Ractis vs. Trezia

Toyota's new Ractis (soon in Europe as the Verso-S)

and the Subaru version of the new Toyota Ractis, the Trezia

Wait a minute, both of them have the same engine, same interior, and same platform. Why would I compare them if both have the same traits? Don't worry, it's the style I'm comparing...

CASE ONE:

With Yui Aragaki leading the commercial for the new, second-generation, Toyota Ractis, this is truly every Japanese families' answer to the question "Korette, Ari?" (これって、あり, does that mean, there?) The answers on the new Ractis include, but not limited to; a choice of a 1.3L and 1.5L engine, three types (Standard, L'epice, and Sporty Type), and convenient tax cuts due to Japan's "Eco Car Genzei" system. The new Ractis is built as an everyday compact hatchback for the everyday Japanese, and soon Europeans. Take note, the new Ractis arrived in Hong Kong as the Ractis Verso. 

CASE TWO:

The commercial from the new Subaru Trezia pits Japanese male actor, Tetsuji Tamayama, ala, Top Gun. It feels like you're in a jet fighter. But let me explain about the Trezia. With the same engine offerings from the new Ractis, convenient tax cuts from the Eco-Car Genzei, and the special specification Trezia dubbed the Type Euro, it seems both the Trezia and the new Ractis are the same. The main difference is the face. The Trezia has an Impreza-like face that looks like a photoshopped Ractis, but it is a reality.

I would really go for the looks of the new Ractis because it strikes a pose more than the Trezia. The Trezia's face seems decent because of its chubby Impreza face. I observed why most Japanese prefer the Trezia rather than the new second-generation Ractis. Is it because of the face? The commercial? The marketing? Doesn't matter. I hope both of these come to the Philippines with different names. The Ractis will be on Europe as the Verso-S while the Trezia, there's a rumor that it may come as the replacement of the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon-based Justy.

Athena drama coming to SBS on December 13!

Check out this news:

http://www.hancinema.net/-athena-to-sneak-into-homes-this-month--26331.html

Officially official! The spin-off from the hit 2009 Korean action drama IRIS, titled Athena: Goddess of War, will be exploding to SBS starting December 13!

December 13!!

Can't hardly wait! With Jeong Woo-seong returning on Korean TV after a decade and a half, will his comeback to Korean TV made this new Korean drama to topple off KBS's The Fugitive Plan B?

I'm sure Athena will topple off Fugitive, that's for true....

On the 12-01-10 episode of Banana Split...

OK, what happened earlier on Banana Split?

- Jokes that are too cold and too funny!

- Episode Two of the new Banana Split mini-series: The Amazing Microwave Pandesal Rangers.

- Jayson Gainza explains more on what jobs will the People's Champ take on, such as wine maker, construction worker, and wood cutter.

- Pinoy-Spanish-Japanese fun with Ryan, John, and Pooh on Tongue Tarang Tongue. On today's Tongue Tarang Tongue:

Pinoy: Maraming Lechon
Spanish: La Loma

Pinoy: Naiinis
Japanese: Ike-Banas

Pinoy: Di ka kasali
Spanish: Hetsa Puwera

Pinoy: Pautang
Japanese: Pahiramoko

Pinoy: Nahuling Nambababae
Spanish: Me marka sa cuello

Pinoy: Pakonti konti lang ang tikim
Japanese: Pakurot-kurot

Pinoy: Mga mahilig maglasing
Spanish: Tomador

Pinoy: Nakakabato
Japanese:Wakomagawa

The Fugitive Plan B Original Sound Track

The Fugitive Plan B Original Sound Track

The hit Korean action drama from KBS, titled The Fugitive Plan B (한글: 도망자 PlanB), is truly the next big thing for Korean superstar, Rain, as Jiwoo, a private investigator administrator who travels around the world to solve the most grueling cases, including the pursuit of Melchidec, the man who killed Jini's adoptive parents and she was next to be killed.

This Korean drama is so popular, most of them think that "The Fugitive Plan B" puts its rival Korean action drama "Athena: Goddess of War" to shame.

There is a soundtrack of the hit Korean action drama. It includes the BGMs from the drama, plus songs such as Running and Running by Mblaq, Chaos A.D. by 4minute, Mayday by Oran-G, and more. Guaranteed to relive Jiwoo's globe-trotting cases at the comfort of your own home.

TRACK LISTINGS:
01 Running & Running 엠블랙
02 사랑같은건 믿지 않지만 신승훈
03 Chaos A.D. 4minute
04 Poison 제아
05 Mayday Oran-G
06 Crazy Bounce
07 Gun Likes A Girl
08 Gloria
09 Dragon Of China
10 잿빛 노을
11 Break Out
12 I Like To Move It
13 Bullet Dance
14 천국으로의 편도
15 Born To Run
16 No More Cigarette
17 Unlimited

Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Since 2009, Opel launched the new fourth-generation Opel Astra for European markets. It seems North America may not be able to get its own Astra since the Saturn Astra disappeared, following with the disappearance of the Saturn brand, and succeeded with the Chevrolet Cruze. This situation is somewhat similar with Holden, as the Holden Astra removed from the Holden lineup with the launch of the Holden Cruze.

In 2010, after its debut in the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the full model change of the Astra Caravan received a new name; the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The Sports Tourer naming is mostly similar to the Insignia Sports Tourer.

Although this is the same as the hatchback cousin, the Astra Sports Tourer represents true spacing on the rear, giving rivals such as the Mazda Atenza Sport Wagon, Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, and the Renault Megane Estate a run on their money.

The Opel Astra Sports Tourer still offers different engine types as the hatchback did; from the 1.4 ecoFLEX, 1.6 ECOTEC, 1.4 Turbo ECOTEC, 1.6 Turbo ECOTEC, 1.3 CDTI, 1.7 CDTI ECOTEC, and 2.0 CDTI ECOTEC. It still offers some cool features like the Astra hatchback have such as FlexRide and AFL+ adaptive forward lighting.

My thoughts about the Astra Sports Tourer:

Despite being a tourer, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer still shares the same fun from the new Opel Astra. With the rear carrying different luggages that suit your lifestyle, you can rest assure that the new Astra Sports Tourer is a different kind of Astra only an European car enthusiast can expect.

Photo: General Motors

Shoutout - The "That's Entertainment" of 2010

Shoutout (ABS-CBN TV Show)

Monday, November 29, 2010, the exact date when ABS-CBN unknowingly aired its pilot episode of the new show "Shoutout", the next generation of That's Entertainment.

Shoutout is just like That's Entertainment, there was a Monday group (Shoutout calls it Mondeerifics), a Tuesday group (Tuesdelicious), Wednesday group (Miyerkulitz), Thursday group (Friends-Thurs), and an all-star Friday group combining all of the groups to one (T.G.I.F). Of course, since Shoutout started on Monday, it begins with Mondeerifics! (Thank goodness, the funny guy Ryan Bang from Banana Split was included! ^_^)

Hosted by Erich Gonzales (Chloe from Magkaribal), Empress (Rosa from Rosalka), Enrique Gil, Sam Concepcion (Boy Bawang from Super Inggo), Robi Domingo, Arron Villaflor and Enchong Dee (Caloy from Magkaribal), Shoutout is going to be the best party show every late afternoon after Down With Love on ABS-CBN.

Aside from the main hosts, there will be a group of teen stars every day.

On Mondeerifics (Monday): Ryan Bang (I can see him on Banana Split, especially he's Igor Stojokovic Krystic from the Matanglawin spoof and the Pinoy from the Tongue Tarang Tongue), Jenny Kim, Julia Montes, Ann Li, Tippy Dos Santos, Martin Del Rosario, Aria Clemente, Makisig Morales (Super Inggo), and Rhap Salazar.

On Tuesdelicious (Tuesday): James Reid, Devon Seron, 3AM, Imelda Schweighart, Emmanuel Vera, Inno Martin, and Piero Vergara.

On Miyerkulitz (Wednesday): Bret Jackson, Fretzie Bercede, Miles Ocampo, Jane Oineza, Mikylla Ramirez, Kathryn Bernardo, John Manalo, Paul Salas, and Sue Dodd.

On Friends-Thurs (Thursday): Ivan Dorschner, Trisha Santos, Nel Gomez, Young JV, Jaco Benin, Benjamin De Guzman, Anna Bianca Casado, Yen Santos, and Linn Oeymo.

All of the hosts, the Mondeerifics group, the Tuesdelicious group, the Miyerkulitz group, and the Friends-Thurs group all joined into one at T.G.I.F (Friday).

Shoutout is truly the next generation of That's Entertainment. It airs on ABS-CBN after Down With Love.

Busou Shinki Character Song & Special Radio Rondo

Busou Shinki Character Song and Special
Radio Rondo

The Konamistyle exclusive Busou Shinki Character Song & Special Radio Rondo is the next best thing to your music CD collection if you are an avid fan of the Busou Shinki toys, the online Battle Rondo game, and the Battle Masters video game. This Konamistyle exclusive CD features some of the character songs from your favorite Busou Shinki toys at disc one. Disc two features remixed versions of the Busou Shinki character songs. The third and final disc is a DJCD hosted by Eri Kitamura as Howling and Kana Asumi as Arnval. The Busou Shinki featured on Busou Shinki Character Song & Special Radio Rondo are Arnval Mk.2 (CV: Kana Asumi), Strarf Mk. 2 (CV: Minori Chihara), Altlene (CV: Megumi Nakajima), Altines (CV: Kaori Mizuhashi), Babyrazz (CV: Aya Hirano), and Sharatang (CV: Ayahi Takagaki).

TRACK LISTINGS:
DISC 1
1 Promise
歌/天使型 アーンヴァルMk.2（CV：阿澄佳奈）
2 Destination
歌/悪魔型 ストラーフMk.2（CV：茅原実里）
3 超Happyなのです
歌/戦乙女型 アルトレーネ（CV：中島愛）
4 永遠のトレモロ
歌/戦乙女型 アルトアイネス（CV：水橋かおり）
5 イイじゃん♪
歌/エレキギター型 ベイビーラズ（CV：平野綾）
6 you&me
歌/ヴァイオリン型 沙羅檀（CV：高垣彩陽）
7 Promise（instrumental）
8 Destination（instrumental）
9 超Happyなのです（instrumental）
10 永遠のトレモロ（instrumental）
11 イイじゃん♪（instrumental）
12 you&me（instrumental）

DISC 2
1 Promise (MK Remix)
MK
2 Destination (Hommarju Remix)
Hommarju
3 超Happyなのです（mitsu Remix）
mitsu
4 永遠のトレモロ(Trance Core Remix)
Dizzi Mystica
5 イイじゃん♪(Hommarju Remix)
Hommarju
6 you&me (MK Remix)
MK
7 Promise (MK Remix) （instrumental）
8 Destination (Hommarju Remix) （instrumental）
9 超Happyなのです（mitsu Remix） （instrumental）
10 永遠のトレモロ(Trance Core Remix) （instrumental）
11 イイじゃん♪(Hommarju Remix) （instrumental）
12 you&me (MK Remix) （instrumental）


DISC 3
1 オープニング
2 ふつおた
再び復活した「武装神姫RADIO RONDO」に皆さまから届いたたくさんのメールを紹介するコーナーです。
3 教えて阿澄先生！
犬子とリスナーの皆さまからの武装神姫についての疑問・質問に、阿澄先生が優しく教えてくれるコーナーです。今回もコナミのあの人が登場します！
4 武装神姫ラジオ劇場
ミニドラマを通して、武装神姫の世界観をリスナーの皆さんに知っていただくコーナーです。
5 神姫リング de BATTLE
パーソナリティの二人が「武装神姫 BATTLE MASTERS」をガチンコ勝負します。
勝利の女神はどちらに微笑むのか！？
6 エンディング

Subaru Trezia

2011 Subaru Trezia

With the partnership between Toyota Group and Fuji Heavy Industries because of the "Toyobaru FT-86" project, most of the cars built from Toyota and Daihatsu such as the bB, Coo, Atrai Wagon, Tanto Exe, and Mira were rebadged as Subaru OEMs such as Dex, Dias Wagon, Lucra, and the new Pleo. Now, the partnership between the two companies goes even further as Subaru launched their own version of the new Toyota Ractis (Ractis Verso in Hong Kong and Verso-S in Europe), called the Trezia.

Trezia, coined from the word "treasure", is just one of the precious memories both Toyota and Subaru collaborate each other because of the FT-86 project they promised to work on. And if I said "precious memories", there are some key points you can check on the Trezia. The Subaru Trezia goes like this, a Ractis/Verso-S with the Impreza's face because on the front size, that looks more of a fat Impreza. Since this is one of Subaru's OEM cars since the bB-Coo-based Dex, you may be familiar about how the Trezia looks like because you already noticed on the new Toyota Ractis/Verso-S.

2011 Subaru Trezia

I am very familiar about the Trezia's interior. After checking on the new Ractis' awesome panorama roof, this panorama roof can also be applied on the Trezia, and its applicable on the 1.5L variant.

Since the Trezia is the Subaru version of the new Toyota Ractis/Verso-S, it still offers two different engine types; a 1NR-FE (1.3-litre) and a 1NZ-FE (1.5-litre) engine. However, there's a catch; the Trezia 1.3L variant offers only a normal CVT while the Trezia 1.5L offers a CVT with a 7-speed Manual Mode, providing an edge of sportiness. If the Toyota Ractis has a Sporty Type (take note: The Toyota Ractis 1.5 S), the Subaru Trezia offers Type Euro. The Subaru Trezia 1.5i Type Euro offers a Euro-tuned suspension, sporty rims, orange stitching on the dark interior, Type Euro instrumental cluster, rear disc brake, and Muffler Cutter. The Subaru Trezia Type Euro is guaranteed to be the real hot hatch designed to be more European.

My thoughts about the Trezia:

It is somewhat suspicious that some Japanese car enthusiasts prefer the Trezia rather than the new Ractis. Despite both the Trezia and the second-generation Ractis were made under the partnership between Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries, I never thought why some Japanese like the Trezia rather than the new Ractis because of the Impreza-like front view. I think the new Ractis is much more stylish than the Trezia, but that depends, both the Trezia and the new Ractis are the same.

There is a probability that this may come to Europe to replace the Passo-based Subaru Justy. But we will never know about that. This could be a double whammy! Could Toyota Motor Philippines bring the Toyota Ractis to the Philippines as the new Verso or MotorImage Pilipinas (the official Subaru distributor for Asia, including the Philippines) bring the Subaru Trezia? I could get confused if both the new Ractis/Verso-S and the Trezia clash against each other...

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Third-Generation Audi A8 L

2011 Audi A8L

As you may know, the Audi A8 is Audi's flagship premium sedan and the first sedan to be equipped with the special navigation system that has Google Earth on it. I really like how the A8 feels like because only a combat businessman can wield the true art of Audi's prestigious premium sedan that welcomes the year 2010 with a bang. Now, there is an addition to the prestigious A8 sedan that makes it the king of A8s. Enter the new Audi A8 L.

L stands for "Long" referring to its long wheel base. Using the third-generation Audi A8 as a base, the A8 L is the stretched version of the Audi A8, suitable for the corporate warriors looking for some sense of comfort.

2011 Audi A8L interior

For a corporate mercenary, the new A8 L is designed for comfort amidst the corporate battlefield. The executive rear seat is an exclusivity on the A8L, providing comfort and hospitality for the corporate mercenary to take time to relax on the road. This interior is way more comfortable than the Toyota Crown Majesta because of the high tech features on the rear. On the driver's side, a wide array of features such as a handwriting recognition, Google Earth navigation, and automatic climate control are added to ensure an user-friendly convenience unlike any other premium sedans. The most fun part on the Audi A8 L is the wi-fi interface. You can use your Wi-Fi gadgets to surf the internet while riding on the Audi A8L. Have fun Facebook-ing and twitter-ing everywhere!

Just like the short wheel base Audi A8, the Audi A8L offers four different engines; from two petrol engines (3.0L TFSi, 4.2L TFSi) and two diesel engines (3.0L TDi, 4.2L TDi). Coming soon is the A8L exclusive; a 6.0L W12 quattro that will be the top tier A8L as we know it. Most of them are equipped with the standard quattro all-wheel drive technology.

My thoughts about the A8L:

A sovereign treat for the corporate mercenary, the Audi A8L provides exceptional comfort and can be a suitable car of choice for wealthy people who want to escape the corporate battlefield. It can be a perfect limousine or a powerful war machine, whatever floats your boat.

I really hope that PGA Cars brings the new Audi A8 to the Philippines soon so most of the Philippine wealthy people can indulge the comfort inside the Audi A8 and A8L.

Photo: Audi AG

Volkswagen Passat B7

Most of them think that the latest Passat (in sedan and Variant wagon) was a full change, but they were wrong. Just like the Chrysler Sebring facelifted and changed its name into Chrysler 200, coming soon in North America, the Passat B7 is a massive facelift to the previous Passat B6. However, expect this B7 won't come to North America because VW USA plans a NMS (New Medium Sedan) as a replacement. I still do not know what could the NMS is but let us find out how the Passat B7 feels like.

2011 Volkswagen Passat

In the tradition of Volkswagen's new trademark design led by Walter de'Silva, the Passat B7 stays true to its fellow V-Dub models such as the Golf, the facelifted Phaeton, the second-generation Touareg, and the upcoming Jetta. However, the Passat B7 sticks to the same platform from the previous Passat B6, so nothing's untouched, except for the increased length of the wheelbase.

2011 Volkswagen Passat interior

There are some massive changes on the Passat B7's interior. It still looks more like the previous model, but modified to look at its best with the addition of the analog clock, newly improved instrumental cluster, automatic climate control, and every luxurious detail to have the Passat B7 maintain its premium status. It defines luxury in a completely new meaning.

The Passat B7 is now made into an eco car thanks to the 1.6L TDi and 2.0L TDi engine. These diesel-fed variants are now equipped with the new start-stop system and for the first time, a micro-hybrid system (similar to the e-HDi engine found on the new Citroen C4).There are also petrol engines offered such as the 1.4L TSi engine, 1.8L TSi engine, 2.0L TSi engine, and the new 1.4L TSi EcoFuel engine. What's EcoFuel? I think this is somewhat similar to Ford's EcoBoost technology. On the good side, the 1.4L TSi EcoFuel engine is twin-charged (Super Turbo?), capable of releasing a power output of 150PS/5500rpm and a torque output of 220Nm/1500-4500rpm. However, this twincharged engine is not a bigger deal for me because the most powerful Passat offered is the 2.0 TSi engine because of the power output of 211PS/5300-6200rpm and thr torque output of 280Nm/1700-5200rpm. Depending on the variant, the VW Passat B7 comes equipped with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG, or even a 7-speed DSG transmission.

There are several safety features offered on the new Passat such as the new city emergency braking function, and the new driver fatigue system (similar to the driver monitor found in most luxury Toyota models such as the Lexus LS and Toyota Crown). These new safety features keep the new Passat B7 safe and secured for the driver.

My thoughts about the Passat:

In the eyes of an North American VW fan, he/she will expect no driver fatigue system, and no city emergency braking function because there will be no Passat B7 in the North American market, but instead it will be replaced by the New Midsize Sedan coming next year. The new Passat B7 is now on sale in most European markets and soon in other markets. If I hope that Volkswagen returns in the Philippines (come on PGA Cars, give us back Volkswagen, please!), maybe we could try the most safest eco car Volkswagen has to offer. Think of Volvo S60 meets Honda Accord Inspire...

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Magic∞world

Magic∞world

For those who liked the opening theme song of To Aru Majustu no Index II (日本名：とある魔術の禁書目録II), titled No buts! by Mami Kawada, why not enjoy the closing theme song of To Aru Majutsu no Index II, titled Magic∞world, by Maon Kurosaki?

We all know that Maon Kurosaki was way famous for several closing themes from the killer survival action anime, High School of the Dead, and now, she will held responsible for the closing theme of To Aru Majutsu no Index II, the second season of the original continuing the quest of Toma Kamijo, Index, Mikoto Misaka, and the rest.

This song seems to be the great alternative from No buts, but the different flavor of this song captures the ears of every Index fans everywhere. Seems enjoyable, but there's a treat. For the first time, you can listen to Maon Kurosaki's song, ANSWER, from the upcoming To Aru Majutsu no Index PSP video game. That's two special treats at the price of one maxi single CD!

LIMITED EDITION:
A limited edition copy includes not just the maxi single CD, but also a special DVD with the music video of Magic∞world by Maon Kurosaki. Hurry up and buy one before its gone for good!

One Piece Serena collaboration puts the Ultraman-StepWGN team to shame...

Seen here is the Nissan Serena C26, debuted in November 8 and on sale in Japan this November 29, teamed up with One Piece, the world famous anime series highlights on a group of heroic pirates in search of the One Piece treasure. Everyone knows this popular anime right?

The biggest tie-up between the Nissan Serena C26 and One Piece really throw a curve on both anime fanatics and car enthusiasts alike.

What bothers me is this One Piece-Nissan Serena collaboration really puts the team-up between Ultraman and the Honda StepWGN to shame...

Back in October 2009, the month when the new Honda StepWGN released to the public, a commercial for this new model shows various Ultramen (oh, there's even Ultraman's baddies from the Spada commercial back then). That's how the collaboration between the car and the sentai hero begun.

We enjoyed watching the fourth-generation Honda StepWGN Japanese commercials starring Ultraman last year. What we will react if the special Nissan Serena C26 - One Piece Collaboration commercial airs this December?

Image source: Carview