Sunday, October 5, 2014

Forza Horizon 2: Meet the starters!

A few days ago, I finally picked my own copy on the XBOX One version of Forza Horizon 2 and I can't wait to see what it's like to enjoy the Southern European landscape by driving coast to coast with over two hundred of the world's scorching hot rides. As I began my Southern European journey on FH2, I have a choice of three starter cars to choose from, each with their own distinctive tastes and challenges await in each.

These are the starters:

 - 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - The second-generation of BMW's open-top roadster offers a well-balanced breed of speed and mobility.



- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe - This classic muscle car from Chevrolet offers straight-line performance.



- 1998 Toyota Supra - One of Japan's most iconic sportscars from that decade and one of the most iconic tuners of all time even post-discontinuation.



With three starters to choose from as they began their quest for fame at Southern Europe, it's very difficult to decide which is which but you know what, it's not quite difficult to decide because some would go for the Z4 because it's a well-balanced car, others for the Camaro because of its power, and some would want to go with the Supra because it's a popular tuner for many and they can spend their cash tweaking on its performance figures.

As for me, which of these three did I choose?



I chose the Z4 because, well don't get me wrong, but this car is well suited for this landscape and since I was starting with the Z4, I can't help but trying out this German roadster for a joyride.



Be it rain or shine, the Z4 never fails to impress me and since this is FH2, I want my car to be well suited for this occasion and for that, it's time for this car to get the Horizon makeover courtesy of extensive use of the game's design creator!



Voila! My Z4 is wearing its tradition Bimmer colors and notice those M-inspired stripes I made. It's done to give out the true BMW joy from within. I've even added some of my handmade Horizon Festival racing numbers on my car and I gave it an 89 because this is the E89 model.

After extensive makeovers, I sent my Z4 to take part in the first ever championship suitable for this car somewhere in the Castelletto area of Italy.

 

Having completed my first championship, looks like I'm now primed and ready for my Southern European journey on Forza Horizon 2.

Let's Do The News! (October 5, 2014)

Ten things we learned this week...

- Was Top Gear attacked by the Falklands vets? The cast and crew of the BBC hit TV series had escaped from Argentina when the car in question Jeremy Clarkson used has a plate number in reference to the Falkland War in 1982. The Falklands War veterans got so angry, they're going to take them down so that's why, the whole Top Gear team have escaped.

- Veteran comedienne Tia Pusit died on the 2nd of October, 2014, at the age of 66 years old. That was confirmed by her buddy Inday Garutay. Tia Pusit, known by her real name Myrna Villanueva, was the youngest sibling of veteran comedienne Nova Villa and her acting career began in the 80's. Her last appearance was in the TV5 comedy series Confessions of a Torpe, which stars Ogie Alcasid, Alice Dixson, and Gelli de Belen.

- If there's something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? PETER GRIFFIN! Yes, and he needs you for some ghostbusting this Halloween as Family Guy Quest For Stuff features a Halloween update where a special time-limited event is currently underway and you can stand a chance to win Halloween items for your Quahog and special costumes for your favorite characters. Characters who died in the TV show are haunting your way and get a chance to win them before the time-limited event is over!

- The PS3-exclusive Free-To-Play flight shooting game Ace Combat Infinity released their Operation Bunker Shot update and this is going to be the longest mission in the campaign mode you'd ever experience. Make sure your aircraft's fully prepared as you take on ground, naval, and aerial forces on the Adriatic Sea. Also, there's a new Online Co-Op mission called Moscow Battle where you and your pals must save Moscow from oncoming threats!

- GRRR!!! It's Mega Rayquaza! The upcoming Pocket Monsters Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire 3DS games will feature Rayquaza's mega evolution! Think you're up for the challenge? Be prepared as Mega Rayquaza's fully armed with the Delta Stream ability which prevents weather changes during battles and Mega Rayquaza's most powerful move, the Dragon Ascent!

Rayquaza Mega Evolution
- An end of an era: Sebastian Vettel will leave Red Bull Racing at the end of the F1 2014 season.

- The South Korean government placed 40 orders on the F35 Lightning II aircrafts and develop their own as they're improving their firepower against threats from North Korea.

- Lea Salonga and the entire original cast members of the Miss Saigon musical returned to the West End Stage last month to perform in the 25th anniversary gala. They've been joined by the current cast which includes actress and singer Rachelle Ann Go. 



- A Pinay OFW posted a rather bizarre post on Facebook, saying that she wants to get pregnant with any male who can do it and she's willing to reward someone 20,000 Philippine Pesos. That Pinay OFW was revealed as Rosemarie Catidral and goes under her alias of Shaine Marie Gamboa. She said that she wants to get pregnant once she returned to the Philippines and she's looking for a man who can take on that bizarre challenge.

- Actress Coleen Garcia broke her silence about her alleged scandal on September 27, saying that it was a hoax and the post contains a virus if someone clicked on it when she was interviewed on The Buzz. That fake viral news of a clip with Coleen and her ex appeared on the same time as IT'S SHOWTIME presenter Billy Crawford detained after brawling with authorities because of alcohol abuse, while some say it was the cause that Billy has gone haywire.

TTFN!!!

Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?! - October 4, 2014

On the October 4, 2014 episode of Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?!

- "Trapikulit" gags

- K'Nis Anino wastes time telling her sad story about being a horror queen in ANINO ABUNDAT

- In PAMINTA 101, we find out just how would a straight, beki, and a paminta react when he saw that his crush has someone now.

- The GANDUMB and GANDUMBER girls don't know about the light in the refrigerator!

- In another PAMINTA 101, we find out just how would a straight, a beki, and a paminta cry because of love.



- ANG DALAWA'T KALAHATING MRS. REAL reached its gripping and bloody climax!

- The GANDUMB and GANDUMBER girls don't know how to disinfect knives!

- The GANDUMB and GANDUMBER girls are too dumb to use vinegar!

- POKE-POKAN NA in Look Ma, No Hands!

Doctor Who S08E07

Doctor Who S08E07

An infestation of spider-like creatures, the moon hatched a big monster, a new moon was laid, and some emotional drama boils at the end of this episode, those are some of the things we witnessed during this week's episode of Doctor Who titled "Kill The Moon". It's a sad for us to see Clara angry to The Doctor after that...ungrateful decisions occurred. Looks like our Time Lord hero will be going solo for next week's episode for now...

As for the part where Clara's student, Courtney, posting pics of The Doctor on Tumblr, yeah, that's what we do real time because we love posting pics of him on Tumblr. He he he...

Anyway, here's the BTS from this week's episode:



NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

Saturday, October 4, 2014

#BGTanan

On the October 3, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- The parents of Dexter the Binatilya didn't know he changed his name to Desiree.

- Tanan gags

- Watch out! Lala Ytera is still making "lait" to the girls.

- Bubble Gang does Glyderm Stretch Mark Cream by spoofing this commercial as GULYADERM STRETCH MARK CREAM! Bring back your beautiful skin.

Bubble Gang does Glyderm
- Something smelly is going on in Mr. Matapobre's house!

- Does his new kasambahay met up with her high standards?

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Tayo na makinig sa kuwentuhan, may lalaki tayo sa tambayan, lahat ng babae...KINUKUNAN?

- One unlucky man has met his worst moment in his life!

- The boys are telling a secret that got someone exposed!

- Always believe on what you saw on television!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Meeting Peppa Pig at Westfield Southcenter

Recently, we went to Westfield Southcenter for a meet-and-greet with Peppa Pig. Don't judge me on this because our baby boy, Irvine, is a huge fan of Peppa Pig. He watched too much videos of too much Peppa Pig toys featured. Perhaps no wonder I got sucked into the Peppa Pig mania. That British TV show never fails to impress after 10 years.


It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the Washington families to have their kids meet and greet Peppa and because Peppa's very popular with the little tykes, the line's jam-packed and they can't wait to have their pics taken.


While they were busy, there are some coloring papers for kids to colorize Peppa. Too bad they don't have the right colors for Peppa, especially the color pink. Oh well...


Baby boy's too excited to see his idol!




After several minutes of waiting, we finally have the chance to let baby boy meet and greet his biggest idol, Peppa Pig!

Trust us, he's her number one fan!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Let's Do The News! (October 2, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Protests in Hong Kong continue to grow and over 2.3 million tweets have been hit during the Occupy Central. Yeah, let sleeping dogs lie on the Hong Kong streets even when it rains.

- Lamborghini's mystery car for the Paris Motor Show has finally revealed as the Asterion LPI910-4 Concept, a hybrid supercar concept that previews something more of a powerful breed.

Lamborghini Asterion LPI910-4 Concept

- A 5-door Audi TT in the works? The Audi TT Sportback Concept will be making a premiere at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, giving visitors a preview of a newest addition to the third-generation Audi TT range.

Audi TT Sportback Concept
- As the power crisis in the Philippines is imminent, a consumer group puts a stab on Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla after he said that the government may need to rent generators to prevent blackouts during the hot summer season next year.

- Hyundai will be preparing an ARK Performance-tuned version of the second-generation Genesis saloon at this year's SEMA Show.

ARK Performance Genesis AR550
- Fear the super-sized Pumpkaboo (バケッチャ) as Nintendo will be offering a special super-sized version of Pumpkaboo for players of Pokemon X and Pokemon Y this month only. Be afraid because it's bigger than the one Team Rocket's Jessie had in the TV series! No wait, this is the biggest Pumpkaboo you want to have! Sadly for discriminating reasons, this super size Pumpkaboo is for North American and European Pokemon XY gamers only and so far, this fella's not available for Japanese players. Sigh, we wish this super sized Pumpkaboo (or Bakeccha for Japanese) would make it into the hands of Japanese Pokemon XY players in time for Halloween. So, Pokemon Centers from Japan, please take note...

バケッチャ (とくだいサイズ)

- There are five cases of Ebola reported every hour in Sierra Leone.

- Celebs Vilma Santos and Dingdong Dantes, and famed Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao were reportedly listed in 2016 Senate Elections Poll. Vilma says she has no political plans as of now.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 2

Forza Horizon 2 (XBOX One)

Forza Horizon 2 (XBOX 360)

Close your eyes. Imagine there's a fail-safe switch button that came out from the Lamborghini Huracan. Flip the guard, push the button, hear the distant thunder from the V10 engine, feel the Huracan racing through the roads against rival supercars, and now, it's time to wake up. Welcome to Southern Europe and welcome to the world of Forza Horizon 2.

The biggest automotive playground is back for its second iteration and this time, it's bigger than before as Forza Horizon 2 delivers the biggest Horizon experience yet. Even if you still have your dusty old XBOX 360, you are still invited to the world's biggest car extravaganza yet. Unlike the events that happened two years ago in the first installment, Forza Horizon 2 pits players to the beautiful backdrops of Southern Europe where players enjoy the rich scenery and the endless automotive party they can throw at them. With all the distant thunder from the engines, the laughter from the people, and the sweet sound of music come together to create one big epic adventure for the petrolheads, veterans, and rookies alike.

The crowd's been salivating over this one because the latest installment a massive wide-open world featuring dramatic weather and day-to-night cycles. Yes, you heard that right. Weather change is happening for the first time in Forza history and the added weather change adds an interesting challenge even for the skilled players alike. It's not just the time you'll be worrying now, it's the weather you'll be facing while you race against a bountiful of rivals from a multitude of countries.

There are over two hundred scorching hot new rides to choose from, especially the hero car from the game, the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4. They are separated into a multitude of categories and each category is just the necessity to take part in a championship where you'll need the right car to take on the assigned challenge. As you begin your journey on Horizon 2, you can choose one of the three starter cars; the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe, or the 1998 Toyota Supra RZ. As you progress, you will be able to buy new cars for your collection and it's yours to tune and redecorate just the way you want. Also, expect more cars to arrive via DLC every month so watch out.

Also, you might need to look out for barn finds, and in Forza Horizon 2, there are more barn finds to hunt than before but it's going to take some time before the right moment to approach and when that happens, good luck hunting that priceless barn find. Find it and the dough's yours but don't count on finding them so easily because they are hidden within the European landscapes so keep your eyes peeled.

Now, it's time for the tricky question; just what is the difference between the XBOX 360 version and the XBOX One version of FH2? There is a simple answer for that because while the XBOX 360 version was developed by Sumo Digital, the XBOX One version was developed by Playground Games and the XBOX One version offers more stuff than the XBOX 360 version such as dynamic weather change, ultra-realistic graphics, some XBOX One-exclusive cars such as the Ariel Atom and the Caterham R500, the use of Drivatars, and more challenges than the XBOX 360 version offered. Looks like the ultimate FH2 experience is only on XBOX One but never mind. Whichever version you had, you are more than welcome to be part of the biggest celebration of the year and you can keep yourself longing for days, getting hooked on the rich Southern European landscape while witnessing the biggest ride of your lifetime.

Welcome to the world of Forza Horizon 2. Leave your limits.

Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4

The Lamborghini Gallardo, the supercar that has been the baby in the Lambo, and it was made for those who can't afford a flagship V12 Lambo. It may not be as awesome as its big brothers are but it was quite a successful feat to be part of the Lamborghini family and has been around for over a decade, looks like the Gallardo's tenure is past its prime and it's time for the V10 Lambo to be replaced by a new heir.

2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4

It's called the Huracan. It costs 169,500.00 Euro, excluding taxes, and on paper, it looks more like a potent supercar that is willing to risk everything to become one of the best machines ever assembled in the world where V10 engines starting to diminish like dinosaurs.

In the Spanish language, Huracan means "hurricane" but it was also referred to as the Mayan god of wind, storm, and fire. It was also a name given to a bull that fought in the 19th century, in tradition to most Lambos named after famed bulls. Of course, you don't want me to hear the whole story but what you do want to hear is how the Huracan performs in a dogfight on the road and on the track.

If by dogfight, it is a dogfight on the road because when you put your foot down, the Huracan is a monster ready to make grounds shake and mountains crumble until maps must be redrawn afterward. If this car rampages, it's going to change the very landscape we knew today and it really leaves a ground zero next to you.

2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 interior
Having evolved from the irate Gallardo, it still comes with the same 5.2L V10 engine from the Gallardo but now it has been upgraded to the titular 610PS power output and 560Nm of torque. The result is 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of over 325kph. That's about as similar as its chief rival, the Ferrari 458 Speciale. The gearbox is no longer the e-gear or the manual because it now comes with the same 7-speed s tronic as the Audi R8 V10 Plus and it shifts quicker than the one used on the flagship Aventador. Oh dear, this is going to be like the brothers from the Wafrets commercial.

Anyway, the interior feels more driver-focused than the Gallardo and it has the same experience that you expect from a fighter plane. There's a nifty-looking switch where you can lift the switch guard, push the start, and you'll hear the distant thunder from the 5.2L V10 engine. That sound takes me back...from the Gallardo only better.

2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4
If the Huracan is a baby Lambo that evolved from the Gallardo, does it act like a fully-evolved car? Well, it is more hostile than the irate Gallardo but it's not as brutal as its flagship Lamborghini Aventador, judging the fact that it comes with Lambo's 4WD system that lets you have fun regardless of the road and weather it'll face. It comes with a weirdly sounding "Anima" system which lets you choose three different driving modes. If you set it to CORSA which refers to Track, you can see how much potential the Huracan performs and to be honest, this is a lifelong struggle between you and this car on the track. If I know one thing this car is good at, it would be good at "snarling".

The Huracan loves to snarl on the track like most Lambos do in their free time but on the road, it's a lot nicer to drive. Who cares if the city streets are loaded with speed limits, I don't have to use most of it and I have to go with the flow like normal schoolchildren do after flag ceremonies. If I have doubts, the Huracan feels like the Ferrari 458 on the inside because it has that annoying part where the speedo and the sat-nav in the same place. It might be best to leave it here and forget about listening to the radio because it's too complicated to set it up on a weekend road trip to France.

2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4
So, the new Huracan may be the potent replacement for the Gallardo but for a supercar, it may take some time for its Oblivion Wing to grow until its ready to destroy every single opponent in the road and track until it becomes the perfect aggressor but it's still not quite ready for that act because rivals like the 458 Speciale and the McLaren 650S are all ready to do their stuff. The Huracan is just not quite ready to grow up like the Aventador but for a rookie in the lineup, this car is willing to grow up to become number one in its squadron.

I may not be as good as any other car connoisseurs around the world but that's my point because to me, the Huracan is a great car for a stop but it still doesn't show a shine in the face of roadside mayhem and that mayhem will have to wait for this car. There are so many things to learn for the Huracan over the coming years and I think it's time to head west for this young chap on the manor.

Available colors: Bianco Monocerus, Nero Noctis, Bianco Icarus, Blu Achelous, Grigio Lynx, Grigio Nimbus, Nero Serapis, Rosso Mars, Arancio Borealis, Giallo Midas, Verde Mantis, Bianco Canopus, Giallo Horus, Grigio Titans, Marrone Apus, Nero Nemesis, Blu Caelum, Grigio Admetus and Marrone Alcestis.

Photo: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Let's Do The News! (October 1, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Wednesday is National Day in the People's Republic in China but the Hong Kong protests continues as the HK leader denied meeting up with pro-democracy rallyists by their midnight deadline, despite threats of expanding the protests.

- Makati City Mayor Jun-Jun Binay is once again defying the subpoena issued by the Senate blue ribbon sub-committee for him to attend the hearing tomorrow on the controversial Makati City Hall 2 parking building. His arrest would be very imminent.

- Automobile Central Enterprise, the Philippine distributor of Volkswagen, has opened their Cebu dealership.

- The all-new Subaru Legacy, in B4 sedan and Outback crossover, is ready for its Japan debut this late October 2014.

Teaser for the new 6th-gen Legacy
- The fourth-generation Honda CR-V gained its minor change and it's prepping for its Paris Motor Show debut this week. The Japanese carmaker's "EXCITING H DESIGN!!!" design language has been featured on this SUV.

2015 Honda CR-V

- Looks like the Peugeot 208 GTi 30th is redoing the classic 205 GTi commercial in this action-packed TV commercial for the Peugeot GTi's 30th birthday car!



- Local Motors is working on a crowd-sourced sportscar called the "Street Fighter 01" and they're now accepting design ideas for a new sports car platform where the winner not only receive a cash prize but also see his/her vision come to life.

- Raini Rodriguez, the teen actress who played Trish Dela Rosa from the Disney hit TV series Austin and Ally, shares her personal experience with the Huffington Post to discuss about her sad past of being bullied and the "Beauties and Bullies" episode that spreads an anti-bullying message for the younger viewers.

- That anti-bullying episode of Austin and Ally was just the start because Disney initiated their Choose Kindness campaign to spread a message against bullying. There's a preview of a PSA featuring Jessie's Karan Brar and I Didn't Do It's Olivia Holt as they're telling about how they've experienced the lives of being bullied. More PSAs to come this week featuring your favorite Disney stars.

 

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 5 - The Spark-Renault SRT_01E vs. The Americas

And now my final leg of experimenting the Spark-Renault SRT_01E, a zero-emission racing machine that was used for the inaugural season of the first ever FIA Formula E Championship, on Forza Motorsport 5 and for this final part, I went to the United States for more virtual shakedowns. There are so many American racetracks to choose from in FM5 and I can't hardly decide which track is suitable for the SRT_01E but because this car had touched American soil, the only way to hone its wheels is to take on most of the American tracks in FM5. Namely...

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway

  srt01e

The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

  srt01e_2

Long Beach, California
  srt01e_3

Road America
  srt01e_4

Road Atlanta

  srt01e_5

and lastly, the Sebring International Raceway

srt01e_6

After testing through all of these American tracks offered on Forza Motorsport 5, looks like the Spark-Renault SRT_01E is already brimming with enthusiasm and its finally ready to take on American soil...well, of course, Long Beach is officially part of the 2014-2015 race calendar for the FIA Formula E Championship but should any of the American tracks be part of it, the SRT_01E is a world-proven strong silent type in all the right corners.

And that is the final part of the virtual shakedown. The Spark-Renault SRT_01E is finally proven to be ready to take on the world and with the ongoing FIA Formula E championship, looks like this racer now has the credentials to make the audience fall silence because of its unbelievable silence that most electric cars omit but as the competition continues to be more exciting than ever, this electric racing machine will never stop keeping its new fans happy.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The New Mini 5-door

A few months ago, the brand new F56 Mini has arrived and when I carefully investigated this machine, I concluded that while the new Mini maybe more of a Wumbo and the interior looks a bit all wrong judging by the trademark Mini center speedo is gone and the speedo is now centered on the driver's side rather than the center because this is where the radio is now located at, it's still worth a humble machine that will make you feel humbled at the end of the day. Now, for the first time, there's a brand new 5-door model that has the same stuff as the Mini but the added accessibility for your mates.

2015 Mini 5-door

Wait a minute. Did Mini already have a 5-door model called the Countryman? Yeah, they do had the Countryman and word from the mouth is that the upcoming Clubman will have its club door removed and replaced with a...is it 5 or a 6 door because I just notice two doors at the rear end. But anyway, this is by no means the most confusing trick done by the books from BMW since they've confused us with the 3-Series GT and the 4-Series GC for being the same cars. With the new 5-door Mini, could this be end of the Clubman? That question is denied because BMW's now currently working on the production model but you should remember that it has a bigger boot than the standard Mini. Don't forget it.

2015 Mini 5-door


Anyway, the new 5-door Mini, does it still act like its 3-door brother even though it has additional doors for accessibility? Well, for starters, the new 5-door Mini is BMW's answer to Audi's A1 Sportback but it feels more like a bloated F56 Mini or maybe its Chinese copycat from Lifan perhaps?

2015 Mini 5-door interior

2015 Mini 5-door interior
The new 5-door model extends the F56 Mini by 72mm in the wheelbase and 89mm in the rear overhang. The result is the added rear space fit enough to have your barkadas snuggle through the plush cabin and you're ready for a day out at the streets just for the fun of it. However, for that added dimension, the 5-door model adds 60kg of weight so performance figures have been cut. It feels like you've been intimidated at the first match and you felt weakened to fight but mobility wise, the added weight couldn't stop you from having fun not to mention the clever suspension system, the most responsive electric steering, and the use of the UKL1 platform like you get from the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer. Still, I'd like the Mini though because...it's a Mini! Who cares?

2015 Mini 5-door

Like the 3-door version, the new Mini 5-door can be offered with the entry-level One that comes with either a 1.3L petrol or a 1.5L diesel engine, a Mini Cooper that comes with either s 1.5L petrol engine or a 1.5L diesel engine, a Mini Cooper S that comes with the 2.0L petrol engine producing 192PS of power and 300Nm of torque, and the new Mini Cooper SD that comes with a 2.0L diesel engine developing 170PS of power and 360Nm of torque. Whichever Mini you'll be choosing, it's always going to be a good one and if by good, I mean wise.

For pricing, the new Mini 5-door starts at 18,350 Euros, almost a thousand more than the 3-door version and almost a thousand more than the Audi A1 Sportback, so should you buy one for yourself? Make your choice...

Photo: MINI