THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Eighth hearing of the President Park impeachment case

Korea's Constitutional Court is holding the eighth hearing in the impeachment trial of President Park Geun-hye. Kim Chong, the former second vice minister of culture, sports, and tourism, appeared in court this morning as witness. 

Kim is suspected of hiring people to posts in the sports and culture sectors that were recommended by Choi Soon-sil, the woman at the center of the ongoing scandal. Kim said that he didn't know Choi was acquainted with the president and added he received direct orders from former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon on sports-related issues.

Prime Minister and acting leader Hwang Kyo-ahn addressed the nation today in an hour-long press conference, where he put extra emphasis on national security and economic revitalization. Prime Minister Hwang vowed full defense readiness against any North Korean threats and said South Korea will continue to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions via a strong alliance with the new Trump administration in the US. Nothing that North Korea's nuclear and missile threats are ever-present, Prime Minister Hwang stressed that Seoul is committed to deploying the THAAD missile defense system as soon as possible to protect the nation and its people. The prime minister also pledged to stabilize people's livelihoods and manage potential risks against rising uncertainties.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (January 23, 2017)

- House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is backtracking on his call for PNP chief Director Gen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to resign amid the controversial kidnap-slay of a Korean businessman. In a radio interview, Alvarez said Dela Rosa should just devote his undivided attention to the task of eliminating rogue policemen. Alvarez made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte said there is no need for Dela Rosa to resign and that he still enjoys his full trust and confidence.

- Back to the Jee Ick-joo murder case, detained SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel confessed to his participation in the crime and pointed to superior in the PNP as the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping and killing of the Korean businessman. Sta. Isabel has implicated Superintendent Rafael Dumlao of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group and Senior Superintendent Allan Macapagal of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

- An American missile destroyer arrived in Subic Bay on Monday for a brief port call. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer John S. McCain is deployed to the US 7th Fleet at the AO as support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. During its Philippine visit, the crew will participate in community service projects and sporting events, according to the US Embassy in Manila.

- Israel has approved the construction of new homes in Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem. The Jerusalem city hall approved the building permits for 566 units on Sunday, days after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 war while its occupation since then has not been international recognized. Palestinian authorities condemned this latest attempt, crushing hopes for an independent Palestinian state.

- In his first week of office, US President Donald Trump will start talks with Mexico and Canada to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump spoke on Sunday at a White House ceremony to swear in his senior officials, including Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. Trump said his team is going to "do some great things over the next 8 years." He urged them to devote themselves to "the national good." Meanwhile, Trump has invited Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on February.

- 15 people died as tornadoes ravaged the southeastern part of the United States. Severe weather over the weekend brought powerful twisters and storms at the states of Georgia and Mississippi, causing damage to numerous homes, roofs, cars, and felled trees.

- French left-wing voters cast ballots on Sunday in the first round of the Socialist Party's primary to choose a candidate for the presidential election. Seven candidates competed in Sunday's first-round voting, including 3 from satellite left-wing parties. Former Education Minister Benoit Hamon topped the poll with former Prime Minister Manuel Valls right behind him. The winner is expected to face an uphill battle against rightist rivals in the 2-round presidential election scheduled for April and May.

- Subaru will unveil the brand new XV, based on the latest Impreza, on March's Geneva Motor show.

- British sportscar company, Zenos, is reportedly bankrupt.

- Kunos Simulazioni, developers of the critically-acclaimed Assetto Corsa racing simulator game, will be taken over by Digital Bros.

TTFN!!!

Second-Generation Audi Q5 (Typ FY)

Slotted below the bigger Q7 full-size SUV, the Audi Q5 is a luxury midsize crossover that appeals more than your auntie's luxury crossover in terms of numerous capabilities this crossover can do and for this second-generation model, there's no denying that the all-new Audi Q5 can pinpoint every potential capabilities that your auntie's crossover can't, especially when your auntie started to own a Mercedes GLC per se. So, will your auntie prefer this one more than the GLC? Let's see...

2017 Audi Q5

The previous Q5 launched in 2008 is basically an Audi A4 with a big body that does nothing more to appease the outdoorsman but rather than the yuppies who prefer taking it on the city centers rather than national parks for business and leisure. For this new model, though, it's becoming personal because apart from the Q7-inspired design that matches its blood with the other Audi SUVs, the new Q5 is all about business and usual, day and night, rain or shine, clean and dirty, no matter the odds.

2017 Audi Q5 interior

2017 Audi Q5 interior

You have to admit that the new interior is basically an improvement compared to the previous model and while it is slightly more spacious than the last one, it's more surprisingly high-tech than ever, meaning millennials can toy around with the features as much as they want before setting off or going out. One such thing is the new MMI with smartphone connectivity that works well with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, giving plenty of reasons to stay connected while on the road, as long as your aware of your surroundings. The new interior looks so promising but the second row seats is somewhat questionable because while you are trying to get inside, it's worth the try to squeezing yourself while getting indulged by that new car smell until some sweaty boys occupying the whole second row and it takes a Febreze to stave them off.

2017 Audi Q5

2017 Audi Q5

At launch, the new Q5 is powered by either a 2.0L TFSi petrol engine or a 2.0L TDi diesel engine, mated with either a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, depending on the model. For now, the most powerful in the range is the 2.0L TFSi with 252PS of power and 370Nm of torque, capable of reaching 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds and onwards to 232kph. The most efficient one is the 2.0L TDi with 4.9L/100km of fuel economy.

Unlike the previous one, the all new Q5 features a brand new platform that is similar to the one used on the latest VW Tiguan, meaning that it's now more nimble and more durable compared to the last one and by utilizing the new quattro drivetrain, it's now more capable to handle situations than ever, making it an all-weather multirole that you can take it anywhere as long as you're curious to drive it. Although, the newly updated dynamics on the new Q5 is quite impressive when you consider it, it doesn't feel as sporty as what the name hoped for and it feels...pretty much more like your auntie's crossover on the weekends.

Keeping up with the demands of times, the new Q5 features a wide array of driver assistance and safety systems. Apart from applying some of the many driver aids that makes it as civilized as an autonomous car of the next decade, the new Q5 comes with the predictive efficiency assistant that allows the driver save fuel by specific information on the car's surroundings. Sounds mind-boggling if you ask but it can be somewhat bland and drivers like to drive the way they like.

The new Q5 starts at 39,500 Euros and by surprise, it's amazingly more affordable to buy than the Mercedes GLC, your auntie's next favorite luxury crossover. Although it's less expensive than the Benz, the new Q5 behaves pretty much like your auntie's luxury crossover, only with the slight difference that makes her want to switch cars. Since the new Q5 is built in Mexico, the current American administration will be unhappy about this one because the dreaded 35% tariff will make this new model more expensive than the last one when it hits the US, unless some measures have to be taken to slip through this new kind of mess. Nevertheless, with less to worry about the new American climate, the new Q5 can have its lush in European soil because this is an Audi and Audi is German whether you like it or not.

Source: AUDI AG

xXx: The Return of Xander Cage

xXx: The Return
of Xander Cage

At long last, the long awaited installment from the xXx action films sees the long awaited return of action star Vin Diesel before he gets his inner gearhead ready for the upcoming The Fate of the Furious film. For the third xXx, Vin Diesel reprised his role of Xander Cage, the extreme athlete turned secret agent who eats danger for breakfast and...poops it out for dinner.

Coming out from his self-imposed exile, Xander Cage is on a mission to recover a deadly weapon codenamed Pandora's Box, which controls the world's military satellites. However, he is not alone as he's going to form a new team of daredevils to get the job done while getting caught in a conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of the government. This movie also stars Donnie Yen, Deepika Padukone, Kris Wu, Ruby Rose, Tony Jaa, Nina Dobrev, Toni Collette and Samuel L. Jackson.

After 12 years of waiting for this new film since 2005's State of the Union, and with putting Vin Diesel back to the role fit for his action star role, this long-awaited installment sees more high-octane thrills that feels like a mix of James Bond and The Fast and the Furious. Believe it or not, it really is a mix of Bond and Fast and Furious and with all that espionage stuff and death-defying stunts really lives up to his name as xXx, this thriller is all about getting your adrenaline running up until the end of this bravado action flick loaded with explosions, Although this is basically an explosive thriller that celebrates the return of the most hardcore action hero in the history of action films, this is definitely not for the faint at heart because with so many explosive stunts in store for the film, it feels like a walking disaster zone that gives anyone the trauma they'll never forget but those who are brave enough to see it shows that this is a manly movie for the manliest of men.

It's good to have xXx back after a decade of waiting and while we wait for Vin Diesel's high-speed performance in The Fate of the Furious soon, it's best to make do with his Xander Cage role in this film. Still, it's the second best thing to see more of Vin Diesel's extremeness as one of the most death-defying action heroes in cinematic history.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Bubble Gang - January 20, 2017 #BGWanted

In the January 20, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Wanted gags

- At last, a fast food chain that serves hot women and food!

- This hipster loves old-school stuff.

- When one sense is recovered, another sense needs recovery.

- More news for moms in Balitang Ina.

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, May Bagong Manghuhula Sa Bayan, Pag Bumasa Siya Ng Kapalaran, Bibilib Kahit Sinong...HULAAN!

- The drunken truth.

- Quicksand!

- Basa-basa pik!

The Grand Tour - Episode 11

The Grand Tour Episode 11

The latest episode of this season of The Grand Tour sees the boys driving second-hand Maseratis in the north of France. Jeremy Clarkson drives a two-door Biturbo while Richard Hammond drives a four-door Biturbo called 430 and James May, injured, drives an open top Biturbo-based Zagato Spyder.

Yep, all three Maseratis in this episode are Biturbo-based as the trio set off to an epic French road trip with the climax that really is a thriller and comedy gold.

Before that, Richard Hammond's at the Eboladrome, test driving the brand new Abarth 124 Spider. Then, Sir Chris Coy, Olympic cycling champion turned car racer, is the latest casualty in the Celebrity Brain Crash segment.

About the inauguration of America's 45th leader

A beast that slouches North America to be born, and that beast is none other than the 45th President of the United States Donald John Trump.

In the nation's capital city Washington D.C., Donald Trump has sworn in as the 45th leader of the United States of America after his shocking victory at the November 2016 elections that sparked outrage not just here but around the world. His campaign slogan "Make America Great Again" is what shaped this wealthy businessman into the no-holds barred world leader the world has ever feared and respected.

What makes this beast so unique is that the Republican Party that gave birth to it was no beast itself, and his lack of political background gave him the perfect opportunity to dismantle the establishment while delivering his "America first" policy for the welfare of the Americans.

Some have feared that his protectionist policies will dismantle the United States as they know as the global superpower, giving way for rival superpowers like Russia and China to lead the way in the new age of American presidency.

Trump's draconian promises include a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the area, , lifting sanctions against Russia, deporting illegal immigrants, dismantle the Islamic State militants quickly, repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act that Obama implemented, renegotiate trade deals, and withdraw the US's participation in the Paris treaty (in the same way what George W. Bush did with the Kyoto treaty in 2001) due to his climate denial along with his newly picked Cabinet members including Scott Pruitt, the new EPA administrator who, like Trump, denies climate change, sparking outrage from environmentalists.

Using his vast knowledge as a wealthy businessman (not to mention his "cruelty with a smile" attitude as demonstrated from being the presenter of the reality TV program The Apprentice), the Don vows he will revive manufacturing jobs and impose tighter taxes against US companies outsourcing their jobs and products overseas, especially Mexico and China, which Trump sees them as threat to America's economy. Although, China has warned that Trump's harsh relations with the Asian superpower will take the necessary precautions and countermeasures.

Although world leaders showed strong distrust against Trump, there are some far-right ones who sees Trump as an advantage. Russian leader Vladimir Putin, whose government was accused for manipulating the elections to tip Trump's favor, sees optimism that the US-Russia ties will be recovered under Trump's rule, not to mention the fact that the new American leader will drop the country's nuclear arsenal if he dropped sanctions against Russia following the annexation of Crimea. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pleased about the plans Trump has made such as relocating the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which will infuriate the Palestinians and crushing hopes of establishing the independent state of Palestine. Because of this, Trump's tortured metaphors inspired many politicians to do so, including the current Philippine leader Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who unleashed his scorched earth policy against illegal drugs while violating human rights laws, not to mention the threat to proclaim Martial Law reminiscent of the Marcos regime.

Whether President Trump has the ability and intelligence to resolve global issues without becoming a Yeatsean beast is yet to be seen. Question is, is he a shadowy figure manipulating the world off stage or is he a hero leading the charge against Islamic extremism?

Anyone who heard President Donald Trump's inauguration speech will be immediately struck by his intelligence and keen insight. His devil-may-care attitude that captured the hearts of many supporters served him well in the cloak-and-dagger world of globalization. He is able to charm the Republican-controlled Congress and Senate into fulfilling his campaign promises he brought during the elections.

Which brings is now is that President Donald Trump not only rules the US with his iron fist approach but also the world and he refuses to give up without a real fight.

Is President Trump a hero or a monster? Only time will tell.

Let's Do The News! (January 20, 2017)

- One of the policemen involved in the kidnapping and slay of a Korean national will not be a state witness after he was identified as the alleged killer, according to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. The Department of Justice found probable cause to file kidnap for ransom with homicide charges against SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, SPO4 Roy Villegas, Ramon, Yalung, and four others in relation to the disappearance of businessman Jee Ick Joo.

- More areas have been hit by floods as torrential rains continued in Southern and Eastern Mindanao. PAGASA said the rainfall brought by the tail-end of a cold front and a low-pressure area that are taking place at the same time at this part of the country. Widespread flooding and landslides in Mindanao and the Visayas have left 18 people died.

- Government troops rescued two Filipino hostages of the Abu Sayyaf yesterday morning in Indanan, Sulu, according to the military. The victims were rescued by elements of the JTFS led by Lt. Col. Arnel Baccay of Air Intelligence Service Group and Joint Intelligence Task Force Sulu led by Lt. Col. Yusop Hassan at about 0915 hours local time.

- Despite President Rodrigo Duterte's harsh remarks against the Catholic Church, Pope Francis vows to bless the Philippines and its leader. “When I had the opportunity of kissing the hand of the Pope, I said, ‘Bless the Philippines, Your Holiness,’ and his answer was, ‘Yes, I will also bless your president,‘” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said in a video clip in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican shown on television yesterday.

- With the inauguration of US President-Elect Donald Trump is set tomorrow, he was at the Lincoln Memorial for his welcoming party with musical performances by singer Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood, 3 Doors Down, and many others.. Trump vowed that he will unify the country, promising changes, while pledging to "make America great for all our people".

- Notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has been extradited from a northern Mexico prison to the Unites States, a day before Trump's inauguration. Guzman was one of the world's most wanted drug kingpins until he was captured in January last year. Six months earlier, he escaped from the penitentiary through a mile-long tunnel.

- 20 people have died when a 17-story building in Tehran, Iran, collapsed while firefighters were trying to douse the fire. The building went down about 3-and-a-half hours after the fire broke out on Thursday.

- A 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson tomorrow. It will be featured with a special paint job selected by its eventual owner while proceeds will benefit JDRF, a charity that provides funding for type 1 diabetes research.

- Former Doctor Who actress Karen Gillan will reprise her Guardians of the Galaxy character Nebula at the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War films next year.

TTFN!!!

FH3 Blizzard Mountain: S1 on ice

Audi's S1 may be a semi-hot A1 for the 50%, but for a small-sized compact, it tries so hard to become the super hot hatch it deserved.

Although this is classified as a super hot hatch that competes against the Astra VXR, A45 AMG, and the RenaultSport Megane, its short on power is a big disadvantage in the straights but thanks to its size, it can squeeze into corners squeaky clean as a thief in the night, as if drivers know how to watch their backs and blind spots for sudden overtakes.

Some people claimed that the S1 has the blessings of the legendary Audi Quattro but upon checking out its driving modes, it all feels wrong. Like the Sport mode, for example, which solidifies the suspension rather than sharpens it, making this car too mild to handle in the bends. It maybe small and nippy but the way the S1 behaves is...just plain mild as an Ivory soap with a point I made moments later.



As you can see, I am rejoined here with my special S1 I drove back in FH2's Storm Island years ago. It's got the same Cinderella Girls Miria design as last time, but it's been updated to handle Blizzard Mountain. With the car set, the S1 faces the harshest challenge yet under extreme icy conditions. When I say extreme, I really do mean it.



It's true. It was the harshest challenge ever faced under extreme icy conditions but the S1 managed to win the race for me, although I wouldn't want to do it against because as the Blizzard Mountain challenges get even tougher, it takes the right strategy and the right car to do such things in order to achieve the full three-star result. Winning the race is easy but winning the race while completing a specific task is a tough act to follow.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Constitutional Court holds seventh hearing in impeachment trial

The seventh hearing in the impeachment trial of President Park Geun-hye is underway. Former senior presidential secretary of education and culture Kim Sang-ryul took the stand today. Kim acknowledged his nephew, Cha Eun-taek, a close associate of President Park's longtime confidante, Choi Soon-sil, had recommended that he apply for the job at the top office three years ago, but added that he submitted his resume and was interviewed before being hired two months later.

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is set to visit former conservative president Lee Myung-bak and the wife of the former president Kim Young-sam this afternoon. Upon returning home last week, Ban has refrained from meeting old-guard political figures as he takes cautious steps toward an anticipated run for the presidency. He has yet to announce his bid though.

North Korea is believed to have added two more ICBMs to its weaponry, according to military intelligence group from South Korea and the US. Reports show that the new missiles can also be launched from mobile launch systems, fulfilling the threat the regime had made a couple of weeks ago, when it said that it could fire an ICBM "anytime and from anywhere" on its leader Kim Jong-un's order.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (January 19, 2017)

- Philippine negotiations and communist guerillas are set to resume peace talks at Rome on Thursday, with the Maoist insurgents warning that alleged government violation on human rights may prompt them to end a month long ceasefire. Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser to the talks, said the government have hopes about the resumption of the Norway-brokered negotiations in the Italian capital.

- The Department of Justice revealed that the Korean victim of "tohkand for ransom" was killed inside the Philippine National Police Headquarters in Camp Crame. Co-accused SP04 Roy Villegas said in his affidavit how the alleged mastermind SP03 Ricky Sta. Isabel executive businessman Jee Ick Joo at Camp Crame in October. Following this, the South Korean Embassy in Manila expressed concerned for over 90,000 Koreans living in the country.

- After receiving a letter from President Rodrigo Duterte, Pope Francis will bless the president, according to Jesus Dureza, the presidential peace adviser. In his Facebook post, Dureza shared that he was able to meet Pope Francis.

- The Philippine and Japanese governments have signed a program document to ensure cooperation on the treatment and rehabilitation of illegal drug users. The signatories were officials of member-agencies of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Establishment and Support of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRCs). The Japan International Cooperation Agency signed the program document for the CARE program in Malacanang last January 13th.

- The Iraqi government says its forces regained control of eastern Mosul, the largest stronghold of the Islamic State militant group. In this announcement, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the Iraqi forces achieved a major victory in their operations over the past few days.

- Two days before the inauguration, a wax sculpture of US President-elect Donald Trump has been unveiled in Washington. The Madam Tussauds museum unveiled the figure on Wednesday. Work began in London last June, when Trump essentially clinched the Republican Party nomination.

- Many people are feared dead after an avalanche hit a hotel in central Italy. The avalanche is believed to be triggered by numerous earthquakes that struck on Wednesday. Earthquakes of about magnitude five hit a mountainous village in the region.

- Audi returns to rallying with their new S1 EKS RX Quattro rally car set to compete at this season's FIA World Rallycross Championship. 

Audi S1 EKS RX Quattro

- Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, a show hosted by comedian Jerry Seinfeld, is moving to Netflix for a brand new season.

- In preparation for the launch of BIOHAZARD 7 -resident evil-, the first DLC episode was announced, titled "NOT A HERO", slated to be available this Spring 2017. Also, there will be two "banned footage" DLCs coming this year and it is covered via Season Pass sold separately or part of the Deluxe Edition.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: King of Rally Monsters

The Audi Sport Quattro S1 has been well-respected by many enthusiasts as the king of rally monsters because when this car took on Group B rallying, it racked up more WRC wins than any other rally car familiar by many.

From 1981 to 1985, from Hannu Mikkola to Walter Rohrl, the record of 23 WRC rally wins and two championship wins is clear benevolent factor that this legend is unstoppable in its own tracks until the end of Group B rally due to countless fatal accidents recorded in rally history.



With Forza Horizon 3 being a penchant for bringing rally cars on the open landscape, Festival-runners are free to explore the unmatched potential of this Group B rally king by any means necessary and as a matter of fact, spending lots of time driving this legendary rally monster is as enjoyable as a day-long binge watching of every VHS tapes featuring the very best of the Audi Sport Quattro's WRC career from start to finish.

Nothing like nostalgia best served hot and cold in a very reasonable manner and for anyone who has a delicate taste over classic rally machines, there's something worth as delicious as a gourmet school lunch.



With the car's bodykit preset locked and loaded, this 500HP monster has become even more potent on the dirt courses offered all over the Land Down Under, although the added weight is a small price to pay for a rally car with improved dynamics and further work needs to be done in order to bring out the best of this rally monster.

Care to see what's like to be with the legend?



Yeah, the one where the spoiler cut loose is a big whoopsie for me but it's been a honor to get to know about the Audi Sport Quattro S1, the legendary rally monster that teared down the woods during its rallying career.