Saturday, July 18, 2015

Our 10 favorite iM@S costumes

THE iDOLM@STER
Continuing on the 10th anniversary celebration of THE IDOLM@STER series, time to talk about the costumes. Costumes played a major role in the history of THE IDOLM@STER, whether if its in-game or as a DLC, no idol will ever be complete without the right costumes and it has been the benchmark of every iM@S fandom. Ask them which iM@S costume is their favorite and it's everyone's opinion. Time to list down our ten favorite iM@S outfits throughout the franchise, apart from their signature "luxury" outfits tailored specifically for the corresponding idols.

1) Forever Star - Appeared on the final episode of the iM@S anime series and available as a DLC on iM@S 2 and iM@S One For All, the Forever Star outfit is the embodiment of the 765 Production idol's hard work and determination and as a crowning achievement that their fame has risen to the summit to the very end. With the bluish looks and with stars embodied on the costume design, it's the ultimate favorite for those who are willing to cosplay as a 765 PRO idol.

2) Star Piece Memories - This outfit appeared in the heart-stopping climax of THE IDOLM@STER MOVIE and offered as a DLC outfit on THE IDOLM@STER One For All game. At first glance, you'll notice that the top of the costume looks similar to what the design patterns from Pokemon's Togepi or Togetic or Togekiss are but just like the Forever Star outfit, the Star Piece Memories outfit defines the crowning achievement done by a 765 PRO idol. Oh, don't worry. There are some people, mostly women, have ever pulled off cosplaying in this outfit so job done.

3) Dressy Alice - When this outfit appeared as one of the PS3-exclusive DLC outfits in THE IDOLM@STER 2, most owners of the XBOX 360 version got heavily disappointed why the producers made the move about planning to introduce more costumes in the PS3 version of iM@S 2. This is one of them and at first glance, I truly dislike it and I thought nobody are interested in outfits made for the PS3 version of iM@S 2 but I was wrong. Styled as a big twist to the popular Alice in Wonderland fairy tales, the Dressy Alice adds some wonderland zest to the 765 Pro idols and because it's proven to be very popular, most iM@S-loving cosplayers are willing to make one out for a change.

4) Symphony No. 765 - It's commonly called as the outfit seen in THE IDOLM@STER SHINY FESTA rhythm game, no one knows what that outfit is when they first saw one but when they made this outfit as a DLC on the PS3-exclusive IM@S OFA, players get a chance to try out for their idols. At this rate, there are a few cosplayers managed to pull off their Shiny Festa outfit but making one can be a difficult task because it takes some polka-dotted fabric with the corresponding color to mend it on your white boots, your white shirt with some buttons on it, your miniskirt, then you'll need some handmade cuffs and a color-coordinated bolero to complete the look. I don't know but the Symphony No. 765 outfit is still one of our favorite iM@S costumes in the list.

5) Prima Concerto - In the 7th anniversary concert three years ago, most of the seiyuus behind the 765 PRO idols have been outfitted with this special outfit made specifically for that concert and then in December of 2012, this 7th anniversary outfit is offered as a DLC on the PS3 version of iM@S 2.

6) Punkish Gothic - Since its offering as a DLC in the first iM@S XBOX 360 game, the Punkish Gothic adds some punk rock zest to the 765 Pro idols. Each idol has their own corresponding look to make it look individual. One popular example is Haruka Amami's Punkish Gothic outfit with its red and black mixture on her outfit fits perfectly well. This outfit is one of the most questionable outfits of all time and it's the one I got my eyes hooked on it because while the XBOX 360 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 has one, the PS3 version never had one. That's a shame for the PS3 owners but luckily, the Punkish Gothic outfit managed to find solace to the PS3 owners as a DLC on THE IDOLM@STER One For All. Does it served justice to all? Close enough but who cares?

7) Check My Note - This outfit served as the cover outfit for the 765 PRO ALL-STARS in the PS3-exclusive THE IDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL game. It fits perfectly well with the song ONLY MY NOTE.

8) Flowerish Flowery - Offered as one of the first DLC outfits in the PS3-exclusive iM@S OFA game, this outfit offers a much floral feel to your favorite 765 PRO idol.

9) Laugh Time School - One of the most popular costumes in the history of IM@S, the Laugh Time School outfit mimics the look and feel of a typical summer schoolgirl to your favorite idol.

10) My Dear Vampire - The "My Dear Vampire" outfit remains one of the most popular outfits in the history of iM@S. Although a perfect halloween costume because of the gothic feel and the faux fangs and the other stuff fit for a vampire, it's also a perfect outfit to cosplay as one of the 765 PRO idols. Little did you know that Volks once offered those special My Dear Vampire outfits to Dollfie Dream owners, making it one of the perfect reasons to customize their Dollfie into their favorite idols in that particular outfit that leaves you saying "shanari shanari..."

Forza Horizon 2: Two special limited-time Porsches!

gt2cayenne

Due to our ongoing love for Porsches in Forza Horizon 2, the producers from Turn 10 are happily announced that two special, limited-time, Porsches are available for free. These two cars; the 2012 Porsche 911 GT2 RS and the 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, are never before added on the Porsche Expansion pack last month and they're yours for free for a limited time.

To get these two special, time-limited, Porsches, you need to install the Forza Hub app on your XBOX One. If you already have the Forza Hub app up and running, look for the "Two Free Porsches!" article in the front page of the Forza Hub app and download these special Porsches at no cost!

Apart from these two special Porsches, two additional achievements are added such as Porsche Owners Club, Horse Power, and This is My Porsche.

Better hurry, this offer lasts until July 24, 2015 so best to get these time-limited Porsches before they're gone forever!

Scoop: http://www.forzamotorsport.net/en-us/news/fh2_two_free_porsches

Pokemon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages

Pokemon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages

Last year, we've been introduced by the 719th Pokemon known as Diancie and witness its true power in the film Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction. Now, the 720th Pokemon, the mischief-making Hoopa, has arrived and starred in the second Pokemon XY movie titled Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (光輪の超魔神フーパ).

The stars of the movie, none other than Ash Ketchum/Satoshi and his trusty Pokemon Pikachu, Serena, Clemont/Citron, and Bonnie/Eureka, are here for their biggest adventure yet but it wouldn't be complete without the diabolical (but slightly idiotic) Team Rocket as they do...well, you get the idea. In their latest adventure, our heroes arrived at a desert city by the sea and later, they've been introduced by the mythical Pokemon Hoopa. Hoopa has the power to summon different things, especially humans and Pokemon, through its magic ring. What they didn't know that there was a tale about a young hero who managed to stop a major cataclysm unleashed by a powerful Pokemon long ago and with the darkest secret waiting to be unleashed, how can Ash and his friends protect Hoopa before a massive onslaught bring chaos to the world?

Yes, and onto the onslaught part, numerous legendary Pokemon appeared like an all-star cast greatly blowing away your imagination like wildfire. From Lugia, Latias, Latios, Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, the black Mega Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, they've got it all. They even got the almighty mythical Pokemon Arceus as well. No mucking about!

In true typical Pokemon movie fashion, this movie has a blend of emotions in store for the viewers, even for the whole family. It has the right mix of comedy, suspense, thriller, action, and drama fit for a family movie for families whose kids love watching the Pokemon anime series as well as playing with their games. It's good if you're a kid but if you're a grown-up who loves Pokemon games, sadly, it isn't a great film to take a peek at it, except at the onslaught part with numerous legendary Pokemon clashing each other but if you made it to the heart-stopping climax, emotions will rise but expect a happy ending afterwards. Speaking of which, there's a special surprise waiting in store for the moviegoers before or after watching the film.

Anyway, I'm not going to mention the part where before the Hoopa film comes with the Pikachu short where Pikachu and the gang are performing a musical number for the viewers, but what I will going to mention that those who are going to watch this film will get their very own Hoopa for use in XY and ORAS. All you have to do is to have a copy of Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire and then try accessing the game's Mystery Gift to get your very own Hoopa while enjoying the film. Set at Level 50, Hoopa comes armed with its signature attack "Hyperspace Hole" which can hit even your rival's Pokemon is using Protect or Detect.

Get this, to unleash Hoopa's Unbound form, you need to find the Prison Bottle at a certain location in ORAS. A certain Poke Mart has a man who will tell you a very suspicious tale and then afterwards, he'll receive you the Prison Bottle for you to transform Hoopa from its cute Confined form into the terrifying Unbound form. With Hoopa Unbound, you can unleash its ultra-powerful Hyperspace Fury attack which does massive damage even those who use Protect or Detect. If you got your very own Hoopa after watching this flick, congratulations and good luck raising your newest mythical Pokemon!

My rating: 3.4 out of 5

San Miguel Beermen wins 2015 PBA Governor's Cup


In an unexpected manner, the San Miguel Beermen managed a perfect four wins in a best-of-seven match against the Alaska Aces in the 2015 PBA Governors' Cup Finals and in game 4 of the finals held at Smart Araneta Coliseum last night, they've dominated it at the score of 91-81. This is the 21st championship win for the Beermen. At the end of the game, June Mar Fajardo, the center of the team, is named MVP after scoring 19 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks. Their import player, Arizona Reid, managed to score 33 points on six three-pointers. That's not bad for an import player.

Congratulations to the San Miguel Beermen for becoming 2015 PBA Governors' Cup Champs!

#BGDonCantoni

On the July 17, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...your bathroom pics!

- Grabe kang makatingin gags

- Don Cantoni faces the most toughest decision to his associates.

- More lait-lait from Lala Ytera!

- Introducing your close roommate to your parents sounds so odd...

- Spoof trailers!

- An animal rights meeting concerning the use of animals as insults.

- Issues about the dumb and the gay are opened...literally.



- Meeting a family of foul-mouthed hot-heads...

- Tsugi o Chorva!

Friday, July 17, 2015

Meet the playable Pokemon on Pokken Tournament

Pokken Tournament

With the arrival of the brand-new Pokken Tournament, players of all ages are ready for the next battle where they can play as their favorite Pokemon fighting to become the winner. Made by the makers of the ever-popular Tekken fighting series, Pokken Tournament delivers a new twist of Pokemon battles as players need to pull the right combos and knock their rivals out of the stadium. So, let's get to know the Pokemon you'll get to play in this new fighting game.

Lucario - While lacking on the defense stats, Lucario makes up with its offensive power not just from physical but also long-range attacks. During the Diamond and Pearl years, Lucario is the secret weapon of Veilstone Gym Leader Maylene but in the world of XY, Shalour Gym Leader Korrina perfected the art of Mega Evolution, allowing her trusty Lucario to Mega Evolve. Now, in Pokken Tournament, here's your chance to unleash the raw power of Lucario by unleashing a barrage of attacks such as Aura Sphere, Extremespeed, and Bone Rush. You can even Mega Evolve Lucario to turn the tide of the battle.

Pikachu - Every Pokemon fan in the world loves Pikachu because it's not just Ash Ketchum's longtime partner in the anime series, it's the poster boy/girl of the franchise. In this game, Pikachu's a well-balanced fighter and it's easy to master even for newcomers. With attacks like the Thunderbolt, Thunder, Nuzzle, and Electro Ball, your ever-favorite Pokemon is your perfect starting point to learn the fundamentals of Pokken Tournament if you do it right.

Machamp - Machamp maybe slow but its attacks are catastrophically powerful enough to blow your opponents alive. Although its attacks like Cross Chop and Close Combat can be somewhat difficult to master, it takes to getting used to Machamp's offensive and to increase chances of defeating opponents in a jiffy, you can use Machamp's Bulk Up move to boost its offenses.

Gardevoir - In the Kalos League, Gardevoir is the top tier of Kalos Champ Diantha. In Pokken Tournament, here's your chance to try out this Psychic-and-Fairy-type Pokemon that has been the formidable choice of the Kalos champ. Long-range attacks are Gardevoir's specialty and take advantage of its attacks such as Psyshock, Stored Power, and Magical Leaf. You can even Mega Evolve Gardevoir to show who's boss.

Weavile - With its combination of speed and offense, this Dark and Ice type Pokemon is great if you want to unleash a combo full of high-speed attacks.

Suicune - This legendary Pokemon balances offense and defense at the same time because not only it uses a barrage of attacks such as Aurora Beam, Hydro Pump, and Blizzard, you can counterattack long-range attacks with Mirror Coat to inflict serious damage back at the opponent.

Charizard - This Fire-and-Flying-type Pokemon is the pride of Pokemon trainers and in Pokken Tournament, its pride rests in your burden as you will take advantage of its attacks such as Flamethrower, Fire Punch, and Flare Blitz. Mega Evolve it into Mega Charizard X and crushing your opponents with fire is easy as pie.

Gengar - It might look scary but Gengar's a formidable Pokemon you can take advantage of it. With moves such as Shadow Ball, Shadow Punch, and Lick, Gengar sure is a tough fighter for a start and when you Mega Evolve it, its long-range attacks are superbly strong and it takes skills to blow your opponents away.

...there are many Pokemon joining the roster of Pokken Tournament so watch for it on its future updates.

URL: http://pokkentournament.jp/index.html

Image: Pokemon/BNEI

Let's Do The News! (July 17, 2015)


- A gunman, identified as Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez by the FBI, shot down four US Marines and injured several others at two US Navy buildings in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

- The German parliament is to vote on whether or not to allow negotiations on the 86 billion bailout deal for Greece. Germany is ope of the key eurozone nations that must approve before the rescue deal can go ahead.

- Typhoon Nangka is slowly moving northward around Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, bringing heavy rainfall to the region. Weather officials warn of possible landslides, swollen rivers, and flooding in low-lying areas.

- According to Japan's sports minister Hakubun Shimomura, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to speak to the media this Friday about the construction of a controversial new national stadium before the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

- 9 people are confirmed dead in the Semirara Coal Mine collapse while seven others are reported missing. The incident occurred at 0400 hours Manila Time when the Panian Mine Site collapsed. Rescue operations are underway but heavy rainfall is experienced at the nation's largest coal mine.

- Believe it or not, former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson is mulling his final run at the Top Gear Test Track as part of the bid in a charity auction in London and despite his tweets about he'll be driving an Austin Maestro, a pic of him is showing a Mercedes-AMG GT, a Ferrari LaFerrari, and the latest Ferrari 488 GTB.

- IN CASE YOU REALLY MISSED IT: Tuning company Polestar is now a subsidiary of Volvo after the Swedish car company gained full control of Polestar as the Swedish equivalent of BMW M Power and Mercedes-AMG.

- An upcoming update on the recently-launched Pokken Tournament will feature the Fire-and-Fighting-type Blaziken to the roster of playable Pokemons in the new arcade game from the makers of Tekken.



TTFN!!!

A brief history of THE IDOLM@STER


THE iDOLM@STER

2015 marks the 10th anniversary of THE IDOLM@STER series since the arcades went off the stands on 26th of July, 2005, and expanded to multiple franchises from console games, mobile games, animated series, music CDs, and numerous merchandising rights. As everyone in Japan is prepping up for the big 10th anniversary of the ever-favorite idol-raising game that won every otakus' hearts, time now for a quick history lesson about everyone's favorite idol-raising game.

THE IDOLM@STER (Arcade, 2005) - This is how it started it all. Launched in July 26th, 2005, the IDOLM@STER arcade game works in numerous ways. As the producer of 765 PRODUCTION, you have to produce one of the nine idols and raise your producer rank to the highest as nurture your idol to become famous on-stage.  First and foremost, you can't send your idol into the audition process without lessons that will boost one of the three stats; Visual, Vocal, and Dance. This arcade game runs in two cards; the producer card that will keep track of your idols and a unit card  which shows the last idol you've used, the last song she performed live, and the number of fans garnered. The more fans earned, the higher the rank. Simple.

THE IDOLM@STER (XBOX 360, 2007) - With the success of the iM@S arcades, the producers decided to bring the same iM@S experience at the comfort of their home with this XBOX 360 game. It features the same stuff they love from the arcade but now with added contents and with the addition of Miki Hoshii.

IDOLM@STER XENOGLOSSIA (TV series, 2007) - For some unknown reasons we don't understand, the stars from IDOLM@STER games featured in a mecha anime series made by the same folks behind the Gundam animes with an all-original storyline that feels somewhat average for some iM@S fans many, although some would call it a witchcraft. 107 years ago, the moon was destroyed in a cataclysm that shattered Earth's former satellite into a numerous pieces but the Earth survived from the massive disaster but no one knows what happened. It starts with a girl named Haruka Amami who was auditioning for something called the IDOLM@STER Project, but instead, she winded up to a top secret academy run by the Mondenkind Agency, alongside other girls chosen to pilot a powerful robot designed to intercept falling chunks of moon rock. As the story progresses, the conspiracies against Mondenkind lurkens and how will the fate of the world rests in Haruka's decisions.

THE IDOLM@STER Live For You! (XBOX 360, 2008) - This installment has a new twist to the iM@S formula fans love because in IM@S L4U, you can enjoy your favorite idols' live shows just the way you want. Select your favorite idols, choose a song, select a costume, and achieve the highest results. You can even challenge your friends at the online rankings or purchase additional content on the XBOX Live Marketplace.

THE IDOLM@STER SP (PSP, 2009) - IM@S goes portable with the PSP game called THE IDOLM@STER SP. This installment splits into three different versions; Wandering Star (allows you to produce Ami and Mami Futami, Yukiho Hagiwara, and Iori Minase), Perfect Sun (allows you to produce Makoto Kikuchi, Yayoi Takatsuki, and Haruka Amami), and Missing Moon (allows you to produce Azusa Miura, Ritsuko Akizuki, and Chihaya Kisaragi). Whichever version players choose, you will still be greeted by the same iM@S formula we all love; raising your underdog into a top-class celebrity. As you work your way to the game, you'll be face off against idols from Project Fairy consisting of Takane Shijou, Miki Hoshii, and Hibiki Ganaha. Producers surely need their own "A game" to outsmart 961 Pro's finest.

THE IDOLM@STER Dearly Stars (Nintendo DS, 2009) - A spinoff to the hit franchise, Dearly Stars takes you in charge as the producer of the 876 Productions' trio of hopefuls; Ai Hidaka, Eri Mizutani, and Ryo Akizuki.

THE IDOLM@STER Mobile (Mobile Phone, 2010) - In preparation for the upcoming IM@S 2, there was a mobile browser game of THE IDOLM@STER where surprises await in different locations across Japan and score numerous items for your 765 PRO idol of your choosing.

THE IDOLM@STER 2 (XBOX 360/PS3, 2011) - Launched in February 2011, THE IDOLM@STER 2 follows the same chemistry of its predecessors, combining the elements of a dating sim game and some Dance Dance Revolution-style button-mashing action at the same time. Every rehearsals, every concerts, every dates, everything you need to know as a producer is the key to achieve higher rankings and every idol's happiness. Once more, personalization can be a notable feature. Every idol's style can affect the outcome of the game and how you personalize your idols is up to you. As the producer, you are taking responsibility to the idols of your own choice; from Haruka, Hibiki, Miki, Makoto, Chihaya, Takane, Yukiho, Mami, and Yayoi. You can even stand a chance against Ryugu Komachi consisting of Ami, Iori, Azusa, and the person in charge; Ritsuko.

For the first time, a PS3 version was offered in late October 2011 and much to the annoyance of those who owned the XBOX 360 version, additional storyline and PS3-exclusive outfits such as Dressy Alice, Rainy Suzuran, Random Color Beauty, Digital Spacecraft, Cutie Insect, Weeping Wisteria, Burning Performer, Stratos Butterfly, Full bloom Yukata Dress, Starlight Agent, My Baby's Breath, Corduroy Country, Circuit Architect, Prima Concerto♪, Cardigan Schooler, Traditional Maid, Bright Eaglet, and Exotic China. Sadly, the Punkish Gothic as seen of the XBOX 360 version, never seen the light of day on the PS3 version.

THE IDOLM@STER (TV Series, 2011) - Fans of the franchise got their wishes come true as the full-fledged IDOLM@STER anime series aired in the Summer of 2011 on TBS for 25 episodes. The anime series features the life and times of the 765 PRODUCTION idols, their secret origins, and how a young producer steps up to send his aspiring idols to the top of the summit even when faced with obstacles.

THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls (Mobile Game, 2011) - With over a 190 idols to collect, raise, and idolize, no other mobile game does better than THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls. Originally launched as a browser game for Mobage in late 2011, it later became an app game available on App Store and Google Play.

Puchimas! Petit Idolm@ster (Web Series, 2012) - This spinoff of short animated skits features super-deformed versions of their favorite 765 PRO idols as they encounter one hilarious misadventures after another, much to the case of spilling water of Harukasan's head. This web series ran for two seasons and a total of 138 episodes.

THE IDOLM@STER Mobile i (App Store, 2012) - The same goodness from the iM@S mobile is now offered for iPhone users as Mobile i offers the same surprises waiting in numerous locations across Japan, there's even a feature where you can take a pic of your 765 PRO at a very desirable location of your choosing. You can even share it in most social networking sites as well!

THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Festa (PSP, 2012/App Store, 2013) - Launched in late October 2012, Shiny Festa consists of three versions; Honey Sound (with Haruka Amami, Chihaya Kisaragi, Azusa Miura, and Ritsuko Akizuki), Groovy Tune (with Miki Hoshi, Takane Shijou, Makoto Kikuchi, and Yukiho Hagiwara), and FUNKY NOTE (with Ami and Mami Futami, Hibiki Ganaha, Yayoi Takatsuki, and Iori Minase). About Shiny Festa, this game is becoming a "rhythm action" game, much like the Hatsune Miku Project Diva video games before. So what you gonna do is simple, you gonna need a lot of concentration and timing to push the buttons right while listening to your favorite IDOLM@STER songs. A year later after these PSP versions were launched, they're made available on the App Store for outrageous prices as well as the hefty load of data needed to download.

THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE (Mobile Game, 2013) - Social media network GREE decides to have a shot at it. With the help of game maker, Bandai Namco, GREE launched a new iDOLM@STER social game that will rival mobage's Cinderella Girls. Just like Mobage's iM@S Cinderella Girls, you have different choice idols for you to produce but just like Cinderella Girls, this is nothing more of a collectible card game. Each idol is categorized into three types such as VOCAL, DANCE, and VISUAL, and if a producer seized its opportunity against the odds, with the right training and the right idols, they will progress further to become a TOP IDOL. Well, this is much more like the Cinderella Girls game to be honest. There were NORMAL, RARE, SUPER RARE, and others. There's so many variations of each idol and each variation comes with different stats.

IM@S CHANNEL (PS3, 2013) - As a free-to-play destination to all things iDOLM@STER, iM@S Channel offers fans to play a PS3 version of Shiny Festa called SHINY TV and take pics of their favorite 765 Pro idols in Gravure For You. There are numerous DLC available on the PlayStation Store. It even served as the destination for the digital version of the PS3-exclusive iM@S OFA as well.

THE IDOLM@STER MOVIE 輝きの向こう側へ!(Movie, 2014) - THE iDOLM@STER franchise, started from video games to the anime franchise, spawned its much awaited film under the title of THE IDOLM@STER MOVIE 輝きの向こう側へ! (To The Other Side of the Sparkle!) In this movie based on the hit video game franchise, the idols of 765 Productions continue their quest for fame and friendship as they take on their first arena concert. The producer of the 765 Productions happy to announce the girls that there will be some new ones joining the ranks as back-up dancers and in a amusing-but-mind-shattering kind of way, the girls as seen from the Million Live social game such as Minako Satake (voiced by Eri Ōzeki), Kana Yabuki (Ibuki Kido), Yuriko Nanao (Miku Itō), Seriko Hakozaki (Momo Asakura), Anna Mochizuki (Shiina Natsukawa), Shiho Kitazawa (Sora Amamiya), and Nao Yokoyama (Yui Watanabe) were the ones showed up as special guests of the film itself.

THE IDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL (PS3, 2014) - Although not very pleasing for iM@S purists about why did they made OFA a PS3-exclusive game, One For All is by no means the best iM@S game ever made because for the first time, producers are now in charge to produce all 13 idols from 765 Productions from Haruka to Ritsuko. There's even a new storyline where you can get to know more about your favorite idols. There are special guests from Cinderella Girls and Million Live via DLC as well as additional songs, costumes, and more, to keep the ante on iM@S OFA.

THE IDOLM@STER SIDE M (Mobile Game, 2014) - The girls had their fun, now it's time for the males to take the spotlight. Side M is a rather unusual mobile game in the franchise where male idols are now the center of attraction. Although, it's all about the big boys singing your hearts out while overcoming their past jobs, it's still a card game much like Cinderella Girls and Million Live. As the producer of 315 Production, you are tasked to find the best male idols and group them to become the best. Apart from the new male idols made specifically from this mobile game, you can even produce the members of the fearsome boyband Jupiter as well! Ah, our old enemies...

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS (TV Series, 2015) When the producers of the iM@S anime series announced that they'll be making a anime series based on the Cinderella Girls mobile game, the world rejoiced, and when the year 2015 began, the fun begins when the iM@S CG anime aired for 13 episodes and with another more coming this weekend! In this anime adaptation, teenage girls Uzuki Shimamura, Rin Shibuya, and Mio Honda are on a wonderful journey at 346 Production to become aspiring idols. Throughout the series, we witness how 346 Production's finest tackle everyday obstacles in their life and on the mid-season finale, we witness how far the Cinderella Project girls pushed their way to the summit despite all odds. Look forward to the second half of the Cinderella Girls anime this weekend as we can expect more from the Cinderella Project and what new challenges will face on the road to stardom.

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS Starlight Stage (App Store/Google Play, COMING SOON) - Coming soon on the App Store and Google Play is a brand new rhythm game based on THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS and like any other rhythm games, you need the right timing and the right coordination to tap to the right spot and score as many combos as possible.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Let's Do The News! (July 16, 2015)


- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is focused on completing the bailout deal agreed with the eurozone despite problems in a critical vote to push through tough reforms, according to his spokesman after he won the late-night vote but with over 30 of his own MPs voting against him. The government of Greece lost its majority but is expected to survive.

- Japan's lower house has approved two controversial bills that change the nation's security laws despite protests in Tokyo. These changes would allow Self Defense Forces to fight overseas for the first time since World War II. These bills require approval from the upper house by it will be most likely to be passed into law.

- Coastal areas of South Korea will be hit by strong winds and waves through Saturday as Typhoon Nangka heads towards Okinawa, Japan.

- NASA revealed their new close-up look of Pluto, a day after the agency confirmed its New Horizons spacecraft successfully completed its flyby of the dwarf planet on the edge of the solar system.

- As Ricardo Marquez is named as the new Chief Director General of the Philippine National Police, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III admitted that he's aware of the PNP's "Kampo-Kampo System" and he states that under Marquez's leadership to the PNP, those mistakes will never be allowed. The President ordered termination and punishment against corrupt members and award those working for the betterment of the PNP.

- Believe it or not, rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has filed for bankruptcy.

- The PS3-exclusive, free-to-play, flight shooting game Ace Combat Infinity released their 10th update featuring the Aerospace Center Defense (HARD) mission, special Pilot Aptitude Test mission, Satellite Interception IV special raid mission, a Come Back Bonus for players who haven't signed in for long periods of time, new parts, new challenges, and four long-awaited crafts such as the J35J Draken, Su-27 Flanker-B, MiG-1.44, and the GAF-1 Varcolac from Ace Combat Joint Assault, among many others!

- Disney officially announced that they'll be working on a sequel of 2012's animated film Wreck-It Ralph, according to John C. Reily, the voice of Ralph from the film.

TTFN!!!

Minions (2015 film)


The Minions of Despicable Me. They're cute, lovable, downright funny, and everyone in the whole world wants one. Upon witnessing their crazy antics in the first two Despicable Me movies, we got indulged into the Minion rush and developed our love among these banana-loving, gibberish-speaking, critters. Thanks to the Minions' popularity, they even got themselves their own film which served as a prequel to the Despicable Me films, about the secret origin of the Minions, and how did they live. In fact, they only live on obeying their masters.

In order to save the minion race, their only hope lies to the minions named Stuart, Kevin, and Bob, as they search for their master in the world of humans. Their quest starts from New York right until to the fateful encounter of one of the most ruthless supervillains in the world, Scarlet Overkill (played by Sandra Bullock).

Like most family movies, this movie balances the things that were right and the things that were wrong. One of them is the storyline because while this is mostly focused on the Minions' secret origins, it kinda felt rubbish as the story progresses but despite that, the sense of humor is highly inescapable because when the Minions pulled off one of their ridiculous moments, these moments will always leave viewers smiling with happiness. What this is is a feel-good family movie of the summer and despite the storyline feels so wrong, it's essentially enjoyable to watch right up to the ending that really surprises everyone.

Thanks to the Minions movie, it's never too late to join the Minion rush. If you're new or familiar with them, it doesn't really matter because it takes to getting used to it.

My rating: 3.9 our of 5

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Kia All New K5 (JF)

2016 Kia K5

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the all new Kia K5, better known to the world market as the fourth-generation Kia Optima, and while it looks nearly the same as the previous model, it's an entirely new model that is ready to have everyone interested on having one of these more than its Japanese and European rivals.

2016 Kia K5

For this new model, there are two designs to choose from; the MX model for those who are looking for something civilized and the SX model for those who want to live out a sporty lifestyle after office hours. Most models do come with 2.0L petrol, 1.7L diesel, and a 2.0L LPi but exclusively for the SX model; two turbocharged direct-injection engines are available such as a 1.6 T-GDi and a 2.0 T-GDi. What bothers me the most that the 2.0L T-GDi engine is now designed from the ground up and it produces 245PS of power, which is 26PS less than the previous model's 2.0L turbo engine. That's quite of shame for power-loving car enthusiasts. The 1.6L T-GDi engine, which is new to us, produces 180PS of power and that's not bad for a small engine of that size.

For 2.0L variants, a 6-speed automatic gearbox is standard, but on models equipped with smaller engines from a 1.6L T-GDi to a 1.7L diesel, they're equipped with a new 7-speed double clutch gearbox, a first for a Kia.

2016 Kia K5

Because the latest-generation K5 (codenamed JF) uses the same underpinnings as its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata (LF), it has multilink suspension setup which allows this saloon to handle like a European car, as a theory. For safety reasons, the new K5 has a brand new Auto Emergency Braking system which detects incoming objects on its twelves and triggers and automatic braking in an event of a pre-collision. It also comes with an Advanced Smart Cruise control which detects the distance to the car in front of the separate acceleration/braking distance while driving. Useful for highway driving.

2016 Kia K5 interior

Like the previous model, the interior comforts aren't so bad and it's very tech-savvy as well thanks to its convenient features such as an available JBL surround sound system, rear-view camera, available sat-nav with a touch-screen, and the UVO telematics sytem which allows your smartphone act as a carkey for your K5.

The new K5 begins at a reasonably 22,450,000 KRW which is surprisingly cheap than its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, but you'll gonna need more moolah if you want to spec it out to your liking. Still, you can afford one than any other European midsize saloons, making it a great value for your buck. If there are doubts, you'd better be off with models with a 7-speed DCT, even the one with the smaller 1.6L T-GDi engine, because while the new dual-clutch gearbox is questionable, that small engine feels nippy and it's easy to live with.

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pluto Brown, Gravity Blue, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Photo: Kia Motors

Let's Do The News! (July 15, 2015)


- The International Monetary Fund attacked the eurozone's bailout deal for Greece as one of the creditors states that Greece's public debt become "highly unsustainable" and it needed relief from its debts. Right now, the Greek parliament has until Wednesday to pass four pieces of legislation or face exit from the eurozone for good.

- Economic growth in the People's Republic of China has increased by 7% in the second quarter but it was still the weakest showing since the global financial crisis when it fell to 6.6%. Growth was hampered due to weaker property market and factory production for one of Asia's superpowers but Beijing rolled out series of stimulus measures in the midst of the crisis.

- Possession of child pornography is banned in Japan. Last year, the law was revised to penalize the possession of pornographic materials of minors under the age of 18. It included a one-year moratorium, when those who already owned such images were expected to dispose of them but the moratorium has expired. Offenders will face a year of imprisonment or pay the 1 million yen fine.

- Researches in southwestern Japan said that they've excavated two fossilized teeth of what it could be from a large tyrannosaur ever to exist in Japan. The unearthed fossil in question has an estimated size of about 10 meters long.

- Former governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., one of the masterminds behind the Maguindanao Massacre, is allegedly went to coma Tuesday night. Last month, Ampatuan was rushed to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute due to Terminal Liver Cancer.

- The Department of Science and Technology states that somewhere in the National Capital Region lies a Filipino equivalent of Silicon Valley as they allocated a 35 million peso grant for equipment and operating expenses of the two Innovation Hubs in Intramuros, Manila and UP Diliman campus in Quezon City in 2017.

- Yesterday, Senator Bong Revilla has been granted by the Sandiganbayan to visit his ailing father, Ramon Revilla, at St. Luke's Medical Center at Taguig City because of "metabolic encephalopathy secondary to dehydration and aspiration pneumonia" since Saturday.

- Horror hits home as the official trailer for Five Nights of Freddy's 4 hits the net. Watch it if you really dare.



- Seiyuu Miyu Matsuki, known for her roles as Isumi Saginomiya from Hayate the Combat Butler and many others, goes on hiatus due to pneumonia. She noted that she had a fever since the start of the year and she found ut that she had acute pneumonia after she repeatedly went to the hospital for check-ups.

- Actress Lovi Poe gets bitten by her own dog twice last Friday and right now, she has been given six shots of anti-rabies vaccine when she was rushed at the hospital.

- Louis Tomlinson from from the popular boy band One Direction is going to be a dad for the first time.

Seattle's Chinatown International District Dragon Fest 2015

Last weekend, I went to Seattle's Chinatown International District to experience the sights and sounds of the Dragon Fest 2015, where the best of Asian culture come together and celebrate to the hearts and minds of Asian Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Yes, I've been there last year but because of my enjoyment of going places, I decided to go there again, for the sake of enjoyment during the long summer days in America.

Seattle's Chinatown International District Dragon Fest 2015Seattle's Chinatown International District Dragon Fest 2015Seattle's Chinatown International District Dragon Fest 2015Seattle's Chinatown International District Dragon Fest 2015Seattle's Chinatown International District Dragon Fest 2015Seattle's Chinatown International District Dragon Fest 2015Seattle's Chinatown International District Dragon Fest 2015

More photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskcBGaii

My Video Journal:

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Let's Do The News! (July 14, 2015)



- Greek PM Alexis Tsipras is on a fight to win support from coalition partners for the third bailout offered by eurozone leaders. Four pieces of legislation must be passed by the end of Wednesday including pension and VAT reforms. However, Defense Minister Panos Kammenos already opposed the measures. If the deal fails, Greece will be forced to leave the eurozone for good.

- The Mexican authorities are offering a 60 million peso reward for the capture of Joaquin Guzman, the nation's most wanted drug lord, who escaped from a maximum security prison on Saturday through a 1.5km-long tunnel.

- Korean president Park Geun-hye ordered her senior secretaries to look further in the subject of the need of amnesty in preparation of next month's 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

- Typhoon Nangka is expected to affect the southern and eastern parts of South Korea and Jeju Island, by weekends. This typhoon is moving northwards towards Japan and it's forecasted to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds.

- Over 200 South Koreans have embarked on a very special ride on the grand transcontinental train journey known as the Eurasia Friendship Express. They're divided into two teams; one will take Trans-Siberia Railway from Vladivostok while the other will depart from Beijing and take Trans-Mongolia Railway. It's a 20-day journey where participants will travel ten cities in five different nations, and establish ties. The final stop will be at Berlin, Germany.

- The Department of Education is already investigating the food poisoning incident in the CARAGA Region. They said that the students affected from the food poisoning were given proper health care, most were fully recovered and discharged from hospitals. Meanwhile, the Department of Health stressed the importance of food safety on acquiring and intake of unknown products as 1,925 people were reportedly affected last Friday, July 10, after they ate candies.

- September 6 is officially recognized as Shigeru Matsuzaki day according to the Japan Anniversary Association. It is the day when the famed singer made his debut. If you're a fan of the Katamari Damacy games, then you'll most likely to remember him for singing one of the game series' songs.

- The death toll from the General Motors ignition switch defects rises to 124 while 390 are reportedly injured.

- At last weekend's SDCC, the BBC announced a remake of the classic British children's cartoon, Danger Mouse and now, it's targeting for international audiences as possible. Actors Alexander Armstrong, Kevin Eldon, Stephen Fry, John Oliver, and Lena Headey will lend their voices for the upcoming animated series.



TTFN!!!

Monday, July 13, 2015

Let's Do The News! (July 13, 2015)


- The Eurozone leaders have reached an agreement over a third bailout after series of talks in Brussels, meaning that the risk of Greece leaving the eurozone has been averted...for now.

- A section of a Russian military barracks has been collapsed, killing 23 soldiers near the Siberian city of Omsk, according to officials.

- Part of the walls of the Aleppo Citadel, a Syrian world heritage site, has been damaged by an explosion.

- The Philippine Army will receive 10% of the total 95 billion peso-fund from the modernization program for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

- The families of the slain SAF 44 members received additional benefits from the government. Over 24 million pesos was distributed to the families by the Philippine National Police as they receive numerous donations for the SAF 44 received by the families from collected donations.

- Satoru Iwata, the president of Nintendo, passed away at the age of 55 because of a bile duct growth.

- Another Pokemon Center-exclusive Nendoroid is on the radar. Following Pokemon Origins' Red and Pokemon Diamond and Pearl's Champion Cynthia, N from Pokemon Black and White (Best Wishes) made his Nendoroid debut. Preorders are open at most Pokemon Centers across Japan this late July and deliveries will commence this late November 2016. What you'll get is a Nendoroid of a mysterious Pokemon trainer named N and alongside him is the legendary Pokemon Reshiram.

- The 1967 Plymouth Hurst Barracuda is this week's highlight of the Jay Leno's Garage webisode.



- Imagine if the world of Sherlock is set on a 19th-century London. Find out on this first look of the upcoming TV special of the hit BBC crime drama series!



TTFN!!!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Toyota Sienta - Second Generation

2016 Toyota Sienta

Mindful to the Japanese summer vacation, the Toyota Sienta MPV has now been regenerated after being stuck on its squarish looks for over a decade and this is the first time we expect the Sienta compact minivan to be fully changed from the ground-up but I'd expect some hot issues regarding the second-generation Sienta.

First and foremost, it's now essentially larger than its overdue predecessor and the boxy design of the previous model has been stripped off and made it more athletic similar to a jogger's running shoes or a sports bag. In essence then, the new Sienta redefines the leisure activity genre but truth be told, it became more of Japan's Fiat Doblo if I'm honest. There are couple of issues too aside from its design which looks like a distortion because for this new model, the Sienta emblem from the first one has been removed and replaced with the Toyota emblem on the front just to make it more sensible and a bit crazy.

2016 Toyota Sienta interior

2016 Toyota Sienta interior

Because it's so big, the Sienta's newly found status as a Leisure Activity vehicle never forgets the practicality term and for a seven-seater minivan, it isn't half bad at all but there are a couple of drawbacks because with seven seats present, there's no space to fill in your monthly groceries, much like the case of the Honda Jade when all three rows are present, and when you folded the third row seats, you've sacrifice the extra seats for some space so...that's a bad point for the new model there. On the driver's view, it's like a mashup between the Prius and its bigger minivans like the Noah and the Voxy.

On petrol models, the Sienta comes with Toyota's brand new 1.5L 2NR-FKE VVT-iE engine, the same that you expect from the recently-facelifted Corolla range. This new engine is one of Toyota's high-thermal efficiency engines that will launch by the end of this year. It uses the same framework as the Vitz's 1NR-FKE engine but with a longer piston stroke as well as increased diameters on the inlet and exhaust pipes. Couple that with the idling stop feature and the Super CVT-i gearbox and the fuel economy is expected to be up to 20.6km/L. That's 3.4km/L more than the old Sienta's.

However, there's a new hybrid model for the Sienta, and it's for those who are not in a hurry for anything. With the 1NZ-FXE engine mated with a 45kW electric motor and a traditional nickel metal hydride batter, total power output is a measly 100PS and thanks to the CVT gearbox, fuel economy is up to 27.2km/L.

Handling wise, the Sienta isn't what you call sporty but it's well civilized and uncomplicated for first-timers thanks to its rack and pinon steering, MacPherson strut and coil springs in the front suspension and a rear torsion beam for the rear suspension (FF only, 4WD models get rear double wishbones). It's a great car to handle but for a concept, it's a tad old-fashioned.

In terms of safety, the new Sienta is available with the brand new Toyota Safety Sense C package and because Toyota is now balancing the things that are fun with the things that are safe with great responsibility, this new package consists of Pre-Collision System uses a camera and a laser radar to scan incoming vehicles on the driver's twelves, the Lane Departure Alert uses a camera to detect white and yellow lane markings, and lastly, the Automatic High Beam detects oncoming vehicle's headlights and the taillights of cars in front, allowing its headlamps to be automatically switched between high beam and low beam.

2016 Toyota Sienta


The new Sienta starts at 1,689,709 up to 2,329,855 Yen and when targeted against the Honda Freed, this new Sienta makes it a great value for money and this is something what Leisure Lifestyle Enthusiasts are looking forward to if they're know what they're thinking.

Available colors: Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, Vintage Brown Pearl Crystal Shine, Air Yellow, Green Mica Metallic, and Blue Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation