Super GT 2016: Sugo

The fourth round of the Super GT 2016 series in Sugo was commenced smoothly and it was one odd of a schedule ever since the third round of this series was cancelled due to the ongoing earthquakes at the Kumamoto Prefecture, until it was announced the third round will commence on the 12th of November at Twin Ring Motegi, a day before the final round taking place at the same venue, making it a two-parter (a first in Super GT history).

Anyway, in this 81-lap race, held at the Sportsland SUGO, located on the Miyagi Prefecture, wild things happened during the race and such examples is the #24 Forum Engineering ADVAN GT-R, driven by Daiki Sasaki and Masataka Yanagida, which came from 9th place and then emerged victorious in the GT500 class, courtesy of their no-tire-change tactic, which sounds like a very risky gamble for the team. Meanwhile, in the GT300-class, the #31 TOYOTA PRIUS apr GT, driven by Koki Saga and Yuichi Nakayama, scored their first win of the season.

Highlights:

The next race will start at Fuji Speedway on the 7th of August.

Ignacio De Loyola (2016 film)

Ignacio De Loyola

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, according to religious history, was a Spanish knight from a local Basque noble family, who later became a priest since 1537, and a theologian who founded the Society of Jesus or Jesuits. In this remarkable, yet powerful, biopic depicting the life and times of a knight who became the founding father of the Jesuits, was told and this film is by no means a wonderful collaboration between the Philippines and Spain in the making of this film. Although the cast are all Spanish, including the lead actor Andreas Muñoz as the titular character, the crew behind the making of this religious film were mostly Filipino and such collaboration will bring faith-based moviegoers a glimpse of the St. Ignatius of Loyola they never knew from the history books.

Born from a noble Basque family, St. Ignatius of Loyola was once a soldier but when he was seriously injured in the war, he gave up his will of being a soldier, became a servant of God, and he established the Jesuits for the greater glory of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Just by looking at the whole film, you can feel the powerful undertones reeling in the powerful memoir of the soldier-turned-saint and for a certain Jesuit and Atenean, they can learn many lessons after watching the whole film and it's about repenting for your sins and never lose hope in the name of Him.

As a powerful movie filled with powerful undertones, Ignacio De Loyola never fails to capture the hearts of audiences, mostly faithful and religious ones, and with a Filipino-Spanish collaboration rooted to this film, you can consider this film a world-class success in its own right.

My rating: 4.1 out of 5

F1 2016: Hungarian GP

Image: Reuters

The Hungarian leg of the F1 2016 season sees Mercedes' top ace, Lewis Hamilton, regaining his championship lead against Nico Rosberg following his pole position advantage that led him to victory. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo placed third. Behind the winner's circle, it seems that Fernando Alonso from McLaren-Honda is starting its road to recovery following its poor performance throughout the season and with him finishing 7th place, that's just the beginning for them. Meanwhile, Red Bull rookie Max Verstappen was hindered by Hamilton early and struggled to get past Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, which placed him fifth.

The next race is set on Germany on the 31st of July.

Jubilee of Mercy: World Youth Day

Jubilee of Mercy logo

July 26, 2016 - Over 200,000 pilgrims have gathered together in Krakow, Poland, to celebrate the annual World Youth Day and for this year, it's a very special World Youth Day because of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. Krakow Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the former secretary of St John Paul II, preached the pilgrims and urged young Catholics to share their faith, experiences and hopes and spread a "message of divine mercy" worldwide.



During the mass, Cardinal Dziwisz said “We come from every nation under heaven, like those who came in great numbers to Jerusalem on Pentecost Day, but there are incomparably more of us now than 2,000 years ago, because we are accompanied by centuries of preaching the Gospel.” The Cardinal preached over 200,000 pligrims from 187 nations in Krakow's Blonia Park, a day before the scheduled arrival of Pope Francis.

Highlights:

Report: http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2016/07/27/wyd-2016-spread-message-of-divine-mercy-krakow-cardinal-says-at-opening-mass/

Let's Do The News! (July 27, 2016)

- The five recent presidents of the Philippines in historical order; Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, and the latest Rodrigo Roa Duterte, have come together for a national security meeting to discuss the recent decision on the Philippines' case against China. Duterte convened the National Security Council at Malacanang with former presidents and joining the meeting were Duterte's Cabinet officials as well as newly elected Senate President Koko Pimentel and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

- During his Philippine visit, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the Philippines' respect for human rights can go with efforts to achieve security. Kerry, who met with President Duterte and his Philippine counterpart, Perfecto Yasay, said that the US's "broadening agenda" in the Philippines outside the question of the South China Sea involves the fight against crime, which the two countries have long undertaken.

- The Manila Police District revealed the suspect behind the murder of the cyclist Mark Vincent Geralde as Vhon Tanto. Vhon was involved in a "road rage" incident in Quiapo, where he killed the cyclist after fighting at P. Casal Street.

- In Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention, Hillary Clinton made history as she was named as the presidential nominee for the Democratic party. In a shocking move, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders nominated Clinton to become the next US president while ditching the acclamation line. Following his decision, supporters of Bernie began protesting outside the convention. Meanwhile, former president Bill Clinton appeared onstage to tell everyone more about his story with Hillary and how his speech is a new tack for Hillary's campaign.

- An acquaintance of one of the men who murdered a priest at a church in northern France says the suspect hinted of plan for terrorist attack in recent months. Two men armed with knives entered the Catholic church in Normandy on Tuesday morning, killing a priest and seriously wounding another person. The attackers were shot dead by police.

- 35 Russian athletes were banned by four international sports federations from entering the Rio Olympics, in connection with doping. The Russian track and field team has already been disqualified but the judo and shooting teams are allowed to compete in the Olympics.

- South Sudan President Salva Kiir fired his vice president in a move that risks reigniting violence in the country. Over 270 people died during fierce fighting in the capital city of Juba. Kiir replaced VP Riek Machar with former mining minister Taba Deng Gai. The president made the appointment while Machar was away from the country.

- The Fairy Tail franchise celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a special art exhibit in September. The exhibit will feature art from the manga series, as well as life-size figures of popular characters including Natsu, Lucy, Gray, and others, and exclusive merchandise.

- The Pokemon GO app game has reached 75 million downloads worldwide with 10 million downloads in Japan on first day.

TTFN!!!

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER 04 Seizon Honnou Valkyria

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
STARLIGHT MASTER 04 Seizon Honnou Valkyria

The fourth installment of THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER range, inspired by the ever-popular THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage app game, has arrived and finally, something to wet our pants for...well, just the three on the cover art ever since its Starlight Stage appearance weeks ago.

Yes, we're talking about Seizon Honnou Valkyria, which is one of the songs Starlight Stage players mastered it from DEBUT to MASTER difficulty, and the full song can finally be heard on this latest single, which is part of the STARLIGHT MASTER CD range, and it's not just the dystopic, yet powerful, song you'll be hearing on this one because there are two more songs featured such as 空と風と恋のワルツ performed by Miho Kohinata and Sparkling Girl by Riina Tada.

Expect more Starlight Stage songs getting the full M@STER VERSION treatment soon and be sure to keep playing Starlight Stage for more of your favorite 346 Production idols gunning for more.

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 生存本能ヴァルキュリア (M@STER VERSION)

02 空と風と恋のワルツ

03 Sparkling Girl

04 生存本能ヴァルキュリア (M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ

05 空と風と恋のワルツ オリジナル・カラオケ

06 Sparkling Girl オリジナル・カラオケ

07 生存本能ヴァルキュリア (GAME VERSION)

Jinsei wa Subarashi

Jinsei wa Subarashi, the latest single by the hit J-POP boyband Johnny's WEST, is now added on the court record.

Jinsei wa Subarashi

Jinsei wa Subarashi [Limited Edition A]

Jinsei wa Subarashi [Limited Edition B]

HOLD IT! Isn't this latest maxi single from the popular J-POP boyband featured the second opening theme song from the Gyakuten Saiban (Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney) TV series? If so, you're more than delighted to listen the latest opening theme song anytime you want and because Johnny's WEST is gaining more reception than the whole Ace Attorney TV series (women who are archiving this, are you getting this?) but not quite enough compared to the entire Ace Attorney video game franchise, fans can listen more aside from their latest opening theme song. In the normal version, it's offered with new songs such as Ｍｒ．Ｓｕｍｍｅｒ　ＷＥＳＴ, 覚悟しろよＳｕｍｍｅｒ , and ＣＨＯ－ＥＸＴＡＣＹ, but in two different limited editions; the track lists are different as well as the DVDs offered, which are packed with music videos and behind the scenes. In Limited Edition A, there's a DVD featuring the music video of Jinsei wa Subarashi, while the Limited Edition B features a new song titled シルエット, as well as its music video DVD.

Present this as evidence? OBJECTION!

Let's Do The News! (July 25, 2016)

- President Rodrigo Duterte made his first State of the Nation Address ever since he took office since late last month. In his address, Duterte wants crooked execs to be punished, never use human rights as excuse to destroy the Philippines, continue the war against illegal drugs, and many other promises he made during his first SONA.

Following Duterte's first SONA, Senator Koko Pimentel was elected as Senate president after obtaining 20 votes at the opening session of the 17th Congress.

- The ASEAN foreign ministers issued a joint communique without any mention of the recent ruling on Philippines' claims against China. The statement was issued following a deadlock among officials at a meeting in Vientiane, Laos, who tried to reach a consensus to counter China's territorial expansion in the South China Sea.

- German authorities say a 27-year-old Syrian man has detonated a concealed bomb he was carrying, killing himself and wounding 12 others. The authorities held a news conference hours after the explosion occurred in Ansbach on Sunday. They say the man requested asylum in the country two years ago but was rejected last year. They say he has since been allowed to stay at a shelter in Germany on humanitarian grounds. Some say, the man denied entry to an open-air music festival near the scene of the blast. He was believed to have exploded himself near the concert gate.

- Participants in the first major rally organized by Turkey's opposition since the coup attempt earlier this month have expressed their support for democracy. The rally drew a large crowd on Sunday to Taksim Square in Istanbul. Attendees refrained from expressing criticism of the government's subsequent crackdown.

- The International Olympic Committee has defended its decision not to impose a total ban on Russian athletes attending the Rio Olympics next month. Many Western countries are critical of the decision because they had requested a total ban on Russia.

- The finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 nations say the recent Brexit decision has increased global economic uncertainty, naming it one of the new risks, along with terrorism and refugee issues, in a joint statement issued on Sunday after their 2-day meeting in the Chinese city of Chengdu. The participants say they hope Britain and the European Union will work closely to contain the impact of Brexit on the global economy.

TTFN!!!

Challenge: The trouble with my Leon cosplay

Since 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Biohazard/Resident Evil survival horror franchise, I think this is the ideal moment that I could try dress as one of the characters but I have gone for the one character that has the most impact in the franchise is...you guessed it, a policeman-turned-government agent named Leon S. Kennedy.

Of course? Why Leon you may asked? He appeared in game installments such as Biohazard 2, 4, The Darkside Chronicles, and 6, as well as movie installments such as Degeneration, Damnation, Retribution, and next year's Vendetta 3D anime movie. Yes. He's back for more in next year's 3DCG Biohazard/Resident Evil film in case you missed it.

Which Leon cosplay did I tried? From Biohazard 6, of course, but which one from the game? For me, I replicate his outfit from his China arrival alongside Helena Harper during their pursuit against Simmons, the mastermind behind the Tall Oaks incident that killed over 70,000 people, including the President.

Took a lot of trouble replicating his second outfit from RE6, not to mention the sour moment today's society we're facing with such as ongoing gun violence reports. Look, I wasn't going to flash a (pretend) weapon to scare anyone around me, I want to look as real as the character I am cosplaying at. Sadly, political correctness got the better of me, so I arrived...unarmed.

Venue? I went at this year's Chinatown Seafair Parade to join alongside Team Sakura-con cosplayers promoting next year's convention, which is going to be a big one due to its 20th anniversary next year. Anyway, how things going along?

Good at the very start but I'm started to lose my "gentleman-ism" when girls in their Love Live cosplays appeared. I once tried to grabbed some Loveliver's arm while asking to take a picture but some guy dressed as Gray from Fairy Tail stopped me. 

Wow, guess I lost my sanity every time I saw someone dressed as an idol girl so whoever you are, and let's put a dump behind this, I'm sorry.

As I shyed away from idol girls, I took pictures of other attendees in a mannerism kind of way. Just a simple please and thank you would be nice, and while I'm, like the others, standing in the line for over two to three and a half hours, I began toying around with my Pokemon Go game like anyone does. As the parade starts, I tried to keep myself focused to the crowd while dealing with the wild Pokemon popping out from the game.

Several kilometers later, we made it. The parade's over, and we all have a well-deserved rest.

A little top tip for myself: Always listen to today's society before pulling such kind of outfit and lastly for me, be respectful while asking someone to take a picture. A "please" and "thank you" can do the job nicely. Ugh, guess I should act normal, even when I spot an idol girl cosplay next time. Idols..

Still, I got some shots from the parade so you want to see the whole recap:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1090456807714583.1073742104.119605654799708&type=1&l=a54beadd85

So, the outfit that Leon wore on RE6 during his arrival on China alongside Helena, how it's done anyway? Well, from top to bottom; a golden brown hairdo, a blue long-sleeved polo shirt, a black outdoor vest (a summer one, as long that's not too thick), a tactical belt, two handgun leg holsters (one for the left and another for the right), black trousers, and some black leather shoes. Oh, and finding a shoulder holster sounds too tricky, try buying a crossed suspenders for a change and then try attaching two stuff that corresponds to his outfit, a tactical pouch on your right and a rubber knife with a sheath on your left. That should do the trick.

Due to weapons restrictions, depending on where you are, it is advised not to bring even the most pretend firearms or you will be in trouble. If allowed, you can arm yourself with two SIG P226 airsoft guns with the laser attachments (sold separately) connected on it, as long as you make it inoperable and non-firing for cosplay use. Removing the trigger is okay but there are complicating ways to make it unfunctional for cosplay use. Even with the orange tip that serves proof that it's a replica sounds not enough and if today's society got you real good, best to turn up, with no weapon props at all. That sounds not nice, in fact, I wonder how many Biohazard/Resident Evil cosplayers can turn up in conventions with or without pretend firearms. Hmmm....

Anyway, despite that, dressing as Leon is enough to honor Biohazard's 20th year and next time, hope I won't cause any trouble while wearing this outfit anytime and so are the others. (Sigh...)

Genesis G80

What was once called the second-generation Hyundai Genesis is now called the Genesis G80, the second vehicle under Hyundai's newly-established Genesis Motors luxury brand that started last year with the flagship EQ900 saloon. Slotted below the EQ900, the G80 is a direct competitor to the likes of BMW's 5-Series, Audi's A6, and Benz's E-Class.

2017 Genesis G80

2017 Genesis G80

When the second-generation Hyundai Genesis launched three years ago, Hyundai wanted to bring their Fluidic Sculpture design to the next level by maintaining its original essence while delivering different elements to our new design language such as simple and harmonious design, modern Hyundai look, and rich visuotactile color. For the brand new G80, it still has the similar Genesis cues three years ago, but with some few tweaks to differentiate it from the old Hyundai Genesis it used to be called upon before the foundation of the Genesis Motors brand we know today.

2017 Genesis G80 interior

2017 Genesis G80 interior

Not much little change has been given on the inside, except for the gear lever and the upgraded software implemented on its hard drive. Like the previous model, the Genesis G80 has a more premium interior that others can expect from its European rivals. Hyundai accomplished it by delivering a well-tailored interior design specifications for all materials and mater craftsmanship-level finish to further improve its premium image. Form its TFT LCD Cluster, Lexicon Surround Sound System with 17-speakers, Smart Trunk System, and many other convenient features, the G80 is a Korean premium saloon that has the same magnitude as the Europeans when it comes to conveniences and comfort.

2017 Genesis G80

Under the hood, the G80 still offers two V6 petrol engines available such as the V6 3.3 Lambda and the V6 3.8 Lambda engine. The 3.3L V6 engine produces 282PS of power, 35.4kg-m of torque, and fuel economy of 9.6km/L while the 3.8L V6 engine produces 315PS of power, 40.5kg-m of torque, and fuel economy of 9.2km/L. By autumn, there will be a G80 Sport model, packed with the similar 3.3L V6 T-GDi engine from the EQ900, which produces 370PS of power output. They're both mated with a revised 8-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter.

The G80 also comes with an optional HTRAC all-wheel drive system, which electronically controls torque split between the axles depending on which driving conditions the driver is on, providing a well-stabled ride on slippery conditions and allows the driver to select different driving modes,

As a technologically-advanced saloon, the G80 comes with an array of safety tech such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Active Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Driver Attention Alert, to Smart High Beam Assist and Around View Monitor.

The G80 starts from 48,100,000 to 71,700,000 Korean Won and that puts in the similar price bracket as its European rivals from its class.

The EQ900 and the G80 are just the start because by next year, Genesis' take on BMW's 3-Series and MB's C-Class, inspired by the New York concept, will be launched, with a luxury crossover and a replacement to the Genesis Coupe will come out later and all Genesis models will be launched within the end of the decade.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

smart fortwo cabrio (W453)

2016 smart fortwo cabrio

When smart introduced the world the next-generation of their two-door micro-mini, the fortwo, and its larger five-door equivalent, the forfour, I have a clear flashback saying that these two cars are more than welcome to be part of their garages if spending a day with a ridiculously expensive sportscar is not part of their schedule but driving one of these will make people think you're less matured and more of a Bondying.

Well, it's been two years now and the new smart range has added a new member of the family and this time, it's the open-top equivalent of the new fortwo, the all-new fortwo cabrio. Starting at 14,305 Euros, the fortwo cabrio is probably one of the cheapest convertibles to own even if you don't care just how slow selling open-tops like these are and you don't care where will you drive this car, be it rain or shine, as long as you're "smart" enough to cruise on these. Get it? I said the "smart" part, didn't I?

Even though this is just an open-top mischief in the making, this is still a smart fortwo for Pete's sake. You still get a choice of 1.0L and the 0.9L turbo petrol engines and a choice of either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed double-clutch gearbox. Whichever comes first, you are more than welcome to play around with the car's rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout that all smart cars get. At first, toying around with these cars because of its size is the most enjoyable part of having the fortwo cabrio but because it's a RR-car, expect the cabrio to have the similar behavior as an open-top Porsche 911. Nothing says mild but menacing in a different sort of way, huh?

As long as you don't see anyone in their big, expensive, sportscars driving by, the new fortwo cabrio is a nice city car to get used to it but if anyone saw it coming, they will come by laughing at you like jocks bullying nerds on recess, so don't try to pick em off, unless if you get through tight spots that those big sportscars can't because its size makes a big advantage in squeezing through tight places like little kids crawling through ducts. At least, that's the kind of stuff I'm talking about.

Like I said, the new Cabrio starts at 14,305 euros and if you can take advantage of other extras in store for this car, it can be somewhat a very classy city car for the masses indeed, despite its open-top character from the outside. Although not made to be a city car for the masses, the new fortwo cabrio is just one of the city cars that likes to squeeze through the crowd with ease.

Photo: Daimler AG

Things we learned from the big Sonic 25th anniversary...

Sonic the Hedgehog has sped through the pages of video game history for 25 years now in the form of numerous installments from games, TV shows, and a strewth of merchandising rights to name a few. At this year's San Diego Comic Con, fans have celebrated Sonic's 25th anniversary with some new and exciting announcements in store so what did we learn something from this honorable celebration to Sega's beloved icon?

First up, the folks from Sega announced a new 2017 Sonic game coming on the PlayStation4, XBOX One, and a new Nintendo gaming console due holiday 2017. Here's a teaser clip that sums the evolution of the franchise.

Also, the Sonic Mania game will be coming on the PS4, XBOX One, and PC this spring 2017, packed with new zones and remixed classic levels, and players can play as either Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles.



Then, the classic Sonic will be joining the Sonic Dash app game as well as the brand new Green Hill zone for some added nostalgia. How's that for childhood memories?



For those who are playing LEGO DIMENSIONS awesomely, prepare to be awesomely amazed as Sonic will be arriving in this game this fall, adding to the roster of LEGO Dimensions characters to collect and play in-game.



With all those announcements pouring in in the name of Sonic's 25th year, looks like Sega sure knows how to keep one of the most iconic franchise in history fresh and recharged for more endeavors and they want to keep this franchise speed up for many years to come.