Saturday, April 9, 2016

Kalyeserye Summer Edition!

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook Page

Summertime is here and for the guys at Eat Bulaga's kalyeserye, they're joining the summer fun with their own pool party  with a twist. Lola Nidora will allow Alden and Divina to go whatever they want for their summer holiday but first, they will have to take on a poolside challenge to get all five letters in under five minutes.

It sure is a wet and wild experience but that doesn't stop Eat Bulaga's favorite duo from completing their poolside challenge and after five minutes, they succeeded their challenge, which means, they can go whatever they want for their summer holiday! Wow! Fantastic Baby!

Watch Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye! Happy Summer!

#BGBatnamanVSSoaperman

On the April 8, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Collection gags

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Tigil Na Muna Ang Kadramahan, Pero Drama Din Pag-Uusapan, Sa Kwentong Tungkol Sa... BALIKBAYAN?

- Batnaman Vs. Soaperman!



- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...one-letter replies!

- Someone got possessed by a different kind of spirit.

- A breaktime that will keep them guessing for answers.

- The idea of using a senatorial candidate on a birthday party...



- They're dating with imaginary friends!

- Make your funerals happy with this special package!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Over 10 NoKors defected to SoKor this week


Over ten North Koreans working at a restaurant from a certain nation have been defected to South Korea, according to Seoul's unification ministry. The ministry reported that a group of thirteen North Koreans, including a male manager and 12 female employees, entered South Korea on Thursday.

Overseas restaurants run by the North Koreans have been hampered following the UNSC sanctions against Pyongyang. This move also came as South Korea has restricted its nationals from using North Korean restaurants in China and other nations to cut off source of hard currency for North Korea.

Source: Arirang News

Friday, April 8, 2016

Let's Do The News! (April 8, 2016)


- A paratrooper from the Philippine Air Force was killed in an accident during the annual Balikatan exercises between the Philippines and United States yesterday. The US told that they will begin investigating on the incident that led to the death of the paratrooper. The US Embassy also expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the Filipino airman. The paratrooper in question missed the pre-designated landing zone and drowned in Subic Bay, according to reports.

- The University of Santo Tomas will provide psychological intervention to the drought-stricken farmers in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, who were violently dispersed amid their protest for subsidy and assistance last week.  Reverend Father Edgardo De Jesus, UST psycho-trauma clinic counselor, noted that hunger could be a traumatic experience that could affect one's mind and added that violent dispersal that the farmers experienced could contribute to traumatic stress.

- The Court of Appeals upheld its November 2015 decision allowing the indictment of officers of Kentex Manufacturing Corporation, the company that made headlines following the factory fire last year that killed 70 people inside, for infringing an internationally popular footwear brand, namely Havaianas.

- Ahead of the upcoming New York primaries, Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, following his loss to Ted Cruz at the Wisconsin primary, spoke to its New York crowd reminding his supporters what Cruz had said about his so-called New York values. However, those that badly despised Trump compared him to the infamous Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.

- British Prime Minister David Cameron admitted to owning shares of an offshore investment fund in the past, following the Panama Papers scandal that uncovered world leaders' use of tax havens for tax evasion purposes. Cameron said he once held shares of the fund set up by his father in Panama. Four months before he became Prime Minister, Cameron said he sold the shares for about 30,000 Pounds, currently worth about 44,000 dollars.

- Turkish authorities have arrested an Islamic State militant suspected of carrying explosives used in the deadly suicide bombings in the capital city Ankara last year. The arrested man is the fifth suspect to be detained this month in Gaziantep, near the Syrian border, as part of the ongoing investigation into the attacks.

- After 15 seasons of discovering aspiring singers and having the global audience pick their winner, the hit reality TV show American Idol is at an end and the last American Idol is named at the final episode. Trent Harmon from Mississippi is named the winner of the final season, defeating La'Porscha Renae for the title.


- THIS TIME, FOR REAL: the controversial elimination-style qualifiers for the F1 2016 season has been scrapped in favor for old-school qualifying format. Bernie Ecclestone and FIA President Jean Todt backed down from their argument after the teams signed a letter demanding a return to the previous format. The return of the previous format will be in effect at the Chinese Grand Prix next week.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, the gang are so excited for tomorrow's summer outing, except for Lola Tinidora because she can't swim. Luckily, Yaya Pak has arrived for some so-called swimming lessons with Tinidora. One thing that will amaze viewers because tomorrow, during their summer holiday, Lola Nidora has a big surprise in store for the viewers but what is it? Find out tomorrow!

TTFN!!!

BMW M2 vs. Ford Focus Mk.3 RS

For some enthusiasts who might think that exotics are for the weak or who don't really like exotics at all, there are some sportscars that deliver exciting thrills at reasonable prices. One such example is BMW's brand new M2 Coupe, the latest addition to the BMW M Power.

2016 BMW M2 Coupe

Does anyone remember the legendary BMW 1M Coupe? Five years ago, BMW made one of the most agile sports coupes ever made and although dead, its sheer reputation isn't beaten. Now, BMW revived the tail-happy reputation of a compact rear-wheel drive coupe in the form of the 2-Series coupe and what can I say? It behaves just like the original 1M but in a different sort of manner.

So, what are the key ingredients to make the M2 an ideal compact sports coupe that you can mess around with your mates? Judging by its specs, I gotta say that I might have a love-hate reaction to it. Starting with the engine; it's a 3.0L Twin Turbo 6-cylinder engine that was used on the top-of-the-line version of the normal 2-Series Coupe but with a little bit of zest added to mutate it into something spunky. As a result, it produces 370HP of power and up to 465Nm of torque if you engage its over-boost feature.

The M2 can be a lot more enjoyable to drive when it sticks to its normal 6-speed manual gearbox but a 7-speed DCT? Why not? Although the 6-speed manual is made for serious drivers only, the 7-speed DCT is made for those who are driving for fun no matter the odds. With this gearbox, it will do 0-100kph in 4.3 seconds and onwards to an electronically limited 250kph. Also, it has a combined fuel consumption of about 79.l/100km and 185g/km of CO2 emission, which isn't so bad for a turbocharged car.

Anyway, by the way, it handles through corners, the M2 really feels at home through the bends like a tropical monsoon and while this is essentially a fun car to drive on a track day, it can be somewhat bothersome to use it as a daily driver and one and three minutes later, you're going to make a video about things you hate this car like what you did with the other sportscars. One thing you can bother about the M2 is the Electric Power Steering and when you engage its steering to the highest setting, you'll find it hard to steer at all. Don't worry though, when it hit the suspension and gearbox in the highest setting while setting the steering to the lowest setting, it will be easy to drive like what you did to the M4. Logic, I should say.

Okay, if the new M2 works well as a track-day car if you set things right? Care to guess the other problem of its car? Well, in case you got buddies, getting through the back seat is a...ahem...hustle in the muscle. So, in case of a backseat access problem like this, may I suggest an even better alternative.

2016 Ford Focus RS

This is the all-new Ford Focus RS. Look, it's got five doors, meaning that your buddies can get inside without all that hustle with their muscles, and because it's a hatchback, this is the jack-of-all-trades.

Unlike the M2, the new Focus RS comes with a smaller 2.3L turbocharged engine producing 20HP less than the M2. And unlike the M2, which comes with two gearbox choices, the RS is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual, so it's fun.

Speaking of fun, you should know that the new RS is made to be an all-weather hot hatch because it comes with a four-wheel drive just like a Subaru WRX STi, which means it can go anywhere that the BMW M2 can't, be it tarmac, gravel, or snow. In conclusion, the Focus RS is a rally car made to be accessible to the motoring public and I can hardly blame that new Need For Speed game for ownership rights to these two cars. Perhaps those guys who made racing games should have to pay more attention to motoring news if they need the inspiration to feature cars like this but that's life.

It's a shame that EA mistreated this new Ford Focus RS for illegal street racing purposes portrayed in the new Need For Speed game as well as the BMW M2, well save it on the M2 for now, because up until now, no one's brave enough to get their hands on Ford's latest hot hatch masterpiece that succeeds where the previous Euro-only RS left off.

Now for the pricing, the BMW M2 starts at 56,700 Euros or 51,700 US Dollars while the new Focus RS starts at 35,900 US Dollars, meaning that this four-wheel drive hot hatch is 20 grand cheaper than the rear-wheel drive Bimmer. Sadly, I wouldn't bother having one of these unless anyone other than Need For Speed would feature these just for our driving pleasure. Despite all that ruckus, both the BMW M2 and the new Ford Focus RS are compact sports cars fit for different purposes on both road and track. I really wish I want to be either one of these right now unless someone dared to do it.

Forza Motorsport 6: The new Audi R8

r8

One of the hottest cars demanded to be featured in Forza Motorsport 6, the all-new Audi R8, has arrived via the Top Gear Car Pack and with its arrival in-game, this is just what the starman has ordered for. Heh, I'm very sure the producers should have faith in car-related sites rather than going through used car dealers or junkyards for some inspiration to add cars in-game via DLC. In fact, the new R8's long-awaited arrival on FM6 is just the tip of the iceberg.

r8 (2)

Since its launch in 2007, the R8, which is named after a winning Le Mans Prototype, inspired from the Le Mans quattro concept and features Lamborghini components, served as the halo sportscar of Audi. For 2015, the Audi R8 is now on its second-generation and it features components seen on its sister car, the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4.

Premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Audi R8 features a new Audi SpaceFrame, new interior (including the Audi Virtual Cockpit), new exterior, and so on. Because it features components from the Lamborghini Huracan, the new R8 features an updated 5.2L V10 engine with two power outputs; 540PS for the base model and 610PS for the range-topping V10 plus model. In the V10 plus model, equipped with the S tronic double clutch transmission, 0-100kph takes about 3.2 seconds and onwards to 330kph.

The second-generation Audi R8 was produced at quattro GmbH's new Bollinger Hofe site, close to the Neckarsulm plant. Prices start from 165,000 to 187,400 Euros.

r8 (3)

Having spent three minutes driving the R8, I assumed that this new model will end up as their favorite Audi in-game that can be driven all the time. I mean, isn't that the Audi we've been longing for to drive in-game rather than the previous model? Nevertheless, because this is the German equivalent of the Lamborghini Huracan I drove, it really feels pretty much the same as the Huracan but in a different kind of manner because the new R8's not stupid enough to handle track days seriously. It maybe a four-wheel drive car but it behaves as what a proper sportscar should and I'm starting to enjoy it more than the old R8. Speaking of which, I'm here at Yas Marina Circuit where the new R8 faces off against the predecessor.

r8 (4)

Past meets present, right? This should be fun because this comparison between the old and the new will see how much the new R8 has improved, despising the naysayers that its new look is more of a facelift. See if I care...


Thanks to the newly improved Audi SpaceFrame as well as its new V10 engine from the Huracan and motorsport pedigree that has been inspired from the old R8 LMS as well as the R18, the new R8 feels like a walk in the park compared to the previous R8. All that hard work from quattro GmbH has really payed off to deliver a sportscar unlike any other. With such result, I managed to lap this car round Yas Marina Circuit in 2:35.137, compared to the old model's 2:38.546.

Impressed by how good the new R8 performed against the old R8? For me, it is, but for this car, it's not over yet because it still has some old friends to deal with and that's one thing I'll do it later as the all new R8 revisits its old friends and new enemies.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Let's Do The News! (April 7, 2016)


- Senator Koko Pimentel denied accusations that the public hearing on the Kidapawan City violence that triggered violent protests from starving farmers from North Cotabato was "in aid of election" as alleged by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. Six days ago, two farmers were killed while 100 farmers and policemen were injured in a riot that ensued, when police moved to forcibly dismantle the barricade set up by the farmers along a Kidapawan City highway to demand the immediate release of food aid from the government.

- The administration of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will leave its successor a multibillion peso infrastructure blueprint that will put the Philippines' capital spending exceed global expectations. The Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program 2017-2019 will unveil in July the outline of projects to be pursued by the government to achieve infrastructure spending by 5% of the GDP.

- As tensions in the South China Sea continues to mount, China has not denied possibilities of building an air defense identification zone, which the United States said it will not recognize. According to the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, China reserves the right to declare an ADIZ over one of the world's most important trade routes, following the US Navy upped the number of freedom of navigation operations by over 80% of which China claims under its sovereignty.

- Panama leader Juan Carlos Varela says his country will set up an independent commission of experts to investigate in the Panama Papers leak. Following the leak from the law firm in the country, it raised suspicions that a number of world leaders and other wealthy individuals may have used tax havens for tax evasion purposes.

- The Vietnamese parilament named Nguyen Xuan Phuc as the nation's new prime minister. The parliament approved Phuc as the replacement to outgoing PM Nguyen Tan Dung by a majority vote. Phuc is from the central province of Quang Nam. He sered as deputy prime minister from 2011.

- In a surprise move just before the fight this Saturday, Tim Bradley, who will be Manny Pacquiao's opponent for the third and final time, endorsed Pacman for his senatorial race in the May 2016 elections. Pacquiao, currently a Sarangani congressman, is running for a Senate seat in the elections.

- Shooting for the upcoming 4th season of BBC's Sherlock has commenced. Three new episodes for the upcoming season of the hit detective crime drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Holmes and Watson are in production and expect ghosts from Sherlock's past will haunt him.

- The Audi A3 range has been given minor changes for the 2017 model year, featuring matrix LED lights, Audi Virtual Cockpit, and new engine choices.



- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye; today marks the 38th weeksary of AlDub and the duo are in the studio, playing a little game of truth and consequences just so they can get to know each other very well, about their usual AlDub memories. Behind the scenes, Yaya Pak's back and man, she's upset about what Yaya Git said yesterday even though their newest kasambahay's joining this weekend's outing. Now, there's a new problem going on but what is it? Tune in next time and find out!

TTFN!!!

The Cute Wall (Volume Twelve)

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



Yes, we're back and seems that we got the whole Cute Wall fixed after the whole fiasco last time where you are going to put Meowth on the CUTE WALL but I chopped it with a chainsaw. You know the rules, NO VILLAINS ALLOWED, okay? Do this again and this wall's going to chopped into halves. Worse, little pieces that are hard to put back.

(audience laughing)

All right. No villains allowed. Speaking of which, who added these?

Hmmm? That's odd. I don't remember adding those. Let's see...hmmm... (reading)...Huh?

What is it?

It's the list of...leading ladies from the Biohazard franchise! It doesn't matter if they're lead roles or supporting roles, what matters is, someone demanded that these leading ladies from the Biohazard franchise are SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE and I got a letter, care to read it?

Okay.

Let's see...hmmm...Dear...whoever you are reading this letter, I just want to write to you that even if it's the 20th anniversary of the Biohazard franchise, known globally as Resident Evil, I want to demand you that since you're doing the whole Cute Wall thing, please don't consider the heroines from the franchise as CUTE or whatever it was. These women are too weapons-grade or military-grade for their own performance. Even for their dramatic performance in a lead role or exceptional performance in a supporting role, whatever you don't DON'T CONSIDER THEM CUTE.

Wonder why?

Beats me. Whoever writes this letter sure has some weird backstory. Probably because someone once tried out both installments of the so-called Project X Zone RPG games, a collaboration of Japan's big three game makers in history, and he was so upset that some from the Namco side of the RPG didn't made the cut.

Was it...

Don't ask. So, in respose, he wrote me with this and told that the heroines from his favorite survival horror games should be placed in the worst spot of the wall, which is SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE by the way. Name those Biohazard heroines, both leading and supporting, please.

Jill Valentine, Rebecca Chambers, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, Ashley Graham, Sheva Alomar, Helena Harper, Sherry Birkin, Moira Burton, Natalia Korda. That's all I know.

Thank you. Sorry Bio ladies, someone's right. You weapons-grade waifus don't deserve to be cute. Hold on, if we put them here, what should we do next to the women of CAPCOM games?

(laughing)

Who's next?


Matsuno brothers

(audience laughing)

Permission to say sheeh! Because the Matsuno brothers from the recently concluded Osomatsu-san are here!

Osomatsu-san? Is this the show with the "six shame faces" on it doing hilarious misadventures one after another? Yeah, right. But did you watch the finale?

Oh, yeah. I got laughed at the finale that the Matsuno brothers are in a game of baseball and they win some, lose some at the end. I thought they are going to unleash their most powerful selves but ended up flying in defeat.

(audience laughing)

I know. So, do you have thoughts on the Matsuno brothers?

Well, since the Matsuno brothers; Osomatsu, Karamatsu, Choromatsu, Ichimatsu, Jyuushimatsu, and Todomatsu, have different kinds of oddball personalities, I got to say that I like being one of them, even in their different versions from their Girlymatsu selves and their more handsome F6 versions.

Really? But do you know where you'll end up with if you are one of the Matsuno bros?

Where?

To the bottom of the wall.

(awww...)

Sorry, bud. SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE is where the brothers are heading to. Ha ha ha...

(audience laughing)

You really don't care about them, no matter how funny they really are?

Yup.

Wow, you're pretty are much like them, all right. Anyway, ready for Aikatsu Stars?

Aikatsu Stars?

It's a new show that will succeed where the original Aikatsu left off with a new cast of characters. It appears you and I are fairly familiar with this kids show because...well, our heads are cramped with idol girl stuff.

(audience laughing)

Yeah, you're right. Maybe we haven't get to know the original Aikatsu for a lifetime and I heard it's already finished in time before the new Aikatsu Stars series kicks off. If some fans can remember, they've watched the finale last week, about the same time when we go to the Final Love Live concert. Man, the world of idol girls are getting the feels about the departure of popular school idols in preparation to newer generations.


How should we do with the stars of Aikatsu now that their show's finished?

Let's give them an honorary mention in the CUTE WALL before getting introduced to the stars of Aikatsu Stars. Okay? The SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE award goes to...

(audience laughing)

Miyabi Fujiwara, Risa Shirakaba, and Rin Kurosawa.

(audience laughing, and applause)

NOT CUTE award goes to...Sumire Hikami, Juri Kurebayashi, and Nono Daichi.

(audience laughing, and applause)

Now, the CUTE award goes to...Hinaki Shinjo, Madoka Amahana, Kokone Kurisu, and Nina Dojima.

(applause)

And now the NAKAKAGIGIL award goes to...

(drumroll effect)

Ichigo Hoshimiya, Aoi Kiriya, Ran Shibuki, and Akari Ozora!

(applause)

And there goes the Starlight Academy's hall of fame from the original Aikatsu anime. Now, it's time to know about the new Aikatsu Stars!


Yume Njino

Rola Sakuraba

Well, here they are and they look less interesting than the original Aikatsu leads but anyway, these girls are the stars of the show. Their names are Yume Njino and Rola Sakuraba and they are freshmen at a prestigious idol academy ruled by the academy's elite idol group S4; comprising senior year students such as Hime Shiratori, Tsubasa Kisaragi, Yuzu Nikaido, and Yozora Kasumi. Truth be told, I'm not heavily interested with the elite S4 in the new series. Best to put it in the NOT CUTE for pending investigation.

(audience laughing)

Okay, fine. Don't say I didn't warned you. Anyway, tell me more.

Well, like the original, Aikatsu Stars still has the same formula that combines "idol" and "magic girl" and in this show, idols will use Aikatsu cards to unleash its effects and sing their way to become the top idol of the academy. That's all I know.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, where should we put the new heroines from the new show?

Let's put it in CUTE for a while. It's tough getting to know the new generation of idols. It's a good thing we have THE IDOLM@STER to thank for the rise of idol girls in TV shows and games.

(audience laughing)



Braixen

What the...? Who's that?

Is that Braixen? The Pokemon that was evolved from a Fennekin? What's it doing here?

I don't know but back then, we put Fennekin in the cute spot because of its doggy looks. Now that Braixen appears, what's your say?

I don't know, but...

(witch laugh)

Aw, crud! What the heck was that?!

Uh...you know the Wii U version of Pokken Tournament? Braixen was on it as a Wii U exclusive Pokemon alongside Garchomp and I guess there's one thing about this Pokemon.

Witchcraft?!

Exactly! RUN!!!

(Zap!)

(Zap!)

(Burn!)

(Burn!)

 SEVERAL MINUTES LATER

IT ENDED UP IN THE NAKAKAGIGIL SPOT! How's that even possible?

When Braixen unleashes its Synergy Burst, in unleashed its burst attack called the Psyfirecracker. Sucks being a bad wolf that knows witchcraft.

Perhaps this is how it defeated the three little piggies.

(audience laughing)

(witch laugh)

Calm down, buddy. Let it go. Otherwise, we'll be falling victim to its witchcraft again.

Sigh...

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


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

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


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

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NoKor completed development of MLRS


South Korea's defense minister Han Min-Gu said that North Korea has completed the development of a high-powered multiple-launch rocket system and it's likely to deploy it against South Korea starting late this year.

Last month, North Korea announced that Kim Jong-Un inspected what was claimed to be the last test-fire of the 300mm caliber rockets as well as the recent order to conduct a nuclear warhead test last month.

Meanwhile, the UNSC will soon designate additional items to be banned from entering North Korea as part of measures to strengthen its sanctions against the communist regime. The UN's NoKor sanctions committee submitted a list of items to the Security Council on Monday in line with Resolution 2270, which punishes Pyongyang for its fourth nuclear test last January and long-range rocket launch a month later.

Source: Arirang News

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Let's Do The News! (April 6, 2016)


- The US Marines test-fired six rounds of non-explosive rounds using two M142 High Artillery Rocket System deployed at the gunnery range in Crow Valley, Capas, Tarlac, during this year's Balikatan exercises. The testing is part of their joint war games, intended to find out possible interference during the conduct of live fire drills, which take place on the 14th.

- The Chinese government started the opeation of a lighthouse on of the Manila-claimed reefs in the South China Sea. According to reports, the Chinese Ministry of Transport held a completion ceremony for the construction of a lighthouse in the Subi Reef. The construction of the 55-meter high lighthouse started in October of last year. Its light has a range of 22 nautical miles and a glowing cycle of five seconds.

- The Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against Senator JV Ejercito following the graft charges filed against him. They also ordered the arrest of former City Administrator Ranulfo Dacalos, trasurer Rosalinda Marasigan, city attorney Romualdo Delos Santos, city budget officer Lorenza Ching and city engineer Danilo Mercado. Ejercito and others are also facing charges of technical malversation for illegal use of public funds.

- In case you may have noticed; there was an international money-laundering scandal allegedly revealed the world leaders' link to $2 billion in off-shore accounts, information came from the so-called Panama Papers. It is the worst since the WikiLeaks scandal and there are links to 12 current or former heads of state and government in the data, including dictators accused of looting their own nations. What is it? CLICK HERE.

- A Self-Defense Force aircraft has reportedly missing after leaving a base in Kagoshima Prefecture. A U125 aircraft reportedly took off from the JMSDF's Kanoya base at arounf 1315 hours local time. The officials say it was lost from radar and lost contact with ground control shortly after 1430 hours, about 11 kilometers north of the base. The plane has six people onboard and it conducts aerila inspections of airport facilities.

- The Top Gear Car Pack on Forza Motorsport 6 for the XBOX One is now available starting at seven dollars. This pack includes the Range Rover Sport SVR, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Jaguar Project 7, Ferrari FXX K, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, the second-generation Audi R8, and the legendary Jaguar XJ-S.



- Bandai Namco Entertainment recently announced that the PS4-exclusive game THE IDOLM@STER Platinum Stars will arrive this 28th of July, whether you like it or not. Hot on heels on the upcoming launch, the limited edition has announced packed with the Platinum Stars All Star Live Pamphlet, vocal CD from their LisAni LIVE 2016 performance, a 765Pro Calendar, and many others.

- Aston Martin adds a 6-speed manual on the V12 Vantage S for the 2017 model year. The manual transmission variant features AMSHIFT system, which is driver selecable, uses clutch, gear position and propshaft sensors, together with finely-tuned programming of the engine management, to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts.

2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

- Love team Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, following their success from Pangako Sa 'Yo, went to Spain for a shooting of their new movie.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye, Lola Nidora's back from her Bohol trip and with the gang planning for their upcoming summer outing, Alden wants to join the fun, if he managed to shoot three basketballs in a game of free throw and he did. Meanwhile, a familiar face went by and oh, it's that extra large Yaya Git stopping by and explained how did she moved on, following her defeat to Yaya Pak. Anyway, despite stopping this tub of lard from joining the outing, Lola Nidora insists that she has to challenge Tinidora in a game of basketball but because of Yaya Git's dislike to raise her arms (which remains a mystery for us), she lost but she's joining the outing anyway. One thing for cerain, Alden's challenging Divina in a game of something where the loser faces a penalty but what is it? Tune in next time and find out.

TTFN!!!

FIA Formula E 2015-2016: Long Beach



Following his humiliating forfeit over his win at Mexico City, Lucas di Grassi of Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport is back for revenge as he claimed his latest win in the Long Beach ePrix of the FIA Formula E 2015-2016 season while Venturi's Stephane Sarrazin and Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport's Daniel ABT placed 3rd. Mahindra's Nick Heidfeld and Bruno Senna placed 4th and 5th respectively.

Highlights:



Onto the overall standings; Di Grassi's recent win pushed him to the top spot with 101 points while Renault e.Dams' Sebastien Buemi's in 2nd spot with 100 points, and DS Virgin Racing's Sam Bird in 3rd place with 71 points. The next race will commence on Paris, France, on the 23rd of April.

F1 2016: Bahrain GP

Image: Getty Images

Another round, another love-hate scenario as expected on the F1 2016 season as the Bahrain GP still retains that controversial elimination-style qualifying round that drivers showed dismayed over it. Sure, officials announced that they will revert it back to its classic qualifying but didn't happened when other teams couldn't unanimously agree.

Despite retaining the worst qualifying format, the battle between the best racers on the circuit we all know is still kicking on with some flips and flops among the elite drivers fighting for the podium and once again, Mercedes' Nico Rosberg wins it all, making it his fifth win in the row in his career while Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen placed 2nd and Lewis Hamilton placed 3rd. Other racers who made it to the finish line are Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat, Romain Grosjean from Haas, Max Verstappen from Toro Rosso, Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas from Williams, and Stoffel Vandoorne from McLaren-Honda.

The next race is set at China on the 17th of April.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Smoke rising from NoKor nuke lab


Recent satellite imagery from the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University shows that smoke is rising from a plutonium production facility in North Korea, raising suspicions about activities there.

The image, dated March 12, shows smoke rising from a chimney stake at the Nyongbyon nuclear complex. The researchers say the smoke was observed on 2 or 3 occassions over the partial 5 weeks. It is unknown if this means reprocessing of additional plutonoum underway at the facility or will be in the near future. But they note that US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper stated in February that North Korea could begin extracting plutonium within a few weeks or months.

Last year, North Korea said that all facilities at the Nyongbyon facility have resumed normal operations.
Source: NHK WORLD

Let's Do The News! (April 5, 2016)


- The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to file usurpation of authority and graft chargest against former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima and former Special Action Force director Getulio Napenas over last year's Mamasapano incident. The two were also found liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

- Back to the money laundering case, RCBC ex-branch manager Maia Santo Deguito told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that the bank's president Lorenzo Tan knew about the incident. The former employee denied that she knows another businessman suspected to be the beneficiary of the bank heist, Weikang Xu. She also said she didn't deliver any funds to Solaire and didn't receive a single cent.

- Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who's nearing on his final battle against Tim Bradley this weekend, was nearly assaulted last weekend as he emerged from lunch with a large group of family members and friends in his favorite Japanese restaurant. A certain male rushing at Pacquiao, calling him a "homophobe", as the boxer stood by the door of his sportscar at the parking area near the restaurant along Vine Street near Sunset Boulevard. The assailant was restrained by one of Pacquiao's friends in LA and then subdued by their friends.

- Vietnam has confirmed its first Zika virus infections. The nation's health ministry announced that a 33-year-old female in Ho Chi Minh and a 64-year-old female in Nha Trange were confirmed to have the virus. The two women reported having fever and headaches in late March. The younger patient is said to be 8 weeks pregnant. Health authorities are testing the patients' families and neighbors, but haven't confirmed any new infections so far.

- 60 people died from a heavy rainfall in the northern and northwestern regions of Pakistan. Police and local government officials said the death toll covers fatalities reported by Monday. Rain has caused mudslides in multiple areas of the northern mountainous region, cutting off roads.

- BBC announced the initial cast of the upcoming Doctor Who spinoff drama, Class. The new drama series will feature new artists such as Greg Austin, Fady Elsayed, Sophie Hopkins, and Vivian Oparah as one of the students at Coal Hill School and they will be joined by actress Katherine Kelly, as the new teacher in this school. Class is coming this year.



- Nico-nico-ni! Nico Yazawa completes the Love Live! School Idol Project figma range and she's now available to order starting at 5,370 Yen plus tax. Deliveries will commence this October. Or, if the figma toy of her is not suitable to your liking, fear not because a scale figure of her by FREEing is now available to order starting at 9,074 Yen plus tax. Deliveries will commence this October as well.

figma Nico Yazawa
FREEing Nico Yazawa

- Tesla Motors announced that their recently-unveiled Model 3 will have an all-wheel drive layout just like the rest of the lineup and it will come with an optional dual-motor. Last week since its unveiling, Tesla received 276,000 reservations for the Model 3.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, Yaya Pak's starting her first day of the job as the new yaya and Lola Tinidora and Divina's trying to teach their newbie up, even with disastrous results. After her rough first day with them, Yaya Pak received a phone call but what's going on? Tune in next time and find out!!!

TTFN!!!

Monday, April 4, 2016

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NoKor criticized China again




The South Korean National Defense Commission issued a statement that North Korea lambasted the People's Republic of China for supporting last month's UN Security Council sanctions resolution against the Communist nation.

Without singling out China, the statement indirectly blames the country for damaging a precious legacy and tradition by responding to US demands and supporting the hostile policy of the UN resolution. It came out two days after the Rodong Sinmun carried a commentary apparently critical of China.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed his readiness to collaborate with the US when he met with President Barack Obama on Thursday, saying that China will find ways to cooperate in global issues, including the denuclearization of North Korea.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (April 4, 2016)


- Davao city mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte received a reply from Pope Francis to the letter of apology for cursing at the pope last year. According to his assistant, a photo of the Pope's reply to Duterte was posted even if Duterte earlier said he will not release a copy of the Vatican letter until the end of next month's elections.

- The Olongapo court reduced the sentence on US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for the murder of transgender Jennifer Laude. The court reduced his sentence to a maximum of ten years according to reports, cited "passion" and "intoxication" as mitigating circumstances for the decision.

- The annual Balikatan exercises kicks off today with the Philippines' new military assets will be put to test such as the landing craft heavy ships sourced from Australia for 726 million pesos. The first two ships arrived last August while the three remaining arrived last month. Two of the five ships will be used in this exercies.

- Foreign journalists are now allowed to visit relevant islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry official. Despite reports of rising tensions in the disputed sea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry assured that the situation in the region is stable as China is resolute on safeguarding its rights and sovereignty over the disputed waters.

- Greece starts deporting migrants to Turkey under the deal between them and the European Union to help curb mass migration into Europe. Buses carrying migrants arrived at a port on the Greek island of Lesbos Monday morning. They boarded two ship under heavy police guard and later left for Turkey.

- The Brussels Airport has been partially reopened with tightened security 12 days after the attack. The operator says three Brussels Airlines flights to Greece, Portugal, and Turkey took off on Sunday, the first day of the resumed service. On the 22nd of March, two suicide bombers detonated explosives at an airport and a subway on the Belgian capital, killing 32 people and injured 340.

- The French capital of Paris held an annual marathon under heightened security, following last November's terror attacks. Around 46,000 runners from about 140 countries took part in the 40th Paris Marathon on Sunday and ran a route that crosses the city east to west, passing scenic spots such as the River Seine, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower.

- An indie film about a dystopian Hong Kong has won the best picture award at this year's Hong Kong Film Awards, but the state-run Chinese television didn't broadcast the ceremony. The indie film "Ten Years" features what would Hong Kong be like if its under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party ten years later. It was shown at an only theater in Hong Kong last year but it became a major hit as people apparently felt the movie is close to the reality of life in Hong Kong. Complimentary showings were held at over 30 locations, including public facities across the city, on Friday.

- Three year-old Caitlin Soleil Lucas or Courageous Caitie died on the 31st of March, 2016, due to a rare type of blood cancer and her memorial service held at the Arlington Memorial Church yesterday for the young one is a big one because it's wedding-themed...and Stormtroopers included in her funeral. Three-year old Caitie inspired millions of netizens because of her courage and cheery disposition despite battling her rare disease.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye; Lola Tinidora's settling the yayas once and for all in a game of arm-wrestling and whoever wins will be named as their new yaya. Yaya In, Yaya Glo, and Yaya Git lost the game but the winner of the game of arm wrestling with Lola Tinidora is the hard-hitting Yaya Pak! So, what will be Yaya Pak's first duty in the mansion? Tune in next time and find out!

TTFN!!!

Jubilee of Mercy: Jubliee for those devoted to the Spirituality of Divine Mercy

The Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy kicks off today at the Vatican City with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Jubilee of Mercy logo


From the first to the third of April, the entire St. Peter's Square is packed of people to attend the Jubliee for those devoted to the Spirituality of Divine Mercy, part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.


During the course of the three-day event, Pope Francis urged the Catholic dioceses worldwide to set up a permanent memorial of the Year of Mercy by establishing a hostpital, home for the aged or school in an under-served area.

The Pope said the idea came to him during a meeting with a charitable organization and he decided to mention it at the vigil with participants of the Europeaqn gathering of the World Apostolic Congress of Mercy and followers of the Divine Mercy devotion.

Pope Francis said that the Divine Mercy Sunday celebration was "like the heart of the Year of Mercy" and he announced that Catholic parishes across Europe would be asked to take up a special collection on the 24th of April as a sign of closeness and solidarity with people suffering from the Eastern Ukraine conflicts.