Saturday, September 10, 2016

Bubble Gang -September 9, 2016 #BGImpossibleMission

On the September 9, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Spy gags

- Mang TaƱong thinks he's a big fan of Pokemon.

- The boys are getting pervy on their house visit...

- Hugot lines in jail



- Hassles at the X-Ray appointment...



- An interview with nothing but thoughts...

- In this week's Enkangtodo, the Bubble Gang spoof of Encantadia, Hangre Damihan won the duel against Pireto but another fight's brewing between the two. This time it's a game of Trip to Jerusalem.

- More news for moms in Balitang Ina!

- Basa-Basa-Pik!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test


North Korea conducted their fifth nuclear test in their act of defiance against the international community's calls to halt its nuclear and missile programs, marking the second time they conducted such test this year since January 2016, when the Korean Peninsula did their fourth nuclear test.

North Korea confirmed the test four hours after seismic waves from a magnitude-5 artificial earthquake were detected around 0930 hours local time near the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. The North said through its state-run media that the successful test has advanced its technology of mounting a nuclear warhead on a ballistic missile to a higher level.

The South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff analyzed the nuclear test as the North's biggest test to date with the device giving an explosive yield reaching 10 kilotons, four more than what they did last January.

After the man-made tremor, South Korea' military held an emergency video conference headed by JCS Chairman Lee Sun-jin and placed its military forces on full alert so Seoul can react "sternly and strongly" in case of further threats.

Meanwhile, President Park Geun-hye will convene a meeting of high-ranking officials to discuss follow-up measures to respond to the Korean Peninsula's fifth nuclear test. The meeting is to be convened shortly after her arrival from her eight-day trip to Russia, China, and Laos. During her visit, the president called for a stronger unity against North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. It will be attended by the ministers of defense, foreign affairs and unification, and senior presidential secretaries in charge of security and foreign policy.

Close cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan will take center stage in tackling North Korea's fifth nuclear test, which came as the deepening US-China relationship threatens to weaken efforts to pressure Pyongyang to give up its nuclear program.

The test occurred on Friday had coincided when members of the key six-party denuclearization talks came together at the G20 Summit in China and East Asia Summit in Laos to denounce North Korea's nuclear program. Despite problems with China, the surprise test showed at least Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo were determined to deal with the latest threats from North Korea. Following the test, the three countries asked for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council to swiftly address the provocation.

Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo said on Friday that the South Korean government will not rule out the possibility that North Korea may carry out another nuclear test. During a meeting at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the National Assembly today, a lawmaker underlined the need to acknowledge the grave reality that North Korea's nuclear weapons program can't be destroyed with the current sanctions and pressure and it's time for a new strategy. In response, Hong said the government is fully aware that it failed to stop the North from advancing its nuclear weapons technology despite various efforts. Also, the government will consider diverse options to deal with the current situation.

Source: Arirang News

Friday, September 9, 2016

Let's Do The News! (September 9, 2016)



- At the closing ceremony of this year's ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, it is announced that the Philippines will be the next to lead next year's summit, along with an imprint of President Duterte's campaign. The theme for next year's summit "Partnering for change, engaging the world" is broadly similar to Duterte's election slogan "Change is Coming".

- Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama said that he does not take President Duterte's comments seriously as it seems to be just a habit. The scheduled meeting between them was moved to a later date following the harsh comments against the US President. Earlier this week, Duterte said that he will not bow down to Obama if he ever asks him about the rising extrajudicial killings of drug suspects in the Philippines.

- Four US swimmers, including gold medalist Ryan Lochte, have been suspended from competition for falsely claiming they were robbed in Rio de Janeiro. The United States Olympic Committee and USA Swimming announced on Thursday that they had suspended Lochte for 10 months and three others for four months for violating a code of conduct. The athletes reportedly accepted the sanctions.

- Following the death of Uzbekistan leader Islam Karimov, Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev was named as the interim president. The parliament told the Russian media on Thursday that the decision was reached at a joint meeting of both chambers. 

- The European Union leader has urged British PM Theresa May to begin negotiations for Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible. European Council President Donald Tusk met with May in London on Thursday. Tusk said that the ball is now in British court and stressed that initiating the procedure would reduce and eventually end the uncertainty. He said this is everybody's best interests.

- The US has successfully launched a spacecraft with a mission to collect sand and rock samples from an near-earth asteroid. It is the first such attempt since Japan's Hayabusa carried back particles from a different asteroid six years ago. The Atlas 5 rocket carrying Osiris-Rex lifted off at 2305 UTC on Thursday at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Osiris-Rex will head to the asteroid Bennu within next year and it will observe for around two years. After that, the spacecraft will return to earth within 2023.

- Jaguar returns to motorsports with its Formula E entry, called the I-Type 1. It will be driven by Adam Carroll and Mitch Evans, with Ho-Pin Tung as the reserve driver.


- A new E-Hybrid variant on the brand-new Porsche Panamera was launched, packed with controlled AWD and an electric range of 50km. It produces 462HP of combined power output and fuel economy of 2.5L/100km.


TTFN!!!

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Daihatsu Move Canbus

We all seen kei minivans throughout Japan from the Daihatsu Tanto, the Honda N-BOX, the Suzuki Spacia, the Mitsubishi eK Space, and the Nissan Dayz Roox. These kinds of kei cars showcase that even when they're small, they can be as practical as any minivans get in their lifetime. As demographics continue to shift through the years, the Toyota-owned Daihatsu has created a brand new kei minivan that is targeted for young women in mind. Let's take a closer look at the new Move Canbus.

2017 Daihatsu Move Canbus

It's hard to tell if this new kei car kinda reminded you of the old VW Sambabus from the last century but trust them. This ain't no "hippie" car you are familiar with, this is a girl's car fit for whatever girls do on their day out like going to the mall, doing ridiculous poses on photo booths, going on a food trip, cosplaying outdoors, karaoke, whatever girly stuff they can do on their free time and then record it on their diaries and post it online to show it to the world about what they do. Sounds so much for a Japanese young females' routine from day by day and this new Canbus does fit to their lifestyles very well. Of course, while this is purely a kei minivan, the Move Canbus has two sliding doors; that's one more than the Tanto had, meaning it's very easier to get out of while on a day out with the chicks.

2017 Daihatsu Move Canbus interior
2017 Daihatsu Move Canbus interior

Although nothing to see much about the interior, there's a nifty trick you will notice and that goes in the rear seats. Dubbed as "Make up" Seat, this cool trick can handle most of your stuff under the rear seats when you slide it open. Of course, while this is obviously practical at first, it can get a bit flashy when you store your shopping bags on the Make up Seat but on the positive note, it can be pretty handy when you're in a middle of organizing stuff on your daily routine ahead on your busy schedule. Of course, there are other conveniences the Canbus can offer, even the luggage under box for more space in the back while the rear seats are present.

2017 Daihatsu Move Canbus

With the fuel consumption of around 28.6km/L from its 660cc engine, the Move Canbus is very frugal and very economical to get you going for more trips to the shops without worrying about a single drop of petrol. As for driving, the turning radius of 4.4m means that the Canbus is the easiest to live out with and the easiest to park. While it features an array of safety tech, the Canbus is the first Daihatsu to come with Bi-Angle LED Headlamp with AFS which allows the front headlamps to adapt to where you're steering at. This is plainly common in most modern cars using that tech but for a kei car, that sounds like it does work while taking the journey back home after your little day out with your pals.

The Canbus starts at 1,188,000 up to 1,668,600 Japanese Yen, which is the most affordable of all the Daihatsu kei minivans offered. Sounds like a bargain but because this is really a girl's car, don't even think about getting excited to have one because this car is all too much reflecting on what every young Japanese females do on their free time.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

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


- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and US President Barack Obama finally met informally on Wednesday in a holding room before attending a gala dinner at the ASEAN summit. The brief meeting took a little sting out of the soured relations caused by Duterte's comments on Obama earlier this week, causing Obama to cancel a formal meeting. However, according to reports, Duterte skipped summit meetings Thursday of ASEAN leaders with their US and Indian counterparts in Laos due to migraine.

- Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte lost two of the triplets she was carrying. At the change of command ceremony at the Task Force Davao office at 1000 hours local time, Duterte-Carpio said she lost twins but luckily enough, the other one is still living. She suffered from exhaustion days after the deadly Davao bombing last Friday.

- Presidentiables Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump answered every questions from the veterans regarding their roles as commander-in-chief in the televised Commander-in-Chief Forum in New York, presented by NBC News.

- The British government says it will build a wall along a main highway to a northern French port facing the English Channel to stop the flow of migrants and refugees into Britain. Since the summer of last year, migrants and refugees from the Middle East and elsewhere have poured into the vicinity of the French port town of Calais and formed a camp. A support group says there are over 9,000 of them in the area.

- The 2016 Rio Paralympic Games have opened in Rio de Janeiro. The opening ceremony was held Wednesday evening at Maracana soccer stadium and over the course of this year's games, over 4,400 athletes from a multitude of nations, including a team of refugees, are taking part in 528 events in 22 sports.

- Apple unveiled the brand new iPhone 7 range as well as the brand new Apple Watch 2 at a special event in San Francisco. The new model ditches the traditional headphone jack, which sounds very controversial for this new one but they featured a new home button with force sensitivity, water-resistant, and dual-lens camera for the Plus. The Watch 2 now comes with GPS. These new models will be available on the 16th of September, 

iPhone 7
Apple Watch 2

- Sony unveiled a much slimmer PS4 slim and a more powerful PS4 Pro. Whereas the slim model will be the basic in the range, starting at $299, the new Pro features better CPU, better clock rate, 1TB HDD, and 4K and HDR support. It will carry the similar $399 pricing as if the PS4 was launched in the US about three years ago.

- Niantic Labs announced that the Pokemon GO Plus accessory will be available worldwide starting on September 16. In Japan, it will be priced at 3,500 Yen while in the US, it will cost $34.99.

- Mercedes-Benz envisions the future of autonomous commercial driving with their Vision Van Concept.

Mercedes-Benz Vision Van Concept

- Although there's no more Kalyeserye on Eat Bulaga, today marks the 60th weeksary of AlDub.

TTFN!!!

Third-Generation Hyundai i30

Looks like we're having a little case of Deja Vu right now because about five years ago, Hyundai gave us the second-generation i30, which is based on the Avante MD, and while it delivers the same stuff they've expected from the previous Avante, how they sum it up is anyone's guess. Now in the year 2016, five years later, the Hyundai i30 hatchback has reached its third-generation and while Hyundai claims that it's now hotter than the previous model, there's nothing hotter about how hot this new model is. In fact, there's only one way to find out...

2017 Hyundai i30

Following last year's launch of the latest Hyundai Avante/Elantra (AD) saloon, its five-door equivalent, the i30, has been redrawn from scratch and whereas the previous i30 looks like when the designers faced the common sentence "Finish or not finish, pass your papers", this brand new i30 looks like it's got its test papers finished...and got a grade of 90%. Now that's what I called a major improvement in the design stakes.

2017 Hyundai i30 interior
On the outside view, the new design started to feel like work in a more athletic kind of manner, and judging from every angle, this hatchback really means serious business when parked alongside its rivals, namely the VW Golf, the Ford Focus, the Peugeot 308, the Citroen C4, or even the Toyota Auris. On the inside, everything's starting to look like they've inspired it by either the Alfa Romeo Giulia or the Mazda Atenza, but from every angle, the interior, like the exterior itself, really means serious business after all. As a five-seater hatchback fit for all kinds of lifestyles, the i30 really suits various lifestyles very well and when folded, there's much more room for all your garage sale haul.

2017 Hyundai i30

What about performance? Does it really mean serious business for this new i30? Make your guess but thanks to its new chassis and the Advanced High-Strength Steel dons, as well as its reworked dynamics, the new i30 is starting to feel as enjoyable as any hatchback can get, without breaking a sweat. Yes, it's starting to feel as sharp as the Europeans but the word of precaution, however, is when your mate is carrying a very big birthday cake he bought at the bakeshop, and when you corner it like a sports car, you're going to ruin that cake, awesomely. Speaking of newly improved dynamics, the new i30 offers a choice of small-displacement turbocharged petrol and diesel engines ranging from the brand new 1.4 T-GDi, the similar 1.6 T-GDi from the Avante Sport, and the 1.6 CRDi-VGT engine. Of course, while the 1.6 T-GDi is the most powerful variant while the diesel has the most torque, the brand new 1.4 T-GDi balances fuel efficiency and performance at the same pace. It produces 140PS of power and 242Nm of torque while delivering a 13.0km/L fuel consumption, which is somewhat average for an entry-level variant, but know this; all of the variants are mated with a seven-speed double-clutch transmission for a more dramatic shift in performance and efficiency resulted in all variants, as long as you got your maintenance budget prepared when things get ugly.

Not only does the new i30 drive very well, but it's very smart indeed because it comes with an array of gizmos in store, including the five-inch touchscreen, an array of safety tech, and a clever way of unlocking doors at the flick of the keys. Touch one time and the driver's door will be unlocked and when touched two times, all of the doors will be unlocked. Nothing says a little easier access than this kind of feature.

2017 Hyundai i30
Should you buy it? The brand new, third-generation, Hyundai i30, starts at a very reasonable 19,100,000 for the mysteriously called "Tuner Package" up to 26,150,000 Korean Won for the 1.6 VGT Premium. Even though is slightly more expensive than the previous model, it's going to be a very competitive hatchback when compared to the best of Europe. So, how can I sum this car up? Well, the new design means business for the new i30, its new driving feel really makes it feel more European than being a Korean hatchback that can be sold at a very reasonable price and I think that's just the start for the new i30 because there's more to come for this new model. 

Available colors: Phantom Black, Iron Grey, Platinum Silver, Polar White, Demitasse Brown Intense Copper, Fiery Red,  Stargazing Blue, and Marina Blue.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Fiat Fullback

The new Fiat 124 Spider isn't the only Fiat with a Eurasian connection with a Japanese company, in fact, there's another Fiat with ties with another Japanese car company, this time with Mitsubishi for their midsize pickup truck called the Fullback. Wait, what?

2017 Fiat Fullback

We have all seen vehicles stealing fighter jet names. Raptor, Lightning, Typhoon, now Fiat's brand new midsize truck took the name from a very popular Russian fighter bomber meaning it's time to grab your axe because the new Fullback knows how to wield a mighty axe for people who got their hands full with their businesses, big or small. What this pickup truck means is that it deserves some serious businesses to work out with for anyone who wants to get their job done from sunrise to sunset.

2017 Fiat Fullback


2017 Fiat Fullback interior

Being another one of Eurasian Fiats ever made since the new 124 Spider, the Fullback is essentially based on the Mitsubishi Triton truck, which is the new model not sold in the Japanese market, meaning most of the stuff is purely Mitsubishi underneath the Fiat flair inside and out. It can be offered with either a single cab (that comes with bigger bed space or a double cab that trades bed space for more rear passenger space and two more doors. Whichever variant they choose, the Fullback delivers a bed width of 1,470mm and a loading compartment threshold of 850mm. Good enough to put some logistic-related materials, construction materials, or anything it can take on, even people for different purposes...although not recommended to do so.

2017 Fiat Fullback

Under the hood, the Mitsubishi-sourced Fiat Fullback features a completely aluminum 2.4L CRDi-VGT engine with two different power configurations, where the most powerful is the one with 180PS of power output and 430Nm of torque. It can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or automatic. With the Fullback comes with four-wheel drive, there's a nifty switch that offers four drive settings with a shift-on-the-fly system that allows drivers to adapt through different road conditions. It can be switched to either a rear-wheel drive, 4WD High Range, 4WD High Range with Locked Center Differential, or 4LLc.

Just like the Triton, the Fullback features Dual SRS Airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, a turning radius of 5.9 meters, a Limited Slip Differential, and a Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution Body.

As far as they know, the Fiat Fullback starts at a theoretical 34,600 Euro pricing for the single cab model while the double cab costs around 36,430 Euros and an automatic variant costs 41,920 Euros. Sounds very costly for a pickup truck imported from Thailand and when compared to the VW Amarok, that pricing sounds so painful to own but despite the pricing, consider this a hearty alternative since VW has been in difficulties right now regarding the whole diesel flop they're facing with.

With a name unashamedly grabbed from a Russian fighter plane, the Fullback's ready to wield that mighty axe to the pickup truck fans with its potential capabilities that make it a keeper.

Available colors:  Verde Metallizzato, Blue Metallizzato, Rosso, Bronzo Metallizzato, Grigio Titanio Metallizzato, Nero Micalizzato, Bianco Perla, and Bianco.

Photo: Fiat

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: The Longest Night in American History


It's already September and do you know what that means? Yes, you might think that Christmas is coming but no. American elections are REALLY coming and this ain't your ordinary election year in the United States of America but this is by no means the harshest election year in American history because it's going to be a battle between two influential presidentiables; one who is a former First Lady of the former American President who promises a greater change and make history as the most powerful woman in the world and the other is a wealthy businessman who will stop at nothing to turn the tables on American politics.

Yes, I said the harshest because these two have spent the rest of the year trading punches at each other while trying to win some support to the American citizens to the race to become the next POTUS who will replace Barack Obama, whose term ends this January. So, I don't need further explanations about how these two made it to their road to presidency but what furthers is what lies beneath the truth and ideals between those two. In the eyes of supporters of each camp, how does it feel to be one of them who is supporting their favorite presidential candidate?

In the eyes of a Republican supporter: Having an outsider like D_____ T____ in Washington is a great honor to have him challenging against the might of politicians in the Oval Office. Although he is well known for his real estate monopoly and as a famed celebrity in his own right, his powerful words is what made him the ideal person to become the most powerful man in the world. Whereas today's American government system is continue to erode over the years of the Obama administration, D______ T_____ can turn things around all in the name of his "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan. 

As the United States is losing its authority and global security thanks to NATO, the United Nations, and other organizations who see them as a big failure, T____ will reassure that he will keep the United States of America the top of the hierarchical pyramid, just like what all good Republicans do. Republican supporters are growing tired from the growing pains set by his rival H_______ C______ but they should remember, she has a lot of growing pains on her fate such as her e-mails, her health, her involvement in the foundation, everything that makes her one of the worst presidential candidates since past Democrats and she's been busy stealing so many Republicans that it feels like the whole government's been rigged, as stated by T____ himself. 

A handful of Republicans like him won't let a female Democrat like her to get to the top seat of the White House and if he wins, T____ will have all of the time in the world to unleash his master plan which involves the mass deportation of illegal immigrants, a complete shutdown of all Muslims, a quick destruction on ISIS, and everything else that will "make America great again", no matter the costs. As many politicians despise him of his rhetorics, a handful of his supporters will make sure that he will conquer what remains after the fall and reign as the most powerful leader of the world.

In the eyes of a Democratic supporter: Despite all of her wrongdoings in the past, supporters of H_____ C_____ will make sure that she will stay defiant, become the most powerful woman in the world, and cooperate with the world in order to stand the chance of ending the daily messes in their lives. Most of the ordinary citizens in America have feared that if D_____ T____ was elected president, it could mean the end of the world unless they take action to make sure that won't happen by cooperating with her fight to win the election. 

Because of T_____'s fearful rhetorics about banning Muslims, encourage nuclear weapons, cut taxes on the rich, building a wall against Mexican immigrants, and anything what he said today, some politicians, even Republicans, made a terrible mistake about nominating him as the Republican presidentiable and with that, they're having second thoughts about running him for president. That is not right. And what kind of a strongman who believes that "he alone can fix it" or "he knows about ISIS more than the other generals" in the first place? This is just plain wrong and why would he encourage countries like Japan and South Korea to have nuclear weapons? Don't they know that they have terrible risks waiting amongst them if they had one? 

Think about this; in an event of a very powerful quake like the one five years ago, Japan's stockpile of nukes may fall down and cause a nightmarish chain reaction that would spell the end of Japan as they know it. Then, if South Korea gets their own nukes, it WOULD mean an easy target for the North Koreans to wipe out the entire South Korea and become a subject to Kim Jong-un's terms. This terrible fate should not happen and Democrats shouldn't let T____ become the next US President because if he does, mankind will soon fall because of his selfish desires of ruling the world. 

They've all seen senseless nightmares through the moments and they cannot allow T_____ to win the elections. That's why they have H_______'s back when they need it because not only she is a key role model, she's a great example to families, jobs, foreign policy, national security, and the world. 

Considering her resume of all the good work she have done as a lawyer, a first lady, a New York politician, and secretary of state, her track record might just be key of winning the election but it's not going to be an easy task as her Republican enemy throws everything at his disposal to hinder her progress but because of her "Stronger Together" slogan, C______'s not alone because she's got plenty of people to back her up to overcome the challenges and the obstacles in order to win the election and become the first American female president in history. If she wins, she will shape the very foundation of this world to the future that everyone can believe in. A future of families reunited, jobs for all, education for all, healthcare for all, everything to continue Obama's legacy for a brighter future that they've been worked very hard on and they can't let their hard work go to waste, all because of her selfish enemy whose motivation is only hatred and fear.

My thoughts: It's going to be a rough fight for the two of them because as these two are reaching the last two months of their campaigning, not to mention the three debates happening for the two of them, it's hard to say which of these two will prevail but I will say this...this will be the most challenging election year yet because with all the crisis going on, it's difficult to determine the winner but because of all the feat and hatred that T_____ delivers to all Americans and all the problems C_____ had faced, it would be best to have these two kicked out in the race and make room for the unsung heroes (the third party candidates) to take the center stage with their clean records. However, if those two still really matters to the ordinary American citizens, it's their call. Like that certain Republican said in Ohio, you must vote with your conscience. No wonder he got booed for that one but given to this state of play, it feels like T_____'s conscience is dead and he's going haywire unless C_____ can stop his rhetoric madness and provocations he's throwing to the American public.

Oh yeah, I'll give you a little trick because there are some have that little spark of the old Top Gear fandom and to make things easier on the choice to become the next leader...


Not sure?



That explains it...

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: UNSC adopts statement to rap N.Korea


The UN Security Council unanimously adopted the statement and issued it on Tuesday after members discussed how to deal with North Korean in an emergency session that lasted about an hour. North Korea launched three missiles the previous day. The statement urges all UN member states to increase their efforts to implement sanctions against the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the US government is arranging a special envoy on North Korean issues to Japan and South Korea, following the latest North Korean missile launch. Multiple sources say US Special Representative for North Korea Policy Sung Kim will make the trip next week and he's expected to reaffirm cooperation among the three countries concerning the North's missile program, and discuss how to prevent further threats from the Korean Peninsula.

Then, the Japanese government is setting up a new emergency system to issue quicker and more comprehensive alerts about North Korean missile launches. The current systems, inform local governments of missile launches if they could affect Japan but it doesn't include warnings to ships and aircraft. The new system will alert ships and aircraft not only in Japan's territorial waters and airspace but also in the country's exclusive economic zone.

Source: NHK World

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


- In President Duterte's ASEAN visit, he urged the ASEAN leaders to cooperate to fight transnational crime and to support small businesses to preserve the economic gains in the region. He even brings up the topic of the war on drugs as well.

- Meanwhile, the Philippine government released what it says are surveillance pictures of Chinese coast guard ships and barges at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, hours before the Chinese premier attended the ASEAN summit. Officials say Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte plans to ask Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the summit in Vientiane on Wednesday whether the vessels were on another island-making mission on the Scarborough Shoal. 

- Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton says that US President Barack Obama did the right thing to cancel his meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte. Clinton said Duterte's expression of regret following the White House's decision to scrap the bilateral meeting is the right thing to do.

- The Islamic State militants launched their new online magazine calling for supporters to carry out fresh terror attacks. The magazine, called Rumiyah, was issued on Monday in at least 8 languages including English, French, German, Russian, Turkish, Indonesian, Uygur and Pashto. The magazine states that the Australian IS terrorist was killed Syria and urged its followers to attack public places in Australia. Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull warned that the international community must hold more talks on anti-terror measures.

- The Paralympic torch has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, raising excitement in the upcoming Rio 2016 Paralympics. The torch relay started in the country's capital and began on Tuesday in the Centro district, one day ahead of the opening ceremony.

- The new Peugeot 5008 has been regenerated from a minivan to a full-size crossover, featuring groundbreaking tech, new platform, new engines, and more. It's set to debut at next month's Paris Motor Show before it will be sold to the public in early 2017.

2017 Peugeot 5008

- The four-door coupe version of the new A5, the new Audi A5 Sportback, was unveiled before its Paris debut.

2017 Audi A5 Sportback

- New Pokemon Sun and Moon info on the radar! There's a mysterious presence lurking around the Alola Region known as the Ultra Beasts and only the Aether Foundation holds the answers. Who are they? Check this latest clip.



TTFN!!!

Fiat 124 Spider

For the first time since...um...forever...there is now a rear-wheel drive Fiat that we can all enjoy for and this rear-wheel drive Fiat marks the return of the legendary 124 nameplate in honor of the original 124's 50th anniversary since 1966. Heritage aside, the newly revived 124 Spider is just one of the biggest contributions in the axis powers (read: Japan-Germany-Italy collaboration) in the history of automobiles. Why?

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

There's a big reason why because the new 124 Spider is basically a fourth-generation Mazda Roadster underneath it but despite most of the stuff comes from Mazda, its performance is what differs it because the 124 has a little spark of Fiat on its Mazda-wrapped backbone. Under the hood is a 1.4L turbocharged MultiAir petrol engine which produces around 138 horsepower, which sounds like more than the Roadster's 1.5L petrol engine produces, meaning it can go 0-100kph in seven and a half seconds and onwards to 215kph. Even when they both have the same 6-speed gearbox and the same driving feel, the 124 is the better bet because it can do things that the Roadster can't in terms of speed, power, and everything else.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

In context, those who did enjoyed the latest Roadster had the impression that this car still retains the classic Roadster formula, valuing aerodynamics over performance, as well as delivering its nimble and yet accessible dynamics everyone can master. For the Roadster-based Fiat 124 Spider, though, while it promises to hark back the legendary 124 fifty years ago, it still acts and behaves just like the Roadster. It's nimble, it's easy to drive, and very accessible if you're sure enough to drive one on the open roads but driving one on the cities can get too tricky because while this is mated only with a 6-speed gearbox, parking this car can get messy but whatever it is, feels like this day will never end.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider interior

While this is purely a Mazda Roadster underneath with a different engine from Fiat, the new 124 feels very gorgeous to look at from day to night, however it can still be overshadowed when the open-top car you've encountered is another Italian car. Specifically, an Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. While the 4C is strikingly gorgeous to look at and drives better than the 124, best to know that the 124's starting price of 27,500 Euros, meaning that you can buy two of these (and some) for the price of the 4C Spider. Now that's a bargain good enough for a poor man's 4C Spider, though.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

So, would you rather have this than the Mazda Roadster it was based upon? Well, since the new 124 behaves like the Roadster, the only difference you will notice is the performance due to its turbocharged petrol engine made by Fiat and once you notice how it works, you have a clear judgment on which would you pick.

Available colors: Rosso Passione, Bianco Gelato, Grigio Argento, Grigio Moda, Azzurro Italia, Bronzo Magnetico, Nero Vesuvio, and Bianco Ghiaccio.

Photo: Fiat

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: UNSC to meet on N. Korea's missile launches



Sourced from NHK WORLD:

The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency meeting on Tuesday following the latest missile launches by North Korea.

The North fired 3 ballistic missiles on Monday. They are estimated to have flown about 1,000 kilometers before falling in Japan's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan.

It's the second time North Korean missiles have fallen into Japan's EEZ. The first occurred on August 3rd.

The Security Council members are expected to meet at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, local time, at the request of Japan, the United States and South Korea.

It comes after the council unanimously adopted a press statement on August 27th, condemning Pyongyang over a series of missile launches.

The statement called on council members to redouble their efforts to fully implement resolutions against the North.

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


- On President Rodrigo Duterte's Laos visit for the ASEAN summit, he assured the Filipino community that his administration is stepping up efforts to fight illegal drugs and corruption and to reach a settlement with rebel groups in the Philippines. In there, he met up with the prime ministers of Singapore and Japan, and his harsh comments caught attention at the annual meeting. 

- However, US President Barack Obama cancels his meeting with Duterte, seeking distance from a US ally's leader during a diplomatic tour that puts Obama near an array of contentious world leaders as well as having Duterte's comments about Obama being an "S.O.B."

- The Malacanang officials declared a state of national emergency following lawless violence in Mindanao. President Duterte signed the proclamation before heading to Laos yesterday for the ASEAN summit. The proclamation comes following the deadly Davao bombing last weekend which killed 14 people and 67 others wounded.

- The two presidentiables are heading on a home stretch on the last two months of campaigning for the upcoming November elections as Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump landed on Ohio with each of their own campaign jet during Labor Day. It's going to be one serious business between those two.

- The European Space Agency says it has located the Philae comet lander, when it went missing after its historic landing on a comet two years ago. On November 2014, the Philae separated from the Rosetta probe and landed on Comet 67P, but several days ago, it was unable to receive enough sunlight to power its batteries and was virtually out of reach. With the Philae's whereabouts was confirmed, there's hope for more analyses to be sent from the lander during its operation two years ago.

- The brand new, seven-seater Land Rover Discovery will make its world debut at next month's Paris Motor Show.


- Following Sony's decision to delay the PS4-exclusive Gran Turismo Sport game to 2017, Sony temporarily stops digital pre-orders for this game until further notice. However, additional info will be revealed at this month's Tokyo Game Show.

- In Pokemon GO-related news, a Russian blogger jailed for playing the app game in church and charged with "enticing religious hatred" files appeal. Last month, the 21-year-old male reportedly posted a video showing him playing the game while at church. He was arrested for the "incitement to hatred and attacks on the liberty of faith". He was ordered to stayed in cells until November pending a trial. If found guilty, he will face a five-year imprisonment.

- Serena Williams overtook Roger Federer for the most number of Grand Slam victories in tennis history with her match wins recorded to 308.

TTFN!!!

Renault Samsung QM6

A few moments ago, Renault uncovered their second-generation Koleos crossover and while it looks bigger than its predecessor, it's becoming one of the new Renaults to incorporate its new signature design since the Espace MPV last year, the Talisman saloon and estate, and the new Megane early this year. It's slated to be sold in most European markets, including France, this 2017, but first, it has to make its presence in Australia, Turkey, the Middle East, some South American countries, and China this year. Also, the second-generation Koleos will make its mark on the South Korean market as the brand new QM6, a larger, more luxurious replacement to the smaller QM5, based on the previous Koleos.

2017 Renault Samsung QM6

Alright, because the QM6 will serve us a preview of the next Renault Koleos, set to hit Europe this next year, time to dive into what to expect in this Korea-spec version sold as a Renault Samsung QM6. Because it has the same look as its sedan brother, the SM6, thanks to the new Renault norm look that has been plastered on new models as part of their "la vie, avec passion" company slogan, there's not much to tell on its design inside and out but take this, while this is exactly bigger than the old QM5, the new QM6's bigger dimensions made this on par with its potential competitors such as Kia's Sorento, Hyundai's Maxcruz, Ssangyong's Rexton, or even Chevrolet's Captiva (note: the one that South Koreans had). How it fares is everyone's guess.

2017 Renault Samsung QM6 interior
2017 Renault Samsung QM6 interior

Of course, even though you can expect typical Renault interior on the new QM6 (Korea's version of the next generation Koleos), its big dimension resulted to a much generous interior space for five people as well as better boot space big enough to fit most of your garage sale haul on the weekends. The QM6 offers luxury car features in a not-so-expensive crossover such as BOSE Surround Sound System and it even comes with Samsung's S-Link multimedia tablet screen on the dashboard, like the SM6 had, serving as a control center for functions like infotainment, navigation, communications, radio, and driver aids.

2017 Renault Samsung QM6

As a crossover made to challenge the rules, the QM6 feels like it's not your average full-size crossover at this caliber. In fact, it uses the same underpinnings used in crossovers like the smaller Renault Kadjar and the Nissan X-Trail, and platform aside, the QM6, as to be expect on the next Koleos, features ALL MODE 4x4-i, which constantly optimizes torque to all four wheels for stability on snowy and other slippery surfaces, as reminiscent to today's Nissan X-TRAIL done to its consumers. It can be switched to front-wheel drive or permanent all-wheel drive, depending on the conditions the road calls on it. No matter the weather calls on this car, it's always ready with its 4WD technology at its disposal. Not bad for a clever multirole.

Under the hood, the QM6 is available only with a 2.0L dCi engine that produces 177PS of power and 38.7kg-m of torque. Much to the dismay of being a European crossover with a Korean citizenship, the QM6 is mated to a new-generation XTRONIC CVT. Doesn't say much but it promises a combined fuel efficiency of 12.8km/L and CO2 emission of around 148g/km, although Renault Samsung were declined to explain the full story about the QM6's performance and ecology. What I did know that while they didn't disclose about its safety tech, it will theoretically had a large Array of Driver Aids (ADAS), which can be controlled from its S-Link tablet.

The asking price? It starts from 27,400,000 up to 34,700,000 Korean Won, which is more costly than the QM5 it replaces but that puts it near the spot where the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe sit beneath their laurels. Even though this is a brand new SUV from the Renault Samsung lineup, this is just a fresh taste of what the next Renault Koleos can do when it hits Europe by next year, if they get all the paperwork done to do so.

Available colors: Cloud Pearl, Golden Beige, Ultra Silver, Urban Grey, Meissen Blue, and Metallic Black.

Photo: Renault Samsung Motors

F1 2016: Italian GP

Photo: Associated Press


Monza, the venue of this season's Italian GP, has becoming a battleground for the Mercedes-AMG team, which involves between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. In the end of this speed-fueled battle in Monza, Rosberg's the winner of the race while Hamilton's placed 2nd. Behind the Mercedes rivalry comes a three-four finish from Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, probably from tire usage issues that kept between them.

Other finishers include Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, Williams' Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa, and Force India's Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg.

With Rosberg's win, the gap between him and Hamilton in the overall standings has been narrowed to just two points.

The next race will be at Singapore on the 18th of September.

Monday, September 5, 2016

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


- President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Monday a formal document on the declaration of lawlessness before he flew to Laos for the ASEAN summit. Executive Secretary confirmed that Duterte signed the declaration, which is a call of the president to the Armed Forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence following the deadly Davao bombing last week.

- Meanwhile, the Davao City government set a two-million peso bounty for who can provide leads to identify and arrest the perpetrators behind last Friday's deadly blast. Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the government wants to see the suspects alive so they can gain information from them.

- The Department of Health confirmed that a woman from Iloilo City was tested positive for the Zika virus, the sixth case recorded in the country. DOH Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said that the 45-year-old victim, has no record of travel to countries where the virus has been detected.

- In the G20 Summit in China, US President Barack Obama and British PM Theresa May have agreed to work together to limit the adverse effects the so-called Brexit will have on the global economy. It was their first meeting since May took office after David Cameron's resignation following the Brexit vote.

- Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to step up lateral military cooperation, The two nations will conduct joint naval exercises in the South China Sea from the 12th of September.

- Turkish military has expelled the Islamic State group fro the last strip of territory it controlled along the Turkish-Syrian border. Turkish PM Binali Yildirim said in Sunday that Turkish forces and allied Syrian rebels have cleared the militants from a 90km stretch of the border.

- Good news! Zag Entertainment confirmed that the hit animated TV series Miraculous gets renewed for another season! What does that means? More Ladybug, more Cat Noir, more new baddies, and more secrets are yet to be discovered. Pound it!

- In an upcoming Pokemon GO update, Buddy Pokemon will be added, meaning players will be able to select one of the Pokemon they've caught to appear alongside the trainer, resulting for better rewards and experiences. It can be changed any time.

- In case you missed it, presenter Paolo Ballesteros has returned to Eat Bulaga!

- Actress Liza Soberano responded to a basher pertaining to the recently concluded TV drama Dolce Amore and comparing it to its replacement show, Till I Met You.

TTFN!!!

Jubilee of Mercy: Jubilee for workers and volunteers of 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

Part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Jubilee for workers and volunteers of Mercy is not just about the Catholic church honoring the goodwill of the workers and volunteers who find mercy from God but it became a historic moment for the Catholic religion as they officially canonized Mother Teresa as a saint.


Mother Teresa, whose real name was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was born in 1910 in the former Yugoslav nation. She first established her Missionaries of Charity in the slums of Kolkata (Calcutta), India, in 1950, after she left her missionary. Known by her white-and-blue sari and sandals, Mother Teresa was well-respected and admired by many Catholics from around the world. However, behind her spiritual success, she was heavily criticized by some, including atheists who believed she was a fraud. Despite all that, Mother Teresa, thanks to her unbiased miracles from God, awarded her a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and upon her death in Calcutta in 1997 at the age of 87, her miracles was still inspired by her followers, including Blessed John Paul II, who beatified her in 2002.

In that very event, Pope Francis, during a very special mass in St. Peter's Basilica, finally given Mother Teresa the title of Saint and she was therefore known to the Catholic world as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Pripara: Minna no Akogare Let's Go Pri Paris

Before the third season of the hit TV series PriPara hit TV Tokyo on April, there was a third movie based on the popular franchise that will up the ante in the PriPara craze. For this third PriPara movie, it's one heck of an adventurous ride for our favorite idols.

Pripara: Minna no Akogare
Let's Go Pri Paris

Minna no Akogare Let's Go Pri Pari is the third PriPara film made in honor of the third season of PriPara, aired on TV Tokyo since April, and in this movie, Laala and the gang set off to a wonderful city called Pri Paris, which is loosely a PriPara equivalent of Paris, France. They're not here for all the glitz and glam, oh no. They're here because Falulu needs their help as she's fallen to an indefinite slumber and it's up to them to save the day.

In typical PriPara fashion, this movie still grinds our Tuesday blues in the same way we enjoyed this TV show every Tuesday nights but in contrast to the previous PriPara movies, it's colorful, vivid, down-to-earth funny, and positive enough for some good vibes in store in the movie.

Of course, even in movies, they're still delighted with moments from their favorite PriPara idols such as Laala, Mirei, Sophy, Sion, Dorothy, Reona, and the others, but rest assured, what overshadows the whole movie is the musical performance in store in this film, just like every PriPara episode with some musical performance in store but for PriPara fans, it's great to see more from them.

My rating: 3.4 out of 5