Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Think you know flags? Just ask Kuya Jobert...!?

Woopie! More Kuya Jobert damoobs in the April 05, 2011 episode of Banana Split Daily Servings! When Igi Boy is making some kind of a school project (hey, it's summer, it's not the time for school projects), Kuya Jobert showed up and with the flag confusion, Kuya Jobert explains Igi Boy that he knows all flags because his family were so-called historians. Care to know about the flags?

Flag No. 1: Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe flag

Kuya Jobert calls it: People's Republic of Posporonious (making matches?)

Flag No. 2: Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea flag

Kuya Jobert calls it: Republic of plantational family of Europe

Flag No. 3: Mozambique

Mozambique flag

Kuya Jobert calls it: the Plants vs. Zombies flag

Flag No. 4: Moldova

Moldova flag

Kuya Jobert calls it: FEU Tamarraw fighter Blue Eagle communication department of Asia

Flag No. 5: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina flag

Kuya Jobert calls it: Hey, is that Kuya Jobert's shorts? Eewww...

Flag No. 6: Seychelles (?)

Seychelles flag (?)

Kuya Jobert calls it: Republic of rainbow connection

Number of flags Kuya Jobert know: 0/6

SUPER LOLZ!

GM Korea Chevrolet Captiva

After the name change from GM Daewoo Auto and Technology to GM Korea Company since March 2011 and successfully transformed all Daewoo cars into Chevrolet cars except the Damas, Labo, and the flagship sedan Alpheon, the company seems to be gaining a lot of customers from South Korea to worldwide. With the introduction of the Orlando ALV, Aveo 5-door, Camaro, and the Corvette C6 to the Korean market, the fifth out of the eight planned models is now out and the new Chevrolet Captiva (쉐보레 캡티바) is the new name of the Daewoo Winstorm SUV, which was launched since Autumn 2006.


2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Captiva


The whole world will see this as a minor change but here in South Korea, it's their debutante. A new name for the once forgotten Daewoo Winstorm, which didn't share success against the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. For the debutante in South Korea, the GM Korea Chevrolet Captiva gained an aggressive front view based on the Chevrolet Aveo/Sonic while the Winstorm rear was retained. With its strikingly bold design, I'm sure that there is hope for this crossover built from Bupyeong-gu, Incheon.


2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Captiva interior


The interior has mildly revised to be more premium while retaining its 7-seater capability. With equipments such as Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six airbags, USB Integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and Touch-screen system, the Chevrolet Captiva is one handy crossover suitable for your hectic lifestyles. This SUV can be perfect on your weekend getaway when you need it. Also, the seats can be folded for enhanced luggage-carrying conveniences and other things to do.

Two engine types are available for the Chevrolet Captiva such as the 2.4L Ecotec petrol engine and the 2.2L VCDi (Variable Turbocharger Common Rail Diesel Injection) engine. The 2.2L CRDi engine with VG Turbo intercooler makes 184 PS of power output and 40.8 kg.m of torque. In fuel economy, the Chevrolet Captiva 2.2L 6MT 2WD variant gets 15.9km/L of fuel economy while the Captiva 2.2L 6AT 2WD offers the fuel economy of 13.9km/L.

The available 4WD system on the GM Korea Chevrolet Captiva splits the torque between the front and rear wheels, depending on what road conditions this crossover may face. At first, it runs on 2WD mode for optimized fuel efficiency but when it seeks a 4WD-only terrain, about 50% of torque applies to the rear wheels. The Electronic Stability Control and ABS brakes are the major functions for the Captiva's 4WD system.

My thoughts about the Chevrolet Captiva:

The world market will see the new Captiva as a "kouki" or minor change but in the South Korean market, the Chevrolet Captiva name is a debut name and replaces the weakened Daewoo Winstorm as part of turning the weak Daewoo into the internationally-known Chevrolet. There is hope that The Covenant Car Company Incorporated will bring the Captiva minor change soon but even with the CRDi-VGT engine armed on the new Captiva, it still wont compete against our Mitsubishi Montero Sport GTV but the design is truly a global winner. Need I say more? Enjoy the debut, Chevrolet Captiva, and the 18 roses are waiting for you...

Photo: GM Korea Company

The Chaparral 2J Race Car is hard to find and hard to get at GT5 because of its expensiveness

2J Race Car spending its glory days


The Chaparral 2J Race Car is definitely a hard-to-get and hard-to-find vintage racer in GT5 because of its expensive pricing that is "a little more than 14 million credits" and finding it on the used car dealer can be very hard because it will take some time to appear and when you showed up at the used car dealer empty handed, you may not get this vintage fan car that was once banned in real life because of its unfairness.

The vintage fan car attacking the expressway

You may be familiar about the Chaparral 2J in the past Gran Turismo games but a few don't know what's with this classic race car. The Chaparral 2J is an orthodox racing machine created by Chaparral Cars. It is mated with a 700 HP engine and a 3-speed semi automatic transmission. What understands this race car is the fans on the back that provide some speed boost. It was once competed in the CanAm series but later banned because the other CanAm racers said this was unfair for a fan car. If they did not ban this car, this fan car would have been invincible and unstoppable in the CanAm races.

Every time when I participate my B-Spec drivers on the Classic Car race, they got themselves beaten by the Chaparral 2J. No matter which car I chose for them, even the Jaguar XJ13 or the Toyota 7, they won't work because the Chaparral 2J is too fast. So I got the urge to save up and buy this Chaparral 2J car. With the Chaparral 2J Race Car, my B-Spec drivers won the Classic Racing Car championship and I got myself a prize car which is one of the most expensive GT5 Premium Tier cars that is the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 carrozzata da Zagato. I'll cover up that car later.

The fan car of the past meets the fan car of the future

The 3-speed transmission serves as a draw back on the Chaparral 2J but if you modified its gears, it reaches to a mind-numbing over the 360km/h speed. When equipped with the Stage 3 turbo, the Chaparral 2J Race Car is truly a wrecking force to be reckoned with because of its 820 PS of power output. I'm sure some of you already has one of those on your collection but is it worth trying?

1970 Chaparral 2J Race Car

The race car of the 1970's looks cool to be but in real life, this 2J is an unwelcome racer because of the regulations and the fan car technology is relatively forbidden because of its unfairness according to the racers. Who cares? If they did not ban this car before, it will score more wins than any conventional race cars. Would I get kicked out if they saw my Chaparral 2J on Online Races? No, they recognized it and this race car is always welcome anytime when you want it.

I'm glad that BMW M Power made the right choice

Check out the scoop from Autoblog:

According to them, the BMW 4th generation M3 E90/92/93 will be the last BMW M Power car that has an natural aspiration engine as BMW M Power is shifting through an all-turbo high performance cars.

Look around, the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are turbocharged, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is turbocharged, and the future M5 is turbocharged.

Speaking of future M5, BMW unveiled the almost-ready M5 that will be shown as a show car at this year's Shanghai Motor Show.

BMW Concept M5 '11


It says it will be at Europe at the end of 2011 and in the North America at the first half of 2012.

I am glad that BMW M Power made the right choice, making the transition to all-turbo lineup in the future, not like Mercedes-Benz's AMG or Audi's S and RS line.

Joy is what the junkies want; turbocharged

Monday, April 4, 2011

The weirdest name of a Dunlop tire targeted for young female drivers...

Dunlop KiRaRi


Dunlop KiRaRi

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, makers of Dunlop tires in Japan, unveiled their latest tire design for female drivers. Those who owned a Daihatsu Mira Cocoa, Suzuki Alto Lapin, Nissan Moco, or other kei cars for women, you're in luck because this is the tire designed for feminine tastes. This new Dunlop tire is called "KiRaRi".

KiRaRi (which means sparkling in Japanese) is Dunlop's latest comfort tires that allows superior fuel efficiency for kei cars while keeping female drivers comfortable as they turn.

Although, the pricing is not yet confirmed, they will start selling this tire by April 8 at selected Dunlop retail stores in Japan. The introductory size is 155/65R13.

A female drivers' must have!



Kuya Keem vs. Demobot Round 2 (and James Bang vs. The Assassin)

On the April 4 episode of Banana Split Daily Servings, there was another trivia from Kuya Keem on Mutanglawin and Kuya Keem explains more and plays Tumbang Preso. Kuya Keem challenges a young boy (Igi Boy) to a game of Tumbang Preso and bringing in the TPS (Tumbang Preso Society). Instead of a can, they'll use the toy robot of Igi Boy to be hit by their sandals, which is why sandals and slippers are used in the Tumbang Preso game. Just when he though Igi Boy was humiliated when his toy robot was damaged, Igi Boy said that this is not his robot but he showed his robot, which is none other than...

Kuya Keem vs. the robot

DEMOBOT AGAIN?!

(Annoyed Grunt) That robot from the Goin Bulilit Inkredibulok episode is going to kick Kuya Keem's butt again! Good thing, Kuya Keem kicked Demobot's butt with the use of giant slippers!

Robot destroyed by Kuya Keem

Who's your boss now Demobot? You got kicked by Inkredibulok before, now you got kicked by Kuya Keem! LOLZ

What we learn now is the scientific word of Tumbang Preso is; Batuhinskis Ng Tsineleskus

Bang Clapper

James Bang vs. the assassin

James Bang Mission No. 110404: Save the congressman's daughter from the assassin!

Breifing: James Bang's sprung out from his vacation when his boss ordered him to save the congressman's daughter from the incoming assassination! When he approaches the congressman's daughter, a man in white appeared and James Bang wrestled him. Turns out the one he wrestled was the congressman himself and the real assassin showed up and killed the congressman's daughter! The mission is not yet over because James Bang's gadget, the Bang Clapper, is used, undo the mistake from this mission, and kicked the real assassin's butt!

Jeep Compass Minor Change

2011 Jeep Compass

2011 Jeep Compass interior

The year 2011 marks a big minor change on Jeep's compact crossover utility vehicle, the Compass, and this time, the latest minor change made it more like a miniature version of the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee because of the heavily revised front view.

Aside from the new Grand Cherokee-like front view, the Compass' interior is heavily redesigned and made it more sophisticated for people who want to find adventures in the urban jungle. Attached is the new Uconnect feature that allows the drivers to store music, listen, find directions, and everything else depending on their personal preferences.

The Jeep Compass' minor change comes with two available engines to choose from; an entry-level 2.0L DOHC 16V DVVT L4 engine and a top-of-the-line 2.4L DOHC DVVT L4 engine. The 2.0L variant comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a Constant Velocity Transmission (CVT2) while the 2.4L variant comes with a standard CVT transmission with optional AutoStick shifter for a choice of Auto Mode and Manual Mode.

For the basics, the 2.0L engine on the Jeep Compass produces about 158hp@6400rpm of power output. With FF drivetrain and 5-speed MT, the fuel economy of this variant can go for about 23mpg city/29mpg hwy. The 2.4L engine ,on the other hand, produces about 172hp@6000rpm of power output and with the CVT2 and FF drivetrain, this engine can go for about 21mpg city/27mpg hwy worth of fuel economy. This is obvious that the most fuel efficient Compass of all is the Compass 2.0L 5MT FF variant.

The capability of the Compass MC has been revised thanks to the improved suspension, smooth riding, available AWD system, Anti-lock braking system suitable for on-road and off-road conditions, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and can tow everything up to 2000lbs. Needless to say that this new Compass is the kind of Jeep you can trust.

My thoughts about the Compass:
The latest Compass minor change for 2011 is just one of the reasons why Chrysler's Jeep brand is back and even aggressive than ever thanks to Fiat ownership. Considering this the baby Grand Cherokee because of the Grand Cherokee-like front view, the new Jeep Compass is one heck of a versatile crossover designed and developed for everyone who want a reliable Made in USA crossover. This latest facelift can be competitive to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson iX, Kia Sportage R, Ssangyong Korando C, Peugeot 3008, Mitsubishi RVR/ASX/Outlander Sport, BMW X1, Subaru Impreza XV, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, or even the Ford Edge as well. Let's see if the Compass' minor change can truly stack up against the world if this one has the chance.



Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC

What just happened on the April 3, 2011 episode of Goin Bulilit?

From now on, I will keep track on what just happened on Goin Bulilit in case you missed one. I guess Goin Bulilit is definitely ABS-CBN's flagship gag show kids say the funniest things.

Now, what just happen on the April 3 episode?

- The Goin Bulilit kids are singing Happy Yipee Yehey

- Jokes at Amana Waterpark

- Payabangan ng mga lifeguard

- The summer heat is on! Get your beach bods on tiptop shape with "Rexy the Sexy"

- The Goin Bulilit kids playing Iisang Bangka Tayo

- Some "Use it in the sentence" jokes;

1) The Thing - Ang ganda ng porma mo! Ang lakas ng THE THING!

2) King Kong - Masarap ang bagoong kasama ang adobong KINGKONG!

3) Sandman - Susundan kita, SANDMAN naroroon!

4) Shrek - Sobra dami kong ginawa maghapon, ang SHREKit tuloy ng ulo ko.

5) Thor - Bago ka lang dito? Halika, ito-THOR kita.

6) Batman - Ang sakit mong magsalita! BATMAN ganyan ka sa akin?

7) Hulk - Nakakatawa ang mga jokes dito! Lagi akong napapahalak-HULK!

8) Sparrow - Butterfly in Tagalog iSPARROW paro.

9) Iron Man - Carl, thank you sa flowers ha, ang IRONMANtic mo naman.

10) Vader - Just call my name and I'll VADER!

11) Amana - Magsitahimik kayo! AMANA yang kalokohan niyo!

- Round Two of their Ready Get Set Goin in the game called "Isang Balance Ka Lang"

- Beware of the "Jingle Gang", a gang that peeing on swimming pools according to Check Check Check; Checklusibong Checklosibong Checkpose (Goin Bulilit spoof of XXX; Xclusibong Xplosibong Xpose)

- Final Round of Ready Get Set Goin in the game called "Boat Race Kang Bata Ka"

I Love IS

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Lion Man parked near Westfield South Center

First generation Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX 300


While we are looking to find some available parking spots at the Westfield South Center on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Seattle (since a lot of people visiting Westfield on Saturdays), I saw a parked Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX on the parking areas of Westfield.

I saw a lot of "lion men" roaming around Seattle...

Uh huh, no doubt that this first-generation Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX is truly the Harrier I will never forget because of the Japanese TV ads showing the "Lion Man" driving the first-gen Harrier, which is a pre-facelift model lasted from 1997 to 2000. The year 2000 marks the first-generation minor change with a new grille, new rear lamps, new interior. There was a Japanese TV commercial on that but instead of the "Lion Man", the commercial shows more on "Team Harrier", a group of elite people driving Harriers.

It's true that this car is "Wild but formal" indeed.


Japanese TV Commercial (1997):



PR Video:


Japanese TV Commercial (2000):

I am glad that I love the Seafood City Westfield South Center branch




Ever since the Seafood City Westfield South Center branch opened since Summer 2010, I am glad that they brought a piece of the Philippines on South Center. Most Filipinos often visit this branch once and every time when they want to shop for some groceries, snacks, and other stuff. Oh, and they also sell some OPM CDs and Pinoy movie DVDs as well! ^^



I'm glad me and my family often visit this branch to buy some snacks and everything else needed. The services are very good indeed and everything's very well for this branch that attracts more Pinoys in Seattle, WA.




It feels like we are back from the Philippines, well almost...

Banana Split's Fools In April

It's April 2. April Fool's day is April 1st. It was yesterday but despite that, Banana Split is turning the whole April into April Fools days. Anyway, on the April 2 episode;

- The hottest and the latest showbiz news on HOT ISSUE!

- Dressing room jokes

- They're back! Another game of hula-hulaan! Madali lang! Please Hear it! Hulaan Lang! Just Name It!

- If its boomerang, Kuya Keem explains and throws it on Mutanglawin! Anyway, the scientific word of boomerang is "boomerangscis"

- some dances

- a game of Just Draw It!