Saturday, October 29, 2016

Kalyeserye goes cooking!

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook Page
Long before the recently married couple of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza heading off to a distant place for their honeymoon, they are doing some goodwill stuff with a little help of the That's My Baes, the stars of their recent TV drama show Trops, which airs weekdays before Eat Bulaga.

While they are preparing the relief goods to be sent for the benefit of those who are heavily affected by Supertyphoon Lawin (Haima), the two are decided to do their own special pasta recipe they called it "Pasta Ikaw, Nangiginig pa!"

 So, care to see how its done? Let's watch...




Or in case you want their recipe, here's the list of ingredients...

1) Butter
2) Chopped onions
3) All-Purpose Cream
4) Canned Tomatoes (Chopped)
5) Penne Rigate Pasta
6) Mozzarella Cheese (Diced-small)

...and here's how to make one:

1) Heat butter on pan
2) Sautee chopped onions
3) Add all-purpose cream
4) Add canned tomatoes
5) Add chopped basil leaves
6) Simmer for about 5 minutes
7) Season sauce with salt and pepper
8) Add cooked penne rigate pasta and mix together
9) Add diced mozzarella cheese
10) Serve while hot

So, how's their cooking? Delicious, right? Anyway, after the whole cooking show's over, looks like the AlDub honeymoon is happening now and while AlDub are away for a few days, something new is coming so keep watching Eat Bulaga for more Kalyeserye antics.

In the meantime, congratulations for Tangong Grasa champion Isabel Granada for winning the Challenge Accepted Best of the Best.

Inferno (The Da Vinci Code)

It's been 10 long years when award-winning director Ron Howard gave us the movie adaptation of the bestselling Dan Brown novel that sparked a worldwide phenomenon not just for readers but for the conspiracy theorists, The Da Vinci Code. Three years later, the sequel Angels and Demons (which is the first book of The Da Vinci Code saga) was launched and the first two films sees symbologist Robert Langdon crisscrossed round the world in search for the world's greatest mysteries while averting a global threat. Now, the latest chapter of The Da Vinci Code is here and it's going to be a thriller as the film progresses. As one passage of The Divine Comedy said "abandon hope all ye who enter here."

Inferno

Inferno, the latest chapter of The Da Vinci Code saga, sees Langdon (reprised by actor Tom Hanks) awakened from the hospital, recalling nothing of the last 36 hours, including how he got there...or the origin of a macabre object that his doctors found from his belongings. Having found himself in the depths of Florence, Italy, Langdon is joined by Sienna Brooks to uncover secret codes written by a rogue scientist, who has a strong obsession to Dante's Divine Comedy. Racing against time, the unlikely duo ventured through Florence's historical landmarks to uncover hidden paths and ancient secrets as well as a shocking pattern that could endanger all of mankind.

Those who managed to survive reading the book from the start to finish will know that the latest movie is definitely not for the faint at heart because sticking true to the past installments, Inferno is just more of an adventure that focuses on the colorful backdrop of Italian culture but it is worthy of being a powerful thriller that can shock anyone with unpredictable twists and turns this film possess as much as the main character uncovers the hidden truth that could change the world forever.

It can be downright scary because of the ominous patterns that will reveal everything we know from science, faith, literature, and culture just like the past installments but for the bold, Inferno is a no-frills masterpiece that sticks true to Dan Brown tradition. With the collaboration of Dan Brown and Ron Howard a fruit of truth and ideals, this world-changing movie will keep changing the world we know just like how The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons did.

Good luck watching that and be warned; "Full soon shalt thou be where Thine eye shall answer make to thee of this, Seeing the cause which raineth down the blast."

My rating: 4.3 out of 5

Bubble Gang - October 28, 2016 #BGHalloween

On the October 28, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Manananggal gags

- Let's cook Tortang Talong with a twist in Patikim ni Kim!

- Duet at a doctor's office!

- A famous TV presenter is spicing up the funeral guests!



- Can't get enough of the heimlich

- More PPAP spoofs from Taran Taro!

- Bubble Gang does Chicken Mcdo by spoofing this commercial as CHICKEN WCDO! Our best-tasting chicken.



- More wise words from Tata Lino!

- Road rage get reversed

- Basa-basa-pik!

Friday, October 28, 2016

Let's Do The News! (October 28, 2016)


- Senator Leila de Lima is facing a disbarment case over her alleged affair with her former driver Ronnie Dayan. According to the complaints filed against her before the Supreme Court, De Lima was accused of gross immorality and violating the Lawyers Oath and the Code of Professional Responsibility.

- The Social Security System eyes mandatory pension fund investment on toll roads. According to the chair of the Social Security Commission, all toll roads, 25 to 35 percent should come from the pension fund.

- A mayor in Maguindanao city who was on the "narco list" was shot dead by lawmen during a gunfight while about to search for drugs in their vehicles in Makilala town in North Cotabato. The slain mayor, Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao, is among dozens President Duterte had earlier tagged as large-scale drug traffickers.

- The UN General Assembly committee has approved a resolution calling for a treaty to ban nuclear weapons. Japan was among the countries that opposed it along with nuclear powers including the United States.  The resolution was adopted on Thursday by a majority vote at the General Assembly's First Committee on Disarmament. 123 countries voted in favor while 38 voted against.

- An 3-day anime convention held somewhere at the UAE capital city, Abu Dhabi, has kicked off on Thursday. TV stations in the region have long broadcast Japanese anime shows in Arabic dub. Recently, young people, who make up a large portion of the area's population, have been watching them online. Anime theme song singers put on a show and signed autographs while related merchandise were also on sale at the venue.

- New Pokemon Sun and Moon info on the radar! The Alolan starters finally unleashed their final evolutionary stages. Rowlet's final evolved form is the Grass-and-Ghost type Decidueye while Litten's final evolved form is Incineroar and Popplio's final evolved form is Primarina. Also, the guardians of the Alola region are fully uncovered as well as other info about the Battle Tree, where those who made it to the Hall of Fame can battle against other ace trainers, including special guest appearances from past games.



- The sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur saloon has been uncovered and its set to launch in South Korea by next month.

2017 Hyundai Grandeur

- Johnny Guindi Hamui from Mexico is named the winner of the annual Nissan GT Academy. Following his win, Hamui will be taking part of the Nissan Driver Development Program before setting off to next year's 24 Hours of Dubai endurance race.

- BBC announced that the first episode of the fourth season of the hit TV show, Sherlock, will be aired on New Year's Day 2017.

TTFN!!!

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Let's Do The News! (October 27, 2016)


- Although being harsh against the United States against his platforms, President Rodrigo Duterte told Japanese reporters that he affirms his alliance with the USA as he and the Japanese government agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability. Yesterday, both countries agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability and acknowledged the importance of US alliance, although a joint statement focused largely on Japan's contribution to Philippine maritime security and other projects totalling a 21 billion yen loan.

- The House minority acknowledged the Committee on Justice's report on the Bilibid drug trade but insisted that charges should be filed against Senator Leila de Lima over her alleged involvement. The committee report refused to recommend the prosecution on De Lima over her alleged involvement on the drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison.

- The Abu Sayyaf terrorists gained at least 353 million Philippine Pesos from ransom kidnappings in the first six months of the year and have turned to abductions of foreign tugboat crewmen as military offensives restricted the militants' mobility, according to reports.

- Two strong quakes rattled central Italy on Wednesday night. Dozens of people were injured but no reports of casualties. The USGS says a M5.5 quake struck shortly after 7PM on Wednesday, followed by a M6.1 quake two hours later.

- The UN General Assembly committee will vote on Thursday on a draft resolution calling for a legally binding treaty to ban all nuclear weapons. The draft was jointly submitted to their First Committee on Disarmament by almost fifty nations, calling for convening negotiations on a treaty prohibiting the possession and use of nuclear weapons.

- Because of the ongoing Dieselgate scandal, Audi ended their Le Mans endurance racing program after 18 years, focusing on its involvement on the FIA Formula E Championship instead.

- The Apollo Arrow, as seen from the Geneva Motor Show last spring, will utilize a carbon fiber chassis from Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, makers of the SCG003 hypercar as seen on the same event.

- The next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Insignia was previewed and sadly, it will be soon be available in Australia as the next-generation Holden Commodore, making it the first fully-imported Commodore since production of the original rear-wheel drive model will end in 2017.


- Ritsuko Akizuki joins Phat's lineup of THE IDOLM@STER anime DVD/Blu-ray cover figure range and she's available for preorder starting at 9,000 Yen (plus tax) while deliveries will commence this May 2017.


TTFN!!!

All New Lincoln Continental

After almost a decade and a half of absence, the Lincoln Continental has been reborn as the flagship of the range and with the return of the Continental, looks like the luxury brand of Ford is heading towards its great revival as long as there's demand to it. The new car promises to be impossible to ignore thanks to its world class features and design but is it worth promising, I dare say?

2017 Lincoln Continental

In order for the new Continental to get ready to entice a new generation of luxury car buyers, it must first distinguish its rivals first and judging from its position, the new Continental's potential targets would possibly be an Audi A6, a Buick LaCrosse, or even the Cadillac XTS. Although looks sharp to look at, which reminds everyone of the concept car last year, the new Continental is basically a front-wheel drive as standard (with an optional all-wheel drive if you're living in the Pacific Northwest where rain is very likely or parts of the East Coast where it suffers from a polar vortex), meaning that it's going to behave like a commoners' car on the road. Design-wise, the new Continental influences it from the concept car, making it a clear example why carmakers should stick to the concept in terms of exterior design because that pleases them, not like Subaru when they make their production vehicles less in common with their concepts. With the design is so attention-grabbing, even Bentley's not happy with it because it resembles more like their Flying Spur saloon. One thing that bothers me the most is its rear view because it has some resemblance to the Hyundai Grandeur, see what I mean?

2017 Lincoln Continental interior
2017 Lincoln Continental interior

Of course, being the flagship in Lincoln's range, the new Continental features a well-tailored, well-mannered interior that you will spend hours and hours toying around the buttons while discovering how these features work. Starting with the SYNC 3, which was first applied on the recently facelifted Ford Escape crossover and Fusion saloon. Evolved from the least-loved version, the new SYNC 3 features voice activation system that responds to your voice. Of course, before anyone discovering that one on the new Continental, they're starting to think that SYNC 3 is starting to be more responsive compared to the previous SYNC, although there are some chinks to be worked out.

The seating is one of the key points of the new Continental and upfront, you are greeted with the Perfect Position seats which has 30 ways to adjust from top to bottom. On the rear view, where it has spacing big enough for the wealthy billionaire to be accommodated with, the available Rear Seat Package featuring power lumbar support, heating and cooling capabilities, and a reclining seat will be a sure fire thing to make sure the Continental stays classy, feels classy for the big bosses in the metro.

With an interior like this, the new Continental really makes us beg to accommodate with, no matter the odds.

2017 Lincoln Continental

Okay, what about driving? Despite being utilized on the Ford CD4 platform, the new Continental feels very unique in every single way and it tries to equate with the Europeans at ease. Up close and personal, it comes with an available Dynamic Torque Vectoring which transfers power to the rear wheel while driving through corners, making its handling worthy of being matched to the Europeans while catching up to the likes of its compatriots from America such as the Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac XTS. It's got Adaptive Steering which adjusts steering feel at different speeds, depending on where the driver is heading at, which is good by a long shot by the way.

Three V6 engines are offered on the new Continental such as a 2.7, a 3.7, and a more powerful 3.0L GTDi engine which produces over 400HP of power and an EPA-estimated fuel consumption of 19MPG combined, all mated to a 6-speed gearbox that can be operated by the buttons mounted on the front of a dashboard, a classic modern Lincoln trick that shoos away the most speedo boys in the night.

In tune with the times, the Lincoln Continental has loads of tech that will keep it advanced for tomorrow. From the 360-degree camera display on the monitor, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Active Braking, Active Noise Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lincoln Drive Control, and Auto Hold, these features made the Continental a one step ahead to the future in its class. You could really spend a lot of hours trying to get to know about these features unique to the Continental.

Should you buy it? The new Lincoln Continental starts at $44,560, which is a thousand less than the Cadillac XTS, making it a hard bargain for an executive premium saloon that has front wheel drive in the beginning and if you're a big spender, you can spec it out with options to bring out the best of your new Continental. Sounds costly but this is how a proper Lincoln should be. With this new car, you can expect a heated competition from this category, although the reborn model is a bit young at first but it will mature through the competition, you'll see.

Available colors: White Platinum, Ingot Silver, Midnight Sapphire Blue, Magnetic Gray, Diamond Black, Jade Green, Palladium White Gold, and Ruby Red.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Let's Do The News! (October 26, 2016)


- The Commission of Elections Campaign Finance Office began investigating into campaign finance records of President Rodrigo Duterte after it found that he had not declared Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos as a campaign donor in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures. Duterte announced that the eldest daughter of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos was among the few politicians who funded his presidential campaign weeks ago but her name wasn't among the 183 donors listed by Duterte and the PDP-Laban party in their SOCEs.

- President Duterte vows to improve the country's economy so the current generation of Overseas Filipino Workers will be the last. He made the promise to the Filipino community in Tokyo Shortly after his arrival for a three-day official visit.

- The Philippines' gender gap on the subindex of health and survival remains fully closed while it has re-closed the educational attainment subindex, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap record. The country has fully closed the gap on health and survival 10 years ago while it re-closed its educational attainment gap which re-opened slightly last year.

- The UNESCO's World Heritage Committee plans to vote on a resolution on Jerusalem that fails to recognize and respect the historic Judaism ties to its holiest site. Following the adoption of the controversial resolution last week, the World Heritage Committee is voting on that draft resolution that similarly ignores the Jewish link to Jerusalem by tomorrow.

- The United States urges NATO member nations to oppose a UN draft resolution proposing negotiations on a legally-binding nuclear weapons ban treaty. The draft resolution is the key highlight of the UN General Assembly's First Committee meeting which began in New York earlier this month.

- Mercedes-Benz unveiled their X-Class Concept Pickup truck, which previews the company's first ever pickup truck to be sold in Europe and some parts of the world next year.

2016 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept

- The second-generation Mini Countryman has been unveiled prior to its LA Auto Show debut next month. It's now bigger than its predecessor it comes with the first-ever Countryman Plug-in Hybrid model as well.

2017 Mini Countryman

- The new Mercedes-AMG E63 4MATIC+ has been unveiled and it comes with the new 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine which produces a more powerful 612HP of power on the S version, while mated to a 9-speed MCT. The new model maybe offered exclusively with 4MATIC all-wheel drive but it comes with a special feature that allows most of its power to be transmitted to the rear wheels.

2017 Mercedes-AMG E63

- Shocking news for congoers that Tokyo Comic-Con is banning male crossplay. The rule is listed on the event's official cosplay guidelines as a bullet point beneath restrictions like no real military costumes, excessive skin exposure, and transparent costumes. This ban, targeting only men dressing as female characters but not vice-versa, is actually surprisingly common at cosplay events in Japan.

TTFN!!!



F1 2016: US GP

Photo: Associated Press

As the the end of this season of Formula One draws nearer than you think, the heated duel between the two Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, is still burning on to the bitter end and the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas is just one of the latest examples of their heated rivalry for the title.

With Hamilton won the race and Rosberg placed second, the gap between them is now 26 points, Rosberg's 331 compared to Hamilton's 305, and with only three races left on the season, we can expect a very close race between the two Mercedes aces.

The next race is on Mexico this 30th of October, 2016.

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER 06 Love∞Destiny

After fans hanging out with the previous five installments of THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER range, inspired from the hit app game THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS Starlight Stage, there is now a sixth installment of the range and it's going to get a lot romanesque.

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
STARLIGHT MASTER 06 Love∞Destiny

Those who already played the song titled "Love∞Destiny" from a relaxing Debut to the finger-crippling Master difficulty setting finally get what they deserved because the full version of the said song, as heard in-game, can now be yours to listen while you relax your fingers after spending the whole day crippling your fingers to finish that song from the easiest to the most difficult of settings. Because it has that romantic feeling on that song, which stars Mayu Sakuma, Karen Hojo, Riina Tada, Chieri Ogata, and Miho Kohinata, you can expect coming back on this song for more as much as you enjoyed it in-game.

Aside from that cover song, there are two new songs you can listen out for keeps such as 青空リレーション  by Aiko Takamori, and PANDEMIC ALONE by Syuko Hoshi.

Be sure to collect the latest installment as well as the others (if you haven't done that) before the next one arrives and keep playing THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage for more!

TRACK LISTINGS:

  1. Love∞Destiny(M@STER VERSION)
  2. 青空リレーション
  3. PANDEMIC ALONE
  4. Love∞Destiny(M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ
  5. 青空リレーション オリジナル・カラオケ
  6. PANDEMIC ALONE オリジナル・カラオケ
  7. Love∞Destiny(GAME VERSION)

Pocket Monsters XY&Z Character Song Project Collection Vol.2

Before we say goodbye to the Kalos region, the definitive collection of songs heard throughout the course of the XY&Z season that was aired last fall until now are now here in Pocket Monsters XY&Z Character Song Project Collection Vol.2.

Pocket Monsters XY&Z
Character Song Project Collection Vol.2
Pocket Monsters XY&Z
Character Song Project Collection Vol.2
[Limited Edition A]
Pocket Monsters XY&Z 
Character Song Project Collection Vol.2
[Limited Edition B]

This is the complete and definitive set of songs heard throughout the series. The songs that were previously included on Volume 1 are now added with new songs such as the Serena version of the Shoko Nakagawa hit song Doridori, Kirakira by Clemont, the Pikachu song made in honor of the face of the Pokemon franchise, which is Pikachu, Meowth's ballade, and as an added bonus, a movie version of the show's theme song, XY&Z, as heard from Pokemon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel last summer. The definitive collection of Pokemon XYZ theme songs, as penned by the man who orchestrated this Character Song Project since the start, Tomohisa Sako, makes our Kalos sendoff a sweet soiree before we say au revoir to the XYZ saga and aloha to next month's Sun and Moon saga.

There are two limited editions offered. First, there's a special "shiny" Altaria card featuring Tomohisa Sako himself, who made a special guest appearance on the show as one of the opponents during the Kalos league arc of the show as well as a special DVD packed with special interviews by Tomohisa Sako, Rica Matsumoto (Japanese CV of Ash/Satoshi), and the others. Then, the other one has a special Ash-Greninja card and a special DVD featuring textless opening and closing sequences as seen on the XYZ anime.

As always, the folks behind the Pokemon XYZ congratulates everyone for being part of their Kalos journey since the start and they will look forward for your next adventure on the Alola region on Pokemon Sun and Moon, airing on TV Tokyo this November 17, the day before both the 3DS games were launched. Until then, au revoir, Kalos!

TRACK LISTING:

01 XY&Z
02 キラキラ
03 ドリドリ
04 プニちゃんのうた
05 ロケット団 団歌
06 ピカチュウのうた
07 ニャースのバラード
08 XY&Z –movie ver,.-

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Let's Do The News! (October 25, 2016)


- President Rodrigo Duterte said that his Japanese visit will be a valuable opportunity to deepen and broaden the Philippines' relationship with Japan. Duterte leaves Tuesday for a three-day visit to Japan following PM Shinzo Abe extended the invitation on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos last month. He also mentioned that he will be paying a courtesy call on Japanese Emperor Akihito, saying the visit "imbued with great and special significance".

- The training squadron of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force arrived in Manila yesterday for a goodwill visit to the Philippines to enhance friendship with the Philippine Navy. The visit includes a series of engagements between the PN personnel and their counterparts such as ship tour, courtesy call to navy leadership, goodwill games and receptions for cultural exchanges.

- Former PAGCOR chairman Cristino Nagulat and 10 others were charged for plunder and graft over an alleged anomalous lease deal with a private company. The case stemmed from the disbursement of P234 million in public funds as payment to VMC for the lease of a property in Manila that would be used for a casino gaming facility.

- Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is on her trail at a rally Manchester, New Hampshire, alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren, to contrast her plans to confront the country's challenges with reckless remarks from her Republican rival Donald Trump. Both Democrats and Republicans in New Hampshire are uniting to reject Trump's statements while Clinton highlighted reports today of a suit against Trump's New Jersey golf club by a former employee, alleging a hostile workplace where he was harassed because he is gay.

- A shocking report told that soldiers are being told to repay thousands in old enlistment bonuses as the California National Guard tries to recoup money from soldiers who accepted bonuses a decade ago for enlisting to serve to the United States during times of war.

- Fisker returns with a teaser of its new electric vehicle.

- Hyundai Motor Company showcases some teaser sketches for their next-generation Grandeur saloon.

Sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur teaser sketch

- The new BMW 5-Series goes action packed in a BMW Films movie called The Escape, featuring actor Clive Owen.



- HOLD IT! There's a Ryuichi Naruhodo (Phoenix Wright) figma added on the court record of Phat! The hero of the Gyakuten Saiban (Ace Attorney) franchise can be yours to order for 6,800 Yen plus tax and deliveries will commence this May. OBJECTION!

figma Phoenix Wright
TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: Vulcan Raven


As everybody around the road are very busy doing things in Forza Horizon 3, there are new cars arrived in the game courtesy of its Smoking Tire Car Pack and what better way to honor the latest car pack by driving one of the cars offered such as this one; the most extreme Aston Martin ever made for track racing in mind called the Vulcan.

Weird for car that sounded like either a volcano or a kind of machine gun fit for heavy machinery or a video game villain holding a machine gun but anyway, the Aston Martin Vulcan. What is it, then?

Forged from Aston Martin's motorsport knowhow, the Vulcan is a track-only machine that incorporates most of its racing pedigree to create the most intense and exhilarating vehicle to date. Limited to just 24 examples worldwide, the Vulcan uses a 7.0L V12 engine producing over 800HP of power output, making it the most powerful Aston Martin ever made. It was mated to a 6-speed sequential shift gearbox from Xtrac.

Apart from its monstrous power output, the Vulcan's power-to-weight ratio is beyond compare to their GTE-class cars which compete in the FIA's World Endurance Championship, courtesy of its carbon fiber monocoque and body constructed by Multimatic. It even comes with integral LSD, magnesium torque tube with carbon fiber propeller shaft and Brembo racing calipers acting on carbon ceramic racing disc brakes.

Although it certifies most of the FIA's safety regulations, it wasn't made to compete in various motorsport activities but instead, customers are offered with exclusive track day events to demonstrate the Vulcan's driving potential on the track. They even offered simulators which was used to be reserved for Formula One use in order to help customers prepare for any race. All these packaging for the Vulcan is part of the "Q by Aston Martin" bespoke personalisation service, which comes with a special VIP service for clients.


Like all track-only cars, the Vulcan wasn't made to race on the track because it's too loud and it's too illegal to drive it on the road but because you're in Forza Horizon 3, no one's stopping you from driving the most extreme Aston Martin ever made and so am I.

Upon witnessing my first dibs on the Vulcan, I never realized that it was that tricky to master this machine because with all that power unleashed on the rear wheels, getting off the line is a challenging task and apart from that, the Vulcan requires precise driving skills to handle it with precision because there is a chance of understeer if you don't get your timing right on the tight corners. Worse, you could be missing a few checkpoints and you're going to redo the whole set over again.

Which reminds me of the shooting I made for this car...


As the famous Game of Thrones dialogue that goes "Brace Yourselves, Winter is Coming", the Vulcan has been vulcanized for its shooting at Surfers Paradise but one major make-up has been made before its filming day round the metropolis; it now gets themed after Lily Shirogane, a character who appears from the Aikatsu Stars anime series. Yep, there goes that "Winter is Coming" feeling everytime she appears. He he he...

Anyway, no time to have my phone ringing to the sound of PPAP, it's time to do some filming! Lights! Motor! Action!!!



After several takes later, it's a wrap! Cut! Good take!

Although the Vulcan is a very tricky car to master because of that monstrous power output that upsets your handling if you're not very careful, getting to know about Aston's extreme racing machine is a lot more fun if you put a lot of effort to it. Challenging it may be but it can be very rewarding.

See the Vulcan and the other cars at FH3's Smoking Car pack, available now.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Let's Do The News! (October 24, 2016)


- Despite everything happened, the United States supports the direct dialogue negotiations between the Philippines and China in settling the South China Sea dispute, according to US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel. Russel met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. to discuss various issues including President Rodrigo Duterte's China visit last week.

- The latest eruption on Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon yesterday lasted for 15 minutes, according to PHIVOLCS. The explosion, the fourth recorded in a week, produced a dirty white to grayish ash column that reached 2.5km high and drifted west-southwest.

- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has filed a resolution directing the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to conduct an inquiry into the alleged involvement of some PNP members in extrajudicial killings. The Senate Resolution 201 seeks to revisit the PNP Reform Act to ensure that the mandate of the police to "Serve and Protect" remains upheld.

- The French government says it will demolish a migrant camp in northern France starting Monday, according to the French interior ministry. As many as 10,000 refugees and migrants are said to be living in a camp at Calais, a port town facing Great Britain. People from Africa and the Middle East began to gather there since summer of last year, hoping to reach England.

- Turkish ground forces in Iraq begun attacking Islamic State target in the ongoing offensive to recapture Mosul. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Sunday that Turkish tanks and artillery in the nearby city of Bashiqa are bombarding the militants at the request of Kurdish forces.

- Atieva has been renamed as Lucid Motors and they are prepping their first concept electric car within the end of this year. The startup company was behind their prototype electric van that overtook the Tesla Model S and a Ferrari last summer.

- Vancouver-based video game developer United Front Games has been recently shut down. The video game developer made games such as ModNation Racers, LittleBigPlanet Racing, open-world action game Sleeping Dogs, and the recent PC multiplayer game Smash+Grab.

- The teaser trailer for the third Wolverine film, Logan, is out. Check it out.

- The Guardians of the Galaxy will return for their Vol. 2 sequel movie, which will hit theaters this May 2017.

TTFN!!!

20 Years of Pokemon: 20 YEARS OF POKEMON TCG

Whoa, we thought we let that one slipped by. Anyway, on the 20th of October, 1996, about eight months after the first Pokemon games were launched on the Game Boy in Japan, the Pokemon Trading Card Game was launched and became the hallmark of the strategic card games we know and loved today. The year 2016 marks 20 years since it went out the market and this is just one of the stuff to honor the franchise' 20th anniversary.

20 Years of Pokemon Trading Card Game


For over twenty years, the Pokemon Trading Card Game has been one of the best-loved strategy card game of all time and when it became part of the Pokemon World Championship rules apart from the normal Video Game Championships, the Trading Card Championships put the elitist of the TCG players to test their intellectual strategy to overcome different opponents and aiming for the top spot at rankings. From the long list of Pokemon cards, Trainer cards, and energy cards needed to use a Pokemon's move, strategy has been a vital aspect of the game as a well-rounded deck of cards decide the fate of the players and the difference between a win and a loss is measured on the deck of cards. Of course, even if you got your hands to a more powerful and ultra-rare Pokemon card in your arsenal, you'll still be beaten by a pack of basic cards if you don't get your strategy right.

Apart from the strategy, people who turned up in a well-prepared and well-sorted deck will never know what kind of opponents they'll be facing on the table or what fate will throw on them such as the case of a coin toss that has one in two chances of making you win or lose, but whichever they'll be facing with, the Pokemon Trading Card Game really is an unpredictable game for the unprepared but it sure is a lot of fun getting to know how to play the game from the very start. Winning or losing, it's about having fun while learning a few tricks they will use on their next battle and that's how the game works for you and I.

Happy 20th anniversary to the Pokemon Trading Card Game and here's for more to collect, trade, and win on your next battles.

In the meantime, enjoy the Pokemon TCG TV commercial that looks like it was aired two decades ago.



Pokemon Card Game Art
Collection

Oh yeah, be sure to check out the Pokémon Card Game Art Collection, available now. It's an artbook highlighting twenty years of illustrations featured on the cards as well as special interviews from the ones behind it. The artbook is available for 2,500 Yen plus tax at your nearest bookstores across Japan.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Fifth-Generation Subaru Impreza (GK/GT)

For its fifth generation, the all-new Subaru Impreza, in Sport hatchback and G4 saloon, will rewrite how the iconic car behaves courtesy of its brand new platform that will redefine the future of Subaru's lineup for the next decade as well as some tech that will show its progress as a commoners' car for everyone but at what cost?

2017 Subaru Impreza Sport
2017 Subaru Impreza G4

In the tradition of turning cool concepts into bland production models much as what happened on the Legacy, the new Impreza's design shares almost no resemblance to last year's concept, and as keen observers suggest, it looks more like the previous model. See any resemblance? If there are, looks like they're going to be on a rough day on the job.

2017 Subaru Impreza Sport interior
2017 Subaru Impreza G4 interior

Disappointing the exterior can be, the new interior can be somewhat basic but it's good at every angle. From its new instrumental panel, multi-function display, push-button start, and the Panasonic built-in SD Navi, toying around the new Impreza's interior is just basic stuff but it's good to check it out before you drive, believe them. With the new Subaru Global Platform in place, the new Impreza is now roomier enough to accommodate, and spacious enough for your goods, and when your parents are driving one day by day, the Impreza is a family car done right.

2017 Subaru Impreza Sport
2017 Subaru Impreza G4

Speaking of being the family car done right, the new Subaru Global Platform chassis, combined with a choice of either a 1.6L or a 2.0L boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and EyeSight Ver. 3 is what makes the new Impreza the template for future Subarus. The new platform makes it more stable, more agile, and more comfortable than the old one. It's 70% more rigid than the old one as well.

Although the way it behaves as a family car is welcomed by the commoners, speedo boys won't be going to like it because, for a choice of either a 1.6L or a 2.0L boxer engine, the only gearbox you'll be getting is a Lineartronic CVT. That's right. It's CVT or nothing. How sad because Imprezas of the past are enjoyable to drive when they got manuals but with the new model, the days of being a fun Impreza is well and truly over as its radical shift from sportiness to comfort doesn't sound like great news for the Subarists. Although the Lineartronic CVT gearbox comes with a Manual Mode when the Sport Mode in its SI-DRIVE was engaged, it's nowhere near as engaging as the past Imprezas. So, what we have here is an Impreza that doesn't feel like the fun-loving Imprezas of the past, and having one of these can be somewhat as regular as a regular show on TV. Oh, and did you know that some models will promise you up to 17.0kmpl of fuel efficiency? Thought I almost didn't say it but whatever.

The all-new, fifth-generation, Subaru Impreza starts at 1,922,400 Yen for the Sport hatchback and G4 saloon, making it a value-for-money car for first-timers so, the things we like about the new Impreza is its new platform, tech, interior, and pricing while the things we don't like about it was its redundant styling that has no resemblance from the concept and the loss of its fun factor that past Imprezas had in almost two and a half decade since the first Impreza launched in 1992. Need I say more?

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Dark Blue Pearl, and Quartz Blue Pearl.

Photo: Subaru

Audi Q2

If Mercedes had their own baby crossover called the GLA, then Audi had their own take on such thing by giving birth to a sport utility variation of the A1 called the new Audi Q2. As if the crossover trend continues to grow, altering its form, and strengthening perpetually through the years, the new Audi Q2 is just one of the basic examples of why crossovers, no matter how big or small they get, are still everywhere on the roads.

2017 Audi Q2

As stated, the Audi Q2 is basically an Audi A1 with some added ground clearance on it and while it looks more robust and as tough as a high school jock, what this car feels is no jock itch here because it feels more of a compact hatchback rather than being a crossover utility vehicle that was made to go through several trips to the thrift store later. It's more like a Nissan Juke in so many levels, if you ask anyone driving it.

2017 Audi Q2 interior
2017 Audi Q2 interior

The inside job is very similar to the Audi A1 which is based upon and while being small in size, it's still rather nice to sit upon and fiddle around with its toys while you're not moving about. Spacing-wise, the Q2's boot is big enough to fit a macho box and some other thrift store haul while the rear seats are folded. With the rear seats present, it's good enough to fit today's stuff you bought from the grocery or at the mall. Whichever comes first, the Q2 is a practical crossover that knows what the anyone's doing on their daily routine, be it going to work, hanging out with friends downtown, or taking a stroll on your day off.

If anyone's going for the Technology selection & Sound Paket, the Q2 will come equipped with some gadgets to fiddle around such as the Audi Virtual Cockpit instrumental panel, Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI touch, and smartphone interface that works with your iPhone (Apple Carplay) or Android phones (Android Auto), among many others. Now that's smart for a jock on the road.

2017 Audi Q2

What lies under the hood of the Audi Q2 is a choice of either a 1.4 TFSI, 1.6 TDI, or a 2.0 TDI engine. The quickest variant of the Q2 will be the 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic which gets up from 0 to 100kph in 7.3 seconds and the most economical variant will be the 1.6 TDI 6-speed manual that promises 120 - 114 g/km of CO2 emissions, although I should talk about that diesel stuff later on because of the ongoing fiasco happening on with the diesel engines from the VW family tree.

Anyway, because this is basically an Audi A1 underneath, the Q2 is more of a city car than an SUV and the way it behaves as a luxury compact crossover is comparable to the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class because they can be all-weather compacts for anyone who are feeling under the weather, they're both city cars that like to breathe around the metropolis, they're both luxury cars with a slightly luxury price which is unheard for both luxury car makers. And if you're willing to ask the price difference between those two, better prepare for some questions because the Q2 starts at 22,900 Euros, which is almost five grand less than the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Sounds like a bargain, right?

Yes, the pricing is what sets the Q2 apart but if you can dare to ask what to like about the Q2, chances are is its sizing, its value for money, its tech, and pretty much about it but if you're not afraid to ask what not to like, it could be the enjoyment that you can take it along on a trip and if you got kids, delete it from one of your choices for your next car because that might not be enough to be classified as a family car or two.

Available colors: Brillantschwarz, Ibisweiß, Vegasgelb, Quantumgrau, Florettsilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Korallenorange Metallic, Mythosschwarz Metallic, Nanograu Metallic, Tangorot Metallic, Daytonagrau Perleffekt, and Arablau Kristalleffekt.

Photo: Audi AG

Forza Horizon 3: Age before beauty, please.


I am now down to just one barn find left on my journey in Australia and the last barn find I discovered was none other than this...


It's the mythical Maserati A6GCS/53 Pininfarina Berlinetta and because it's mythical, there were about four of these ever made by the hands of Pininfarina. It was heavily based on the Maserati A6 chassis that spawned different lineages such as the A6 1500, A6G 2000, A6GCM, and this. Under the request of Roman representative of Maserati, Giuglielmo Dei, Pininfarina was behind the handcraft of this car from the inside out, just because they don't want to mess up with Ferrari at that moment in time since Pininfarina was Ferrari's exclusive coachbuilder of choice.

It uses the twin overhead camshaft version of the 2.0L six-cylinder engine used in the A6GCM racing machine, producing 170HP of power. Apart from that, this machine is fitted with a tubular chassis, double wishbones, live rear axle, and large hydraulic drum brakes, among many others bolted to its mythical machine.

Anyway, no time to explain more because you wanna see how I managed to hunt down this fantastic beast, right?



Oh, and apologize for the switch of cars because I was just busy working on something while waiting for this mythical Maserati to be reborn for driving use. Speaking of which...



While waiting for the Maserati to be rebuilt for driving, I worked with some of my favorite Aston Martins in-game, the V12 Vantage and the Vanquish.



Way when the V12 Vantage was launched years ago, I was very aware that it was just a V8 Vantage with four extra cylinders on it, to make it look and feel like it was part of the family. This is the hardcore version, the Vantage GT12, and finally, all the motorsport know-how that Aston Martin experienced has been applied to this hot V12 Vantage model and while this is basically a hardcore version, there's still bits of luxury a driver shouldn't care about.

Although the car is more powerful and slightly lighter than the normal V12 Vantage S, it can be somewhat slower in the straights because of that massive wing that can be somewhat distracting for an Aston but because it was inspired by its motorsport pedigree, the GT12 is an extreme track toy that shows its strength through the bends and corners with sharp instrumental skills and it takes the driver some time to unleash its full potential.

Being an exclusive car with a limited number of 100 units made and sold, I was more than happy enough to try out the Vantage GT12 by myself. In fact, I had a little quiet filming with this car even when themed after one of my favorite IDOLM@STER characters, Chihaya Kisaragi, as you can see up here. Nothing's better than having its V12 engine singing it loud to the great outdoors, huh?



The Aston Martin Vanquish has been around the road for four years now and despite its age, its position as the company's flagship grand tourer is still a sweet soiree to drive even if you're not fast enough to break its limits. I've been in love with this machine since I drove this one in the first Horizon game years ago and now, here I am, still standing on this beauty that is too beautiful to ignore.

Yes, it's too beautiful to ignore the Vanquish, but time is relative to me because I need to film these two Astons while waiting for the Maserati to be fixed for me to try it. With the GT12 themed after Chihaya and my Vanquish themed after Love Live Sunshine's Riko Sakurauchi, they're looking picture perfect on the events they'll be taking on and if I am going to idolize one of these, that will be my problem right now.

Anyway, time to roll the tapes!



After their shooting schedule's been cleared, the Maserati A6GCS is ready to be driven and I can't wait to see what it's like to drive in one of the most valuable vintage cars ever made.


So, with all the barn finds found throughout the journey, deciding which barn find is the best is no easy task because if you are in possession of 15 barn finds in the game, experimenting with different styles and behaviors can be a challenge and when you find which one is best for you, you'll have full responsibility while driving your personalized barn find of your choosing.

Man, I'm glad this whole treasure-hunting gig for barn finds is well and truly over but I'm still not done tackling the whole map because my schedule's still full of what cars to drive, what paths to carve, and what rivals I'll be challenging at until I get the whole picture of how great this is.

The journey continues...