[STILL] Still more bad case of Toyota's mass recall

While Toyota is going 2012-like or Armageddon-like, there is something that this Japanese automaker still meeting its end of the drivers' lives (from the mass hybrid recalls, unintended speeding acceleration, some blame-it-to-the-cosmic-rays, and more suffering from the world's top automaker).

I found something on the news that the U.S. version of the recent Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, known as the Lexus GX, met its poor conditions, according to North America's Consumer Reports.

Wonder how U.S. Toyota/Lexus dealers decided not to sell the new GX. Maybe the case of SUV rolling cause that makes the GX avoided by consumers until further notice. 

Because of its weight, SUVs tend to rollover because irresponsible drivers think they can drift their SUVs on sharp turns, but no...

YOU CAN'T DRIFT YOUR HEAVY SUV!

Trust everyone. All SUV aficionados need to learn how to drive a SUV effectively without a bad case of rollover and other accidents, especially owners of the new Prado.

Oh, and Korean Toyota owners also suffering from the mass recalls.

Imagine if I was driving a Toyota, then the accelerator was stuck, I'm gonna open its sunroof, open my Fulton recovery system, and whoosh! I'm getting out of the near-accident Toyota! (Note: I put Fulton recovery system on the blog, because in Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, you can recruit knocked-downed but breathing troops with the use of Fulton recovery system. Use it and whoosh!)

Compare Peace Walker to Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

While we wait for Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker to arrive in Asia this April 29, US in June 8, Europe in June 17, and U.K. in June 18, we found some alternative co-op game others want to recommend it to others...

Capcom's Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite (日本名：モンスターハンターポータブル2nd G) for the PSP allows players work together as a team and use an array of weapons to take down monstrous foes. Of course, this game allows you to play by yourself or play with a friend.

Now what happens when two worlds collide?

Since April 7, the day when the final specs of MGSPW were released, Konami teamed up with Capcom (famous for Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Mega Man, and Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney games) to see how Peace Walker is better than Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. Of course, playing yourself or with a friend is much more exciting to take down giant monsters with your MGS weapons.

(Geez, better buy this Monster Hunter game and see how solo or co-op is best works for me)

My comment: One word which makes Peace Walker and MH: Freedom Unite have in common: cooperation. Team work pays off.

Kia K5 (Optima Mk.III)

Previously on November 2009, Kia Motors unveiled the majestic premium sedan, which is rumored to replace the Opirus, known as the K7. (Also known as the Cadenza in other markets) The K7 sedan made an appearance on KBS' action drama that was recently ended a few months ago titled IRIS, starring Lee Byung-Hun. (The promo video made car and K-drama addicts amused) This month, while we are waiting for ABS-CBN to take the distribution rights for this action drama, Kia unveiled another kind of K-machine that is the Lotze's replacement machine and it will be on sale the same date as Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker debuts Asia-wide and soon in the world market as the third-generation Optima. For the big bosses in South Korea, welcome to the world of K5.

2011 Kia K5

In case someone forgot how the naming occurred since the K7, this K-alphanumeric naming on new cars was part of Kia's new naming scheme, inspired from Citroen and Audi, to giving this Korean brand a taste of the West. The "K" stands for Kia Motors, the brand's birthplace (Korea), activeness (kinetic), and sense of judgment. (Kratos) With Kia's new "tiger nose" grille, as seen on present Kia models, including the Sportage R, the K5 achieved a sexier design thanks to the mastermind of Kia design himself, Peter Schreyer. When attaining its feistier form, the K5 is extremely glamorous from the front and the rear view is very attractive to the consumers. The latest Hyundai Sonata cannot stand a chance to the K5's form that is the most seductive medium sedan for adults.

2011 Kia K5 interior

While the exterior is mostly rated M for mature, the K5's interior is rated E for everyone. It looks similar to the upcoming Volvo S60, but honestly, Mr. Schreyer put a lot of hard work deciding how the inside of the K5 looks like and how will this interior attracts men from their bossy ages. With the heated steering wheel, found on the K7, added to warm the driver's cold hands, the K5 adds a new feature called Biocare seats. These new seats summon some fresh air every time when you seat inside. This seating feature is similar to the Sportage R.

2011 Kia K5

The K5's packaging is truly rated XXX for excellence, exceptional, and experience. It has the K7's welcome system that allows the car to open by itself once the owner is approaching the K5. It even has the active eco assist to increase fuel efficiency when cruising on the long and winding road. In addition, paddle shifters are added on the K5 for agile shifting on the run, giving this medium sedan the thrill of the sports car. For safety, the K5 has a list of features such as the lane departure warning system, side airbags, and vehicle dynamics control. The K5 has two different engine variants to choose from;a 2.0L engine with the power output of 165PS and the fuel economy of 13.0km/L and the high-end GDI 2.4L (found on the YF Sonata) with added 36PS of power output and the same fuel economy of 13.0km/L.

My thoughts about the K5:
Slated for Korean launch the same day as Peace Walker arrives this April 29, and soon in the world market, the K5 is not only the Korean medium sedan that is coming to us, only the desire for revenge that tickle a driver's vanity. Actually, I like the rear view of the K5 because it is more of a charm than the YF Sonata is. The present-generation Samsung SM5 seems primitive to tickle one's vanity, but this machine is burning with passion of becoming the top of the Korean medium sedan battle. This car is rated M for majestic.


Photo: Kia Motors America (U.S. Spec Version shown, Korean specification car may vary)

Heavens Divide / Koi No Yokushi Ryoku

This is the Metal Gear series' first character song CD made for those who want to experience both the Peace Walker theme song and the series' first character song made possible by Nana Mizuki, the Japanese CV of Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker's leading lady, Paz Ortega Andrade. This Maxi Single CD was out since Wednesday, April 7, the day when the final specifications of MGSPW were out, preparing for Asia's April 29 release and international version's June release.

Two words to describe this maxi single CD; tender but powerful. The first track in this maxi single CD, Heavens Divide, sung by Donna Burke, is sounded more like Calling to the Night, the ending theme from Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops, but the tone is relaxing at first and energetic all the way to the end of the song. That is why, I consider the song, Heavens Divide, as one of my favorite video game songs in my life. Take note that this song will be included in the Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker OST, coming next week. And now, after talking about Heavens Divide, it is now time to talk about the series' first character song. (Yay!)

The song, Koi No Yokushi Ryoku (which means love's deterrence in Japanese), adds something not only for MGS fans, but fans of Nana Mizuki, the popular seiyuu behind Fate Testarossa from Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha series, Moka Akashiya from Rosario+Vampire, Colette from Tales of Symphonia, and Hinata Hyuuga from Naruto series. It follows the same way as Heavens Divide, tender at first and energetic all the way. You might consider why because it sounded like one of Nana Mizuki's songs such as Phantom Minds, Trickster, Silent Bible, and others, because this is truly addicting in the ears of fans considering the number seven as their favorite number. (Because "nana" is seven in Japanese) It is just like what others said, Nana Mizuki's voice is too sexy for Paz Ortega Andrade. For those who want to hear this massive treat from Peace Walker, this maxi single CD is recommended not just for Metal Gear fans, but for the fans of Nana Mizuki as well. (I'm sure when the English-speaking members of S.C. Nana Net, the Nana Mizuki fan club, reading this blog, he or she will jump through the music store to buy this CD and listen it over and over until its nap time)

THIS TRULY THE BEST SONG YOU WON'T FIND IT ANYWHERE ELSE!

I'LL GIVE KOI NO YOKUSHI RYOKU A MASSIVE THUMBS-UP, SEVEN TIMES IN A ROW! YAY!


Limited Edition: There is a limited edition of this Maxi Single CD. It features an alternate cover of Paz Ortega Andrade (voiced by Nana Mizuki in the Japanese version of MGSPW and Tara Strong in the international version of MGSPW) which others find it amusing.

Aston Martin Rapide

2011 Aston Martin Rapide

The premier British supercar manufacturer, Aston Martin, famous for the cars shown in James Bond movies such as the DB5 from Goldfinger, V12 Vanquish from Die Another Day, and the DBS from two Bond movies, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, has just unleashed the brand's first four-door machine. This machine is blessed with the Bond spirits that brings its Porsche Panamera rival into shallow grave, and this is Aston Martin's ultimate masterpiece in the epitome of the premium sedan category. The Rapide was born.

Even this British car manufacturer creates Bond machines, this brand reveals its firsts to bring Aston Martin fans some twists and turns, just like Bond movies filled with some twists and turns, such as the Toyota iQ-based Cygnet compact, and for the Rapide, you can compromise that this premium sedan is the perfect prop for the upcoming Bond movie. (Hope that current Bond actor, Daniel Craig, might have a fistful of fistfights on this one)

Despite the Rapide is a four-door coupe, the spirit of the James Bond machine lives on, thanks to its design DNA that is truly the heart and soul of the brand that made vehicles reserved by Her Majesty's Secret Service. For many years of hard work done by the engineers, especially tested on the Death Valley to Kuwait, the Rapide possesses as rapid-fire performance only a true Bond star might impress on his missions. Powered with the 6.0L V12 engine, the Rapide boasts almost 500PS of power and achieve regulated top speed of 303km/h, with the 5.3 second split time from the 0-100km run. However, the Rapide's top speed could not catch up against the Porsche Panamera Turbo's top speed, (Because the Panamera Turbo can reach 4.2 seconds on the 0-100km/h run) but despite its disadvantage, the Rapide weighs less than the Panamera, thanks to the use of its lightweight materials used in this premium 4-door coupe. A six-speed automatic Touchtronic II transmission is equipped on the Rapide, providing this sports car less impact on its frugal fuel economy.

For the edge-of-your-seat excitement for the big men, the Rapide is armed with the finest rear entertainment system. This system fulfills most of its qualities only executives want to relax on the long and winding road. With Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, the Rapide utilizes realistic sound and quality compared to a live performance. Once more, you can watch your favorite DVD movies such as Transformers, Final Destination, ID4, Saw, 2012, and Titanic, with its rear monitor mounted behind the front seats, with clearer picture than other premium sedans. For added fun, wireless headphones are placed on the Rapide, giving the word "listening time" to the next dimension.

My thoughts about the Rapide:
What really needs for Aston Martin's first four-door coupe is to have Daniel Craig get behind the wheel on enemy territory. For me, what I will put on the Rapide's wish list is the motion seeking missiles, rapid-fire machine guns, smoke screens, nitrous oxides, and every fancy gadget as I saw on other Bond movies. As for the Rapide, the true spirit of the legendary British spy lives on. It is perfect to rescue the dames from the evil masterminds' plot to destroy humanity. Maybe men like us has the James Bond inside of our hearts, and the Aston Martin Rapide truly has the heart and soul of the two-door Bond cars inside.

How Lokomoko got evolved....

Back in 2008, when ABC5 has just renamed it into TV5, the funny word Lokomoko was added in the Philippine comedy vocabulary and it hams some fun among viewers who wanted to laugh out all night.

At its first installment, Lokomoko was just a teen version of Wow Mali. Of course, there are lots of teen stars poking more fun than other Pinoy comedy gag shows in just a split hour.

Then, in 2009, Lokomoko evolved into Lokomoko High, the show's second installment. With the roster of stars like Alex Gonzaga, Valeen Montenegro, Randolph Stamatelaky, Kim Gantioqui, Cara Eriguel, Empoy, Long Mejia, Caloy Alde, and others, this second installment takes the word "gag" to the next level.

With spoofs from other shows, twisted sketches, ROFL-prone gags, and music video parodies, I can say that Lokomoko High is always a part of fans like me.

And now, April 2010, as part of TV5's new "Kapatid" campaign, and the roster of all new TV5 shows, Lokomoko High is now evolved into Lokomoko U, the third installment of the Lokomoko series. It follows the same humor as Lokomoko High, but the cast has now revised into the following:

1. Alex Gonzaga (returning)

2. Empoy (returning)

3. Rainier Castillo (new entry, he was a Kapuso from GMA7)

4. Valeen Montenegro (returning)

5. Ynna Asistio (new entry)

6. Dianne Medina (new entry)

7. Tuesday Vargas (new entry)

8. JC De Vera (new entry? or returning?)

9. Caloy Alde (returning)

10. Luningning, Milagring, and Mariposa (ex-Wowowee dancers make a new entry to this show)

Let's not forget the Voyz Avenue! They are making a comeback to this third installment!

When I watched its pilot episode, all I can see was, a talented family, cabinet members, sound of silence, Tuesday with her puppet friend, Monday (played by Rainier), Master Showdown (?), and the spoof of some K-Pop song called Oh, by Girls Generation, with some funny Tagalog lyrics. My reaction was still it has the same Lokomoko puns, funny enough to tickle me into ROFL-ness.

Lokomoko U airs on TV5 every Wednesday at 8:00PM

READ BEFORE CHEWING YOUR ACUO GUM!!!

As you may know, the Lotte Acuo gum Japanese commercial with handsome Japanese actor, Ikuta Toma, it's great to say that fresh breath is the best way for this gum.

Now, what if they mix something up for this ad. In a recent Lotte Acuo ad aired in Japanese TV sets, with Ikuta Toma again, they placed three very special guests for this commercial (if you manage to hold your fresh breath while getting close to a woman), the three girls from the hit anime, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya! (There's Mikuru, Haruhi, and Nagato on this ad. but how?)

In this ad, we saw Ikuta Toma chewing a piece of Acuo gum, he just saw something at the boutique. The boutique clerk said that it was already out of stock, but when Toma-san blows his fresh breath, the clerk turn into Mikuru!? Then, the manager appeared and warned him not to turn everyone into anime characters. Toma blows again his fresh breath while apologizing to the manager, then she turned into Haruhi! Toma panicked and running away from the boutique and he encounters three cats in the alley, but Toma's fresh Acuo breath turned three hapless cats into three Yuki Nagatos! Well, that's about it. ROFL

Be careful men. When you are chewing a piece of Lotte Acuo gum, best to hold your ridiculously fresh breath, when you are near a girl. Once she smells your fresh Acuo breath, she will turn into a Mikuru, Haruhi, or Nagato.

It just happened ever since the success of the latest Haruhi movie, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, that was been showing in theaters since February, and caused a sensation among otakus. Even with the movie's success, remember to best keep your fresh Acuo breath discreetly from the women from your radius. Otherwise, you might get an unhealthy dose of "Haruhi-ism".

iPad

The newest addition to the Apple family (the geniuses behind the Mac, iPod, and iPhone) has arrived to bounce against Amazon's Kindle and of course, there will be a certain love-hate scenarios for computer egoists from across the globe. Meet the iPad, Apple's first of its kind.

At first, the iPad looks more like an enlarged iPod Touch, meaning why would they copy something they already had. Of course, we do not blame its superiority, but Apple made a good job creating a hand-held computer built for the next-generation nerds and the nerds-at-heart. If we can say that, the iPad can do everything for the sake of our love for computers, there are a few key points regarding Apple's first of its kind:

- Safari web browser

- Mail app for e-mail purposes

- LED-backlit IPS display gives photo viewing to a completely new level

- 9.7-inch screen allows movie geeks to watch downloaded movies via iTunes like no other. It is also perfect for watching full-screen YouTube videos.

- Same features of the iPod touch; such as listening to music, purchase apps, and the use of iTunes.

... and so much more to mention this wondrous handheld computer. From its introduction, the Wi-Fi connectivity is a standard feature for the iPad. A 3G option may come in later.

Get the full story at :http://www.apple.com/ipad/
My Words on the iPad:
It is not going to be easy obtaining the iPad, because of the pricing of just $499 (or supposedly 23,000 Pesos when it hits our stores), but despite the pricing, the iPad is one of the finest creations by Apple, and it will crush the competition led by the Kindle from Amazon. This gadget not only enlightens the geeks, but also for real men. Try it.

PS3 Easter Eggs...

Sony's Playstation 3 proves that this gaming console is the ultimate video game machine. It allows us to connect to the internet, watch Blu-Ray movies, and like the U.S. commercial, "IT ONLY DOES EVERYTHING".

There are something's going on on the console that "DOES EVERYTHING"?

CASE 1: A new firmware for the PS3 was launched in April 1 (Maundy Thursday), and this firmware removes the use of the OtherOS function. They did this move because some hacker behind the iPhone hack just hacked the PS3's mainframe, therefore this firmware will remove this feature. Geez... it caused a major uproar for those who owned the pre-slim PS3 models. (Because the PS3 slim does not have the OtherOS function, PS2 backwards compatibility, and something, something, something, dark side, something, something, complete. ROFL) I'm glad I didn't use this function because I don't really know what is.

CASE 2: Looking for an infrastructure-like feature on a game with ad-hoc feature? Try to download the new Ad-Hoc party feature on the PlayStationStore. This feature allows PSP owners to use the ad-hoc on to the PS3 and use them with other people using it worldwide. Great when you want to use Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker's Co-Op feature without the hassle of finding someone in person.

CASE 3: The PS3 Slim and the PSP Slim officially arrived in the Philippines and the timing was made to start the Playstation operations in the Philippines. Despite the PSN and the PSP Go unwelcomed in the launched, Pinoy gamers can purchase the PS3 and the PSP at selected Sony dealers in the Philippines. Once more, there will be games for PS3 and PSP will be available at the Sony Stores and there will be more to come later. 

Volkswagen New Second-Generation Touareg

The long wait is over, because Volkswagen, the world's number one car manufacturer in the world, has just unleashed the full model change of its flagship sport utility vehicle, known as the Touareg. Since its launched in 2002 and made a minor change since 2007, it is surprising that the Touareg is Volkswagen's first off-road sport utility vehicle, armed with the capabilities to tear down mud, sand, floods, rocky roads, and every city pavements. This machine is tougher on the outside, luxurious on the inside. This year, the new Touareg is more reinforced than the previous generation and it continues the tradition to please off-roaders with its pride and power, determined to be the best German SUV made for soldiers without frontiers.

The exterior of the all-new Touareg is honestly a "soldier without frontiers" because of the design, that others think it is the same Touareg, with some minor alterations to the front and back. This new style derives Volkswagen new signature look found on the Scirocco. As for the interior, the new Touareg looks like the luxurious premium interior found on the Volkswagen Passat CC, giving the soldiers in business suits some rest and relaxation while tearing down the warpath.

At this second generation's maiden voyage, the new Touareg has the maiden engine choices available such as the 3.0L V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology diesel engine, a 4134cc V8 TDI diesel engine, and the new 3.0L V6 TSI hybrid engine. For innovation, this German Mauser is now armed with the new glare-proof Dynamic Light Assist. The Dynamic Light Assist allows adjusts the Touareg's lighting pattern to reduce its glare and has the ability to perceive incoming traffic at its pace. Aside from this wonderful feature, the new Touareg has the host of features, which finds soldiers useful for terrain combat. The Adaptive Cruise Control seeks the car in front's speed, and intelligently tells to stop or go. This technology is mostly similar to the Toyota Crown Majesta's cruise control capability. The Lane Departure Warning System prevents the driver from crossing to unnecessary lanes (mostly double yellow lines separating the entrance and the exit), and it triggers a beeping sound when a soldier is changing on the wrong side of the lane. This technology is more as the one found on the Nissan Fuga and the Kia K7. A Blind Spot Monitor is added to detect an incoming object coming at the driver's blind spot. This is useful for escape tactics when you are surrounded by the enemy. Lastly, the Area View (similar to Nissan's Around View Monitor) is equipped for parking safety. These features are equipped for drastic combat measures and how you will use these innovative technologies is up to you to decide when or where will you use them.

In terms for escaping from a chase, the new Touareg is armed with the next-generation 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, generated to make full capabilities of its ABS brakes, EDS, and ASR for off-road driving like no other. A V6 variant can obtain a special 4XMOTION system that serves as a Terrain Tech package, gifted to tear down the battlefield at the choice of five levels: on-road, off-road, low, center differential lock, and rear differential lock. In case for soldiers without frontiers ready to find out what transmission is equipped, the new Touareg is armed with the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

My thoughts about the Touareg:
As a favorite among SUV warriors, the new Touareg boasts good-looking design, smart technology, combative performance, and the feel that allows owners to call this car, their own Big Boss of the road. And by this SUV's "Big Boss" feel, the new Touareg targets its number one rivals: the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, Mitsubishi Pajero, and the upcoming second-generation Porsche Cayenne. Combat veterans, powerful politicians, diabolical gang bosses, and wealthy armed men are always welcome to take the plunge of its "Boss" made from Volkswagen. For the second generation Touareg, this SUV will not win or lose; it always finds a reason to fight like real men fighting without honor and loss.

New Buick Regal -U.S. Spec-

2011 Buick Regal

Born and raised in Germany (see :Opel Insignia), appealed in the Chinese market, and prepared to amuse American buyers who are enough of their ordinary premium medium-sized sedans. It is a clear point that the U.S. spec Buick Regal is making a grand comeback to its home country after six years of absence. Of course, we recognize that the new Regal is an OEM of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia sports sedan, only this time, the sedan variant is only available as of press time.

Just what makes the new Regal a true luxury sports sedan offered against the competition? Despite being a "foreign exchange student" from the Autobahn, the design flow from Buick is truly American, giving this new generation model a dual citizenship status from car addicts. Meaning this sports sedan is half-German and half-American, if you know what I mean. This applies the same at the interior as well. The interior of the new Regal is the same as the Opel Insignia, except for the steering wheel, the ice-blue lighting, and the XM Satellite Radio offered as an option. When you spot their differences, it is obvious that the new Regal is sleeker than its European Opel Insignia counterpart is.

In the performance side, the engine line-up of the new Buick Regal is less than the engine line-up of the Opel Insignia. When the Insignia offered several gasoline and diesel engines, including the 2.8 V6 engine offered in the Insignia OPC/VXR range, the Regal only gets two engines as of press time. At the launch, the 2.4L Ecotec engine (soon to be equipped on the second-generation LaCrosse) will be the only mainframe available, while the 2.0L Ecotec turbo engine will become available this autumn. The only feature available as of press time is the six-speed automatic transmission, because the manual version will be available later.

My thoughts about the Regal:
Being a sports sedan with the dual citizenship status is not a joke for this situation. That is because the new Buick Regal was a hailed from Europe as the Opel Insignia, then it made a sensation to the Chinese executives, and it makes a public North American appearance to show the competition in which one has the guts to be the best luxury sports sedan ever made. The new Regal is targeted against other luxury sports cars in the world such as the Nissan Skyline Sedan (Infiniti G Sedan), Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX), Lexus IS250/350, Toyota Mark X, Audi A4, and the Volkswagen Passat CC. Just like the General Motors' "may the best car win" campaign, the new Regal stands tall from the competition, and who knows, we might cross our fingers that we hope we can bring the Regal to our shores, and if possible, the head of Regal Entertainment named Mother Lily Monteverde meets her match.

"Le Nouvelle TV5" Debut

Bienvenue, readers...

I saw an article that Philippines' TV5 (formerly ABC5) is making a major overhaul to prove it stands still against major Philippine TV stations such as ABS-CBN (the Kapamilya network) and GMA. (the Kapuso channel, one of my favorites) It's a fair fight but TV5 Philippines proves its still a worthy contender to the Philippine media industry. According to some sources, TV5 will shake off the "Shake mo, TV mo" slogan, making a logo facelift (a first of two years since TV5 debuted to Philippine soil), and promising a host of new shows, including a new comedy show starring Dolphy, a spin-off of Vic Sotto's Ang Darling Kong Aswang, a third installment of the Lokomoko series, and the return of children's favorite educational show.

Source:http://www.starmometer.com/2010/03/29/tv5-the-kapatid-network-launches-new-shows/

It's a "vive la vive" world for this channel, calling this station a "Kapatid", giving the Kapamilya and the Kapuso some hard time, and the Philippine households might have time to choose which station is the best.

Who's the best Philippine TV Station?

ABS-CBN?

GMA?

or

TV5?

Guess I'm not really bored. This is going to be a fair fight!

KAPAMILYA vs. KAPUSO vs. KAPATID!!!