Fourth-Generation Hyundai Accent RB

2011 Hyundai Accent

Back in April 2010, at the Beijing Motor Show, Hyundai unwrapped the new Verna (known as Accent in some countries, including North America and the Philippines) to bring an edge to the Chinese market and it was on sale since August 2010. In South Korea, Koreans are eager about the new Verna, but Hyundai decided to rename this Verna (now under the chassis code of RB) back to Accent after 11 years of absence. It seems odd why they will rename it back is completely a discreet thought for the Korean automotive brand behind the CRDi engines that we Filipinos love, but whatever, the important thing is, the Accent gained a much awaited full model change.

The Chinese-market Accent or Verna looks more like a YF Sonata, but the South Korean-spec Hyundai Accent resembles more like the Hyundai Avante MD (Fifth-generation Elantra), thanks to Hyundai's fluidic sculpture philosophy. Honestly, the fourth-generation Accent RB resembles more like the RB Concept from the Moscow Motor Show 2010. Much likely, this will be sold in Russia as the Hyundai Solaris by next year.

The profile for the new Accent resembles more of a sports coupe, giving an edge of sportiness on the outside every time boys want to have fun with this compact sedan.

2011 Hyundai Accent interior

The new Accent RB has an interior so exquisite, you may think that this interior is way better thanthe Kia Rio because of such shape! The main question is, does this new interior made the new Accent so manly, only grown men can fit in?

OK, now on the engine types, the new Accent features two available engines available if this car made its Korean debut this early November. First off is the entry-level 1.4L CVVT engine produces a power output of 107hp, and then, there's the high-performance Gamma 1.6L GDi engine (derived from the Avante MD) produces a higher power output of 140hp with the fuel economy of 16.7km/L. So much for that eco car, we just hope that the CRDi R E-VGT engine will be equipped on that new model to make it more fun for diesel-loving Filipinos like us but we'll have to wait until Hyundai Motor Company will decide if the CRDi E-VGT diesel engine is a perfect match for the fourth-generation Accent. Anyway, the 1.4L CVVT variant features a 5-speed manual, 5-speed auto, and a 4-speed auto transmission while the GDi 1.6L variant features a 6-speed manual and the 6-speed automatic.

Available in six exterior colors such as Crystal White, Veloster Red, Blue Ocean, Sleek Silver, Carbon Gray, and Phantom Black.

My thoughts about the Accent:
In my honest opinions, I think that the 1.6L GDi variant for the new Accent was not a good fit in the Philippines because it can't handle most of our gasolines, so we best be fitted with the 1.4L CVVT engine, and no word yet if the CRDi R E-VGT diesel engine can make it to the new Accent for now. Despite my opinion, the new Accent became the most stylish compact sedan that is targeted by young men. I am very excited to witness how this new model be if this car makes it for South Korean launched this early November and soon next year in the U.S. and in the Philippines! What's great about the Accent is the new design based on Hyundai's fluidic sculpture but what's needed for us is the CRDi R E-VGT diesel engine to make this new Accent more of an eco-car rather than being a sporty compact that can compete the Toyota Belta, Kia Rio/Pride, or even the upcoming Volkswagen Jetta (take note; the Euro-spec Jetta. Not the North America-spec Jetta currently on sale in the North American market) to show who's the best eco sedan built for the young males. I had my fingers crossed that this new Accent will reign supreme. I also hope for the hatchback version too!

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

To Aru Kagaku no Railgun -Original Video Animation-

To Aru Kagaku no Railgun OVA

When Majutsu no Index II airs and the incoming Majutsu no Index PSP coming this winter, most Railgun fans truly miss the whole girls-day-out spin-off, titled To Aru Kagaku no Railgun (日本名：とある科学の超電磁砲), since it was ended on late March 2010. When the anime ended, they still enjoy the whole Railgun day out thanks to the Archives CDs (from drama parts to character songs) to keep the whole thing as a remembrance.

As a remembrance, Geneon Universal brings this girls-day-out spin-off a second chance in the form of a OVA. It's a made for DVD and Blu-ray extra episode of the phenomenal story revolving in the life and times of a Level 5 Electromaster, Mikoto "Biri-Biri" Misaka, along with Kuroko, Uiharu, and Saten. In this extra episode, after Saten told a scary story, something's wrong is happening with Biribiri. We don't really know what's going on but is it somewhat happened after a scary story? What lurks around Misaka?

This OVA seems to be more of a decent souvenir for Railgun fans who want to savor the flavor of the whole Railgun story and this would be a good memorabilia to watch it over and over again. After watching the OVA, what do you think, does anyone still like Railgun? I know they will like it to remember it forever.

As always, good job for the production staff responsible of this! Always staying ahead on the game!

Ah...Biribiri, Kuroko, Uiharu, and Saten are always a part of every otakus' precious memories.

CAST:

Rina Satou (Negi Springfield from Mahou Sensei Negima!) as Mikoto Misaka

Satomi Arai as Kuroko Shirai

Aki Toyosaki (Yui Hirasawa from K-On!) as Kazari Uiharu

Kanae Ito (Amu Hinamori from Shugo Chara series) as Ruiko Saten

Kana Ueda (Sakuya Aizawa from Hayate the Combat Butler!) as Mii Konori

Atsushi Abe as Toma Kamijo




DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: October 29, 2010
Distribution: Geneon Universal Entertainment

Bubble Gang 15th Anniversary Special Episode "Bungalow" - My Impressions

October 29, 2010, the exact date when Bubble Gang aired this 15th Anniversary special episode about two cousins who inherited a mysterious bungalow from their late grandfather. That episode featured not just ghosts, cousins, sexy girls, but also songs from the late Yoyoy Villame such as Philippine Geography, Tarzan at Barok, Mag-Exercise Tayo, Butsekik, Awit na Kanta, Magellan, Nasaan Ka Darling, Hayop na Combo, and Bungalow.

In the Philippine Geography song, Michael V sounded like Louis Armstrong to make it sappy. Of course, Philippines has a great history, especially in this song mentioning the entire Philippine cities, including Manila, where the boys set off for their adventure through the bungalow.

With the boys' clothes been stripped off by some hold-upper and wearing some leafy stuff on their bodies, they think they were like Tarzan and Barok. OK, about the song "Tarzan at Barok", yawn... boring.

With the cousins visited their grandfather's bungalow, thanks to some scary person named Attorney, played by Antonio Aquitania, the boys saw their neighbors none other than the Bubble Gang girls, thus playing a sexier version of Mag-Exercise Tayo. Yep, that version was sexy thanks to the Bubble Gang girls, from Ruffa Mae Quinto, Maureen Larrazabal, Sam Pinto, Ellen Adarna, Gwen Zamora, and others.

With Totoy (Michael V) thinks that living on this haunted bungalow seems uncomfortable, he imagines about going to the Chinese cemetery working as a gatherer of candles, so the song Butsekik with the opening tone sounded like 2ne1's Fire. Chinese song with the tone inspired from K-Pop songs truly turn this Bubble Gang version of Butsekik kicks it up. But that's imagination for being drunk. Because of Totoy's saying that being drunk makes you sing, Nonoy (Ogie Alcasid) sings Awit na Kanta in some slow romantic manner. I really like the part where..um...ah... what is it, but whatever.

With the cousins invited by the girls to a party where men dressed like Lapu-Lapu and Magellan. Because of that, the Magellan song kicks it up and the tone was just like Tik Tok. I love that part. Get it? My favorite part on the Magellan song is the start. It sounded like the start of the song Tik Tok. Magellan is the best song on this special episode!

With the cousins' encounter with a ghost named Anna, played by Jackie Rice, she explains about her past, about her love interest named Miguel, played by Michael V. With that, Miguel performs a pop version of Yoyoy Villame's Nasaan Ka Darling. Wow, it sounded more like some popular pop music we listened through our MP3s. There was a rap part of this song too. This version of Nasaan Ka Darling mixes sadness and drama on that tune but truly it is fun.

With the battle against the man (Wendell Ramos) who separated Anna and Miguel is over, thanks to the ghost of the cousins' grandfather (played by guest star German "Kuya Germs" Moreno) and his men, and Anna bids farewell to our heroes, it seems that they were hungry, so they dressed themselves and headed to the house of sexy girls where the party was happened and leftovers ahoy. Everyone at the party are wasted! Nonoy said he missed some band, and Totoy said "hayop", which means... HAYOP NA COMBO! Heck Yeah! Rock and Roll! Make that my favorite part of this special episode.  This Bubble Gang version of Yoyoy Villame's Hayop na Combo really rocks!

With the cousins encountered a girl named Annie, played by Jackie Rice, this special episode is finished with the song Bungalow. The opening tone sounded like Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. Oh look! Everyone's invited! The cousins, the addict, Attorney, the sexy girls, the ghost of the cousins' grandfather, and everyone! Bunga-Bungalow, Bunga-Bungalow, Bunga-Bungalow, I want your Bungalow!

That episode was too memorable. Not only because it's 15 years old now, but this episode featured more of the Yoyoy Villame songs. Looking forward to see how Bubble Gang evolves because this comedy gag show is so legendary, we consider this a comical legend.

15 YEARS NA ANG BUBBLE GANG!!!

Late October 1995, the exact month when GMA's legendary gag show, Bubble Gang was born. Upon its start, Bubble Gang became a tremendous hit because of the super hilarious gags, sketches, parodies, and music offered by the Bubble Gang. My favorite Bubble Gang people from the past and present includes Michael V, Ogie Alcasid, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Wendell Ramos, Antonio Aquitania, Maureen Larrazabal, and Boy2 Quizon. I can also remember the faces that made me laugh, especially Dennis Trillo, Jacky Woo, Diego, Mykah, Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill, and others. Others from the past include Tuesday Vargas, Diana Zubiri, Francine Prieto, and some other Bubble Gang guests and alumnus that are too many to list. I can also remember that dude from Dating Doon, Brod Pete.

My favorite moments from Bubble Gang include Francis M. guest stars in Bubble Gang, Bubble Gang pays tribute to some of Philippines' past gag shows, iskulto finish, word war, Lito's night of music, sigas from Bertong Siga to Kakaibang Siga, Jacky Woo guesting, music spoofs, commercial spoofs,spoofs of shows, especially Korean dramas, IyoTube, Yaya and Angelina, Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong, Dating Doon, Lito's night of music, Bitoy's declamation titled "Sino ang dapat sisihin", No English Please, Misspelling Gee, a Mythbusters spoof called Haka Haka, Sabi-Sabi, serial killers, maids, nagging housewives, kind cops, top secret that is top secret, last video, conscience, obra muestra, jury, Cheche Bureche, rich kids, drunken dudes, boxing coach, boxing trainer, everything that made every Kapuso laughed.

Gags include at the plane delay, superheroes, theaters, christmas gifts, last items, bank robberies, cafes, police checkpoints, rescuing drowning victims, execution, gimmicks, plane crash survivors, singing contest winners, peeping perverts, house on fire, brownouts, no water, school rumble, campaign posters, luggages, pregnancy tests, what happened to their tuitions, at the truck/school service, when the car crashed, at the bar, at the dungeon prison, musketeer fights, new kids, maids leaving, boxers, and every other gags are a sure thing that keeps Bubble Gang fresh and fun to watch.

Back in late October 2007, Bubble Gang offered a two-part musical action movie titled DO-SE-NA, stars Michael and Ogie as the detectives trying to solve the crime. Yes, the action, the music, everything from the gang.

Also, in late October 2009, Bubble Gang offered three mini-movies. First off is Tya Ring. It's about a gay who was sent by her Tyang to go through an abandoned hospital to search for his Tyang's precious memories. Then, it's Tim Song Ku. It's like a Korean drama but with Michael and Ruffa playing around as a love team. I really like the song Tim Song Koo. Then, the last is Dingdong Lang ang Pagitan, it's about two friends, played by Maureen and Ogie, trying to win the heart of some TV writer named Dingdong Fernandez (Dennis Trillo).

Now, in October 29, 2010, days before Halloween, in celebration of the show's 15th anniversary, Bubble Gang offered a super spooky musical movie about two cousins, played by Michael and Ogie, inherited their late grandparents' haunted mansion. Music plus horror plus laugh trip equals 15!

My impression for that 15th Anniversary episode really blows my mind. Packed with some scares, some musical numbers, and some laughs, I'm sure this is the best Bubble Gang episode yet!

A Chevrolet Cruze appeared in Lokomoko U's Gas Station Gags

2011 Chevrolet Cruze at Lokomoko U's gas station gags

On the October 29 episode of Lokomoko U, there was a red Chevrolet Cruze appeared in most of the gas station gags offered by the Lokomoko U gang. Those gags send our laughing hormones to a full tank!

Also getting ourselves a full tank is another Keso City episode where the rats and mice ham out some fun on everything that can be "insert rat jokes here".

The Talentadong Family visits the cemetery to poke fun this coming All Souls Day, especially Granny's knock knock jokes that are cemetery-related.

One of the famous basketball team from NCAA, the San Beda Red Lions stop by as our Lokomoko U gang make some 60-second wrong-guessing fun at Pinoy Brainless!

X3 Touch and Type

Nokia X3 Touch and Type

The sister model of the trendy Nokia X3 slide-up phone, the new X3 Touch and Type (codenamed X3-02), makes the rounds to appeal tech-savvy customers with numerous features. Sadly, the new Nokia X3 Touch and Type does not share the same protocol as the X3, it only shares by its name. Rather than having a side-up from its big brother, the Nokia X3 Touch and Type is more likely a normal shaped cellphone packed with the numeric keypad. On the lighter side, the X3 Touch and Type appears to be slim, perfect to have women fit that kind of cellphone straight through their pockets. Believe me, this phone is targeted for everyone who want a super-slim phone.

On the outside, the new Nokia X3 comes in four colors; white, smoke, pink, and magenta. Men like it smoke, girls like it pink, few like it magenta, and many like it white, whatever floats your boat.

Aside from the numeric keypad offered for the Touch and Type, this screen is touchable, fun enough to choose whatever cool apps you want straight from your fingertips.

If I want to go photo or video shooting that I can put it on Facebook, YouTube, or others, a 5.0 megapixel camera adds a nice touch for the X3 Touch and Type. For music lovers, there are a wide variety of entertaining options that can keep them informed and entertained such as the FM Radio and Music Player to play their MP3 tunes or use them as ringtones to brighten up your day.

In my opinion, I would still prefer the regular X3 because its a fun-to-use cellphone and the new X3 Touch and Type ruins my pogi points. If I can't afford that, the X3 Touch and Type can be my perfect suitor of choice, providing its slim package straight to your pocket for easy convenience.

Photo: Nokia

Seitokai Yakuindomo Soundtrack "Shino Edition" and "Aria Edition"

Seitokai Yakuindomo Soundtrack Shino Edition

Seitokai Yakuindomo Soundtrack Aria Edition

Seitokai Yakuindomo (日本名: 生徒会役員共) is Kodansha's answer to Seitokai no Ichizon, but with even more appealing than its rival. With the 13-episode anime ended since autumn, every single viewer finally remembered the appealing life of times of a student council president Shino Amakusa (Gosh, I like her wearing a school swimsuit because she looks more appealing, but only Yoko Hikasa's voice is appealing), Aria Shichijo (Eh?, voiced by someone behind Ritsu Tainaka?!), Suzu Hagimura (genius who was voiced by someone who also voiced some student council member of some anime I know, oh wait, someone behind Izumi Segawa's voice from Hayate no Gotoku!), and Takatoshi Tsuda.

To relieve this one-make alternative to Seitokai no Ichizon, the original soundtrack of Seitokai Yakuindomo is finally arrived but aside from the in-anime BGMs, there's also a three-part situational skit (Yoko Hikasa, as Shino Amakusa, will handle the skit in the Shino Edition, while Satomi Sato, as Aria Shichijo, take the heat in the Aria Edition) to ham it out and poke fun to your seitokai buddies.

The BGMs, composed by Yuya Mori, aren't much of a deal to relieve the on-the-spot humor from Shino and the gang, but the situational skit offered in either the Shino Edition or the Aria Edition are something to reconsider about. The Shino Edition offers 25 tracks while the Aria Edition takes about 19 tracks. How's that for a treat from some super attractive student council president? Sir? Ma'am? Sir ma'am? OK...

Last chance!

Ever since this Honda FN2 Civic Type R Euro (sourced from Great Britain) arrived in Japan in a limited quantity of 2010 units, most and most JDM enthusiasts are willing to take advantage of this British-Japanese hot hatch alternative to the Civic Type R Sedan.

With the discontinuation of the Honda FD2 Civic Type R Euro sedan in Japan since August 2010, sales in Europe discontinued due to Euro 5 standards, and the Type R Euro is out of stock in Japan, it seems most Honda fans want more for the Type R Euro. For that, this must be the last chance to witness the Type R Euro due to inconsistent public demand.

Starting October 28, 2010, Japanese Honda fans are ready to witness Type R Euro for the final time, in 2010-spec, under 1500 units available. Replacing the Alabaster Silver Metallic color is the new Crystal Black Pearl color, that is always ready to show the dark side of the Civic Type R Euro. Three colors are available for the Type R Euro; Milano Red, Crystal Black Pearl, and Championship White.

Previously, this one costs 2,980,000 Yen (about 2.5 million pesos), but the price for the Honda Civic Type R Euro 2010-spec hiked to about 3 million Yen (or 2,580,000 Pesos), giving it a hard time to obtain this British gremlin.

With the final 1500 units available, will they savor the last dance with the legendary "Type R" name that became a sensation among Honda fans?! 

Special "ONE"

Special "ONE"

For those who listened the opening theme of the To Aru Kagaku no Railgun OVA, titled Future Gazer by fripSide, why not take a sip and listen to the closing theme, which is none other than Special "ONE" sung by Elisa, responsible for the closing themes of Kagaku no Railgun anime, Dear My Friend and Real Force.

This is the seventh maxi-single CD by Elisa. I don't really know what's in that song but I'm sure this is a nice one for those who want to savor the moment before getting ready for the Kagaku no Railgun OVA release this week, following the new story of Mikoto "Biri-biri" Misaka, Kuroko Shirai, Kazari Uiharu, and Ruiko Saten.

It seems fresh, but this song would be a perfect fit for a Railgun fan.

LIMITED EDITION:
A limited edition includes a Special "ONE". That is, a DVD of course. It includes the music video of Special "ONE" by Elisa. Hurry up and buy one because this edition's running out fast!

Could that guy be Jethro?!

Lia Ortega questions some guy named Jethro

I think that guy really is Jethro, you know, that guy behind "Mga Pangitain" on some episode on Imortal. On that episode, Lia Ortega (Angel Locsin) tries to ask some guy, whom we know it is Jethro, about what will happen on Mateo Rodriguez (John Lloyd Cruz).

He said about the background. There was a playground, red balloon, and a person with red eyes. A person with red eyes... a vampire?

Forester STi is back! (but it's Japan-only)

2011 Subaru Forester tS

Finally, for after three years, the third-generation Subaru Forester finally gets a STi variant (for a limited time), but unfortunately, that thing's for sale only in Japan...

Called the Forester tS (tS as in tuned by STi), this STi-tuned version of the Forester can be a thrilling experience for those who think the Forester S Edition is not their type. Limited to 300 units and its available until March 2011, do you think someone who are lucky enough to feel the rebirth of the Forester STi?

Key Points

1) On Exterior side, the Forester tS is equipped with the tS badge on the grille, STi badge on the back, STi sports muffler, 17-inch STi rims, STi front bumpers, and STi rear bumpers. These exterior features are a sure thing to call this sporty.

2) On the Interior side, the Forester tS offers black Alcantara seats with the STi logo on it, Sports Luminescent Cluster, STi steering wheel, tS side seal plate, sporty shift lever with the STi logo on it, STi engine start stop button colored in red, and a special key cover. This sporty interior is not quite to be called best, but it's fine, I can tell.

2011 Subaru Forester tS interior

3) Other equipments include front strut coil spring, rear damper coil springs, flexible tower bar front, support front, flexible draw stiffener rear, and flexible support rear.

4) Available in four colors; WR Blue Mica, Satin White Pearl, Obsidian Black Pearl, and Steel Silver Metallic.

My Comment: Do you think MotorImage Pilipinas will bring the Forester tS? I think not because this STi-tuned Forester is for Japanese customers only and limited on 300 units available until March 2011. 

More info (Japanese only):

http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/product/foresterts/index.html

Subaru "Third-Generation" Forester - Minor Change

Since September 2010, Fuji Heavy Industries just released the new generation Boxer engine, which is the first in more than two decades. Torque output has been increased by horsepower remains stale. The first car to be outfitted with this new-generation Subaru Boxer engine is none other than...

The facelifted third-generation Subaru Forester!





Subaru's next-generation Boxer Engine is now on the third-generation Subaru Forester as the third-generation of Subaru's crossover utility vehicle finally deserves a mid-life facelift, a first after three years of existence since its debut in December 2007.

The only thing changed on the exterior is the grille, only this time, it looks more similar to the Subaru Impreza XV. If you step inside the interior, the major changes happened in the third-generation Forester's minor facelift is the new climate control and upgraded instrumental cluster.





With that new dashboard, the Forester's minor change is truly a a step forward of being updated especially the Forester's latest nip tuck gets the new-generation Subaru Boxer engine.

The new FB20 DOHC 16-Valve Dual AVCS engine for the new Forester garners a power output of 148PS, torque output of 20kg・m, and the fuel economy of about 15.0 - 15.2km/L. It seems that Fuji Heavy Industries made the new type of boxer engine a bit economical for its increased fuel economy, and its fit to Japan's "eco-car genzei" system. The EJ20 engine for the 2.0XT variant remains stale, meaning nothing's change to the 2.0L Boxer Turbo engine that casts a power output of 230PS, torque output of 32.5kg・m, and the fuel economy of about 12.2 - 13.0km/L. The Forester can be equipped with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed Automatic transmission based on the customers' tastes.

The Forester S Edition

Making a special addition the facelifted Forester is the new Forester S Edition. The S Edition is equipped with the high-performance EJ25 DOHC Turbo engine that has the power output of 263PS, torque output of 35.4kg・m, and the fuel economy of 9.8km/L. On the outside, you can check on the rear view and you'll see the S-Edition badge on it. On the inside, special S Edition seats in two-tone color, and special S Edition instrumental panel inspired by the fifth-generation Subaru Legacy. There's also a paddle shifters (5-speed automatic) armed on the new S Edition. The S Edition is the best Forester variant for Scooby enthusiasts.

My thoughts about the Forester:

With the new boxer engine added on the Forester's latest nip/tuck, I still got a feeling that the latest minor change pretty much about the same as the previous pre-facelift model. The S Edition, on the other hand, is mostly a cool addition to the Forester, ever since its special preview at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show at Sydney, Australia. The S Edition's 2.5L boxer turbo engine and the 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters made this a fun-to-drive variant. I hope that MotorImage Pilipinas got the memo and bring the Forester facelift with the new boxer engine available. What we still need is the Boxer Diesel engine like the ones in Europe but no, this engine is Euro 5 compliant and we can't get it because we are in a Euro2/3 compliant country. With the Outlander retreated from the Philippine market, guess this would be our suitor of choice.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries