Naoko Yamada (the talented magician) and Jiro Ueda (the crazed professor) are back! In celebration of the mystery Japanese TV series' 10th anniversary, Trick returns in the all-new third movie showing in theaters since May 8 and this third Trick movie is a tribute of the hit 2000 Japanese sci-fi TV series that was aired in TV Asahi within three seasons and two full-length movies showing in theaters a few years back, following with the spin-off drama starring Namase Katsuhisa as Detective Yabe that was aired since April.
Trick: Rei Noryoku Sha Battle Royal (translates to "The Psychic Battle Royal" in Japanese) centers on Naoko Yamada (played by Yukie Nakama) and Jiro Ueda (played by Hiroshi Abe) in their newest adventure as they set foot in a small village where the competition between skilled magicians set place. In fact, Naoko Yamada is up in the challenge where may the best magician wins.
This movie is quite possibly the best tribute for the show's 10th anniversary, packing Yukie Nakama's awesomeness and Hiroshi Abe's eccentric ways combined to spice up the whole movie. With Nakama-san's role take the taste of magic and Abe's role doing some investigation in the movie, this is surely a good-to-watch for those who watched the entire TV series, those who are a big J-dorama fan, those who are a big fan of Yukie Nakama, and those who are new to this craze.
Trick Rei Noryoku Sha Battle Royal can't be an awesome Trick movie without some suspense, some heart-pulsing thrills, and a few laughs between them. If you are a big fan of this J-dorama, this movie is recommended for you because of its fantasy elements, and more of Yamada-ism.
If you are a big fan of J-doramas (like for instance Hana Yori Dango, Gokusen, and the Japanese version of Hana Kimi) and you are always addicted to those, let me tell you some J-dorama we never knew it existed a few years back.
Rewind back in the year 2000, and you will remember the only Japanese TV drama we never knew it was existed now on its 10th anniversary. This J-dorama is titled Trick (日本名:トリック)
TRICK highlights the adventures of a young female magician named Naoko Yamada (played by Yukie Nakama, from Gokusen) and an crazed professor named Jiro Ueda (played by Hiroshi Abe) in their investigations for something supernatural. Seems creepy to tell the entire TRICK Storyline. There are movie versions of this creepy TV. As of now, there is a third movie showed in cinemas since May 8. Seems that TV Asahi aired Trick one last time since May in celebration of the show's 10th anniversary. The special presentation aired in TV Asahi since May 15. Seems why nobody told me I should have watch this? We think the role of Naoko Yamada, played by Yukie Nakama, is essentially cool and awesome in the eyes of an J-dorama fan.
To add more TRICK for TRICK fans, Konami (famous for the flagship titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Dance Dance Revolution, and Silent Hill) made up a game based on the TV series!
This is quite new, but the game follows an all-new TRICK story you won't find it on TV!
Don't think I'm bored about this. I think Yukie Nakama-san is great for portraying the role of a talented magician, in many ways!
The egg is cracked! Time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this mysterious J-dorama we want to watch it.
The Jejemon madness doesn't stop here! Not even GMA's comedy gag show, Bubble Gang!
j3j3mOn sketch in Bubble Gang
Last night's episode of Bubble Gang (regarding whose luggage belongs to, a cooking show, so-called smuggler in Switzerland, another Sabi-Sabi episode, and some beggar's convention) showed a sketch regarding JEJEMON!
You know how Jejemon means right? When parents afraid that their son is influenced in drugs or possessed by something, their son appears and talks in the Jejemon language. (Jeje subtitles appeared!) The "albularyo" appears and told the parents that their son was a Jejemon! Then, the albularyo is the Jejebuster and he can take care of it by spanking and force the Jejemon son to spell out hello.
Turns out like this:
"H3LL0"
In the end, the parents were suffered by speaking in Jeje language!
With the Toyota mass recall reaches its boiling point, there is more to this apocalyptic recall:
The LS, Lexus' premiere luxury premium saloon, gets a mass recall from all over the world, from its Phase One (still on sale at the Philippines) to its latest second phase (available worldwide) due to steering defect.
And now, most owners of the latest generation Passo, normal and +Hana variants, are not going to be happy because Toyota Motor Corporation is going to recall 22,300 Passos, from first to second generation, How? But Daihatsu was behind the manufacturing of the Passo and the Boon.
Riisa Naka-san, or should I call you "Hana Adachi" from the recently aired J-Drama, Yankee-kun To Megane-chan, you better see that thing coming at you!
A few years back, the premier British member of the Volkswagen group, Bentley, has just released a teaser shot photos of what they called it the "Grand Bentley" in the eyes of wealthy Europeans. In August 2009, at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance, the Grand Bentley's identity is revealed and henceforth known as the new Bentley Mulsanne.
Grand Bentley Mulsanne
The Grand Bentley appeared to be using the Mulsanne name for the second time since its ancestral predecessor appeared in the 1980's and it is named after the legendary Mulsanne Straight from the Circuit de la Sarthe in France, famous for its 300kmh straight drive at the Le Mans. It is not a direct replacement of the aging Arnage, which of course, phased out last year, it is the new era of Bentley's historical heritage.
For a premiere premium saloon offered to be the challenging rival against the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera, new Audi A8, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and the Toyota Century, you can say that this ride is only offered for the rich and powerful men. Imagine someone who is a member of a royal family, a powerful conglomerate, or the most fearsome leader of the most powerful gang, you are willing to take advantage of the Grand Bentley's lap of luxury. A quick reminder that the Mulsanne's interior can be customized, just like the Lexus LS' L-Select, mixing and match which Mulsanne interior you fit best.
Now it is time to step on the Mulsanne's grand performance. The Grand Bentley is powered with the 6.75L twin turbo V8 engine that produces 512PS of power and 1020 Nm of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is added, giving the Mulsanne the premium saloon with the shifting feel of the premiere sports car. As for me, it is somewhat difficult to turn the Mulsanne when it comes too fast, even it is a FR sedan.
The Mulsanne comes with the multilink rear suspension with toe and brake reaction control, electronically controlled air springs with Continuous Damping Control, and automatic ride height control sensitive, providing the helping hand needed on the Mulsanne's extreme handling and acceleration.
When it comes to safety, nothing is impossible for the Mulsanne's host of active safety tools. The Electronic Stability Control adds stability on the Mulsanne, needed for effective cornering on tight spots. The brakes equipped on the Mulsanne are powerful enough to stop this car on a full brake, thanks to the Twin-boost braking system with ventilated discs and Electronic Brake force Distribution. Features offered much safety on the Mulsanne. Each safety feature is great enough to deliver a peace of mind for the wealthy owner.
Expect infinite royalties because the Mulsanne is armed with the most convenient features only a man with the royal blood take pride for, such as the Multi Media Interface, rear entertainment system, premium sound system, long wheelbase, MP3/USB connectivity, voice control which activates everything with your voice, Bluetooth connectivity, and others. Finding which convenient features are fit enough for your royal taste is surely good enough to feel like a king.
My thoughts about the Mulsanne:
You have to trust me, this Grand Bentley will cost you 29 Million Pesos, and this sedan is only offered for those who are involved in power and fame. From its historic design, spartan performance, royal lounge comfort and everything offered for this Grand Bentley, you are surely welcome to be inside the new Mulsanne. Have it your way because the Mulsanne will surely be the grand saloon developed in Great Britain and believe me, the royal families, conglomerate families, and mafia mobsters are the first-class people welcomed by the majestic beauty of the Grand Bentley.
If you really know what Gemballa means, this was the famous tuner for Porsches (take note for the Boxster-based GTR 500, and the 911 Turbo-based GTR 750, as seen on Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3/Shutokou Battle Zero-One from PS2), Ferraris (the F355 from Midnight Club 3 Remix), and Lamborghinis respectively.
I just found something on the internet earlier, regarding Uwe Gemballa's mysterious disappearance:
If some of you realize that the man behind Gemballa is missing, we don't really know what happened. Some say, he went to South Africa, others said he was kidnapped, and a few said, he was running away from the feds.
It seems that the founder's mystery disappearance marks the end of the tuning franchise. Guess most Porsche fans would be sad by hearing this. Especially video game makers planning for next racing games would be difficult finding licensing rights to Gemballa. (Thank goodness, the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 still has licensing rights to another Porsche tuner, RuF)
That Friday's episode of GMA's legendary gag show, Bubble Gang, gagged us more than accidental waiters, legends told by a grandpa, nursery reunion, a demon's son, some show made up to pit rival men against each other, another round of Don't Eching Me, and a Santacruzan Hearing gone wrong. What gags us most than those is none other than the gag show's version of Lady Gaga's hit song, Bad Romance.
It's called "Bathroom Dance" but what the heck? I bet this was way hilarious than Bubble Gang's take on Imago's Taralets a few years back, since my high school days....
Going to get back on the toilet..er...I mean... to the bedroom...I mean... agh! These gags me a lot! ROFL!
This new kind of Opel MPV is shaping things up ever since its world premiere at Geneva, Switzerland, and its availability will happen this year is surely a great act to follow on the European families. The newly evolved Opel Meriva (also known as the Vauxhall Meriva in Great Britain) takes advantage of its new look, new surprises, and new challenges in the ever-changing automobile industry affected by the rough economy.
Capturing the eye of the European family is the Meriva's new exterior. This MPV follows Opel's new design tradition happened in the Insignia and the new Astra, bringing sportiness in this family mover. For a special surprise, the way that the Meriva's doors open is more like the Mazda RX-8. Which means, the suicide doors, which Opel calls it Flex Doors, surprises them to open it. These doors are fun to open, but in reality, the Meriva is not pillar-less like the Mazda RX-8 and the Daihatsu Tanto. For those who want to bring a mountain bike, the new Meriva comes with the FlexFix, found at the rear bumpers, allowing them to bring a bike on long excursions.
The interior looks more similar to the Peugeot 3008 crossover, but in truth, the new Meriva takes enjoyment to its new heights. With the panoramic roof equipped, most people will enjoy the entire view of the top while sitting in the new Meriva's seats, especially when seating is only up to five people. For seating arrangement, the new Meriva converts from a default 5-seater into a 4-seater, 3-seater, and 2-seater, making space for more stuff to carry in various situations, especially summer vacations at Germany. This new kind of spacing is called FlexSpace, refers to its hassle-free seating arrangements. The seats on the new Meriva are perfectly aligned for the best in back support, reducing their chances of acquiring back pains thanks to what they call it "Aktion Gesunder Rücken", the movement for a healthier back body. When you have cold hands, the new Meriva's steering wheel is heated (just like the Kia K7 and the K5), allowing your hands to be warmed down, perfect for chilly nighttime driving.
The new Meriva comes with the available engines offered since launch, such as the entry-level 1.4L engine, 1.4L ecoFlex turbo engine, 1.4L turbo engine for performance, and the flagship 1.7L CDTi Common Rail Diesel engine. Most engines are Euro5 compliant thanks to its low emission standards. All petrol-type engine variants are equipped with a 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmission and most CDTi variants are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
My thoughts about the Meriva:
Even with the new suicide-type doors, known as FlexDoors, equipped on the new Meriva, it does not excite much more because of the pillar. From the plain previous generation's design to the latest generation's sporty design thanks by the folks at Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Meriva captures the attention of the European families ready for their long European summer vacation. Can the new Meriva became a true winner in the hearts of European families? Nobody knows but the results will happen if they were inside the new Meriva and judge by themselves.
When you hear the word "Juke", you might think you heard it before because it was just a jukebox with a wide variety of songs to choose. From Nissan, the word "Juke" will just change your course.
Based from the Qazana concept car as seen on last year's Tokyo Motor Show, the upbeat personality of Nissan's newest compact crossover, the Juke, wows the crowd more than hip-hop dancers, rappers, and punks standing out the streets. Designed in Europe and engineered by Japan, the Juke features a razor-sharp exterior which shines like a katana wielded by a samurai, providing to be the fiercest crossover on the world. If you look closely at the Juke's side view, you might think of it as a 3-door coupe, but you might be wrong because the Juke is a five-door crossover because of the secret rear door (which is also found on the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative) that confuses the young customers.
From its razor-sharp exterior, the Nissan Juke's interior feels like you are inside an arcade driving game, but take note, you are not playing an arcade-driving machine, and you are driving the real deal.
The Juke features the HR15DE engine that is a 1.5L natural aspiration engine that releases 115PS of power and the fuel economy of 19.0km/L. This engine was approved for Japan's eco-car tax break law. The Juke also gets the fuel-efficient XTRONIC CVT for the best performance.
My thoughts about the Juke:
The Mitsubishi RVR is going to be upset when facing against the Nissan Juke. That is because the fuel efficiency is even better, resulting as a loss for the RVR and as a win for the Juke. Slated for Japanese sale next month, and soon in other countries, let us hope that either NMPI or Universal Motors Corporation will bring the Juke to the Philippine market soon.
With its razor-sharp exterior, arcade-style interior, pulse-pounding performance, and outstanding value for money, the Nissan Juke truly is a pulse-pounding entertainer that stands out the crowd more than everyone else.
Saw recently at some Japanese blogs that there was a spotting at some "itasha exhibition" somewhere in Japan that was happened since May 9. A Japanese blogger saw some itasha that two things we wish to be exist.
CASE 1:
The K-On character (possibly non-existent) we wish to be exist in the second season of K-On (currently on air).
CASE 2:
The Mazda 3 (known in Japan as the Axela) we wish to be here in the Philippines.
When two things we wished to be existed collide, it turns into this!
Combining two things we wished to be existed resulted into a Mazda 3 hatchback Akane Miura-spec vehicle. It's amazing some owner of this car was lucky enough to create an itasha that stands out the crowd!
For this character, we are obvious that we want to see this one existed in K-On!!
For this car, we are jealous to wish that this car should be in the Philippines, if FGP-Mazda has the chance.
When a certain company teaming up with the biggest event of the year, it is like their teaming up to sell not only this, but also the ones shown. Take Konami's flagship Metal Gear Series for instance. Since MGS2, this is the first time this flagship action game is teaming up with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In MGS2, you'll observe the book item, which when you drop it, the soldier will rush to it and immobilizing it for a long time, was none other than the FHM magazine.
If most of the men know about FHM, it's the Playboy magazine rival, packed with sexy girls and manly lifestyle only men should act like men. Oh, and for manly Pinoy FHM fans, I can see you getting a copy of FHM at your nearest bookstores such as National Bookstore.
If you are 18 and above and if you are manly, visit the FHM Philippines site:
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, revolves on the soldier who became Big Boss. As most of us already done playing this game, there are products appeared in this game:
That's right! The Calorie Mate do exists from the game and in real life! Calorie Mate is some kind of a block-shaped snack loaded with energy that gives you more time for work, more time for play, and more time for everything. This item is sold all over Japan but I'm sure we want to take the taste of this dietary snack.
Aside from the Calorie Mate, there is a Japanese men's magazine published by Shogakukan, that is suitable for the over aged men who are seeking ladies. It is called a Sabra Magazine. Want to see how a front cover of the Sabra Magazine looks like? Whoops! Censored!
Look at the Japanese site, but be warned, it's only for men who are 18 and older!
Last, but not least, the motorbike Eva used at the near end of Snake Eater was a Triumph motorcycle!
Take note, the Triumph Bonneville also appeared on MGS4: GOP as Big Mama's bike on Act 3.
Moving on,
For those who remembered Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of the Patriots, the ultimate chapter in the MGS series, revolving on Snake's ultimate mission that spans around the globe, preventing Liquid's world domination from happening, there are a powerhouse of products worked in this game!
CASE 1:
Darn right! This was the Regain energy drink used in this game, which is a big seller in Japan! Regain energy drink is an energy drink manufactured for men who want some energy for work, play, and everything! There are so many energy drinks sold in Mightee Mart, Shopwise, and other supermarkets, but this Regain energy drink beats all the energy drinks ever made.
Hugh Hefner was so surprised that Plaboy magazines made a perfect collaboration with MGS4. Same from what happened with the FHM magazine in MGS2, this Playboy magazine makes a perfect trap against PMC soldiers. It also restores Snake's psyche gauge just by peeking at the magazine contents. Amused? Just moments before Playboy Philippines debuted.
I almost forgot, the computers used during the mission briefing and the ones that Dr. Hal "Otacon" Emmerich had were all made by Apple. GET A MAC!
An Ipod Classic is a perfect item that Old Snake used in this game!
It allows players to switch in-game BGMs! Cool! Better buy the ones Otacon had and the Ipod Classic Old Snake had at the Power Mac Center!
The phone Dr. Naomi Hunter and Vamp used in the in-game clips were made from Sony Ericsson! If you know if most of us are using Sony Ericsson, we are dedicated on this kind of Sony Ericsson show in the game. Geez, we just want to get a hold on this phone!
In the game there is an outfit that turns Old Snake into Altair from the game Assassin's Creed. If you remember this, you probably know what that mean.
Now in 2010, with Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker on the hook, Konami gathered a full house of some of the biggest names in the industry.
When Japanese gamers take the first hold at Peace Walker, there are various secret soldier passwords hidden throughout different products teamed up for collaboration such as Mountain Dew, Pepsi Nex (which is like Pepsi Zero, Pepsi Max, whatever), UNIQLO (they also had Peace Walker related T-shirts), Axe (the cologne product that gives men attract more women), and Doritos. Sony Walkman cassette players are used in the game for changing background music. Boncurry, Japan's number one curry mix, makes an appearance as a healing item. Weekly Shonen Magazine (serialized Mahou Sensei Negima, Hajime no Ippo, School Rumble, Get Backers, Samurai Deeper Kyo, and the manga turned into a latest J-drama from TBS, Yankee-kun to Megane-chan), Famitsu magazine, Dengenki Playstation, and Dengenki Gamers made appearances as trap items, luring soldiers and immobilize them, making holdups easier.
Video games like Assassin's Creed II and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite made a special appearance in Peace Walker!
I guess there's plenty of collaborations in Peace Walker!
With the new Volvo S60 engineered to be the safest car on the road thanks to its enhanced City Safety, we think this Swedish manufacturer has to think twice before getting naughty to this safe car.
I saw something at the website that the new S60 crashed at the press event at Sweden! It states that the new S60's Collision Warning system with Auto Braking feature didn't work and it crashed at the rear end of the truck, causing this naughty Volvo to crash! Get it? "Bruken!" Eh? "Brod Bro Bruken!" ROFL
But this is no laughing manner. Here's the clip that might shock you before Scandinavian Motors Corporation (or Viking Cars, the official Philippine distributor of Volvo) brings the new S60 this year,
