Saturday, September 3, 2016

Bubble Gang - September 2, 2016 #BGEnkangtodo

On the September 2, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Talik gags

- Bonggang Bongbong strikes back in SUMBONG SUMBONG KAY BONGGANG BONGGANG BONGBONG...MAS PINABONGGA! This time, annoying cases include men post shirtless pics, people livestreaming everywhere, and people kept renewing their passports for no reason.



- The legend of four...hanggres has been reborn in...Enkangtodo!

- Hugot lines at billiards

- Another Buhay ng Bakla session

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Kumpleto Na Naman Ang Tambayan, At Merong Na Namang Kaguluhan, Alamin Kung Ano Ang...DAHILAN!!!

- A drama where words speak louder than actions...

- More news reversed in Opposite News!



- Basa-Basa Pik!

Let's Do The News! (September 3, 2016)


- Authorities say they cannot confirm reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group claimed responsibility on last night's deadly bombing in Davao. Last night, a bomb exploded at a Davao night market, killing 14 people and hurt 67 others as of now. No one who's behind the deadly explosion that rocked Davao last night. Right now, President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled his Brunei trip following the deadly explosion on his hometown. The president on Saturday morning has placed the whole nation under a "state of lawlessness". However, President Duterte is still scheduled to go to Laos for the ASEAN Summit on the 6th of September. More on the ongoing situation regarding the deadly Davao bombing can be found here.

- With President Duterte placed the whole country under a "state of lawlessness" following the deadly Davao explosion, the Malacanang explained what that is as this latest declaration came from the Constitution's Article VII Section 18 of the Constitution.

- Pouring more oil into the ongoing fire of the Clinton e-mail scandal, the Federal Bureau of Investigation releases notes from their interview with Democratic Presidentiable Hillary Clinton regarding her e-mail cases when she was a Secretary of State back then.While the Republicans, even Donald Trump (who now hired someone who attacked Clinton with false claims since 1992 as his deputy campaign manager, which makes the fight even dirtier for the two presidentiables), kept using this as a chance to strike against Clinton, the Clinton campaign was very "pleased" by this decision.

- Tropical Storm Hermie caused havoc through the Carolina coasts with powerful winds and rain Friday as it swept up the coast, while Florida attempted to clean up debris and restore power to tens of thousands of customers after the storm. Hermie was a Category 1 hurricane, the first hurricane to make landfall in the state since 11 years ago. At least one person died.

- Uzbek leader, Islam Karimov, passed away, causing concerns for the US in areas such as counterterrorism and could become another flashpoint in worsening tensions between the US and Russia.

- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomes Japan's cooperation plans. Lavrov spoke to reporters on Friday after a summit between President Vladimir Putin and Japan PM Shinzo Abe in Vladivostok. They agree that Putin will visit Japan in December. Japan made detailed proposals on the 8-point cooperation plan that Abe presented to Putin in Sochi last May, including energy development and industrial cooperation in the Russian Far East.

TTFN!!!

The Kalyeserye farewell...presumably

Photo: Official EB Facebook

The Kalyeserye segment on Eat Bulaga has been one heck of a household name on every Filipinos' hearts and minds. It's not just the shindig viewers witnessed everyday, and it's not even the AlDub antics we all love, but it's about what the lolas up to, just to show what Kalyeserye's all about.

Now, here we are, at that very moment when Alden and Maine say goodbye to Lola Nidora and Tinidora. Before they gone through separate ways, they got succumbed to the fun from the internet videos featuring Maine and her male equivalent named Motoki.

Anyway, after their little funtime, the gang thorw the lolas a farewell party and after one heck of a farewell party, it's time. It's time that the lolas packed their bags and going abroad. Kinda sad to see them go but before the farewell, Lola Nidora has some last words to everyone before they said goodbye. "BABALA! We Shall Return!"

Guess this is goodbye to Kalyeserye as we know it but just like what Lola Nidora said, WE SHALL RETURN!

See you soon!

The Tubig at Langis finale

In the final episode of ABS-CBN's intense afternoon drama, Tubig at Langis, the rivalry between Clara and Irene are getting worse and while Clara tries to finish Irene off in the very place where she and Natoy first met, Natoy finally arrives to put an end to this. 

With Natoy here, Clara plots to kill them both but all of her shots were missed because deep down, she still has feelings for Natoy and intends to kill herself to end their suffering. However, Natoy and Irene persuaded her to stop because she still has her child Nathan and with that, Clara finally surrendered and the nightmare's finished.


Six months later, Irene and Natoy finally renewed their vows and remarried. 

Things have finally came in peace after all the suffering they've faced so far and that concludes the story of Tubig at Langis.

Friday, September 2, 2016

Let's Do The News! (September 2, 2016)


- The Commission of Elections yesterday decided to postpone the printing of ballots for the barangay and SK elections despite the absence of congressional resolution deferring the twin polls. COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista said the poll body had ordered the National Printing Office to suspend indefinitely the printing of official ballots.

- The military will deploy thousands of extra troops on their ongoing fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu. Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano said three more battalions will be deployed to add to the six Army and two Marine battalions currently hunting down the terrorists in the troubled province.

- An explosion destroyed the SpaceX rocket and the satellite along with it at Cape Canaveral, Florida on Thursday, two days before it is to be launched. No one was hurt in the accident. NASA and SpaceX say it was test firing its unmanned rocket at a launch pad, when the blast suddenly occurred shortly after 0900 hours local time.

- The State Department will publish the entire schedule of Hillary Clinton during her tenure as Secretary of State before Election Day, adding tensions on the ongoing legal battle on the Democratic Presidential candidate.

- A special art exhibition to mark the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks will open on the 12th of September at a New York museum. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum held a media preview on Thursday. Thirteen New York-based artists have created works showing their reactions to the attacks 15 years ago.

- An annular solar eclipse has been observed from central to southern Africa. In Reunion Island, about 3,000 islanders and tourists enjoyed the spectacle on Thursday, using protective glasses. The moon began to cover the sun around half past noon. The ring of fire was visible after 2PM and lasted for three minutes.

- Speaking of which, with Alolan Rattata uncovered in the latest Pokemon Sun & Moon info, there's a limited-time bonus in store for those who bought the game and yes, it's just a Munchlax but it has a Snorilum Z gem held. What does that mean? It means that when evolved into Snorlax, it can used its signature Z-move called Pulverizing Pancake! It also means that certain Pokemon have their own signature Z moves when holding their very own Z gem. That sounds so special...



- Skoda's flagship SUV, the Kodiaq, was finally revealed in a special reveal event. It will be powered by two TDi and three TSi engines by launch.

2017 Skoda Kodiaq

- The hit Super Mario Maker game lands on the 3DS! Now you can create Super Mario levels wherever you go and show it to the world! In North America, it should be out by the end of the year. No launch date is given to the Japanese market for now...

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS
TTFN!!!

Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid

The powerhouse lineup of the brand new Kia K5, consisting of petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants, got upped with the addition of the plug-in hybrid variant. With the PHEV variant now added, the whole K5 range is complete...almost.

2017 Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid
2017 Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid interior
The new K5 Plug-In Hybrid offers the same fuel-efficient stuff you get in the regular Hybrid model but now with added range courtesy of its 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack that can be recharged within various amount of hours courtesy of its 220v charger that can be plugged at home or can be charged at most charging stations anywhere.

It's powered by a 2.0L Nu GDi petrol engine that produces 156PS of power output, which is connected to an electric motor that joins together with the engine produces 50kW of power, resulting to an overall power output of 202PS and combined fuel efficiency of 16.4km/L. 44km in all-electric mode. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, just so you know.

Just like the regular Hybrid, the K5 Plug-in Hybrid still has the most clever aerodynamics for a fuel-efficient saloon. There's the Active Air Flap, which automatically engages when travelling at high speeds, allowing this car to absorb air through the engine compartment for cooling measures.

Like all variants, it comes with safety features such as Auto Emergency Braking and Advanced Smart Cruise control, just to keep this car safe on the road ahead.

The new K5 Plug-in Hybrid starts at 39,600,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than the normal Hybrid variant of the K5 but for such pricing, this range-extending variant of the K5 is a key turning point for Kia's fuel efficient vehicles right from their portfolio. Things are shaking up in the world of PHEV cars with this newest variant, though.

Photo: Kia Motors

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Back when the time when the C-Class only consists of the saloon, a wagon, and a coupe, the folks from Mercedes-Benz starting to wonder what's next for the latest-generation C-Class. What did they do in their free time? They come up with a new idea, involving chopping the roof off the C-Class and the result? A C-Class Cabriolet, of course!

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
Why an open-top C-Class, you may ask? Mercedes-Benz says that it wants to be a stylish take on BMW's 4-Series Cabriolet and whereas the 4-Series Cabriolet looks a bit bland on the design, the new C-Class Cabriolet looks like its fresh off the Miami heat with a bit of Hollywood glam and some action star muscles to flex with, if you know what I mean.  With prices start at 42,215 Euros, the C-Class Cabriolet might just be a cut price solution to those expensive open top grand tourers ranging from the Dawn, the Continental GT, or the Vanquish Volante, but don't count on being so cozy on this one because even though this is actually based on the C-Class Coupe, meaning it has the same bits and bobs as expected from the C-Class range, the Cabriolet's heavier than the Coupe version due to stiffening required like all convertibles do.

Of course, the Cabriolet offers the same choice of engine types as any other C-Class in the stable from a more economical 2.1L turbodiesel engine for the C220 d to a more powerful 3.0L V6 Bi Turbo engine for the C 400, which produces 333PS of power and 480Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, it can come with either a 7G-TRONIC or a 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox.

2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Cabriolet
2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet

For AMG enthusiasts, they won't miss out on the hi-po Cabriolet versions of the C63 and the new C43 4MATIC. The C43 comes with the similar 3.0L V6 twin turbo engine from the SLC43, which produces a more powerful 367PS of power and 520Nm of torque while mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox while the C63 comes with the 4.0L V8 engine, which in high-end S version, produces 503HP of power and 516 lb-ft of torque, while mated to a 7G-TRONIC gearbox. Of course, you can expect increased weight compared to its hardtop equivalents but because it has the same stuff as seen from their hardtop equivalents, enjoying one of these two versions is a personal taste for themselves.

Keep this in mind that while the C43 starts at 67,919 Euros, the more powerful C63 starts at 83,419 Euros. In other words, while the C43 is the ideal AMG C-Class Cabriolet to start with, the C63 is the perfect example on blowing all your life savings into it for the pursuit of thrills and spills every single corner of the road. Still, you wouldn't miss out all the fun if you had either of these two open-top AMG C-Class machines, eh?

So, now that the C-Class range is well and truly a complete family; ranging from the four-door saloon, a five-door estate, a two-door coupe, and a two-door cabriolet, you now have a choice. Which C-Class will you drive?

Photo: Daimler AG

Let's Do The News! (September 1, 2016)


- The Low Pressure northeast of Itbayat, Batanes has developed into a tropical depression, named Enteng, according to PAGASA. As of 0800 hours local time, Enteng was located at 695km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday morning.

- The Commission of Elections has lauded Congress for agreeing to postpone the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to next year. COMELEC is reacting on the decision last Tuesday by the Senate and the House of Representatives which agreed to move the forthcoming polls to the 23rd of October, 2017.

- Senator Leila de Lima confronted some of President Rodrigo Duterte's closest allies with questions on the anti-wiretapping law on suspicion that her cellphone has been rigged. At the Senate hearing on the problem of illegal drugs, De Lima told Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and Philippine National Police chief Director General Bato dela Rosa that someone might be listening in to her personal communications seemingly without any compelling reason to do so.

- Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump delivered his most aggressive immigration speech in Arizona but before that, he flew to Mexico to meet up with President Enrique Peña Nieto. Trump did talked about his planned wall-building but didn't discuss who will pay for it. Behind the scenes after Trump's visit, Peña Nieto said that they will not pay for the wall. Now, onto his aggressive speech during his Arizona visit, he outline his 10-point plan for immigration reform, in his plot to rid the country of 16,000,000 illegal aliens.

- Meanwhile, reports told that Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton used her private server to send an email to high-ranking officials and members of the diplomatic corps about a nuclear deal with the United Arab Emirates months after she left her post as Secretary of State. The email was part of the over 800 pages of emails, provided by the RNC in response to a Freedom of Information Act request for documents sent the years following Clinton's tenure as Secretary to top aides still at the State Department. Still, could be worse, her unpopularity rating's drastically increased to 56% compared to Trump's 63% unfavorable view, according to ABC News. Sure, Clinton's leading Trump in average support ratings in the run up to the November elections but the gap between them is narrower and narrower.

- The Swiss Federal Court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal by Russia's Paralympic Committee against a total ban on the country's athletes, leaving no chance of them participating the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games this month. Russia took the case to Switzerland's highest court after the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne on the 23rd of August supported the decision by the International Paralympic Committee to bar its athletes from the competition.

- Honda's Modulo releases a more stylish StepWGN Modulo X variant, set to be on sale this October 2016. Joining alongside Modulo X models such as the N-Box and the N-ONE, the StepWGN Modulo X features a sportier design courtesy of Modulo.

2017 Honda StepWGN Modulo X

- Kia's new-generation Pride/Rio compact has been officially revealed before its world premiere at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.


- The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4MATIC gets a brand new Coupe variant and comes with the same 3.0L V6 BiTurbo engine as expected from the AMG 43 range.


- Ferrari will build one more LaFerrari and to be auctioned for the benefit of the victims of the deadly Central Italy Quake last week, which killed less than 300 people.

- Today marks the 59th weeksary of AlDub and in case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye, when Alden asked Maine if she loved him very much, yes. Maine really loved Alden very much but is she? Tune in next time and find out!

TTFN!!!

Toyota Pixis Joy

Daihatsu's Cast range from last year features an eclectic mix of three versions to choose from such as the chic-friendly Style, the crossover Activa, and the hot hatch Sport. Now, Toyota decided to borrow the Cast range to be sold in all Toyota dealerships as the new Pixis Joy.

2017 Toyota Pixis Joy

The new Pixis Joy ranges from three different versions to choose from, just like the Cast range. There's the F as in fashion, C as in crossover, and S as in Sport. You should be familiar that the F is like the Cast Style, C for Cast Activa, and S for, you guessed it, Cast Sport.

For both the Pixis Joy C and F, is a choice of a KF-VE4 660cc engine that promises 30.0km/L of fuel economy and a KF-VET 660cc turbo engine with a fuel economy of up to 27.0km/L, all mated with a CVT gearbox and some fuel-efficient technology derived from most kei-cars in the lineup. Of course, you can opt in for a four-wheel drive variant when things get a little slippery. For the Pixis Joy S, ot still comes with a KF-VET 660cc turbo engine but because this is a sport-oriented model, even though it comes with a CVT gearbox, there are paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel for added control over its simulated gear changes. However, fuel consumption is around 24.8km/L.

Most Pixis Joy models come with the Smart Assist II consisting of Emergency Stop Signal system, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Detection, and many other safety tech offered for these models.

The F starts at 1,414,800 Yen while the C starts at 1,517,400 Yen and the S starts at 1,620,000 Yen.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Historic Senate trial impeaches Brazil leader Rousseff


Anyone remember the infamous trial in the Philippines back in 2000 when the Senate majority decided to impeach then-President Joseph Estrada due to graft and corruption? Well, that similar story does apply in Brazil where a majority of the Senate voted in favor of ousting the suspended President Dilma Rousseff accused of breaking fiscal laws and mishandling the country's budget.

Rousseff, age 68, was Brazil's first female president when she took office five years ago and won her second term two years ago with a majority of over 54 million votes. She is a former guerrilla fighter who was jailed and tortured during the country's dictatorship in the 1970s, and drew a connection between her past and the current situation.

Following her removal from office, Vice President Michel Temer, who was served as the interim president since her suspension, was sworn in Wednesday afternoon as the new president for the remainder of her term through 2018. He formed a Caninet member comprising of white males, which sounds controversial in Brazilian headlines.

With Rousseff now ousted from power, what's next for her? She once said she will retire at her Porto Alegre home in southern Brazil.


Screengrab: tvsenago/NBC News

Forza Motorsport 6: March of the V-Dubs (Part Two)

Previously, I held a little farewell party for the best of VWs offered on Forza Motorsport 6 following the sudden announcement from the producers that they will be missed out all the Aussie fun in the upcoming Forza Horizon 3 game due to reasons I don't really understand. The 20th century hits from the Volkswagen timeline, including the Beetle and the Sambabus, had the time of their life, only then the arrival of the hottest V-dubs of the 21st century came into view.

Now, with the hottest 21st Century V-Dubs came here to celebrate their epic farewell party round Bathurst, let's see what's what on the list.

golf

The Golf IV R32, a hot hatch famed for having a V6 engine upfront, which sounds unorthodox for a VW hot hatch, but resulted to being the the top dog of the pack.



golf (2)

The Golf VI R, a hot hatch that balances high performance and fuel efficiency thanks to its smaller but powerful 2.0L TSi petrol engine.



scirocco

The Scirocco R, the hot version of the revived Scirocco three-door sport coupe and was heavily inspired by the one that made a class victory at the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hour Race.



golf (2)

The Golf VII R, whereas most hot hatches in VW history come and go, this latest version is how you make this Golf the most powerful in the range and make it live up to the fullest.



Watching those VWs roaming around Mount Panorama is like a flock of birds flying together on sunset and it feels so beautiful to watch when I see those driving through a slice of Australia together. Feels like their time has come for the V-dubs to bow themselves...unless, before the V-dubs say goodbye to the Forza franchise, looks like the V-dubs wanted to see which V-dub is the best. I managed to lap round Bathurst in any of the VW offered in FM6 and here are the results;

VW Type 2 - 4:12.154
Beetle - 3:58.047
Scirocco S - 3:26.661
Rabbit GTi - 3:21.710
Scirocco 16v - 3:14.776
Golf II GTi - 3:09.770
Corrado - 2:56.635
Golf III GTi - 3:03.056
Golf IV R32 - 2:54.343
Golf VI R - 2:48.192
Scirocco R - 2:46.390
Golf VII R - 2:44.110

The Golf VII R, being the pinnacle of the Golf hot hatch realm, seems to be the best VW to drive in FM6 because of its improved performance and character and when it comes to choosing which VW I would drive for one last go before VW's big farewell to the Forza franchise, this could be it. The one and only. The fast Golf. Yep. That's the one I'll be having a final go on it.

golf (3)

Phew. Guess it's time to say goodbye to the VW family in the Forza franchise. When they first came in the first Forza Motorsport game a decade ago, fans can't get enough of their greatest hits such as the Golf and the Beetle but now, they're all gone for no reason. It's been a wild ride for all of us.

Goodbye, VW.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER 05 Junjou Midnight Densetsu

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
STARLIGHT MASTER 05 Junjou Midnight Densetsu

Just like the previous four installments, the fifth addition of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Master range, inspired by THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage app game, has arrived and guess what? Strong aftertaste after hearing three brand new songs as heard from the app game, including the hardcore song that is literally the most extreme to master on MASTER difficulty setting, 純情Midnight伝説.

Apart from listening to one of the most intimidating songs to play in Starlight Stage, there are also two additional songs that can be mild and tangy but extra hot when you keep listening to it. There's おかしな国のおかし屋さん by Kanako Mimura and Bloody Festa by Koume Shirasaka. Well, hope you guys like the latest addition to the Starlight Master range, inspired by THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage app game, but which of the Starlight Stage songs be giving the full treatment next? Be ready for more.

TRACK LISTINGS:
01) 純情Midnight伝説 (M@STER VERSION)
02) おかしな国のおかし屋さん
03) Bloody Festa
04) 純情Midnight伝説 (M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ
05) おかしな国のおかし屋さん オリジナル・カラオケ
06) Bloody Festa オリジナル・カラオケ
07) 純情Midnight伝説 (GAME VERSION)

Let's Do The News! (August 31, 2016)


- If things worked out as planned, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to meet up at least five heads of state, including his US and Russian counterparts Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos next week. Duterte is also expected to meet Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.

- Senior Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio argued that the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was dishonorably discharged by the 1986 People Power movement. In questioning lawyer Neri Colmenares, among those opposed of Marcos' burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Carpio said Marcos as the head of state was also the highest military official and may have forfeited his entitlement to be buried at the Heroes' Cemetery, considered a national shrine.

- Republican presidentiable Donald Trump is expected to meet with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto this Wednesday. Reports told that Peña Nieto had extended invitations to both Trump and his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, to travel to Mexico City for a meeting. Trump said during his Everett, Washington rally that he is glad to meet up with Peña Nieto. Coinciding the moment he delivers his big speech on immigration.

- The US Defense Department has yet to verify the reported death of an ISIS spokesman. The group said through its online news agency on Tuesday that Abu Muhammad al-Adnani had been killed while surveying a military operation in Aleppo, Syria. It did not say how he died,

- About 11 people died while three missing in the record rainfall brought by Typhoon Lionrock (Dindo) that flooded most parts of northern Japan.

- Brazilian senators are deliberating whether to dismiss President Dilma Rousseff on the final day of her impeachment trial. As of 1900 hours local time, 11 were for dismissal, 8 against, and 2 did not make their positions clear. More than 40 other senators are to express their opinions.

- Sony announced that the launch for the upcoming PS4-exclusive Gran Turismo Sport game was delayed to 2017.

- See Hatsune Miku like no other in her Lux Shampoo commercial appearance. Scarlett Johansson also included.



- The Warthog from the Halo franchise makes an appearance at Forza Horizon 3 and yes, it's playable...if you already played Halo 5: Guardians or Halo: The Master Chief Collection.



- Doctor Who actress Karen Gillan lands her role in an upcoming revival of the Jumanji movie, which stars action star Dwayne Johnson, comedian Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and singer Nick Jonas. The film is set to debut this Summer 2017.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: March of the V-Dubs (Part 1)

Now, when we heard the news that the upcoming Forza Horizon 3 will no longer feature Volkswagen in the lineup at launch, we were saddened by the shocking announcement that the iconic German car company will be missed out on its Australian journey on the next Forza Horizon game. Don't know why they exclude it but probably due to the ongoing scandals that VW faced so far, in fact, it's becoming not quite healthy for the scandal-stricken VW to be featured on video games, well almost.

golf golf (2)

It's a shame really because while we had fun driving the Golf VII R on FM6, it's sad to say that it won't be appearing in FH3 as well as the other VWs but because it's on an Australian landscape, maybe you can make V-dubs have a little taste of Australia...sort of. Well, since I'm on Bathurst, which is in Australia, I'd decided to give those V-dubs a little Australian vacation before their little farewell party.

In this first part, the 20th century masters of V-dub are having a little free time round Mount Panorama, Bathurst.

bus

The classic Volkswagen Type 2 Sambabus, the minibus that became popular with the hippie crowd.



beetle

The original VW Beetle. As many cars go, this "people's car" remains one of the world famous cars in the history of motoring. It even got starring roles such as the original Bumblebee from the Transformers cartoons and Herbie from the wonderful world of Disney.



scirocco

The first-generation VW Scirocco, which remains one of the most important VW hatchbacks to date and one of the finest specimens designed by the renowned Giugiaro.


rabbit

The VW Rabbit GTi. Although this is an Americanized VW Golf Mk.I GTi, it's still one of the forefathers of the hot hatch realm.


scirocco (2)

The second-generation VW Scirocco. An evolution to the first one and the last Scirocco sold in the North American market.


golf (3)

The VW Gold GTi Mk.II, a second iteration of VW's hot hatch icon which takes its hot hatch level a little further.


corrado

The VW Corrado VR6, one of the rarest specimens on the road and already a classic in its own right when it stopped production two decades ago.


golf (4)

The VW Golf GTi Mk.III, a third chapter of VW's Golf GTi saga and it comes with the more potent VR6 engine sourced from the fallen Corrado.


Seeing those 20th century hits from VW, it's like living to its last toes while trying to fulfill what's on their bucket list today. From classic icons like the Beetle and the Sambabus, to hatchback favorites like the Scirocco and the Golf, those 20th century masters are living it up to the fullest like there's no tomorrow and because VW won't be coming back on FH3, presumably, feels like they're having a farewell party. Of course, they're all having a farewell party for VW's 20th century hits but what about the best of the 21st century from VW?

To be continued...

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

F1 2016: Belgian GP

Photo: Getty Images
Before telling who wins the Belgian GP of the F1 2016 season, something worst has occurred during the race.

The most horrifying crash in all of Formula One history occurred when Kevin Magnussen from Renault lost control at the top of Raidillon hill at Spa-Francorchamps, the venue of the Belgian GP of the F1 2016 season, The car violently fishtailed off the track and span 360 degrees. Luckily, Magnussen survived the crash and he was taken for medical attention.

Anyway, onto the race and with things looking desperate for the F1 stars racing for the podium finish in Belgium, the long-heated rivalry between the two Mercedes F1 drivers still going on as Nico Rosberg's the winner while Lewis Hamilton placed 2nd. Behind the rivalry, Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo finished 3rd place and so on.

Following Rosberg's win, he's now 223 points, behind Hamilton with 232 points, and Ricciardo moves to third with 118 points.

The next race is on Monza, Italy, this 4th of September.

Let's Do The News! (August 30, 2016)


- US President Barack Obama is expected to raise concerns over the recent statements of President Rodrigo Duterte in their upcoming meeting in Laos. The two leaders are set to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN leaders' summit at Vientiane, Laos, on the 6th of September.

- Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle called on Filipinos to condemn all forms of killings in the country. The archbishop noted that all forms of murder must be condemned. Tagle expressed alarm over the sharp rise of extrajudicial killings but also urged the public for consistency in protecting life.

- The Department of Health is on alert regarding flights from Singapore where local transmission of 41 confirmed cases of Zika virus have been confirmed by authorities over the weekend. In a text message, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial explained that the DOH's policy is to test only "symptomatic travelers from endemic countries". Zika is a mosquito-borne disease which symptoms include mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, malaise or headache, muscle and joint pain, which could last for two to seven days. It also being linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly, a condition of abnormal smallness of the head among babies of infected mothers.

- Huma Abedin, a top aide for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, announced her divorce from her husband, disgraced former New York congressman Anthony Weiner, following a report in the New York Post suggesting he had fallen back into his sexting habit.

- Brazil's suspended president Dilma Rousseff has urged the country's senators not to impeach her, saying she did not commit a crime. Rousseff spoke at a Senate trial on Monday. She appealed to the delegates to make a choice for Brazil's democracy.

- Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd says it will still campaign against Japan's research whaling, using a new, high-speed patrol boat. Sea Shepherd Australia announced that it would send the vessel in the Antarctic Ocean in December for a direct-action campaign against Japanese whalers.

- Cadillac chief executive Johan de Nysschen confirms that an XTS minor change will come as well as new plans for a flagship model, part of their future product plans.

- Citroen will present their CX-Perience Concept at this year's Paris Motor Show, featuring a new Advanced Comfort tech.

Citroen CX-PERIENCE Concept

- Two idols from THE IDOLM@STER Platinum Stars are getting their Nendoroid Co-de treatment. That's right because GOOD SMILE COMPANY are now accepting reservations for Nendoroid Co-de Haruka Amami and Miki Hoshii, both in their Twinkle Star costumes as seen in the game. They're now available to order starting at 2,963 Yen plus tax each and deliveries will start this January.

Nendoroid Co-de Haruka Amami
Twinkle Star
Nendoroid Co-de Miki Hoshii
Twinkle Star

- A chibified version of the iconic F-22A Mobius 1 plane from Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies will be available at most hobby shops in November 2016. Made by Hasegawa Hobby Kits, this 19-part model kit, based on the hero plane, is a great start for beginner-level modelers and its super deformed sizing makes it a great display.

TTFN!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Philippines condemns North Korea's missle launch



Sourced from The Philippine Star:

The Philippines condemned North Korea's latest missile launch and the resumption of the processing of its nuclear materials and nuclear testing.

The latest submarine launch of a ballistic missile was last Aug. 24, a day after the United States and South Korea began their annual military exercises.

North Korea had carried out six ballistic missile firings between April and June despite the demand of the United Nations to halt all missile launches and nuclear tests.

The Philippines said North Korea's actions seriously undermine regional peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

"We reiterate our call on the DPRK to comply with its international obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and commit to the process of constructive dialogue," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released Tuesday.

Meanwhile, North Korea has denounced a UN Security Council statement condemning its four latest ballistic missile launches, calling it a "hostile act."

Last Friday, a press statement approved by 15 Security Council members called the missile launched in July and August "grave violations" and called for a ban on all ballistic missile activity.

A statement from the North Korean Foreign Ministry warned the UN correspondents that they have "substantial means capable of reducing aggression troops in the US mainland and the operational theater in the Pacific to ashes in a moment."

Pyongyang further claimed that the US instigated the statement and called it "a reckless provocation harassing peace and stability on the Korean peninsula."

"This is an illegal action taken by the world body to side with the US in the acute standoff between the DPRK and the US without an iota of impartiality," the ministry said, using the initials of the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons development programs have brought heavy international sanctions down on its head, but Pyongyang said they are justified because of the threat posed by the US and South Korea.

20 Years of Mazda Demio

Well, this is a bit of a belated approach but as you may know, the year 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of Mazda's compact hatchback, the Demio. For two decades, four generations, and numerous awards and accolades, it was one of the most successful models in Mazda's timeline. I guess this is the ideal time to read back the Mazda Demio's 20-year history.

Fourth-generation Mazda Demio

First Generation (1996 - 2002) - The first Mazda Demio was basically a production version of the BU-X Concept first seen in the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and when it was first announced that the BU-X will enter production, it will be called Demio. This compact hatchback set the standards to this category and it went on sale on the 27th of August, 1996. In its first year, it won the RJC Car of the Year and the Japan Car of the Year respectively. Because it used the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, it was sold globally as the 121 or the Ford Festiva Mini Wagon. It's powered by either a 1.3L or a 1.5L petrol engine.

Second Generation (2002 - 2007) - With the success of the first-generation Demio, Mazda prompted a full model change in 2002 and sold worldwide as the Mazda 2. For the first time, an e-4WD variant was offered and this drivetrain uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels when necessary. It still carries on the same choice of 1.3L and 1.5L petrol engine.

Third Generation (2007 - 2014) - The third-generation Demio was launched in 2007 and it replaces the outgoing model's boxy styling in favor of a more curvy silhouette. In 2011, a facelifted Demio became the first Mazda to incorporate SKYACTIV Technology via the P3-VPS (1.3-litre SKYACTIV-G) engine. The new SKYACTIV-G engine is the next generation of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine that is the first to attain the world's highest petrol engine compression ratio of 14.0:1, 15% increase of fuel efficiency and torque, and a 4-2-1 exhaust system, cavity pistons, multihole injectors and some of the technology that makes SKYACTIV "Only the sky is the limit" after all.

Fourth Generation (2014 - onwards) - In 2014, the Mazda Demio has been regenerated and for this generation, the new Demio embodies the Kodo design with its full SKYACTIV capabilities with the main forte is the S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. Thanks to that, it won the 2014 Japan Car of the Year.

So, with Mazda nothing doing special to celebrate the Demio's 20th anniversary, I bet most Demio owners across Japan did honored the Demio's 20th birthday for the good of it. But because the Demio is now two decades old, Mazda Demio/121/2 owners like you would like to thank Mazda for giving such a good compact car for two decades so a big hearty thanks to Mazda for 20 years of Demio, the compact car that is so good for first-timers, it really lives up to Mazda's "Be a Driver" slogan. Here's for the next two decades.

Which Biohazard has the best "Mercenaries"?

With Biohazard/Resident Evil 4, 5, and 6 finally relaunched on the PS4 and XBOX One, part of celebrating Capcom's survival horror franchise's 20th anniversary, now it's the ideal time to talk about the crazy little mini-game called THE MERCENARIES.

THE MERCENARIES

Ever since it became an unlockable mini-game for those who finished Biohazard 3: Last Escape (Resident Evil 3 NEMESIS), The Mercenaries is an addictive mini-game where players pit as one of the three UBCS troops and race against time to the finish time. They can add some time by killing zombies but because they have little ammo left, players have to rethink their strategy to survive their way to the finishing spot and earn in-game cash to unlock cool stuff for the main game, including the super-cool infinite ammo for all weapons.

Today, THE MERCENARIES has evolved into the mini-game we are truly familiar now, killing bad guys in some high-score hijinx until the timer runs out. Let's start with the best of Biohazard games featuring THE MERCENARIES.

Biohazard 4

Let's start with Biohazard 4, which already destined as the greatest survival horror game of all time, as Game Informer pointed out. This game has THE MERCENARIES mini-game unlockable by finishing the main game, which took them an average of seven to nine hours to finish the whole story. 

At the start, only Leon was available but as players performed better, they will be able to unlock other characters such as Ada, Krauser, HUNK, and Wesker. With all characters unlocked, everybody knows that there's a secret weapon that can be unlocked on the main game by getting five stars on all levels with all of the characters. 

But still, what do we like most about this Mercenaries needs no explaination. With our favorite villains like Krauser, HUNK, and Wesker present, RE4's Mercenaries made us coming back for more and more for our bragging rights if we got the highest score possible.

Biohazard 5

Now, let's move on to Biohazard/ Resident Evil 5, enjoyable with its co-op gameplay. The Mercenaries game was playable by default and only Chris and Sheva are available but as they satisfy certain conditions, they can unlock special costumes for Chris and Sheva as well as hidden characters such as Jill (in her BSAA and Battle Suit costumes) and Wesker (in both Midnight and S.T.A.R.S. costumes). 

When the Alternative Edition was launched, there's The Mercenaries Reunion featuring additional costumes for Chris (Heavy Metal and Exoskeleton) and Sheva (Office Lady and Fairy Tale) as well as additional characters such as Excella Gionne, Josh Stone, and familiar legends such as Barry Burton and Rebecca Chambers. 

So, whichever character they picked, this Mercenaries game was more fun when played in duo but what we like most about it is with new and familiar faces mixed in with them, it's becoming very addictive to play after having enough fun with the main game and the extra episodes.

Biohazard THE MERCENARIES 3D

Next up, the 3DS game called The Mercenaries 3D. Set in the world of Biohazard/Resident Evil, The Mercenaries 3D allows players to play as their favorite characters on a killing spree to defeat as many enemies as possible before time runs out. The more kill combos they scored, the bigger the score, and the bigger the score, the better the ranking. 

Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and HUNK are available by default but by satisfying certain conditions, they can unlock other characters such as Rebecca Chambers, Barry Burton, Albert Wesker, Claire Redfield, and Jack Krauser. With all characters available, they can go for the unlockable costumes such as Chris's pilot costume, Jill's casual costume from Last Escape, Rebecca's nurse costume, Barry's American costume, Uroboros Wesker, Claire's office attire, HUNK's reaper costume, and Krauser's exoskeleton attire. 

Each character has their own character loadout but any character can use the desired loadout or spend 10 Play Coins to unlock weapons, including special ones such as the fearsome 2-way grenade launcher.

Because you can have so much possibilities by equipping your character with the right weapon, it can be anyone's favorite as long as they didn't get embarassed by Barry's all-American costume or charmed by Rebecca's nurse costume.

Biohazard 6

And now, let's move on to Biohazard/Resident Evil 6, the most definitive installment of the survival horror franchise, and when you had enough of a blast in the main game, there's The Mercenaries offered in-game.

At first, only the hero characters; Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jake Muller, are available by default but by satisfying certain conditions, they can unlock characters such as Helena Harper, Piers Nivans, Sherry Birkin, and Ada Wong. With the main characters set, they can now gun for the secret costumes for each of the characters. You can have a pirate costume for Leon, a police costume for Helena, a samurai costume for Chris, Piers in his racing overalls, a puffy jacket for Jake, Sherry in her school uniform, and Ada in her white dress. There's a secret character that can be unlocked after getting all of the costumes.

Let's face it. While Leon's pirate costume and Chris's samurai costume are not so bad when it comes to their weapon loadouts, Piers' racing overalls is far out ridiculous to look at, while Jake in his puffy jacket is deemed to be challenging because he has a knife, a Semi-Auto Sniper Rifle, and a Grenade Launcher. While the heroines in their secret costumes deemed to be very attractive on their looks, the trickiest to master was Helena in her police costume and the easiest was, you guessed it, Sherry in her school uniform because with her attractive looks comes with fearsome firepower. Not bad for a girl.

What's different from the other Mercenaries games is when you did special stuff in the certain stage, you will trigger a hidden boss, which sounds super intimidating but for added thrills. Still, RE6's Mercenaries game can be very addictive in both solo or duo with a buddy.

So, which Biohazard has the best "mercenaries"? Don't be silly but finding which one is like punching a boulder.

Anyway, Biohazard/Resident Evil 4, 5, and 6 are now available to download on the PS4 and XBOX One. In Biohazard 4, you can expect not just the main game but also Separate Ways (The Another Order), starring Ada Wong in five thrilling missions, special costumes for both Leon and Ashley, as well as cool weapons such the P.R.L. 412 and the Gunpowder Bowgun. In Biohazard 5, there's The Mercenaries United, which combines both of the regular Mercenaries and Mercenaries Reunion characters, a more thrilling Mercenaries No Mercy, and two extra episodes such as Lost In Nightmares and  Desperate Escape. In Biohazard 6, all of the DLC features are added such as additional maps, Mercenaries No Mercy, Siege, Onslaught, Survivors, and Predator. Costumes that can be acquired previously from the ResidentEvil.Net website are featured as well.

Biohazard Value Pack

Coming September 29, you can avail for the Biohazard Value Pack on the PS4 for 8,100 Yen. Not only the Origins Collection was offered but also a download code for the other three games plus a bonus Biohazrd HD Remaster OST CD as well.


Want to be a real mercenary and take on the world? Join the action on Biohazard Umbrella Corps. Now available to download on the PS4 and PC via Steam, Umbrella Corps is a multiplayer competitive shooting game that pits players to the world of the Biohazard/Resident Evil series through different challenges that will test their skills as mercenaries. Take on different online game modes such as Respawn Match, Target Hunter, Domination, DNA Hunter, Protector, Collector, and Color War or practice in a solo-player game The Experiment.

One last thing, brace yourselves for Biohazard 7 resident evil (Resident Evil VII biohazard), coming on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC this January 2017.