Forza Horizon 2: Driving the Grand Cherokee SRT

Two years ago in the original Forza Horizon on the XBOX 360, I've driven the current-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and this muscle car in SUV's clothing makes me feel like I'm donning a stetson and imagining the Colorado location as my Wild West where the Grand Cherokee loves to have a duel with the other cars. It may have sacrificed its mobility for the sake of added speed, this car has some cowboy's honor on it.

With the arrival of its facelifted ego, every Forza Faithful in the world were wandering when will the folks from T10 be featuring the facelifted Grand Cherokee SRT, even last year's FM5 didn't made the cut because they've just featured a previous-generation SRT8 with the 6.1L HEMI V8 in it. Until now...



Here it is, folks. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. It's part of FH2's Mobil 1 Pack and although it looks the same as the pre-facelifted model that I drove in the original Horizon two years ago, some big changes have been occurred on the inside. Of course, it has some updated interior design in it but the biggest change of all is its gearbox. The pre-facelifted model has a 5-speed automatic gearbox but the 2014 model added three more gears so it's now an 8-speed automatic. 8 gears overall! That's about how many legs an octopus have or so I thought.



For a high-performance version of Jeep's flagship SUV, it's still behaves like a normal Grand Cherokee and all that beef jerky that I just ate for recess, this car still tastes like that old-timey Texan treat. That glorious HEMI 6.4L V8 engine sound, now that's beef jerky stuff and this sound can't get even more delicious. Yes. I just said that but since we're in FH2 and this is Southern Europe, there's no jerky but driving the facelifted Grand Cherokee SRT on FH2 tastes like fried calamari and nougat for lunch. Geez, why am I saying that? Is it because my mouth's full of chewy stuff?! Anyway, never mind about that but this hi-po SUV loves to chew through any road it crosses, be it tarmac, gravel, or dirt alike.



Although it feels the same as the pre-facelifted GC SRT8 that I drove two years ago, the latest Grand Cherokee SRT still has some cowboy's honor even in the world where beef jerkies aren't existed in Europe. Now that I spent several hours evaluating this car, I have a road trip back to the festival and I'll be using this car for the ride. Be advised: This SUV doesn't wait to go and...you guessed it...the Grand Cherokee SRT needs to go like Nina Needs To Go. Anyone knows where the nearest restroom is? I really need to go.

Top Gear Awards 2014

Top Gear Awards 2014

Yes, it's that time of the year the BBC Top Gear Magazine announced which car make it to their car of the year and for 2014, this Top Gear Awards is no slouch and always in tune with the times. As time moves fast, the year 2014 is coming to a close, and with the upcoming Christmas special is coming this month on BBC Two (yes, the one with the controversial plate in it that caused anger by the Falklands War veterans), it's time to find out which of these machines make it to the Top Gear Awards 2014.

Jeremy Clarkson's COTY - Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

James May's COTY - Ferrari LaFerrari

Richard Hammond's COTY - Porsche 918 Spyder

Sports Car of the Year - Mercedes-AMG GT

Hot Hatch of the Year - Volkswagen Golf R

Supercar of the Year - Lamborghini Huracan

City Car of the Year - Renault Twingo

Hatchback of the Year - Citroen C4 Cactus

Family Car of the Year - Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Coupe of the Year - Audi TT

Luxury Car of the Year - Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

Cabriolet of the Year - Ferrari 458 Speciale A

Muscle Car of the Year - Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Top Gear Car of the Year 2014 - BMW i8

Source: http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/top-gear-car-of-the-year-2014-12-03

Nintendo 3DS Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Super Music Complete

Nintendo 3DS Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Super Music Complete

Last month, Pokemon fans from all over the world are enjoying with one of the most anticipated 3DS titles of 2014 which is more of a revived version of the original Pocket Monsters Ruby & Sapphire versions called Pocket Monsters Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

Whether if they're a battle-ready veteran or a battle-shy rookie, these games will turn themselves into the deadliest of the ace trainers as they embark on a wonderful Hoenn region like they've never seen before. Whether they can choose between Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip, collect different kinds of Pokemon, train them to unleash utter devastation with clinical precision, battle against some of Hoenn's highly skilled trainers, wow the crowd with your Pokemon's moves in the Pokemon Contest Spectacular, fend off the war between Team Aqua and Team Magma, uncover the hidden prophecies lurking around the Hoenn region, make your own Secret Bases and share it to the world, go on a free-flight with Latias or Latios, witness new Mega Evolutions from your favorite Pokemons, and overall, unleash Groudon and Kyogre's true selves with Primal Reversion. There's even online connectivity where ace trainers meet up to battle or trade with their Pokemons.

Now, with the arrival of the official soundtrack from Pokemon ORAS, we can now relive the drama and destruction in the latest installment of one of Nintendo's ever-evolving legendary series at the comfort of our ears. It's a 6-disc compilation and in this compilation, not only you can listen to newly remastered versions of those Ruby and Sapphire BGMs but also the original Ruby and Sapphire BGMs as well. There's also some bonus tracks curated by the Game Freak Sound Team just to spice up the ante.

Once more, it even comes with a 28-page booklet that will take you behind the scenes on the rebirth of the Advanced Generation and of course, reversible covers. You can switch the cover from either Primal Groudon or Primal Kyogre, depending on your liking.

Pocket Monsters Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are now on sale exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS range (from the old 3DS, 2DS, and new 3DS models) and for a limited time, claim your shiny Beldum equipped with a Mega Stone up until January 2015. Execute pre-flight checks - Hoenn awaits.

Let's Do The News! (December 3, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- IT'S YOLANDA PART TWO, HUH? Weather officials reported there is an incoming typhoon approaching in the same region that was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last year. Called Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), it would have further intensified with sustained winds up to 175kph, causing heavy rainfall and storm surges. Note that winds above 220kph is considered a supertyphoon but at that rate, looks like we have Yolanda Part Two in our hands in the Philippines and this...Typhoon Ruby could repeat the Yolanda tragedy last year.

Typhoon Ruby

- Earlier, there was a South Korean fishing vessel, called the Oryong 501 sank in the Bering Sea off the coast of Russia's far eastern Chukotka region due to bad weather and over 50 people remain missing. Officials in Seoul said there were eight people pulled from the water; a Russian official, a South Korean crew member, three Filipinos and three Indonesians. A South Korean who is one of them is frozen to death.

- Republicans may launch a counterattack against President Barack Obama's immigration order.

- A video of two Indian sisters fending off against male harassers in the bus went viral. This viral clip is just one of the cases of sexual harassment in India and this one is different from a gang rape of an Indian schoolgirl while riding in the bus two years ago.

- The top officials from NATO are supporting Ukrainian forces and oppose Russia for backing separatists as the alliance signed off on its new training mission in Afghanistan.

- Northrop Grumman opened its Australian operations during the launch ceremony at the Australian War Memorial last night. Their products have been supporting Australian national security requirements for over two decades and with the commencement of their Australian operations, it is one of the key growth areas targeted by the Northrop Grumman Corp.

- The teleserye that started the craze, Pangako Sa 'Yo, gets a much awaited reboot for next year. Yes. We can expect a new twist on this timeless ABS-CBN teleserye that ushered a new age of Philippine TV and for this reboot, the KathNiel love team is back as Kathryn Bernardo will play as Yna Macaspac while Daniel Padilla will play the role of Angelo Buenavista. Of course, nothing is complete without the legendary rivalry between the two rival villains from the series and for this 2015 reboot, Banana Split comedienne Angelica Panganiban will play as the new Claudia Buenavista while Jodi Sta. Maria, the actress from the recently-concluded Be Careful with My Heart will play as the new Amor Powers.

- There's a new Forza Horizon 2 DLC Pack for the month of December and it's the new NAPA Chassis Car Pack featuring the the McLaren 650S, the new Range Rover, the new Audi RS6 Avant, and so much more! It's now for sale but Season Pass owners can get it for free!



- GM Europe unveiled their new budget cars called the Opel Karl and Vauxhall Viva, which is set for their 2015 Geneva Motor Show debut this March. They'll be both based on the upcoming Chevrolet Spark which Europeans won't be seeing it because of Chevrolet ceasing their European sales this 2015.

2016 Opel Karl

2016 Vauxhall Viva

- The company behind the Maisto and Bburago toy cars now has exclusive rights for Ferrari next year so when the next time you want a Ferrari toy car from your local toy store, be sure it's a Maisto or a Bburago.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (December 2, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Japanese politicians began their 12-day campaigning for the general election on the 14th of December. PM Shinzo Abe is framing the vote as a referendum to his economic policy.

- The top diplomats kicked off their UN conference on climate change, known as COP-20, in Lima, the capital city of Peru. They're discussing a new plan to limit greenhouse gas emissions with an agreement, set for the end of 2015, that will replace the Kyoto Protocol that expired two years ago.

- The Al-Shabab aggressors have killed around 36 quarry workers, mostly Christian, near the north Kenyan town of Mandera last week. This massacre sparked a mass protest seeking justice to those that killed by the Somalia-based Islamist aggressors.

- 22 personnel from the Philippine Air Force have been detained at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay due to an alleged hazing incident. One of them is a junior officer who undergoes training while the rest are cadets of the Officer of Candidate School. Nine of the cadets were recommended for discharge while the remaining 13 are under investigation.

- Senator Jinggoy Estrada addressed his concern over the Sandiganbayan decision to reject the bail plea of his co-accused Senator Bong Revilla.

- Mercedes-Benz celebrated their F1 2014 win with their limited-edition SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector's Edition, featuring two different styles reflecting on two Mercedes-F1 drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes-AMG SL63 World Championship 2014
Collector's Edition 

- AN END OF AN ERA: Ford Australia announced that they'll be pulling out of the V8 Supercars championship after the 2015 season. This decision is part of Ford's announcement that they will stop producing cars for the Australian market in 2016.

- More Caterham models will be introduced next year and each will have its own numerical nameplate to reflect its power to weight ratio.

- Check out the teaser clip from the upcoming Teen Beach Movie 2, sequel to the 2013 Disney Channel Original Movie that will soon be airing on Disney Channel this summer of 2015.

- Zendaya is back! Check out the first teaser clip from her upcoming Disney Channel original TV series K.C. Undercover, hitting the TV screens next year!



TTFN!!!

Honda Grace

Following last year's launch of the Honda Accord Hybrid, which signals the first for the Japanese carmaker's EARTH DREAMS Sedan Series where all four-door saloons will be hybrid-only and while the Accord spearheaded this new range, we can expect two more such as the flagship Legend that comes with the same tech as the NSX Concept and this, the Honda Grace hybrid compact saloon.

2015 Honda Grace

Of course, this car looks familiar to the eyes of ASEAN Honda fans because the Grace is how you say Honda City is Japanese, much like its predecessor, the Fit Aria. Like the old Fit Aria, the new Grace is based on the third-generation Honda Fit and because this is based on the latest Fit, the only powertrain available is the 1.5L petrol engine connected to an electric motor and Li-ion battery. The gearbox offered for this compact hybrid saloon is, you guessed it, a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox from the Fit. This tech is part of the Japanese carmaker's SPORT HYBRID lineup and if you're new here or if you forgot about what's what, let me give you a quick refresher.

This significantly advanced lightweight and compact one-motor system developed for Honda's next generation of compact cars combines a 1.5L engine with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries. When going and high speeds, both the electric motor and the engine kick in for combined power while at low speeds, the batteries are in charge.

Now that you get the idea, do you think this method worked? It's a possible yes but with added consequences as this tech faced numerous recalls due to some faulty glitches on the gearbox and since the Grace is a new car that has the same clever hybrid tech as the Fit and Vezel, let's hope that same mistake won't happen again...unless Honda's going to make another move when their double-clutch gearboxes on their compact hybrids gone nuts.

2015 Honda Grace

Anyway, with this clever tech, the Grace delivers an impressive fuel economy of 34.4kmpl by Japan's JC08 Mode standards but if you opt for the EX model with paddle shifters on it, it will be dropped to 31.4kmpl. Either way, the Grace is much more enjoyable to own than its chief rival, the Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid, but no matter the variant, the Grace feels like a cheap car built for comfort. It may not be a fun car to drive on the open road but its state as a city car is not half bad. It feels like your ears have been plugged by some super-cozy headphones on the go. If you opt for the 4WD system, the Grace feels like it's ready to go with the current of the times because of its mild grip suitable enough for any weather although its added weight makes it prone to understeer.

2015 Honda Grace interior

2015 Honda Grace interior

While the Grace is a bit average to drive, the design is somewhat average. It may be great to look at but it can be somewhat dull and repetitive inside and out because this interior feels like it's been carried over from its Fit and Vezel relatives, but if you opt for more expensive versions, you'll get some toys to play around inside thanks to its satellite navigation system. Not only that, it hosts a wide array of safety features such as the City Brake Active System, and Emergency Stop Signal, among many others.

So, would you buy the Grace? For this time, it starts at 1,950,000 Japanese Yen (around $20,000) so that's more costly than the Toyota Axio Hybrid but more valuable than its big brother, the Honda Accord Hybrid so it's a smart value for a car that succeeds where the Insight and the Fit Aria left off. This car really lives up to its name, sort of.

Available colors: White Orchid Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Tinted Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, and Gold Brown Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Volkswagen Passat B8

2015 Volkswagen Passat

No, You're not seeing things. This isn't the same Passat as the last model four years ago because what you're looking at is the all new, eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat and when I say "all new", this car really means it because everything's new inside and out as well as it uses the VW Group's breakthrough MQB platform to keep its full model change as fresh as a charter change in politics.

The previous model is nothing but a carryover just like the same thing happened with the Golf a few years ago but for this new model, the new Passat tries to shake it up the executive medium sedan market with everything from its arsenal but has it really worked?

In terms on how the new, eighth-generation, Passat looks, it's somewhat mainstream from here but on the flipside, at least it's not as bland as the previous model and when other people happened to see one cruising on the city streets, there's no denying that it really feels like a combination of being a big-shot and a family man at the same time.

2015 Volkswagen Passat interior 

On the inside, it still looks like the same as the other V-Dubs but it has lots of gadgets you can play around for fun while on a stop. It has Car-Net that gives you real time information and traffic updates, new MirrorLink that lets this car use the same app as the smartphone you've synced on it, a telephone where you can communicate other people hands-free as long as you're not driving because talking disturbs your concentration, a high-end DYNAUDIO Confidence Sound System, and so much more you can play around in the Passat.

If the future is now thanks to science, the new Passat B8 has loads of safety features that will make you noticed such as Area View, Trailer Assist, Park Assist, Emergency Assist, Front Assist, and a plethora of safety features that keeps this car technologically advanced. I know that sounds nice but with all that tech lurking around the new Passat's skin, it feels like they're in charge now. Not us.

Because the wheelbase is longer than the previous model, passengers have no problem about the rear legroom. It feels as posh as...your grandparents' birthday at a three-star hotel. Hmmm... It sure is enjoyable at first but if it gets longer, you will get bored and there's no way out to get out of the boredom until everyone, including you, to leave. Yawn...

2015 Volkswagen Passat

Now, what about how it feels to drive a new Passat? Because of such exterior design, it's more than enough to accommodate a wide range of available engines, be it petrol or diesel,  There's a 1.4 TSi petrol and 2.0 TDi engine with different powerbands. Both of these engines come with BlueMotion Technology for better fuel economy which, in the 2.0 TDi engine with 150PS of power and 6-speed manual, can get you up to 25km/L on the EU Combined Cycle scale. It's too odd why the only petrol engine in the range is a 1.4 TSi ACT with a 6-speed manual but for those diesel models, not only they come with a 6-speed manual but also a 6-speed DSG for quicker shifts than a normal manual gearbox. They're all Euro VI compliant so don't even thinking about wishing for this one to arrive in a Euro II country, especially the Philippines. You know the drill, right?

Handling wise, it's not so bad to drive because of its lowered height, clever suspension setup, and the available progressive steering which feels as accurate as your passing grade that you've got from your pop quiz at college. You can take it out on the open road and it feels very relaxed as its driving dynamics of the new Passat shows less worries on the long and winding path. It feels like I've been ventured through the roads of Everest Hills for hours.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Variant

If you're a soccer mom on a grocery shopping spree, there's also an available Passat Variant as well and for this sports tourer, it has the same feel as the sedan version but with added luggage space fit enough for your weekly grocery shopping list.

The Passat is priced at 25,875 Euros for the sedan and 26,950 Euros for the Variant tourer and these cars are more valuable than those German luxury entry-level saloons but not as valuable as the Asian rivals such as the Mazda Atenza and the Hyundai Sonata. Should you buy one? The rest is up to you.

Photo: Volkswagen

2015 Subaru Forester tS

2015 Subaru Forester tS

Following the launch of the recently facelifted 2015MY Subaru Forester in Japan, the folks from STi offered a limited-edition Forester tS exclusively for the Japanese. Just 300 units will be made until April 2015 and for this limited edition model, it uses the 2.0XT model as its basis, meaning this variant comes with the same FA20 DIT engine mated with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT gearbox with Manual Mode operated via paddle shifters.

The outside features a more sportier aerodynamics as well as some STi and tS badges on it. There's also an exclusive WR Blue Mice offered on this limited-edition model as well.

2015 Subaru Forester tS interior

Since it's based on the facelifted Forester, you can expect the same brand-new interior as the normal Forester but for the tS model, it features sportier black and red front seats with the STi logo in it, an STi push engine switch, a speedo that reads up to 260kmh, STi shift lever, STi steering wheel, and everything STi sprinkled on the interior to match its sporty personality.

This special model comes with additional improvements done by STi such as the flexible tower bars, flexible draw stiffeners, brembo 17-inch ventilated disc brakes, STi front struts and rear dampers, Transmission Control Unit, CVT Oil Cooler, and rebooted ECU.

Like the facelifted Forester, it still comes with Subaru's Eyesight Ver. 2 that has a feature that automatically brakes in a near-collision situation.

It's priced at 4,350,000 Japanese Yen (around $44,000) but remember, it's available only in Japanese market and up to 300 units produced until April 2015.

URL: http://www.sti.jp/product/foresterts2014/index.html

Forza Horizon 2: The BMW M4

The latest M car from BMW has arrived on Forza Horizon 2 and while this 2-door coupe is a departure from the old M3 Coupes of yesteryears, it's worth being a performer as it takes its nice little holiday at Southern Europe. This is the BMW M4 Coupe.



Of course, you might be saying that the M4 Coupe is just a two-door version of the latest M3 Saloon and that's true because due to BMW's naming structure, the M4 Coupe is based on the 4-Series Coupe, which is the 2-door version of the 3-Series saloon. This car is very different from the 4-Series saloon judging from the conspiracy that why they coded it F82 rather than F32 from the normal 4-Series Coupe and what makes it very different is the use of its turbocharged engine that develops more power than the old M3 Coupe's V8 natural aspiration engine.

While the 6-cylinder turbocharged engine doesn't give you the noise we were hoping for, the added power makes it more quicker than the old M3 Coupe and even though it's a quick car, this car has no problems picking a fight against a multitude of super saloons from Europe. The Audi RS5 and the C63 AMG Black might be complaining about that one. It's well-balanced, it's poised, it's precise, and overall, a lot more fun to drive as the other BMWs offered in-game. I can spend all day long driving the M4 in this game.

Speaking of which, I signed up for the Super Saloons race where the BMW M4 will be taking on but to do that, it must have one major improvement before getting ready for the championship.



This car is now donned in Belka's clothing because I made the M4's look more similar to the Silber Team from Ace Combat Zero. Notice the silver color, zebra stripes, and the Belkan Air Force logo in it, which makes a fitting for its personality although my M4 doesn't like my design I made for the race but never mind of course because major improvements are occured to keep it competitive.

I've even made a highlights video for this championship the M4's challenging on because...I don't know why but feel free to catch up to this car's progress.

 

Highlights too long? Never mind but me and my M4 won the championship and the road to the finale is almost at hand now! Nothing can stop us now!

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

This is the first-ever S-Class Coupe from Mercedes-Benz, and while this is necessarily the replacement to the CL-Class, which has been known as the coupe version of the flagship S-Class saloon, the S-Class Coupe is a Grand Tourer built for those who want to take a scenic drive to the southern France on weekends. It's all like being aged in oak barrels before turning them into fancy wines for the connoisseurs but this car hasn't aged yet because this is a brand new model based on the latest S-Class and this flagship may not be as super as a supercar but it's all about being a balanced tourer built for all work and all play.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe interior

Step inside and you'll notice that its interior is a contrast to its sporty image and it's loaded with tons of conveniences that you can expect from a high-end luxury saloon. Unlike any coupes that has cramped rear space, this luxury coupe still has room for two people for the back and that's not bad at all. Because this is a high-tech two-door saloon, I can expect some cool gadgets lurking through this car such as a host of safety features as well as Mercedes' very own MAGIC BODY CONTROL which is like that commercial with the chicken in it.

If you're going out on a date with this one, this car will make everyone jealous but you can tell your date to cut that chatter off or your pals will get jealous for this. I mean hey, at least when daybreak's coming, this car can take you to better things for breakfast as long as you're not being gunned down by goons chasing behind you.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

While the S-Class Coupe looks as appealing as your mistress sitting next to you, distracting your driving with her legs showing up, how about the way this car performs? To be honest, this car's a bit bulky to drive, much like its chief rival the Bentley Continental GT, specifically the V8 base model of it, but the S-Class Coupe weighs less than that so this could be very one-sided. Because they both have 4WD, it's a little mild in the driving dynamics department. It's a lot harder to corner than pulling your mother while in the shopping mall, struggling.

The only model available for the normal S-Class Coupe is the S500 model with the 4.7L V8 engine connected with the 7G-TRONIC gearbox, developing 455PS of power and 700Nm of torque. 100kph in 4.6 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 250kph, not quite more than enough to catch up against the Bentley.

Even though they're both thirsty for fuel, the combined fuel economy of 10.6km/L is more economical than the Bentley's 9.4km/L. Not bad for the Germans though because they're starting to get even more serious than the Brits in their own game of Top Trumps.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

While both of these models are extremely expensive and it takes a casino boy to buy one, the S-Class Coupe costs less than the Bentley by almost 45K. To put it this way, the 125,962 Euros pricing for the S500 Coupe with 4MATIC and 7G-TRONIC standard is much more affordable than the Bentley Continental GT V8's but do you really get what you paid for? Oh please, leave it to the Marquises and Marchionesses to have all their fun in these grand tourers.

Photo: Daimler AG

"Asahan Mo"

On the November 28, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Intensive Care gags

- More "lait" from Lala Ytera

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, May Sigang Dumating Sa Tambayan, 'Pag Babae ay Nililigawan, 'Pag Lalake ay...INUUPAKAN!!

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...adding quotes on new profile pics!

- Bubble Gang does Skyflakes by spoofing this commercial as SPYFLAKES! Asahan Mo.

- Antonietta's back for you, televiewers! And Ms. Cherie Gil's spilling her beans!

- Mr. Matapobre says "Walang mayamang burara. Sobrang dami ng nagamit namin, di namin alam kung saan ilalagay!"

- Office worker's making sure things are exactly as planned.

- Katipuneros facing the good news and the bad news.

The Be Careful With My Heart finale

The Be Careful With My Heart finale

Over the past two years, Filipinos worldwide witnessed the slife-of-life adventures of a young woman named Maya Dela Rosa (played by Jodi Sta. Maria) and the Lim family, consisting of Richard (Richard Yap), Abby, Nikki, and Luke, as well as their friends and family as they face one amazing moment to another in Be Careful With My Heart. From their first encounters, their marriages, their ups, downs, rights, wrongdoings, everyday is an adventure to them. But now, all good things must come to an end and the hit TV series, Be Careful With My Heart, recently concluded their two-year run as the longest-running daytime TV series in daytime television.

The final episode ends at Maya's birthday party where all of Maya's friends and family as well as the Lim family with Sir Chief on it as they said their memorable moments about Maya's life-changing moments that influenced most of the characters in the show. Everyone's together, singing their final Kapit-Bisig song to the very end.

It's been one heck of a wild ride while it lasted and even though this hit TV show ends, we all end up with a slight smile on our faces. Well, the adventures of Maya Dela Rosa and the Lim family have come to a bittersweet end but their KAPIT-BISIG message will live on.

Farewell and KAPIT-BISIG, Kapamilyas!

Gran Turismo 6: The Subaru VIZIV GT

Normally, this looks a lot like the Subaru Viziv you've encountered from past car shows but it's not. What you're looking at is the Subaru Viziv GT, part of the Vision Gran Turismo concept cars you can drive in the world of Gran Turismo 6. And to explain what I'm on about, I'm taking on a special Seasonal Event challenge dedicated for this car. No matter what lap time you're setting at, one full lap is enough for the player to gain access to Subaru's entry to the Vision GT club but for me, I'm going on a Gold Target Time just to see how good is Subaru's high-performance concept car on the virtual world.




This concept racing machine started out in life as the Subaru Viziv 2 Concept from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show but the folks from Subaru incorporated some of their motorsport DNA and injected it to this concept. With its extensive aerodynamics and a sleek shooting brake design, the Viziv GT is a stand out among the rest in the game. Aside from its impressive aerodynamics, extensive use of carbon is part of the concept's lightweight body, resulting to the car's 1,380kg weight despite the extensive use of batteries and motors.

The engine is Subaru's two-liter direct-injected turbo engine but it's connected with batteries and motors, resulting to a power output of an impressive 591HP and 800Nm of torque. That's more than those production Subarus and thanks to the legendary AWD drivetrain, this car is still controllable and more enjoyable even when taken things seriously.



Even at the hands of beginners, the Viziv GT's grip is not quite bad at all and it still behaves like what a Subaru does. The only downside is the understeer which even the most serious cornering is not more than enough to do as exactly told. If you're acting aggressively, then you'll end up spiraling through the wrong places but with your calm driving style, it takes time until you've mastered this machine to its highest potential. After spending time with this machine, I'm starting to learn more and I managed to beat the Gold Target Time barely. I did it in 1:18.897, which is the best I can do but nevertheless, I think I'm glad to say that this car still has its Confidence In Motion, just like the Subaru slogan says.



Despite its flaws, the Viziv GT is the coup de grace Subaru has ever made for this game and even though it's a concept that is born in the world of Gran Turismo, it still behaves like a Subaru and I have to say, I am very pleased with it.



Oh man. I got pulled over by a specially-designed BMW M4 with some flashers at the top. Stay tuned as I'm going to drive this special M4 in GT6 very soon. Until then, be sure to take on the challenge while you can to get the Viziv GT!

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (S205)

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

There is now an estate version of the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class where it has the same features that you get from the normal saloon version only now, it has a bigger boot for your groceries plus an added feature that you can open the tailgate handsfree. Not only it's one of the good-looking estates that you can drive through the shops but it's one of the most technologically-advanced estates you can buy if you have enough cash in your wallets, but is it any good as the competition?

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate interior

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate interior

The first thing you'll need to know about the new Estate version is its space and thanks to its sportier rear end, we can expect more load capacity and more variability than the previous C-Class Estate. It's now 5 litres more than the old one but when the rear seats are folded, the maximum load capacity is now 1510 litres, 10 more than the old one. That's enough space to fit a single bed, a mattress, and a motor mower...as a theory.

The rear seats now comes with a 40:20:40 split rather than the traditional 60:40 split so it can accommodate wide range of possibilities depending on the situation. It can be turned into either a 3-seater or a 2-seater at the back, whatever floats your boat.

Stealing one of Ford Motor Company's ideas, the C-Class Estate features an available EASY-PACK tailgate and the HANDS-FREE ACCESS system. At a lift of your foot, the tailgate automatically opens and that's great when your hands are full of stuff you've shopped from the groceries. If I got tons of stuff because of the whole competing-for-the-longest-receipt thing, the C-Class Estate has no worries carrying record-breaking groceries in a pinch so job done.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Expect the same powertrain from the sedan variant such as the 1.6L turbo petrol on the C180, 2.0L turbo petrol on the C200, a 2.2L diesel engine on the C220 BlueTEC, and some more especially the high-performance 3.0L V6 BiTurbo engine developing 333PS of power and 480Nm of torque on the C400 model. Of course, most variants come with either a 6-speed manual or a 7G-TRONIC PLUS gearbox so you'll have so many choices to decide when buying your very own C-Class Estate.

As for driving feel, it's not quite bad for a sport tourer at this magnitude and it tries to be a serious player in the high stakes world of competition. It's well-balanced, it's poised, and it's much nicer to drive even at the bends. If this was your Sir Chief's choice, there's no better alternative to it and you can really make do with all the thingamabobs served in this sport tourer. Like the sedan version, the C-Class Estate features an innovative multi-link suspension which allows this car to handle sharply through the bends and its aluminium bodywork that makes it more rigid and lighter than the old one. Even if its a sports tourer, it's all business for us because with all the things that surrounds you while driving this car, this is like getting your hands full with the family business. if you know what I mean?

Safety-wise, this sport tourer features a wide range of safety features as well as driver-assist systems which takes good use of its radar, stereo camera and ultrasound to tell the driver what should do in various situations on the road ahead. It feels like the future is now thanks to science and science is amazing but don't overestimate those safety features because...it's only for emergencies when you need it.

The C-Class Estate starts at 35,224 Euros which is a few more than the sedan version and more expensive than its rivals from BMW and Audi but if its practicality, science, and individuality you want, this estate is for you because like that saloon, it feels like it's a class apart from its opposition.

Photo: Daimler AG

Let's Do The News! (November 28, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- A Maserati Ghibli sedan driven by the motorist who beaten up an MMDA officer has been spotted by an homeowner who took pictures on this car that doesn't have license plate. It has a conduction sticker QQ0057.



- The DPWH will once again commence road repairs in Quezon City from today to December 1st. Expect heavy traffic when you're out there.

- The Japan Self Defense Force will transport aid to contain the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Defense Minister Akinori Eto issued this order at a meeting with senior officials as the international community is working hard to stop the outbreak from spreading worldwide. The JASDF will transport about 20,000 sets of protective clothing to Ghana.

- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency postpones the launch of their asteroid probe due to bad weather.

- DILG Secretary Mar Roxas told that cellphone jammers would be used to prevent illegal drug operations and carjacking in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

- F1 driver Jean-Eric Vergne will not be part of the Toro Rosso F1 team for next year's season.

- Mercedes-Benz will launch a brand new "AMG Sport" model on next year's Detroit Auto Show. This new lineup bridges the gap between normal Mercedes models and high-performance AMG models and it could be their answer to BMW's M Performance Automobiles. The first AMG Sport model will be based on the recently-launched C-Class while the other one will be a crossover model that will be the replacement for the M-Class due to Mercedes-Benz's new naming strategy.

Mercedes-AMG Sport teaser

- Lexus received over 2,600 orders for their new RC sport coupe models in Japan on its first month.

2015 Lexus RC

- Nissan issues a recall on most Serena, X-Trail, and Juke models with direct-injected petrol engines over two separate problems in the engines' fuel system.

- Following the Pokemon XY Mega Evolution TV Special Act II that was aired earlier this month, The Pokemon Company announced Act III of the Mega Evolution TV Special airing on TV Tokyo this Spring 2015!

TTFN!!!

Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor/The Time of The Doctor OST

Doctor Who:
The Day of The Doctor/The Time of The Doctor OST

2013 was a big year for Doctor Who because right after the end of the seventh season, there has been not one but two TV specials that made the Whovians squealed for joy. First, there was the 50th anniversary special titled The Day of The Doctor where the Tenth Doctor and the Eleventh Doctor joined forces with a mysterious Doctor and work together to save history. Then, the 2013 Christmas Special, The Time of The Doctor, sees a fond farewell to Matt Smith as he inherits his Doctor role to Peter Capaldi.

To commemorate last year's double specials, there's an original soundtrack which covers both TV specials and once again, Murray Gold, the person in charge of the show's BGMs, was very pleased by this as you can now listen the background musics as heard from the twin specials. The first disc covers the 50th anniversary special while the second disc covers the 2013 Christmas Special, which is known as the Eleventh Doctor's final journey. As with the others, these DW songs heard from the specials are a work of art by Ben Foster, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and Crouch End Festival Chorus so take time to listen to those BGMs and you can be very sure that this two-disc compilation can make an excellent addition to your DW soundtrack collection.

DISC ONE - The Day of The Doctor:

1) I.M Foreman

2) Will There be Cocktails?

3) It's Him (The Majestic Tale)

4) He Was There

5) No More

6) The War Room

7) Footprints in the Sand

8) Who Are You?

9) England 1562

10) Nice Horse

11) The Fez and Portal

12) Two Doctors

13) Three Doctors

14) Somewhere to Hide

15) Rescue the Doctor

16) 2.47 Billion

17) Zygon in the Painting

18) Man and Wife

19) We Don't Need to Land

20) We are the Doctors

21) The Moment Has Come

22) This Time There's Three of Us

23) Song for Four / Home

DISC TWO - The Time of The Doctor

1) The Message

2) Handles

3) The Dance of the Naked Doctor

4) You Saved It

5) Papal Mainframe

6) Tasha Lemm

7) Bedroom Talk

8) The Mission

9) Christmas

10) The Crack

11) Rhapsody of War

12) Back to Christmas

13) Snow Over Trenzalore

14) Beginning of the End

15) This is How it Ends

16) Never Tell Me the Rules

17) Trenzalore / The Long Song

18) Hello Twelve

Let's Do The News! (November 27, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- The top safety regulators from the USA have ordered a nationwide recall of Takata airbags. NHTSA officials want car companies like Honda, Mazda, Ford, Chrysler, and BMW, to initiate a nationwide recall next week or charge them that fail to comply.

- A Japanese journalist, Tatsuya Kato (who is the ex-Seoul bureau chief of Sankei Shimbun) who is indicted for the libel of South Korean president Park Geun-hye is facing his first trial hearing held at a district court in Seoul today. He denied charges of defaming the SoKor president.

- Australian batsman Phil Hughes died at the age of 25. He was carried off on a stretcher at the Sydney Cricket Ground after a short-pitched delivery stroke his head with his helmet missing.

- The governor of Missouri denied calls for another grand jury to decide whether to charge policeman Darren Wilson for the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown. But violent protests begin to wind down two days later.

- Tropical Depression Queenie crossed the landmass of Negros provinces and it's now heading straight to the Panay Gulf on midday.

- An owner of a certain luxury car reportedly beaten up an MMDA traffic enforcer for taking a picture of him making an illegal turn in the streets of Quezon City.

- LET IT GO. Queen Elsa from Disney's Frozen gets her very own Nendoroid courtesy of Good Smile Company. She's ready to freeze your hearts on May 2015 and she's priced at 3,889 Japanese Yen plus tax.

Nendoroid Elsa

- The F56 Mini Cooper is named as Car Awards Group Inc. 2014-2015 Car of the Year in the Philippines.

2015 Mini hatch

- Honda revealed their upcoming addition to the N-BOX family called the N-BOX Slash. Set for its debut next month, the N-BOX Slash is a chopped-top version of the N-BOX tall kei car which features a lower roof line than the normal N-BOX.

2015 Honda N-BOX Slash

TTFN!!!