Monday, December 16, 2013

Let's Do The News! (December 16, 2013)

The big scoop today...

The Skyway Bus disaster

Earlier today, there was a bus with a plate number UVC-916, which is a Pacita-bound Don Mariano Transit Corp. bus in a form of an Isuzu, fell off the Skyway on a van with the plate number ULX-874. Reports say. This incident occurred at the Barangay Marcelo Green in Parañaque City early morning.

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/paramedic-sends-aftermath-photo-of-this-morning-s-skyway-bus-fall

Concept-One co-owner shared photos of what's in the burned showroom

Concept One proprietor shares photos of burned showroom

Last week, an acetylene tank explosion caused the Concept One main showroom gone in flames. Concept One (Wheel Gallery) co-owner Sam Liuson posted something on the social media "The fire is out, nobody got hurt. We lost a lot of our stocks, but nevertheless we are all fine. I still thank my Lord and my God. God is sovereign. God is in control." Oh yeah, he even shared some pics of the most unfortunate tragedy happened in the history of the aftermarket industry.

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/industry-news/concept-one-proprietor-shares-photos-of-burned-showroom

Gemballa GTP 700

Gemballa's Porsche Panamera-based GTP 700 is one badass sedan

Based on the Porsche Panamera saloon, the Gemballa GTP 700 premium saloon is designed and tuned to be the quickest four-door supercar ever made. Even though it weighs two tons, it does 0-100kph in 3.3 second and a top speed of 338.8kph. That puts this four-door supercar on par with the Ferrari Enzo, well that's a theory.

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/car-news/gemballa-s-porsche-panamera-based-gtp-700-is-one-badass-sedan

A Disney Channel Original Movie featuring successors of Disney Villains?

Come 2015, there's going to be a new DCOM under the name of "Descendants". In this upcoming DCOM, a teenage son of the king and queen (Beauty and the Beast) is poised to take over the kingdom and under his rule, he will spare the descendants of famous Disney villains. Carlos, Mal, Evvie and Jay, the descendants of Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, the Evil Queen and Jafar, are allowed to attend prep school alongside successors of the good guys. Will the descendants follow their footsteps of their evil predecessors or be the good guys to save the kingdom?

This 2015 DCOM will be directed by Kenny Ortega, who is known to be the Emmy Award-winning director and choreographer of the High School Musical trilogy. Casting is underway and the script is written by Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott.

Report: https://d23.com/disney-channel-announces-new-movie-introducing-the-teenage-descendants-of-disneys-evil-villains/

2015 C-Class revealed

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz finally revealed the all-new 2015 C-Class saloon, which the exterior design was inspired from its bigger brothers, the E-Class and the S-Class, as well as featuring a host of new technology and new engine variations as well as a hybrid powerplant.

Details: http://www.netcarshow.com/mercedes-benz/2015-c-class/

TTFN!!!

Nissan X-TRAIL T32

In the past, when you want a crossover worthy enough to do the jobs you are facing on such as going for work, fetch kids to school, and whatever's on your schedule, you would always go for the Nissan X-TRAIL because while it may not be the flashiest crossover in the market but it's still a worthy contender. Back when the second-generation model was launched years ago, it looked nearly the same as the first generation model so the confusion sparks in but still looks as tough as a bantamweight boxer. But now, Nissan went back to the drawing board and regenerate the X-TRAIL into something...hmmm...

2014 Nissan X-TRAIL


Well, this is it, the all-new Nissan X-TRAIL T32, the third-generation of Nissan's mid-size crossover that competes with the likes of the Toyota Harrier, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, and the Honda CR-V. It looks kinda bizarre because for this new generation, its machismo-laden design has been thrown away and redrawn into something more...unibody-ish and more...hatchback-ish. I don't know but the new model doesn't look as tough as it used to be. The front looks like it came from a Juke while the back looks suspiciously familiar to the Mitsubishi M_nt_r_ Sp_rt and overall, it's becoming more of a softroader rather than a offroader. What else?

2014 Nissan X-TRAIL interior
On the inside, the new X-TRAIL doesn't look chunky anymore and it's now looking pretty interesting for the new model. The dashboard looks like it came from next year's Teana J33 while the seating's not so bad. Not only you can have the five-seater model but for the first time in this generation, the new X-TRAIL now offers seats for seven people, meaning that if you have a family, this is the X-TRAIL for you and it's so much you can do to take care of you because with seats for the whole family, there's still enough room for your luggage because of its best-in-class max cargo of about 39.3 cubic feet with the seats up. There's even a class-exclusive divide-and-hide cargo system to make your luggages as organized as an office space. Now that's clever science.

If I have a drawback, however, it's the third-row seats because not only because it adds weight to the new model, the legroom's a bit small, meaning the kids in the back will have a hard time squeezing their legs without disturbing ate or kuya. Take note, if you have teenagers in the second-row, this could get really messy.

2014 Nissan X-TRAIL
For the new model, Nissan wanted to focus more on fuel economy and nothing else so for the new X-TRAIL, it now comes with the MR20DD engine lifted from the Nissan Serena C26. The MR20DD engine, complete with idling stop system, is direct-injected. It produces about 147PS of power, 10 more than the previous model's MR20DE engine, and with the XTRONIC CVT gearbox, fuel economy is a best-in-class 16.4km/L calculated in JC08 Mode standards. If you're going to ask what is the fuel economy of this car, here's your answer. Remember; for Japanese cars, fuel economy is measured in JC08 Mode standards. The More You Know so put this in your heads and never forget.

On the CVT issue, it's even more responsive and positive-feeling than the outgoing model because what the new X-TRAIL has is Nissan's next-generation XTRONIC CVT and for this next-generation XTRONIC CVT, it has 7.0 of ratio coverage, 15% fuel efficient, and 40% less friction, making this more responsive than the regular mass-market CVTs.

For 4WD models, the new X-TRAIL still comes with ALL MODE 4x4-i, which constantly optimizes torque to all four wheels for stability on snowy and other slippery surfaces. It has Uphill Start Support, which controls the brakes to avoid rolling backwards when you start off on the hill, and Downhill Drive Support, which controls the brakes to avoid getting too much speed when going downhill.

The new X-TRAIL comes with the world's first Active Ride Control and how does Active Ride Control works? Stop yabbering and watch this clip...



Active Ride Control works by autonomously adopting the brakes and adjusting the engine's torque to help smooth the impact. If you bump into a speed bump or a pothole or something a bit...well, bumpy, this new feature helps you stay composed and comfortable. It feels like nothing happened when you get through a bumpy situation. Aside from the Active Ride Control, it also comes with the world's first Active Engine Braking, which adjusts the engine's torque to slow down while enhancing control and stopping confidence.

2014 Nissan X-TRAIL

In terms of safety, the new X-TRAIL still focuses on the theme of technology and for the new model, new features are added for the first time in a Nissan vehicle such as the EMERGENCY BRAKE and the NO-ENTRY SIGN DETECTION. Well, you know how the EMERGENCY BRAKE works like, right? But in case if there are new to the scene, let me tell you about this feature; it uses sensors to detect an incoming collision and when it goes bee-do, bee-do, bee-do...it brakes automatically but not at all. NO-ENTRY SIGN DETECTION...well, when it detects a sign that says NO ENTRY, it warns the driver with a notification. Wait, what? I already know what a NO ENTRY sign is! Why would they put such a feature that we all know?

Anyway, there are tons of safety support features available on the new X-TRAIL such as the Around View Monitor, the new Intelligent Parking Assist where it lets the car park by itself, Blind Spot Warning, and a feature that detects drowsy drivers.

And now for the verdict. What can I say about the new model? Well, the things I like about the new X-TRAIL is the new CVT's getting more responsive than the old X-TRAIL CVT of yesteryears, it's got seven seats for the first time, it's still made for those who are in their hectic schedules, it's now fuel efficient than the old model, and overall, it gets even more interesting for us. Things I don't like about it is the third-row seats' legroom looks too small, the looks aren't that tough for a crossover, and of course, there's going to be a hybrid version coming next year. Oh dear...

Prices start from 2,249,100 to 2,597,700 Japanese Yen including destination and delivery charges.

Available colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Dark Metal Grey Metallic, Diamond Black Pearl, Burning Red, Titanium Khaki Pearl Metallic, and Steel Blue Metallic.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Things are getting frosty with our Elsa plush

In my previous article, I checked out that Anna plushie I just bought from the Disney Store and I told that it really is a keeper for little girls of all ages and if I were you, this is definitely a must have for a collector of everything Disney. Looks like the D23 community are thinking about my decisive choice and now, days later, I bought the Elsa plush just for the sake of the D23 community.



Here it is! After my whole EENEY MEENEY MINEY MO negotiation in the past and the whole...cockups that I made my family disappointed, I have finally got my hands on the character whose icy powers deemed uncontrollable and caused the kingdom of Arendella trapped in eternal winter. Quite an appropriate plush for an appropriate weather, especially in the Pacific Northwestern part of the USA, get it?

 

Yep, Elsa's been a fan favorite after all, especially in all her icy glamour.


Just like that Anna plush I've purchased, it costs US$19.95, so it's a bit expensive for a plush but if you're planning to buy one as a gift this Christmas (or if you're in a middle of a Monito Monita), this is just one of the alternatives.


Even in plush, it's still as elegant as the character herself! Even her textured braid does matches her personality. Oh yeah, if you wanted to have an Elsa-fied hairstyle, there's a clip for that.

Watch: http://video.disney.com/watch/elsa-s-textured-french-braid-4e99bbff4273f1e2b6ab48bf





Aside from her elegant looks and her cold-hearted...well, personality, it's the detailing that make this 20-inch plush stand out. To match the self-styled ice queen's icy and cold-hearted personality, her gown is pattered with snowflakes as well as her cape. Looks a bit transparent through the human eye but her gown's still as elegant as a winter wonderland. Her satin shoes weren't quite bad though.

Elsa the self-styled and villainous snow queen...wow, I'm starting to feel the cold now as well as the atmosphere's getting all frosty. Not quite frosty yet at the Pacific Northwest where I'm here now. Not yet snowy. Just dark clouds and rain. Let's just wait until it snows and when it snows, I'm getting the sisters of Frozen ready but for now...



Look at them! How nice it is when you pair these two sisters? I mean, just look at those two. I can't really decide which of these two is pretty but hey, your guess is as good as mine, okay?

Ah, but not done yet. I still need something special. A special treatment for the sisters Anna and Elsa...



There, that's better. Anna and Elsa, say hello to Sofia from Sofia the First. Ah yes, look at those three, looking fresh and pretty.

So, there you go, although she maybe a cold-hearted ice queen, Elsa's still elegant for a fan favorite if whoever went to the cinemas just to watch Disney's Frozen. For a plush toy of her, it's still worth an elegance worth feeling for, unless you're feeling the cold in a cold light of day.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

"Sulit ng sarap ng Siesta!" #bubblegang

On the December 13, 2013 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Palaboy gags...

- The akyat-bahay gang are stealing something for Christmas.

- Mr. Assimo meets the department store santa.



- More wise words from Tata Lino...

- Bubble Gang does Fiesta spaghetti by spoofing this commercial as SIESTA SPAGHETTI! Sulit ng sarap ng Siesta!



- IKAW AT ANG INA acknowledges...#OOTD

- Who's the first to holdap the victim?!

- Brod Pete and the gang answers all in ANG BAGONG DATING DOON.

- IyoTube in ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS by MARIAH CAREY

- Mr. Assimo vs. the carolers.


Gran Turismo 6: The BMW M4

The Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray, any Group C Le Mans racers, the Citroen 2CV, the Jensen Interceptor, Chaparral, the Dome Zero, there are so many cars that are exclusive to the world of Gran Turismo and when I said "exclusivity" I do mean it and now, another car is joining the list of the Gran Turismo exclusives. It's a soon-to-be-released sportscar made in Germany and set for its 2014 NAIAS premiere. It's also the hotter version of the car I demand GT6 to feature it. What could this car be? Whatever it is...this car's going to get it.









Whatever this new car is, it's going to be as good as it gets and here it is! A Gran Turismo 6-exclusive feature, the all new 2015 BMW M4 Coupe!



Things to know about the BMW M4:

  • This is just a pre-production final prototype model featured in GT6
  • The M4 is a high-performance version of the 4-Series, a coupe derivative of the latest 3-Series
  • This performance model sees the return of BMW's straight-six engine, which in this version develops more than the outgoing M3's V8 engine thanks to the added turbos.
  • It will debut at the 2014 NAIAS this January in Detroit, Michigan.



This new model came here quite a surprise ever since Yamauchi-sensei and the gang took a test prototype in Spain while in a middle of a GT6 launch party at Ronda and at the Ascari Race Resort. While many considered to be more of a twist, some would call it a hidden gem and minutes after BMW fully revealed the new models, Gran Turismo has exclusive rights to feature the M4 in the game, giving players a first drive with the latest Bimmer which sees the revival of the carmaker's straight-six engine. Although this is more of a 4-Series with the added chest hairs and some manliness only a puny boy with no muscles, smells like baby wipes, and listening to some girly Euro pop music would want. Don't tell me, I was just investigating this latest Bimmer, you know.



Well, yes, it's just a 4-Series coupe I demand GT6 to feature it but since this is the mother of all 4-Series which follows the footsteps of its M3 Coupe predecessors, it's no surprise that I now had to drive the latest Bimmer first-handed in GT6 so...how about showing this off at Ascari, shall we?



Unlike any other M Power Bimmers I have tried out over the course of this franchise, the M4 tries to be a different kind of beast or Brainiac judging by its color that matches the shirts most Brainiacs wear. If its Science Abuse you're after, the new M4 tries to be as lairy as Vic Reeves putting rockets on household items and sending them to the sky in the name of science but not for fooling everyone.

The new M4 may be mild at first but even more dynamic when you mess this Bimmer like a hooligan because this is more than just a rear-wheel drive, four-seater, two-door saloon, it's a Brainiac waiting to blow things up in the name of science.



What's bizarre about the new M4 Coupe is, like its 4-door M3 newbie, got electric power steering, for the first time implemented on the BMW M Power cars, which in theory makes it more planted. You can start reveling on the M4's new grit but when things starting to get even more personal, hold on to your hats!

While power steering isn't the only problem I'm facing with, the M4 is armed with...wait for it...well if you saw the number 7 in the gear then well done. It is a 7-speed double clutch gearbox. The 6-speed manual was a standard but the folks of GT6 went for the M4 with the 7-speed DCT on it because of its quicker shifting feel. Well, you get that idea.



So, the M4 is more of a witchcraft thanks to the added power steering which I find it to be very challenging to handle even with the best tires equipped and the 7-speed DCT which is as sharp as the Vicar of Dibley but when it comes to being an all-rounder, the BMW M4 strives to behave like any other high-performance cars do in their spare time. It really is a wolf in sheep's clothing...no wait! BAD WOLF! in sheep's clothing! It maybe messier to start but even messier all the time thanks to its dynamic and challenging nature, probably because of the M Dynamic Mode on the M4. Will it drift? Yes but plenty of smoke, no cider. You can make the car go sideways, which in the case, why would we want to drift the M4 in a mindless kind of way?



Since downsizing is all part of the BMW M regime, the new M4's straight-six turbo engine produces 11HP more power and 110.9ft-lb more torque than the old M3's V8 engine. What's more, thanks to extensive use carbon fiber plastics, it s almost 200kg less than the old M3 Coupe as well and I wonder how does the new M4 stack up against my previous favorite. Safe to say, M3 drivers had no friends since the dawn of time.





Ah, here it is, the old and deceased M3 Coupe, arrived at Ascari to prove who's the boss. Wow, no wonder the M3's V8 engine sounds more like a baritone unlike the M4's straight-six engine which is less than a soprano, more of a leaf blower. Disappointing...



On the straight part of the Ascari track, I try to figure if the added power and the 200kg diet on the M4 would really stack up against the old E93 M3 coupe. It's the moment of truth, folks. When I send these two in the straight...





The BMW M4, with its turbocharged straight six engine and the 7-speed gearbox, does 0-60mph in a theoretical 4.1 seconds, and even though they're both limited to 250kph, the new M4 not only eats the old E93 M3 for breakfast, it feels like the old M3 was just the fly on a rear view mirror!



I was very pleased about the new M4's grit, although I'm starting to think I'm going to hate this car even more than my most hated car of the year, now that it's a Gran Turismo exclusive. If other games coming to get the M4, the M4 has a way of saying "Don't get me! They'll sue you!" because the M4 is a Gran Turismo exclusive, the M4 is a Gran Turismo exclusive, and the most important thing of all, THE M4 IS A GRAN TURISMO EXCLUSIVE. Any questions?

Anyway, no time for bashing, time for a quick back in time about what I do on the BMW M4 on my maiden encounter...



To celebrate the unveiling of the 2015 BMW M4 Coupe, there's a special Seasonal Event where you'll be race against the clock with your BMW M4 round the Nurburgring GP Circuit. Don't worry though, for this seasonal event, the BMW M4 served as the courtesy car and whoever achieved the target time not only receive some cash but also the car itself, if you haven't got one already.



The Nurburgring GP Circuit served as the basis for the F1 German GP and this was made in light of the fiery crash between James Hunt and Niki Lauda at the Nordschleife a few years ago. It was built in 1984 and renovated in 2002. Michael Schumacher holds the lap record at the Nurburgring GP Circuit with a 1min 29.468s lap in 2004. It maybe less than the dreaded Nordschleife but it's still a technical track, making this more challenging for the M4 and trust me, it took me an hour to snag the gold target.









As the progress intensifies, the BMW M4 gets even more aggressive and when times get tough in a track like this, this new and improved sportier model is not giving up without a good fight, unless if you're a girl stabbing your guts with an umbrella. Ohhh...my gu-uts...my guts...



An hour later, I have finally beaten the Gold target time and my lap time on a seasonal event like this is 2:17.745. Not the quickest as you know it but hey, it's the best I can do for my first impression.



So, after all the talk and the drive with the new M4, what can I say? Well, I may find it more of a disappointed about its power steering that makes my handling as catastrophic as a rat rod as well as the 7-speed DCT that keeps me questioning but because of its fun factor and its Brainiac-like behavior that loves to throw caution to the wind, this new model will keep me occupied for hours but not at all. I'm very glad I get my first try on the high-performance version of the car I demand GT6 to feature it. After all, it's just a 4-Series with the added firepower on it but this car made me proud. The M4 made me proud and I made the M4 proud. That is...Freude am Fahren.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Let's Do The News! (December 13, 2013)

The big scoop today...

1) Kim Jong-un's uncle executed

Jang Song Thaek, the uncle of North Korean ruler Kim Jong-Un was executed by North Korean authorities for "acts of treachery" calling the leader's family man a "despicable human scum" who was "worse than a dog". The execution of Jang Song Thaek is just one of the scenarios showcasing North Korea's brutality.

Report: http://www.france24.com/en/20131213-north-korea-powerful-uncle-execution-scum-jang-song-thaek/?ns_campaign=editorial&ns_source=FB&ns_mchannel=reseaux_sociaux&ns_fee=0&ns_linkname=20131213_north_korea_powerful_uncle_execution_scum

2) President Aquino flies to Tokyo for ASEAN-Japan summit

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, along with six cabinet members, fled to Tokyo yesterday for a summit meeting with Japan and members of the ASEAN region.

Report: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/93915/aquino-flies-to-tokyo-for-asean-japan-summit

3) Concept One (Wheel Gallery) main office gutted by fire

Main office, showroom of Concept One (Wheel Gallery) gutted by fire

The main showroom of Wheel Gallery, which sells popular CONCEPT ONE rims and located at 318 Santolan Road in Greenhills, was gone into flames. The fire started at around 1:30PM and doused by around 3:30PM. The cause of the fire, some say, is an explosion of an acetylene tank. Post-incident, squatters nearby tried to loot several items in the burned showroom.

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/industry-news/main-office-showroom-of-concept-one-wheel-gallery-gutted-by-fire

4) PSY's Gentleman is Youtube's most watched music video of 2013

Youtube complied the best music videos of 2013 ranging from the highly controversial WRECKING BALL video with Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry's Roar, and many others. The most trending music video of 2013 is none other than PSY's Gentleman. This internet sensation really succeeds where last year's Gangnam Style left off.

Report: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/count-top-10-youtube-music-videos-2013-article-1.1544865

5) Good Smile unveiled Lamborghini Countach diecast

Good Smile Racing Lamborghini Countach
Part of the company's GOOD SMILE RACING brand, these 1:12 scale Lamborghini Countach diecast models maybe as stunning as the real thing but the pricing is worth emptying the wallet as it costs 120,000 Japanese Yen when it hits stores late 2014.

It took two years to develop this seriously amazing model with the use of 3D scanning to match the exact proportions of this V12 Lambo classic.

TTFN!!!

Iya Villania, IHAW NA!

On the December 12, 2013's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment, the guest of the day was Iya Villania. Iya's well known to be a popular VJ in music cable channel, MYX, and one of the MCs in a Sunday variety show ASAP. Believe it or not, she's raised in Australia.

Meanwhile, more misconceptions that are too embarrassing in MALING AKALA.

What's in our Car Town garage today? (December 13, 2013)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

In the year 1966, General Motors created what its known to be a competitor against the Ford Mustang, which is known to be the most famous muscle car of all time. The Chevrolet Camaro, a fiery creation from General Motors, sparked the muscle car wars and it was a heck of a battle for these two. Although the first Camaro maybe a bit of a lackluster than the first Mustang in terms of first-year sales and popularity, it offers a wide selection of engine choices, even a big V8 engine on it.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

2012 Aston Martin Cygnet

Aston Martin makes supercars with big engines on it but when you discovered that they made a posh city car known as the Cygnet, you are beginning to ask why did they make this. Even though it's an Aston Martin, it's still just a Japanese compact in a British posh spice because the Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ and it's powered by the 1.3L 1NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine that carries 98bhp/6000rpm of power output, 125nm/4400 of torque output, and Euro 5 compliant.

2012 Aston Martin Cygnet

1992 BMW M3

The E36 BMW M3 maybe just a sports coupe from the 90's but this is no headturner as this M3 powered by a straight-six engine is one of the sportiest Bimmers ever made because of its balanced proportions and its unmatched performance most car enthusiasts enjoy. It's also a favorite among track and circuit racers everywhere.

1992 BMW M3