Saturday, August 21, 2010

MINI Countryman

MINI Countryman

It may be its first crossover utility vehicle that defies the MINI nameplate, but the MINI Countryman is built for the most active people who are getting used to their active lifestyles, especially from work.

The design of the MINI Countryman was based on the MINI Crossover Concept as seen on the 2008 Mondial D' Automobile at Paris, France, taking a new approach from the MINI lineup consisting from the original, the cabriolet, and the odd-looking Clubman. If looks can be distinctive, the MINI Countryman has three different forms; the base One variant offers an entry-level experience, suited for the starters while the Cooper variant offers a balance of sportiness and cuteness inside and out. The flagship Cooper S variant offers the best looks and it comes with MINI's first ALL4 four-wheel drive system, which brings excitement to the next level.

To add fun for the MINI Countryman, the interior comes with the multi-functional center rail that allows its amenities to be slided, great for those who are hungry for sushi and ask them for your order, then slided for you. Aside from the center rail, the MINI Countryman is the first MINI to have five doors for easy access.

On the MINI One Countryman, this base variant comes with a petrol (98 PS) engine, and the diesel (90 PS) engine. The Cooper variant also comes with the petrol (122 PS) engine and the diesel (112 PS) engine. The flagship Cooper S Countryman is available only with the high-performance, turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder petrol engine with 184 PS of power output.

Most car enthusiasts prefer the Cooper S variant because of such sporty performance thanks to the turbocharged engine but for those who are interested in eco-cars prefer the MINI One variant because of its fuel efficiency.

My thoughts about the Countryman:


From the airport, the countdown before the baby's unexpected jingle, the sushi bar, to sheep's clothing, this MINI is all-round fun no matter which situation you are facing while having fun with the brand's first dedicated crossover utility vehicle. If I would choose between the MINI Countryman and the BMW X1, I would rather switch to the X1 because of the luxury amenities offered. If the pricing is the issue on these two, the MINI Countryman is a winner because of the suggested retail price of 20,200 Euros for the MINI One Countryman to 29,440 Euros for the MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4. This car will be on sale all over Europe this September and as expected, the MINI Countryman will come to our shores if MINI Global City announced when this crossover would come to our shores. I am sure that this crossover will come late next year or sooner.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Kaichou Wa Maid Sama Character Concept CD Series

With the Maid-sama manga and anime shared a decent success for both teens and adults, Geneon Universal Entertainment spreads the Maid-sama enjoyment with these Character Concept CDs based on the perception of our favorite Maid-sama characters, from Misaki Ayuzawa, Takami Usui, and the rest.

The Maid-sama storyline changes quickly, as so from the comments coming out from the fans. With these Character Concept CDs, fans will be tremble themselves for more Maid-sama fun as from what they saw on TV. There are different Maid-sama sides to take place with your faithful ears, something to chill out from watching Maid-sama episodes.

1) School Side features a audio drama and two songs fresh from Misaki Ayuzawa (CV: Ayumi Fujimura) with Sakura Hanazono (CV: Kana Hanazawa) and Shizuko Kaga (CV: Yu Kobayashi)

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 1 - School Side

2) Maid Side features another audio drama and songs from Misaki Ayuzawa again and Aoi Hyodo (CV: Hiromi Igarashi)

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 2 - Maid Side

3) Maid Side 2 continues where Maid Side left off and songs from our favorite Maid Latte maids, Satsuki (CV: Aki Toyosaki) and Honoka (CV: Kana Asumi)

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 3 - Maid Side 2

4) For the teenage boys, Another Side welcomes them with a fresh new audio drama and songs from the 3 Baka Trio Brothers (CV: Mitsuhiro Ichiki, Takuma Terashima, and Yoshimasa Hosoya) and Takami Usui (CV: Nobuhiko Okamoto) himself.

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 4 - Another Side

5) Another Side 2 is the last part of the Maid-sama Character Concept CD series, packed with the finale and songs from Shoichiro Yukimura (CV: Kazuyoshi Shibashi) and Hinata Shintani (CV: Atsushi Abe)

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 5 - Another Side 2

Availability:
1) School Side - May 26, 2010
2) Maid Side - June 23, 2010
3) Maid Side 2 - July 22, 2010
4) Another Side - Same date as Maid Side 2
5) Another Side 2 (Final) - August 25, 2010

My comment: With the Maid-sama storyline gone M3 (malay mo ma-develop), and the exciting appeal from our favorite Maid-sama characters, these Character Concept CDs are great enough to get to know more about your favorite Maid-sama characters.

Samurai Code (Toyota Mark X Special Drama)

Samurai Code


To up the ante of Toyota Mark X's slogan "Samurai X", the special drama titled Samurai Code aired in TV Tokyo from January to March 2010, and streamed to Japan's GyaO! site.

In Samurai Code, Koichi Sato (The Magic Hour, Amalfi: Megami No Hoshu) played the role of the fictitious Wise Coleman Funds senior director, Kohei Sudo, as he negotiates this company in the brink of the global financial crisis. With the Urban Sun Square project needed a lot of funding, will Kohei Sudo negotiate before its too late? This mission is not going to be easy for him, as he goes through different perspectives against his rival, the senior director of Credit Stars, Hajime Makimura (played by Shingo Tsurumi). Their unlikely past between them and a woman named Kaori Seto (played by Manami Honjo) became a thing in their past. As the story progresses, Sudo deals with his boss, the Wise Coleman Funds director of Asian affairs, Akira Kutsuwada (played by Takeo Nakahara) because of the reason what happened to this company.

My favorite part on Samurai Code is the part where Sudo questioning Makimura with his strong expression after they got off the Toyota Mark X (model shown: 250G S Package, chassis code: GRX130). that part really got it interesting, as for Sato-san's unbelievably strong expression on Samurai Code. The background concept of this drama defines the concept of faith, trust, and responsibility for Koichi Sato's role of a fictitious senior director. With the participation of two X-Girls (Yuno Nakazono as Miki Akiyama and Chigusa Takaku as Hitomi Tsujimoto), and one of Japan's most respectful artists, Samurai Code made JDM fans the most interesting mini-series to see.

CAST:

Koichi Sato as Kohei Sudo, the senior director of Wise Coleman Funds

Shingo Tsurumi as Hajime Makimura, Sudo's rival and the senior director of Credit Stars

Manami Honjo as Kaori Seto, a woman from both Sudo and Makimura's past.

Sawa Suzuki as Shoko Itakura, the Wise Coleman Funds fund manager with a strict personality.

Yuno Nakazono (who passed the X-Girl auditions) as Miki Akiyama, one of Wise Coleman Funds employees.

Munetaka Aoki as Shinji Mototani, the Wise Coleman Funds fund manager. He's different from Shoko.

Chigusa Takaku (who passed the X-Girl auditions) as Hitomi Tsujimoto, one of Wise Coleman Funds employees.

Takeo Nakahara as Akira Kutsuwada, the Wise Coleman Funds director for Asian operations.

STAFF:

Directed by: Eiichiro Hasumi

Screenplay: Kenya Hirata

Music: Kenji Kawai

Production work: Dentsu

Produced by: ROBOT

Japan DVD Sale: August 18, 2010

Distribution: Pony Canyon

Carmaker made possible for this drama: Toyota Motor Corporation

Skoda Fabia II RS

2011 Skoda Fabia II RS Hatch and Kombi
                                                

The year 2010 marks the return of the Skoda Fabia's flagship variant, the RS (commonly called vRS), changes the game in the world of sport compacts. With the Volkswagen Polo V gained its much-awaited GTi variant, Volkswagen's Czech arm, Skoda, has a few different tricks to its sleeves. Following with the Fabia II entering its second phase, the Skoda Fabia II brings back the RS variant that dates back to the first-generation Fabia.

The new Skoda Fabia II RS comes in hatchback and Kombi and it comes with the same engine you normally seen on the VW Polo V GTi, the super turbo (a turbocharger and supercharger fused into one) 1.4 TSi engine producing 180HP of power output that is about the same as the Polo V GTi. While the Polo V GTi has the 7-speed DSG, the Skoda Fabia RS also comes with the 7-speed DSG as well! Talk about these two hot hatches separated at birth but share the same knowledge!

With the same suspension, same technology, and same expertise, what differentiates the Skoda Fabia II RS to its siblings? With the Seat Ibiza Cupra's pricing is 23,540 Euros (about over 3.8 Million Pesos) and the Polo GTi's pricing is about 22,500 Euros (about 3.5 Million Pesos), the Fabia II RS hatch's suggested retail price is 21,890 Euros (that is about 3.35 Million Pesos) and 22,490 Euros (3.49 Million Pesos) for the Kombi grade. This kind of Fabia is the cheapest alternative to the VW Polo V GTi and the Ibiza Cupra you can get. This car declares checkmate against all odds but one question is would it be enough to tackle the likes of the Renault Sport Clio/Lutecia?

My thoughts about the Fabia RS:
The pricing of these VW-engineered blood brothers reached its agitation point because the Fabia RS's SRP is cheaper than the Polo GTi and the Ibiza Cupra, despite these three hot hatches shared the same frame, same technology, same engine, and same expertise. Most European men who are willing to purchase the Polo V GTi may think twice because the Fabia RS's pricing will tempt them to buy this Czech wonder. The Fabia RS is the second of the Skoda RS line-up carried from the medium-sized Octavia sedan and Kombi.

Photo: Volkswagen Group

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Akumajo Dracula (Castlevania): Harmony Of Despair

The classic Akumajo Dracula (Castlevania in the world market) video game gets remixed for the first time available as a downloadable game exclusively for the XBOX 360 console, and boy, could this game be any fun than this either by yourself or co-op with pals worldwide?

If you had it with your PSP's Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, you might grab your XBOX 360 controller and if your have 1200 Microsoft Points, you should try Akumajo Dracula (Castlevania): Harmony Of Despair. On this game, you and your friends worldwide take against monstrous foes, solve puzzles, and even take on the king of darkness himself, Dracula. So what more would you ask for?

Seems this Dracula game is a whole new gimmick for the video game enthusiasts and fans of this series because up to six players fight cooperatively in areas as seen on classic Akumajo Dracula/Castlevania games. At start, players can choose from their favorite Akumajo Dracula/Castlevania heroes, each with their different style of fighting. Once they were ready, it's on!

Good strategies, good camaraderies, and a good sense is required to master the whole Harmony of Despair game because this game might be troublesome if you're solo. Only a help of your online buddies can do the thing for you and once more, Konami plans for more DLC for this game for added challenge and added excitement for fans.

NOTE: This game is available exclusively on XBOX Live from your XBOX 360 console for the cost of 1200 Microsoft Points.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Queen Sang Joke Finale

That night's Bubble Gang episode marks the end of the Bubble Gang-gagged version of the hit Korean TV drama Queen Seon Deok, titled Queen Sang Joke. On the finale, it seems that Jokman (Michael V's take on Deokman) told a boring joke. That joke not only bored Yo-Si ( Antonio Aquitania's take on Yusin) but also the time for Lady Mi-Shell (Wendell Ramos' take on Mi-Shil) to retaliate the entire kingdom. Both Jokman and Mi-Shell's troops are down and on to the final battle, Jokman has taken down Lady Mi-Shell, leaving nobody hearing another one of Jokman's jokes. Because of that, Jokman kills herself and this is the end of the Queen Sang Joke story.

After that, there are gags that warn your friend "don't move!", the romantic man, a dashing debonair named James Wang (Jacky Woo), a couple asking by themselves, a man incapable of feeling harm except on the inside, more IyoTube with Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill, a woman (Jackie Rice) lied for having a beer breath, hassles before buying a pirated DVD, and a man without an alibi.

Friday, August 13, 2010

GM Daewoo Alpheon

GM Daewoo Alpheon
Slated for Korean sale this late summer following the entry-level grade this October, GM Daewoo's newest luxury sedan, the Alpheon, is truly the main target of the new Kia K7 and the upcoming Hyundai Grandeur HG, despite the pricing Koreans want to know more about this medium-sized premium sedan.

Do not be hasty just because the Alpheon is the OEM of the second-generation Buick LaCrosse, this would be different from what you used to the new LaCrosse. Pretend you will learn more about this car for the first time, readers. The Alpheon delivers a gorgeous exterior that makes its rivals mow down before the might of the Alpheon's prestige design which is simply a Korean-American flair. It is equipped with adaptive headlamps so whenever you turn the steering wheel from the left to the right, the Alpheon's headlamps will also turn left or right, for a safer night driving in any direction.

The Alpheon's interior shows its true beauty with its swooping lines scattered around the premium interior. At night, the Alpheon shows its Ice Blue lighting that shows its aura of elegance with an exquisite contrast, leaving the Kia K7's interior mowed down before its might. With an 8-inch navigation system equipped on the Alpheon, this premium Korean-American sedan shows the right way and the enjoyment on the go thanks to the Digital Media Broadcasting (DMB) feature so you will never miss a thing when it comes to sports, music, news, and entertainment.

The Alpheon comes with the 3.0L V6 SIDI engine that has a power output of 265 PS/ 6900 RPM and a torque output of 29.6 kg-m/ 5600 RPM. On the downside, this engine spec was not good enough to outsmart the Kia K7's 3.5L V6 engine, but with the entry-level 2.4L engine (coming this fall) with the 185 PS of power output, the Alpheon declares checkmate against the K7's 180 PS 2.4L engine because it has 5 PS more.

My thoughts about the Alpheon:
Since GM Daewoo planned to bring the Chevrolet brand to Korea next year, would the GM Daewoo branded cars be branded as Chevrolet in the Korean market? The answer will be revealed in the near future. As for that, we have to make do with the latest offering that slots between the Holden Statesman-based GM Daewoo Veritas premium sedan, and the Buick LaCrosse-based GM Daewoo Alpheon are made for the Korean alpha males suitable for their luxury lifestyles. The Kia K7 seems to be catchy enough to topple against the Alpheon but if all else attacks, the Alpheon will strike back, just as the LaCrosse dubbed as the "Lexus Fighter" by the press when General Motors has resurfaced despite the never-ending Lehman Shock. That Lehman Shock claimed many of everyone's favorite car genres, will the Alpheon pay it back from them?

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Voice

This is the latest single from the hit J-Pop girl trio, Perfume, featuring the song Voice that was featured in the Japanese Nissan TV commercial and the other song 575 that is featured in the KDDI TV-CM. Well, forget about the second one, I want to talk about Perfume's latest song, Voice.

My Comment: Voice by Perfume fuses a mixture of kawaii and upbeat tones, leaving listeners, especially Nissan enthusiasts, listen to this song for more! I am sure this song would be a nice addition on the list of car commercial songs from across the globe and as a car enthusiast listening to songs only car addicts love to hear, I would gladly recommend it to some music lover who droves a Nissan, a Nissan enthusiast, and for the J-Pop lovers.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Which minivan is the real "King Of Minivan"?

With the launch of the Nissan Elgrand E52 since last week, Nissan calls this new Elgrand the "King Of Minivan" because of its new look, new features, new platform, and the new XTRONIC CVT offered.


Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The only question for minivan enthusiasts, especially those who are in the Philippines is, which minivan truly deserved to be the "King of Minivan"?

Let me go straight to the point. In the U.S., the minivan business doesn't seem to be decent. There is Chrysler offering the Town and Country (also known as the Grand Voyager in other countries) and Dodge offering the Grand Caravan. It seems that only the Chrysler brands offer minivans that Ford and General Motors used to have but they don't due to slow sales.




Video: Chrysler Group LLC (via YouTube)

Not only that, Japanese carmakers also built minivans only for the American market, targeted for the soccer moms, such as the Toyota Sienna, and the USDM Honda Odyssey. Word from the American headquarters from both Nissan Honda that they'll bringing the new Odyssey and the new Quest next year. The latest USDM Odyssey will be based on the current fourth-generation Odyssey sold in Japan and the latest Nissan Quest will be based on the new Nissan Elgrand, despite these two wearing different faces.


Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Concept Shown)


Photo: NMAC (Pre-Production Shown)

In some countries like the Philippines, we've enjoyed buying used Japanese vans via grey market at Subic Bay. One of the most popular vans in the Philippines (by grey market or in official dealers) includes:

The first generation Toyota Estima (Previa in other markets) in regular, Emina, and Lucida versions.



Kia Carnival (from pre-facelift to post-facelift)



Hyundai Starex (from MC before to MC after)



Hyundai Grand Starex (popular in the Philippines since 2007)



Mitsubishi Space Gear



including hard-to-finds such as the Toyota Granvia, Nissan Elgrand E50, and the Mazda Bongo Friendee.



With so many new minivans sold but overpriced such as the latest Toyota Estima/Previa, the recently launched Toyota Alphard, the Kia Grand Carnival, and other vans sold in this country, the only minivan Filipinos called this a "King" is the Hyundai Grand Starex because of tis seating capacity, luxurious features, and even a limousine variant. Sounds weird but can I wait till NMPI or UMC will bring the Elgrand/Quest?

Even when the new Nissan Elgrand E52 gained the title "King Of Minivan", there are so many minivans in the world want to snag the crown taken from the E52 Elgrand. Will this title be remained on the new Elgrand, or waiting to be snagged by its rivals? This is going to be a tough one.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game

To win her heart, you have to be the best fighter among the rest. In Scott Pilgrim's story, everything is possible. If you enjoyed watching this cool movie, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, think you can enjoy this video game based on the popular movie that rocked teens with a piece of action, romance, and laughs?

In Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game, players pit along the role of Scott Pilgrim and his friends (Ramona Flowers, Stephen Stills, and Kim Pine), each with their own signature attack power, and their blend of fighting power. This game not only lets you play solo, but also lets you team up to three friends for a Co-Op party that makes it more enjoyable.

What I don't really like this game is the retro graphics. Even when you brought your HD TV, that game really sets in a boring 2D, thinking that this game is nothing more of an oldies video game. What also frustrates is the boss battles because it takes a lot of time to bring down seven of Ramona's ex-boyfriends. Just like in the movie, to win her heart, you have to be the best fighter in the world.

That game wasn't as cool as the movie itself.

NOTE: This game is not available at stores. Its available as a download on either XBOX Live (for XBOX 360 owners) or PlayStation Store (for PS3 owners).

Sunday, August 8, 2010

A week in review....

OK, let me think of something I remember this week....

Last week's Hole In The Wall features new characters dressed by Michael and Ogie, and these were none other than the part hero, part villain, tandem as Supermin and Mari Pusa. Weird for them to dress themselves as superheroes but fun. I wonder what they'll be on next week?

Who often watched Banana Split Daily Servings on ABS-CBN? Who sawed the new mini drama titled Mga Mahirap Pa Sa Dagang Mahirap (They're poorer than a street rat)? At first, three kids named Andrew, Angelica, and Austin, spend their happy life with their dad. When their dad got hit by a buko on his head, their lives have changed forever. they got themselves dragged to the streets by their wicked Tita Miriam (played by Pooh), grabbed by some notorious man, and their clean names replaced by their "pulubi" names. How far will these three siblings survive amidst their challenges? Tune in every weekdays!

Saturday's Banana Split episode features more showbiz news louder than any gossips from neighbors at NNNN, drugstore gags, more Tongue Tarangtongue (where one Pinoy sentence gets revised, Italian-style or Japanese-style LOL), Melai's tips on saving water on M3: Melai Mo Magwork, and Banana Split's new game, Huwag Kang Lilingon (Don't Turn Back)!

Thursday's Lokomoko U focused on birthday party gags, another anger management case on Case To Case (Face To Face spoof) focused on the security guard (Caloy Alde) complains to Amy Xerex (Tuesday Vargas) against the "perfect man" (JC De Vera), egg-splating laughter in Usapang Itlog, Sound of Silence, and another tear-dropping chapter of Bahaw: Ikalawang Hain.

It's Baklang Grasa yet again on Friday's Bubble Gang where Greasy (Ogie Alcasid) shows his "sosy" side. If that wasn't enough, there's gags where men forgot their wives' birthdays, all-out gang war, "hipo siga", a wounded soldier, IyoTube-ism with Moymoy Palaboy, a man got annoyed by people blocking his movie-viewing, and what if names derived by sound effects.

Also, ventriloquist Ony Carcamo guest stars in Bubble Gang in the "Puppet Abuse" sketch where, um, a ventriloquist demanded by his own puppet? And a blabbermouth puppet against the ventriloquist? In the end, the policeman has his own puppet? Never forget that Wanlu, also a ventriloquist, guest stars at Lokomoko U with his puppet friend Nicolo share jokes to the Lokomoko U cast.

VW Polo V GTi

2011 Volkswagen Polo V GTi

If the Golf GTi was too expensive for a Geman hot hatch aficionado like you, this hot hatch could be a cheaper alternative to the almost 30,000 Euro sports hatch.

Since the cost of this highly modified Polo is 4775 Euros less than the Golf GTi, the Polo GTi is a great hot hatch to begin tearing down every track day meets at the cost of your adrenaline pleasure. Available in 3-door and 5-door variants, choosing which Polo GTi style suits from your pleasure of trying on the cheaper alternative to the Golf GTi. No matter which body style you choose, you might be able to take a plunge on the Polo GTi's 1.4 TSI engine that comes with the standard 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. Despite the raw power of the turbocharged engine, the DSG on the Polo GTi makes it dull to drive if you are an avid fan of manual transmissions, because this GTi does not offer a manual transmission, making it a decent machine suited for the amateurs. If you want to go professional, try choosing the Golf GTi because it offers the manual transmission.

On the design story, the Polo GTi truly shows its hot hatch side, wearing a trademark GTi red grille, GTi badges, and trademark GTi rims. With these looks, I am assuring that the Polo GTi looks at its best as if does to its big brother, the Golf GTi. On the interior, the dark interior color and the seats seems to be bland but OK for the hot hatch addict. What needs on the Polo GTi's interior is to put some bucket seats so it can show off its sporty side and the enjoyment while driving the Polo GTi on any track it desires, especially the Nurburgring.

My thoughts about the Polo GTi:
If I crossed my fingers that Volkswagen will return on the Philippines soon (I hope that PGA Cars, the distributor of Audi and Porsche, got the memo), my thoughts that the Polo GTi is too blurry to sell it because of its decent looks. Aside from that, the DSG is not much of a game changing experience because what professional V-Dub enthusiasts want is the Golf GTi because it offers the manual transmission. If the Golf GTi does not suit to your income, maybe the Polo GTi should be the best compact for the job. Since this hot hatch has a reasonable price and features, only the amateurs are welcome to try on this premium sports compact car.

Photo: Carview