Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Traverse has arrived

2009 Chevrolet Traverse


The arrival of the Chevrolet Traverse in the Philippines really throw the curve for TCCCI and this is the first full-size crossover from Chevrolet since it was released in North America at late 2008. Surprisingly though, it's too late to bring it after 2 years since its North American debut but see if we care...

This car is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 288HP of power and 366Nm of torque. With the 6-speed automatic, the Traverse can go as much as 10.2km/L in terms of fuel economy. Prices start at 3,088,888 Philippine Pesos for the FF variant and 3,488,888 Philippine Pesos for the 4WD variant. This car was assembled at Delta Township, Michigan.

My favorite Chevys - 100 years from now (Part Eight)

Time for the continuation of my list of 100 favorite Chevrolet cars in tribute to the brand's 100th anniversary! Numbers 71 to 80 is here, are you?

71) Chevrolet Cruze (J300) - The best Chevrolet compact sedan that competes against the Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, and the Honda Civic. This car has been proven worldwide with the perfect balance of style and performance.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

72) Chevrolet Cruze 5 - The sexy and smart hatchback of the Chevrolet Cruze is the envy of the hatchback regime.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze5

73) Third-generation Chevrolet Cavalier - This is the most memorable Chevrolet mid-size sedan and coupe ever made. The pre-facelift third-generation Chevrolet Cavalier is my pick over the facelifted third-generation Cavalier because it looks somewhat nice. Little known fact is that this car was exported to Japan as the Toyota Cavalier. Sounds weird, though...

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

74) Chevrolet Astra - another Opel car rebadged as a Chevrolet just like the Corsa and the Zafira. This Chevrolet Astra is mainly sold in South American continent and I was amazed that this one exists after all in the past...

2005 Chevrolet Astra

75) Chevrolet Cobalt - The Cavalier successor seems to be rough but I prefer the coupe version because of its sporty character. Thing is, I chose the Chevy Cobalt SS as the starter car in Need For Speed Most Wanted. Anyone remember?

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

76) Chevrolet Optra - In late 2002, GM Daewoo launched the Lacetti midsize sedan and later on, exported as the Suzuki Forenza, Buick Excelle, and the Chevrolet Optra/Lacetti/Nubira. I think this is the most memorable midsize sedan I have ever remembered in my whole life. I love the interior design though. Never realize that the car's design was penned by Giugiaro and Pininfarina to provide a world-class experience.

2005 Chevrolet Optra

77) Chevrolet Optra5 - When the Daewoo Lacetti received a facelift in 2004, a new addition appeared and it's called the Daewoo Lacetti5, a 5-door hatchback version which later exported worldwide as the Chevrolet Optra5 or the Suzuki Reno. Too bad, the Philippines never had that kind of Optra because some say that the rear view is too rubbish.

2007 Chevrolet Optra5

78) Chevrolet Cassia - This Chevrolet is mainly "ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES". Why? Because of the naming. Try Google search for "Chevrolet Cassia" and the results are that this car is truly made for the Philippines even though it was a rebadged version of the Suzuki Esteem.

1998 Chevrolet Cassia

79) Chevrolet Prizm - This car was essentialy a rebadged version of the US-spec Toyota Corolla E110. Sadly though, it's not popular as the original Prizm during the Geo years.

1998 Chevrolet Prizm

80) Chevrolet Prisma - The sedan counterpart of the Chevrolet Celta, sold exclusively to the South American region, really shaped up the city car regime by its looks, performance, and reliability.

Chevrolet Prisma

...to be continued in Part Nine of this list...

Monday, October 31, 2011

My favorite Chevys - 100 years from now (Part Seven)

Get ready for numbers 61 to 70 in the list of my 100 favorite Chevrolet cars in celebration of the brand's 100th anniversary!

61) Chevrolet Spark (M300) - The design of this Chevrolet compact car is truly amazing and most people love this compact because of its world-proven capabilities. It even featured in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Transformers: Dark of the Moon as Autobots Skids and Mudflap.

2010 Chevrolet Spark

62) Chevrolet Aveo/Sonic (T300) - The current-generation Aveo (now known in North America, Middle East, and Japan as the Chevrolet Sonic) redefines the compact genre and it can pose a huge threat to the Hyundai Accent RB, Kia All New Pride/Rio, and the Ford Fiesta.

2012 Chevrolet Aveo

63) Chevrolet Spark/Matiz (M200 & M250) - The M200 Chevrolet Spark is the cute compact that we, the Philippines, first to have it after spending years with the gray market M100 Daewoo Matiz, which is known as the Spark in some countries as well. It's everything but nippy.

2008 Chevrolet Spark

64) Chevrolet Metro - This is a cute Chevrolet compact that it was formerly known as the Geo Metro until 1998. Sometimes, it is rare to see one of these in the States.

2001 Chevrolet Metro

65) Chevrolet MW - Courtesy of Suzuki Motor Corporation, the Chevrolet MW is a compact car based on the Suzuki Solio.

2007 Chevrolet MW

66) Chevrolet Cruze (Japan version) - No, this Chevrolet Cruze isn't the sedan of today. There was a Chevrolet Cruze exists in Japan a few years ago and it was known in some countries as the Suzuki Ignis. Seems odd that there was already a Chevrolet Cruze years ago...

2001 Chevrolet Cruze

67) Chevrolet Agile - A different kind of Chevrolet compact like I've never seen before because this compact was made in Latin America as the successor of the Chevrolet Corsa.

2010 Chevrolet Agile

68) Chevrolet Celta - A memorable low-cost super compact car made in Brazil is just one of the reasons why Latin America is a battle ground for emerging subcompacts.

2006 Chevrolet Celta

69) Chevrolet Corsa - It maybe an Opel but the Chevrolet badging is far too memorable to be the cheapest Chevy hatchback with European engineering sold in emerging countries.

Chevrolet Corsa

70) Chevrolet Spark (M100/M150) - When the Philippines are enjoying gray market Daewoo Matiz cars, some countries like in Asia have a slice of the first Chevrolet Spark. No wonder Chevrolet had a head start in the compact car category but for the first Spark, it's everything but cute.

2000 Chevrolet Spark

...to be continued in Part Eight of my blog...

HEY WHAT'S THIS? Renault version of the Nissan March K13?!

2012 Renault Pulse


2012 Renault Pulse

You heard it right, this is the Renault version of the Nissan March K13, called the Renault Pulse, the newest Renault compact in India. The Pulse's design was made possible by the Renault Design Center at Mumbai, India and the front kinda have some kind of a hexagonal version of the Nissan GT-R R35's grille but with some Renault emblem on it. Under the bonnet, it's powered by a new K9K 1.5L diesel engine, which reflects the same philosophy as the engine used on Renault F1 cars. This is an ideal Renault compact fit enough for a slumdog millionaire to get away from it all. It will be on sale in India this January.

Wow Mali pranks - October 30, 2011

Pranks pulled on the October 30, 2011 episode of Wow Mali that will make them scream with laughter!

1) Zombie sa Jeep - Ride with The Riding Dead, I mean, zombies at the jeepney!

2) Photo Coffin - Smile at the camera...and get locked inside the coffin!

3) Iwan Bangkay - Looks like they need to check also under the coffin before lifting this to the hearse!

4) Eew All You Can - Looking for something delicious? How about a lugaw with eyeballs? Eew!

5) Chaka Doll - Little Girl said her doll is dropped. Pick it up before the aswang under the table gets it!

6) Ghost Employer - One recruitment agency hides a ghost employer to scare your butt!

7) Halimaw sa Banga - Under the black bag placed on this mysteriously huge jar hides a monster!

8) Libreng Hula - Time-wasting with a fortune teller to know about your future...not!

World's First, India's First, My First!

The 2011 Formula One Airtel Grand Prix of India is the newest addition of the 2011 Formula One season and it was held on the all new Buddh International Circuit. We're amazed to see an emerging country like India hosted their first ever Formula One Grand Prix and this new challenge packs a lot of surprises.

Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel, who is the 2011 F1 World Champion, conquered the twists and turns of Buddh International Circuit, placing him 1st place while McLaren Mercedes' Jenson Button placed second and Fernando Alonso from Ferrari landed on third place.

Other F1 racers are experiencing problems on this new track. Among them are STR-Ferrari's Sebastien Buemi, Williams-Cosworth's Pastor Maldonaldo, Virgin-Cosworth's Timo Glock, and Sauber-Ferrari's Kamui Kobayashi.

Anyway, India's first Formula One Grand Prix will serve as one of the great moments in F1 history. Two more races remaining and the semi-finals will be held at Abu Dhabi this November 13, 2011!

Happy Halloween, Bulilits!

Halloween's almost here! Anyway, let's see what just happened on the October 30, 2011 episode of Goin Bulilit...

- Goin Bulilit music video of "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" by The Rivingtons

- Zombies gags

- Bugoy Wander explores more about the White Lady's existence

Bugoy Wander

- HOY GUESSING! Which tree did Dagul hide?

- PRACTICAL JOKE! The Goin Bulilit kids meets up with a ghost who never gets out the house!

The scariest part!

- Ready Get Set Goin!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

My favorite Chevys - 100 years from now (Part Six)

Ok, now for numbers 51 to 60 of my 100 favorite Chevrolet cars in celebration of Chevrolet's 100th year!

51) Chevrolet Orlando - this Cruze-based MPV is marketed worldwide and it was the first Chevrolet landed and made in South Korea. We're still waiting when will this Orlando coming to the Philippines but don't worry, there are gray market Orlando models out there.

2012 Chevrolet Orlando

52) Chevrolet Venture - the most memorable Chevrolet minivan ever made and I truly prefer this over the rubbish Uplander. When it came to the Philippines, we even classify it either a family mover or a luxury car.

2001 Chevrolet Venture

53) Chevrolet Zafira - I don't remember that there is an Opel Zafira dressed as a Chevrolet but countries like Thailand, Brazil, and the Philippines have this Chevrolet Zafira. It's rare to see a Chevrolet Zafira running around Manila right now...

Chevrolet Zafira

54) Chevrolet HHR - being retro isn't quite good enough for the Chevrolet HHR but I think it looks very decent to be the most memorable Chevrolet in my loving memory. Sadly, 2011 marks the end of the Chevrolet HHR.

2008 Chevrolet HHR

55) Chevrolet Lumina APV - The design of this minivan is too radical but I think it looks very nice for the Lumina APV, an instant classic.

1995 Chevrolet Lumina APV

56) Second-generation Chevrolet Astro - If I were an Astro enthusiast, I'd say that the second-generation Astro was the best Astro I have ever seen. It was appeared in the PS2 racing game titled Enthusia Professional Racing as a playable car.

1999 Chevrolet Astro

57) First-generation Chevrolet Astro - Isn't that funny that some ice cream men using the first-generation Chevrolet Astro as their ice cream vans? Not always but I saw one parked at the park.

1991 Chevrolet Astro

58) 2nd-generation Chevrolet Express - The Chevrolet Express is the kind of Chevrolet van that adapts through multiple businesses. Maybe this is how they give the Nissan Urvan a finger that proves that this van's a good business carrier than the Nissan Urvan.

2011 Chevrolet Express

59) First-generation Chevrolet Express - There's nothing special about the first-generation Chevrolet Express van but I think this is the kind of van I want my dad to find one on Craigslist.

2000 Chevrolet Express

60) Chevrolet Uplander - It maybe claimed that this model is the successor of the Venture but the design's a bit rubbish. That's okay, though...

2005 Chevrolet Uplander


...to be continued on Part Seven of my list...


Latest Subaru commercial in Canada gets its groove



This Subaru commercial aired in Canada really gets its groove on its "Confidence in Motion" brand slogan. Perhaps the cars made by Subaru does have the grooves to keep our confidences in motion. Those who are asking what song is played on this Canadian Subaru ad, the answer is Summer's Gonna Be My Girl by The Go. I repeat, Summer's Gonna Be My Girl by The Go. Get it?

THE IDOLM@STER 2

THE IDOLM@STER 2 (PS3 version)


This is it. You'll be able to spot it in a crowd by virtue of its front cover, 1080p resolution, exclusive downloadable contents, and best of all, this game has finally arrived in a gaming console that they didn't put it on the first place.

THE IDOLM@STER 2 is the hit sequel of the 2007 XBOX 360 original video game. This game was launched in February 24, 2011 across Japan and it garners a huge success just like the original. So what happens if THE IDOLM@STER 2 is on the Playstation3? Well, in my case, you look like a spaniel with its head out of the window. LOAD ABOVE!

The IDOLM@STER 2 is now on the Playstation3 for the first time and PS3 owners are pleased to play the hit sequel that takes over Japan by storm of moe-ness. THE IDOLM@STER 2 follows the same chemistry of its predecessors, combining the elements of a dating sim game and some Dance Dance Revolution-style button-mashing action at the same time. As the producer, you are taking responsibility to the idols of your own choice; from Haruka, Hibiki, Miki, Makoto, Chihaya, Takane, Yukiho, Mami, and Yayoi.

Every rehearsals, every concerts, every dates, everything you need to know as a producer is the key to achieve higher rankings and every idol's happiness. Once more, personalization can be a notable feature. Every idol's style can affect the outcome of the game and how you personalize your idols is up to you.

Also, feel free to snap shot your favorite idol's precious moments during concerts. It's best to keep your favorite idol moments after the concert.

As a producer, it's your responsibility to check schedules on when will the auditions, live performances, and others occur and best to be active on those venues in order to bring out the idols' star factor. If there's nothing left, feel free to spend time talking with your idols but just like any other dating sims we know, trust is necessary to make stronger ties between the producer (that's you) and the idols.

However, since we're on this "Japan Original" thing, I have a confession to make on the IM@S 2's behalf. The standard XBOX 360 version of THE IDOM@STER 2 costs 8,800 Japanese Yen. This PS3 version costs 7,980 Japanese Yen for the Standard Version. The Limited Edition costs 19,800 Japanese Yen and it includes not just the game itself but also includes THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray Volume 1, THE IDOLM@STER 2 Game Soundtrack CD, a special magazine featuring Haruka Amami and Iori Minase called "Monthly I-Gra (月刊アイグラ)", and for a treat, THE IDOLM@STER G4U (Gravure For You) Volume 1.

What is G4U?
G4U or Gravure For You, is an IDOLM@STER stand-alone game that allows you to take a picture of your favorite 765PRO idols. You can use commands to have your idol do some cute and cool poses. The fun fact is that the photos you've taken can be saved on the PS3 hard drive and you can do whatever you want on the photo you have taken. In Volume One, the theme is "Summer Time" and the girls are wearing swim suits. Here's how it's done:



This is a new way to enjoy THE IDOLM@STER like you've never done before! Expect more G4U expansions with Volume 2 arriving this November 23. However, to only way to get these G4U expansions is by limited editions of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray.

FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL: The first DLC on THE IDOLM@STER 2 PS3 version will feature Hatsune Miku!

STARRING:

Eriko Nakamura as Haruka Amami

Manami Numakura as Hibiki Ganaha

Akiko Hasegawa as Miki Hoshii

Hiromi Hirata as Makoto Kikuchi

Asami Imai as Chihaya Kisaragi

Yumi Hara as Takane Shijou

Asumi Asakura as Yukiho Hagiwara

Asami Shimoda as Mami Futami and Ami Futami

Mayako Nigo as Yayoi Takatsuki

Naomi Wakabayashi as Producer Ritsuko Akizuki

Rie Kugimiya as Iori Minase

Chiaki Takahashi as Azusa Miura

The Demon King of the Touge

The Stig tries the RE Amemiya FD3S RX-7


The RE Amemiya FD3S RX-7 (RE雨宮 雨宮μ過給圧上昇7) is a souped up Mazda RX-7 made by RE Amemiya, a legendary tuner of Mazda rotary sports cars that were highly active in the Super GT and D1GP. Most of the body kits equipped on this RX-7 were all made by RE Amemiya and the tuned rotary engine produces 365HP of power and 274.8 ft-lb of torque. It even comes with the Quantum-based Amemiya spec adjustable suspension that makes it the best cornering RX-7 ever made. When this car appeared on Japan's tuner car DVD magazine, Hot Version, it became unstoppable on the mountain paths and earned the reputable nickname "The Demon King of the Touge".

It's good to be the king?

The Stig chills out in Kyoto with
the RE Amemiya RX-7

So, is it good to be the king? It's hard to be king if you're not paying attention to the settings of this car. Surely, this is a great car with great cornering than the original RX-7 but the driver needs a good knowledge at the Aerodynamics, LSD, and Suspension to make sure that this RE Amemiya FD3S RX-7 really is a drift car rather than being a race car. It does made a great burnout but in the corners, it requires good amount of G-Force to tear them down into halves. With enough practice and the right setup, you have a proper handling RX-7 that can slice down your opponents in the game of Drifting.

The glory road to Tsukuba

A worthy competitor at Suzuka

If you're brave enough to master the fundamentals of this souped-up RX-7 as seen on Hot Version, you are sure that this car's easy to drive. It looks scary but it's not. This car never attacks the driver because only a skilled driver collaborates with the RE Amemiya FD3S RX-7. With that, this would be a good drift car to score massive points ahead from your rivals.

BANANA SPLIT CLOWN IN A MILLION UPDATE 10/29/11

Before we begin, we just want to say thanks for making Banana Split best TV comedy program in the KBP Golden Dove awards! Finally, the dove has landed on the bananas! You guys are the best! Okay, where was I? Oh yeah!

Last week, Super Tekla gained an immunity and Michael Kalaw got kicked out. Nine comedians are remaining: Karen Dematera, Super Tekla, Mimi Aringo, Jodie, Leo Priscilla, James Caraan, Ichat, Jandyll Aurea, and Onse.

For this task, the comedians are trying to treat Ryan Bang with care! With the comedians done their best, they really made Ryan Bang happy.

In the end, Leo Priscilla ruled the competition, earning him immunity that saves him for next week! Unfortunately, Jodie kicked out from the competition.

Tune in to Banana Split for more Clown In A Million!