Let's Do The News! (January 23, 2014)

The big scoop today:

2015 Lincoln Navigator revealed

2015 Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Motor Company, Ford's luxury marque which is outlasted by General Motors' Cadillac through the years, has launched the 2015 Lincoln Navigator luxury full-size SUV, and in order for the Navigator to continue through the latest trends, they've updated it. The new front face is now as big as a man. See? For its much-awaited minor change, it seems that the old V8 engine has been thrown away for good and give this big chunky SUV the only engine available: a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with twin turbo and direct injection. It will make a premiere at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show next month.

Report: Autoblog

Mazda Atenza is 2013-2014 PH COTY

2013 Mazda Atenza

The Car Awards Group Inc. or CAGI announced last night that the third-generation Mazda Atenza (known worldwide as the Mazda 6) with SKYACTIV Technology won the 2013-2014 Philippine Car Of The Year.

Report: Top Gear Philippines

The Mirrored Harrier

Mirror Harrier

The brand new Toyota Harrier maybe more of a posh RAV4 sold only to the Japanese market but it's still one of the most stylish crossovers ever made if you're on a visit to Tokyo. Now, Toyota Motor Corporation tries to make it more convincing to the eyes of the sommeliers by turning this Japan-only crossover into something more of a light show maybe. After giving the new Harrier some mirror wrappings through the whole body and with the use of 3DCG called "reflection mapping", this is what claims to be the first ever "art car virtual world".

Report: Yahoo JP Carview (Japanese)

NBI Clearance Now Online!

Good news! You don't have to fall in line if you're in the urge of claiming the clearance from the NBI because starting Friday, you can now fill up your NBI Clearance Online! According to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, you can now fill-out the forms at the NBI website. She stated that "online application is the next logical step for the switch".

Report: Philippine Star (Tagalog)

Matt Smith's message for the NTA

Former Doctor Who lead actor, Matt Smith, has a video message for the National Television Awards, just moments after the announcement that he won the "Best Drama Performance" award for his Eleventh Doctor role.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (January 22, 2014)

The big scoop today:

Top Gear returns on February for Series 21

As announced, the hit motoring TV show, Top Gear, is set to return on BBC Two and BBC Two HD on the 2nd of February, 2014. That's right. It's Series 21 of BBC Top Gear! Back on February 2...which is coincidentally the day of the Super Bowl. He he he...

What's new on PS3's iM@S Channel?

So what's new on the iM@S Channel only on Playstation3? Ah yes, Mini Album #10 featuring Azusa Miura (with special appearances by Dearly Stars' Ai Hidaka) is now available on The iDOLM@STER SHINY TV game as a DLC! Like the others, it costs 1,500 Yen and also comes with a special PS3 theme featuring yours truly, Azusa Miura.



Also available on the iM@S Channel is G4U Volume 8.

The SLEX-NLEX joint road

Looks like in the near future, your travel time from Balintawak to Santa Mesa will be improved than what you expect because the MPTDC and the PNCC collaborated for a construction of a NLEX Metro Expressway Link Project or "Connector Road", where it bridges the roads from NLEX to SLEX. The project will be completed in two years time and it costs P1.59 billion to commence this.

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/coming-soon-nlex-slex-connector-road-for-your-driving-pleasure

Tarantino's The Hateful Eight axed because of script leak

Following the moments after betrayal results in script leak, famed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino decided that he will not direct "The Hateful Eight". Well, that was unexpecting...

Report: http://www.imdb.com/news/ni56696884/

Pacquiao to fight Bradley...again

As reported and finalized for the time being, People's Champ Manny Pacquiao will be revisiting against the opponent who knocked him out in the first half of 2012. That's right, he'll be facing off against Timothy Bradley again, reports said.

Report: http://www.fhm.com.ph/daily-reads/news/pacquiao-fight-april-12-timothy-bradley

TTFN!!!

Suzuki Landy (C26) 2014 Minor Change

2014 Suzuki Landy

2014 Suzuki Landy

The Nissan Serena-derived Suzuki Landy, currently on its C26 generation, gets a minor change and what can you expect on the latest minor change? To find out, let's look back at the Nissan Serena C26 minor change because just in case someone had an amnesia for no reasons. However, this is no time to looking back because here are the details:

Thanks to the Nissan Serena C26's minor change last month; Suzuki managed to borrow one of these and for the latest version it inherits what just the Serena C26 did; new headlamps, a new front grille, new alloy wheels, and new LED rear combination brake lamps with an S-shaped design. On the inside, it still looks intact to me. The 2014 Landy is available only as an 8-seater and with that, it comes with 14 seat configurations to choose from depending on the scenario the user faces.

Again, like the Nissan Serena C26 minor change, the 2014 Landy's MR20DD engine along with its smart and simple S-HYBRID system, now has an improved fuel economy of 16kmpl under Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

For added safety, the latest update now comes with Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), AVM (Around View Monitor) with MOD (Moving Object Detection), Emergency Assist for pedal misapplication and Driver Attention Alert.

The entry level 2.0S model with 2WD layout starts at 2,241,750 Japanese Yen while the top-end 2.0G with 4WD starts at 2,995,650 Japanese Yen.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 21, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale

This particular 458 is not like any other 458 you know and loved. The all new 458 Speciale redefines the benchmark as the ultimate mid-engined V8 Ferrari ever made. Made to succeed from the 430 Scuderia, this ultimate 458 features a wide array of aerodynamic upgrades inspired from the track-only 458 Challenge as well as the uprooted 4.5L V8 developing 605PS of power output and 540Nm of torque, making it a track-ready, road-legal, supercar on your day-to-day basis.

2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale

1911 Marmon Wasp

The first person to win the inaugural Indianapolis 500 race in 1911 is Ray Harroun and the #32 Marmon Wasp he raced. While the racer's inaugural victory not only placed his mark on the history books, the first racing machine that won its first Indy 500 race also done it. The legend that started it all is still remembered by many and with many decades passed, racing historians still coveted this car for its roots that can be traced to today's IndyCars.

1911 Marmon Wasp

1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator

This bewildering muscle car from Ford Motor Company's Mercury brand is worth a swagger in its own bragging rights at the streets and at the drag strips. The Cougar Eliminator comes with the 428 Super Cobra Jet engine delivering over 400HP of power and with a wide array of visual features, your best hope when you encounter one is to stay out of harm's way. This muscle car sure knows who's the Boss of the roads...

1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator

Let's Do The News! (Jan 20, 2014)

The big news today...

Seattle vs. Denver for SB48

After Seattle Seahawks defeated San Francisco 49ers at the score of 23-17 and Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots at the score of 26-16, it's official! Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos at Super Bowl XLVIII in New York City this February 2! So, who will you be rooting for?

Barrett-Jackson 2014

Another year, another Barrett-Jackson auctions as the biggest car auction event was held in Scottsdale. Here are the biggest hitters of this year's auctions:

• Gene Simmon's 1956 Ford F-100 - sold at $450k
• 2014 Chevrolet Camaro COPO - $700k for charity
• 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird - sold at over $500k
• 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 - sold at $3.85 million
• Linda Vaughn LV-1 Chevrolet Camaro - $280k for charity
• Simon Cowell's 2008 Bugatti Veyron - sold at $1.375 million
• 1963 Shelby Cooper Monaco King Cobra - sold at $1.65 million
• Ring Brothers 1964 Ford Fairlaine "Afterburner" - sold at $247,500
• 2015 Ford Mustang - $300k for charity
• Ferrari F300 from the 1998 F1 season - sold at $1.7 million
• 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 - $650k for charity
• McLaren F1 GTR Longtail - sold at $5.28 million

McLaren rehired Ron Dennis as CEO

British sportscar maker, McLaren, rehired Ron Dennis as the chief executive officer of the company. Reason for his reinstatement is because of McLaren's performance in the Formula One motorsports. Back in 2008, Ron Dennis' responsibility as a CEO made McLaren won the 2008 F1 season. With him back on track, can McLaren be back on the right track?

Report: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/19/mclaren-ron-dennis-back-group-ceo-official/

Court upholds suspension of Willie's show

Earlier, the Court of Appeals rejected the petition against the ruling upholding the MTRCB's order suspending Willie Revilliame's noontime variety show on TV5. In separate resolutions a couple of weeks ago, Associate Justice Manuel Barrios dismissed the motions for reconsideration asking the court to overrule the order from the MTRCB.

Report: http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2014/01/20/1281002/court-upholds-suspension-willies-show-anew

Tax exemption for Fostanes sought

Earlier, there was a report saying that Pinay caregiver turned X Factor Israel winner Rose Fostanes gets charged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue to pay taxes from the income she won in the contest. Now, there is a report saying that a lawmaker from the Overseas Filipino Workers party-list group appealed to the BIR not to pressure Rose Fostanes into paying taxes from her winning and instead, grant her tax exemption after all the hard work she done to showcase her talent to the world.

Report: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2014/01/tax-exemption-for-fostanes-sought/#.UtzdsNLTm9I

TTFN!!!

Nissan Teana L33

2014 Nissan Teana

After six years at last, the Nissan Teana is now on its third-generation, and unlike its predecessors, the new Teana stays true to being a car as relaxing as a day off at a hot spring. This isn't what you are really supposed to be because even though this is an all-new model, the new model looks suspiciously familiar...

What's so familiar about it?

Beginning in the chassis code; it seems that Nissan no longer does the J thing and instead gave it the L letter so for this third-generation Teana, it's now labeled as L33. Not J33 as previously foretold, it's L33. It's a similar case we looked at on the Nissan Sylphy two years ago when at first glance, it should be coded G12 but instead, TB17 is the codename for the Sylphy. What's going on with those twists in the Nissan archives? There's got to be some conspiracy going on around here as to why full model changes now come with totally different chassis codes but this is no time for debunking stuff. I'm here to check out what's going on with the new Teana.

But hey, the new Teana kinda looks like...

I know, the new Teana is now an international-class midsize car, and by the looks of it, the new Teana is now a lot like North America's Nissan Altima, again in L33 chassis code, so for the first time in Teana history, it now rose into international status. Last year, it was launched in China and Thailand as well as Australia so by no means a coincidence, it tries to capture a much broader audience much the same thing as the X-TRAIL T32 crossover. Think of it like Nissan's idea of the "One Ford" approach, except this isn't Ford. Sorry...

Okay then, so what to expect?

2014 Nissan Teana

Because it was inspired by North America's Altima, the brand new Teana is beautiful to look at and as similar looking as its little brother, the Nissan Sylphy B17. Even though it's bigger than the old J32 six years ago, the new L33 Teana now weighs 10kg less thanks to extensive use of high-tensile steel and aluminum. Quite an improvement as such but seems so irrelevant to me.

The interior?

2014 Nissan Teana interior

2014 Nissan Teana interior

Speaking of the interior, the new Teana L33 is now well-civilized. There are numerous changes occurred such as the steering wheel, which is now three-spoke, a higher dashboard, front door pockets are now larger than the old one and now more usable, and the instrumental panel now comes with a screen display that displays lane departure and blind spot visual alerts.

Seating in one of these, though, and you might have the same experience as what you expect from European saloons. Why am I not surprised? If that wasn't enough, the trademark reclining front passenger seat, as what you get from previous models, stays because having this kind of seat is a trademark of the Teana's omotenashi trait. It tries to be a hospitable saloon and because it focused on being a comfortable car, feels like my mind's getting chilled now. The same experience as you expect from a groin massage or relaxing in the bathtub.

Is it mellow?

Mellow? What do you mean mellow? Well, it can be a lot too mellow for me but the new Teana comes with a multi-link suspension and MacPherson strut independent front suspension with a stabilizer steel bar and rebound spring. This means this new suspension system is capable of having a smoother ride, enhanced stability, and good traction. Wow, looks like Nissan is truly on a roll now, the new Teana L33 wants to be on par with its European rivals such as the VW Passat and the Peugeot 508.

What about performance?

Uh...you know what? You might wanna look away now because, for the new Teana L33, the only engine available is an updated QR25DE 4-cylinder, in-line, 16V engine with a Twin C-VTC system, which takes care of the intake and exhaust valves for added efficiency, clean combustion, and economical. It produces about a measly 170PS of power output and 245Nm of torque, connected to a new-generation XTRONIC CVT gearbox. I know CVTs can make a car boring but for the Teana L33, it matches the vehicle speed instead of closely, but you do get a little bit of a "rubber-band" trait.

With this powertrain, the fuel economy is a moderate 14.4km/L, as calculated by Japan's JC08 Mode standards. Quite a small improvement there, but an insider has told me that there's going to be a hybrid model in the works. That's too early to tell but a normal 2.5L petrol engine seems legit to us.

Should I buy one?

Well, of course, you can because the new Teana L33 now starts at 2,429,700 Japanese Yen, that's about a hundred thousand less than the outgoing J32 model, which makes it a great value for a saloon that now comes with an international status, a sophisticated suspension system, a nice interior, and a fuel-efficient engine that seems a bit legit. Seems legit but close enough.

Available colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Dark Metal Grey Metallic, Diamond Black Pearl, Radiant Red Pearl Metallic, and Waterfall Blue Titanium Pearl Metallic.

Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation

3rd Generation Toyota Noah and Voxy (R80G/W)

It's time for me to throw the gauntlet as our first brand new model of the new year gets it and this time, the arrival of the all new, third generation, Toyota Noah and Voxy minivans will signal the start of the new year with new models on the horizon. Yes, these new models will spearhead the year 2014 with a bang...sort of.

2014 Toyota Noah

2014 Toyota Voxy

They're identically the same so are there any differences?

Much like the Premio and Allion saloons, the Porte and Spade compacts, and the Alphard and Vellfire flagship MPVs, both the Noah and Voxy are essentially the same cars with different outlooks to suit different tastes. They're sold at different dealerships as the Noah is sold in Corolla dealerships while the Voxy is sold in Netz dealerships (noticing the Netz badge at the front face).

The Noah is targeted for middle-aged moms and dads with kids while the Voxy is made for the younger audience in their late 20's and early 30's...or perhaps someone who has mates most likely to ask him to go out to the big city. So, you get the idea, the Noah is a family van while the Voxy is a joyrider's MPV suitable for road trips with friends.

Anyway, what's new?

2014 Toyota Voxy interior

2014 Toyota Noah interior

The brand new third-generation Noah and Voxy features a class-leading stuff, something that its rivals like the Honda StepWGN and the recently facelifted Nissan Serena C26 couldn't hold on. The sliding doors can be opened at 805mm wider, that's beyond compare than any other JDM minivans in its class. It has the lowest floor in its class by 360mm, 810mm of floor space when the second-row seats slide backwards, interior height is now 1400mm (highest in its class), lowest rear floor in its class by 500mm, there's so much to explain about its class-leading statistics.

There is now a hybrid model?

Yes, there is. Both the Noah and the Voxy now comes, for the first time, ever a hybrid powerplant. Quite intriguing but Toyota made this to make sure it has some serious competition against the S-HYBRID variant of the Nissan Serena C26. How does it stack up? Well, the updated 1.8L engine connected to an electric motor and nickel metal battery may not be quite as powerful than the Serena's but the fuel economy easily beats is because this hybrid powerplant on the all new Noah and Voxy is capable of having a fuel economy of 23.8km/L, calculated in JC08 Mode standards. You heard that right. 23.8kmpl of fuel consumption, 7.8kmpl more than the Serena's. So, there you go, families all over Japan. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient people mover that can take you places from one prefecture to another, look no further.

But there is a catch, right?

Yes, there is a catch because the new models start at 2,210,000 Japanese Yen, which is 26,000 Yen more than the Nissan Serena C26 and 22,000 Yen more than the Honda StepWGN. How annoying was that? And then when the 8% consumption tax rate is implemented in Japan on April 2014, that's gotta be more pain in the budget but all and all, it's a huge price to pay for a fuel-efficient MPV suitable enough to carry seven or eight people around you.

There's also a 2.0L petrol engine, right?

Yes it is. For those who think that the hybrid model is a bit...(clears throat) not your type, there's a more powerful 2.0L petrol engine offered. While equipped with a familiar Super CVT-i gearbox as similar as the hybrid model, this 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine produces 152PS of power and 193Nm of torque. It even comes with the idling stop system that cuts off the engine when stop and then starts it again when on the move. So, the fuel economy for this 2.0L engine? 16.0km/L, as calculated by JC08 Mode standards. Just a kmpl more than the StepWGN's. Fact.

Should I buy one?

2014 Toyota Noah 

2014 Toyota Voxy

As I said earlier, both the new Noah and the Voxy are more expensive than the Serena and the StepWGN but with all that costly pricing, these new minivans are now the top of the minivan food chain because for these new arrivals, they're now lower, more spacious, more fuel efficient, more roomier, and these minivans will have high hopes for the Japanese carmaker.

But...

They're available only in Japan so back off, smugglers.

Available Colors:

Noah - White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Bordeaux Mica Metallic, Dark Cherry Mica Metallic, Ocean Mint Metallic, and Dark Violet Mica Metallic.

Voxy - White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Blackish Ageha Glass Flake, Bordeaux Mica Metallic, Ocean Mint Metallic, and Dark Violet Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Stars of NAIAS 2014

2015 Ford F-150

The 2014 North American International Auto Show runs from January 18 to January 26, 2014, at the Cobo Center in the now-bankrupt Detroit. In this year's show, we expect a huge debutantes, both foreign and local, regardless of car classes they're on. So, what's the list of this year's debutantes?

• Bentley Continental GT V8 S
• BMW 2-Series
• BMW M3 F80
• BMW M4 F82
• Cadillac ATS Coupe
• Chevrolet Corvette C7.R
• Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06
• 2015 Chrysler 200
• 2015 Ford F-150
• 2015 Ford Mustang
• 2015 GMC Canyon
• Lexus RC-F
• 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG
• Mercedes-Benz S600 (W222)
• Porsche 911 Targa (991)
• 2015 Subaru WRX STi
• Acura TLX Prototype
• Acura TLX GT Race Car
• Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept
• Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept
• Kia GT4 Stinger Concept
• Mini JCW Concept
• Nissan Sports Sedan Concept
• Toyota FT-1 Concept
• Volvo XC Coupe Concept
• VW Beetle Dune Concept

...and more from this car show...

For a full gallery go to: http://www.carscoops.com/2014/01/view-2014-detroit-motor-show-debuts-in.html

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 19, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1999 Mazda RX-7

One of the most famous JDM tuners straight from the 90's is none other than the FD-spec Mazda RX-7. With the combination of good looks and striking performance thanks to its trademark rotary engine that powers it, the famed sportscar is worth an eye candy. Even today, it's still a tuner's feast on the road and on the track.

1999 Mazda RX-7

2008 BMW 335i Coupe

For a certain car sommelier of all kinds, how can you add some style on the car that has less doors? Well, add some European flair, state-of-the-art technology, and some German engineering of course, and the E92 3-Series Coupe does suit the necessary qualifications a car sommelier would want. It's stylish, lavishly equipped, loads of performance, and stays in tune with the times with cutting-edge technology. It's striking to look at on city streets and a modest grand tourer on the open roads.

2008 BMW 335i Coupe

1982 Lamborghini Countach

To continue the Lamborghini tradition that started it all with the Miura, they've created the Countach which is known to be the first-ever Lambo to have scissor-type doors, a clever door mechanism that was been adorned by most V12 flagship Lamborghinis through the years. When it was launched, it comes with the 4.0L V12 engine generating 375PS of power output but for this 1982 model year, this V12 engine that powers the Countach carries a bigger and powerful 4.8L displacement, thus giving the LP 500S nomenclature.

1982 Lamborghini Countach

Let's Do The News! (January 18, 2014)

Things We Learned This Week:

1) Dove Cameron and Olivia Holt are my picks for the night

Image source: Radio Disney Tumblr

Disney Channel aired not one, not two, but three cool stuff earlier that night. There was a latest episode of Liv and Maddie where the twins switch places, then there's a new DCOM titled Cloud 9 which stars Dove Cameron as Kayla Morgan and newbie Luke Benward as Will Cloud. It's extreme at its best...literally. After that, Girl Vs. Monster's Olivia Holt returns and stars in a brand new show titled I Didn't Do It! This show...it's all about five misfits get into all sorts of trouble and when bad things happened, there's only one answer: I DIDN'T DO IT!!! Hope you guys enjoyed it.

2) Typhoon Agaton

Typhoon Agaton, the first storm of the year, killed 37 people and injured 65 people as of last night. Yesterday at 4:00PM, Agaton spotted 165km northeast of Surigao del Sur with 55kph of winds near the center. So far, signal no. 1 is placed in 9 provinces.

3) Cyberporn is Philippine's no. 1 crime

Forget snatching, kidnapping, and corruption. The number one crime in the Philippines involved cyberpornography because this crime is prevalent throughout the country that law enforces considered it the worst crime of the nation, more menacing than illegal drug trade. Such criminal activities put the Philippines one of the top ten nations where cyberpornography is common.

4) The Oscars 2014 Nominations

There's the list of the nominations for the 2014 Golden Globe Awards, where the winners will be announced on the 2nd of March, 2014. Here are the full list of nominees:

Best Picture

American Hustle

Nebraska

Captain Phillips

Philomena

Dallas Buyers Club

12 Years a Slave

Gravity

The Wolf of Wall Street

Her

Actor in a Leading Role

Christian Bale, American Hustle

Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Bruce Dern, Nebraska

Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street

Actress in a Leading Role

Amy Adams, American Hustle

Judi Dench, Philomena

Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

Sandra Bullock, Gravity

Actor in a Supporting Role

Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips

Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street

Bradley Cooper, American Hustle

Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave

Actress in a Supporting Role

Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine

Julia Roberts, August: Osage County

Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle

June Squibb, Nebraska

Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave

Animated Feature Film

The Croods

Frozen

Despicable Me 2

The Wind Rises

Ernest & Celestine

Directing

David O. Russell, American Hustle

Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity

Alexander Payne, Nebraska

Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave

Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street

Cinematography

The Grandmaster

Gravity

Inside Llewyn Davis

Nebraska

Prisoners

Costume Design

American Hustle

The Grandmaster

The Great Gatsby

The Invisible Woman

12 Years a Slave

Foreign Language Film

The Broken Circle Breakdown

The Great Beauty

The Hunt

The Missing Picture

Omar

Documentary Feature

The Act Of Killing

Cutie And The Boxer

Dirty Wars

The Square

20 Feet From Stardom

Documentary Short Subject

CaveDigger

Facing Fear

Karama Has No Walls

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life

Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

Film Editing

American Hustle

Captain Phillips

Dallas Buyers Club

Gravity

12 Years a Slave

Makeup and Hairstyling

Dallas Buyers Club

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa

The Lone Ranger

Original Score

The Book Thief

Gravity

Her

Philomena

Saving Mr. Banks

 Original Song

“Alone Yet Not Alone” from Alone Yet Not Alone

“Happy” from Despicable Me 2

“Let It Go” from Frozen

“The Moon Song” from Her

“Ordinary Love” from Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Production Design

American Hustle

Gravity

The Great Gatsby

Her

12 Years a Slave

Short Film, Animated

Feral

Get a Horse!

Mr. Hublot

Possessions

Room on the Broom

Short Film, Live Action

Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn’t Me)

Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything)

Helium

Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)

The Voorman Problem

Sound Editing

All Is Lost

Captain Phillips

Gravity

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Lone Survivor

Sound Mixing

Captain Phillips

Gravity

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Inside Llewyn Davis

Lone Survivor

Visual Effects

Gravity

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Iron Man 3

The Lone Ranger

Star Trek Into Darkness

Original Screenplay

American Hustle

Blue Jasmine

Dallas Buyers Club

Her

Nebraska

Adapted Screenplay

Before Midnight

Captain Phillips

Philomena

12 Years a Slave

The Wolf of Wall Street

5) Bugatti boss warns that there will be no powerful Veyron or Galiber

The president of Bugatti, Wolfgang Scheiber, warned that there won't be a more powerful Veyron or a production version of the four-door Galiber concept. It stated from an exclusive interview from Top Gear but the Bugatti boss says that the Veyron successor will redefine the benchmarks.

6) Why I'm so enjoying the Japanese version of Let It Go?

We all enjoy the Frozen theme song titled Let It Go but...am I the only one enjoying the Japanese version of this song? JPop singer May J. did the Japanese version of Let It Go, in case you never heard of it. Frozen (日本名：アナと雪の女王) hits Japanese theaters this March 2014.

7) Hamburg wants to be CAR-FREE within the next two decades

The German city of Hamburg hates cars and according to a report, this city wants to get rid of cars on the roads once and for all in two decades time. Hamburg spokeswoman Angelika Fritsch said that this city will offer people opportunities to hike, swim, do water sports, enjoy picnics, restaurants, and other stuff in the city more than driving. Hmmm...

8) R.I.P. Roger Lloyd Pack

Veteran British actor Roger Lloyd-Pack died at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer.

TTFN!!!

Boy Abunda, IHAW NA!

For the first time, on the January 17, 2014's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment, Boy Abunda is the guest. You could commonly see him everyday; Bandila on Weeknights, Bottomline on Saturday, and Buzz ng Bayan on Sunday. This guy bares all in the name of being a self-styled king of talk.

"mabu-tiyan"

On the January 17, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Treasure Hunt gags

- We check out what would a Rich Kid and a Poor Kid do in stuff like meeting with friends, treats, and got his phone snatched.

- IKAW AT ANG INA acknowledges...too much makeup!!!

- Mag-out na si Junior!

- Bubble Gang does Yakult by spoofing this commercial as JKULT! Mabu-tiyan.

- Tata Lino is always here to help you...

- Treating him like a dog...literally.

- The Dingga Rap!

- Average people...with star potentials.

- A night at a museum with a guard and two statues.

Lexus CT200h Minor Change

2014 Lexus CT200h

So, Toyota Motor Corporation kicks off the year 2014 with a new model launch and for a start, it's a facelifted Lexus CT200h hybrid hatchback. Although it's not as sharp-dressed as any other rivals from Europe, the CT is positioned as the cheapest Lexus money can buy so, for this 2014 minor change, how about a little 47 second science?

2014 Lexus CT200h

For its 2014 minor change, the CT now gains the Japanese luxury brand's signature Spindle Grille, first applied on the Lexus GS two years ago. It maybe sounds more predatory but the new face always in tune with the times of today's trends.

2014 Lexus CT200h interior

2014 Lexus CT200h interior

On the interior, there's not much to see of a change except some minor adjustments and tweaks on the software. However, there are over 80 variations of the selection patter of the interior color and seat upholstery. The seat upholstery now adopts L tex, don't know what it is, and depending on the variant, there are numerous seat colors to choose, sure enough to make it yours and unique.

What about performance? Well, not much of change here on the 2ZR-FXE 1.8L engine connected to a 3JM electric motor and the conventional nickel metal battery. Running on engine alone, it produces 99PS of power and 142Nm of torque while running on electric motor alone, it produces 82PS of power and 207Nm of torque. However, the biggest change here is its fuel economy and the base model will have a JC08 mode-calculated fuel economy of 30.4kmpl while higher-end models get around 26.6kmpl of fuel economy.

Steering wise, it still comes with the rack and pinion power steering while the suspension system relies on MacPherson struts on the front and double wishbones at the back. Not quite surprising but when you discover the Drive Mode Selector, you can select to three modes such as ECO for economical driving, NORMAL for well-balanced, and SPORT which makes the suspension get even harder for tight cornering.

2014 Lexus CT200h F-Sport

There's even an F-SPORT model as well and in this model, it comes with a rear-spoiler, a scary-looking front face, rear bumper, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a black roof while on the inside, it comes with a new Dark Rose Leather, Dark Rose and Black, slate gray and black fabric. Don't get too comfy on this one because the F-Sport comes with a track-tuned suspension which some say it's made for even tighter cornering and emotional driving feel. Not quite sure but when it gets understeer, it really wasn't their fault.

The 2014 CT200h starts at 3,560,000 Japanese Yen up to 4,480,000 Yen, including consumption tax.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Mercury Grey Mica, Platinum Silver Metallic, Black, Black Opal Mica, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Mader Red, Fire Agate Mica Metallic, Flare Yellow Mica Metallic, Exceed Blue Metallic, and White Nova Glass Flake.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Kim Chiu, IHAW NA!

On the January 15, 2014's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment, the guest of the day is none other than the lovely Kim Chiu. A Chinese-Filipina born from Cebu, Kim Chiu's big break dates back when she was a housemate from Pinoy Big Brother, alongside Gerald Anderson. Life after PBB, Kim Chiu has been featured in several TV dramas, movies, and commercials. She used to have a love team alongside Gerald Anderson but now, she's moved on to Xian Lim since My Binondo Girl and the movie adaptation of a best-seller novel "Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?"

Meanwhile, we check out what does a SINGLE, IN A RELATIONSHIP, and IT'S COMPLICATED do in stuff like...weightlifting, and paying bills at a restaurant.

Let's Do The News! (January 15, 2014)

The big scoop today...

OFW Caregiver is Israeli X-Factor champ

This is one of the most trending topics spiralled on the net recently as a Filipina caregiver in Israel, Rose Fostanes, became the winner of X Factor Israel. Having working as a caregiver in Israel for two decades, Rose ever dreamt about being a singer and the Israeli version of The X Factor gave it a shot of her life. At first glance, she might feared that most Israelis will ignore her because she's a foreigner competing in a reality show for Israeli talents but the tables are turned when her take on Lady Gaga's "You and I" shook the competition into standing ovation, receiving the most votes via text messages and the show's website, and risen to celebrity status. In the eyes of Israeli talents, they see to her as what Susan Boyle does to Britain's Got Talent five years ago.

Report: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/343866/pinoyabroad/pinoyachievers/filipina-caregiver-rose-fostanes-is-surprise-star-of-x-factor-israel

John Button, Jenson's dad, passed away

John Button is known to be a rallycross racer in the 70's and well known as the dad of F1 racer Jenson Button. Sadly, Jenson's dad passed away because of a suspected heart attack. He died at the South of France last Sunday.

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/racing-news/john-button-father-of-formula-1-champion-jenson-passes-away

Britain's first pay-as-you-go cafe

Somewhere in Shoreditch, London, there is a cafe where you can pay-as-you-go to use their internet. The food, beverages, and internet access are free but you have to pay 1.80 GBP per hour or 3 pence per minute for your stay. It's called the Ziferblat cafe, and it's located at 388 Old Street. It's the first UK branch of a Russian chain as there are 11 branches in Russia with the first opening in Moscow in 2011.

Report: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2014/01/u-k-s-first-pay-go-cafe/

US Court rejected Net Neutrality rules

Well, that doesn't sound right to us, netizens, because recently, the US Appeals Court rejected federal guidelines that stated that ISPs must treat all internet traffic equally. This decision provides the groundwork for broadband providers and carriers to charge extra fees for faster internet access to certain services or sites. This is the second time courts ruled against net neutrality as the first one happened four years ago.

Report: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-14/u.s-appeals-court-strikes-down-net-neutrality-rules

TTFN!!!

Cars GT6 Should Put (Volume 20)

In a galaxy far far away, just off our backyard, lies Leopaul's Blog; boldly pushing the boundaries of car culture because there's some CARS GT6 SHOULD PUT.



Cars like...

1) Marussia B2 '10

Made in the communist nation of Russia, the Marussia is definitely the communist car we all like not only because this is by no means the most unique supercar ever made, but it's also one of the best cornering supercars in existence. The top-spec version is powered by a 2.8L Cosworth V6 turbo engine developing 420HP of power and 600Nm of torque. It can do 0-60mph in under four seconds and top speed over 150mph.



2) Subaru Levorg 2.0 GT-S EyeSight '14

Unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, the new Levorg is a new-generation "real sports tourer" that takes on a new spin on station wagons in its class. The name Levorg is a portmanteau of the words Legacy, Revolution, and Touring. It has the similar sizing of the current Legacy Touring Wagon but available engines offered are turbocharged and connected with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT gearbox. It comes with the 1.6L DIT engine producing 170PS of power and the 2.0L DIT engine producing 300PS of power. Although its CVT is going to be the issue for us, I just want to see if the Levorg stacks up with the other station wagons offered on Gran Turismo 6.



3) Suzuki Hustler 660 X Turbo '14

This is one of the most bizarre-looking kei cars offered by Suzuki...as well as the name itself. The Hustler is as marketed as the first-ever kei-crossover but despite its crossover looks, it's still a kei car and not much else. It was showcased at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, went on sale in January 2014, and it's offered with a 660cc engine, normal or turbocharged, mated with either a CVT or a 5MT. Did I also mention that the Hustler also comes with an optional 4WD system? Even though the Hustler is not my type, I just want to have one in my Gran Turismo 6 garage to see what it's like.



4) Pagani Zonda Revolucion '13

With only five of these track-only models made, the Zonda Revolucion succeeds where the Zonda R left off. The 6.0L V12 sourced from AMG now churns out a mighty 800HP of power and 730Nm torque. Because of its lightweight processes, the Revolucion has a stronger power-to-weight ratio than the Bugatti Veyron, so it's got to be mighty fast in the straights and in the corners. This is truly a must have for every GT players should this Zonda Revolucion find its way here.

5) HKS Racing Performer (ZN6)

The HKS-tuned Toyota 86 is Nobuteru Taniguchi's machine for the D1GP 2013. The FA20 engine has been tweaked and enlarged to 2.2L and with HKS' blend of supercharging, Nobu's 86 now produces 580PS of power output. Aside from that, HKS spent a lot of time gearing this 86 up with their signature transmission, clutch, and suspension as well as a wide array of HKS parts. It runs on ADVAN NEOVA AD08 tires. What amazed me that this 86 is one of the quickest tuned 86's to lap round the Tsukuba Circuit in 0:58.808 respectively. Quite a record set by Nobu but we sure want one if GT6 wishes to add it!

The results please? So when one of these cars showed up in future updates on GT6, you can't say I have a little bit to do with that.

Take that to Kaz Yamauchi!

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 15, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2025 Mazda Kaan

At the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge, a selection of carmakers send on their top designers to envision futuristic concepts fit for the year 2025. For Mazda, their vision 2025 is an electric racer designed to compete in the E1 races. They foresee that in the future, the freeways of California have been resurfaced with a sub-level electro conductive polymer that powers modern electric cars. The Kaan's inspiration comes from electric fields and textures from nature. It comes with a patented electronic tire system to send the Kaan at a top speed of over 250mph with no harmful emissions.

2025 Mazda Kaan

1986 Ford RS200 Evolution

The iconic RS200 is Ford's rally legend made to compete for the WRC's Group B racing. To comply with homologation regulations, 200 of these models were made. By the time the RS200 is ready to compete, major carmakers competing in this group have been struggling and numerous fatal accidents spell the end of Group B rallying but the RS200 story didn't end there. What they did to the remaining 200 cars is adding some carpets on it and make it a road-going supercar. The road cars can reach a 0-60mph time in a sub-6 second mark and most geared at 150mph, all with four-wheel drive. Even today, the RS200 is a rarity.

1986 Ford RS200 Evolution

1983 Lancia 037 Stradale

One of the most memorable rally cars made for Group B rallying, the 037 is loosely based on the Montecarlo and it's served as the replacement to the iconic Stratos. Developed in cooperation with Abarth, the 037 is powered by a 2.0L engine from a Fiat Abarth 131, developing 265HP of power. At the hands of Markku Alén, Attilio Bettega, and Walter Röhrl, the Lancia 037 is the last rear-wheel drive to win the WRC, especially the manufacturer's world championship in 1983. As always, for homologation purposes, 200 road-going versions are made and the road-legal version produces 60HP less than the rally car.

1983 Lancia 037 Stradale

Let's Do The News! (January 14, 2014)

The big scoop today...

Senator Recto warned P-Noy about emergency powers

While the whole power issue is all around with us ever since electric bills gone skyrocketing, leaving us penniless for obvious reasons, Senator Ralph Recto, yesterday, warned President Noynoy Aquino about "emergency powers" because such political risks could "electrocute" him, not literally but metaphorically speaking. He also warns that once P-Noy has his hands on the emergency powers, solving today's energy crisis would deem to be difficult.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/563445/recto-emergency-powers-may-electrocute-aquino

...in related news...

P-Noy's performance rating dropped by 6% in last month's Pulse Asia survey, in the midst of controversy over his administration's poor performance in the aftermath of Superstorm Yolanda last November 2013. However, the Malacañang Palace stated that "3 out of 4 Filipinos" remained loyal to the President, based on the survey, which had a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/563381/aquino-approval-rating-dips-in-new-poll

About last night's lunar halo

The social media made a buzz regarding the moon with a ring about it. PAGASA stated that it's a normal occurrence and this "lunar halo" is a reflection of ice crystals brought by high clouds. It's caused by the LPA in the Visayas.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/563349/netizens-abuzz-over-haloed-moon

Former import player arrested

Tom Randall, a former import player of the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association, the PBA's precursor, was arrested for child abuse. NBI officials and the DSWD raided Randall's nursing home, which is an orphanage, after reports saying he molested about 30 children under his guardianship.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/563251/former-basketball-import-arrested-for-child-abuse

Teletubbies take on North Korea?!

Now this is weird news to us but for the United Kingdom; in order to take down the North Korean regime, all they need is some good quality British telly. Foreign Secretary William Hague told that the BBC is negotiating North Korea's state run television to provide British shows such as Teletubbies, Top Gear, Doctor Who, and any other British shows as long as its not offending the regime.

"You couldn't send Dad's Army as it is about war. But Teletubbies could be an option, or The Good Life, with a bit of gardening and squabbling in the kitchen." He said.

I know, this whole idea of British programming on North Korean television sounds crazy but will it work as if they did in the fall of the Berlin Wall?

Report: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/teletubbies/story-e6frfmyi-1226800268157?utm_source=News&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&net_sub_uid=86802821

Hasbro renews MLP for next season!

While Season 4 of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is still with us for a while, Hasbro announced that they're renewing it for a fifth season! Such success really deserves a new lease of life, especially for a girly show that attracts grown men. He he he...

Report: http://news.everfree.net/2014/01/season-5-of-my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-confirmed-by-hasbro-president/

...in other related news...

Ashleigh Ball, the Casting Voice behind MLP's Rainbow Dash and Applejack, recently joined Twitter! I know, she was recently added an hour ago but you're more than welcome to follow her! Her Twitter handle is @ash_leigh_ball

...I almost forgot...

The casting voice behind Rarity, Claire Corlett, now has her own Twitter account also. Stop by her Twitter account if you have something to ask! Her Twitter handle is @ClaireMCorlett

C7 Z06

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Welcome the all-new Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06, the ultimate Corvette at this moment of time. At first glance, it looks like the new C7 Corvette Stingray but with the Z06, a fine array of aerodynamic upgrades are added to give it more of an aggression to this American sportscar. Also, the old 7.0L V8 has been thrown away and replaced with a more powerful supercharged LT4 6.2L V8 engine producing 625HP of power. It maybe about less than the C6 ZR1 but the new Z06 is more powerful than the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 or the Ferrari 458 Speciale! It's offered with either a 7-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Z06 is set to be on sale next year.

Report: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/corvette-z06-revealed-detroit-2014-01-13

Toyota FT-1 Concept

2014 Toyota FT-1 Concept

For the NAIAS 2014, Toyota showcased a concept sportscar called the FT-1.  This sporty concept car previews its new design language as well as the future of Toyota's sportscars. Not only it was designed at Toyota's Calty Design studio in Michigan but the folks at Gran Turismo helped them create this masterpiece and oh! You can drive one in tomorrow's update on the Gran Turismo 6 video game exclusively on the PS3!

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/industry-news/naias-2014-toyota-will-blow-you-away-with-this-ft-1-concept

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (January 13, 2014)

The big scoop today...

Golden Globe Awards 2014

In case you missed this year's Golden Globe Awards, here are the list of winners, just so to let you know:

BEST MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA: 12 Years a Slave
BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA: Cate Blanchett
BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA: Matthew McConaughey
BEST MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: American Hustle
BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Amy Adams
BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Leonardo DiCaprio
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: Frozen
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: The Great Beauty
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE: Jennifer Lawrence
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE: Jared Leto
BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE: Alfonso Cuaron
BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE: Spike Jonze
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE: Alex Ebert
BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE: Ordinary Love by U2
BEST TV SERIES -  DRAMA: Breaking Bad
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES, DRAMA: Robin Wright
BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES, DRAMA: Bryan Cranston
BEST TV SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Amy Poehler
BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Andy Samberg
BEST TV MOVIE OR MINI-SERIES: Behind the Candelabra
BEST ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Elisabeth Moss
BEST ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Michael Douglas
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Jacqueline Bisset
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Jon Voight


Next-generation F150 revealed

2015 Ford F-150

The best-selling pickup truck in America, the Ford F-150, underwent a full-model change and for its full model change, the all new F-150 comes with brand new technologies first for its class. It is the first pickup to come with an 8-inch screen, 360-degree camera view, inflatable rear seat belts, smarter trailer tow module, LED sideview mirror spotlights, LED headlamps, Active Park Assist, BOXLINK interchangable cargo management system, power tailgate lock and release, and 12-corner crush boxes for improved front impack protection. It comes with the all-new 2.7 EcoBoost petrol engine with idling stop system as well as the 3.5L EcoBoost and the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine.

This car is set for its 2014 NAIAS debut this week and it will go on sale before the end of 2014.

Read More: http://www.netcarshow.com/ford/2015-f-150/

Shorter work days for tobacco workers because of SIN TAX

A year after the Sin Tax Reform Law of 2012 was signed into law, workers at the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) are facing problems. According to the president of the labor union of PMFTC, the company cut work days until the month of May. Tensions between the union and PMFTC grew in the last week of 2013 after plant management delayed its 2014 production plans, making the workers worrying that the management is on the risk of shutting down operations.

Report: http://www.interaksyon.com/business/78573/resulta-ng-sin-tax--shorter-work-days-for-tobacco-factory-workers-hit

Nissan GT Academy graduates achieved class win at the Dubai 24 Hours

At the 2014 Dubai 24 Hours endurance race, those recent Nissan GT Academy graduates - USA’s Nick McMillen, Europe’s Miguel Faisca (Portugal), Russia’s Stanislav Aksenov and Germany’s Florian Strauss - take control of a race-spec #123 NISMO 370Z race car. In the end, they came 25th overall and a SP2-class win with 513 laps completed.

The #126 NISMO 370Z racer was piloted by former F1 driver Karun Chandhok, V8 Supercar racer James Moffat, ADR-Delta LMP2 racer Tor Graves and first-ever GT Academy graduate Lucas Ordoñez. Things are looking good but as the race intensifies, reliability issues hit the #126, sending them 73 laps behind the recent graduates but still snagged a 3rd-place in class to send the GT Academy 2013 graduates on a SP2-class win.

Report: http://www.gtplanet.net/gt-academy-team-take-dubai-24h-class-victory/

Kris Aquino decides to remain in ABS-CBN

In order to secure the future of her two sons, Bimby and Joshua, celeb Kris Aquino decided to renew contracts with ABS-CBN despite rumors that she was offered by Manny V. Pangilinan to leave the Kapamilya network for good. The queen of all media will be renewing contracts with ABS-CBN tomorrow, as stated in the January 12 episode of Buzz Ng Bayan.

Report: http://www.pep.ph/news/41905/kris-aquino-decides-to-stay-with-abs-cbn-to-secure-son-joshua39s-future

Bea Rose's dad provoked because of lies

This is one of the biggest issues occurred this year because ever since Miss International 2013 winner Bea Rose Santiago got interviewed by Buzz Ng Bayan, she said that she did apologized to her dad, Paul Valencia Santiago, the person who abandoned her when she was young. Days after the interview, her dad posted a very long response on his Facebook account stating that what Bea Rose said about her family life...is a lie. It says...

“This is in reply to what my daughter Bea Rose Santiago had falsely and maliciously said during her interview last Sunday (January 5, 2014) in the Buzz ng Bayan."

“Also, this is an overdue reply to all the innuendos that had been levelled against me by Bea's mother Ophelia Monterde who deceitfully uses her deceased mother's name in her Facebook account."

“I would like to point out that I am issuing this statement not to ride on the 'popularity' of my daughter, I have kept silent for a long time but I can no longer stand the lies and malicious imputations that are being hurled against me by my own flesh and blood."

Report: http://www.pep.ph/news/41899/updated-bea-rose-santiago39s-father-slams-miss-international-2013-for-her-web-of-lies-wants-public-apology-from-daughter

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (January 12, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Tonight at 10:00PM, Philippine Standard Time, on ABS-CBN, there's a documentary about climate change presented by Cheche Lazaro, titled PANAHON NA. From Probe Productions, PANAHON NA tackles on the risks of climate change and why is the Philippines is highly prone to natural calamities such as typhoons, drought, and others, as well as the world around us. Ever since typhoons, big and small, hit the Philippines at random occurrences, our country became the third nation vulnerable to climate change. In this documentary, scientists, experts and disaster-reduction managers identify, assess, and explain the vulnerabilities of various areas in the country. They discuss what Filipinos can do to prepare and mitigate the consequences of climate change.

Cheche Lazaro Presents PANAHON NA airs tonight at 10:00PM, Philippine Standard Time, on ABS-CBN and learn how we can prevent every calamity to become a disaster.

- Audi revealed the Allroad Shooting Brake Concept car and it's set to debut at this week's 2014 NAIAS at the Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Although, this concept crossover is a bit of a decent looking machine, it also previews the next evolution of Audi design...I think.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept

- Drifting in Saudi Arabia with a front-wheel drive car can be extremely mental for daredevils and doing it on a public roads can be menacing and deadly. Because of that, the Arab government is adjusting laws against the Arab drift. Sources say that whoever caught doing it for the first time will be sent to trial and confiscate the car for a month, plus a $2,700 fine.

- The Visayas region of the Philippines is now a typhoon belt, areas commonly prone to typhoons, as acknowledged by an Climate Change Commission official. This region is again in the path of this year's first LPA named Agaton if it intensifies into a tropical depression. A PAGASA forecaster said that this LPA's chances of turning into a storm is slim because of the northeast monsoon or Hanging Amihan. As of 4:00PM yesterday, the LPA was estimated at 250km southeast of General Santos City.

About 20 domestic flights are cancelled today.

- The Colorado-based 2015 GMC Canyon midsize pickup has been revealed and for this full model change, it feels like it's the little brother of the GMC Sierra pickup. Set for 2014 NAIAS debut, the new generation Canyon comes with the best-in-class power from the 2.5L and the 3.6L V6 petrol engine, best-in-class payload, best-in-class maximum trailering rating, and greater capability with a 2.8L Duramax Diesel engine coming in 2016 model year.

2015 GMC Canyon

- The Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is ranked as the No. 2 Googled Philippine destination according to a CNN report.

- The cruise ship Grand Princess, supposed to be on a 15-day cruise in the Pacific on a San Francisco-Hawaii-San Francisco route scheduled to arrive on the 19th of January, 2014, has been delayed due to a ship worker, mostly a Filipino one, jumping overboard. CCTV footage saw the ship worker fall from the vessel and since then, the crew along with the Coast Guard and other ships have been searching to find the lost Filipino crew member.

- Last week, a former Miss Venezuela turned actress Monica Spear and her former husband were killed in a highway robbery after resisting robbers by locking the doors of their car and her daughter was wounded. Hundreds of mourners waited in long lines days after her brutal murder in Caracas to pay tribute to the late beauty queen turned actress.

- QUICK REMINDER: Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics starts from February 7 to February 23, 2014, in case you forgot. Oh yeah, over the course, I'll be setting up some kind of special segment later on during the course of the games. Schedules on games at http://www.sochi2014.com/en

- Kids, tell your mommies and daddies! Premiering this January 20 on the Disney Junior channel is the newest addition to the DJ line. It's Sheriff Callie's Wild West! In our newest addition to the Disney family, toddlers welcome the newest Sheriff in town. The lovable kitty-cat Sheriff Callie is the bravest and most thoughtful leader that ever roamed the Wild West. When bad things happen in the town of Nice & Friendly, it's up to Sheriff Callie and her friends to save the day.

The new show airs this January 20 on Disney Junior. Check local listings.

Sheriff Callie's Wild West

TTFN!!!