Thursday, January 7, 2010

What's a dakimakura?

OK guys, you may not know what this is, but when it comes to this there is just one big question you ,anime otakus in the bedroom, may ask:

"Excuse me, but, what's a dakimakura?"

You may not know what a dakimakura is but here is a sample of what it looks like:



You see, that's how a dakimakura looked like, if I hoped that Comic Alley, the number one anime merchandise store in the Philippines, sells one of these cutesy pillow covers for your tall pillows.

A dakimakura is a kind of a tall pillow cover with a picture of an female anime character on it. (Like I shown it to you)

I know it sounds too weird to be true, but in the eyes of an otaku, its his or her (if any) prized possession in their bedroom.

To all otakus living in the Philippines, feel free to ask any of the anime stores all over your favorite malls (SM, Festival, Town Center, Greenbelt, or any mall you know) and tell them if the dakimakuras are on sale.

Take your time, guys!

Monday, January 4, 2010

What is the true meaning of the word "fan service" to you?

Hey readers, you know who this is. As I recalled most of the otakus from all over the world saying the two words spiced it up for something which I can't remember what this is, I don't really know what's the real meaning to the word some of the anime otakus called it "fan service" .
SO WHAT DOES FAN SERVICE MEAN TO YOU ANYWAY?
In people words, the word "fan" is used on people who take affection on everything popular, while the word "service" clearly states, well, um, help. I mean, what you help. Help. That's what service is. Service is what you help or serve to other people.
So what just meant on every kind of anime show that has the "fan service" treatment for otakus? Come on! Am I not the only otaku who know this kind of genre? Does a fan service anime creeps me out?

Uh-huh, an anime with a fan service genre really creeps me out. Oh, the naked stuff, and the "what's under her" stuff? I can't see it, it totally creeps me out to leaving one room to another, thinking it is way too sexy? Fantasizing a female anime character for something for your senses?

Aw, Eww, Ewww! I can't watch those kind of fan services? I mean, this is how fan services in anime shows treated fans like something gross?

No, this isn't fan service, it's uh.....uh.....
(PANTING)

(HYPERVENTILATING)

(STILL HYPERVENTILATING)

(STILL, STILL HYPERVENTILATING)

(STILL, STILL, STILL HYPERVENTILATING)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I CAN'T WATCH!

Just kidding!

Look. From my point of view, unexpected blowing of a female characters' skirts (especially that blonde-haired Akari Kirishima, from the new anime series, Nyan Koi!), gentle teasing, some moments from Fight Ippatsu Juden-chan, Kanokon, and others, wasn't simply more than just fan service, it's like you're relieving an (I'll put something irrelevant for my clarification) episode from Family Guy where Peter, Chris, Stewie and Brian drank the whole ipecac syrup, and vomit altogether! Imagine I was about to vomit and break hives when I saw such nudity as part of the fan service genre.

As always, not all fanservices seem bad. Well, it depends on your pleasure for female anime characters, but not much. It would be a mess.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Third-Generation Audi A8

2011 Audi A8


Most Audi fans decided to give an all-out love-it-or-hate-it description about Audi's list of new cars coming this year; these were the ultra-luxury A8 premium sedan, a stylish compact known as the A1, the Spyder model for the R8, with the top dropped, a hybrid variant for the Q5 crossover, and the Porsche Panamera-killing A7. There will be more to come but I shall start talking about the first car to hit this year, the Audi A8.

One look of the new A8 reminds me of something that is somewhat familiar at its appearance. The third-generation A8's design looks somewhat a combination of the A4 compact sedan and the previous-generation A8, all combined into one unique package.

Although I must say, others might think it looks stale, but some people think it is best to look at the new design. From a fresh start, the new A8 has a choice among the 4.2L FSI V8 engine, 3.0L V6 TDI diesel engine, and the 4.2L TDI diesel engine. Most of them are rigged with a 7-speed S-tronic or a 8-speed tiptronic transmission. When the 4.2 FSI engine is a good start, I always prefer a 4.2 TDI diesel engine because of the capability of the diesel turbo engine on this premium German sedan.

As for the interior, I might think it is the same as the previous A8, but the interior design is truly a modern living for adults. In addition, it is armed with conveniences such as Internet connectivity via GPRS, cruise control, lane departure warning system, night vision system, blind spot monitor, pre-crash safety system, and two of the world's first technologies such as the human-machine interface which memorizes the drivers' input between the phone and the navigation system, equipped with Google Earth system.

What has been great about the A8: New technology features, Google Earth-enabled navigation system, grown-up comfort

What has not so great about the A8: Stale design, others think it is somewhat a facelift


Photo: Audi

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Jaguar XFR


A fierce opponent of the current-generation E63 AMG, and the best British sports car engineered for the professionals, known as the Jaguar XFR, branded as the top-of-the-line premium sports sedan with some apocalyptic raw power from the 5.0-litre V8 engine equipped with something more apocalyptic than turbochargers: the supercharger itself. With 510PS of power, exploding top speed of over 250kph, and the top speed of 4.7 seconds in the 0-100km run, you will be surprised that the XFR can be a worthy opponent to the current generation E63 AMG, or possibly the upcoming BMW M5, which BMW addicts might predict the equipment of a V8 turbo engine occur.

What to consider the XFR is the exterior, at first glance, it looks like an ordinary XF, but thanks to some aero engineering, the XFR sports some monstrous aero equipment, 20-inch rims, quad exhaust pipes, rear spoiler, and the unique R badge to complete this demon's fashion statement. With this devil, the XFR will raise hell more than Hellraiser.

IN MY OPINION:
For my point of view about this British hell-raising commando, this has a lot of ammo, and it corners at all paths that no sports sedans handle this magnitude. If you are a successful businessperson who is looking for some need for speed, can you try the Jaguar XFR? This British sports sedan has the fun factor adults would enjoy.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/179

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Daihatsu Tanto Exe

Get ready to get your hands on something new, this new kei car is best to keep ever since the Move Conte and the Mira Cocoa. The best kei car from Daihatsu is finally emerged since the car's sneak preview from the Tokyo Motor Show. With excellence is the name of the game, the big brother of Tanto, the Tanto Exe, is born.














Why the Exe sub name? Like other Daihatsu cars such as the boxy Move Conte, and the adorable Mira Cocoa, the Tanto Exe is a separate car from the Tanto series, despite having the standard or custom line-up.













Now for the basics; since this is a kei car designed for adults, there are different styles to choose from; the standard Exe designed for the simple drivers who wanted this new car reasonably, while the sporty Exe Custom is the ultimate premium lounge gifted with glitz and glamour that this is set to please style-hungry customers. What does the Exe and the Exe Custom have in common? Three answers: Tanto-like front, lack of sliding door, and the Move Conte-esque rear side.







On the inside, this kei car has many premium amenities designed for the stressful drivers everywhere. This kei car packed with pockets, lights (including the top lighting, which is similar to the Kia K7 premium sedan), adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel, air conditioning, audio system, and the ability to play MP3s with the special wire that connects to the Exe's audio system with your device. The Custom RS variant gets not just all the features, but also a sporty MOMO steering wheel.

On the spacing side, the Tanto Exe is great when you need some quality time. Choose from a long-sofa mode, front-side flat mode, half-luggage mode, or a full-luggage mode, and see how these arrangements suit your spacing qualifications.








The Daihatsu Tanto Exe and the Daihatsu Tanto Exe Custom always carry a kei car engine that provides good performance, and best power on future cruises. A natural aspiration KF-VE engine gets over 58PS of power and maintain a healthy fuel economy of 18.6km/L (4WD) to 21.5km/L (2WD), while the Tanto Exe Custom's RS variant is equipped with a turbocharged KF-DET engine delivers an improved power of 64PS with the fuel economy of 19.4km/L (4WD) to 20km/L (2WD). Most Tanto Exe types are equipped with either a 4-speed automatic transmission of CVT.

IS IT AN EXCELLENT CHOICE?
As I told earlier, the excellence theme is the best game for the Tanto Exe. With the standard Exe and the sporty Exe Custom around, this is the best Japanese small car for its excellent packaging, excellent space, excellent performance, excellent fuel economy, and an excellent last-minute addition to the Daihatsu family. How describe the look and feel of the Tanto Exe? It is simple, this is surely the best Daihatsu car ever since this kei car's Tokyo Motor Show preview. From my point of view about the Exe, it looks moderate to look at the car's exterior, while the Custom model boasts a surprisingly good look among buyers who wanted style more than just dependability. Once you are inside the Exe or the Exe Custom, be happy for this kei car's excellence. You will need it.


Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

New Citroen C3



This is not a Citroen C3 like the one you seen before. One look of the new Citroen C3 surprises compact car lovers with the bold new surprises. You may acknowledge that this C3 is not the C3 of yesteryears; this C3 has reached fun to a completely new level.






What is new to the C3, you ask? For starters, the exterior design carries Citroen's new design flow, with the addition of the world's first zenith windscreen. The zenith windscreen increased the windscreen's height, giving drivers a massive view to the sky. Imagine driving through thie night and see the pretty stars noticeably with this windscreen.

Aside from the amazing look, the new C3 carries four gasoline engines (four petrol engines - 1.1i 8V, 1.4i 8V, 1.4 16V VTi and 1.6 16V VTi engine) and three diesel engines (1.4HDi 8V, 1.6HDi 16V and 1.6HDi 16V engine) to choose from. Depending on the engine type, the new C3 delivers loads of innovation features, such as the Gear Efficiency Indicator for manual transmissions only, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, speed limiting cruise control, six airbags, and the best sound-absorbing materials only the C3 has to offer.







While checking out the new C3's interior, you should know that this car’s best served with the zenith widescreen that provides total free view on the road. No new C3 is come informative without the newly designed instrumental cluster that provides the driver what was the C3 going on. Aside from the new instrumental paneling, an optional navigation system come in handy, and the optional Bluetooth connectivity provides Bluetooth-powered phones a wireless need.

HOW WAS THIS?

Good things come to small packages, so that is why the all new Citroen C3 with the world's first zenith windscreen adds more fun, more thrills, and more to come from the owners who wished to try the new C3. Enjoy!

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/177

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Renault Megane III

In Japan, the word megane truthfully means glasses. From the French automaker, Renault, the Megane name does not really refer to some eye wear from Japanese culture; the Megane is as a 5-door hatchback, 3-door coupe, or station wagon built for grand touring fun.














From the Megane's distinctive styling in each corner, you can rest assured that no other car can be as cunning as, enjoyable as, comfortable as this French car sold for the balanced car enthusiast. On the 5-door hatchback model, it is much more normal to look at it with its distinctive taste, giving this model an opportunity to compete against other hatchbacks such as the Mazda Axela and the Opel Astra. The 3-door coupe variant provides aggressive design and strikingly amazing features to compete the likes of the Volkswagen Scirocco. The new Estate variant brings the grand touring style on Renault and this would be a worthy opponent to the Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, Mazda Atenza Sports Wagon, Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, and the Honda Accord Tourer. Above all, those Meganes would make other cars a suitable rival on the road. I guarantee it would be a so-so during comparison results done by automotive journalists.

A choice of a 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre, 1.3-litre diesel, or 1.8-litre diesel engine, and a choice of 6-speed manual, 5-speed auto, or continuously variable transmission deliver most of the Megane's unquestionable performance, depending on which body type you choose. Depending on the variant, the Megane gets most of the innovative features such as Electronic Stability Program, bi-xenon headlamps, optional fog lamps, seat belts, multi-information display on the dashboard, keyless entry, optional navigation system, and parking assist.






Sportiness on the outside, pure luxuriousness on the Megane’s interior, which others find somewhat interesting to feel at. The interior features give the passengers ease out of stress from the outside. The Arkamys 3D sound system gives the music you are listening in the Megane more realistic and clearer quality than you have never heard of it before, especially while changing tunes to your AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. To add fun of it, an optional panoramic sunroof provides passengers a view to the top. Just most of these features keep the Megane range enjoyable and comfortable adults would love to try.


Megane RenaultSport




Inspired by the Renault Formula One team, derived from the Megane Trophy Race Car, and using the Megane Coupe as the base, the RenaultSport version of the Renault Megane Coupe is engineered for the fast and furious drivers in France. Powered with the 2.0-litre turbo engine that delivers 250 PS, achieved a top speed of 245km/h and 6.1 seconds on a 0-100km run, the explosive performance of the Megane RenaultSport would take your heart-pounding experience to a whole new dimension. On track days, the RS monitor is surely handy for checking out your Megane RS's best lap times and your car's status, depending on your racing level. Consider driving on the Wangan expressway or the Autobahn with that one and regularly check your Megane RS's best results. Please note that the RS Monitor is not applicable when the navigation system option is placed on the Megane RS.

ACCORDING TO MY OPINION:
The third-generation Megane from Renault is one of the most eye-popping French cars you have ever faced on the Renault range. With the hatchback, coupe, and estate at hand, the new Megane takes the turn and into the loophole to turn the tables against other cars in this category. The hatchback variant looks normal in the eyes of a Renault fan, while the coupe variant explodes so much adrenaline to street-race for, and the estate variant is a grand touring must-have for wagon addicts. If these Meganes are not enough for you, the RenaultSport Megane brings the power of the F1 within reach. Judging on which Megane are you, rest assured that you can put or do not put your glasses and see the Megane for yourself. This French car is the perfect vision for the future of the Renault brand.






Cadillac CTS Mk.II

As a formidable foe to the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4, there is no surprise that the second-generation Cadillac CTS can outwit, outlast, outclass, and outclass any kind of luxury medium sedan at its core, even in a car enthusiasts' imagination.






With Cadillac's design flow inherited from the Cadillac Sixteen concept sedan, the second-generation CTS is somewhat more than meets the eye in terms of performance, quality, and packaging suitable for well-mannered adults. Besides its design, the CTS will come, not only in sedan, but also in sports wagon and coupe (coming soon), but for right now, let's focus first on the sedan and the wagon variant for a while. With the sedan variant boasts a lot of sportiness for adults, the sports wagon is some kind of machine that other station wagons never underestimate the power of the American-made station wagon. The CTS sedan combines the efforts of a sports car and a luxury car, while the CTS Sport Wagon provides spaciousness for everything, giving this station wagon premium quality adults would love to get.

Depending on the body style you choose, from the sporty sedan to the grand touring sports wagon variant, the Cadillac CTS is powered with either a 3.0-litre LFI V6 engine with over 274PS of power, or a 3.6-litre LLT V6 engine with almost 310PS of power. It also comes with an optional all-wheel drive, and a choice of two transmissions; a 6-speed 6L50/90 automatic transmission, or a 6-speed Aisin AY-6 manual transmission. Aside from these features the CTS stands safe for everyone, thanks to its StabiliTrak, daytime running lamps, ABS, disc brakes, tire pressure monitor system, and most optional for all General Motors cars: OnStar.

If the standard CTS looks boring or vanilla to feel at, consider this:



A high-performance version of the CTS, known as the CTS-V, is bound to be the perfect rival from the likes of the Audi S4, BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and also the Jaguar XFR. With 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering almost 570PS of power output, standard StabiliTrak system, power steering, limited slip differential, a choice of either automatic or manual transmission, a choice of five sleek colors, and loads of conveniences, the CTS-V stands everyone out and if you are successful, this could be the envy of your office mates, especially your last boss: your office boss!

IN OTHER WORDS:
With the coupe variant coming soon, what I like about the new CTS and the new CTS Sport Wagon is its conveniences engineered and designed to be almost a premium mid-size sedan for adults. Let's not forget the cunning CTS-V that brings seasoned sports car drivers a whole new level to the word: HOT WHEELS! It doesn't matter, while you turned your ordinary medium sedan in favor for the new CTS, you will never turn back to your old medium sedan again. Be warned.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Cadillac SRX -Second Generation-

Derived from the Provoq crossover concept, and mostly targeted for well-experienced adults everywhere, the second generation SRX from Cadillac provides a whole variety of features and conveniences adults would love to enjoy, especially for the whole family.





This stylish crossover utility vehicle is no gimmicks for car enthusiasts like you; the new SRX looks more like a Cadillac CTS than the previous-generation model resembles like an Escalade. What makes the SRX stands out the rest is the strikingly aggressive design that gives this crossover the commanding presence adults would love to take at look at it.

From the SRX's striking design, the performance comes great with the choice of two six-speed automatic transmissions (Hydra-Matic or Aisin Warner with Eco Mode), and a choice of two engines (3.0-litre V6 or 2.8-litre V6 turbo). We might think the turbo engine looks great for adrenaline junkies, but the 3.0-litre V6 engine is a fresh start for first timers. The SRX also comes with an optional all-wheel drive, so you can go anywhere you want, all the time.

If you are concerned about the SRX, the safety features from this crossover got your back always. With airbags, daytime running lamps, traction control, StabiliTrak, anti-theft system, anti-lock braking system, keyless entry, tire pressure monitor system, fog lamps, and rear-parking assist, you can rest assured that you are safe in this vehicle always.





The SRX's comfort zone looks somewhat focused on hospitality and passion adults never faced from the previous-generation SRX. The accented French stitching that covers all the SRX's seat adds a nice touch to this crossover. It has an impressive paneling, entertainment system, AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD player with navigation system as an option, and loads of accessories, including the optional noise canceling wireless headphones for the best sound experience, it might be best for everyone to take control of the SRX's interior features that treat them with the premium touch.

DOES IT RING A BELL?
When compared to other luxury crossovers, such as the Lexus RX, Audi Q5, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the chances may vary for the crossover enthusiasts who wanted to take the verdict. It does not matter how well is the SRX's design, quality, and performance, the SRX is built mostly for the experienced drivers who are willing to take advantage of its premium features. Without those premium features, the new Cadillac SRX would be nothing, a ship without a water.


Photo: Autoblog

Mazda Carol HB25

2010 Mazda Carol


If you don't know what in the world is the Mazda Carol, then I'll explain more about this before explaining this latest model change.

Back in the 60's the Mazda Carol was a mini 4-door sedan built by Mazda. With the introduction of the Autozam brand in the 90's the Carol name has been revived as a cute kei car, but it's just a 3-door kei car. In 1995, the Autozam Carol received a full change way before Mazda stopped making Carol cars in 1998. In 1998, Mazda brought in the new Carol, but it was an OEM of the Suzuki Alto. When the Suzuki Alto reached its 6th generation, the Carol was followed on a 5th generation basis.

When the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto (not to be confused with the Maruti Alto sold worldwide, including the Philippines as the Suzuki Celerio), the Mazda Carol follows its model change as well.

Under the chassis code of HB25, the sixth-generation Mazda Carol tries to be more cuter as the Suzuki Alto. Since the Mazda Carol is the OEM of the Suzuki Alto, you can experience the same characteristics. The DOHC 658cc VVT engine, the available transmissions (CVT, 4AT, and 5MT), the same optional 4WD drive-train, and the same interior.

2010 Mazda Carol

My thoughts about the Carol:

With the Suzuki Alto (Japan-spec, not the Celerio) updated, the Mazda Carol is updated as well, but I think there's nothing much to say about the latest model. With the smiley face (or Nagare) in front of the new Carol, the other views are the same as the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto. In other words, this car is still boring for me so leave this one to Japanese women who had a liking for kei cars.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Peugeot 5008



In South Korea, they have the Ssangyong Rodius (Stavic) and the Hyundai Grand Starex. In Japan, they have the Honda Stepwgn, the Toyota Noah & Voxy twins, and the Nissan Serena. In France, Peugeot's new multipurpose passenger vehicle brings out the best for the European families everywhere. This is the 5008, the newest people carrier from one of hardest working French automobile brands, Peugeot.






Borrowed from the new platform used from the 3008 crossover utility vehicle, you can examine the design flow of this new family mover from the front, side, and the back. Most European car enthusiasts can feel the love-it-or-hate-it decision, once they tried the 5008 for the very first time.

Since the arrival of the 5008, there are two gasoline-powered engines and four diesel-powered engines available as of press time. From the 1.6-litre VTi engine to the 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine, drivers can choose which engine type is suitable to the 5008. Only on the manual transmission-equipped variants is the gearshift indicator, which allows the car to determine the best time for the driver to shift gears.

On the safer point of view, the 5008 is equipped with six airbags, which provide maximum protection for everyone inside, intelligent distance alert system determine the right speed on the right road, anti-skid system, traction control, electronic handbrake, and hill assist. An optional phone added in the 5008, providing the most of the emergencies when needed.






With the interior features, such as the optional rear-seat entertainment system, panoramic roof, optional navigation system, USB connectivity, air con, heads-up display (same as the 3008), and many storage features, you can rest assure that these features are made to be almost premium. Aside from calling it a premium multipurpose passenger vehicle for adults, the 5008 is built for everyone, even kids who are enjoy watching their favorite movies at the passenger side.

THINK ABOUT IT:
Most Pinoy Peugeot fans would wished that this brand would not be abolished from the Philippine market, despite poor reputation, because there are more Peugeots to come in the Philippine market, such as the 3008 crossover, all 207 and 308 variants, the 407 sedan, estate, and coupe, the Mitsubishi Outlander OEM, known as the 4007, or even this 5008 MPV.

With the 5008, most parents cannot wait to take advantage of these rich features suitable on most occasions. Not only the families trying this new French MPV, but also people with great interests would love to witness the 5008 for their first test. Whether you favor it or not, the 5008 designed and engineered to be almost a premium, with the pricing most likely to credit for the drivers.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/171

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Therefore, it starts... The Volkswagen R-Line introduced a newest addition ever since the Scirocco was come back last year. Known to be the best of the Volkswagen R-Line models ever told, the Scirocco R is here.





With the sportier look than the regular Scirocco, the Scirocco R explodes the Autobahn with its performance, quality, styling, and packaging available for the German monster that brings out the gracefulness within.





What brings the beauty of this Autobahn beast is the new engine that was similar to the Golf R, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, TSI engine equipped in the Scirocco R explodes over 265ps of power at the top speed of over 250km/h. Not only the Scirocco R armed with a manual transmission, but also this monster is equipped with Volkswagen's 6-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters as an available option. Aside from these, the Scirocco R comes with the performance features that keep adults trying this car for some more, such as the XDS electronic transverse differential lock, electronic stability program, DCC Dynamic Chassis Control, and double-flow exhaust system.

YOU LITTLE DEVIL...
Despite this Scirocco R will not come to the United States or even in the Philippines, regarding no announcement of taking over the Philippine distributor of Volkswagen, the raw power of the Scirocco R is exploding with fun and excitement for adults hitting the thrills on the Autobahn. With the estimated price of about 3,000,000 pesos, there is no doubt this monster would take a heavy toll on the car enthusiast's budget. Only a wealthy adult would take the chance of driving the Volkswagen Scirocco R and tear down the streets of Metro Manila, even on the Saturday night at the Metrowalk. Still, the Scirocco R is the perfect road mauler for the major adults who are looking for some real thrills on the road.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/170