Saturday, March 18, 2017

Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2017 film)

The legendary Disney classic "as old as time" has been reborn as this live-action adaptation promises to be a spectacular feast for the family and you are more than welcome to be...their guest.


The live-action rebirth of Disney's Beauty and the Beast stars Emma Watson from the Harry Potter films as Belle and Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens in his most challenging role yet as The Beast and when we say challenging, it is because he had to deal with the monstrous CGI for his character in the film, among many others including Luke Evans as the villain Gaston.

As any Disney afficcionado would tell, the tale as old as time may seem nothing new to those who've seen the Disney classic over and over again but this live action rebirth adds some twists and some truths in store for the main characters and while we love the new look to those memorable characters in this Disney classic, including favorites like Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and Chip, the CGI is nothing but extraordinary and you can't go wrong with the signature Disney magic sprinkled to this film.

Just by looking at the visuals and the musical numbers in this film, the live-action Beauty and the Beast film is a captivating movie that with touch the hearts of most families and this is by no means, the best Disney film ever made since 2015's Cinderella. It's easier said than done.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Lexus LC

Since the era of the Lexus LFA, the luxury division of Toyota proved that they're more than just making cars for the elder gentlemen who want to hang out at country clubs on their time, and when the time of the LFA has come to an end, Lexus tried to make their cars look sporty enough to appeal to younger gentlemen but despite giving them aggressive faces, none of them feel like the time of the LFA, even their sportiest offering, the RC F, couldn't make the grade, until now...

2018 Lexus LC

Lexus's new flagship sports car, the all-new LC, maybe just the ideal candidate to become the car that can pass the torch from the now legendary LFA. In fact, there are so many questions that need to answer about the latest flagship sports coupe but there's one thing that comes to mind; just what is the Lexus LC?

2018 Lexus LC
2018 Lexus LC interior
Being one of the finer examples of concept cars turned real, with some minor alterations to make it road-legal, the LC draws inspiration from the rakish LF-LC Concept car five years ago and from every angle, this car promises to be a head-turner from all ends of the earth and on the inside, the LFA-styled interior is a clear reminder that it's like one of that mass-produced weaponry styled after the superweapon based upon but accessible to all who want to unleash their fury from within. Now, where did I hear that before? But never mind all that because that design is definitive proof of Lexus's L-Finesse design philosophy continues to evolve into perpetual heights until the word comes into sense that Lexus makes the most aggressive-looking cars in the market, albeit no one's buying on the performance issue.

2018 Lexus LC

Yes, while this is essentially a GT car, the Lexus LC is offered with two distinct powerplants which like one of which is more enjoyable to gargle with and the other one that you wouldn't last for thirty seconds. The first one, the LC 500, is powered by an old-school 2UR-GSE 4.0L V8 engine that has powered many F models in the range since the RC F and the GS F. It produces 477 PS of power and 540Nm of torque while mated to Lexus's first 10-speed Automatic Gearbox, which sounds like too much for an automatic gearbox but speedo boys can take this V8-powered LC any day rather than this unusual variant in the range; the LC 500h. The LC 500h is the first Lexus hybrid to come with the next-generation hybrid system dubbed as "Multi-Stage Hybrid." 

What is Multi-Stage Hybrid? Great question, you may ask because this new system pairs the 8GR-FXS 3.5L V6 engine with two electric motors and, thankfully, a lithium-ion battery, keeps the planetary-type continuously variable transmission from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive, and also adds a unique four-speed automatic transmission and that doesn't stop here because when engaging in M mode, the two gearsets act together to provide the effect of 10 gears, which sounds like engaging but regular if you may ask. While the LC 500h's total output provides 359PS of power, fuel efficiency is expected to reach 15.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards.

Both the LC 500 and the LC 500h are proper sportscars to drive courtesy of their extensive use of high-strength steels, aluminum, and CFRP for the bodywork as well as track-honed dynamics that promises to behave like the legendary LFA but without all the drama involved into making this sort of thing. As a car that puts the Chevrolet Corvette and the Porsche 911 on the crosshairs, the LC struggles to make the grade with that kind of firepower it unleashes but it can be a lot more enjoyable to drive if you got the time and effort to make use of it. The V8-powered LC 500 is a challenge worthy to label a beginner's luck but the LC 500h is not of a bigger deal compared to the Honda NSX, which is by no means one of the most enjoyable hybrid sportscars ever made check the pricing, folks. The LC starts at 13,000,000 Yen, which is more expensive to own than the American rival, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51, while the LC 500h's pricing of 13,500,000 Yen makes it less costly to own than the Honda NSX, which sounds like a bargain. So, this is like the lesser of two evils in terms of pricing because the V8-powered LC 500 is more expensive than the Corvette while the LC 500h hybrid is less costly than the Honda NSX. Need I say more, ladies and gentlemen?

2018 Lexus LC
Like all Lexus models, the LC is still a luxury car that is well-mannered and subtle in a civilized world. It still has some safety features like all Lexus models come with, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Vehicle Sway Warning, and an Intelligent High Beam system as well. Summing these cars up is hard because let's be honest, with all that amazing stuff involved in the making of the LC, we really wish we want to drive one of these right now because while some dinosaurs like to walk away from this car much as what they do with modern sportscars, we have our own ways to get involved with the new LC and looks like the jealousy breaks loose when it hits the roads, both real and viral.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Friday, March 17, 2017

Bubble Gang - March 17, 2017 #BGGymIsLife

In the March 17, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Gym gags

- Someone wants to pull tricks for the audition...

- The most interesting math class ever...


- Taxi driver meets girl...or app...


- Joke's on these kooks!

- The Jungle Belles are facing with someone from another kingdom!

- A different kind of basketball player...

- That clingy feeling you experienced...

- Basa-basa-pik!

Let's Do The News! (March 17, 2017)


- Two siblings from Cavite have been arrested by authorities following the extortion of the child to an American pedophile. According to reports, the two sisters started sending photos of nude children about three years ago and later were monitored by American authorities.

- Members of the militant group Kadamay have marched through Bocaue Hills to occupy some housing units there while it was barricaded by authorities. The militants wanted housing, not war. The Bocaue Hills housings are reserved for some members of AFP and PNP.

- Groups of employers expressed distrust over the Department Order 174 from DOLE that regulates contractualization, although some have favored it according to labour groups.

- The one-month waiting period for those would-be domestic workers who failed Competency Assessment tests has been removed by TESDA. Now, those who failed can retake it anytime.

- A 50-year old female in Las Pinas City was arrested for illegal recruitment.

- Residents are complaining over a hefty pile of garbage at Boracay Island.

- Sacked INC minister Angel Manalo and two others are transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa.

- Sony is ending shipments of their Playstation3 consoles.

- Canadian singer Shawn Mendes admits that "its more fun in the Philippines" during his visit.

TTFN!!!

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - Kobalt 400


Last Sunday's Kobalt 400 race of the 2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, is proven to be quite a desperate one for season leader Brad Keselowski as his strong lead in the race has beem crushed followed a slight mishap, paving way for the race's winner, Martin Truex, Jr.

It's not just about Keselowski, it's also about problems with Kyle Busch as well when he got slipped into the pit lane at the final lap during his onslaught with Joey Logano and he ended up in 22nd.

Despite finishing 5th, Keselowski is still in the points lead with 132 points, Larson's a point behind, and Chase Elliott's now 3 points behind the leader.

Next race is on the Phoenix International Raceway for the Camping World 500 this 19th of March.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Let's Do The News! (March 16, 2017)


- The Department of Labor and Employment has officially signed the memo that regulates contractualization. Some feared that D.O. 174 will worsen the situation to some labor groups and workers.

- Social Security System members can finally claim the last batch of the pension hike tomorrow, although some with certain conditions can claim the hike to later days. In addition, the deadline for the SSS loan condonation program may extend to further notice, could be on late April 2017.

- The House of Reprrsentatives is preparing an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte following cases of extra-judicial killings during his ongoing war on drugs as well as the Benham Rise deal with China. House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez scoffed over the complaint against the PH leader, knowing that it has no factual value.

- Meanwhile, in case the complaint fails, it could pave way for the International Criminal Court to deal with complaints against Duterte.

- The newly-installed MRT trains sourced from China require certification from its supplier before operation.

- The Philippine Consulate is cooperating with the Hong Kong police over eight Filipinos suspected for loan sharking.

TTFN!!!

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 046-048


If you are new to the CINDERELLA MASTER range or you are in a mood to getting to know more about the Cinderella Girls from THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls, it would be the ideal time to introduce three new additions from the Cinderella Master lineup in one package.

For the first time ever, three new girls from Cinderella Girls are introduced in one box and in this box contains volumes  046 to 048, just to save some space for more while you are busy collecting the Cinderella Master CDs.

Yuuki Otokura, Ryo Matsunaga, and Yoshino Yokita are introduced in this box and each CD comes with new songs and audio drama parts just to get to know each other.

Need to say more? Well, you shouldn't be because you're going to need it while filling the ever-expandable Cinderella Master sooner or later. Enjoy these fresh additions to the team!

Let's Do The News! (March 15, 2017)

- In a TV interview, Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon wants the Philippines to boost its defense capabilities to counter against threats from China over the Benham Rise issue. He also said that the Philippines needs to take advantage of defense agreements from its allies like Japan and the United States to deal with the current maritime issue.

- House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez told that those House Leaders who voted against the death penalty will be replaced after the congressional recess.

- Overseas Filipino Workers are now free from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport's terminal fee, effective at the end of this April.

- According to JobStreet.com, the highest-paying jobs in the Philippines are from Law/Legal Services, Healthcare-related jobs, and Journalism, among many others.

- The Department of Foreign Affairs are planning to add 27 Consular/Satellite offices to speed up the processing of passports.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on questioned British optimism that departing the European Union will lead to a brighter future, saying the United Kingdom could be in for "potentially irreparable harm."

- Federal lawyers say President Donald Trump's revised travel ban is "substantially different" from the original and a judge shouldn't apply a previous restraining order to the new version.

- USE IT! The Samurai Edge Albert.W.Model 01 airsoft pistol made by Tokyo Marui, as seen on Biohazard 7 -resident evil- is available to order starting at 32,800 yen plus tax and it will hit stores this April.


- Love Live's Rin Hoshizora and Umi Sonoda, in their cheerleading outfits, are now part of the figFIX range. Both are available to order starting at 5,370 yen plus tax and arriving this September.



TTFN!!!



Monday, March 13, 2017

Let's Do The News! (March 13, 2017)


- Flames englufed the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City earlier. At around 1430 hours local time, a fire is spread at a basement of a warehouse near the mall but as of now, the fire is now under control. Cause of fire is unknown but an aircon technician was rescued from the burning building.

- Members of the Kadamay stressed that they are not evicting from the housing provided from the National Housing Authority. The NHA warned that they have until Friday to settle the debt.

- Most drivers and members of the MTPB are in a middle of a standoff in a middle of clearing operations against illegally-parked vehicles.

- The Department of Health advised the public to be on alert for diseases during the summer season. Most diseases include colds, cough, sunburns, sore eyes, dog bites, and others.

- Regulatory free tuition for state universites and colleges has passed from the current Senate Hearing.

- Supporters of Senator Leila de Lima are  waiting in a middle of arrangement over the embattled senator's case of disobedience to summons. The Court issed a Not Guilty plea for De Lina after rejecting pleas.

- Free internet in the Philippines has been approved to the Senate hearing.

- Actor Cesar Montano has been questioned over corruption to his employees from the Tourism Promotions Board. A check payment from the contracted production to Montano has been halted while VIVA lied over the TPB's sponsorship agreement for the JaDine event.

TTFN!!!

Top Gear S24E02


The second episode of this season's Top Gear is all about being under the weather but not at all because they got all-wheel drive cars at their utmost disposal.

First up, Chris Harris and Matt LeBlanc are on a wintery road trip in the US with all-wheel drive supercars; the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and the Porsche 911Turbo. Then, Harris is at the Top Gear Test Track sampling Alfa Romeo's masterpiece, the Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde, much to the dismal of challenges Rory Reid set for him, including "The Wall." And former Doctor Who David Tennant returns to Top Gear to set a lap in the show's "Star in a Reasonably Fast Car" segment.

The 2017 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards



Last night, in case you missed it, WWE Superstar John Cena is the host of this year's Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards and in this year's awards ceremony, there has been numerous special guest appearances as well as musical performances and not to mention the added slime in store for the guests.

Of course, in tradition from the previous KCAs, even the star wrestler is not safe from the grand slimy finale at the end. Looks like he's going to be in a tough slob after this but anyway, while viewers got slimed over the awards ceremony, here's what to know about the winners.

Fifth Harmony wins the Favorite Music Group award, Fuller House wins Favorite Family TV Show, Little Mix for Favorite Global Music Star, Henry Danger for Favorite Kids TV Show,  Jojo Siwa for Favorite Viral Music Artist, Zendaya for Favorite Female TV Star, so on, so forth, Have I mentioned any? No?

Anyway, for more: http://www.nick.com/kids-choice-awards/

KONG Skull Island

The Monsterverse franchise from Legendary Pictures goes primal with fury as one of the most iconic movie monsters in history has unleashed and King Kong goes into all-out rage in this monstrous movie of the spring titled KONG Skull Island.

KONG Skull Island

As a reboot of the legendary King Kong films, Skull Island is the second film of Legendary's Monsterverse series taking place before 2014's Godzilla film. Set in the 1970's, a group of explorers and soldiers ventured in an unknown island in the Pacific until their fateful encounter with the powerful beast known as Kong turns the war between man and nature to a whole new meaning. As the exploration turned out to be an illegal military operation, they must do by any means necessary to Skull Island or face the wrath of Kong.

This film stars Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Jing Tian, Toby Kebbell, John Ortiz, Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Shea Whigham, Thomas Mann, Terry Notary and John C. Reilly.

Because this is basically a monster movie, that said that the human characters don't really matter, especially while on an epic struggle for survival in this remote island packed with monstrous creatures and a massive primate on it, but when it comes to unveil the grand course of this film, Skull Island is both downright scary and thrilling in the same pace and once you're glued to the film, you won't get away from this monstrous masterpiece until the film ends and you'll have a lot of questions to answer regarding how terrifying this film is, although this is basically an action-adventure film and not a horror film even though it has a lot of monsters in it.

While this film is nothing beyond special, there's no denying that Skull Island is one of the most frightening, yet enjoyable films to watch this Spring.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5. 

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Stars of 2017 Geneva Motor Show

2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante
From now up until the 19th of March, 2017, the 87th Geneva International Motor Show is held at the Palexpo and in here, a plethora of world premieres from the world's biggest car companies are gathered for spring's biggest motoring event in Europe.

Wow, although Switzerland revoked their membership to the European Union following last year's Brexit issue, they still know how to run a big car show not just for Europe but for the rest to the world by showcasing the best of the best while dealing with today's issues that heavily affect the motoring industry.

Time to list down this year's stars of the show.

2018 Alpine A110
2017 Artega Scalo Superelletra Concept
2018 Aston Martin Rapide AMR
2018 Aston Martin Vantage AMR Pro
2017 Audi Q8 Sport Concept
2018 Audi RS3 Sportback
2018 Audi RS5 Coupe
2018 Bentley Bentayga Mulliner
2017 Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept
2018 BMW 4-Series Convertible
2018 BMW 4-Series Coupe
2018 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
2018 BMW 5-Series Touring
2018 BMW M4 Convertible
2018 BMW M4 Coupe
2017 Citroen C-Aircross Concept
2017 Citroen SpaceTourer 4x4 E Concept
2018 Dacia Logan MCV Stepway
2018 DS 7 Crossback
2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast
2018 Ford Fiesta ST
2018 Honda Civic Type R
2017 Honda NeuV Concept
2017 Hyundai FE Fuel Cell Concept
2018 Infiniti Q50
2017 Infiniti Q60 Project Black S Concept
2017 Italdesign Zerouno
2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
2018 Lexus LS 500h
2017 Lexus RC F GT3
2018 McLaren 720S
2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Concept
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
2018 Mercedes-Benz G650 Maybach Landaulet
2017 NanoFlowcell Quant 48Volt Concept
2018 Opel Crossland X
2017 Opel Insignia Grand Sport
2018 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer
2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster
2017 Peugeot Instinct Concept
2018 Porsche 911 GT3
2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
2018 Renault Captur
2017 Renault Zoe e-Sport Concept
2018 Seat Ibiza
2017 Skoda Citigo
2018 Skoda Kodiaq Scout
2018 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline
2018 Skoda Octavia RS 245
2017 Skoda Octavia Scout
2017 Skoda Rapid
2017 SsangYong XAVL Concept
2018 Subaru XV
2017 Toyota i-TRIL Concept
2018 Vauxhall Crossland X
2018 Volkswagen Arteon
2017 Volkswagen Sedric Concept
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
2018 Volvo XC60

...and more.

Six Nations 2017 - Round 4


The fourth round of this season's RBS 6 Nations sees the Welsh Rugby Union recovering from two rounds of losses after defeating the IRFU at the score of 22-9.

The play of the game comes from George North's tries per half as well as the impressive performances by Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny that propelled them to a win.

Meanwhile, the FFR defeated the FIR Italia at the score of 18-40 while the England Rugby stomped Scotland at the score of 61-21.

The 2017 season concludes on the 18th of March with Scotland vs. Italy, France vs. Wales, and Ireland vs. England. At this magnitude, looks like England Rugby's Grand Slam win is nigh.