Let's Do The News! (November 20 2024)

            

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Three beaches in Negros Oriental are safe from red tide, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

- The sixth hearing of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability focuses on the questionable use of funds, especially confidential funds, by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte.

- The PH Supreme Court annulled the resolution of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that allowed the replacement of the nominees of the party-list group P3PWD.

- 12 out of 13 power plants affected by Typhoon Pepito are resuming operations, according to the PH Department of Energy.

- US President Joe Biden approves the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine for use on its own territory in a move seen as attempting to slow Russia's advance. Recently, the US has confirmed Ukraine used American-supplied missiles on Russian targets.

- Jaguar unveils its new logo as it ramps up its relaunch.

The new Jaguar logo

- NFS Unbound's Volume 9 was announced and online this November 26th, featuring the NFS-first playable motorbike, two additional vehicles, new Extraction multiplayer mode, and more.

- The lineup for the 2024 NHK Kohaku Song Contest is announced. For the second time this year, no Starto Entertainment talents are present.

- Bandai's pla-model kit prices will sharply rise this April 2025.

- Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has decided to leave HYBE.

- Netflix's original reality series Physical: 100 is gearing up for its third season.

- The NFL has "no issue" with its players incorporating the "Trump dance" into their on-field celebrations.

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: Runner vs. Hunters

Back in the Hidden Horizons update, Forza Horizon 5 introduced its ongoing players to a rather unique game called Hide and Seek. How does this new mini-game work? Let's talk about it.

Forza Horizon 5's Hide and Seek is a 5v1 mini-game where five players will be the Seekers and one player will be the Hider. Think of it like the Runner from Running Man up against the Hunters from Run For Money. Get it? I love Running Man and Run For Money, and this mini-game is everything you want to make a run for it.

The Hider is tasked to stay hidden from the Seeker rivals until the End Zone is active. With the End Zone on, the Hider must race towards it and win. The Hider is provided with a Chase Breaker power-up that can jam Seeker foes and render you invisible. You can only use it when the Seekers are too close to your vicinity and it takes time to recharge before you can use it again.

The Seekers are tasked with hunting down the Hider and staying close. They win if the Seekers' Detection Meter is full before time runs out or the Hider reaches the End Zone. the Seekers are provided with the Ping power-up that detects a nearby Hider. If you believe the suspected traffic car is the Hider, activate the Ping and the Hider will be marked briefly. Like the Hider's Chase Breaker, it takes time to recharge before you can use it again.

The Hider is provided with the choice of four traffic cars:

• 2012 Jeep Wrangler
• 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
• 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2018 Mercedes X Class

The Seekers are provided with various vehicles such as:

• 2016 BMW M4 GTS
• 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG
• 2015 Audi RS6
• 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X GSR
• 2021 Ford Bronco
• 2017 Nissan GT-R (R35)
• 2016 Ariel Nomad
• 2004 SUBARU Impreza WRX STi
• 1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16

The Hide and Seek Car List will be updated as expected in future updates. Anyway, there are 17 badges to collect as well as 10 in-game Accolades and 5 Achievements with a total of 130 Gamerscores. Long story short.

Further reading:

• https://forza.net/news/forza-horizon-5-hidden-horizons
• https://forza.net/news/forza-horizon-5-back-to-the-90s

Of course, if you are busy with the Hide and Seek Accolades, there's one worth noticing if you are busing filling the in-game Garage; Dedication to the Cause. Reach a 20-game non-stop streak in Hide and Seek, win or lose, and you'll be granted the keys to the Ford Bronco Raptor. First introduced as a Prize Car in October 2023's Dia De Muertos update, it's now an Accolade Car.

It's amazing that the majority of Seekers use the Bronco because of its off-road capability, which makes it worthy of hunting down Hiders.

Anyway, that's how you enjoy Horizon Hide and Seek in Forza Horizon 5. Are you a Runner or a Hunter? Play this thrilling Horizon minigame and find out.

Let's Do The News! (November 19, 2024)

           

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is accelerating the Senate's passage of the 2025 national budget proposal. The Senate is currently engaged in a marathon plenary debate on the proposed P6.352 trillion budget for the upcoming year.

- Chief of Staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez of VP Sara Duterte is already in the Philippines; an imminent arrest could occur if the House Blue Ribbon Committee hearing continues.

- The financial impact of Typhoons Nika, Ofel, and Pepito has reached P478 million, according to the NDRRMC.

- 45 key Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners were jailed for years after a controversial trial. This includes Joshua Wong and Benny Tai.

- The US envoy to the United Nations said Ukraine would get more security help in the coming days. This comes after US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use its missiles against Russian targets.

- The Trans Am Series adds TA Cup Class for the 2025 season.

- The F1 Academy all-female racing series announced its 2025 season calendar with Shanghai added.

- A custom car called La Liebre was named the winner of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour 2024 and set to become a 1:64 toy car.

- The complete list of 2024 Game Awards GOTY nominees has been announced.

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: Koenig Specials - The Reign

2024 marks Koenigsegg's 30th anniversary and what better way to celebrate 30 years of Spirit of Performance by driving the best of Koenigsegg in Forza Horizon 5. Let's continue our FH5 history lesson on Koenigsegg with the Regera.

In the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) hypercar, the Regera. It's Sweden's answer to the now-legendary Hybrid Hypercar Holy Trinity of the 2010s.

The Koenigsegg Regera marked a departure from the company's traditional approach to hypercars. It combined comfort, luxury, and performance in one unorthodox hypercar that focused solely on power, technology, and innovation. Its name means "to reign" in Swedish.

The 5.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine is connected to three electric motors and a 4.5kWh liquid-cooled li-ion battery pack, generating a total of 1500hp of power and 1475lb-ft of torque. This allows it to sprint from 0 to 60mph in less than 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of over 250mph.

One of the Regera's most notable features is its Direct-Drive transmission, which connects the engine to the wheels directly via a single gear, a setup similar to that of today's electric cars or CVTs for modern city cars for that matter. This reduces the complexity and weight of the drivetrain and improves efficiency, while still providing exceptional acceleration and top speed.

All 80 of these vehicles were made and sold.

For a hypercar with a CVT-esque gearbox and a turbocharged V8 PHEV setup, I wonder just how good is the Regera? To find out, I let the Regera for a quick lap around the festival to prove its worth. Roll the tape.

I did it in 1m05.799s, which is about as quick as the regular Koenigsegg Agera by my standards. Not bad for a hypercar with a CVT-esque gearbox and a PHEV setup.

The Koenigsegg Regera is a statement of engineering excellence and is one of the fastest cars on the planet. It's a blend of hybrid technology, extreme performance, and luxury. It's a car for a select few with a discerning taste for the latest in innovation and driving.

Next time, our FH5 Koenigsegg history lesson concludes with the recent masterpiece; the Jesko. Stay tuned.

Let's Do The News! (November 18, 2024)

          

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The PH House of Representatives' Quad Committee hearing was suspended, according to Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who gave no reason for the cancellation.

- A reward of one million pesos is being offered by the House of Good Government and Public Accountability for any information regarding "Mary Grace Piattos." Her signature appears on nearly all of the acknowledgment receipts for the confidential funds associated with the offices of Vice President Sara Duterte.

- Super Typhoon Pepito has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, according to PAGASA.

- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that it will no longer mandate the registration of privately owned accounts that will endorse candidates for the 2025 national and local elections (NLE).

- US President Joe Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles. Biden authorized Ukraine to use US long-range missiles to strike inside Russia.

- Hyundai showcased its Avante N TCR Edition to commemorate Hyundai N's recent TCR Series victory.

Hyundai Avante N TCR Edition Concept

- The TV series Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun will return for its 4th season.

- Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon renewed their contracts with Fantagio while Ji Suyeon left.

- James Harden is now ranked 2nd in the NBA's all-time 3-pointers list.

- Charlotte Hornets player LaMelo Ball broke his silence following a $100K fine for his anti-gay term.

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: The Born-Again 911s

The GuntherWerks 400R and the Singer 911 DLS are prime examples of resto-mods, the trend in which old cars are born again in new and exciting ways to appeal to modern-day drivers.

What was so distinctive about these resto-mod Porsche 911s that set them apart from every other style example? Let's begin with one of my favorites; the Singer 911 DLS.

The California-based Singer Group Inc. has been restoring and reimagining 964-spec Porsche 911 vehicles since 2009. Following the success of their first model, the Classic Study, they introduced the 911 Dynamics & Lightweight Study (DLS), which evolves the iconic Porsche DNA with insights from Formula 1 technology. Aiming to create the most advanced air-cooled 911 in the world, the Singer DLS features reworked bodywork that enhances aerodynamics and incorporates extensive use of carbon fiber. In collaboration with Williams, the 4.0L air-cooled flat-six engine has been upgraded to deliver 500 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed Hewland gearbox. 

The DLS is part of a limited production run of 75 units, alongside the Classic Study, and is priced at over 1.8 million US dollars.

Now, let's focus on the Gunther Werks 400R, a 993-spec Porsche 911 born again for today's drivers.

Only 25 examples of this modern-day reboot of the 993-spec Porsche 911 Carrera have been produced. The car features lightweight materials, particularly carbon fiber, used throughout its body. It has bespoke LED headlights and a revised 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six engine that generates over 400 horsepower. Additionally, it includes a modified Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox. Weighing in at 2,677 pounds, this car boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower.

You may remember in one of my previous articles, I pitted the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 RS against these two born-again 911s on a Coast Run and blew them both. If Our Lady of Margarete got my 992 911 GT3 RS, I forgot to tell you that I've done some overtime with these two born-again 911s. Would you like the check them out?

You may remember the moment I won this Singer 911 back in the Series 10 update, I have Eve Kagayaki's name written all over it. Now, my Eve-designed Singer 911 DLS returns, and this time with a slightly revised design that features PriChan logos written around it. Welcome back, Eve-sama.

The GuntherWerks 400R, meanwhile, has Alice...Kagayaki's name written all over it. Yep, Eve's long-lost twin sister makes her appearance. Yes, really. The ALIVE duo's finally gathered.

With the Kagayaki sisters' names written all over my born-again 911s, it's time to give these two their moment to shine. The GuntherWerks 400R will sprint through FoxFer64's re-enactment of the Middle Circuit track from the Choro-Q 2 video game while the Singer 911 DLS takes on Pato Bincidi's re-enactment of the Albert Park venue from the F1 Australian Grand Prix. Let's get these shows on the road.

Being "born again" never felt so...ALIVE. Get it? ALIVE.

Just like people, classic cars have the opportunity to be "reborn" in new and exciting ways. This is the essence of resto-modding, and the GuntherWerks 400R and the Singer 911 DLS are perfect examples of this transformation.

This is the joy of being "born again". A second chance to do things you haven't done in a lifetime, almost.

Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig wins 73rd Miss Universe pageant

Amid controversies surrounding the organization's owner JKN Global, the 73rd Miss Universe pageant proceeded as planned in the heart of Mexico.

Beauty queens from many countries are vying for the top spot bestowed by Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios, the previous winner.

Image: Miss Universe

Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig is crowned the 73rd Miss Universe winner, beating the likes of Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina, who faces scrutiny after South Africa issued a warning to revoke her ID documents according to reports, Mexico's Maria Fernandez Beltran, Thailand's Suchata Chuangsri, and Venezuela's Ileana Marquez.

In the Q&A segment, asked what message to the future generation of women, Theilvig said;

"My message to all the world that are watching out there is no matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths. It will never define who you are. You just gotta keep fighting. I stand here today because I want to change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight. So, never give up always, believe in yourself, in your dreams, and that is exactly what you're going to do. Thank you."

Congratulations to Victoria Kjær Theilvig and the finalists of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant!