Saturday, June 10, 2017

Let's Do The News! (June 10, 2017)


- The Department of Transportation showcased their revised Anti-Distracted Driving Act yesterday and under their revised rule, gadgets and other objects will be allowed on the safe zone, which is only up to 4 inches from the vehicle dashboard. Anything beyond the said distance will be part of the "line of sight," where gadgets and objects are prohibited.


- A Philippine gaming regulator urged Resorts World Manila to cease gambling operations following the casino attack that killed 37 people last June 2. Resorts World has been ordered to “cease and desist all gaming operations pending investigation and final determination by PAGCOR of RWM’s liability”, according to Andrea Domingo, chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

- US President Donald Trump is confident that he will testify under oath about Thursday's Senate Hearing with ousted FBI director James Comey.

- According to the results of this year's General Elections in the UK, Theresa May's Conservative Party scored 318 seats at the Parliament while the opposing Labour Party gained 262. The Scottish National Party got 35, Liberal Democrats 12 and DUP 10. The shock results put a major blow to May and her Brexit plans ahead of their talks.

- In Game 4 of this year's NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers won Game 4 after beating Golden State Warriors at the score of 137-116.

- A special Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series was unveiled, featuring 607HP of power output from its turbocharged 3.8L flat-six engine, special Golden Yellow Metallic paint and special treatments from Porsche Design. It will be limited to 500 units globally.


TTFN!!!

Bubble Gang - June 9, 2017 #BGHapitot

In the June 9, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Pinagpalit gags

- Whose robbers are better in the bank robbery?



- The rich man and the poor man are besties

- Bad news, everything's in our house got cut off...

- Chattering with the syndicate

- Wonderbruh to the rescue!



- Make love...in war.



- Problem-solving sexy women are here.

- Basa-basa pik!

Forza Horizon 3: Back to your regular Cayman?

You may already driven the Cayman GT4 from the Porsche Car Pack on Forza Horizon 3 but do you really miss the mid-ranged Porsche Cayman GTS from past installments? Fear not because this weekend's Forzathon event grants you a chance to win the Porsche Cayman GTS for yourself.


For a quick refresher, the Cayman GTS adds 15HP of additional power to its 3.4L boxer-six engine mounted in the middle, delivering 340HP of power output as well as power-to-weight ratio under the 4kg/hp mark. With the Sport Chrono package as well as the available PDK and active Sport Plus button, the Cayman GTS results to a top speed of 285kph. Aside from the PASM adaptive damping control system, it even comes with Porsche Torque Vectoring system for better traction and better dynamics compared to the base model.

Anyway, let's not talk more about this because while in a middle of our Thrilltopia adventure, the Porsche Cayman GTS is ready to take on an emotional rollercoaster ride through the orange-tracked Hot Wheels fantasy world while dealing with the hardened opposition trying to snarl their way through the back.


Prepare for some camber carnage in our latest Thrilltopia adventure using the Porsche Cayman GTS. Ready? Let's go!




Even though you got your hands on this latest Porsche Forzathon prize car, don't stop here because more Porsches are coming throughout the coming weeks, whether you like it or not and when that opportunity comes, act fast while you still can!

Forza Horizon 3: The Cayman GT4

The 991 Porsche 911 GT3 RS isn't the only Porsche you can enjoy on the Forza Horizon 3 Porsche Car Pack because in this pack lies another enjoyable Porsche that delivers the same track-proven performance as experienced from the 911 GT3 but this time in a sportscar that isn't a 911, but rather its mid-engined relative, the Cayman.



This is called the Cayman GT4 and with that name rings a bell, this is like a baby 911 GT3 for people who are not interested in Porsche 911s. So, what's it all about a 911 GT3 for people who are not interested in 911s at all? Good question, though, because when it made its appearance at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the Cayman GT4 promises to be a track-capable Cayman ever built while drawing inspirations from the 911 GT3 and engineered to tackle the most demanding race tracks in the world, including the dreaded Nurburgring.

For starters, the 3.8L flat-six engine was now boosted to 385HP of power output while mated exclusively with the 6-speed manual gearbox. Apart from the added power from its six-cylinder boxer engine, the GT4 is lowered by 1.2 inches with dynamic transmission mounts while being armed with aggressive aerodynamic upgrades, race-bred suspension, and Porsche's torque-vectoring system, making the GT4 one of the most enjoyable Caymans ever built from the ground up while delivering the same thrills inspired by the 911 GT3.

The Cayman GT4 may look stodgy, old, and it went out of production, but this car sure knows how to keep up with the enthusiasts with its 911 GT3-inspired dynamics that will make their driving feel so alive again. It's good on the racetracks but not brilliant on normal roads because being a track-focused sportscar engineered from the Nurburgring, usability as a weekday car is bad as it gets but for being one of the most enjoyable Porsches ever built, I could spend a lot of time driving the GT4 as much as I want. Speaking of which...





Time to give the Cayman GT4 one last try by meeting up with the other Porsche drivers across Horizon but first, some over-the-counter stimulants I made for this and when you say stimulants, I mean, of course, some bedwetting design I made to reflect the Cayman's sexy styling fit for a sports coupe. Without giving in to such a bedwetting design bedwetting enough to snog the heck out of men, the Cayman GT4 is ready to show its true colors as the ultimate Cayman ever made.





Job well done for the Cayman GT4. Although gone, it's still not out until it gives a fair good fight to deliver 911 GT3-like thrills for the drivers who demand more. It maybe challenging at the first try but as you get used to it, you'll get used to its dynamics that makes the Cayman GT4 very unique for a non-RR Porsche and if you got the choice between this and the 911 GT3 RS, which remains the king by the way, which hardcore Porsche would you choose?

Friday, June 9, 2017

Let's Do The News! (June 9, 2017)



- At least 230 individuals will face arrest by authorities due to links with the Maute Terror Group. DND Secretary and Martial Law Administrator Delfin Lorenzana issued an arrest warrant against the said personalities.

- The Philippine National Police Region 7 declared the abduction and serial killing to Bien Unido, Bohol Mayor Gisela Boniel as case closed. The PNP made the statement based on the admission of passengers of the motorboat who saw how Board Member Niño Boniel killed and threw in the sea his wife.

- The Philippines was ranked 2nd least peaceful country in Asia according to the Global Peace Index, sitting above Myanmar, China, and Thailand, but behind North Korea, which ranks 1st. The ranking is allegedly due to President Duterte's war on drugs campaign and the Martial Law declaration in Mindanao due to Marawi Siege

- Ousted FBI director James Comey testified at the Senate hearing about his so-called loyalty issues on US President Donald Trump and why did Trump fired him. He testified every conversation he had with Trump but one question he didn't answer is Trump's connection with Russia interfering with the 2016 presidential elections.

- Qatar dismissed allegations of backing terrorism after four Arab states cut ties with Qatar with week, blacklisted as terrorists dozens of people with alleged links. The announcement by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Bahrain increases pressure on the wealthiest Arab state over allegations that it interferes in the affairs of its neighbors by supporting and financing Islamist groups.

- Australian Olympic swimmer Thomas Fraser-Holmes will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn a 12-month ban for missing anti-doping tests.

- The second-generation Honda N-BOX has been unveiled prior to its Autumn release. It will be the first Honda kei car to come with Honda Sensing safety tech.

2018 Honda N-BOX

- SEGA's Shenmue III game has been delayed to second half of 2018.

- Actress Zhang Ziyi joins the MonsterVerse franchise and will be star in 2019's Godzilla: King of Monsters film.

TTFN!!!

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Nissan X-TRAIL T32 Minor Change

Nissan's best-seller SUV in the world, the current third-generation Nissan X-TRAIL, has been given a much-needed facelift to keep it updated, and what's even more surprising for the latest minor change is that it was gifted with the same semi-autonomous tech as witnessed from last year's new Serena minivan. That's right. We're talking ProPILOT.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL
2018 Nissan X-TRAIL
2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

First and foremost, the recent facelift sees the application of Nissan's signature V-motion grill on the front view as well as the addition of LED lights on the front and the back and some new alloys in store for the new X-TRAIL. On the inside, you will notice that the steering wheel looks suspiciously similar to the Serena's and if you pay close attention, you will notice that it now comes with a button that engages ProPILOT.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL interior
2018 Nissan X-TRAIL interior

As you are aware by now, ProPILOT controls the steering, acceleration, and braking in a single lane on highways during heavy traffic and high-speed cruising. Because this is version 1.0, much like from the Serena's, it's set for single-lane traffic use in the meantime but you should know that the ProPILOT is on a self-propagating phase as when it features it on future Nissan vehicles, its tech gets evolved even further. Easier said than done.

Part of Nissan's Intelligent Mobility campaign that promotes safe cars with future-ready driving tech for the drivers of today and tomorrow, the X-TRAIL is accompanied by Nissan Safety Shield technology such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning, and a collision prevention assist. With these and ProPILOT, there's no doubt that this is the most technologically advanced X-TRAIL ever built. It's here today, ready for tomorrow.

The 2018 X-TRAIL still offers the MR20DD engine like last time, in normal and hybrid with the Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system capable of delivering now up to 20.8km/L of fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards. All of these engines are mated with a smoother XTRONIC CVT. Let's not forget that it comes with Active Ride Control, Active Engine Braking, and the available ALL-MODE 4x4-i made to tackle any surface and weather with ease. Best of all, it still offers either a 5-seater or a 7-seater for long family hauls, and finally, the new remote control auto back door that can be opened automatically at the lift of your foot. Now that's convenience done right for the most demanding of times.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

The 2018 Nissan X-TRAIL starts at 2,197,800 Japanese Yen and it's available in many variants including the special XTREMER X and Mode Premier variants, including the new NISMO Performance Package with NISMO exterior touches and handling updates courtesy of NISMO themselves. With its autonomous tech implanted, this X-TRAIL is ready to take on the roads of today and tomorrow, no matter what's happening right now.

Available colors: Premium Corona Orange, Garnet Red, Olive Green, Galaxy Gold, Imperial Amber, Shining Blue, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Dark Metal Grey, Diamond Black, Burning Red, and Titanium Khaki.

Photo: Nissan Motor Company

Toyota Harrier (XU60) - 2018MY Facelift

Toyota's luxurious midsize crossover, the Harrier, is now offered with additional luxury but you won't find it on its newly revised exterior, more luxurious interior, refined dynamics, and a suite of safety tech because what you will find now in the new Harrier is its new turbo power.

2018 Toyota Harrier
2018 Toyota Harrier

At first glance, you may see some minimal changes on the front and back as well as the inside but rest assured that with the 2018 Toyota Harrier retained the similar choice of 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine with VALVEMATIC and Toyota Stop&Start System mated to a Super CVT-i, as well as the the same 2.5L 2AR-FXE engine from a Toyota Camry connected with two electric motors for the Hybrid variant, the new turbocharged variant makes a surprising addition to the new Harrier, making this the first luxury turbo crossover from Toyota.

2018 Toyota Harrier

It comes with the 8AR-FTS 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder D-4S engine which produces 231PS of power and 350Nm of torque and with the 6-speed Super ECT, fuel economy is expected at around 13km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. Although not as good as any expensive European imports, the turbocharged variant is expected to swoon most drivers by the way it performs, which isn't so bad for a Toyota, and while on the subject of having Toyota's first ever turbocharged luxury crossover, you can even get one in with Dynamic Torque Control 4WD system that works very well in any road and weather conditions. Plus, it comes with performance dampers exclusive to this model, which improves roll rigidity and suppressing body deformation, maintaining straight-line stability at high speeds. 

Other noteworthy driving stuff you can find not just in the turbocharged model include Steering-Assisted Vehicle Stability Control, Electric Power Steering, Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control. and Frequency Adaptive Damping shock absorbers, Overall, the driving performance for the Harrier makes it an inch close to those European imports and that is a good thing they done it right to ensure its satisfactory for the drivers of today.

2018 Toyota Harrier interior
2018 Toyota Harrier interior

Speaking of drivers of today, the 2018MY Toyota Harrier now offers Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring a more high-tech millimeter wave radar which detects pedestrians and vehicles alike, and Radar Cruise Control which detects preceding vehicles and determines their speed. Couple that with other driving assists including the Panoramic View Monitor, and the new Harrier is a more senseful luxury crossover that fits to the urban climate.

The new 2018MY Toyota Harrier starts at 2,949,480 Yen up to 4,604,040 Yen (around $30,000 to $47,000), ranging from ELEGANCE, PREMIUM, and the new top-of-the-line PROGRESS; in non-turbo, hybrid, and the new turbo. With such choices to choose from, there's no doubt that Toyota's luxury crossover is on a roll due to the increasingly strong demand and a long waiting list for some variants. Although available only to the Japanese market, the new 2018 Harrier, with its turbocharged engine added, promises to deliver world-class luxury and performance to the motoring public, if it can.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (June 8, 2017)


- The Philippine government are confident that the siege in Marawi City will soon be over because the logistics of the Islamist militants holed up there have been disrupted and they have been reduced to a “small resistance”.

- The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters strongly denies ties with the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups in assaulting Marawi City. According to a radio interview, BIFF Spokesperson Abu Misry Mama stressed that they do not know any leader from Maute Group nor spoke with and have no contact with each other. However, they support Maute but will not help them in the ongoing clash.

- Militant group Bayan is preparing for a protest at this coming Independence Day celebration on the 12th of June.

- Activist group Common Cause urges House Speaker Paul Ryan to enforce House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes' recusal from the committee's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Last week, Nunes ignored his recusal and used his power as committee chair to subpoena intelligence service materials related to the “unmasking” of Trump campaign officials for their contacts with Russian government officials and intermediaries.

- Yesterday, a military aircraft vanished over the Andaman Sea with 122 soldiers, family members, and crew on board after a takeoff from the coastal town of Myeik on a weekly military flight.

- The United Kingdom general elections has begun and reports predict that ongoing PM Theresa May will win by a landslide against Jeremy Corbyn.

- Amazon original motoring TV program, The Grand Tour, will return for their second season this October.

- Sherlock actor Andrew Scott hints on the show's timeline update, using UK's general elections as hints on possible return.

- In Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors leads the game at 3-0 after defeating Cleveland Cavaliers at the score of 118-113.

TTFN!!!

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Forza Horizon 3: The first Holden in history

In Forza Horizon 3's Mountain Dew Car Pack, here's the car Aussies forever worshipped for because to them, this is the genesis of what is known as "Australian's Own Car," Holden, and this is how it all began, the Holden 48-215, known by the chassis code as FX.



I knew this moment will come because as car production in Australia is nearing its end within a few months, it's a clear reminder that we should look back at the cars that became the forefront of Australian car production and nothing is more important than the FX Holden, the car that started it all. So, where did it all began? Let me go back to the beginning.

The year was 1945, in the climax of the Second World War, when the Australian Government urges the establishment of full-scale Australian motor manufacturing history and while Ford's presence in Australia is all in all at the moment, they demand Australia to have its own car maker and once such thing that steps up to the challenge is none other than General Motors Holden's. Two years later, in November 29th, 1948, Prime Minister Ben Chifley launched "Australia's Own Car," Holden.

The first Holden would officially be known as the 48-215 but they decided to call it just Holden and when it was replaced by its FJ successor, it was unofficially known as the FX Holden because it was never been used by Holden in such purpose. Since it was launched in 1948, General Motors Holden's managed to produce 10 Holdens a day, and over 75 million Australian Pounds were spent for expansion programs to enlarge and improve their facilities across Australia.

Despite being influenced by American styling, the Holden is 99% Australian through and through because nobody understands Australian driving conditions more than GMH. Under the bonnet lies a 132.5cu (2.2L) cast-iron 6-cylinder engine mated to a 3-speed manual gearbox. It produces 60HP of power and does a 0-97kph time of 18.7 seconds. Because this car is suitable enough to tackle Australian driving conditions, it's rugged enough to tackle the remote outback because of its dust-proof body and unique dynamics capable to handle such conditions.



I already driven the ute version of the Holden FX and with the saloon version of the very first Holden ever made, it all makes sense now that for a country that loves football, meat pies, and kangaroos, almost every Australian in the Land Down Under considered Holden to be the nation's favorite car because it really is Australia's driving future.

It's hard to say that if Holden celebrates its 70 anniversary next year, it will be sad because with car production well and truly over and their range is mostly imported from all parts of the world, including the next Commodore which is now based on the German-made Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport, what would Aussies think about Holden now since they have no Aussie-made car on their lineup, but the important thing is that without it, Holden will not exist as a carmaker and Australia became heavily influenced by Ford.



I guess it's time to owe this first Holden a heartfelt thanks by calling out anyone who loves the FX Holden for a little gathering of some sorts. Holden has been with us for almost seven decades thanks to this car built for Australian driving conditions and to celebrate, let's take the FX Holden for a race against other FX Holden lovers while dealing with typical Australian driving conditions. This should be very interesting.



I may have overcooked a bit but I am very proud that I feel like an Australian with the knack for football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars and it all makes sense to me now that this is the car that made Australia became part of the globally-competitive environment, helped Australia through its industrial maturity, stepped up engineering standards, and made "Made In Australia" a new status symbol among the nations of the world. It really is "Australia's Own Car" with the look and leadership wherever they go.

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in and Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

As South Koreans demanded for some fuel-efficient vehicles in tough times, Hyundai and Kia responded to these times with their latest PHEV offerings for the general public. For Hyundai, they have the Ioniq Plug-in for those who are living the urban lifestyle. For Kia, they have the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Korea's first PHEV crossover made for the outgoing people. Let's take a look at these two PHEVs offered for the Korean motoring public and why they are significant to them.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in

First off, let's look at the Ioniq Plug-In, the third addition to the Ioniq range consisting of the normal hybrid model and the electric model that runs only on electric power. With prices start from 33,730,000 Korean Won until privileges applied to its pricing to make it 27,300,000 Won his is by no means the best of both worlds for the third Ioniq because with this one, they can do both things; refuel and recharge, and this is the future done right by the Koreans.

With the Kappa GDi 1.6L petrol engine producing 105PS of power coupled with the 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox unheard from most PHEVs, this Ioniq can get through 0-100kph in 10.6 seconds and 80-120kph in 7.6 seconds, so this PHEV is very spritey with life. In EV mode, it can travel up to 46km of driving range, and fuel efficiency, it promises a combined rate of 20.5km/L. Not bad for a PHEV that weighs around one and a half ton. Because this is an Ioniq, its aerodynamic styling plays a crucial role in attaining its fuel efficiency status and that is a good thing. Even though this is just Korea's take on the Prius PHV, the Ioniq Plug-in handles like a dream and once you get a hold of it, it feels like you can forget about the stubborn image of what a PHEV looks like because the world needs a better one, not another one as you may.

Of course, because this is one of the most advanced PHEV vehicles ever made, the Ioniq Plug-in comes with Hyundai Smart Sense consists of Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Cruise Control. Simple as that.

2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

Now, let's take a look on the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Korea's first PHEV crossover SUV ever built. With prices start at 33,050,000 Won before government subsidy applied, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid might be the ideal fuel-efficient crossover fit enough for your quiet Sunday drives.

Like the Ioniq Plug-in, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a Kappa GDi 1.6L petrol engine producing 105PS of power coupled with the 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, and like the Ioniq Plug-in, you can refuel it or recharge it with the available 220V charger.

In EV mode, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 40km of driving range and with both the engine and the electric motor armed, it can travel up to 840km of driving range. In other words, that gives it 18.6km/L of combined fuel efficiency. Easier said than done.

With these PHEVs offered to the Korean motoring public, fuel efficiency and ecology never felt so alive and when the Japanese offered us fuel efficiency PHEVs that are too regular to drive on a day-to-day basis, the Koreans sure know how to liven it up with a little bit of driving fun that is unheard of from most PHEVs and with cars like the Ioniq and Niro, they really are heading on the right direction.

Let's Do The News! (June 7, 2017)


- Now that the gunman behind the attack on Resorts World Manila last week has been identified, the House of Representatives grills officials and security team of the said establishment over their security lapses that allowed gunman Jessie Carlos to barge into the casino with a rifle and torch the casino tables, leaving 38 people dead.

- The Supreme Court disapproved the proposal of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to create special courts outside Mindanao. The special courts were suggested to handle cases that will be filed against anyone involved in the attack on Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.

- The Bank of Philippine Islands announced that it is currently experiencing glitches due to an internal data processing error. Some ATMs from their branches went offline and can only receive, accept over the counter transactions.


- Paris authorities shot and injured a man who attacked an officer outside the Notre Dame Cathedral on Tuesday.

- Israeli troops opened fire at Palestinians who were throwing stones near the border fence in the Gaza Strip, killing one man and wounding seven others.

- A prison riot in Mexico's Tamaulipas state left three police officers and one security guard dead and another six people injured, according to authorities.

- Uber fired 20 employees and was improving management training  following an investigation by a law firm into sexual harassment allegations and other claims at the highly controversial ride-hailing company.

- Nickelodeon's hit cartoon show, SpongeBob SquarePants, has inspired a Broadway musical

- Major PokeMon announcements! At the recent Pokemon Direct presentation, they've announced Pokken Tournament DX coming to Nintendo Switch this September 22. DX features new battle rules as well as new playable Pokemon such as Scizor, Darkrai, Croagunk, Empoleon, and especially Decidueye from Pokemon Sun and Moon. Also, the Alola adventure continues on Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, coming on the 3DS this November 17.



TTFN!!!

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Let's Do The News! (June 6, 2017)


- The Philippine government expressed concerns that several Arab nations cutting ties with Qatar will have ripple effects on Filipinos working overseas.

- National Irrigation Administration Chief Ricardo Visaya chose not to talk about the ongoing siege in Marawi City. According to the former AFP Chief of Staff, he entrusted everything to his successor Gen. Eduardo Aῆo in resolving the Marawi conflict where he believes that the whole AFP will succeed in their operations against the Maute Group.

- The death toll from last week's Kabul truck-bomb explosion has reached 150, according to Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani, making the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since the ouster of the Taliban in 2001.

- Singaporean authorities are investigating the protest by numerous blindfolded activists who held up books on a subway train in a call for justice for 22 people detained in 1987 under a tough internal security law. 30 years ago, twenty-two people are detained under the colonial-era Internal Security Act (ISA) for their alleged involvement in a Marxist conspiracy to overthrow the government.

- Veteran actor-comedian Jerry Lewis has been hospitalized in Las Vegas for treatment of a urinary tract infection but is expected to recover in time to travel to Canada later this month for his next movie shoot.

- The Mountain Dew Car Pack for Forza Horizon 3 has been unveiled and will be available at the XBOX Live marketplace tomorrow. It will feature seven additional machines such as the Lotus 3-Eleven, Ferrari F50 GT, Holden FX Sedan, and more.


- Vauxhall bids goodbye to the VXR8 with the final special edition GTS-R, armed with the supercharged V8 engine producing 587bhp, making this the most powerful Vauxhall ever built for 74,000 pounds.



- TVR will unveil their first all-new model this September 8th.

- This lovely Frederica Miyamoto figure as seen from THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls is now yours to order starting at 13,000 Yen plus taxes and delivery and it will arrive this January.



TTFN!!!

Geekdom's Guide to...surviving a convention


If you're a teenager or a young adult with love for all things sci-fi, anime, comic book, and video game, a comic-book convention or anime convention, whatever they may call it, considered to be their greatest weekends of their lives because this is where geeks and nerds gather themselves not just for the panels, the events, and everything in store but for the cosplay everybody's doing during their three-day weekend.

Conventions happen once a year and if you managed to gain an admission to them, what are the best ways to survive a convention?

  • MAKE A PLAN! - Before heading to the convention, you'll need to know what panels you will be entering, some celebrity guests you might be encountering, group photos you will take on if you got the right outfit, and everything you might come across at the convention. Convention committee will hand you out a guide so you will know what you will expect from there so don't feel nervous to plan first before setting off. Also, if you're into cosplays, costumes are a must and you need to notify everyone what you should be dressing as during the convention.
  • KNOW YOUR LUGGAGE - Luggage plays a major role for convention-goers and for cosplayers, dressing as one of two characters they've set up for themselves really means they need to bring on the packs to carry their outfits but what about stuff they bought from the convention? This is a cracker of a dilemma because as convention-goers, they need to know the things they'll need to carry and if things get a little heavy, it will be a major pain in the arms on the convention or worse, the common "bumping on other people without knowing" scenario so know your luggage very well. Carrying paper bags won't help because when it gets heavy, it shreds easily and you will be massively embarrassed by your peers so it's best to carry a durable, reusable bag while dealing with the extra stuff for the convention when your backpack's jammed with your cosplay essentials and no room for souvenirs to spare.
  • UNDERSTAND AROUND YOU - You got yourself the necessities to complete the cosplay you've always wanted to do at the convention but hold on just a darn minute because not all cosplays are acceptable in the convention because there are rules for certain cosplays. One such example is the weapon props and if the character you're cosplaying as comes with a weapon, such in the case of the Biohazard cosplays for example, you need to fully understand what's going on around here and thanks to current affairs surrounding us, cosplaying can be very nervous. Some conventions will allow anyone carrying a weapon replicas but they need to subject to peacebonding regulations. In the case of carrying gun replicas, that's going to be a very complicating process because as rules apply, they need to be non-working and can't be fired upon as well as the orange markings on it, like most replicas had. Also, the trigger needs to be removed so when they see that it's not working, they will allow it as long as you abide by the agreement the committee they set to you. Be sure that you promise to them not to flash those replicas around you or you will be ended up in the slammer.
  • BE IN YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR - As your parents warned you, you best to behave yourselves while you're at the convention and when you encounter someone donning a cosplay so rare, super rare, super super rare, or ultra rare, be courteous before asking them to take a picture. A simple please and thank you would do the job rather nicely.
  • KNOW YOUR ALLOWANCE! - Getting an admission to the convention can be very costly at the start but if you pre-register, think how much you will save some on your allowance but be warned, the later you pre-register, the more expensive your admission fee will be. Even if you are in the convention, it's important that you need some ample amount of cash on your wallet in case you want to buy some snacks or some souvenirs from the convention.
  • HAVE FUN! - Once you're in the convention, you don't have to worry about a thing or two so take your time to see what's in store at the convention, meet new people, and make great memories.
And there you have it, the Geekdom's Guide to surviving a convention. There's nothing more fun than being prepared at the convention because you'll never know what to expect from there and more importantly, have fun!

Monday, June 5, 2017

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - AAA 400 Drive for Autism


Dover International Speedway is the next stop for the 2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup and with the summer season imminent, things are really heating up for the drivers gunning for the title and the glory they desired from the very beginning.

In Lap 16, Kyle Busch's pit stop ended in a disaster as the left rear wheel went loose and caused catastrophic damage to the left rear of his car. In Lap 65, the #41 car by went out of control after it collided with the #2, while Martin Truex Jr. scored his seventh mid-race stage clear. Then, on lap 396, David Ragan's car suffered mechanical failures and he was therefore out. and then later, major pileup wreckage occurred in Dover during overtime.

In the end, Jimmie Johnson is the winner of the AAA 400 Drive for Autism race of the 2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup. This is his 11th win of this career. Next race is on Pocono on the 11th of June.

Let's Do The News! (June 3, 2017)


- The Armed Forces of the Philippines declared a humanitarian pause for the crisis in Marawi City for trapped civilians. According to them, they carried out the 4-hour humanitarian pause in order the rescue civilians that were trapped by the conflict in the area.

- Transport group PISTON carried out a transport strike during the first day of classes, however passengers were reportedly unaffected. The group against the jeepney phaseout assembled at Quezon City Circle and went straight to the office of  Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the office of the Department of Transportation in Mandaluyong City.

- Following last weekend's Central London attack, Facebook wanted to make its social media platform a "hostile environment" for terrorists in a statement issued after attackers killed seven people in London and prompted Prime Minister Theresa May to demand action from internet firms.

- Bahrain will cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing its fellow Gulf Arab state of backing terrorism and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs. According to a statement, the close ally of Saudi Arabia was also cutting air and sea contact with Qatar and was giving its citizens in Qatar 14 days to leave.

- At Game 2 of this year's NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors are leading the series at 2-0 after defeating Cleveland Cavaliers at the score of 132-113.

- Electronic Arts announced Need For Speed: Payback, which will launch on PS4 and XBOX One this November 10.



- The Metal Gear franchise will spawn orchestra concerts in Japan, North America, and Europe as part of celebrating 30 years of the hit stealth-action game series.

- Director Doug Liman revealed further details about the upcoming Edge of Tomorrow sequel film on the recent podcast. The sequel film titled Live, Die, Repeat and Repeat will be a prequel and a sequel to the said film.

- Actress Kiray Celis is named the winner in the first series of ABS-CBN's I Can Do That for her high-wire cycling act.

- In extraordinary news, a certain netizen named Janneth Enriquez managed to save a total of 43,000 pesos worth her tuition in three months time by saving all the five and ten pesos coins she got from her sari-sari store.

TTFN!!!

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Doctor Who S10E08

Doctor Who S10E08

The Monks saga concludes in the recent episode of Doctor Who, titled The Lie of The Land, and in this episode, sacrifices need to be done to free the world from the lies fed by the Monks.

As the world's history fabricated by the lies the Monks done to them, Bill Potts and Nardole teamed up once again to save The Doctor and put the end of the lies once and for all. Stopping the Monks isn't an easy task and the key to stopping the Monks lies to an old enemy none other than Missy. Heeding her advice, the team infiltrated the Monks' pyramid but to stop the source of all the lies, a major sacrifice has to be made to free the world from the Monks' rule of history.

It was shocking and mind-boggling from start to finish. It's hard to explain how this episode unfolds from one minute to the next and the battle against the Monks has been one heck of a ride for viewers elsewhere, even plus ones do guarantee happy endings as Missy ruled out the guarantee.

So, what do you think of The Lie of The Land? Gary Pollard from Millennium FX explains what in the recent DW Fan Show webcast.



NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

Multiple casualties in central London attack


According to the Scotland Yard, about six people are reportedly killed in an attack in central London where three assailants were shot dead by authorities.

A white van hit several pedestrians on London Bridge just after 2200 hours local time. Three men left the vehicle and stabbed numerous people in Borough Market, south of the bridge. Armed officers confronted and killed the suspects eight minutes later.

Prime Minister Theresa May described the incidents as "dreadful events" while London Mayor Sadiq Khan called it "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners."

United Kingdom has witnessed terrorist attacks this year. First, there was the attack near the parliament where five people killed when a car was driven at pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and a police officer was stabbed outside Parliament, then there's the suicide attack at a concert in Manchester that killed 22 people including children.

Second-generation Jeep Compass

This is the new Jeep Compass and while this is basically a Jeep, it's smaller than today's Cherokee and it is willing, able, and ready to take on the world's noteworthy compact crossovers you name the rest, especially homegrown ones like the Chevrolet Trax. Although this is as smaller than today's Jeeps but bigger than the Renegade, is the Compass worthy enough to be TRAIL RATED?

2017 Jeep Compass

2017 Jeep Compass

Not yet at the moment because before you can determine if this Jeep is certified TRAIL RATED like the rest of the Jeeps, you need to dig deeper on what the new Jeep Compass is. First, let's look at the design and while almost everything looks vaguely similar to today's Cherokee, noteworthy for its styling that looks like one of the baddies from Pikmin or so they say, the front looks like it came from today's Grand Cherokee, so for that Jeep that's smaller than the others, it has some of the Cherokee DNA implanted on the new Compass. Job well done, Jeep.

2017 Jeep Compass

On the inside, it still looks like every other Jeeps of today so the new Compass isn't a big deal for ordinary drivers everywhere. Although what you called above average, the interior boasts some nifty features fit enough for today's drivers and it's surprisingly roomy enough for your estate sale stuff. With a certain optional extra, the cargo floor can be moved up or down to keep boot space well organized for the most demanding schedules of today.

2017 Jeep Compass

Now, we're back at the main question and if the new Compass is capable enough to bore the TRAIL RATED certification only the best Jeeps has to offer, Can be a no and a yes, I believe. In a normal Compass, it feels like it only works on your grocery trips, fetching kids from school, city trips, and pretty much about it, but in the Trailhawk variant, which is a certified TRAIL-RATED Jeep, it's good enough for the harshest regions, great open spaces, running around town, and relaxing Sunday drives on America's finest, thanks to Jeep's Active Drive Low system with 20:1 crawl ratio and low range. Couple that with the Selec-Terrain Traction Control System and Hill Descent Control, and this Compass is a new dimension in compact four-wheel drive crossovers.

Power comes from the 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine with 9-speed automatic delivering 180HP of power output, 175lb-ft of torque, and a ton of towing capacity for the Compass, which sounds very moxie for a crossover of that size. Handling-wise, the Jeep feels pretty much like a Dodge Dart and it's very docile indeed for an American car and with over 70 optional safety and security features combined with the latest technology and contemporary engineering, this Compass is all about watching its occupants while dealing with today's road situations by any means necessary.

The Compass starts at 20,995 plus on-road costs, which makes it one of the most reasonably priced crossovers in America, although it is two grand more than its smaller cousin, the European-engineered Jeep Renegade. Whether if you're going around town or playing rough on a quiet Sunday drives, there's a Renegade that will match your preference. What to like about the new Compass is its pricing, features, styling, and offroad capability on the Trailhawk variant but what's not to like about it is the interior above average for first-time buyer as well as its Dart-like behavior that is, again, above average.

Photo: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles