Saturday, April 1, 2017

Bubble Gang 2017 Summer Special #BGSummer2017


It's summer again and it's that time for the year again as Bubble Gang starts the first half of their two-part 2017 Summer Special in Pradera Verde Villas at Lubao, Pampanga! So, what's up for the first half of the summer special?

- Excuse me gags

- A lifeguard at the inflatable pool



- Swimming lessons



- Another Buhay ng Bakla Session



- Istambay, Istambay Sa Languyan, Ang Mga Sexy ay Naglabasan, Ang Gusto Nila Ay Kaibigan, At Kasama Dito Sa...SWIMMINGAN?!



- TINDA by FUD



- Security Check with the ladies


- The Baket List examined



- Toying with a new drone


- Basa-basa pik!


And that's it for Part 1 of the Bubble Gang 2017 Summer Special. Check back next week for the latter half of the special!

Forza Horizon 3: The Elemento of Surprise


I maybe fooling around on April Fool's weekend but this prize car I got is no April Fool joke but rather a superfast track toy from Lamborghini that deserves a welcoming home gift in the world of Forza as I got my hands on the ultra-expensive track-only Lamborghini Sesto Elemento on this weekend's Forzathon event.

So, Sesto Elemento. Haven't seen it for quite a while since our last encounter with this machine a few years ago. It's Italian for Sixth Element and it refers to Carbon to the Periodic Table of Elements because this Gallardo-based track-only machine makes extensive use of carbon fiber materials from 3D design through simulation, validation, production and testing - all in a state-of-the-art industrial process that stands for the very highest quality standards. It's powered by the same V10 engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, producing 570PS of power output and it's capable of going from 0-100kph in 2.5 seconds, faster than the Aventador. Well, that's all I know about this car but it's good to have this bull back on the grid.

As part of honoring most Forzathon-exclusive prize cars, this Sesto Elemento wants to take a wild run around the Outback. Problem is, someone turned its high-speed fun run into a rough-and-tumble slapstick comedy.



I'd say, I'd really wish I wouldn't do that again when I got an ultra-fast prize car like the Sesto Elemento.

Friday, March 31, 2017

Let's Do The News! (March 31, 2017)


- The Government Peace Panel is prepared for the next round of peace talks that will take place in The Hague, Netherlands this April. Labor Secretary Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III revealed that the government will not declare a unilateral ceasefire before the scheduled negotiations.

- The whole Philippines practices everyone to "duck, cover, and hold" in an annual earthquake drill as means of preparation in case of a strong earthquake struck the West Valley Fault.

- China's First Lady, Peng Liyuan, will be alongside President Xi Jinping for their US visit next week to meet up with US President Donald Trump in Florida.

- Five people are reported dead and 40 are injured in an explosion in northwest Pakistan.

- Japan's whaling fleet has returned from its Antarctic hunt in the name of scientific research with a  take of over 300 minke whales, which prompted complaints from Australia.

- After its North American debut, Kia's first high-performance saloon, the Stinger, has premiered at the Seoul Motor Show and it will be on sale this summer.

2018 Kia Stinger

- The Love Live School Idol Festival app game is teasing new characters for their Perfect Dream Project.

TTFN!!!

Mazda New Flair (MJ55S)

2017 Mazda Flair

With the new Suzuki Wagon R launched a few months ago, Mazda is no stranger to them as they borrowed one for their brand new Flair kei car currently available at their nearest Mazda dealership across Japan.

As the story is similar to the latest Suzuki Wagon R, the base XG variant has a front face reminiscent of a Ford F-150 while the XS variant features a more Vellfire-esque front face. Sadly though, the Custom Style variant, which is based on the Wagon R Stingray, is out of the question, leaving only the base variants where the XS variant is the stylish variant of the new Flair range, which sounds very weird to us.

Like the new Wagon R, the new Flair features a Mild Hybrid technology setup, which comes with an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a li-ion battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient 660cc engine. Along with the new platform we're familiar with, fuel efficiency has gone up to 33.4kmpl.

For safety purposes, the new Flair comes with a dual camera brake support system, which detects the vehicle and pedestrians from about 5kph in the speed range of about 100kph, and to avoid collisions, the automatic braking feature triggers with the alarm and then it stops. It even comes with a lane departure warning function, and a stagger alarm function, among many others.

The new Flair starts at 1,177,200 Japanese Yen.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Aikatsu! Photo on Stage!! EP 03

Aikatsu! Photo on Stage!! EP 03

For the latest single inspired by the Aikatsu Photo on Stage app game, another set of three new songs as heard from the app game based on the hit children's franchise from Bandai.

First song in this latest Photokatsu single is 夢のレセプション by Waka and Risuko from STAR☆ANIS. Then, Miki and Miho from AIKATSU☆STARS! (note; the group, not the TV show) will do a song titled ときめきマタドール∞, and lastly, Risuko, Yuna, and Remi from STAR☆ANIS will perform Star Heart. Those three new songs were heard from the app game and yours to listen anytime you like.

TRACK LISTINGS:
01 夢のレセプション
02 ときめきマタドール∞
03 Star Heart
04 夢のレセプション(off vocal)
05 ときめきマタドール∞(off vocal)
06 Star Heart(off vocal)

Countdown for Brexit negotiations has begun

Last Thursday, Prime Minister Theresa May officially triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the two-year countdown for Britain's exit from the European Union with major problems in store for possible negotiations between the UK and the EU.

According to PM May, she triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, putting Britain on track to leave the European Union within 2019 and there will be numerous issues in store between the UK and the EU following its imminent departure from the bloc.

Last year, 51.9% of the voters voted LEAVE while 48.1% of the voters voted REMAIN in a historic referendum that changed Britain forever.

What's at stake in the countdown for Brexit is the future relations between Britain and the EU in terms of diplomacy, defense, economy, and others.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Let's Do The News! (March 30, 2017)


- The fight between allies of President Rodrigo Duterte could make a strong case for the impeachment case against the President. Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano believes that the tension between House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Davao Del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr., will be useful in his impeachment complaint.

- The National Bureau of Investigation has summoned the people involved in the issuance of alleged anomalous contracts of the National Printing Office. Deputy Director for Investigation Services Vicente De Guzman issued a subpoena against NPO Officer-In-Charge Rolando Calauag, and former members of the Bids and Awards Committee.

- The Hawaii federal judge extends the court order blocking the travel ban issued by US President Donald Trump. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson turned an earlier temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit brought by the state of Hawaii challenging Trump’s travel directive as unconstitutional religious discrimination.

- Back at the Cyclone Debbie, authorities ordered the evacuation of large parts of a major town of more than 25,000 people in eastern Australia on Thursday as a storm system generated by a powerful cyclone that pummelled the northeast two days ago swept down the coast with heavy rain.

- Vietnam condemns Taiwan’s military drills on and around a disputed South China Sea island, labelling them a serious violation of its sovereignty and a threat to maritime security.

- French president Francois Holland told UK PM Theresa May that talks on EU-UK relationship must wait until after negotiations on its departure from the European Union in a fresh blow to her post-Brexit plans.

- Toyota Australia collaborated with toy company Tonka to create a special concept truck.


- Shuichi Shigeno, creator of Initial D, is starting a new car racing series this summer.

TTFN!!!

Northern Lights: A Journey to Love


When a person encounters someone who tends to be their long-lost child, it becomes a big business for a person who is now labeled a single parent and will do everything to his or her desire to connect with his or her long-lost child by any means necessary. This month's offering from Star Cinema explains the struggle of a Filipino immigrant in Alaska who tries to connect with his long lost child.

Northern Lights: A Journey to Love stars Piolo Pascual as a Filipino immigrant in Alaska, whose life has changed forever when he takes care of his son, played by Raikko Mateo, whom he left behind in the Philippines. Later on, he meets up with a Filipina, played by Yen Santos, who is in Alaska searching for her mother.

This film is partly shot in Alaska and New Zealand, making it the best of both worlds while getting their eyes watery on the storyline that will be relatable by most who believe that its how to deal with the hardships that makes them the person who was, especially when rekindling with the only one that shaped the very family you are. It's hard to survive watching this film without crying but Northern Lights is more about finding answers to life's biggest problems while dealing with long-lost family matters that is worth sharing to everyone because every person has a story to tell and Northern Lights is all about struggles the main character faced to reconnect the only family he has and some of us have been faced with the same experience as him.

My rating: 3.9 out of 5.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Let's Do The News! (March 29, 2017)


- The Presidential family used social media to meet and greet President Rodrigo Duterte during his 72 birthday. President Duterte was born March 28, 1945 at Maasin City Southern Leyte.

- The Philippine government promised that it will do everything they can to end kidnapping and piracy by the Abu Sayyaf group at Sulu Sea. Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo Malaya made the statement after the Philippine Military recovered the three remaining Malaysian hostage victims from the bandit group last March 27.

- Davao Del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. faces corruption charges filed against him by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. The lawmaker from Davao insists that he is innocent of the accusations thrown by Alvarez. The case filed against Floirendo rooted from the Congressman’s alleged involvement in an anomalous agribusiness venture while working for the government in 2003.

- US House Republicans rejected the Democrats' bid to obtain tax returns of US President Donald Trump despite warnings that Trump’s business holdings could pose conflicts of interest as Congress turns to tax reform.

- A powerful M6.9 quake struck near Komandorskiye Ostrava in Russia’s far east on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake struck at a depth of about 33 km (20 miles) just off the coast in the Bering Sea.

- Two inmates were killed and 13 injured during a prison riot in northern Mexico, according to the government of the Nuevo Leon state. It is the second fatal security breach within a week in the country’s troubled prison system.

- The brand new Ssangyong G4 Rexton crossover was unveiled prior to its world premiere at this week's Seoul Motor Show before going on sale this year.

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton

- Check out Fredric Aasbo's new Formula D drift car, the Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM to be used in this year's season in this cool clip by Rockstar Energy Drink.



- Dingo Inc., the video game developer behind the Hatsune Miku Project DIVA games for SEGA, filed for bankruptcy after ceasing operations on March 21.

- In case you never heard of, Alicia Vikander will play as Lara Croft in a reboot of the Tomb Raider movie based on the hit video game franchise. The first shots of her dressed as Croft as seen in the rebooted Tomb Raider games have appeared and stays true to the rebirth of the popular video game icon. It will hit theaters on the spring of 2018.

TTFN!!!

THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM MASTER ENCORE Kouhaku Ouen V

THE IDOLM@STER PLATINUM MASTER ENCORE
Kouhaku Ouen V

As a reward for being part of last January's THE IDOLM@STER Producer Meeting 2017 held at the Tokyo Gymnasium, although very few have attended the event and caused very few reception from social media (probably because with too much Cinderella Girls on their heads right now, they kinda forgot about last January's 765 Pro All-Stars event or so they say), the anthem of last January's concert has arrived and this promises to stir up some memories on the few people who attended the event.

Titled "Kouhaku Ouen V (Victory)", this is the very anthem that promises to win back longtime IDOLM@STER fans everywhere and stay true to the franchise's fandom whenever they like. This song's got "765PRO ALLSTARS ...and you!" on the label, knowing that longtime fans like you are part of the ever-growing franchise and you are proud supporters of the now legendary 765PRO ALLSTARS from the hit Bandai Namco video game franchise since 2005. Apart from the concert anthem, two songs as heard from the concert were added and as a bonus, duet versions of Kouhaku Ouen V.

Thanks to loyal fans like you, the franchise will keep expand further but let us never forget the ones that started the idol craze since the past decade.

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 紅白応援V(ビクトリー)
02 チェリー -PRODUCER MEETING 2017 MIX-
03 団結2010 -PRODUCER MEETING 2017 MIX-
04 紅白応援V(ビクトリー) オリジナル・カラオケ
05 紅白応援V(ビクトリー) 貴音×やよい VER.
06 紅白応援V(ビクトリー) 千早×雪歩 VER.
07 紅白応援V(ビクトリー) 真×亜美・真美 VER.
08 紅白応援V(ビクトリー) 響×美希 VER.
09 紅白応援V(ビクトリー) 春香×あずさ VER.
10 紅白応援V(ビクトリー) 律子×伊織 VER.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Let's Do The News! (March 28, 2017)


- The New People's Army continues their offensives despite the upcoming fourth round of peace talks between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front. During their latest attack in Alcala, Cagayan, suspected members of the NPA burned heavy equipment worth 10 million pesos. The NPA are also accused of destroying a construction equipment in Maddela, Quirino.

- A lawmaker commends the Philippine government's move to continue with its patrolling over the Benham Rise. According to Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano, the Philippines only need to be consistent in patrolling the area that is part by its territory.

- The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the final decision on the execution of a Pinay domestic helper in UAE has been postponed. DFA Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said that the Court of the Appeals in Abu Dhabi has postponed the release of its decision on the case of Jennifer Dalquez, who was found guilty of killing her employer in 2015.

- The historic United Nations nuclear ban negotiations kicked off in New York and continues within a week. The treaty is being negotiated based on the recognition that the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapon use is morally unacceptable and that the weapons themselves represent a significant risk to human security. Behind the talks, countries not participating in the talks such as the United States as well as its allies and rivals are protesting against the nuclear ban negotiations.

- Howling winds, heavy rain, and huge seas are wreaking havoc in the northeastern Australia because of Cyclone Debbie, damaging homes, wrecking jetties and cutting power to thousands of people. Wind gusts stronger than 260 kph were recorded at tourist resorts along the world-famous Great Barrier Reef as the powerful storm, at category four just one rung below the most dangerous wind speed level, began to make landfall.

- South Korean chaebols (family-run conglomerates) are facing calls for a shakeup in their governance from a leading candidate in May's presidential election following the impeachment of Park Geun-hye in a influence-peddling scandal. The conglomerates have come under the reform buzz saw before, only to emerge bigger and stronger than ever.

- Chinese tech company Tencent Holdings signed a $4.65 billion loan deal despite a flurry of fund-raising by Chinese internet giants, according to reports. Tencent, which had an original target of about $2 billion for the loan, inked the deal on March 24 following commitments from a dozen banks,

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: A New ZL1!

One of the star highlights of Forza Horizon 3's new Duracell Car Pack, available now, is the brand-new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The flagship variant of the new, sixth-generation Camaro whose supercharged V8 engine makes it the king of Camaros and I got the chance to see what's what.



So, let's talk about the brand-new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 first and since this is the flagship variant of the latest-generation Chevrolet Camaro, some special treatments have to be done to ensure that this new model puts its priorities first like the fat man wanted to put America first before everything. Ahem...So, how about those Republicans? Hold on, did I say something?



The new model sports the same supercharged 6.2L V8 engine from the latest Corvette Z06 producing 650HP of power and the same amount of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The new ZL1 featured in this game is powered by a 6-speed manual gearbox because the producers are not fans of cars with double-digit gearboxes, well save it for the latest Ford F-150 Raptor per se. Anyway, while this is the most powerful Camaro ever made, dynamics are still one of the ZL1's priorities especially when it comes with the Magnetic Ride Control suspension and standard electronic Limited-Slip Differential. As a high-performance muscle car that balances power and dynamics on the road and on the track, the new ZL1 is all business or so they say. Little did you know that the top speed of the new ZL1 is 202.3mph, faster than the Corvette C7 Z06's 198mph but slower than the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat's 204mph top speed.



We now have two kinds of the latest-generation Camaro today but by the time the next installment of the Forza franchise comes, it's clear that the base Camaro SS gets booted out in favor of the more powerful ZL1 and while this is only a hunch, those who are unhappy with too much power the ZL1 possess should switch back to the normal Camaro SS but those who are looking for more challenge should look no further because, for some, they've been wanting to try the new ZL1 by the moment it came out in the market since last year. Sure it may be as potent as its big brother, the Corvette Z06, but it can't stand up to its level because of the challenging dynamics it possesses like most muscle cars do. With practice, you can really show anyone who's in charge of this Festival and pretty soon, this could be your favorite Camaro you can play with all day.

Speaking of which, time to do something special with this new ZL1...





As you can see, I've been rejoined by this familiar design I put on the base Camaro several moments ago. It's a Hibiki Ganaha theme that I made and now, I made it again for the new ZL1 with some minor improvements. Also, it's been specced out to 1LE specifications. The great thing is that the ZL1 1LE comes with a lighter weight and a six-speed manual gearbox so I tried to make sure it acts like one to get the most out of the ZL1. And now, I took it for a little outing against other Camaro drivers everywhere. Time to get the cameras rolling in...



It's almost enough to enjoy driving the new Camaro ZL1 but in case you want to go subliminal, feel free to choose a normal Camaro instead. Either way, it's great to have the latest Camaro joining the Horizon madness with us and with this new ZL1, it's all about the added challenge for those who think a normal Camaro is too easy for them.