Saturday, September 30, 2017

Winners of Miss Millennial Philippines 2017

Since July, Eat Bulaga has introduced us their first-ever Miss Millennial Philippines segment where 38 millennial Filipinas representing their home cities and provinces as they vie for the crown and become the ambassador for her homegrown city or province.

Image courtesy: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook page

The grand finals of the show's Miss Millennial Philippines segment took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena where only one of the 38 Millennial Filipinas will be hailed as Miss Millennial Philippines and apart from winning a large cash prize, the winner gets a house and lot as well as a new SUV.

But first, let's get to know the contestants who made it to the winners' circle;

SPECIAL AWARD:
Bayanihan Queen - Miss Millennial Ilocos Norte Dianne Irish Joy Lacayanga
Best in Regional OOTD - Miss Millennial Masbate Vanna Vefsie Discaya
Most Talented - Miss Millennial Camille Folio
Friendship Award - Miss Millennial Camiguin Teresa Cacciangaga
Miss Kopiko Blanca and Miss Millennial Poten-cee - Miss Millennial Malabon Shiara Joy Dizon
Miss Flawlessly U - Miss Millennial Camarines Sur Julia Novel Gonowon

Anyway, 3rd runner-up goes to Miss Millennial Malabon Shiara Joy Dizon, 2nd runner-up goes to Miss Millennial Aklan Eleonora Valentina Laorenza, and 1st runner-up goes to Miss Millennial La Union Carino Cariño.

Which means the first ever Miss Millennial Philippines goes to Miss Millennial Camarines Sur Julia Novel Gonowon. The first-ever winner believes that "...it is always important to have a good heart to have a good place."

Congratulations to the winners of Eat Bulaga's Miss Millennial Philippines 2017

Bubble Gang - September 29, 2017 #BGKillerClown

On the September 29, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Killer clown gags

- The good criminal

- European creatures, you need?

- Boys sneaking through the funeral for food

- Honeymoon surprise

- The spare change joke

- Ngetflix presents Game of Trolls

- Perverts' protest


- Basa-basa-pik!

Friday, September 29, 2017

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Beijing demands North Korean firms to close operations


China has ordered North Korean companies operating in the country to close down.

China has ordered North Korean companies on the mainland to close down 120 days from the passing of the UNSC's latest set of sanctions on the regime.

China's Commerce Ministry said the action is in line with the UN resolution adopted on September 12th in the wake of the North's sixth nuclear test conducted earlier this month.

The crackdown applies to all companies doing business in China, including China-NK joint ventures, and reven restaurants.

Many observers say China was mindful of US pressure to take tough action against its long-time ally and Washington has praised China's movie.

Susan Thornton, the US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told the Senate that "Chinese policy" is shifting. Along with the international community, the US has been ramping up pressure applying substantial sanctions on the North to force it to give up its nuclear and missile ambitions.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (September 29, 2017)



- There have been 6,225 drug-related deaths between July 2016 and September 2017 according to the Philippine National Police, which runs counter to human rights organizations' estimate.

- President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday appealed to the US Congress to allow US President Donald Trump to return the Balangiga Bells in the Philippines. Since the 1950's the Philippines has been unable to make any headway on the issue of the bells in on-and-off negotiations with the US. The bells were taken by the American forces in 1901 as spoils of war.

- The University of Santo Tomas attempted to break the Guinness world record for the largest human sentence formation. An estimated number of 16,729 Tomasinos gathered at the UST football field to break last year's record set by India. In celebration of World Teachers' Day, the participants formed the sentence, “My teacher is my hero!” Guinness has yet to confirm if UST successfully set a new world record.

- The Trump administration declared that its relief efforts in Puerto Rico are succeeding but people on the island said help was scarce and disorganized while food supplies dwindled in some remote towns eight days after Hurricane Maria struck the island.

- Over 130,000 people have fled the region around the Mount Agung volcano on Bali, fearing it will soon erupt. The disaster mitigation agency’s command post in Bali said the number of evacuees has swelled to about 134,200. The figure is more than double the estimated population within an immediate danger zone but people further away are leaving too.

- UN Chief Antonio Guterres urged the Myanmar government to halt military operations that have sent over 500,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh, calling the crisis "the world's fastest developing refugee emergency and a humanitarian and human rights nightmare."

- Honda will display their Sports EV Concept at October's Tokyo Motor Show. In addition, after months of waiting, the new CR-V, currently on sale globally, will have its Japan premiere at this venue.

- Skoda Auto made 20,000,000 vehicles since 1905.

- Toyota, Mazda, and Denso, collaborate for the development of basic structural technologies for EVs covering a wide range of vehicle segments and types.

TTFN!!!

Driving Music Vol. 82


Preparing for the weekends? Get ready for some another batch of Driving Musics that will surely liven things up during your next road trip, whether a trip to a province, a prefecture, to a park, a mall, a bar, or whatever point of interest you, your friends, and your family might come across.

1) Missionary by 平井堅 - from a Toyo Tires Japanese commercial

2) Ready For Your Love by 平井堅 - from a Toyo Tires Japanese commercial

3) Bad Man by Pitbull feat. Robin Thicke & Joe Perry & Travis Barker - from a Honda StepWGN Spada commercial

4) Rise Up by Andra Day - from the Genesis G70 commercial

5) Winter World of Love by Engelbert Humperdinck - from an old Hankook Tire commercial

6) Crockett's Theme by Jan Hammer - from a Kia Concord commercial

7) Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 "From the New World" Largo - from an old Hankook Tire commercial

8) NEW ERA by Nullbarich - from the new Honda Grace commercial

9) Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen - from the Toyota Pronard commercial

10) La Bamba by Ritchie Valens - from the old Vauxhall Nova advert

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment where solves every car enthusiasts' questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Second Generation Chevrolet Traverse

Crossovers have become the very fabric of the American neighborhood and for Chevrolet, there is no exception. Having introduced the Traverse to the American soil nearly a decade ago, it seems that the future of the American neighborhood, much like everyone else in the world, belongs to the crossovers and with General Motors declared themselves out of the minivan race following the sharp rise of crossovers, it's no mistake to introduce the Traverse on American soil and for 2018, the Traverse has now regenerated to make this crossover...ahem...great again.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Here it is, cowboys and equestrians, your all-new Chevrolet Traverse. And by the looks of it, the new Traverse is shaping up the crossover market with its muscular styling, luxurious interior, powerful V6 engine, and loads of tech features that makes it one step ahead of the competition.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

First and foremost, let's take a look at the Traverse's design and whereas the previous model looks more like an average crossover at an average neighborhood, the new model looks rather muscular for a crossover. Think of it like the Marlboro Man dressed for office work and at every angle, all that Marlboro Man aura is flowing through its exterior design. Although some say it can be easily mistaken for its little brother, the new Equinox, with a Tahoe-inspired side view, the new Traverse looks pretty much as juicy as a dozen of Texas chicken served on a basket while at the fair. Tasty.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse interior
It's not just the muscular exterior that makes it juicy for the new Traverse but the interior is pretty large for a midsize crossover and if you go for the range-topping High Country variant, that Jet Black/Loft Brown interior is as juicy as a beef jerky for a midnight snack. Apart from the very generous seven or eight-seater capacity provided by its new Smart Slide Seating, the new Traverse's best-in-class maximum cargo space of 98.2 cu. ft. really gets the job done at work or at play, even when you use it for UBER or lyft purposes known only to yourself. Other notable features include the hands-free gesture liftgate, the secret compartment on the dashboard, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and smartphone connectivity with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. With features like these, the Traverse is a very accommodating crossover fit enough for a Dallas maverick.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Okay y'all because under the hood of the new Traverse lies a 3.6L V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox that produces a very sporty 310HP of power output, 266 lb-ft of torque, and towing capacity of up to 5,000lbs. It's the most powerful Traverse ever made and apart from showing off its muscles on the go, it's also fuel efficient thanks to its idling stop and go function that shuts off when stopped at the set of lights and then restarts when you set off, resulting to an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city/ 27 MPG highway for FWD and 17 MPG city/25 MPG highway for AWD. Later on, there will be a 2.0L turbo for those who are...ahem...liberals who are not interested to the redness of the new Traverse's muscular performance much like today's politics. So, how are those Republicans?

For AWD variants, you can check out this Traction Mode Select that allows the driver to choose four different driving modes, be it FWD on normal roads, 4X4/SNOW when today's forecast calls for slippery roads, OFFROAD, and TOW/HAUL to pull some stuff from behind when you're on a weekend trip to the beach.

In terms of safety, the Traverse comes fully prepared with a host of safety features so it may know when Murphy's Law hits the road such as Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Automatic Braking, Rear Vision Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Park Assist, and many more, including the Teen Driver Feature.

The new Traverse starts at $29,930 and by surprise, it's more affordable to own than America's favorite crossover, the Explorer. This is another reason why Chevrolet is stacking up the competition against the rest but anyway, the Traverse knows how to play a game of top trumps against the other crossovers and what stacks up against the rest is its tech, interior, and performance, although the styling is pretty much the stuff you should never talk on the grown-up table with the others and at this rate, it's facing a harsh opportunity to leave a mark on the world stage because of today's climate. Needless to say, the new Traverse is struggle to survive at this new world order but I'm sure this crossover has the guts to gallop around the hurdles.

Photo: General Motors

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Moon calls for added deterrence against NK



South Korean leader Moon Jae-in vowed to build up the country's own defense capabilities as part of efforts to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons, also saying his country will counter any threat with "strong punishment."

The president said in a ceremony marking the Korean Armed Forces Day, which falls on Sunday. His government's determination to protect peace requires strong defense capabilities.

The ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Korean Navy 2nd Fleet in Pyeongtaek, located some 70km southwest of Seoul.

Meanwhile, South Korea confirms the United States will start deploying its strategic military assets in and around the Korean Peninsula this year.

National Security Adviser Chung Eui-Yong made the remarks during the president's meeting on Wednesday evening with the leaders of South Korea's major political parties . This, as a warning signal to North Korea as it could conduct provocations next month, marking several important political anniversaries.

Then, South Korean police concluded that North Korea was responsible for hacking the country's virtual money exchanges.

North Korean hackers targeted at least four Bitcoin exchanges in South Korea earlier this year in a bid to steal the digital currency. South Korea's cyber police said that North Korean hackers sent emails to South Korean officials from public institutions, such as the police, prosecution, or Seoul City Government but contained malicious software applications.

Last year, North Korea stole the personal data of over 10 million customers from South Korea's website Interpark, an online auction and shopping site, and held it for ransom in exchange for nearly 2.6 million US dollars in Bitcoin.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (September 28, 2017)



- Lawyers of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno ask to cross-examine "resource persons" in impeachment raps at coming hearings. The camp stressed: “Those persons would be full-fledged witnesses, who would be examined by a proponent, and cross-examined by an opponent.”

- Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano says that the Philippines is open for independent investigation over the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs.

- Vice President Leni Robredo denies her affiliation with the new cause-oriented group Tindig Pilipinas despite attending a mass organized by a group. Robredo, along with former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and other Liberal Party members attended a mass for victims of martial law and of extrajudicial killings on the 45th anniversary of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos' Proclamation 1081 declaring martial law across the Philippines in 1972.

- The State of Palestine is now part of the Interpol, a move opposed by Israel, in a vote at the international police organisation’s general assembly in Beijing,  Israel had contended that Palestine is not a state and that it is ineligible for Interpol membership. Under interim Israeli-Palestinian peace deals, a Palestinian Authority was granted limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

- Myanmar's government will manage the rehabilitation of villagers torched during the violence in Rakhine state that has sent nearly half a million Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh, according to the minister.

- The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS lapped the Nurburgring in 6:47.3, making it the fastest production car to lap the Nurburgring.



- Lewis Hamilton commented on the Malaysian GP's departure on next year's season, saying that F1 will lose "one of the toughest" races in history. The announcement that Malaysia will no longer host Formula 1 races from next year onwards was confirmed by prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who cited poor returns for the country relative for the financial outlay incurred in the hosting of the events.

- Makoto Shinkai's your name. film will have a live-action Hollywood adaptation with Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot producing it and Eric Heisserer responsible for the script, according to reports.

- Before Touken Ranbu Hanamaru returns for the second series this January, there will be a compilation film coming this December, just for a catch-up with the softer side of Touken Ranbu.

- Playboy Magazine founder Hugh Hefner passed away at the age of 91.

TTFN!!!

Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid

Two years ago, Honda launched the fifth-generation StepWGN range and while those who own the new model fell in love with its looks and its signature "Wakuwaku door", the 1.5L VTEC turbo engine that powers it never kicked in like every VTEC-powered Honda ever known because while speedo boys love having their VTEC engines kicked in, it's irrelevant in a Honda like this. The solution? If you're not a fan of the turbocharged StepWGN, why not consider the first-ever hybrid variant on the current StepWGN?

2018 Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid
Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid interior

Here it is but Honda points out that the first-ever StepWGN hybrid variant will only be available on the more stylish Spada variant I have no particular reason why they didn't put it on a normal, plain-looking StepWGN because its plainness looks subtle enough for have a hybrid variant but instead, they've jacked into the Spada variant and that drivetrain just spoils the Spada's good looks, especially that now, the StepWGN Spada now boasts a new front nose reminiscent of the previous StepWGN Spada of 2009. With that new look, it's now easier to distinguish between a normal StepWGN and a Spada. Best of all, the signature "Wakuwaku Door" remains, meaning that this unique two-way tailgate that works like a tailgate or opens like a door.

Incidentally, the StepWGN Spada Hybrid is available only in a seven-seater configuration but thanks to the second-row seating configuration, even people from the third-row can get out from it easily but that's just the beginning because, with its class-leading interior dimensions, the StepWGN truly is a well-accommodated minivan for the typical Japanese families.

The StepWGN Spada Hybrid is powered by the same Sport Hybrid i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) as the Accord and the Odyssey. It's the same LFA-H4 2.0L petrol engine-electric motor combination and a li-ion battery that produces a combined power output of up to 215PS of power output when set to Hybrid Drive Mode as well as fuel consumption of up to 20kmpl based on a very relevant WLTC Mode standards. CVT is the only gearbox equipped on this variant.

To compensate for the added weight due to the hybrid powerplant, the Spada Hybrid comes with a specifically-tuned suspension which makes it very comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis but don't expect to make you feel enjoyable because the life of being a family man driving a family minivan is not as enjoyable as it seems, even on weekends.

Like most StepWGNs, the Spada Hybrid comes with the available Honda Sensing suite of safety features but now improved to have eight safety features such as Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, False Start Suppression Function, Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering, Out-of-Road Departure Suppression Function, Adaptive Cruise Control with congestion tracking function, advance car departure notice function, and label recognition. Combine this with the Vehicle Stability Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Start Assist, side view support mirror, Multi-view camera system, Honda Smart Parking Assist, and loads of safety features, and the StepWGN Spada Hybrid is always prepared for whatever's happening on the road ahead and behind.

The StepWGN Spada Hybrid starts at 3,300,480 Yen and before you ask, yes, it's more expensive than today's Nissan Serena, in S-Hybrid guise, but let's be thankful that because with the hybrid powerplant, the StepWGN Spada Hybrid offers more fuel economy than the Nissan Serena as well as the Toyota minivan triplets Noah, Voxy, and Esquire. Safer as well so you never know when you have a big day.

Available colors: Forest Green Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Premium Sparkle Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Premium Deep Rosso Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Honda's NC1 NSX receives the Liberty Walk treatment

Liberty Walk Honda NSX

The new Honda/Acura NSX is a great-looking hybrid supercar when it made a comeback after its decade-long hiatus but for Japan-based Liberty Walk, they're gone overkill with the American-made Japanese supercar with their new body kit made specifically for this thing.

Unlike most Liberty Walk-tuned machines, this NSX doesn't have bolt-on fenders but in typical Liberty Walk fashion, it has been lowered to the ground thanks to its air suspension as well as giving a new carbon front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a massive GT wing that can easily confuse this for a racing NSX. It even comes with a new Forgiato alloys to give it a stanced look speedo boys are raving about.

Of course, they didn't touch the 3.5L V6 turbo engine with three electric motors on it, but for the words of speedo boys, who cares. They just want a lowered-down, racecar-look, NSX that can woo the crowd at their nearest car meets.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: US imposes sanctions on North Korean banks



The US Treasury Department is intensifying measures to further pressure North Korea. The new sanctions target eight North Korean banks including Agricultural Development Bank and Cheil Credit Bank, as well as 26 North Korean nationals who are representatives of the country's banks operating in countries such as China, Russia, and Libya.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions are aimed at fully isolating the regime to achieve Washington's broader goal of a peaceful and denuclearized Korean Peninsula. He added that the measures are in line with UNSC resolutions.

Washington now plans to implement a stricter secondary boycott that prohibits any financial institution doing business with the North from accessing the US international financial network, in order to cut off money funneled into Pyongyang's development of ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (September 27, 2017)



- Opposition lawmakers argue that the 3.7-trillion peso national budget will fund the Duterte administration's "witch hunt and killing spree." Voting 223-9, the lower house on Monday passed on third and final reading the proposed P3.767-trillion budget, but this will still need to be reconciled with the Senate's version of the budget bill.

- There is no official declaration of non-working days in Manila for the 31st ASEAN summit and related meetings in November.

- President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that the deadly Marawi siege erupted after security forces served a warrant of arrest on a drug lord operating here.

- Over 1,200 Philippine and US civilian and military officials took part in the five-day Tempest Wind exercises that focused on counterterrorism and security operations. The first counterterrorism drill between Filipino and American troops strengthen the offensives and response against terrorism as the ISIS has joined forces with the Maute local terror group.

- US Republicans once again failed to derail the Affordable Care Act. The party was unable to win enough support from its own senators for a bill to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act and decided not to put it to a vote, several Republicans said. The bill’s sponsors vowed to try again, but face steeper odds after Sunday, when special rules expire that allow them to pass healthcare legislation without Democratic support.

- Saudi Arabia finally lifted the ban to let women drive. According to Saudi leaders, the decision was to make right the ultra-conservative country’s international reputation, damaged largely by oppressive theocracy such as the draconian ban on women driving.

- Appliance company dyson will launch their first electric car within the year 2020.

- Check out Ken Block and his Hoonicorn tackle Pikes Peak in CLIMBKHANA.



- For Day One at the launch of Forza Motorsport 7 game for XBOX One and Windows 10 PC, there's The Fate of The Furious pack featuring ten cars from the film including Dom's Ice Charger, Letty's Rally Fighter, Tej's GT S, Deckard's F-Type Coupe R, Little Nobody's BRZ, and more.



- Following director TATSUKI's announcement that he is no longer working on the Kemono Friends sequel anime, another news erupted and this time the anime studio responsible for the show, Yaoyorozu pulled out due to communication issues.

- The Underworld film franchise will spawn a TV series, according to reports.

TTFN!!!

PROJECT CARS 2: Driving the newest McLaren in Fuji

For my first session with PROJECT CARS 2, which is now available on the Playstation4 and PC via STEAM, it's time to take a sample with the newest McLaren supercar ever built, which became one of the cover cars of the game, round one of Japan's technical racetrack that was notably used for Super GT races.

720s

Made its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the McLaren 720S marks the next chapter of McLaren's Super Series range, which started it all with the MP4-12C, the first supercar since McLaren's separation from Mercedes-Benz after the discontinuation of the SLR.

Served as the replacement for the 650S, the 720S is powered by McLaren's brand new 4.0L V8 twin turbo engine which produces a titular 720ps of power output and 770Nm of torque. With the the double clutch gearbox, it does 0-60mph in less than three seconds and onwards to 341km/h (212mph).

Apart from the performance it delivers, the 720S features a newly improved Proactive Chassis Control, as well as its new suspension, power-assisted electro-hydraulic steering, and carbon fiber Monocage II structure enveloped by its lightweight aluminium and composite bodywork, which makes it lighter than the previous Super Series lineup.

720s 720s 720s

I've selected Japan's Fuji Speedway to demonstrate the 720S full capabilities as a supercar born for both road and track and of course, being a Bandai Namco game, this track deserves a privilege to give it a go as well as the game's hero car. Since this is PROJECT CARS, this is a racing simulation game that probably separates the guys from the lads, and driving a road-going supercar is no easy task as you have to understand its capabilities before setting off. The same thing goes to the other cars featured in the game because not all cars are made equally because depending on the track they set foot, they behave differently and every skilled driver should know that before setting off.

Anyway, no time for chat because for my first session with this game, time to see how the 720S fares in Fuji Speedway.




720s

Not the best that I hoped for but this is a clear demonstration how does McLaren's newest masterpiece stack up in Fuji Speedway and the very tight corner that served as the challenge for the 720S' handling dynamics.

To see more of the 720S and Fuji Speedway, play PROJECT CARS 2 now.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

BMW 5-Series G30 Touring

2018 BMW 5-Series Touring

Like its sedan equivalent, the all-new BMW 5-Series Touring promises the next-generation of driving pleasure for the next generation of drivers from around the world because of its next-generation technology embodied to its well-sculpted design that meets the demands of today while promising more practicality for the busiest people doing their busiest lifestyles day in and day out.

While tracing the looks from its sedan equivalent, the Touring's silhouette isn't what you call boxy for a station wagon and by the looks of it, this wagon shows its sexier side of practicality. On the inside, it still has the same stuff from the saloon, including BMW's new gesture control system that controls the sat-nav with your gestures. If you have experienced it on the saloon variant, you can also experience it on the Touring and that sounds convenient as long as its not worth distracting to some.

Compared to the previous 5-Series Touring, it's now 10 litres more with the rear seats present, 570 litres of luggage space to be exact. When you fold the rear seats for some purposes like going on a biking trip or delivering essential packages to the clients, it can get up to 1,700 litres, 30 litres more than in its predecessor. Call its a lifestyle vehicle, call it a people carrier, call it a company car, call it what you may but for the new 5-Series Touring, it's all about getting the job done from the beginning to the end of the day.

The new 5-Series Touring offers the same choice of engines as the saloon equivalent from a 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, a 6-cylinder 3.0L petrol, a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel, a 6-cylinder 3.0L diesel, and more to come in the near future, not to mention the M550d xDrive with the world's most powerful 6-cylinder diesel engine ever made, a 3.0L quad-turbo diesel engine producing 400PS of power and mated to an 8-speed gearbox. However, don't count on getting one because too much power is an overkill for a station wagon of this size, unless if you're one of the brave and the bold.

Like the saloon, the Touring comes with the brand new Adaptive Drive system, which combines Dynamic Damper Control with Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation, for a better ride unlike the previous one and get this, the anti-roll bars in this new model are now no longer actuated hydraulically but by means of electric swivel motors. Safety wise, it comes the latest driver assistance systems ranging from Active Cruise Control with incorporating speed restrictions, hazard preview based on car-to-car communication, side collision protection and automatic lane-change, evasion aid, steering and laine control assistant, and more. Nothing like having a well-civilized station wagon that is not-too-shabby to drive everyday, from work day to day off.

The new 5-Series Touring starts at 48,600 Euros and that sounds like slightly more expensive than its rival MB E-Class Estate but even though it's slightly more costly to own than the Benz, the new 5-Series Touring combines enjoyment and practicality which is unorthodox for a station wagon of this magnitude. It's so much enjoyable to drive than the previous model, you can spend all day driving with this Bimmer while nobody's yelling on you.

Photo: BMW

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NK diplomat called Trump tweet "declaration of war"



A top diplomat from North Korea called the latest tweet from US President Donald Trump a "declaration of war" and North Korea has the right to shoot down strategic bombers even not visible on their radar. It was the latest escalation in a week of word wars between the US and the North Korea during the UN General Assembly's annual ministerial meeting.

Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho told reporters that the United Nations and the international community have said in recent days that they didn't want the "war of words" to turn into "real action." But he said that by tweeting that North Korea's leadership led by Kim Jong Un "won't be around much longer," Trump "declared the war on our country."

Under the UN Charter, North Korea has the right to take countermeasures, "including the right to shoot down the United States strategic bombers even when they're not yet inside the airspace border of our country."

Hours later, the White House pushed back on Ri's claim, saying: We have not declared war on North Korea." The Trump administration, referring to the tweet, stressed that the U.S. is not seeking to overthrow North Korea's government. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other Cabinet officials insisted that the U.S.-led campaign of diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea is focused on eliminating the pariah state's nuclear weapons program, not its totalitarian government.

But the more Trump meddles with the North, the harder it may become to maintain cooperation with China and Russia, which seek a diplomatic solution to the nuclear crisis and not a new U.S. ally suddenly popping up on their borders. It also risks snuffing out hopes of persuading Kim's government to enter negotiations when its survival isn't assured.

Source: Associated Press

Let's Do The News! (September 26, 2017)



- The Presidential Security Group is looking into a shooting incident inside Malacañang Park but has yet to issue a statement. Reports told that an unidentified officer was shot in the complex that houses the elite multi-agency unit tasked with securing the president and other VIPs.

- A low-pressure area will continue to cause rainfall over the Metro Manila and other parts of the country according to PAGASA.

- According to Human Rights Chair Chito Gasco, the Philippine government appears to be "in denial" over the human rights situation in the country as it rejected 55 recommendation of UN member-states in its Universal Periodic Review.

- Various government agencies, LGUs, and private establishments are expected to partake in tomorrow's national quake drill set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

- The father of the slain UST law student Horacio Castillo III said that the Aegis Juris fraternity treated his son like an animal.

- The UN human rights office said in a report yesterday that Russia is violating international law in Crimea, including by imposing Russian citizenship on its people and deliberately transferring hundreds of prisoners and detainees to prisons in Russia.

- Iraqi Kurds cast ballots in their autonomous region and in a wide sweep of captured territories on whether to seek independence from Baghdad, a historic vote that has also raised tensions and fears of instability. Over three million people are expected to vote across the three provinces that officially make up the autonomous region and in the disputed territories.

- Porsche unveiled the Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo S E-Hybrid, which is their range-topping variant powered by a combination of a turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine and an electric motor, generating 680HP of overall power output, 850Nm of torque, and 3L/100km of fuel economy.



- Toyota Motor Corporation remains the world's valuable automotive brand according to Interbrand's 2017 Best Global Brands list.

- THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls' Anastasia, in her Story of Revolving Stars costume, has arrived in her 1/8th scale figure glory. This beauty of a figure is now available to order starting at 13,704 Yen plus tax and delivery and arrives this August 2018.



- Little demon Yoshiko Tsushima joins the Lovelive! Sunshine!! figma range. Yours to preorder starting at 5,833 Yen plus tax and delivery and arrives this March.



- New Pokemon Sun and Moon toys from Takara Tomy on the radar! First off, there's a Rotom Dex DX toy coming this November and this replica of Rotom Dex has over 400 Pokemon from the Alola Region on data. You can engage search field and roam around the area in search for Pokemon. Using the Rotom Signal feature, it can be your personal companion in the upcoming Ultra Sun and Moon games. Pokemon joining the Moncolle EX figure range this November are Necrozma, Dusk Forme Lycanroc, and Ash's Pikachu unleashing 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. In preparation for the upcoming Z-Power Ring toy's simultaneous launch with Ultra Sun and Moon, special set, starting at 4,990 Yen plus tax, not only includes the Z-Power Ring but also a special Pikachu Ga-ole disk, Z Power Collection Board, and six Z-crystals including Pikashunium Z, Lycanium Z, Waterium Z, Firium Z, and two new ones to be revealed later. In addition, check out the Z-Crystal sets for 999 Yen each. The Ash set includes Electrium Z, Normalium Z, Alorainium Z, Deciduum Z, and Incinerium Z. The Rotom Dex set includes Steelium Z, Psychium Z, Bugium Z, Pikachurium Z, and Marshadium Z. The Lana and Lillie set includes Fairium Z, Icium Z, Eevium Z, Mewium Z, and Primarium Z. Or for 1,190 Yen, you can check out the Collection Board Set which includes a Grassium Z crystal.

- Check out the trailer for the 2018 Tomb Raider film starring award-winning actress Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft. Like the rebooted game it was based on, this film sees Lara as she tries to survive her first adventure and uncover the island's deadly secret.



TTFN!!!

Monday, September 25, 2017

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

The high-octane thrilling and downright outrageous Kingsman returns for their latest mission, only this time this will be the most challenging mission yet as they're going to take on a powerful shadowy organization bent on world domination.

Kingsman:
The Golden Circle

In this sequel called Kingsman: The Golden Circle, we regroup with the heroes as their headquarters was destroyed by unknown assailants, known to themselves as The Golden Circle. With the world's at stake, the now defenseless Kingsman join forces with their American counterpart known as Statesman as they will risk everything to stop The Golden Circle before they can unleash armageddon.

This film stars Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Taron Egerton, Edward Holcroft, Sophie Cookson, and Vinnie Jones, among many others.

Like the original Kingsman film, this sequel is balls-out lunacy from start to finish for a spy flick where they turn everyday objects into deadly weapons, something that would put Bond and Bourne into shambles and while this film is downright absurd, it's a hilarious rollercoaster ride that will leave viewers in shock and they will leave the cinemas asking just how crazy this film is and when compared to the original Kingsman, this sequel will give the viewers some steel rain.

Just when we thought the world's gone mad these days, this mad sequel to the Kingsman film is even madder than it is now and be warned; this is not for the faint at heart.

My rating: 3.6 out of 5.

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - ISM Connect 300

It maybe Game Day for football fanatics in America but the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race is all about drivers looking for some serious oval racing action and in New Hampshire, which is the case of the ISM Connect 300 race, this is no exception to the madness NASCAR delivers.


In this second race of the Playoffs, 16 drivers fought for the chance to have two more opportunities to advance to the round of twelve.

In the 10th lap, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. started this playoff race getting into the wall again, causing this race to restart. In lap 75, Martin Truex Jr. claimed his 19th stage win and that helps him advance through the round of twelve. In Lap 149, all hell broke loose when Kevin Harvick's car went out of control and went out in smoke, causing a major crash in New Hampshire. Still, the #18 car managed to thread the needle and ends up the stage 2 winner. In Lap 217, the #88 suffered some left rear damage but Earnhardt Jr. keeps on going. In Lap 262, Kasey Kahne's car is facing some problems that need to be fixed at the pit stop, presumably the tires.

After 300 laps of mayhem in New Hampshire, Kyle Busch wins the race, making his third win of the year.

Next race is at Dover for the Apache Warrior 400 race on the 1st of October.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Trump issues new travel restrictions


US President Donald Trump imposed travel restrictions on North Korea and seven other nations which will face travel restrictions beginning the 18th of October.

It is a result of a review after Trump's original travel ban was challenged in the US court. It reads "North Korea does not cooperate with the United States government in any respect and fails to satisfy all information-sharing requirements."

The travel ban on North Korea follows an earlier ban on US nationals traveling to the reclusive state.

Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said President Trump doesn't want a nuclear war with North Korea and his administration will do everything to prevent that from happening. This comes as Trump has engaged in an escalating war on words against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the nation's nuclear and missile program, including their sixth nuclear test.

In spate of word war between two leaders, Pyongyang staged a mass rally in support of Kim Jong Un. Tens of thousands of North Korean citizens took to the streets of Pyongyang over the weekend, denouncing the United States.

A number of speeches were deliver by senior regime officials during the hour-long event, where they reiterated Kim Jong-un's message from the previous day. The protests doesn't stop here. North Korea sent an open letter to global parlaments, calling for their support to denounce US President Trump's aggressive words at last week's UN General Assembly.

It called on all countries that "love, independence, peace and justice" to fulfill their duty to maintain their values and warned that President Trump's threats could spark an all-out nuclear war.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (September 25, 2017)



- The Philippines vowed to probe the death of two Vietnamese fishermen during a sea chase incident last Saturday. Five other Vietnamese fishermen were taken into custody after they were spotted fishing within the Philippine exclusive economic zone 34 nautical miles off Cape Bolinao in Pangasinan.

- The camp of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Larry Gadon against her is  "totally false and baseless" and should be dismissed.

- Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano assures the United Nations that their Armed Forces of the Philippines will retake Marawi City from ISIS-inspired terror groups.

- Players, coaches, and owners across the NFL condemned US President Donald Trump's call to fire the players who kneel during the national anthem.

- Ride-sharing service UBER lost their license to operate in the streets of London, effective on the end of September, according to the Transport for London. The local government body responsible for the transport system in Greater London said that the ride hailing app company is lacking in safety measures and is “not fit and proper” enough to hold a license.

- The second-generation MG6 was unveiled in China and plans to return to the British market by next year.

2018 MG MG6

- See who wins this year's WORLD'S GREATEST DRAG RACE by Motor Trend.



- Subaru will display the VIZIV PERFORMANCE CONCEPT at October's Tokyo Motor Show and in addition, the BRZ STi Sport Cool Grey Khaki Edition and the STi S208 will be appearing at this show as well.

- To honor the second season of Osomatsu-san, there will be a stage play coming this February.

TTFN!!!

2018MY Audi RS3 Sportback und Limousine

About two years ago, Audi launched their most powerful hot hatch in the stable, the Audi RS3. With its 2.5L 5-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 367PS of power and 465Nm of torques, it could have been the most powerful hot hatch ever created by the Volkswagen Group until the currently-facelifted A45 AMG backlashed it with 380PS of power, which is kinda sad. Now, there's a new RS3 that promises to revolve the patterns in super hot hatch hierarchy and more.

2018 Audi RS3 Sportback
2018 Audi RS3 Limousine

Here it is, the new version and at first glance, it looks slightly different than the old, pre-facelifted RS3 until you get to see what's under the bonnet. The 2.5L TFSi engine as we all know it is now upgraded so now it produces 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque. Mated to an S Tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, it can go from 0 to 100kph in 4.1 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph. 280 if you go for an optional performance package.

The fun doesn't stop there because apart from the added performance, there's also the first-ever RS3 Limousine variant, delivering the same thrills from the Sportback, now with the four-door saloon look to make your day as thrilling as the Taken trilogy films, whatever it takes.

It's great to have Audi reclaimed its rightful throne from Mercedes-AMG for their most powerful hot hatch ever made and with all that power output that surprises speedo boys the most, have the dynamics ever changed now that the RS3 has been revised since our first encounter? Uh, sadly, I don't think so.

Of course, even though the RS3 has been given wider track and a sporty suspension setup, it still is very mild to drive in the corners and even with the quattro all-wheel-drive system, it just feels like an overpowered front-wheel-drive car that can fracture an arm in seconds when turning hard on the bends, especially those with prosthetics. This car can hurt you more than the car itself and even if you try turning hard on the corners, it would be very difficult for a mild and menacing car to get out so you need to be prepared with some painkillers while going on a track day with this car.

What about taking it on the normal roads? Well, because this is a high-performance variant of the Audi A3, be it saloon or hatchback if you may, chances are they might notice you slightly because they can easily mistake you for a normal A3 and of course, being slightly incognito in the public roads, there are some features that can draw some attention to the public apart from the noise that doesn't seem too intimidating to some. One such noticing feature is the special RS screen on the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is great on track days, but on normal roads, this is a clear example of why this world has gone with the dogs. Think of it like the villain from Austin Powers going on a shopping spree at the department store and that would be proper comedy if you take this hot Audi for a stroll around the metropolis but this is no laughing matter because in terms of accommodating with the normal crowd, that sport-tuned suspension adds some drama to your daily commute and taking it from points A to B, there's going to be some yelling to do when they confide about you and that RS3.

The pricing is what you should be worried about because the Audi RS3 Sportback is priced at 54,600 euros, and the saloon starts at 55,900 euros and they're about more expensive than its rivals from Mercedes-AMG. Sure, their newest RS3 range reclaimed the throne from the A45/GLA45 but in terms of dynamics, they're still mild and menacing because they still don't have the aesthetics of a Ford Focus RS and without it, be prepared for some cruising with a bruising. 

Photo: AUDI AG

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Driving Music Vol. 81




Going home from your relative's house? From the mall? From a faraway park? From a hotel? From a fancy restaurant? From a party? When you're on a road trip back home, have some Driving Musics to listen at while being stuck at traffic or on the go, especially when you have kids sleeping behind you after that long day.

Turn up or turn down the volume in case of kids sleeping because here comes another set of driving musics to listen at.

1) Voices by Technotronic - from a Kia Sephia commercial

2) 風の回廊 (コリドー) by 山下達郎 - from a Honda Quint Integra commercial

3) Kool It Man by Liftoff - from a Kia Mohave commercial

4) Like A Dream by Gio Aria - from a Kia Mohave commercial

5) Unforgettable by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole - from a Honda Integra commercial

6) Eat the Rich by Aerosmith - from a Honda Integra commercial

7) None of the Above by Duran Duran - from a Honda Integra commercial

8) I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing by Aerosmith - from a Nissan Elgrand commercial

9) O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi - from a Daewoo Arcadia commercial

10) El Sol Sueno - from a Kia Opirus commercial

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment where solves every car enthusiasts' questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.