Wednesday, April 7, 2010

How Lokomoko got evolved....

Back in 2008, when ABC5 has just renamed it into TV5, the funny word Lokomoko was added in the Philippine comedy vocabulary and it hams some fun among viewers who wanted to laugh out all night.

At its first installment, Lokomoko was just a teen version of Wow Mali. Of course, there are lots of teen stars poking more fun than other Pinoy comedy gag shows in just a split hour.


Then, in 2009, Lokomoko evolved into Lokomoko High, the show's second installment. With the roster of stars like Alex Gonzaga, Valeen Montenegro, Randolph Stamatelaky, Kim Gantioqui, Cara Eriguel, Empoy, Long Mejia, Caloy Alde, and others, this second installment takes the word "gag" to the next level.




With spoofs from other shows, twisted sketches, ROFL-prone gags, and music video parodies, I can say that Lokomoko High is always a part of fans like me.

And now, April 2010, as part of TV5's new "Kapatid" campaign, and the roster of all new TV5 shows, Lokomoko High is now evolved into Lokomoko U, the third installment of the Lokomoko series. It follows the same humor as Lokomoko High, but the cast has now revised into the following:

1. Alex Gonzaga (returning)

2. Empoy (returning)

3. Rainier Castillo (new entry, he was a Kapuso from GMA7)

4. Valeen Montenegro (returning)

5. Ynna Asistio (new entry)

6. Dianne Medina (new entry)

7. Tuesday Vargas (new entry)

8. JC De Vera (new entry? or returning?)

9. Caloy Alde (returning)

10. Luningning, Milagring, and Mariposa (ex-Wowowee dancers make a new entry to this show)

Let's not forget the Voyz Avenue! They are making a comeback to this third installment!

When I watched its pilot episode, all I can see was, a talented family, cabinet members, sound of silence, Tuesday with her puppet friend, Monday (played by Rainier), Master Showdown (?), and the spoof of some K-Pop song called Oh, by Girls Generation, with some funny Tagalog lyrics. My reaction was still it has the same Lokomoko puns, funny enough to tickle me into ROFL-ness.

Lokomoko U airs on TV5 every Wednesday at 8:00PM

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

READ BEFORE CHEWING YOUR ACUO GUM!!!

As you may know, the Lotte Acuo gum Japanese commercial with handsome Japanese actor, Ikuta Toma, it's great to say that fresh breath is the best way for this gum.


Now, what if they mix something up for this ad. In a recent Lotte Acuo ad aired in Japanese TV sets, with Ikuta Toma again, they placed three very special guests for this commercial (if you manage to hold your fresh breath while getting close to a woman), the three girls from the hit anime, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya! (There's Mikuru, Haruhi, and Nagato on this ad. but how?)



In this ad, we saw Ikuta Toma chewing a piece of Acuo gum, he just saw something at the boutique. The boutique clerk said that it was already out of stock, but when Toma-san blows his fresh breath, the clerk turn into Mikuru!? Then, the manager appeared and warned him not to turn everyone into anime characters. Toma blows again his fresh breath while apologizing to the manager, then she turned into Haruhi! Toma panicked and running away from the boutique and he encounters three cats in the alley, but Toma's fresh Acuo breath turned three hapless cats into three Yuki Nagatos! Well, that's about it. ROFL

Be careful men. When you are chewing a piece of Lotte Acuo gum, best to hold your ridiculously fresh breath, when you are near a girl. Once she smells your fresh Acuo breath, she will turn into a Mikuru, Haruhi, or Nagato.

It just happened ever since the success of the latest Haruhi movie, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, that was been showing in theaters since February, and caused a sensation among otakus. Even with the movie's success, remember to best keep your fresh Acuo breath discreetly from the women from your radius. Otherwise, you might get an unhealthy dose of "Haruhi-ism".

Monday, April 5, 2010

iPad

The newest addition to the Apple family (the geniuses behind the Mac, iPod, and iPhone) has arrived to bounce against Amazon's Kindle and of course, there will be a certain love-hate scenarios for computer egoists from across the globe. Meet the iPad, Apple's first of its kind.

At first, the iPad looks more like an enlarged iPod Touch, meaning why would they copy something they already had. Of course, we do not blame its superiority, but Apple made a good job creating a hand-held computer built for the next-generation nerds and the nerds-at-heart. If we can say that, the iPad can do everything for the sake of our love for computers, there are a few key points regarding Apple's first of its kind:

- Safari web browser

- Mail app for e-mail purposes

- LED-backlit IPS display gives photo viewing to a completely new level

- 9.7-inch screen allows movie geeks to watch downloaded movies via iTunes like no other. It is also perfect for watching full-screen YouTube videos.

- Same features of the iPod touch; such as listening to music, purchase apps, and the use of iTunes.

... and so much more to mention this wondrous handheld computer. From its introduction, the Wi-Fi connectivity is a standard feature for the iPad. A 3G option may come in later.

Get the full story at :http://www.apple.com/ipad/
My Words on the iPad:
It is not going to be easy obtaining the iPad, because of the pricing of just $499 (or supposedly 23,000 Pesos when it hits our stores), but despite the pricing, the iPad is one of the finest creations by Apple, and it will crush the competition led by the Kindle from Amazon. This gadget not only enlightens the geeks, but also for real men. Try it.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

PS3 Easter Eggs...

Sony's Playstation 3 proves that this gaming console is the ultimate video game machine. It allows us to connect to the internet, watch Blu-Ray movies, and like the U.S. commercial, "IT ONLY DOES EVERYTHING".

There are something's going on on the console that "DOES EVERYTHING"?

CASE 1: A new firmware for the PS3 was launched in April 1 (Maundy Thursday), and this firmware removes the use of the OtherOS function. They did this move because some hacker behind the iPhone hack just hacked the PS3's mainframe, therefore this firmware will remove this feature. Geez... it caused a major uproar for those who owned the pre-slim PS3 models. (Because the PS3 slim does not have the OtherOS function, PS2 backwards compatibility, and something, something, something, dark side, something, something, complete. ROFL) I'm glad I didn't use this function because I don't really know what is.

CASE 2: Looking for an infrastructure-like feature on a game with ad-hoc feature? Try to download the new Ad-Hoc party feature on the PlayStationStore. This feature allows PSP owners to use the ad-hoc on to the PS3 and use them with other people using it worldwide. Great when you want to use Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker's Co-Op feature without the hassle of finding someone in person.

CASE 3: The PS3 Slim and the PSP Slim officially arrived in the Philippines and the timing was made to start the Playstation operations in the Philippines. Despite the PSN and the PSP Go unwelcomed in the launched, Pinoy gamers can purchase the PS3 and the PSP at selected Sony dealers in the Philippines. Once more, there will be games for PS3 and PSP will be available at the Sony Stores and there will be more to come later. 

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Volkswagen New Second-Generation Touareg

The long wait is over, because Volkswagen, the world's number one car manufacturer in the world, has just unleashed the full model change of its flagship sport utility vehicle, known as the Touareg. Since its launched in 2002 and made a minor change since 2007, it is surprising that the Touareg is Volkswagen's first off-road sport utility vehicle, armed with the capabilities to tear down mud, sand, floods, rocky roads, and every city pavements. This machine is tougher on the outside, luxurious on the inside. This year, the new Touareg is more reinforced than the previous generation and it continues the tradition to please off-roaders with its pride and power, determined to be the best German SUV made for soldiers without frontiers.

The exterior of the all-new Touareg is honestly a "soldier without frontiers" because of the design, that others think it is the same Touareg, with some minor alterations to the front and back. This new style derives Volkswagen new signature look found on the Scirocco. As for the interior, the new Touareg looks like the luxurious premium interior found on the Volkswagen Passat CC, giving the soldiers in business suits some rest and relaxation while tearing down the warpath.

At this second generation's maiden voyage, the new Touareg has the maiden engine choices available such as the 3.0L V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology diesel engine, a 4134cc V8 TDI diesel engine, and the new 3.0L V6 TSI hybrid engine. For innovation, this German Mauser is now armed with the new glare-proof Dynamic Light Assist. The Dynamic Light Assist allows adjusts the Touareg's lighting pattern to reduce its glare and has the ability to perceive incoming traffic at its pace. Aside from this wonderful feature, the new Touareg has the host of features, which finds soldiers useful for terrain combat. The Adaptive Cruise Control seeks the car in front's speed, and intelligently tells to stop or go. This technology is mostly similar to the Toyota Crown Majesta's cruise control capability. The Lane Departure Warning System prevents the driver from crossing to unnecessary lanes (mostly double yellow lines separating the entrance and the exit), and it triggers a beeping sound when a soldier is changing on the wrong side of the lane. This technology is more as the one found on the Nissan Fuga and the Kia K7. A Blind Spot Monitor is added to detect an incoming object coming at the driver's blind spot. This is useful for escape tactics when you are surrounded by the enemy. Lastly, the Area View (similar to Nissan's Around View Monitor) is equipped for parking safety. These features are equipped for drastic combat measures and how you will use these innovative technologies is up to you to decide when or where will you use them.

In terms for escaping from a chase, the new Touareg is armed with the next-generation 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, generated to make full capabilities of its ABS brakes, EDS, and ASR for off-road driving like no other. A V6 variant can obtain a special 4XMOTION system that serves as a Terrain Tech package, gifted to tear down the battlefield at the choice of five levels: on-road, off-road, low, center differential lock, and rear differential lock. In case for soldiers without frontiers ready to find out what transmission is equipped, the new Touareg is armed with the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

My thoughts about the Touareg:
As a favorite among SUV warriors, the new Touareg boasts good-looking design, smart technology, combative performance, and the feel that allows owners to call this car, their own Big Boss of the road. And by this SUV's "Big Boss" feel, the new Touareg targets its number one rivals: the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, Mitsubishi Pajero, and the upcoming second-generation Porsche Cayenne. Combat veterans, powerful politicians, diabolical gang bosses, and wealthy armed men are always welcome to take the plunge of its "Boss" made from Volkswagen. For the second generation Touareg, this SUV will not win or lose; it always finds a reason to fight like real men fighting without honor and loss.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

New Buick Regal -U.S. Spec-

2011 Buick Regal
Born and raised in Germany (see :Opel Insignia), appealed in the Chinese market, and prepared to amuse American buyers who are enough of their ordinary premium medium-sized sedans. It is a clear point that the U.S. spec Buick Regal is making a grand comeback to its home country after six years of absence. Of course, we recognize that the new Regal is an OEM of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia sports sedan, only this time, the sedan variant is only available as of press time.

Just what makes the new Regal a true luxury sports sedan offered against the competition? Despite being a "foreign exchange student" from the Autobahn, the design flow from Buick is truly American, giving this new generation model a dual citizenship status from car addicts. Meaning this sports sedan is half-German and half-American, if you know what I mean. This applies the same at the interior as well. The interior of the new Regal is the same as the Opel Insignia, except for the steering wheel, the ice-blue lighting, and the XM Satellite Radio offered as an option. When you spot their differences, it is obvious that the new Regal is sleeker than its European Opel Insignia counterpart is.

In the performance side, the engine line-up of the new Buick Regal is less than the engine line-up of the Opel Insignia. When the Insignia offered several gasoline and diesel engines, including the 2.8 V6 engine offered in the Insignia OPC/VXR range, the Regal only gets two engines as of press time. At the launch, the 2.4L Ecotec engine (soon to be equipped on the second-generation LaCrosse) will be the only mainframe available, while the 2.0L Ecotec turbo engine will become available this autumn. The only feature available as of press time is the six-speed automatic transmission, because the manual version will be available later.

My thoughts about the Regal:
Being a sports sedan with the dual citizenship status is not a joke for this situation. That is because the new Buick Regal was a hailed from Europe as the Opel Insignia, then it made a sensation to the Chinese executives, and it makes a public North American appearance to show the competition in which one has the guts to be the best luxury sports sedan ever made. The new Regal is targeted against other luxury sports cars in the world such as the Nissan Skyline Sedan (Infiniti G Sedan), Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX), Lexus IS250/350, Toyota Mark X, Audi A4, and the Volkswagen Passat CC. Just like the General Motors' "may the best car win" campaign, the new Regal stands tall from the competition, and who knows, we might cross our fingers that we hope we can bring the Regal to our shores, and if possible, the head of Regal Entertainment named Mother Lily Monteverde meets her match.

Monday, March 29, 2010

"Le Nouvelle TV5" Debut

Bienvenue, readers...

I saw an article that Philippines' TV5 (formerly ABC5) is making a major overhaul to prove it stands still against major Philippine TV stations such as ABS-CBN (the Kapamilya network) and GMA. (the Kapuso channel, one of my favorites) It's a fair fight but TV5 Philippines proves its still a worthy contender to the Philippine media industry. According to some sources, TV5 will shake off the "Shake mo, TV mo" slogan, making a logo facelift (a first of two years since TV5 debuted to Philippine soil), and promising a host of new shows, including a new comedy show starring Dolphy, a spin-off of Vic Sotto's Ang Darling Kong Aswang, a third installment of the Lokomoko series, and the return of children's favorite educational show.


It's a "vive la vive" world for this channel, calling this station a "Kapatid", giving the Kapamilya and the Kapuso some hard time, and the Philippine households might have time to choose which station is the best.

Who's the best Philippine TV Station?

ABS-CBN?

GMA?

or

TV5?

Guess I'm not really bored. This is going to be a fair fight!

KAPAMILYA vs. KAPUSO vs. KAPATID!!!

Friday, March 26, 2010

The Samurai Code - Ending

Samurai Code finale


The ending of the Toyota Mark X special TV drama aired in TV Tokyo, titled Samurai Code, turned out to be quite good. In the last episode, there was a party going on around there. When Kohei Sudo (played by Koichi Sato) sees that his rival (played by Shingo Tsurumi) shows up at the party, we didn't know why his rival showed up. On the following scene, the Credit Stars senior director and the Wise Coleman funds fund manager (played by Sawa Suzuki) agrees on the Urban Square plan. Then, Sudo reminisces the words Kaori (played by Manami Honjo) told, saying that life will be the way it is. Then, the two rivals showed up, with no words, and became friends again.

At the end of Samurai Code, we see Sudo, with the Wise Coleman funds employee Akiyama (played by Yuno Nakazono) walking with him. He gave Akiyama a car key, and she's happy.

That's how the special TV drama came to an end.

Let's wish Koichi Sato good luck for his next projects. (... and resume duties as one of JRA's Club Keiba navigators)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Nana Mizuki's voice is too sexy for Paz. ;-)

When I was listening to the February 18 episode of the Kojima Productions Japanese Podcast, titled Hideochannel Radio (hosted by the Metal Gear god, Hideo Kojima, Yumi Kikuchi, and others), this Japanese podcast gave us the first taste of when will Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker release to the market. (As if, they will launch PW Asia-wide at the end of April and U.S. and European markets this June) Not only that, next month, the original game soundtrack and get this, Metal Gear series' first character song album are set for release. In case you didn't recognize, the Metal Gear series' first character song album will be released in Japanese music stores this April 7 and it packs not only the theme song, titled Heavens Divide (sung by Donna Burke), but also the series' first character song, titled Koi no Yokushi Ryoku, sung by the Japanese voice actress of Peace Walker's Paz Ortega Andrade (the leading lady of this game) and also the seiyuu of one of the hottest anime roles (Fate Testarossa from Lyrical Nanoha series, Moka Akashiya from Rosario+Vampire, and Hinata from Naruto series), Nana Mizuki!

I might be able to get a simple review, but remember, the launch date for this maxi single CD is on April, but I'll give you guys an early description on the first character song album from the Metal Gear series. I love the song "Heavens Divide". (as heard from the MGS:PW TGS 2009 official trailer) That song looks more from the ending theme from Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops, titled Calling to the Night, sung by Natasha Farrow. Word from Konami is, they'll include this song on the Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker OST on sale a week after the series' first character song CD debuted. For the song "Koi no Yokushi Ryoku":



What can I say? Nana Mizuki's voice is too...

too...

too...

......

......

......

......

TOO DARN SEXY FOR THIS! I LOVE THIS! (Can't wait 'till April 7 to acquire it at a very reasonable price!)

Before witnessing the character song's music video, the Hideochannel Radio podcast gave us the first listen to this song. Although, I got to say, Hideo Kojima-san and Yumi Kikuchi-san undeniably love it! The powerful tone (similar to Nana Mizuki's song, Phantom Minds, from Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st), the sexy voice, nothing can stop this song from uplifting not only MGS fans, but Nana Mizuki fans as well!


Let's give Nana Mizuki-san a massive two thumbs up for this song! (Best to forget from the Korean otaku marrying a Fate Testarossa dakimakura...)

Oh, and for fans living in Japan, best to catch the last Nana Mizuki Live Academy concert this March 27 at the Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya. 


The Samurai Code

Toyota's second-generation Mark X proves this FR sports sedan is the modern-day Kenshin Himura for drivers. That is when the second-generation Mark X slogan was "SAMURAI X".




By bringing the phrase "SAMURAI X" to reality, TV Tokyo aired a special twelve episode drama titled "SAMURAI CODE". This drama doesn't involve samurai warriors fighting for freedom, it revolves in the life of a fictitious Wise Coleman Funds senior director, Kohei Sudo (played by Koichi Sato), who tries to negotiate his way against his former best friend (a rival), the senior director of the fictitious Credit Stars (played by Shingo Tsurumi), because of the mall plan targeted at the flower shop owned by Kaori. (played by Manami Honjo) With Kaori's disappearance, how far will the senior director of Wise Coleman Funds drive his Mark X and negotiate his way against Credit Stars?


Don't miss the last episode of the Toyota Mark X Samurai Code special TV drama, airing this Friday at 10:54 PM (Japan Standard Time) only at TV Tokyo!

MARK X SAMURAI CODE Special TV Drama
Cast:
Koichi Sato (as the main character, Kohei Sudo, the Wise Coleman Funds senior director and the proud owner of the Toyota Mark X)

Shingo Tsurumi (as Sudo's former friend, now rival, the senior director of Credit Stars)

Manami Honjo (as Kaori)

Sawa Suzuki (as the Wise Coleman Funds fund manager)

Chigusa Takaku (as one of the Wise Coleman Funds employees)

Yuno Nakazono (as one of the Wise Coleman Funds employees)

Munetaka Aoki (as one of the Wise Coleman Funds employees) 

Takeo Nakahara (as Kohei Sudo's boss from Wise Coleman Funds)

Run Time: Almost six minutes

Air Time: 10:54 PM JST

Station: TV Tokyo

Carmaker made possible for this drama: Toyota Motor Corporation

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Atarashii Yes

Salyu's newest song, Atarashii Yes, as heard in the Toyota Sai Hybrid TV commercial in Japan, proves that our word "yes" has different meanings and how we say "yes" to the world is truly a commitment to the future. This maxi single contains the song and the medley of her upcoming single, Maiden Voyage, coming to Japanese music stores this week. About this song, Atarashii Yes changes the world with its simple tones, clearer sound, and greater expression for those who listened this new song. Of course, despite the Toyota Sai getting their bumpers kicked by the mass recall, most Sai owners really wanted to get their green ears listen to Salyu's new song that brings harmony beyond their acceptance. Because of this title, Atarashii Yes gives listeners how to express ourselves, aside from saying "yes" to ourselves.

It's your call. The word "yes" gives us new meanings once we listen to Salyu's latest song that was first heard on the Toyota Sai TV commercial.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

The hit 1999 PSOne horror game from Konami, Silent Hill, has just been revisited on the Playstation2, Playstation Portable, and Nintendo Wii gaming consoles and this time, the story where it all began has just been refreshed, renewed, and the quality has just been improved for more thrills, more chills, and more suspense than the PSOne predecessor.

You know the story of the first one, right? It's about Harry Mason, the protagonist of this story, tries to find his daughter after a car accident. Then, he stumbles to the mysterious town called Silent Hill, a place where once you are here, there is no way out.

You might think you have already know the first one, but think again. Silent Hill Shattered Memories is packed with new elements, monstrous foes, and an array of useful gadgets, such as the portable radio (a classic Silent Hill element) that picks up a strange noise when the character is near to the monster, a flashlight allows you to look at places that are to dark to see (useful to find monsters hidden in the dark), and a cellphone that allows you to use its camera feature to seek monsters hidden from the naked eye.

I'm sure when you're playing Silent Hill Shattered Memories, you will experience the thrill from the original predecessor to a completely new level, and once you are hooked to this game, there is no way out until your pants got urinated from the fear caused in this game.

Think you are ready to go back from where it all began? Do it, if you dare.



Note: Silent Hill Shattered Memories is on sale at the U.S. and Europe. Japanese version on sale this March.