Saturday, March 4, 2017

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - Daytona 500


The 26th of February, 2017 - The 2017 NASCAR season kicks off with a new set of rules to add some twist to the latest season and a new sponsorship courtesy of Monster Energy.

The 59th Daytona 500, held at the Daytona International
Speedway on that day, signalled the start of a new season and in this Great American Race, which was watched by millions of Americans everywhere, Kurt Busch and his #41 Stewart-Haas Fusion made history after winning the season opener, making it his 29th NASCAR win and his first Daytona 500 win.

Although the new points system and format delivered some mixed reactions from fans everywhere, looks like the Chase for the Monster Cup is just getting started and the race continues at Atlanta Motor Speedway on the 5th of March.


Photo: Fox Sports

PriPara: Mi~nna De Kagayake! Kirarin Star Live!

Before getting ready for the climax of the current PriPara series as well as the arrival of the upcoming "Idol Time Pripara" TV series, the fourth and final film of the current PriPara series boldly goes where no idol has gone before; outer space!


The PriPara films got the little girls through different places from Prism Tours to PriParis and now, for their fourth outing, it's the solar system our idols will be heading as Kirarin Star Live pushes the limit to our favorite idols; Laala, Mirei, Sophy, Sion, Dorothy, Reona, and many others, to the edge of heaven above while delivering the same PriPara fun as seen on the TV series.

While fans are going to miss this classic PriPara fun they've experienced when the show began in 2014, Kirarin Star Live's going to be the PriPara film to end all PriPara films because with outer space is the main theme of the flick, it's going to be the send-off for PriPara fans elsewhere in anticipation to next month's new PriPara series, Idol Time PriPara, and things will never be the same. How sad for us to miss Laala and the gang's quest for fame but this film will remind us the good days of how Laala and the other idols pushed their idol stardom beyond limits up to the very end.

Seems that after watching this film, it won't be long before we miss the SoLaMi Smile trio as well as the rivalry with Dressing Pafe and the other idol groups far and wide to become the best idols in the fantasy world of PriPara and that makes us very sad.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Before I Fall

What if one day will be the only day you'll be living for the rest of your life? This terrifying film based on a best-selling novel will answer everything with horrifying results.


Based on the bestselling novel, Before I Fall is about a teenage girl who got involved in a car accident and repeating this tragic moment seven times. While reliving the tragic moment, she tries to change the outcome to make up from her rude behavior towards others. But changing the lives of others she harmed does come with a hefty price and she has to accept her tragic fate.

This film is as terrifying as a horror movie, yet life-changing as an inspirational movie because while it scares the moviegoers elsewhere, it's about correcting all the mistakes that you've committed in your lives. If you were given the chance to correct mistakes, what will you undo to make it right? This film explains everything from start to finish and you will find that it's going to happen to you the moment you are in a tragedy that will change your life.

While this film is definitely scary, Before I Fall is a life-changing experience and you will find that after seeing this film, it could happen to you one day and how will you undo life's harshest mistakes to others is up to your decisions.

My rating: 3.8 out of 5.

The Shack (2017 film)

God has different forms and He has many ways to surround ourselves not by spiritually but by either fate or destiny. This film adaptation of the best-selling novel will change the way how far will you go to rise yourself from a life-changing tragedy and change the way you live forever.


Starring Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer, and Tim McGraw, The Shack centers on a man named Mack, played by Worthington, whose life changed after a tragedy struck his family. Questioning his beliefs, Mack ventures to an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness to find the answer while encountering three different strangers that will change his life forever.

This is a life-changing film that inspires us to find the answer to all our problems after facing life's harshest trials and that is what this film's all about, touching the hearts of those who felt like they lost something and inspire them to go looking for the truth they've been longing for their lives.

Don't be afraid to see this film for yourself because you will be amazed on what happens next to you after seeing this film.

My rating: 3.8 out of 5

Logan (2017 film)

Previously, X-MEN fans got their minds blown away in the most colossal battle in history, X-MEN Apocalypse. Now, the tone has set from thrilling to a much somber, yet sadder take on the prime of the man who used to be the feared mutant Wolverine.

Set after the events of "The Wolverine", Logan brings back actor Hugh Jackman as the man formerly known as the Wolverine, this time as the caretaker of the ailing Professor X. While spending the prime of their lives hiding from the rest of the world, Logan's life spiraled out of control when he encountered a little girl who has the same powers as his. Now pursued by enemies, Logan will risk everything and use whatever means necessary to protect the only ones he trusted.

Although a thrilling action film to watch, even for superhero fans alike, this film won't shake off from its sad theme and no matter how many fight sequences this film had, its somberness can't be ignored and that makes us very sad to see him spending the prime of his lives hiding in plain sight with no reason. 

Still, despite its sad theme, witnessing the final moments of the man who used to be the Wolverine is worth becoming the coolest send-off ever done and it won't give up until it finish what it really started.

My rating: 3.6 out of 5.

Bubble Gang - March 3, 2017 #BGAmbush

In the March 3, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Ambush interview gags



- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, May Taong Napadpad Sa Tindahan, Madaling Makilala Sa Bayan, Dahil Epal Sa Bawat...KWENTUHAN?!

- More news for moms in Balitang Ina!

- The life of an adopted boy

- Shoot a scene first, add computer effects later.

- Salary problems

- Today's Patikim Ni Kim recipe is cupcake!

- New terms for social media junkies are examined

- Basa-basa pik!

Friday, March 3, 2017

Nintendo Switch


Welcome everyone to a new way to play video games everywhere. A new kind of console that lets you play games at home and take it anywhere, giving you the freedom to do whatever you like in the name of gaming. This is the all-new Nintendo Switch.

With prices start at 29,980 Japanese Yen, the Switch matches the prices from today's gaming consoles we often played with today but unlike these modern consoles, the Switch was made for one purpose; you can take it anytime, anywhere.

How? Nintendo states that the Switch comes with three different ways to play games. First up, TV mode, and in here, you can play the Switch traditionally like a normal gaming console. Then, there's the handheld mode, where you can turn the Switch from a normal household gaming console to a portable handheld console. And lastly, the tabletop mode, for more enjoyment anytime, anywhere. With different ways to play, the Switch gives gamers unparalleled freedom to play video games no matter where they are.

Nintendo's idea of a hybrid gaming console that lets them take it anywhere may sound like it's farfetched as a concept when they first come up with such idea, to be fair, but when they showcased the Switch to the world, people likened the idea of the Switch to a portable laptop because they both shared the freedom to do whatever they like.

I call it great news and there's more because back in the times of the 3DS and Wii U, gamers got disgusted over the consoles' region-locking restrictions, meaning they can't play any game, no matter where they bought it. With the Switch though, that issue no longer holds the case because the region-locking restriction has been finally thrown away for good, meaning no matter where you bought that game, you can still play it without even knowing it.

Downsides? Well, for now, you won't find any interesting apps at launch, not even the ones that lets you strean your favorite TV shows. Another downside? Well, by fall, Nintendo's joining alongside Sony and Microsoft over the paid multiplayer service and if you want to play against other players globally, you'll gonna have to pay for a subscription fee and that is a pain in our wallets. Ouch.

At launch, the Switch offers new games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the more enjoyable party game 1-2 Switch. Later on, it will be joined by other games such as ARMS, Splatoon 2, Super Mario Odyssey, and many more, with over a hundred games to choose from post-launch. 

So, welcome everyone to the future of Nintendo gaming. For years, Nintendo has been a pioneer of producing some of the best gaming consoles since the Family Computer and with the Switch, Nintendo has marked a new chapter on their gaming history and everyone around the globe can't hardly wait to get their hands on it right now.

Ready to make the Switch, ladies and gentlemen? It's time.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Let's Do The News! (March 2, 2017)


- A typhoon is being monitored to possibly enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this month despite the summer season. According to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the tropical depression may enter PAR and make a landfall crossing the Visayas and Mindanao. However, PAGASA said that the tropical depression will possibly deviate its direction and return to the Pacific Ocean.

A former officer of the Taiwan Army was arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency members for allegedly peddling illegal drugs in the Philippines. Members of the PDEA Regional Office IV-A raided a condominium unit where the suspect identified as Ex-Army Cpt. Zhi Quan Wu, 79 years old, was staying. The suspect did not resist the said arrest.

The next fight of Senator Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao has been moved to a later date, according to the boxer’s adviser Michael Koncz in an interview with a giant international website. The upcoming fight is now scheduled on May 20 in the United Arab Emirates. This move was done in order to have more time to promote the match.

U.S. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after the Washington Post reported he failed to disclose two meetings he had with Russia’s ambassador before Donald Trump was inaugurated as president.

- Chinese state media said that a prominent Chinese rights activist had made up “fake news” of torture to grab international headlines, but his defenders said the accusations were a coordinated attempt to smear his name.

State media said disbarred lawyer Jiang Tianyong, 46, was behind news reports of police torturing another detained rights activist, Xie Yang, and that Jiang had later admitted to telling Xie’s wife to make up details of torture in captivity to attract attention to the case.

- Land Rover unveiled the new Range Rover Velar ahead of this month's Geneva Motor Show. Based on the same underpinnings as the Jaguar F-Pace, the latest addition to the Range Rover family features a coupe-like design, cutting edge technology, and legendary Range Rover capabilities.


- The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo comes alive as the shooting brake variant of the second-generation Panamera.


- The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet was officially unveiled prior to this month's Geneva Motor Show premiere.


TTFN!!!



Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Let's Do The News! (March 1, 2017)


500 native miners made a commotion in front of the office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The miners wish to stop the appointment of Secretary Gina Lopez. According to numerous mining organizations and groups, they will lose their jobs due to the continuous closing of mining companies. They argue that it isn’t the work of a public servant to deny them employment. The miners insist that they benefit from responsible mining.

- The car assemblers and importers in the country are condemning the Department of Finance’s plan to increase by four percent the prices of cars. Based on the submitted position paper in Congress, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors said that a lot of people will lose their jobs and there will be a drastic decline in car sales.

- According to Deputy Minority Leader Senator Bam Aquino, the minority is going to be active during the arguments and they will be against the proposal since it is not the solution in the increasing number of heinous crimes in the country. He believes that passing the Death Penalty Bill should not be rushed, and that it needs to go through careful discussions. The Senate Committee on Justice has started the hearing regarding the Death Penalty Bill, but it was suspended due to the possibility that the Philippines will violate the Treaty of International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.

Renato Solidum Jr., director of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, will be named as the Undersecretary of the Department of Science and Technology's disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. According to Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, he would recommend that Solidum be retained as officer in charge (OIC) of Phivolcs.

- In his speech to the Congress, US President Donald Trump issued a broad call for overhauling the nation's health care system, significantly boosting military spending and plunging $1 trillion into upgrading crumbling infrastructure.

- Fighting has spread in Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on yesterday, wounding at least four people, including a three-year-old boy with a bullet-wound to the head, according to Palestinian security officials.

- Russia and China vetoed new U.N. sanctions against Syria and the U.S. ambassador accused both countries of refusing to hold President Bashar Assad's regime accountable for the use of chemical weapons.

TTFN!!!

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER 09 Love Letter

The ninth installment of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls STARLIGHT MASTER CD range, inspired by the Starlight Stage app game is worth more than checking in your mailbox today because today, it's time to open...a love letter! Literally!


This is the love letter you're looking for. It's titled ラブレター and this cover song was performed by the star highlights of this installment; Uzuki Shimamura (CV: Ayaka Ohashi), Miho Kohinata (CV: Minami Tsuda), and Kyoko Igarashi (CV: Atsumi Tanezaki). Once you listened to it, it's worth more than you've experienced it from Debut to the now mega difficult Master+ difficulty setting.

Apart from that, you can expect two new songs as well such as メルヘン∞メタモルフォーゼ! by Nana Abe (CV: Marie Miyake) and 薄紅 by Sae Kobayakawa (CV: Rika Tachibana).

Be sure to keep playing Starlight Stage and watch out for more on this range!

TRACK LISTINGS:

1) ラブレター (M@STER VERSION)
2) メルヘン∞メタモルフォーゼ!
3) 薄紅
4) ラブレター (M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ
5) メルヘン∞メタモルフォーゼ! オリジナル・カラオケ
6) 薄紅 オリジナル・カラオケ
7) ラブレター (GAME VERSION)

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Let's Do The News! (February 28, 2017)



- Former Senator Bongbong Marcos turned down the interest to lead the Department of Interior and Local Government despite speculations that he is replacing Secretary Mike Sueno. President Rodrigo Duterte confirmed the matter during his appearance, saying he spoke with Marcos wherein the former Senator confirmed that he's not interested with the position.

- President Duterte warned that the controversial Oplan Tohkang may be revived as he admitted that he is ready for the resumption of the administration's controversial operation against illegal drugs. Duterte expressed that there are indications that illegal drugs peddling has been increased since Tohkang was suspended in the past month.

- The House majority clarifies that the controversial death penalty bill only covers drug-related cases. Representative Rey Umali, Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, confirmed that plunder, treason, and rape cases were removed from the Death Penalty bill, and only illegal drug-related cases will be covered.

- The senators from the Liberal Party were stripped of their committee chairmanships and relegated to the minority bloc yesterday in a dizzying turn of events that lawmakers belonging to the once powerful party warned could weaken the independence of the Senate. Senators Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilingan, Bam Aquino, and Risa Hontiveros lost their chairmanships and other Senate posts.

- President Duterte is supporting the Office of the Solicitor General in its move to recommend the acquittal of alleged pork barrel queen Janet Lim-Napoles on her serious illegal detention case. Duterte yesterday echoed the Solgen's argument that circumstances have shown that PDAF whistleblower Benhur Luy, who was allegedly detained by Napoles in a retreat house, was not restrained at all.

- US President Donald Trump to propose greater defense spending in his first budget plan for fiscal year 2018.

- SpaceX will launch a spacecraft carrying two paying tourists around the moon late next year. Announced on Monday, it will first begin flying crew to the International Space Station on board a new spacecraft possibly between April through June next year.

- Peugeot will showcase their Instinct Concept at the Geneva Motor Show this March, featuring autonomous technology showcasing the future of mobility.

Peugeot Instinct Concept
- The Hyundai Sonata minor change has been teased through official sketches.




- A must have for Cinderella Girls collectors! It's the Shiki Ichinose Mystic Elixir version figure that is going to be an ultra-valuable figure for big spenders elsewhere! It's now available to order starting at 15,555 Yen plus tax and arrives this November!

Shiki Ichinose Mystic Elixir ver.
TTFN!!!

Six Nations 2017: Round 3



The Welsh Rugby Union suffered a major blow to their career after their humiliating loss against Scotland at the score of 29-13. While this is a major loss for the Welsh, it's a turning point for the Scots as this win is their first for over a decade. As demonstrated by Tim Visser's second-half try, Scotland ended their decade-long drought in RBS 6 Nations history.

Under cover of the Welsh's bitter defeat. the IRFU defeated the FFR at the score of 19-9 while the England Rugby won the match against the FIR Italia at the score of 36-15.

The next match is on the 10th of March as Wales takes on Ireland, Italy takes on France, and Scotland takes on England.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Winners of the 2017 Academy Awards

This year's Academy Awards may have been filled with some controversies, confusions, and the suspense in each and every corner they might come across the moment the winner is introduced but with anticipation is in hindsight, it's no wonder some people are tuning in to see if their favorite will make it to the honor roll, especially big-time films such as Rogue One, La La Land, Moonlight, and many others.

So, in case you missed all the drama, the suspense, and all of what happened in the 89th Academy Awards, here are the list of this year's winners...

Best Picture: Moonlight

Actor: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea

Actress: Emma Stone, La La Land

Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

Supporting Actress: Viola Davis, Fences

Animated Feature: Zootopia

Cinematography: La La Land

Costume Design: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Direction: Damien Chazelle, La La Land

Documentary Feature: O.J.: Made in America

Documentary Short: The White Helmets

Film Editing: Hacksaw Ridge

Foreign Language Film: The Salesman

Makeup and Hairstyling: Suicide Squad

Music (Original Score): La La Land

Music (Original Song): City of Stars from La La Land

Production Design: La La Land

Short Film (Animated): Piper

Short Film (Live Action): Sing

Sound Editing; Arrival

Sound Mixing: Hacksaw Ridge

Visual Effects: The Jungle Book

Writing (Adapted): Moonlight

Writing (Original): Manchester by the Sea

La La Land

Moonlight may have stole La La Land for Best Picture due to some setbacks but this film scored six awards than any other film in the list, although Amazon's original movie, Manchester by the Sea proved even an underdog movie came from a streaming service CAN make it to the top, meaning that in the world of Oscars, everything is possible.

Congratulations to all of the Oscar winners!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Malaysia may use dental profiling to identify Kim





Sourced from NHK World:

Malaysia's heath minister has suggested that tools other than DNA testing could be used in getting a final identification of a body thought to be that of the half-brother of North Korea's leader.

Kim Jong Nam was killed on February 13th after being attacked by two women in Kuala Lumpur's airport. Malaysian police say a VX nerve agent was wiped on his face. The police chief has said no DNA samples from the victim's relatives have been supplied.

On Sunday, Health Minister Subramaniam Sathasivam told reporters that if a next of kin fails to show up, his ministry could use dental profiling as well as comparing the victim to photographs to look for identification marks such as moles.

The Malaysian government intends to hand over the body to the victim's family after confirming his identity.

Last week, North Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia, Kang Chol, insisted that the victim was not Kim Jong Nam, and demanded a joint investigation into the murder.

Let's Do The News! (February 27, 2017)



- For the second time this month, most jeepney drivers all over the Philippines staged a nationwide transport strike against the government's PUV modernization program. The members of transport groups PISTON, Stop and Go Coalition, and No to Jeepney Phase-out Coalition are expected to gather at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City to kick off today's nationwide transport strike. Numerous passengers left stranded and some classes are suspended following the strike.

- Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa personally visited Senator Leila De Lima in her detention cell at the PNP Custodial Center. The visit happened on the first night of De Lima at the detention cell, according to him.

- The House of Representatives is all set for the voting on the controversial Death Penalty Bill this coming Tuesday. House Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas said they will approve in the second reading of the House Bill 4727 or the Death penalty Reimposition Bill.

US President Donald Trump's choice for secretary of the Navy has withdrawn from consideration for the post. It's the second time that a nominee to lead one of the US armed services has withdrawn, citing government conflict-of-interest rules. Trump announced on Saturday his intention to nominate Philip Bilden, a former executive of an investment company, as Secretary of the Navy, a post that reports to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

The United States has called on Russia to observe a 2015 ceasefire agreement in eastern Ukraine. The State Department said in a statement the US is closely monitoring the growing violence there and pro-Russian separatists' continuing failure to honor the truce.

- The new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 gets even more potent than ever with the new 1LE trim, featuring improved aerodynamics, adjustable suspension, and other track-honed upgrades.


- Actor Bill Paxton passed away at the age of 61. Paxton appeared in films sucjh as Apollo 13TwisterThe TerminatorPredator 2Aliens, and Titanic.

TTFN!!!

Things we learned from Aqours First Love Live concert


Last weekend, the school idol group as seen on the Love Live Sunshine!! series, Aqours (pronounced as aqua), thrown their very first Love Live concert at the Yokohama Arena and then livestreamed in select cinemas not just in Japan but the rest of the world.

It was the best Love Live concert ever, so said by anyone who witnessed Aqours' first major concert, and if anyone made it on the final day are in for a mega treat because some major announcements have been officially made to make the Lovelivers happy.

Part of Aqours' Next Step Project, there's going to be a brand new CD coming soon." and then some newer ones from sub-units CYaRon, AZALEA, and Guilty Kiss, this time with the addition of new duo/trio collection CDs to keep the ante up.

If you thought they're done after their First Love Live concert, you're dead wrong because there's going to be another Aqours concert coming this summer. Known as the HAPPY PARTY TRAIN tour, they will be at the Nippon Gaishi Hall on the 5th to 6th to August, World Memorial Hall on the 19th to 20th of August, and the Seibu Prince Dome on the 29th to 30th of September.

Best of all, the TV series will return this Autumn! Enough said.

So, are you excited for more Aqours?

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Bubble Gang - February 24, 2017 #BGMeetUp

In the February 24, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Meet-up gags

- Pareng Roger tries to save someone trapped on fire.

- Doing the good cop, bad-cop approach during the interrogation

- Reunion of the fakers



- The old couple at the park trying hard to remember things.

- Auditioning for a role that doesn't really exist.

- New vocabulary words are examined.

- More news for moms in Balitang Ina!

- The convenience store problem

- Basa-basa pik!