines employment problem.

- The accused businessman Cedric Lee and his co-accused Zimmer Raz didn't want to enter plea in the arraignment of serious illegal detention case filed by actor Vhong Navarro.

- Austin and Ally's Laura Marano has taken the Live Below the Line pledge to try to live on $1.50 a day for five days. Every day, over 1.2 billion people worldwide survive on less than the equivalent of $1.50. How about you? Would you try to live a day with the equivalent of $1.50? It's not so much but this Austin and Ally actress says that it can buy a bottle of water, or a pack of gum, or download a new song. Come on world, let's try if $1.50 makes a difference in a day.

- Check out this interesting Sweety High article about Abby Goldberg, a 13-year old activist whose efforts helped her local government to veto the bill that bans plastic bags throughout the state of Illinois.

TTFN!!!

Sewol Tragedy: KGC Commissioner General apologized for the casualties


As of now, the death toll from the Sewol tragedy still at 212 while 90 people remained missing in the disaster zone. Earlier, Kim Suk-Kyoon, the commissioner general of the Korean Coast Guard, apologized for the agony the sinking of the Sewol ferry has caused for the relatives of the victims during a press conference in Jindo island. He expressed his deep responsibility for the inefficient and late rescue efforts and he also said that he will push for clear answers to the criminal investigations, including a shocking truth regarding rescue operations in the early days following the ferry sinking.

Source: Arirang Radio

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 026-030

For a quick recap, THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS is a social idol-raising game that pits the players as the producer and he/she has over 100 idols to produce. The idea for this social mobile game is to make it to eventually produce a “top idol unit”.

Since early 2012, some of the hundred girls from the CINDERELLA GIRLS social mobile game, with the exception of the main iM@S girls, got a chance to have their own character songs under the CINDERELLA MASTER banner and since April 2012, five Cinderella Girls were selected such as Rin Shibuya, Anzu Futaba, Kanako Mimura, Kaede Takagaki, and Rika Jougasaki. Four months later, the second batch has arrived and these are Ranko Kanzaki, Miku Maekawa, Kirari Moroboshi, Mika Jougasaki, and Uzuki Shimamura. Earlier in January 2013, there has been a third batch added such as Miho Kohinata, Riina Tada, Airi Totoki, Mizuki Kawashima, and Mio Honda. In May 2013, batch number four of THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA M@STER range has arrived and for this batch Akane Hino, Miria Akagi, Nana Abe, Minami Nitta, and Sachiko Koshimizu have joined the ranks. Then in November 2013, batch number five has arrived with the introduction of Mayu Sakuma, Koume Shirasaka, Chieri Ogata, Anastasia, and Aiko Takamori.

Today, the sixth batch of THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER range has arrived and guess what? Still more unsung idols who are willing to join the ranks of the 765 Productions. No wonder this keeps getting more expanded like the mobile game itself but anyway, batch number 6, like any other batch of the range, features five brand new idols ready to be heard from your speakers. Let's meet with the latest additions to the 765 Productions;

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 026
Syoko Hoshi

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 027
Nao Kamiya

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 028
Karen Hojo
THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 029
Sae Kobayakawa
THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 030
Yuko Hori

They, just like the others, maybe new to the ever-growing 765 Productions but still, it's also jam-packed with new songs straight from them and also an audio drama getting to know more about those newcomers.

URL: columbia.jp/idolmaster

Let's Do The News! (April 30, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- The first four celebs are announced to take part of the upcoming Jem and the Holograms live-action movie. Aubrey Peeples (as seen from the hit TV drama Nashville) will play the main character Jem/Jerrica Benton while Hayley Kiyoko (you maybe familiar with her for her guest appearances in a few Disney shows, her role as Stella Yamada from the DCOM Lemonade Mouth, and Velma from the Scooby-Doo films) will garner her role as Aja, Stefanie Scott (the ANT Farm alum who played Lexi from the recently concluded series) will play as Jem's sister Kimber, and finally Aurora Perrineau as Shana.

- The Playstation4 exclusive racing game, DriveClub is coming this fall. Check out the latest trailer...



- White Knight Automobiles, the official distributor of British low-volume carmaker Morgan in the Philippines, has opened its first and only showroom located at EDSA Greenhills. They're aiming for sell one Morgan model per month.

Morgan PH showroom now open; targeting just 1 unit a month
The first-ever Morgan dealership in the Philippines

- After US President Barrack Obama's visit to the Philippines, the government announced the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. What is it? Learn the details here.

- If you read the latest issue of J-14 Magazine, you might have bumped to an exclusive interview with the Liv and Maddie actress, the adorable and lovely Ms. Dove Cameron. I've highlighted some of the quotes from an exclusive interview about her affection with her co-star Ryan McCartan.

" I want everyone to know that he;s the most amazing boy!"

"We don't believe in drama at all!"

"We never want to leave the honeymoon phase!"

...is this thorough enough for you Miggie fans? Miggie? I was referring to a love team of Maddie and Diggie from that show. He he he.... If not, be sure to pick the latest copy of J-14 Magazine now as in RIGHT NOW!!!

- Trident has made themselves a diesel-powered sports car!The Trident Iceni, a concept car as seen at the 2012 Salon Prive in London, is officially available and this first-ever diesel sportscar is powered by a 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine boosted by twin turbos. It produces 395HP of power and 948Nm of torque or if customers opted for the Performance Pack, the diesel engine now churns out 430HP of power and a tire-shredding 1,288Nm of torque output. However, it's the ultimate Track Pack that sends its diesel engine skyrocketing to 660HP of power and 1,423Nm of torque while equipped with a three-way adjustable race dampers and Eibach race springs, paddle shifters, and carbon ceramic brakes. It starts at 96,000 British Pounds and it's available in either a roadster, Magna fastback coupe, or the Venturer shooting brake.

Trident Iceni


TTFN!!!

Sewol Tragedy: 12 more bodies retrieved


Continuing on the Sewol Tragedy, rescue workers retrieved 12 more bodies from the sunken Sewol ferry despite the bad weather for the almost hundred missing passengers. Now, the death toll from the Sewol tragedy has risen to 205 while 97 remained missing in the disaster zone according to the Coast Guard. After four more bodies recovered, the Coast Guard, Navy, and civilian divers continue their search in the sunken Sewol ferry in the southwestern island of Jindo.

Source: Arirang Radio

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Sewol Tragedy: Confiscation of documents


It's been two weeks since the sinking of the Sewol ferry, known as the worst maritime disaster in South Korean history, and as the investigation on what went wrong continues, a joint investigation team confiscated some of the documents and recordings from the day the Sewol ferry sank from the local Coast Guard in Mokpo city to look whether officials properly handled the disaster at the first stage. They've retrieved the first distress call from an 18-year-old boy, who was on a field trip with more than 300 other students and teachers, who dialed the South Korean emergency number 119, which put him through to the Coast Guard and asked for help.

Source: Arirang Radio

Monday, April 28, 2014

Let's Do The News! (April 28, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Pinoy Big Brother All In kicked off last night and it will be the first to combine housemates ages 15 to 30 years old ranging from famous celebrities to regular people (teen or young adults) alike. Although the first day found viewers to be uncomfortable because it feels a bit scripted; meet the housemates you need to know;

1) Axel Torres - Jock Next Door ng Taguig
2) Jane Oineza - Rising Celebriteen ng Quezon City
3) Cess Visitacion - Biba Rakatera ng Valenzuela
4) Chevin Cecilio - Simpatikong Salesman ng Cam Cur
5) Nichole Baranda - Sweet Revelation ng Makati
6) Aina Solano - Dancing Bombshell ng Boracay
7) Joshua Garcia - Tatay's Boy ng Batangas
8) Jayme Jalandoni - Devoted Daughter ng Las Pinas
9) Manolo Pedrosa - Wonder Son ng Quezon City
10) Maris Racal - Singing Sunshine ng Davao
11) Ranty Portento - Maginoong Marino ng Quezon
12) Michelle Gumabao - Spunky Spiker ng Quezon City
13) Jacob Benedicto - Cutie Crooner ng Paranaque
14) Loisa Andalio - Talented Darling ng Paranaque
15) Bobby (aka Fourth) - Brad Bait ng Pasay
16) Robert (aka Fifth) - Brad Kulit ng Pasay
17) Vickie Rushton - Lady Mahinhin ng Negros Occidental
18) Alex Gonzaga - Sassy Sister ng Rizal

So, now we know the housemates, what to expect in the PBB House? Like previous seasons, expect more twists and challenges on the PBB House (or rarely, the presenters). Toni Gonzaga still served as the presenter for the primetime telecast of PBB All In while Bianca Gonzales, John Prats, and Robi Domingo are presenting the UBER show of the PBB All In which airs Weekdays. Meanwhile, former housemates Slater Young and the Agpangan twins (Joj and Jai) will be presenting the online show of PBB All In.

- The last film in The Hobbit trilogy has been named and it's called The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. The final chapter in the trilogy will be showing in theaters globally this Christmas season. Are you ready?

- In case you missed it; US President Barrack Obama made a visit at the Malacanang Palace and while he's here, he and the Philippine President Noynoy Aquino will discuss about...well, just the usual issues like the territorial claims against China, war on terrorism, and some other stuff we may not know.

- If you enjoyed Sam & Cat's Ariana Grande performed her latest song, Problem, at the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards, you can now enjoy her song as her single is now available on iTunes.

- Disney Channel announced that they'll be doing a sequel to last year's DCOM, Teen Beach Movie. In case you don't know, it's that DCOM featuring Austin and Ally's Ross Lynch and The Foster's Maia Mitchell. It's about two friends got washed up to a beach musical involving bikers vs. surfers. Anyway, while they didn't spilled the beans on us, they said that shooting for the sequel will start this summer.



- Also if you're big fans of Maia Mitchell, because she's Callie Jacobs from The Fosters, don't fret because the hit TV drama returns on ABC Family this June 16th. Check local listings.

- Check out this exclusive short for the upcoming MLP Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks movie...it's called Pinke on the One and...ah, you'll see. Enjoy...



- The cult classic noir action flick based on the comic books, Sin City, returns in the sequel called Sin City: A DAME TO KILL FOR. Check out the latest trailer:



- Have you guys checked out the new Twitter profile page?

- The classic pre-war 1930 Bentley GJ 400 is the highlight for the latest episode on the Jay Leno's Garage webcast. If you're familiar with this machine, then you'd be right. It was appeared in a Top Gear episode where Clarkson test drove it against the Brutus. This is the Spitfire Bentley as we know it...lovely...



TTFN!!!

Sewol Tragedy: 12 days has passed...


It's been 12 days has passed since the Sewol ferry tragedy and as the search and rescue operations continues, the investigation to the cause of the submerge is starting to unravel.

The family of Yoo Byung-eon, the real owner of the ferry company, have been placed on travel ban by the prosecutors as they're looking into whether the family evade taxes, embezzled funds or made illegal foreign exchange trades.

Prosecutors raided four branches of an accounting firm that worked for the ferry operator and is suspected of having slush funds and also worked with the operator's affiliates, which are controlled by Yoo Byung-eon. They suspect that the firm in question helped forged audit reports for Yoo's companies.

Source: Arirang Radio


Sunday, April 27, 2014

2014 Radio Disney Music Awards

In case you missed listening the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards, let's meet the winners!



Earlier, the live red carpet broadcast of the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards, was been aired throughout the Radio Disney stations across the North America whether by radio or online streaming (either by the net or by the Radio Disney app) and the music lovers' gone gaga finding out who will take home the ARDY's. Now, in case you missed the live red carpet broadcast, let's meet the winners just to let you know...

Best Music Group - One Direction
Song of the Year - Come & Get It by Selena Gomez
Breakout Artist of the Year - Fifth Harmony
Best New Artist - Becky G
Radio Disney's Most Talked About Artist - Selena Gomez (@selenagomez)
Best Song to Rock Out to With Your BFF - Me & My Girls by Fifth Harmony
Artist With the Best Style - Zendaya
Fiercest Fans - Swifties (that's fans of Taylor Swift to you)
Best Musical Collaboration - Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran
Best Male Artist - Justin Timberlake
Best Female Artist - Demi Lovato
Favorite Roadtrip Song - Made in the USA by Demi Lovato
Favorite Song From a Movie or TV Show - Let It Go by Idina Menzel (from the movie Frozen)
Best Song to Dance To - Birthday by Selena Gomez
Catchiest New Song - The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) by Ylvis
Best Crush Song - Still Into You by Paramore
Best Song That Makes You Smile - Ooh La La by Britney Spears

Cedric Lee and Zimmer Raz arrested

Cedric Lee and Zimmer Raz arrested

Yesterday, the NBI agents and ISAFP operatives arrested Cedric Lee, the businessman who was one of the people responsible for mauling actor Vhong Navarro a few months ago, and his co-accused ally Simeon "Zimmer" Raz Jr. at Oras, Eastern Samar. The two claimed that they voluntarily surrendered and they're not hiding but the NBI denied their claims.

Report: http://pep.ph/news/43223/nbi-denies-cedric-lee-and-zimmer-raz39s-claim-that-they-voluntarily-surrendered

Bryan Castillo wins the BIGGEST LOSER PINOY EDITION Doubles

 Since last year, heavyweight pairs in all corners of the Philippines took part of their life-changing weight loss experience in The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles. After months of desperate struggle, all in the name of losing weight for the benefit of themselves, it has been one heck of a journey for those but on the finale, aired last night, the final four; Bryan Castillo, Francis Asis, Kayen Lazaro, and Osie Nebreja, are on the center stage to find out who is THE BIGGEST LOSER.

Bryan Castillo

In the finale, Bryan Castillo wins The Biggest Loser after losing a total of 155lbs of his weight. He began with a very obese 293lbs but now, he weighs 139lbs! A 52.56% improvement! Kayen Lazaro placed as a 1st runner-up, having managed to drop 50.50% of her weight from 287 to 142lbs.

It's been one heck of a journey for the final four but only Bryan Castillo, the "Pride of Pembo" has the honor and the inspiration he'll deliver about living healthy and losing weight in the name of changing lives.

Congratulations to the Pride of Pembo!

Cardcaptor Sakura gets her own Nendoroid

The anime character that literally ruined my childhood gets her own Nendoroid for the very first time but would I like it or hate it even though she is the anime character that ruined my childhood?

Nendoroid CardCaptor Sakura

Remember this anime character? You'd be right because that's Cardcaptor Sakura, the anime character that ruined my childhood...several times since when I was in my fourth grade. I've became a laughing stock in my school when I was a kid thanks to Cardcaptor Sakura and I HATED IT. I also hated the closing theme song that goes na na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na na na na na na naaaaaahhhh! Sheesh...

Now, Good Smile Company announced that the main character of the anime series finally gets a Nendoroid for the very first time and the fans have been waited for a lifetime just for this...well, not me because I hated this anime thanks to my bitter and painful memories.

She will be available this September 2014 and priced at 4,444 Japanese Yen (around $45) before tax. You can book one for preorders from April 25, 2014 to May 28, 2014 and as a bonus when you preorder her at the official GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP, you will get a 'Sealing Wand (Key Form) Charm'.

Feel free to reserve her now...only if you're c*ck enough to mock me with the theme songs.

Sewol Tragedy: Death toll 187, 115 missing


As of 3:00PM Korean Standard Time, the confirmed death toll from the Sewol ferry tragedy is 187 while 115 people remained unaccounted for, which remains unchanged since the early hours of the search and rescue operation in the disaster zone. The search and rescue operation in the disaster zone has been hampered due to bad weather, strong currents, and high waves. It's been 11 days since the ferry capsized, marking as one of the worst maritime disasters in South Korean history, but the Coast Guard, Navy, and civilian divers continued their efforts on the third and fourth deck of the sunken Sewol ferry.

Source: Arirang Radio

What's in our Car Town garage today? (April 27, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1956 GM Firebird II

Part of the wonderful concept cars displayed at the 1956 General Motors Motorama, the Firebird II concept car features a titanium bodyframe and because titanium is the toughest metal on Earth, you might think that this 4-seater concept car is tough as a tank but of course being a concept, it hasn't been proven at this moment in time. The engine that powers it is a Whirlfire GT-304 gas turbine engine developing 200HP of power and with this engine that powers it, this is General Motors' attempt to create a luxury machine powered by a gas turbine that promises good performance and good fuel consumption.

1956 GM Firebird II

1959 Jaguar Mark II

Although this car is popularized by the Inspector Morse TV series, the vintage Jaguar Mark II is proven to be quite a worthy contender that competed at the European Touring Car Championship. Not only it looks really beautiful, it's a fast and nimble sports saloon and with the choice of three XK straight-6 engines offered, there's nothing to go wrong with it.

1959 Jaguar Mark II

Ghostbusters Ecto-1

If there's something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS. Yes, the GHOSTBUSTERS films were noticeably one of the most iconic film franchises of all time and if you're more of a geek or nerd, these films are worth salivating for, especially as the main mode of transportation the Ghostbusters are using when people call them in need. The Ecto-1 features some state-of-the-art technology useful for the Ghostbusters to get through the paranormal scene in time and catch some ghosts!

Ghostbusters Ecto-1

2006 BMW M6

In 2003, the BMW 6-Series nameplate was returned and although it's not somewhat a replacement to the 8-Series, this grand tourer is essentially the coupe version of the E60 5-Series. The high-performance version of the 6-Series is the M6. It's powered by a glorious 5.0L V10 derived from the E60 M5 and it's mated to either a 7-speed single-clutch SMG or a 6-speed manual.

2006 BMW M6