Saturday, April 30, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOSSING!




It's Bossing Vic Sotto's big birthday bash at Eat Bulaga and the Dabarkads thrown the veteran presenter the best birthday party in Eat Bulaga history, starting with his "indestructible" cake which has been around for a month and despite being shrunken in size, it's still "indestructible" enough to have Vic eating it and blowing the candle in person. How's that for a cake that last for a month?

Then, in the Just Duet grand finals, the final five contestants are announced and these are Ruther Robosa, Mackie Cao, Alisah Bonaobra, Louie Anne Culala, and Daniel Briones.

In the Kalyeserye portion, the gang are ready for the Sportsfest and they still had the dilemma that if they take part in the sportsfest, they won't be able to catch up to Bossing's birthday bash. But just then, a miracle happened. According to the letter, the Sportsfest got postponed to next week. Which means, the gang can go to Bossing's party right away!

And now, the main event because with the gang's all here to celebrate Bossing's birthday, it's performances, performances, and performances galore, all in the name of the best birthday party this veteran Eat Bulaga presenter had for years.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOSSING!

Bubble Gang Summer Treat 2016 CONCLUSION

For the April 29, 2016 episode, it's the conclusion of the two-part Bubble Gang 2016 summer special at Blue Coral! So, what are the guys are up to?

- Awat gags



- Hugot lines at the beach!



- Ways how a hokage behaves with the ladies are examined.



- Beach photography gets troublesome...



- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...beach pics!



- Manyak jokes



- Tips to look like you've enjoyed your boring beach vacation...



- Searching for the ideal sexy model...



- Even an outing can't calm you down...



- More news reversed in Balitang Baliktad!



- We have a seminar that will get you used to some messy situations!



...and that concludes the Bubble Gang Summer Treat 2016! See you next summer!

Friday, April 29, 2016

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: N.Korea ferry spotted during suspected SLBM launch



Reports indicate that a North Korean cargo-passenger vessel was operating in the same waters as a submarine when the North fired what appeared to be an SLBM last weekend.

Intelligence told that they have established where the cargo-passenger ship, Mangyongbong was sailing by analyzing satellite imagery and other evidence.

Sources say the vessel's movements were coordinated with the North Korean submarine when an apparent SLBM launch took place in the Sea of Japan near the coast of Sinpo on the 23rd of April. Also, the North may have used the ship, instead of a military vessel, to film and collect data on the suspected test-launch so that is military moves would not be detected.

The Mangyongbong used to travel between its home port on Wonsan near Sinpo and Niigata, Jpaan. The ship has been banned from entering Japanese ports for a decade as part of the nation's sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (April 29, 2016)


- Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona passed away at the age of 67 due to cardiac arrest. His passing was confirmed by Corona's family to the Supreme Court. He died at 0148 hours local time.

- A thousand netizens have confirmed attendance to a protest rally at the Department of Justice on Monday to call on the filing of charges against the Commission on Elections over the recent cyber attacks. Hacker group Anonymous Philippines, which will organize the protest, is urging the DOJ to investigate the poll body over its failure to protect voter data that has been stolen and leaked online.

- Six schools in Maguindanao, which will be used as voting precincts in the May elections, have been bombed by grenades and RPGs before dawn Wednesday. The assailants blew up the school premises as they escaped, according to barangay officials. No one was hurt. As of last night, police had no clues on the identities of the attackers behind the attacks and no group claimed responsibility.

- The nation's first microsatellite, the Diwata-1, was successfully launched to the International Space Station last Wednesday. The satellite was successfully deployed at around 7:45 PM from the Japanese Experiment Module, onboard the ISS. The deployment marks the first time the JEM has deployed a 50kg class microsatellite.

- Japan's annual Golden Week holiday exodus has begun as highways, railways, and airports are all piled up as people head to vacation destinations or their hometowns. Meanwhile, many people were seen heading southwest for the quake-hit Kumamoto Prefecture.

-US Secretary of State John Kerry denounces air strikes on a hospital in northern Syrian city of Aleppo apparently conducted by the Syrian government. The attacks destroyed a hospital in a rebel-controlled area of the city on Wednesday night. According to reports, at least 20 people, including doctors and three children, were killed.

- A M7.0 quake struck off the coast of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. The quake struck at 1933 UTC on Thursday. The focus is estimated to be about 200km north-northwest of the nation's capital Port Vila. at a dept of around 27km. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says there is no tsunami threat.

- Shooting for scenes on the upcoming Fast 8, slated next year, in Havana, Cuba was underway, making it the first Hollywood blockbuster to film in Cuba since US-Cuban relations were restored.

- Windows 10 PC users will be able to experience their first taste of Forza Motorsport 6 as FM6 Apex goes into open beta on the 5th of May. There will be updates in store over the course of summer.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye, as the gang prepares for Vic's big birthday bash tomorrow, disaster comes because Bossing's big birthday bash coincides with the upcoming sportsfest Lola Nidora's team were on. So, what will the guys do now when two big events are happening tomorrow? Will they go on Bossing's big birthday bash or the sportsfest they were committed to join? Find out tomorrow!

TTFN!!!

Thursday, April 28, 2016

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Full defense readiness against NoKor


Before leaving for Iran, South Korean president Park Geun-hye chaired cabinet meeting today, where she called for full defense readiness against North Korean threats and vows to return with tangible results to help Korean companies enter Iranian businesses. President Park noted that Pyongyang is capable of launching a fifth nuclear test anytime, stressing Pyongyang's provocations pose serious threat to regional security. A National Security Council meeting has also been convened this afternoon to check upon the nation's defense conditions.

Amid the rising threats from North Korea, South Korea's ruling part and the government held a security meeting this morning with the vice ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and unification. During the hour-long meeting, the Saenuri Part emphasized cooperation with the opposition parties and the president and proposed the creation of a joint consultative group of national security involving the three entities.

The second vice minister of foreign affairs said that if North Korea carries another nuclear test, the foreign ministry will push for a new UN resolution strengthening the existing sanctions against the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se has called on his fellow foreign ministers to show leadership in dealing with ongoing threats from North Korea. In his keynote speech in Beijing at the fifth CICA meeting, Yun hinted that a declaration to be adopted later in a day will mark a milestone in enforcing the 26 members' efforts on non-proliferation. On a related note, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said that Beijing will fully implement UN sanctions against North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, while calling for a resumption of talks with the Korean Peninsula.

Xi said that China will fully implement the UNSC resolutions, repeating China's stance that nuclear issue should be resolve through dialogue and negotiations. Xi made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the CICA.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (April 28, 2016)


- Philippine President Benigno Aquino III revealed that the Abu Sayyaf Group plotted to abduct his TV personality sister Kris Aquino and boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao as part of their group effort to gain respect from the Islamic State militants. One of the bandit leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, tried to convert other inmates in the national penitentiary to their cause and establish ties with the remains of the Rajah Sulayman Movement, in an attempt to embark on a terrorist attack in Metro Manila, according to the president. He stressed he he has to stop the ASG, which has been seeking its alliance with ISIS. Aquino vowed to disband the terrorist group before his term ends this June.

- Several websites of government agencies, local private companies, and schools have been hacked by an "Indonesian Defacer Team", according to reports. Contrary to this report, hacking group Anonymous Philippines clarified that they are not responsible in this latest cyber-attack.

- The Anti-Money Laundering Council filed charges against officers of Philrem for its alleged involvement in the $81 million money heist from the Bangladesh central bank. The council filed a joint complaint-affidavit against Salud Bautista, Michael Bautista and Anthony Pelejo for violating Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.

- The commission of Brazil's Senate has begun discussions on whether to set up an impeachment trial against President Dilma Rousseff, who is accused of involvement in manipulating government accounts. The special commission on the impeachment of Rousseff began deliberating on whether to set up the trial. The full Senate will possibly hold a vote as early as mid-may and if a majority of senators vote in favor of the impeachment trial, Rousseff will be suspended from her duties.

- Two weeks have passed since the two powerful quakes struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, that left 49 people died, but officials warned of more possible aftershocks as well as potential landslides triggered by rain. As of now, over a thousand quakes with intensities of one or more had hit the region.

- Republican front-runner in the US presidential nomination race, Donald Trump, has reiterated that Japan and other US allies must pay more of the cost for American troops stationed in their countries. During his foreign policy speech in Washington DC on Wednesday, Trump criticized President Barack Obama's foreign policy, saying it weakened the US economy and the military, and if Trump is elected president, he will put American interests first.

- The Japanese government will test mileage data on vehicles made by Mitsubishi Motors. This rare decision follows the Japanese car company's admission last week that it had falsified mileage data on their kei cars.

- You know that Europe doesn't sell a powerful Lexus LX570 but in case of someone smuggled one, a tuner called LARTE Design adds some styling modifications on Lexus' flagship 7-seater SUV.


- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye, today marks the 41st weeksary of AlDub, coinciding with the birthday of presenter Vic Sotto, who is going to have a big day on Saturday, and the two lovers are not feeling in the mood after last Wednesday's fiasco. Fortunately, things are finally settling in and later, some gifts received including a secret item to be unveiled this Saturday but what is it? Tune in next time and find out!!!

TTFN!!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Obama calls North Korea erratic


US President Barack Obama called North Korea and the Kim Jong Un regime irresponsible.

During an interview with CBS News, Obama also said the top priority to deal with the Korean Peninsula is to protect the American people, as well as US allies of Japan and South Korea, which is prone to its provocations.

On the 15th of April, the anniversary of the birth of the nation's founder Kim Il-Sung, North Korea has fired the new type of mid-range ballistic missile called the Musudan (and presumably failed) while a submarine-based missile was launched on Saturday.

The White House also referred to North Korea in a news conference on Tuesday and the United States will continue to ramp up pressure against North Korea as well as collaborating with the Chinese government, which has more influence over the Korean Peninsula than any other country.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (April 27, 2016)


- President Benigno Aquino III declared that May 9, 2016, the day of the elections, as a special non-working holiday so registered voters can get to their polling stations to vote. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy assured the public preparations to ensure energy supply on election day are almost done to ensure the readiness of the systems and power stakeholders who have roles to play during the elections.

- Before election day draws near, all of the country's presidential candidates, except for former DILG secretary Mar Roxas who no longer holds a government position, will have to file their 2015 statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth. Vice President Jejomar Binay will be filing his SALN before the Office of Ombudsman while Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will submit his before the DILG. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Grace Poe, meanwhile, will file theirs before the Office of the Senate Secretariat.

- President Benigno Aquino III ordered the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be on full force against the Abu Sayyaf Group following the recent execution of the Canadian hostage.

- At the recent presidential primaries, Republican's Donald Trump scored wins from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island while on the Democratic side, Hilary Clinton scored four wins while her rival Bernie Sanders scored one.

- On April 15th, 1989, 96 people died in a packed terrace or standing areas behind a goal shortly after a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest began at Hillsborough Stadium in the central city of Sheffield. This is called the Hillsborough Disaster and right now, a British jury held police responsible for the disaster which numerous soccer fans were crushed to death in an overcrowded section of a stadium.

- It is revealed that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation didn't used a portion of Japan's mandated fuel economy test since 25 years ago. The Japanese car company hired an independent panel of investigators to find out what went wrong and they have three months to file a report. This recent scandal started when Nissan discovered fuel economy deceptions in some of its Mitsubishi-made kei cars in Japan and Mitsubishi exposed the truth that about 625,000 vehicles were affected. Cars like the eK Wagon, eK Space, Nissan Dayz, and Nissan Dayz Roox were among the affected and the companies issued a suspension of sales between these affected models.

- The countdown to Rio 2016 Olympics is started and only 100 days left before the games.

- As the new Top Gear draws near, presenter Rory Reid will present an Extra Gear spinoff, featuring bonus content as seen on Top Gear as well as behind-the-scene footages from aired episodes. The new Top Gear is getting more interactive than ever.

- Meanwhile, the Clarkson, Hammond, and May trio are having a hard time to find a name to their new Amazon Prime exclusive show, which is set to air this autumn 2016.

- Bad news for Volkswagen fans; the hot Golf R400 will never make it into production. Good new is, there's a more powerful VW GTi coming at next month's GTi meeting.

- A promotional video for the upcoming Love Live! Sunshine!! TV anime is on!



- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, bad news! All of the Quandos Tinidora trained for the upcoming sports fest gone rotten! However, all hope is not lost because she hired a group of athletes that will take over the team, where Divina will serve as their muse. However, with all that muscle packing in, things aren't looking good for AlDub. What happens next? Tune in next time and find out!

TTFN!!!

Renault-Samsung SM6 vs. GM Korea Chevrolet All New Malibu

Two luxury midsize saloons sourced from the West, one from France and the other from the United States, have finally made it into South Korean territories but adjusted for South Korean specifications. First and foremost, let's meet the South Korean version of the recently-released Renault Talisman saloon, the first-ever Renault Samsung SM6.

2016 Renault Samsung SM6
2016 Renault Samsung SM6 interior

Well, what do we have here is a midsize luxury saloon that got the South Korean folks from Renault noticed when they heard that their French parents launched the new Talisman saloon, the first to incorporate Renault's new design language applied in the new Megane, new Espace, and the upcoming Koleos crossover. Of course, China does had a Renault Talisman, but only in the SM7. Because the new Talisman is made to be the direct replacement to the aging Laguna and the less-successful Latitude flagship, which was sourced from Korea as an SM5, there's a one-sided theory that their new SM6 will replace both the SM5 and the SM7 at the same pace but while the two aging saloons are still in Renault-Samsung's lineup for now, we'll have to wait for Renault's South Korea subsidy to reach their verdict.

Anyway, the first-ever SM6 looks broadly similar to the Talisman at so many angles. You can expect the new Renault design implanted all over the outer details and so is the questionable interior with the touch screen implanted on the dashboard to warn speedo boys "you can't replace me, suckers!" Yep, today's modern cars feature irreplaceable stuff so no speedo boy can remove it with their bare hands. In partial terms of comfort, the new SM6 is German saloon quality despite being a French car with a South Korean passport booked in. You can really tell just how premium those seats are when you lay your butts on it and it's not surprisingly half bad to feel just how "luxurious" the interior is. Rest assured, they done it to make it as luxurious as the Germans.

One feature you will notice is the Multi-Sense feature which allows the driver to switch through four different modes (Neutral, Eco, Comfort, and Sport) and each mode affects different stuff around the car in terms of driving, comfort, tech, and so on. There's a Personal mode where the driver can customize the settings of his or her liking. You can change how it affects the lighting, the speedo, the engine sound, the climate control, the seats, the steering, the powertrain, or the suspension. Sounds fancy but complicating if you mess it up.

Under the hood, the SM6 offers a choice of a 1.6 TCe engine, a 2.0 GDe engine, or a 2.0 LPe DONUT (for rental use). The 1.6 TCe engine develops 190PS of power and 26.5kg.m of torque while delivering a claimed combined fuel economy of 12.8km/L while the 2.0 GDe engine produces 150PS of power and 20.6kg.m of torque with 12.3km/L of claimed combined fuel economy. Both of these engines come with a 7-speed EDC gearbox as well as auto start-stop system which allows its engine to shut off when stopped at a set of lights and then starts again when you set off.

For safety, the SM6 comes with Active Emergency Braking System, Safe Distance Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Automatic High Low Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a feature that allows this car to park by itself.

The price? It starts from 23,760,000 to 31,900,000 Korean Won. That sounds more accessible to own than the SM5 and the SM7 saloons in the lineup but if you want more that you expect from the SM6 but unsure about its pricing, best to look at this alternative.

2016 GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu
2016 GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu interior

This is the all-new Chevrolet Malibu, the one that came out last year Stateside but this one's Korean-made and it's a well-match for the Asian markets desperate to get their hands on this potent rival to Korean-made saloons such as the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia K5, but since no Asia-Pacific country is heavily interested with the new Malibu, this car will have to make do with the South Koreans.

If I recall from last year, the new Malibu sounds very reasonable when compared against other family midsize saloons in its class, but with all that tech induced in this car, the new Malibu feels like a class apart, well despite the dynamics that doesn't feel like a European saloon. I once said that because it looks more American, chances are too slim for now. Guess what, Asian countries like South Korea and China has one and it's unsure if some other Asia-Pacific countries will get the new one, but in the meantime...

It still looks identical to the one sold in North America as are the features as well as the comfort and conveniences offered. Unlike the North American model, which comes with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity and as a first, it is available with the choice of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, this South Korean model doesn't have internet connectivity on it and it's only compatible with Apple CarPlay. No questions asked.

Under the hood, the Malibu, like the North American one, still comes with the turbocharged 1.5L ECOTEC engine with Variable Valve Timing and the more powerful and turbocharged 2.0L ECOTEC engine but both of these engines are mated with the GEN III 6-speed automatic gearbox. It's easier said than done because with the 2.0L is focused on performance, thanks to its 253PS of power, the 1.5L model focuses solely on fuel economy thanks to its combined fuel economy of 13km/L, Chevrolet claims but let's hope this fuel consumption doesn't cheat in the eyes of many drivers.

Keep this in mind because South Korea's new Malibu is different from USA's new Malibu, there is no Teen Driver Feature present here despite the new model is offered with seventeen driver aids available by request.

Anyway, wanna know how it cost? It's 23,100,000 to 31,810,000 Korean Won, so it's less expensive to own than the SM6 and it's more powerful as well. Now, you had a choice. If you were a businessman living in South Korea and you have a choice between two interracial luxury midsize saloons sourced from the West but altered for South Korean specifications, which would you pick?

TGUSA: America vs. Europe


After a long hiatus, Top Gear (the hit US show) is back and for its comeback, the boys are despising stereotypes about European cars and see if they are better than American cars.

In the first half, we see Rutledge Wood in a Jaguar XJ-S, Adam Ferrera in a Alfa Romeo Spider, and Tanner Foust in a Porsche 944 Turbo, all matched their ancestries. They're at an old airfield in Utah to settle this issue.

First, there was a hands-free drag race to prove which car is stable and in here, the 944 wins. Then, there was a slalom test to check out how it handles and thanks to the boys cheating Tanner, the Alfa wins.

Onto the second half, while on the way to Antelope Island, the boys switched to a more modern sportscars. Rut's gone for the McLaren 650S, Tanner's in the Porsche 911 GT3, and Adam's in a more powerful Ferrari F12. They undergo through a max speed test to see how fast these cars go while surviving a bumpy corner. In the end, the F12, thanks to its powerful V12 engine, is the clear winner.

The next day, having emerged from their hotel stay and onto the Miller Motorsports Park for a final challenge, the boys were surprised that the car valets think it's better-looking is the McLaren. Now, in the final challenge; the boys are fighting against The Stig in a Dodge Viper ACR and their goal is to drive as long as possible before the national anthem made for its cars' country of origin ends. Sadly, no one beat The Stig but Tanner and the GT3 managed to beat Adam's and Rut's.

It's a clear point that no matter the odds, Europeans are really catching up when it comes to make the coolest and the fastest cars to compete against the Americans.

Koi ni Naritai AQUARIUM

Koi ni Naritai AQUARIUM

The new school idol group AQOURS from the brand new Love Live! Sunshine!!, having enjoyed their success from last year's debut album and getting ready for bigger things this 2016, are back with their second single titled Koi ni Naritai AQUARIUM. Thanks to the fan-sourced results from a recent survey done by a certain anime magazine, this latest single puts Aqours' You Watanabe on center stage to this new song while the members will be joining the fun in this new, aquatic-themed, song fit enough to splash your newfound obsession with Aqours.

This latest single features two songs such as this and 待ってて愛のうた. Apart from the two songs offered, this single features four audio drama stories as well, more than enough to be part of their newest adventure to the life and times of Uranohoshi High's breakthrough school idols.

Oh, and I almost forgot. This latest single comes with either a DVD or Blu-Ray featuring the music video as well. And for a limited time, it comes with one of nine Aqours member profile cards and a bonus ticket for a special event as well!

TRACK LISTINGS:

01. 恋になりたいAQUARIUM
02. 待ってて愛のうた
03. 届かない星だとしても
04. 恋になりたいAQUARIUM(Off Vocal)
05. 突撃!風雲マリンパーク
06. 不思議!シーパラダイス発見
07. ゆったりたっぷり!深海水族館
08. 私たちのベストヒットステージ!

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Let's Do The News! (April 26, 2016)


- A Canadian hostage got beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu. The Canadian hostage was identified as John Ridsdel of Calgary, Alberta and according to reports, two men on a motorcycle left Ridsdel's head, placed inside a plastic bag, along a street in Jolo in Sulu province and then escaped. The militants threatened to execute one of three men - two Canadians and a Norwegian - they kidnapped last September from a marina on southern Samal Island if the P300 million ransom was not paid by 1500 hours on Monday.

- The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee said the inquiry in the 81 million dollar money laundering case is suspended and will resume on the 12th of May. Over the past six hearings, the Blue Ribbon Committee was able to find out how most of the funds stolen from Bangladesh entered the country two months ago and how large amounts were spent on casinos.

- 2016 marked the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, which is known to be the worst nuclear disasters in history. On April 26th, 1986, one of the reactors undergoing a test-run exploded at the Chernobyl nuclear plant. About 30 workers and firefighters died after being exposed to high radiation levels. Memorial services were held in the very event as sirens sounded at 0123 hours local time, the exact time the accident occurred, honoring the victims.

- French researchers have found that it takes 14 days after biting an infected person for a certain type of mosquito to pass on the Zika virus to an uninfected person. The mosquito-borne virus is spreading since last year, mostly in South America.

- Japan unveiled the official logo of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Dubbed as the Checkered Emblem, it will replace the first choice which was thrown out last year for plagiarism. The new design used traditional Japanese colors and patterns to represent the intercultural themes of the Games.

- The final live-action Resident Evil/Biohazard film starring Milla Jovovich, titled Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (Biohazard: The Final), will premiere in Japanese theaters first on the 23rd of December, 2016, before its worldwide release following the US in the 27th of January, 2017.

- 1,000,000 Mazda Roadster models since the first generation were produced.


- General Motors placed production at four plants in temporary suspension following series of Kumamoto quakes and the expectation of parts shortages.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, the lolas set up an obstacle course to train the Quandos for their upcoming sportsfest.



TTFN!!!

Jubilee of Mercy: Jubilee of Boys and Girls

The Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy kicks off today at the Vatican City with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Jubilee of Mercy logo

Over sixty thousand young people worldwide took part of the "Jubilee of Boys and Girls" at the Vatican City from the 23rd to the 25th of April, which is part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.


Over the course of three days, pilgrims from across the globe are able to hear witnesses describing their deep experiences of the Works of Mercy in seven piazzas in the City Center of Rome. Pope Francis, who was present at this Jubilee, managed to hear confessions of young people in St. Peter's Square and offer them a sacrament of reconciliation. Over a hundred and fifty priests were present in the square to hear the confessions.

The next event for the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy will be the Prayer Vigil to Dry the Tears on the 5th of May.


Highlights:

Remembering the Nepal Quake

Nepal quake


April 25th, 2015 -  An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck parts of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, and the city of Pokhara. It is known to be the deadliest of the Nepal earthquakes in over eight decades and it's not just Nepal that's affected. It's also parts of India, Bangladesh, Tibet, and Mount Everest, where avalanches were triggered. With the death toll reported at over 8,800 people, it is the worst since 1934 which killed over 8,500 people. In response, the entire globe responded quickly to provide aid and show their support for Nepal.

It's been a year has passed since the deadly quake that struck the near Tibetan nation and the people still bear the scars from the deadly quakes and with the Nepalese government fails to provide support for the victims, is there no hope for Nepal. For us, we don't think so because despite Nepal has suffered numerous setbacks even after the deadly quake, there's always hope as long as there is unity for the Nepalese people, but the road to recovery is a long one and there are so many obstacles that need to be cleared.

Monday, April 25, 2016

FIA Formula E 2015-2016: Paris


It was the 23rd of April, 2016, when the Paris ePrix of the 2015-2016 season of the FIA Formula E Championship sees the brightest of Formula E stars racing through the streets of Paris, all in the name of racing to the top of this cutting-edge motorsport featuring zero-emission racing machine.

In that race, Abt Schaeffler's Lucas di Grassi scored another win to maintain his lead at the championship. That was great but what's not so great is when the Chinese newcomer Ma Qing Hua crashed heavily in the closing stages. Qing Hua survived by the Team Aguri car was crashed through the wall.

Highlights:

With Di Grassi first, DS Virgin's Jean-Eric Vergne finished second while e.Dams' Sebastien Buemi placed 3rd.

Onto the overall standings, Di Grassi's still leading with 126 points while Buemi's in 2nd places with 11 points behind and Sam Bird's in third place with 82 points bagged through the season.

The next race is at Berlin on the 21st of May.

Disney's The Jungle Book (2016 film)

Disney's The Jungle Book (2016 film)

Last 2015, Disney gave us the much successful live-action rebirth of Cinderella. Now, another Disney classic has been reborn, this time a classic tale of a young boy named Mowgli in a live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book.

So, what is this rebirth of a classic Rudyard Kipling tale about? Well, The Jungle Book is about Mowgli (played by Neel Sethi) who was raised by wolves but the mighty Shere Khan threatens him because of his hatred for humans like him. Left without a home to live in, Mowgli sets off to an adventure with the help of a panther Bagheera and a friendly bear named Baloo. Together, they set off to a remarkable journey in the wilderness.

This film features a stellar all-star cast that lend their voices to the characters. Luther's Idris Elba plays as the villainous Shere Khan, Ben Kingsley as the voice of Bagheera, Bill Murray as Baloo, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Christopher Walken as King Louie, Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as Akela.

This film is about discovering your true self while venturing through uncharted territories and thinking about the bare necessities (oops, did I said that iconic line?), this film has everything what a Disney family movie should have; the classic elements poured in with some modern touches to bring a more lively storytelling that is closely similar to the classic Jungle Book films and with this rebirth, Disney's The Jungle Book is a wonderful must-watch for families, even animal lovers, to discover new paths and the rite of passage awaits at the end.

If the film wows the viewers with its stellar all-star voices, vivid backdrops, a blend of live-action and CGI, and every Disney magic poured in, one thing that worries the viewers and that is...why would anyone call it cute? There's nothing cute about this film because if they mean the classic Jungle Book films in the last century, that's where you can put the cute term but not here. There's nothing in this live action rebirth of the Disney classic to be called cute.

Despite not being a "cute" movie, the Jungle Book rebirth is still one of the must-watch family films to see, much like any other Disney films you knew.

My rating: 4.2 out of 5 

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Obama - N. Korea continues provocative behavior


US President Barack Obama has condemned the North Korea's recent test launch of a submarine-based ballistic missile on Saturday.

Obama spoke to reporters on Sunday after his talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Hanover. Obama said that while US authorities continue assessing the situation, it's clear that the Korean Peninsula continues to engage in provocations and has been actively pursuing a nuclear program.

Last Saturday, North Korean foreign minister Ri Su Yong told that his country will stop all nuclear testing if the US suspends its annual military exercises with South Korea but Obama said that the US government will not taking such a promise seriously. He said until North changes its policies the US will continue to work with South Korea and Japan to enhance their missile defense mechanisms.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (April 25, 2016)


- In the final round of the PiliPinas 2016 presidential debate yesterday in Pangasinan, the presidential aspirants; Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe and former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II, tackled questions by the public such as campaign platforms as well as issues close to voters.

- The Manila Prosecutor's Office will file criminal charges against the arrested hacker of the COMELEC website. The MPO ordered filing criminal raps against the 23-year-old hacker after it found probable cause on the complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation. Late last month, the COMELEC website was hacked and its database was later leaked online.

- The death toll from the Ecuador quake is now up to 654.

- Somewhere in Paris, France, a cherry tree was planted as a symbol of hope that people in Kumamoto, Japan, will recover from recent earthquakes. The planting ceremony took place during an event showcasing Japanese food and culture, as well as viewing of cherry blossoms. Kumamon, the prefecture's mascot, was set up at a site in a park in western Paris, accompanied by a sign meaning "thoughts for Kumamoto".

- Some citizens of Turkey are protesting against the government's plans to build a new nuclear power plant. The Turkish government wants to build the new plant just outside Sinop in the northern part of the country and start operation in the next seven years. An anti-nuclear demonstration was held in Sinop on Sunday ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine.

- Thousands of people in Great Britain have attended the parade in honor of the 400th death anniversary of renowned playwright William Shakespeare. In his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, many people dressed as characters from his famous works while others wore Shakespeare facemasks as they paraded through the town on Saturday.

- The 2017 Lexus IS minor change has been fully revealed prior to its Beijing Auto Show debut.

2017 Lexus IS

- The second-generation Renault Koleos is now fully uncovered before its Beijing Auto Show premiere. Sales in Europe will commence next year.

2017 Renault Koleos

- Phat Company unveiled the first of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls anime DVD/Blu-Ray cover figure lineup. It's Rin Shibuya! She's spearheading this lineup and she's available to order starting at 9,800 Yen plus tax. Deliveries will commence this October.

Phat! THE IDOLM@STER
Cinderella Girls Rin Shibuya

- Osomatsu and Karamatsu are the first two Osomatsu-san Nendoroids available to order starting at 3,241 Yen plus tax. The Osomatsu nendoroid will be delivered this August while the Karamatsu nendoroid will be delivered this September.

Nendoroid Osomatsu
Nendoroid Karamatsu
- Last weekend, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire successfully defeated Hungary's Zsolt Bedak via a third-round TKO to secure this title belt.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, with Lola Nidora and Lola Tinidora still in their acting phase while Alden's busy with his workout routine, Divina called out the Quandos because they are prepping up to an imminent sportsfest.



TTFN!!!

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Actress Pearl Mackie named as the new Doctor Who companion


Finally, a new leading lady who will join alongside 12th Doctor Peter Capaldi in an upcoming Doctor Who adventure has finally announced. Actress Pearl Mackie is now officially part of the Doctor Who world as Bill, the newest companion to The Doctor.

Hailed from Brixton, South London, Pearl honed her acting career at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol and she  recently performed in the National Theatre's West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. Her TV appearance was in a BBC medical drama series Doctors.

It is a genuine delight to welcome Pearl Mackie to Doctor Who. A fine, fine actress with a wonderful zest and charm, she’s a refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to The Doctor’s adventures.” current Doctor Who Peter Capaldi said.

As previously announced, Doctor Who returns for a Christmas Special on Christmas 2016. Do you think Bill will make her first appearance here? Anyway, a new season, which will be the last under Steven Moffat's rule before turning it over to Broadchurch showrunner Chris Chibnall in 2018 (which is the show's 55th year by the way), will premiere next year.

Welcome to the Whoniverse, Bill!

Image: BBC