Let's Do The News! (September 11, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- In preparation for the battle against the ISIS, US President Barack Obama has been given a green light on airstrikes on Syria.

- In case you REALLY missed it, numerous internet companies have been slowing down for a day as a protest to save the internet's net neutrality against the FCC's decision to charge sites for speeds.

-The Mitsuoka Himiko, the Mazda Roadster/MX-5 Miata in Morgan Roadster's clothing, has a special edition model called the Himiko Crazy Timer, featuring a special exterior look. Only 20 units will be available, each costing 5,994,000 Japanese Yen (around $59,950).

Mitsuoka Himiko Crazy Timer

- Roland Kruger, the senior vice president from BMW, is named as the new CEO of Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand, replacing the outgoing Johan de Nysschen who is now the head of GM's Cadillac brand.

- Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is named as the chairman of Italian sportscar maker, Ferrari, as Luca di Montezemolo steps down. The end is only just the beginning...

- The Mini Oxford Plant has built their 3,000,000th car in history and it's a 5-door Mini Cooper S with a special UK flag paint job.

3 Millionth Mini

- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV wants the "overpriced" Makati building contractor, Hillmarc's Construction Corp., the one that bagged the controversial Makati City Hall 2 parking building project, to be placed under a "provincial blacklist".

- With the imminent power crisis in the Philippines next year, President Benigno Aquino III announced that he will be seeking additional powers to ease the problem.

- Niel Perez, a police officer, is named as the winner of Misters of the Philippines 2014 and he'll be representing his country at South Korea for this year's Mr. International, a pageant for the best males worldwide.

- The San Miguel Oktoberfest starts tomorrow at the Greenfield District Central Park, Mandaluyong City! Beer and music will rain down on the spectators for fun and expect great performances from some of the Philippines' biggest bands!

TTFN!!!

Daihatsu Altis (AVV50N) Minor Change

2015 Daihatsu Altis

Following the launch of the new 2015 Toyota Camry minor change, it looks like its equivalent from Daihatsu, the Altis, is not far behind as it follows suit as well.

Just like what you expect from the Camry minor change, the 2015 Altis features a slim front grille, LED-infused headlamps, and a large trapezoidal lower intake on the bumper with integrated fog lamps. On the back, you can also expect a rear bumper and a chrome strip that bridges the rear lamps.

2015 Daihatsu Altis interior

2015 Daihatsu Altis interior

Like the Camry, the 2015 Daihatsu Altis' improved interior features a new backlit instrumental panel with 4.2-inch TFT display between the dials, a revised steering wheel with three spokes, and a new centre console. It even comes with a SD navigation system as well.

It still comes with the 2.5L 2AR-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery while mated with a CVT gearbox. Running on petrol engine alone, it produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, and 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output, but running on the 2JM electric motor, it produces 105kW of power and 270Nm of torque. When both the engine and motor are in place, combined power output is 205PS. Simple as pie as it works. Fuel economy? 23.4km/L on JC08 Mode scale.

The suspension's been improved for added comfort and high-speed stability. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) has been reduced thanks to the added insulation material within the front doors and underneath the carpet.

The 2015 Altis is only available with the HYBRID 'G Package" variant and it's priced at 3,413,782 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, True Blue Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Toyota Camry AVV50 Minor Change

2015 Toyota Camry

Last 2011, the Toyota Camry luxury midsize saloon has been transformed into a hybrid-only saloon and the first hybrid saloon to introduce the 2AR-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and nickel metal battery. Three years later, the hybrid saloon from Japan has now been given a minor change so what's new?

The 2015 minor change Camry features a slim front grille, LED-infused headlamps, and a large trapezoidal lower intake on the bumper with integrated fog lamps. On the back, you can also expect a rear bumper and a chrome strip that bridges the rear lamps.

2015 Toyota Camry interior

2015 Toyota Camry interior

On the interior, it features a new backlit instrumental panel with a 4.2-inch TFT display between the dials, a revised steering wheel with three spokes, and a new center console. Aside from the cosmetic changes on the interior, there have been some hardware changes on the interior such as the implementation of Toyota's T-Connect SD navigation system.

If you're new here, what is T-Connect? T-Connect is Toyota's new telematics service along with sat-navs compatible with this and a smartphone app.  In addition to the voice controls, T-Connect allows third-party apps to be downloaded to the navigation system. There's an online help service that integrates and improves the functions the G-BOOK currently provided. In short; T-Connect from Toyota features interactive voice response, service for downloading apps to the sat-nav, improved online help, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

2015 Toyota Camry

You still have the 2AR-FXE (2.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i) engine loaded with Toyota Hybrid System II, which produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, and 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output while mated with a CVT gearbox, When switched on EV mode, the 2JM electric motor is operated and it generates 105kW of power and 270Nm of torque. When both the engine and motor are in place, the combined power output is 205PS, that's more than its rival, the Honda Accord Hybrid, would do. The fuel economy is 23.4 km/L on the JC08 Mode scale but for those who opted for the 16-inch wheel option, fuel economy is improved to 25.4km/L. Hmmm...How come there's a trick for this?

In terms of mobility, the suspension's been improved for added comfort and high-speed stability. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) has been reduced thanks to the added insulation material within the front doors and underneath the carpet.

Safety-wise, the Camry is available with the optional Pre-Crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Assist, and automatic high beam which automatically switches on the headlamps when the area is too dark or if it's nighttime.

The 2015 Camry hybrid sedan starts at 3,207,600 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, True Blue Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

The day the internet slowed down...

Battle for the Net

In the past years, the US government trying to make the internet no longer the safe haven for everyone. First, they've attacked our internet rights with their SOPA, PIPA, CISPA, or whatever they've thrown on us. Then, the Republicans denied cutting costs from the NSA in light of the Edward Snowden scandal.

Now, the FCC wants to slow the internet down and bore us to death. You see, the FCC is on the brink of allowing internet service provides (like the ones you are using right now) to build fast lanes for sites that can pay for them. What does that mean, you'll be facing a deadly equivalent of a heavy traffic gridlock in Metro Manila last week. Try to imagine the FCC as the heavy trucks that caused a heavy traffic on our city streets. I know it sounds metaphorically but come on...

Anyway, major cable companies have plans to charge websites arbitrary fees and slow most of our favorite sites that won't pay up.

We believe in the idea that the internet should be free to all, with no arbitrary fees or slow lanes for sites that can't pay. Most people, companies, and organizations have taken a stand called "Title II reclassification", their last bastion to prevent the FCC and the major cable companies from killing the internet we once knew.

If you want to take action: Click Here.

The internet needs you, now go! Tell the FCC that net neutrality should not be abolished and keep the internet free for everyone.

Let's Do The News! (September 10, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Earlier, Apple revealed two new products to their lineup. First up it's the brand new iPhone 6, which is loaded with iOS8 and major improvements, and their first-ever Apple Watch.

The iPhone 6 is offered with two versions; the smaller standard iPhone 6 and the larger iPhone 6 Plus. Whichever the iPhone 6 customers choose, they will be benefitted with enhanced retina display, improved iSight camera with new sensor with Focus Pixels and new video features, faster LTE download speeds, Touch ID technology, and the most advanced iOS8 operating system.

The Apple Watch, on sale early next year, is more than just tells time like most watches do. It's a smart watch that does everything such as receiving messages, make phone calls a la secret agent style, sketch, and so much more. It's personalizable as well and it features a wide array of apps built specifically for the Apple Watch.

Apple iPhone 6

Apple Watch range

- The Mercedes-AMG GT has finally revealed and this 911-beater, set for 2015 debut, will succeed where the SLS AMG left off. It is the first to feature a brand new 4.0L V8 turbo engine which develops 456HP of power and 443lb-ft of torque for the base model while the AMG GT S model has been uprooted to 503HP of power and 479lb-ft of torque, while mated with the 7-speed DCT.

2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

- The BMW 2-Series has spawned a convertible model.

2015 BMW M235i Convertible

- The conflict on the Gaza Strip maybe over but there's still more violence erupted on the streets of Jerusalem.

- US President Barack Obama will outline an expanded military and political effort to fight against the ISIS and urges Congress to quickly give him authority to arm Syrian opposition forces.

- A lawmaker from Mindanao urges his colleagues to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law immediately.

- Yes. You can play the Mercedes-AMG GT as a free DLC on the upcoming Playstation4 racing game, DriveClub.

DriveClub meets Mercedes-AMG GT

- Check out what happens when the DuckTales intro theme features real ducks!

- Yes. When you were kids, you guys love Chip and Dale but do you know everything about chipmunks? The demented minds from FOX ADHD featured this video in their Scientifically Accurate segment. Watch here. (STOP: The following link features content not suitable for all audiences. Strong Parental Guidance is advised)

TTFN!!!

The Cute Wall (Volume Three)

Now, the moment of truth is time because it's now time to do...THE CUTE WALL!



Yes, indeed. THE CUTE WALL. The wall where every cartoon character can be rated by how cute they are regardless of how my security blanket hardly explain while getting bitten by my lips...doing gibberish sounds.

First up, my security blanket discovered a cute character and it's... (making cute boing sounds)

Froakie

Froakie! Yes! It's Froakie from Pokemon XY! I always mimicking the leaping sounds of Froakie because it sounds so cute and between you and me, I wonder what is like to lick a Froakie?

(audience laughing)

Licking a Froakie? Are you nuts? Frog-licking is considered illegal and gross. It's like that Family Guy episode when teenagers are getting into toad-licking and only Peter Griffin has to stop it.

Okay, maybe licking Froakie sounds gross but what about the part when Ash and the gang are saving a horde of Spewpas from a greedy smuggler? I saw Froakie raising its arms which is like...the three bears song from the Korean drama Full House.

Three bears?

Yes, the Full House three bears song! (singing the Full House three bears song in Korean)

(audience laughing)

Sorry, I can't understand that but that sounds childish to me.

So, what do you think, folks? Where should we put Froakie on the CUTE WALL, huh?

(audience murmuring)

Did I hear cute? Did I hear Nakakagigil? Well, I reckon Froakie should be...in the CUTE position! Because Froakie is CUTE! Ha ha ha!

Okay, fine. Froakie's cute but not as cute as that Chespin we had a few weeks ago.

Fennekin

Check it out! It's another one of the Kalos starters from Pokemon XY TV show. Who's that PokeMon? It's Fennekin! Fennekin!

Fennekin's the yippin yappin type. It always yappin and yappin like...like...Queen Delightful's dog Sir Yipsalot.

(audience laughing)

I think not, big guy. Fennekin never yaps and you know it. Besides, this Fennekin is Serena's and don't even dare about making your move against her beloved. So, I guess I should put this to CUTE.

Her beloved, eh? How about these for a change?

What are you doing? Hey! What are you doing with Mabel Pines?

Mabel Pines should go to the SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE because...she's as ugly as an Ugly Betty!

(audience laughing)

Hey! Mabel Pines took credit for last year. Don't you dare put her to the SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE position!

Too late! It's already done!

(audience laughing)

Oh yeah? How about...this?!

Harukasan

Harukasan!

(audience laughing)

Yes! It's your beloved Harukasan! The one from Puchimas who keeps saying kaa-kaai!!! You know it's cute because...well, it's cute!

Don't you dare!

Yeah! Unless you put Mabel back to Nakakagigil, I'll force this little...umm...I don't know what's called but anyway, I'll put her to SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE.

(splash!)

What the?!

(audience laughing)

What did you do? Ahh!!! Why did I got another Harukasan in my hand?

You forgot about the thing that Harukasan multiplies herself when exposed with water!

Oh dear! I forgot about the memo! You win this round! Harukasan's in the, well, CUTE position. Can't believe I got messed up on this part.

(audience laughing)

I'll get you next time...But in the meantime...

Kwazii

Who the fudge is that?

It's Kwazii. Kwazii Cat from Octonauts. I think he's cute because he's in a cute show about a cute crew of Octonauts explore, rescue, and protect marine life.

Kwazii's not cute.

Why?

Look at him. He looks as rough as a pirate.

Well, he was once a pirate from his past but we don't want to talk about it.

But still, I don't want to consider Kwazii as cute so...gimme that...NOT CUTE. That's where Kwazii should be because he doesn't have qualities of being a cute character.

(audience laughing)

Stuffy

Oohhh! Look what I found in our favorite blanket. It's Stuffy, that accident-prone stuffed dragon from Doc McStuffins! What do you think, folks?

(audience murmuring)

Well, since I heard CUTE, might as well I'll put it anyway. Objections?

Uh...nope. I have no objections. Yes, Stuffy maybe an accident-prone stuffed dragon toy but that doesn't stop him for being a cute character appeared from a very cute show.

Well, I'm glad I agreed to what you said...just.

(audience laughing)

So...This concludes today's Cute Wall. See you next time, folks!

Time for the recap!

SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE:

Raichu

Mabel Pines

NOT CUTE:

Dopey

*Kwazii

CUTE:

Pichu

Plusle

Minun

Pachirisu

Emolga

Dedenne

Mokona

Mog

Catbug

Bashful

*Froakie

*Fennekin

*Harukasan

*Stuffy

NAKAKAGIGIL!!!:

Pikachu

BMO

Bijou

Poof

George

Happy

Chespin

Let's Do The News! (September 9, 2014)

Things we learned so far...

- Jaguar's answer to the BMW 3-Series, the XE, was finally revealed. Set for its 2014 Paris Motor Show debut and its 2015 release, the new XE is packed with the brand new Ingenium engines developed by JLR. The first will be a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine which has 75mpg of fuel economy and under 100g/km of CO2 emissions.

2016 Jaguar XE

- North Korea has test fired three short-range missiles into the sea in advance of a major public holiday on both Koreas. It was confirmed by a South Korean defense official and this is probably one of North Korea's latest threats against all mankind.

- Rise from the K-POP girl group Ladies' Code has died, four days after a car accident near Seoul. She was 23 years old. Ladies' Code debuted last year and last month, they've released their single, Kiss Kiss.

- West Desert locals heard loud explosions as the US Air Force detonated two first-stage ballistic missile rocket motors at the Utah Test and Training Range.

- The Indian Air Force is collaborating with the Indian government's rescue ops and 310 victims from the flood-ravage Srinagar have been evacuated to Chandigarh.

- The Peugeot 308 gained a mildly sporty GT model, which comes with a different exterior look, and a choice of a 1.6L turbo petrol or 2.0L diesel engine. It comes with a Driver Sport Pack, which amplifies the engine sound, and increases the acceleration and steering response.

2015 Peugeot 308 GT

- Coachbuilder Zagato unveiled an Aston Martin Virage-derived Shooting Brake at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Concours d'Elegance.

Aston Martin Zagato Shooting Brake

- Moments after a New York Times editorial accused the Philippine President Benigno Aquino III of political mischief, the Malacanang officials fired back at one of USA's biggest newspapers, saying that P-Noy always makes decisions with public interest in mind.

- This is no time for games and murmurs as Manny Pacquiao is ready to face off with Chris Algieri in Macau this 22nd of November, 2014.

- Check out this time-lapse clip of Guardians of the Galaxy's Rocket Raccoon and Groot assembled in LEGO blocks!

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (September 8, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Twitpic,  a site that lets user share pics on Twitter, will be shutting down on the 25th of September, 2014. Reason for this closure is when a few weeks ago, Twitter demanded Twitpic to abandon their trademark application or risk losing access to their API.  Twitpic was launched in 2008 and its trademark application has been in the USPTO 5 years ago. Sadly, they don't have enough resources to maintain their trademark against Twitter.

Farewell, Twitpic

- Cadillac, the luxury brand of General Motors will launch the semi-autonomous Super Cruise technology in the next two years. This bizarre tech can speed the car up, slow it down and keep it in its intended lane.

- Red Bull Racing rookie, Daniel Ricciardo, was awarded the Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini at the recently concluded Italian GP match in Monza.

- Senate President Franklin Drilon expects the Bangsamoro Basic Law to be passed by March of 2015 as long as there are no problems hindering their way.

- There was a diplomatic row between Israel and New Zealand after South Pacific officials told that their new ambassador was denied by the Israeli because he's also part of the Palestinian Authority.

- GET READY! It's your last chance to win limited-edition prizes on the QUAHOG COMIC-CON AND THE FABULOUS FOUR special event on Family Guy: The Quest of Stuff mobile game. Last chance to have Peter, Lois, Chris, and Quagmire dive into geek trash and become The Fabulous Four! Last chance to win celebrities to use in-game, last chance to save Quahog from mutant Stewies, and yes, you get the idea. It ends tomorrow!

- Good news! Pre-orders on upcoming Disney titles on DVD and Blu-Ray by Amazon are back! However, Hayao Miyazaki's The Wind Rises still listed as unavailable.

- Molly Glynn, an actress who played as a doctor in the NBC firefighting drama series, Chicago Fire, was killed by a falling tree during a powerful storm.

- Renowned scientist, Stephen Hawking, said that the Higgs boson, the God particle, could care enough energy to annihilate the entire universe. Whoa...

TTFN!!!

F1 2014: Italian GP

Lewis Hamilton's win at Monza surely give the Brit of the Mercedes F1 team a fighting chance after his teammate/rival Nico Rosberg caused a rare error while getting his grip against his colleague, leaving him on 2nd. That leaves Hamilton the victor of this 53-lap race, followed by Rosberg in 2nd place, and Felipe Massa of Williams placed 3rd. Racers who didn't make it were Ferrari's Fernando Alonso because of ERS malfunction, and Marussia's Max Chilton because of an accident.

In the driver's standings, Rosberg's still in the lead by 22 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton while Red Bull Racing rookie Daniel Ricciardo retains his 3rd spot at 166 points.

Next race is on Singapore on the 21st of September.

Report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/9/16320.html

Image: Top Gear

Wow Mali! - September 7, 2014

On the September 7, 2014 episode of Wow Mali! Lakas Ng Tama!

- JEEPNOTISMO - This old lady knows the power of hypnotism to take control of everyone inside the jeepney!

- SULO MGA KAPATID! - Angry mob? No. A cult following thinking you're the leader!

- KAHAWA-HAWA KA? - Sorry, there's something on your eye...

- On this episode's MR. FU, KERI MO?, Mr. Fu asked a challenger to do tasks as the streak goes up!

- ISANG TANONG, ISANG HALIK - You deserve a thank you kiss, folks!

- AY! FIVE - Sorry, he's not going to hi-5 you. He's hi-5-ing someone!

- POGI POINTS: ISA KANG ZIP-ZIP - The boys are challenged to ask someone to zip their pants while they're holding ice cream! The loser gets to run outside with his boxers!

- DIAMOND PEEL NA FEEL - We're not sure if we want our faces peeled by a mad derma...

Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?! - September 6, 2014

On the September 6, 2014 episode of Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?!:

- The Tropa Mo Ko guys showed their wild side on their "zoo gags".

- The tension continues to pour on ANG DALAWA'T KALAHATING MRS. REAL, place your guesses here.

- Two girls can't really write their names right in GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER.

- The crowd from UPHSD Las Pinas are taking on the PAMINTA 101 segment where the differences of a man, a beki, and a paminta are shown.

- MR. SABEEH solves your life dilemmas!

- Two girls can't get their bills smaller right in GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER!

- Tuesday Vargas settles the misconceptions of a shrimp!

- The BFF -BEST FAKE FRIENDS- are bragging about their weight losses!

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls got confused about the washing machine!

- Your embarrassing feelings on embarrassing situations are examined.

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls don't really know what "NO OUTSIDE FOOD ALLOWED" means!

- POKE-POKAN NA in ISUBO MO BABY!

Doctor Who S08E03

Doctor Who S08E03

When The Doctor meets Robin Hood, the famed outlaw of the Sherwood Forest, sparks literally fly on the episode when Tom Riley guested as Robin Hood himself. Giving a twist on that night's episode, The Doctor, Clara, and Robin Hood team up to foil the evil plot set by the Sheriff, played by Ben Miller. The added sword fights, archery, and the merriment really is a nice cocktail for this episode and The Doctor's never ending mission to take down an alien plot really hits a bull's eye.

And now, some BTS from the episode titled "Robot of Sherwood":

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

Forza Motorsport 5 - 2014 Renault Spark SRT_01E at Silverstone GP Circuit

A few days ago, I tried out the Spark-Renault SRT_01E on Forza Motorsport 5 and I was very amazed that for a quiet racing machine like this, this zero-emission racing machine is proven to be serious enough to be part of the newly-established FIA Formula E championship. I might expect spectators getting bored watching this race because of the silence provided by these electric racers but who cares?



Now, it's time for me to go to Silverstone for some further experiments on how track-worthy is this silent machinima of a racing machine is and because I will journey through real-world racing courses provided by Forza Motorsport 5, the SRT_01E is the prime specimen for my long-term experiment; which is the shakedown for the newborn zero-emission racer.



And now, the video of the SRT_01E's simulation at Silverstone;



So, Silverstone isn't a bit of a challenge for the SRT_01E, eh? Next time, let's go to the Circuit de la Sarthe's Bugatti Circuit for further experimentations. Good bye!

#BGLasingSaGotohan

On the September 5, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...too much liking on posts!

- "Lasing sa Gotohan" gags

- Lala Ytera tries to be supportive...NOT!

- The story of Dexter the BINATILYA continues as he gets a new look that displeases his dad.

- Bubble Gang does Pond's White Beauty by spoofing this commercial as FOND'S WHITE BEAUTY!

Bubble Gang does Pond's

- Everyone's favorite kontrabida, Antonietta, still has some teleserye cliches to spoil for the televiewers and faces off with a familiar face!

- More wise words from Tata Lino!

- ANG BAGONG DATING DOON INTERNATIONAL welcomes all your questions here and around the world!

Someone from the Cayman Islands told if there's something about good shepherds in Baguio. Their response: AIN'T NO RULES, AIN'T NO VOW. WE CAN DO IT ANYHOW. EYE AND EYE, WE'LL SEE YOU THROUGH. CAUSE EVERYDAY, WE PAY THE PRICE. WITH A LITTLE SACRIFICE. 'TILL THE JAM IS TRUE. OH YEAH! ALL RIGHT! WE'RE JAMMIN'. I WANNA JAMMIN' WITH YOU. WE'RE JAMMIN, JAMMIN, AND HOPE YOU LIKE JAMMIN' TOO. OOH BABY!

A PM from someone living from Kawit told where is the "hotspot". A personal hotspot can be found...in the middle!

A PM from someone living from Angeles City told if there are any wrong terms and these are the wrong terms;

• Dinuktor - It's a word for forging but the "doctor" word in the dinuktor word? Only doctors can forge documents? That's wrong though, next time, use the word "pineke" because the "pineke" word really means forgery a lot.
• Ginisa - Ginisa is Tagalog for grilled but when you read the tabloids saying "ginisa sa Senado", is there something grilling at the Senate? Mmm....Sounds delicious but it's preferable to use the word inihaw.
• Sinabon is also wrong because...who would rather use a soap on a worst-case scenario? Instead of sinabon, why not use the word pinagalitan?

Someone told if who's that friend in the You Got a Friend song. The response; YOU JUST CALLED OUT MY NAME AND YOU KNOW WHEREVER I AM, I COME RUNNING TO SEE YOU AGAIN. Another response goes like; YOU AND I MUST MAKE A PACT, WE MUST BRING SALVATION BACK, JUST CALL MY NAME ALVIN TENG. Boom! There's the name!

- Cocktails named after girls...does it make your gal feel jealous?

Akumajo Dracula Lords of Shadow 2

Akumajo Dracula
Lords of Shadow 2 (PS3)

Akumajo Dracula
Lords of Shadow 2 (XBOX 360)

Four years ago, Konami and developer Mercury Steam wanted to give the secret origin of Dracula a powerful revision in Castlevania Lords of Shadow (日本名: キャッスルヴァニア ロード オブ シャドウ). After Gabriel Belmont, the one-time member of the "Brotherhood of Light", battled Satan in the underworld and at the end of the previous story, Dracula's secret origin and his connection with the Belmont clan was revealed. Welcome to the sequel: Akumajo Dracula Lords of Shadow 2 (日本名: 悪魔城ドラキュラ ロード オブ シャド2)

The sequel to the 2010 reboot, available on the PS3 and XBOX 360 consoles, delivers new twists, action, adventure, and challenges, as players take on the role of Dracula, the lord of the vampires, only this time he must take on the ultimate evil while taking on a new world; a modern world. Most of the familiar faces in the Dracula story returned and looks like fans wanted to expect this game to be far beyond compare against its predecessor...and it did, just.

First and foremost, you might think that it's simple to play than the last one but once you progress further, it gets harder and harder but when you get through the hang of it, it will be more rewarding and take advantage with all of the skills to survive through the last battle.

Similar to the light and dark magic from the first installment, Lords of Shadow 2 gives players another tactic to master; mastering void and chaos magic. Depending on the enemy you're facing, mastering the void magic and the chaos magic will give you an edge on the battle. You can also absorb the enemy's void or chaos magic as well and then use it wisely in the heated battle. This is just like the electrolytes from Metal Gear Rising Revengeance. To be more powerful,, give everything you got to survive to the very end.

As you defeat numerous enemies, you'll gain experience and you'll need experience to spend on key items or even artwork from the game.

No Dracula game will ever be complete without ever-challenging boss battles that test the mettle of your battle-proven tactics. In LOS2, boss battles require your precise combat skills, either direct or area attacks, as well as guarding. If you want to unleash more powerful attacks, try for the chaos magic but if it's health restoration you're after if you're not in the time for healing items, void magic will help you. Make use of these and you can defeat even the most menacing of foes as you fight your way back to the castle.

Don't think you're done with this because even when you finished this game, there's still work that needs to be done because there are numerous achievements to complete and some difficulty settings to master. Once you've done this in the most difficult setting, you are worthy of it but if you want more challenges, you can also purchase the "Story of Alucard" DLC. In this DLC, you can take on the tale of Alucard, a vampire who wanted to end his bloodline.

The concluding tale of the Lords of Shadow story is definitely one of the must have for your PS3 or XBOX 360 and if you're a hardcore gamer, look no further.

I'm very happy that with this game, looks like there's hope for the franchise but there is one bit of problem because even with LOS2, looks like the future of this Castlevania franchise is in doubt right now. Some of the people involved in the development of the Castlevania franchise moved down south for numerous reasons and today, of course, it's hard to tell the future of the franchise because pretty soon, there won't be any other Dracula game for the next generation. And that made me sad...