Saturday, May 6, 2017

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The so-called Guardians of the Galaxy have returned for another one of their greatest hits in the universe and for their Volume 2 mixtape, looks like our ever favorite band of intergalactic vigilantes are up to something next while a powerful alien race chasing them far and wide. This can get very interesting for one of the biggest films pre-summer.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Volume 2 picks up where the previous one left off following Groot's fate sealed and later reemerged as the Baby Groot. In this film, the so-called guardians were recruited by a powerful alien race to protect their most valuable resources but when they discovered that Rocket Raccoon stole the resources they were supposed to protect, that's where the hot pursuit begins and Peter "Star-Lord" Quill and the gang must shake off their pursuers by any means necessary.

The cast from the previous film were returned for this second installment, well almost. There's Chris Pratt as you know who he is, there's Zoe Saldana as Gamora, former WWE superstar and Bond villain Dave Bautista as Drax, and Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket with the addition of other celebs like Kurt Russell as, and this is the shocking part, Peter Quill's father. True to the chemistry from last time, the second installment of Guardians of the Galaxy is not just one film because it still is an action thriller and slapstick comedy all rolled into one so-called superhero flick everyone can enjoy, even the whole family. However, even though this film packs more thrills than the last film, the jokes are still corny than last time and there's one inescapable hunch they should know about. This film is NOT welcomed to be called "cute".

Yes, Baby Groot's presence in this film can be somewhat...you get the point, but because "cuteness" is not welcomed in this film, tough is what best sums this small-but-terrible sapling up because this film is still tougher than you look. It is but be warned, anytime you call this film "cute", you'll be subjected to Baby Groot's buttkicking habits. Simple as that.

Although this maybe the corniest flick to watch and the risk of being called "cute" due to Baby Groot, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is as enjoyable as a road trip with your mates and it's the perfect superhero flick you can bring your friends and family for during the summer season.

My rating: 3.9 out of 5.

Bubble Gang - May 5, 2017 #BGUnderTheSea

In the May 5, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Mermaid gags

- The Manyikas' word of the day is...Salamat.



- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Lapit Na Para Sa 'Ting Kwentuhan, Ang Topic Na Puro Kalokohan, Laging Bida Dito Sa...TAMBAYAN?!

- More words to live by from Tata Lino.

- Today's Patikim Ni Kim recipe is...Lumpiang Sariwa!

- Groups of rallyists are complaining about the system.




- An old man buys some stuff at the store.

- Basa-basa pik!

Super GT 2017 - Fuji


The Golden Week holidays mean that people in Japan spend the rest of their vacation days doing whatever they like and the best example of spending the Golden Week holidays is taking the whole family or friends to the Fuji Speedway to watch the second round of this season's Autobacs Super GT Championship.

Once again, it's another victory for the new Lexus LC500 GT500-spec racing machine as the #38 ZENT CERUMO LC500, driven by Yuji Tachikawa and Hiroaki Ishiura, drove its way to victory for the GT500 class. In the GT300 class, meanwhile, the #51 JMS P.MU LMcorsa RC F GT3, driven by Yuichi Nakayama and Sho Tsuboi, is the clear winner. That's two Lexus machines nailed their wins at their home turf, quite a golden opportunity for those who never take a break on the Golden Week holidays.



The next race is on Autopolis on the 21st of May.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Let's Do The News! (May 5, 2017)



- Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II suggested that President Rodrigo Duterte can be their new DENR secretary if he wishes to do so. The Justice Secretary explained that if Duterte cannot find any replacement for Lopez, the President can head the DENR and name the former Environment Secretary as undersecretary. He used former dictator Ferdinand Marcos as a template because back then, Marcos acted a Secretary of the Department of National Defense while leading the country.

- Authorities launched a manhunt operation against the New People’s Army, after a Philippine National Police sub-station in the Cagayan Valley region was attacked yesterday.

- The Department of Health warns the public of hypertension, which is now the leading cause of death in the Philippines. Over 12 million adult Filipinos experience hypertension.

- Congress has passed the controversial revised healthcare act that will repeal Obamacare once and for all after a vote of 217-213. This bill allows the so-called "Trumpcare" to cut Medicaid, allow insurance companies to kick people with preexisting conditions off their plans, and kick 24 million people off their healthcare coverage, fearing that this will break most of President Donald Trump's core campaign promises. It's now passed to the Senate where it will face some tough competition.

- Yesterday's debate between French presidential candidates, National Front leader Marine Le Pen and Centralist Emmanuel Macron, turned ugly but neither of them landed their finishing blow.

- Delta Airlines apologized on Thursday after a couple said they were kicked off an overbooked flight with their two toddlers so their seats could be given to waiting passengers, the latest U.S. airline to apologize over incidents on board their flights.

- India plans to ban the sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by the year 2030 and focus more on electric vehicles.

- The facelifted Porsche 911 GT3 set a Nurburgring lap time of seven minutes and 12 seconds, 12.3 seconds more than the previous model.

- Singer Morissette announced that she will be co-hosting an Asian reality show to be hosted by Grammy winner Michael Bolton.

TTFN!!!

These are the best anime in its 100-year history

In case you are wondering, the folks from NHK named the best 100 anime in history. The poll collected votes from the 8th of January to March 31 in honor of 100 years of Japanese animation. Folks can choose one from the 10,000 Japanese anime produced so far and vote for three works per day.

Since its deadline, the poll received about 600,000 votes and the winners are named via a special broadcast on NHK and BS Premium. So, in case you missed it, here are the best 20 out of the 100 anime shows that made it in the list. Is your favorite made it on the list?

1) TIGER & BUNNY
2) TIGER & BUNNY The Movie -The Rising-
3) Puella Magi Madoka Magica
4) Love Live! School Idol Project Season 1
5) Love Live! School Idol Project Season 2
6) TIGER & BUNNY The Movie: The Beginning
7) Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
8) Cardcaptor Sakura
9) Love Live! The School Idol Movie
10) Osomatsu-san
11) Gintama
12) Joker Game
13) The Legend of the Galactic Heroes
14) Neon Genesis Evangelion
15) Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
16) Is the order a rabbit?
17) Mobile Suit Gundam
18) Digimon Adventure
19) Psycho-Pass
20) Sword Art Online




The Tiger and Bunny anime series scored big wins in the list as well as the original Love Live School Idol Project ranging from two seasons and a 2015 movie. It's no surprising that these anime franchises really are one of the all-time greats when fans look up to 100 years of anime.

FH3 Blizzard Mountain: Sub-Zero Hour

If you managed to collect as many as 100 stars in Forza Horizon 3 Blizzard Mountain, that entitles you to the grand finale of this snowy wasteland. Called KINGMAKER, the epic Blizzard Mountain finale covers almost the entire map pretty much like the main game's Goliath Circuit, except it's three and a half miles less than the said track.

Despite being three and a half miles less than the main game's Goliath Circuit, don't let the size fool you because this is the most challenging race you'll ever take on, and with the added blizzard warning occurring, looks like you're in for a cold war against the elements. Brave this epic finale and you will secure this prize;



You are rejoined by the Gymkhana 9 Focus RX as seen at the start of the Blizzard Mountain. Yep. Like they said; where it all began, where it all must end. You've started your journey with a warm welcome with this HOONIGAN machine, now you're going to end it once and for all and keep this machine in your collection, serving as proof that you've survived Blizzard Mountain like a daring sherpa in the Himalayas.

So, care to see the daring sub-zero finale?



And there we are. The KINGMAKER has conquered and a survivor is named. Even though I survived Blizzard Mountain, the struggle is far from over because there are more challenges that need to be conquered so if I feel the urge to dare myself back to the frozen wasteland, I can come back anytime I want. In the meantime, let's go home to celebrate the moment I survived Blizzard Mountain. Time to throw a party!

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Let's Do The News! (May 4, 2017)


- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano will head the 16-man delegation of the Philippines in the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, presenting the Human Rights-based Development Program of the Duterte administration and the country’s responsibility to adhere to all eight international treaties.

- Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre confirmed that gambling operator Charlie "Atong" Ang allegedly plan of ambushing him and make it look like it was perpetuated by the government. According to Aguirre, a reliable source made mention of Ang’s alleged plan, which will take place this week, so that the DOJ gets blamed for the said attack and that it will justify the Senate inquiry being proposed by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Ang.

- A military helicopter crash landed during an Air-to-Ground and Disaster Rescue Operating Training at Camp Capinpin, Sitio Hilltop, Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal, killing three personnel onboard.

- The House of Representatives approved yesterday a consolidated bill imposing a six-peso diesel tax and increasing levies on other oil products and on cars. The measure also seeks to reduce personal income tax. Under the proposal from the Department of Finance, the diesel tax and increased levies on other oil products and on cars will take place at the start of July.

- Prince Philip, age 95, will be permanently stand down from royal duties in the autumn, according to the Buckingham Palace official.

- Yesterday, Balch Springs Police Chief, Jonathan Haber, announced that he sacked the officer who killed Jordan Edwards last weekend. The officer, named Roy Oliver, is appealing his termination.

- Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach was named UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, continuing her advocacy in the fight against AIDS.

TTFN!!!

FH3 Blizzard Mountain: CLIO!!! On Ice

The Renault Clio RS 200 EDC may not appeal to most car enthusiasts to its dual-clutch gearbox that feels like you've arrived at school a second late but with a little smart thinking and a little imagination, this Clio might be up to something for your satisfaction.





The Renault Clio RS 200 EDC is powered by the same 1.6L DIG Turbo engine from the Nissan Juke crossover, producing 200PS of power output and because it's mated to a 6-speed EDC, it does 0-100kph in 6.7 seconds and flat out in 225kph, which isn't so bad for a good-looking five-door hot hatchback. I know that this car is quicker than the old Gen.3 Renault Clio RS 200, the last to be a three-door hatchback with the manual gearbox to it, but since I am very familiar with the way it handles, feels like it's challenging even for a beginners' car, even in extreme icy conditions felt in Blizzard Mountain.

Although the handling is not what you called beginner's luck, I wouldn't want this one to go to waste because there's something else I can do with this hot Clio...with a little help.







Tweaked to RS 220 EDC Trophy specifications, decorated in something I'm familiar with, and finished in yellow, this Renault Clio's ready to take on Blizzard Mountain like an oblation run, and for its outing, we went downhill because that's what the Clio wanted to do in a snowy place like this, going with the flow. If that's what this hatch wants, so be it.

With the car fully prepared for the job, we set off to do some downhill fun in the snow. However...

I noticed something strange with my Clio and no, it's not the mechanical bits that got me worried. Something fishy going on...Wait! I know! It's those shady duo who swapped my snow tires for regular street tires! Darn, they're good, but what should I do now? How can I win a Blizzard Mountain race with a set of regular tires?! Well, some people claim that they can win a race without a little help from the snow tires but the best way to do such a feat...is by going downhill and because the venue is set, let's see if I can make it out alive by winning a race without snow tires.





Racing without snow tires can be very challenging but racing on a downhill without snow tires can be even more challenging I managed to survive and won the race. Good job for the Clio. Even though I have doubts about the way it performs, I am glad that this hot hatch made me pleased despite the delay tactics from its double-clutch gearbox. With a little bit of imagination, it can achieve almost anything, even in extreme icy conditions as long as nothing's wrong with it.

Speaking of which, I now have 100 stars! That means I'm invited to the finale! Better get ready for the icy finale here in Blizzard Mountain but what could it be? Watch for it!

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Let's Do The News! (May 3, 2017)


- The Court of Appeals has officially rejected Gina Lopez's appointment as DENR secretary. Reason for her denial is because of conflict of interest, collection of fees, and arbitrary closure of mines. Senators are saddened by this decision.

- The Director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, General Isidro Lapeña is worried that drug trade in the Philippines is worsening. According to him, over four million Filipinos are addicted to illegal drugs, which is labeled as a threat to national security.

- Vice President Leni Robredo admitted that she borrowed money for partial payment of election protest pass deadline.

- Eight civilians are killed on a suicide attack on a NATO convoy somewhere in Kabul, Afghanistan.

- 15-year-old Jordan Edwards was shot to death by policemen in a Dallas-area suburb last weekend. Jordan is one of the over 330 people who have been killed by police brutality this year. Jordan and his friends were leaving a party when police officers responded to a call about some unruly teenagers in the neighborhood. One of the officers opened fire on Jordan's car, shooting and killing the 15-year-old honor roll high school freshman.

- Bandai Namco Entertainment unveiled their first look on their upcoming post-apocalyptic RPG game, Code Vein, coming soon this 2018.


- CAPCOM temporarily pulled out the "Temple Hideout" DLC stage for Street Fighter V video game due to the BGM of the DLC stage containing Islamic chant, despite the stage is set in Thailand.

- Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach finally breaks her silence on her recent issues about her and her boyfriend, racing driver Marlon Stockinger.

- Singer Ed Sheeran spills the beans on his upcoming guest appearance in the upcoming season of the hit HBO TV series, Game of Thrones.

TTFN!!!

Peugeot 5008 II

As SUVs becoming the dominant species of the automotive world, surpassing minivans and tourers across the globe, the Peugeot that was once a minivan in the past, the 5008, has been transformed into a crossover utility vehicle in same way what happened to the Renault Espace. Because this is now a SUV, you won't be taking it to your nearest minivan society with your mates anymore because this is no longer a minivan anymore but in terms of making the grade, the new 5008 is a worthy contender in the war of seven-seaters.

2017 Peugeot 5008

No, you're not seeing things, ladies and gentlemen. This really is the new 5008, the 5008 that was used to be a minivan is now a crossover and this new model serves as the flagship SUV of the Peugeot family, whatever the heck it is. Peugeot says that the new 5008 promises to pursue the brand's move up-market strategy, to be an international success, and to become the leading benchmark C-segment large seven-seater SUV, although this crossover expects competition from other seven-seater SUVs from Asia, America, and Europe, so to try to up the game, the new 5008 comes ready with a wide-array of features that will swoon drivers and breadwinners alike.

2017 Peugeot 5008
2017 Peugeot 5008 interior

Back when it was a minivan, the previous 5008 looks nice to look at but now as an SUV, the new 5008 looks more like an enlarged 3008 or so they say. Either way, it's a great thing both the old and the new one had in common; they don't have sliding doors so who cares about it. Besides, van men who want a Peugeot with sliding door should go for the Traveller, the Combi range, and the Tepee range. Easier said than done, but this is getting off-topic right now because this is the Nouvelle SUV 5008 I'm talking about and let's investigate more about this new model because like I said, the new model is more like an extra-large version of the latest 3008 by the looks of it but on the plus side, the side view isn't as a letdown on the sidelines as the new 3008, so that's okay.

Inside, the new 5008 is all about technologically advanced and practical for drivers and breadwinners alike and with this new interior, it's almost enough to forget every seven-seater SUV you've been into, although being a seven seater gives you a lot of pros and cons based on personal experience. One for instance, the second-row seats which gives you plenty of sweet spots to be into until child seats would ruin them, forcing you to slip into the third row or not riding shotgun at all in case of situations like carrying stuff in the back, even if the back is now more spacious than the previous model and comes with a power liftgate inspired by the Ford Escape, which involves footwork under the rear bumper. Sounds more like personal experience to me but there is a chance that they might let you ride on the new 5008 just to flicker on the tech stuff offered on the dashboard or sticking on the sweet spot you know in the hopes of not landing you to the dreaded third-row seating but let's leave it anyway and move on.

2017 Peugeot 5008

Thanks to the new platform, the Peugeot 5008, despite its size, handles like a sedan. It can be either comfortable or enjoyable at the same time and this is a major improvement compared to the dynamics felt from the time the 5008 used to be a minivan, which is biblically awful by today's standards. That sounds positive for the new model but even though it's classified as a sport utility vehicle, there is no four-wheel drive present and its main excuse is its Advanced Grip Control feature that allows this car to handle tarmac, gravel, mud, sand, or snow, at the flick of the knob as well as the Hill Assist Descent Control.

Under the hood, the new 5008 SUV offers a choice of 1.2L PureTech, 1.6L THP (the most powerful in the normal range), 1.6L BlueHDi (the most fuel efficient in the range, mated with either a 6-speed manual or automatic), and a 2.0L BlueHDi (the most torque in the normal range). All of those engines are EURO 6 compliant.

One thing you should be aware of is the Driver Sport Pack that comes with a wide array of improvements to make the handling even sharper than before because while this makes the 5008 slightly more enjoyable, handling on a day-to-day basis is even more stressful than your desk job. It maybe the least of your problems but the GT version, powered by a 2.0L BlueHDi engine with 180 PS of power while mated to a 6-speed automatic, is what should you be worrying right now. While it promises to be a crossover that was designed for families and drivers alike, its sporty handling is what going to upset you in terms of comfort and even if you take advantage of all the luxury features in both the GT and the GT-Line variants, courtesy of the i-cockpit Amplify, you still feel like you're living in a motel rather than a fancy hotel downtown. The GT maybe the ultimate 5008 for now but don't get use to its title because things can get messy with this one, though.

To deal with today's traffic conditions, the new 5008 comes ready with a wide array of safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and Distance Alert, Active Lane Departure warning system, Driver attention warning system, Peugeot Smartbeam Assistance, Speed sign recognition and speed suggestion, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop feature (ACC Stop), Active Blind Spot Monitoring system, Park Assist, and Visiopark 1 and 2.

Should you buy one? The new Peugeot 5008 starts at 26,700 Euros plus on-road costs, making one of the most competitively priced seven-seater SUVs in the market and you can really make a deal getting your hands on this new one. It's surprisingly ten grand less than its model crossover, the Renault Espace, the one that used to be an MPV until it becomes a crossover SUV.

Turning an MPV into an SUV is the harshest thing to do for most carmakers for numerous reasons we don't know and the 5008 is no exception to today's trends but despite being an SUV, its status of being a people-mover is still here and its handling is slightly even better than the old one, well save it on GT models. It really is a worthy contender in the crossover market.

Photo: Groupe PSA

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Let's Do The News! (May 2, 2017)


- According to a lawmaker, there is a 50-50 chance that the controversial DENR Secretary Regina Lopez will be confirmed in her current job. Lawmakers will vote on Wednesday on whether to confirm or reject Lopez on her post.

- Last Labor Day, President Rodrigo Duterte threatened businessmen to pay their unpaid taxes within three months or face severe consequences.

- The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas dropped its longstanding call for Israel's destruction but said it still rejected the country's right to exist and backs "armed struggle" against it. According to a policy, the group also said it would end its ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, a move apparently aimed at improving ties with Gulf Arab states and Egypt, which view the Brotherhood as a terrorist group.

- According to reports, US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will speak via phone call on Tuesday.

- Hollywood writes and representatives of movie and television conglomerates resumed contract talks aimed at staving off a strike as early as Tuesday that could black out TV talk shows and soap operas.

- As Portland police rejected permits for May Day, the protests turned violent and police arrested numerous people and used non-lethal weaponry against protesters whom they described as anarchists. Other May Day gatherings around the world were relatively peaceful, but police geared up for confrontations in the Pacific Northwest's biggest cities, Portland and Seattle, where previous protests have created havoc.

- Ewan McGregor will star as Christopher Robin in an upcoming live-action rebirth of Disney's Winnie The Pooh.

- Actor Gardo Versoza was involved in an accident during shooting of an episode of GMA's TV drama, Destined To Be Yours.

- Seattle Seahawks player Russel Wilson and his wife Ciara gave birth to their baby girl.

- The Porsche Cayenne S diesel towed a 285-tonne Air France Airbus A380, breaking the previous “heaviest aircraft pull by a production car” Guinness World Record by 115 tonnes.


TTFN!!!

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - Toyota Owners 400


The Toyota Owners 400 race for the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup at Richmond International Raceway gave spectators the 400 laps of their lives by witnessing every NASCAR drivers' interesting moments from start to finish.

This race has became a festival of punctured tires every other lap but one of the most interesting part of this race is the photo finish at the end of the first stage where Kyle Larson snagged the line a second quicker than Martin Truex Jr. in order to obtain some stage points, while being behind Kenseth, who grabbed the 10 pointers at the end of stage one. Quite an interesting feat happened in this race. Also, at the end of Stage 2, Brad Keselowski, driving the #2, cleared the stage and earned 10 points, his first stage win of the year.

One major twist in this race is when both Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. collided each other but that didn't stop them from racing.

However, the winner of the race is Joey Logano, driving the #22 Ford Fusion, and this is his first win of the season.

The next race is on Talladega Superspeedway on the 7th of May.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Let's Do The News! (May 1, 2017)


- Numerous groups carried out protest rallies in different parts of Metro Manila during Labor Day. Workers are demanding the end of Contractualization, wage increase, and housing. These groups include the KADAMAY, KMP, Association of Genuine Labor Organizations, and many others, causing traffic to a standstill.

- Meanwhile, the Kilusang Mayo Uno is unhappy with the Duterte administration for failing to eradicate contractualization. KMU chairman Bong Labog revealed that they are disappointed with the Department Order released by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello. The group believes that the DO allows employers to practice End of Contract or ENDO, and does not obliges them to regularize employees.

- Due to the popularity of ABS-CBN's hit action drama series, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, the morale of the members of the Philippine National Police have allegedly boosted because of the hit TV series.

- Several passengers were injured on an Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Bangkok when their Boeing 777 ran into "severe turbulence" 40 minutes before landing at the Thai capital on Monday.
- Yesterday, US President Donald Trump celebrated his 100th day as the President of the United States with cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally, touting his initial achievements and lashing out at critics who have given his tenure poor marks.

-The American service member who was killed in the bomb blast while on patrol outside Mosul was identified as 1st Lieutenant Weston Lee.

- The United States will begin the probe into whether thermoplastic components used in some Japanese and German cars sold in the country violate its patent laws, according to reports. The US International Trade Commission last week listed 25 companies in the probe, including BMW, Honda Motor Co Ltd, Toyota Motor Corp, along with Japanese parts suppliers Aisin Seiki Co Ltd and Denso Corp.

- The Sauber F1 team announced that their cars will be powered by Honda engines starting next season.

- See former NASCAR superstar turned endurance racing driver Jeff Gordon sample the taste of car simulation.



- Check out the latest clip for the upcoming THE IDOLM@STER Million Live Theater Days app game, coming this year.



- In last night's coronation ceremony of this year's Binibining Pilipinas, the beauty queen will represent the Philippines for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant goes to the Fil-Brit named Rachel Peters. Other winners will represent the Philippines include Binibining Pilipinas Globe Nelda Ibe, Binibining Pilipinas International Maria Angelica de Leon; Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Chanel Olive Thomas; Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Katarina Sonja Rodriguez; and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Elizabeth Durado Clenci.

TTFN!!!

F1 2017 - Russian GP


For the first time in his 81st racing career, Valtteri Bottas of the Mercedes-AMG team won his first F1 race at the Russian Grand Prix, held at Sochi, while leaving both Ferraris a 2nd-3rd place finish.

Before the race, McLaren's Fernando Alonso faced problems with his vehicle during the formation lap and therefore restarted to let his vehicle recovered after another major mishap by the McLaren-Honda racing team. When the race begins, some messy stuff occurred with the collision between Renault's Jolyon Palmer and Haas' Romain Grosjean, and mechanical problems forced Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo to retire,

As the race reaches its climax, both Ferrari drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, are gunning down Bottas but they couldn't make it as Bottas wins the race and placed Vettel and Raikkonen 2nd and 3rd.

Post-race, Vettel is still leading with 86 points with Lewis Hamilton 13 points behind him and Bottas, who won this race, now 10 points behind Hamilton.

Next race is on Spain this 14th of May.

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Audi A5 II Cabriolet

Last time, the Audi A5 has reached in second generation and so far, only two body styles have been introduced to us; the coupe and the five-door sportback version for those who think they couldn't afford the A7. Now with the convertible version, all three body styles of the new Audi A5 are now available as promised. So, what's it all about the convertible version of the new A5?

2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Priced at 44,000 Euros, which is seven grand more than the coupe version, the new Audi A5

For starters, the new Cabriolet version looks vaguely identical to the normal coupe version, only this time with the retractable soft top that can be opened or closed at the touch of a button in less than 18 seconds, per se, especially on travelling speeds of up to 50kph. 

Apart from that, check out what Audi did on the inside and yes, it comes with the first ever seat belt microphones to communicate both driver and passenger even when the top is opened. Hold on. Seat belt microphones? Why they made such a noticing feature where you can talk to anyone close to you? Well, that was kind of anticlimactic for Audi to make a feature that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, while the so-called seat belt microphones are as useless as a belly button lint, this is still the same A5 interior as the others. as well as the tech array especially the available "Technology Selection" which comes with smartphone connectivity for iPhones and Androids. These tech features really put the open-top versions of the 4-Series and the C-Class out of context or so they said.

Behind the tech-laden stuff comes the performance, which isn't surprising for luxury convertible standards. We know that this convertible version slightly weighs more than the coupe version due fact that this is the stiffest in its class but for convertible standards, it weighs 40kg less than the outgoing A5 Cabriolet, meaning in the base model, that weighs 1690kg. Not bad, but don't celebrate just yet because the A5 Cabriolet offers almost the same choice of engines as the Coupe version, ranging from a 2.0 TDi, 2.0 TFSi, and the 3.0 TDi engine. The most powerful in the normal A5 Cabriolet for now is the 2.0 TFSi engine with 252PS of power while the most economical is the 2.0L TDi with combined fuel economy up to 4.6L/100km.

2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet

Of course, if you're unhappy with those above, there's the S5 Cabriolet, a semi-hot version of the A5 Cabriolet that is priced at 67,800 Euros plus tax and delivery, now with a 3.0 TFSI engine producing 354 PS of power and top speed normally limited to 250kph, while mated with a tiptronic gearbox. Again, not so sporty as it sounds for a semi-high performance convertible.

Yes, the new model may not be as dynamic and attractive than the competition, the tech, the quattro all-wheel drive system, and its cruising character shows that you don't need to prove a thing to drive a luxury convertible that can get you from points A to B just like the next guy and it wants to follow its own path. Let's face it, folks, while this is not the ideal luxury convertible to thrash around the streets like a maniac, this refined beauty is something worth beholding on the road, even on weekends.

In other words, while it may not be a great convertible to have it around, this is still as civilized as the next person and it's hard to fathom what to do with it when you got your hands on the new A5 Cabriolet. While this is an improvement from the previous A5 Cabriolet, it's still beyond regular for a luxury convertible of this caliber.

Photo: AUDI AG

Doctor Who S10E03


The third episode of BBC Doctor Who Series 10 sees The Doctor and Bill Potts entered the wintery 19th Century London where an enjoyable experience at a World's Fair on the frozen River Thames became a risk-taking, decision-making, mission that tests The Doctor's judgment.

A string of mysterious disappearance at the World's Fair on the River Thames led to them to investigate what's going on in the depths of the frozen waters but there's more to it than that because while there are some risky decisions to make for The Doctor, they got to the bottom of the truth and settle things once and for all to save the people before getting submerged into thin ice.

Now that was worth the risk for the two of them but there's an even riskier one coming next week so in the meantime, check out the behind the scenes footage from this week's episode.



NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

2017 Radio Disney Music Awards


Ever since this year's Radio Disney Music Awards was announced a few months ago, listeners voted for their favorite artists in hopes that they will take home the ARDYs. This year's performers are Train, Hailee Steinfeld, Noah Cyrus, Julia Michaels, Grace Vanderwaal, and many others as well as presenters of this year's awards such as Kelsea Ballerini, Jordan Fisher, Descendants 2's Sofia Carson, Alex Aiono, and Stuck in the Middle's Jenna Ortega.

So, in case you never been in the Microsoft Theater at Los Angeles or if you don't want to watch the primetime telecast of this year's awards, here are the list of this year's winners;

Favorite Tour - Selena Gomez's Revival Tour
Best Breakup Song - Shout Out To My Ex by Little Mix
Fiercest Fans - Harmonizers
Best Song That Makes You Smile - 24K Magic by Bruno Mars
Radio Disney Country Best New Artist - Maren Morris
Best Crush Song - Let Me Love You (feat. Justin Bieber) by DJ Snake
Best Collaboration - Bad Things by MGK x Camila Cabello
Best New Artist - Grace Vanderwaal
Favorite Social Media Star - Jake Paul
Best Song To Lip Sync To - Work by Rihanna
Radio Disney Country Favorite Artist - Kelsea Ballerini
Best Group - Fifth Harmony
Best Dance Track - Cold Water (feat. Justin Bieber and Mo) by Major Lazer
Best Male Artist - Niall Horan
Best Female Artist - Ariana Grande
Song of the Year - Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes
Radio Disney Country Favorite Song - Peter Pan by Kelsea Ballerini
HERO AWARD - Nick Jonas
ICON AWARD - Britney Spears
Breakout Artist of the Year - Alessia Cara