REMEMBERING 2013 - Part Five

Hello, and welcome to the fifth part of my year-ender called Remembering 2013. I'll be randomly listing stuff that came throughout 2013. From good things, bad things, best things, worst things, whatever you name it, that year-ender list is on me. It's on my head so let's get cracking!

Syria Uprising

One of the major news regarding the whole Syria Uprising is the chemical weapons issue. Since late August 2013, tons of Syrian people were killed by the chemical weapons, especially children. They're putting the blame on Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and if that wasn't enough, US President Obama asked Congress for a military strike against Syria but the strike was averted thanks to Russian president Vladimir Putin asking Syria to hand over their chemical weapons.

Because they have a large stockpile of chemical weapons, it will take a billion dollars and a year to dismantle those. But still, Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moallem expressed his government's intention to abide by the UNSC's resolution demanding the elimination of the country's chemical weapons.

Russian president Putin is hailed as "the most powerful man in the world" according to Forbes Magazine.

Storms in the Philippines

The Philippines has been always been prone to deadlier storms but for 2013, it was the worst for us. There was Typhoon Labuyo in Luzon, Typhoon Maring with a deadly mix of hanging habagat that caught Metro Manila a week of floods since August, and the most deadliest was Superstorm Yolanda in Visayas region. Over six thousand people were killed, making this the most deadliest natural calamity in the history of the Philippines.

The October 15 quake in the Visayas Region

A huge catastrophe happened in Central Visayas! A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the province of Bohol. The quake was tectonic in origin and occurred 2 kilometers southwest of Carmen town. It was the strongest since the 1990 Luzon Earthquake disaster.

US Government Shutdown

The biggest news in US history is the US Government Shutdown caused by the Republicans. The shutdown happened in the first of October, 2013, because of Republicans trying to deal against President Obama's affordable healthcare plan, known as Obamacare. During the shutdown, employees involve in the government were laid off, state parks and recreations are closed, and numerous bad things happened.

There is a well known risk that if the shutdown is prolonged, it will trigger another World Financial Crisis since 2008.

After 16 days of shutdown and tensions between the Demos and the Reps, US Government was reopened after US President Barrack Obama backs the approved budget bill from the Senate and the House. Not only the US Government will be reopened but the debt ceiling will be increased as well as the spending limit until January 15, 2014.

Washington Navy Yard shooting

In mid-September 2013, there was a shooting occurred at the Washington Navy Yard. 13 people are killed in the shootout, including the killer behind the DC Navy Yard shooting, 34-year-old Aaron Alexis.

Some reports said that the suspect is "obsessed with violent video games" and played them for "hours on end". Fox News interviewed University of Missouri associate professor of psychology Bruce Bartholomew who said, "More than any other media, these video games encourage active participation in violence. From a psychological perspective, video games are excellent teaching tools because they reward players for engaging in certain types of behavior. Unfortunately, in many popular video games, the behavior is violence." Wall Street Journal reported that one of Alexis' pals said he undergone marathon sessions of FPS while The Telegraph reported that he played Call of Duty and Biohazard (Resident Evil) for up to 16 hours and friends believed it could have pushed him towards becoming a killer.

iOS7

2013 signals the newest Apple iOS known as the iOS7. This latest iOS from Apple is available only to 5th generation iPod touch, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad with Retina Display, iPad Mini, as well as new models like the 5S and the 5C. To me, this new iOS kinda looks like the ones you saw from Android-powered smartphones. Anyway, Kristin.com listed the top 17 things you should check out (and turn off) right away in Apple's new iOS7 operating system.

Suzuki still king of fuel consumption

Suzuki Alto Eco

Since August 2013, Daihatsu facelifted their fuel-efficient Mira e:S and with the 33.4kmpl fuel economy, we were wondering what's going to be the response from Suzuki. Guess what? They've responded...hard. And to counterattack the e:S' fuel economy, Suzuki updated their Alto Eco to have fuel economy up to 35kmpl. 35kmpl! About the same as the Toyota Aqua hybrid but more importantly, about 1.6kmpl more than the recently facelifted Daihatsu Mira e:S!

So, how did Suzuki do it? The 660cc engine's compression ratio is now 11.2: while the combustion efficiency was improved by reshaping the piston to its smooth concave shape. The friction was reduced with the adoption of frictional resistance and the powertrain's optimized. The CVT's shift control's optimized, making it possible to run at low speeds. 2WD models also get improved heater performance and coolers as well.

With all the upgrades for the Alto Eco, looks like Suzuki Motor Corporation is acknowledging their achievement, giving the Daihatsu Mira e:S rival a run for its money. Prices now start at 838,950 Yen for the ECO-L model.

Those copycat movies...

What made me confused about 2013 is the rise of those copycat movies. You know Oblivion? Yes, it's the one with Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman in it and this sci-fi is worth the watching but when Elysium came, with Matt Damon in it...this movie feels like Oblivion to me. Then. there's Olympus Has Fallen, where a Secret Service agent, played by 300's Gerard Butler, risks everything to save the president from terrorists. Good movie though until White House Down came and sheesh, it feels like the same thing! How about This Is The End? Oh yeah, best comedy movie of 2013! Seth Rogen and his pals, you can't beat that but when a British comedy movie titled The World's End came with Nick Frost and Simon Pegg in it...hey, everything feels too familiar for me...

The Purge...very scary movie about a family trying to survive the night against a bunch of killers in one lawless night called the annual purge. Most of them got scared on this killer flick until a movie called You're Next came in and hey! You're Next kinda feels like The Purge to me.

Those copycat movies always stealing ideas from one movie to another...

Top Gear Awards 2013

Top Gear Awards 2013

BBC Top Gear Magazine listed the winners of the Top Gear Awards 2013 as they crowned the best cars of 2013 across 20 categories including picks from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.

McLaren P1 - Hypercar of the year, Clarkson's COTY
Ferrari 458 Speciale - Supercar of the year, May's COTY
Porsche 911 GT3 (991) - Hammond's COTY
Jaguar F-Type - Convertible of the year
Honda Mean Mower - Thing of the year
Citroen C4 Picasso - Family Car of the year
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - Lairy Car of the Year
Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray - Not The Muscle Car of the Year
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) - Luxury Car of the Year
Rolls Royce Wraith - Rather Splendid Motor Car of the Year
Hyundai i10 - Bargain of the Year
Peugeot 208 T16 - Racecar of the Year
BMW i3 - Green Car of the Year
Range Rover Sport - SUV of the Year
VW XL1 - Innovation of the Year
Porsche - Manufacturer of the Year
Ford Fiesta ST - Hot hatch of the Year, TOP GEAR COTY 2013 Winner

The Richard and Maya wedding episode

In the 15th of November, 2013, there was a special Be Careful With My Heart episode where this is the first time this special episode gets its own global simulcast. Not only this special episode aired in ABS-CBN but globally via The Filipino Channel where in the same time, Filipinos worldwide get to watch the special Be Careful With My Heart episode. It's the wedding of Richard "Ser Chief" Lim (played by Richard Yap) and Maya Dela Rosa (played by Jodi Sta. Maria). Maya and Ser Chief, finally tied the knot.

Things are looking good for our favorite slice-of-life morning TV show...

Shake It Up reached its climax

Shake iT Up: I ♥ Dance

If you're an avid Disney fanatic, then you are just one of the many who enjoyed the hit teen comedy series Shake iT Up! It's the show where rising stars Bella Thorne and Zendaya played roles as CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue, two teenage girls who are part of the Shake It Up Chicago variety show and every week, the girls are into some sorts of troubles to deal with from school life, their careers as dancers on a variety show, and other stuff.

Over the past three seasons, we've seen misfits backstage, trying to impress their boss Gary, more of Flynn's misfits, rivalry between CeCe and Rocky vs. Gunther and Tinka, school life, family life, career life... international stardom, there's so much that Shake It Up has to offer and sadly, it's goodbye to this show.

In the finale, Bella got amnesia after an accident at a charity fashion show, and Rocky tried everything she can to make her best friend remember or else she might stick to rival Tinka. Anyway, but still, in the end, Bella finally remembered everything and then...poof! Happy ending with a match of production number under the final song in the last episode of Shake It Up titled Remember Me.

The Day of The Doctor

The Day of The Doctor

For the first time in the history of Doctor Who, the highly anticipated Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special, titled The Day of The Doctor, gets a global simulcast, meaning the whole world witnessed the most exciting day any Whovian would be blessed for. Matt Smith as The Eleventh Doctor, David Tennant as The Tenth Doctor, Jenna Coleman as Clara, and Billie Piper as Rose were on the TV special as well as the special participation of veteran actor John Hurt as the mysterious War Doctor. You may remember him at the end of Series 7 but anyway, the other Doctor, 400 years ago, finally makes an appearance in the special.

The most exciting part of the special is the "Gallifrey Stands" scene where the three Doctors trying to communicate with the Time Lords from Gallifrey as they'll use their TARDISes to freeze Gallifrey in a single moment of time. What surprised in this scene is the surprise teaser of the next Doctor, Peter Capaldi.

Another big surprise is the surprise appearance of former Doctor Who lead actor, Tom Baker, who played as the curator of the museum The Doctor and Clara are in. Surprises, surprises. How this special ended? When all the Doctors showed up at the ending! Quote?

At last I know where I’m going…Where I’ve always been going…Home.

Classic Doctors in the 50th? Check!

Tom Baker in the special? Yes.

Peter Capaldi? Surprise teaser.

But still, the 50th special, which is now the world's trending topic in the minds of Whovians, serves as the ultimate DW experience ever witnessed. The alien shape-shifting Zygons does add some dramatic touch, though.

Equestria Girls

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls

Finally, after years of waiting, MLP fans finally get what they wanted...well, apart from the fourth season of the show but the Equestira Girls film where we get to see our favorite ponies gone humanized in the human world. In the film, Twilight Sparkle is tasked to retrieve the crown back from an evildoer named Sunset Shimmer, only to find out that she will be travelling through the human world with her new human look while her baby dragon companion Spike turned into a cute little puppy.

The movie was shown in select cities across the US since the summer of 2013 and in autumn, it spawned a DVD release as well as a televised premiere at the Hub Network.

This is it, thanks to Equestria Girls, this is exactly what you should be cosplaying as because when you're trying to cosplay as a pony, it's impossible because ponies run on four legs while us, humans, run on two legs, so it's difficult. Instead, best to cosplay as one of the Equestria Girls. Simple.

Miami Heat is 2013 NBA Champions

Miami Heat - 2013 NBA Champions!

After 7 games, Miami Heat won the 2013 NBA Championship against the San Antonio Spurs. With thanks to Mr. Lebron "The King" Raymone James, Shane Battier, Dwayne Wade, the birdman, and the rest, they tried so hard to win the dogfight at the ring! Oh and credits to head coach, Erik Spoelstra, as well!

FnF actor Paul Walker killed in car accident

Brian's GT-R from Fast and Furious 6

It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide. He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news. Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences. - #TeamPW

This message was confirmed by the official Paul Walker Facebook page as The Fast and the Furious lead actor died earlier in a car crash occurred in Santa Clarita, California. Paul Walker was famous for being the former cop turned street racer Brian O'Connor from the Fast and Furious franchise. His recent FnF appearance was in Fast and Furious 6 since the summer of 2013.

Paul Walker's last photo

This is the pic in question. The photo which some say to be the last known photo taken of Paul Walker has gone viral and it was captured moments before his untimely death alongside his pal and business associate Roger Rodas, who reportedly owned the car and also a racing driver. They co-owned a tuning shop called Always Evolving.

Reports said that the Fast and Furious lead actor attended a fundraising event organized by AE and his charity organization Reach Out Worldwide. Some say that most of the beneficiaries of this event were the Superstorm Yolanda/Haiyan victims.

The end of Winamp

Winamp

Remember the Winamp? Yes, it's one of the most popular and best media player available for Windows. Users love to use Winamp to play music in Windows XP. Since AOL took over Winamp, it became less user friendly than the old one and even with upgraded versions, it seems people stopped using this software for good.

Winamp was discontinued since December 20, 2013 and here's the announcement by the company behind this memorable app:

Winamp.com and associated web services will no longer be available past December 20, 2013. Additionally, Winamp Media players will no longer be available for download. Please download the latest version before that date. See release notes for latest improvements to this last release. Thanks for supporting the Winamp community for over 15 years.

Three winning Filipina beauty queens

Megan Young, Mutya Datul, and Bea Rose Santiago. Three beauty queens of the Philippines, each of these three won different international beauty pageants. Actress Megan Young garnered the accolade as "Miss World 2013", while Mutya Datul heralded as Miss Supranational 2013, and Bea Rose Santiago became Miss International 2013.

Miss Venezuela wins Miss Universe 2013

Miss Venezuela, Maria Gabriela Isler, was hailed as Miss Universe 2013 while Miss Spain Patricia Rodriguez placed first runner-up, Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez second runner up, our very own Miss Philippines Ariella Arida third runner up, and Miss Brazil Jakelyne Oliveira is fourth runner up.

This recently concluded beauty pageant was held in Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia.

The thing is though that with Miss Philippines Ariella Arida part of the top 5, she is the fourth Filipina to be placed on the top 5 since 2010's Venus Raj who placed 4th runner-up, 2011's Shamcey Supsup who placed third runner-up, and last year's Janine Tugonon who placed first runner-up.

Pacquiao wins fight against Rios

"I dedicate this victory to the Filipino people. My time is not over yet!"

After twelve grueling rounds in The Venetian, Macau, it looks like Manny Pacquiao, the fighting pride of the Philippines, won the match against rival Brandon Rios by unanimous decision! I don't believe it! Two former champs come face to face in the gaming mecca of Asia, Macau, and over the course of the fight, looks like the two fighters are in the middle of crossfire of punches. In the end, there's only one person who proved that his time is not over yet.


JOIN ME AGAIN FOR PART SIX OF THIS YEAR-ENDER SPECIAL SEGMENT!