Let's Do The News! (February 23, 2018)

- Yesterday, President Rodrigo Duterte will lift restriction against Rappler if the Securities and Exchange Commission revoked its ruling. Right now, the Philippine president named Noel Felongco as the new chair of the PCUP, he assures better life for Filipinos on his third year of presidency, visited the wake of Joanna Demafelis, and much more.

- Larry Gadon, a self-proclaimed loyalist to the Marcoses and lawyer of the former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said  there was no reason to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA people power revolt because one of its icons — the late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino II — was a “traitor” to the nation.

- The Metro Manila Development Authority assured the public that the batons given to their traffic enforces will be used to defend against violators. According to MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago, the wooden batons will only be used to block attacks from violent motorists

- Saturday, February 24, will mark as Working People's Day of Action across the United States in protest against an economy that's rigged in favor of the wealthy and most powerful as people will stand up for the freedom of working people to join together in strong unions and fight for decent and equitable pay for their work, affordable health care, quality schools, vibrant communities, and a secure future to the Americans.

- An aide to Israeli aide to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to testify against him in one of several corruption charges.

- The first offering of Seat's CUPRA sub-brand, the CUPRA Ateca, has unleashed and it's powered by a 2.0 TSi engine producing 300PS of power, mated to a 7-speed DSG and 4Drive. It can reach a top speed of 245 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.4 seconds.

2019 SEAT CUPRA Ateca

- Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari unveiled their contenders for next month's F1 2018 season.

- After Illumination Stars and L'antica, meet the latest addition to THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors game, the Alstroemeria trio comprising of Amano and Tenka Osaki, and Chiyuki Kuwayama,

- DLC Catalog 5 for the PS4-exclusive THE IDOLM@STER Stella Stage is now out, featuring four new outfits such as the new Burger Girl W, New Colorful World!, Sunflower Honey, and Aqua Mosaic, plus three additional songs and other extras.

- avex and Japan Ninja Council launched their "Ninja Project" at yesterday's press conference with PPAP singer Pikotaro named as PR ambassador.

- An alleged video scandal of Kim Domingo's boyfriend broke out online.

- Mau Marcelo, the winner of Philippine Idol many years ago, participated in IT'S SHOWTIME's Tawag Ng Tanghalan segment.


TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 7: Night out with a 'Maro at Daytona

Last weekend's Daytona is a blast and fans like us get to see the Camaro stock car in action. It's too bad some of the Camaros got caught in the wreckage while some couldn't make it to top where Fusion and Camry stock cars rule the Daytona 500 like grease lightning but thanks to the driver of the #3, history has been made once again and I had a lot of fun watching Chevrolet's newest stock car in action and in fact, I had a chance to drive the one that inspired it round the Daytona track.



Well, not a stock car as such but it's close as the one NASCAR Chevy drivers car get. This is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and it's based on the sixth-generation Camaro. If you need a little refresher, just listen; The ZL1 returns on the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro as the most powerful of the range while promising to put priorities to hardcore drivers first before everything else with its track-honed dynamics apart from its ferocious speed.

It comes with the same supercharged 6.2L V8 engine from the Corvette C7 Z06, producing 650HP of power and same amount for torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It is capable of reaching a top speed of 202.3mph, faster than the Corvette C7 Z06's 198mph but slower than the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat's 204mph top speed. Performance aside, the Camaro ZL1 comes with Magnetic Ride Control suspension and standard electronic Limited-Slip Differential. As a high-performance muscle car that balances power and dynamics on the road and on the track, the new ZL1 is all business or so they say.

Customers can opt for the hardcore 1LE package which features the same performance as the normal ZL1 but with racing-based suspension and aero technologies, as well as exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R summer-only tires. That said, it is capable of lapping the Nurburgring in 7:16.04, faster than the Shelby GT350R.



I know driving the ZL1 on an oval track at Daytona is fun but it's a bit too short for the ladies and gentlemen so instead, I'm savoring the moment at the Sports Car Circuit layout of Daytona just to give a taste of what it feels like to be at home. You might think that just because it's a muscle car, it can only do drag racing, which is sucks if you're facing the likes of a Challenger Hellcat or its powerful Demon equivalent, but no. The ZL1 can get round corners in the way I can't describe it. It may not be as fast as the Hellcat or a Demon but it can outshine them in the corners because of its Nurburgring-honed dynamics, which is upsetting if you're Captain Slow. It maybe Nurburgring-honed but it is a twitchy car and it takes some concentration to get through corners with accuracy, timing, and a bit of luck.



Like I said, it sucks at straights in case of a shootout against the most powerful and fastest Challenger ever made but it's good on corners just like its big brother, the Corvette Z06. Although not on the same level as its Corvette brother, the Camaro ZL1 is all about balancing performance and dynamics in unpredictable patterns. So, now that I had my little pep talk with the ZL1, how about I save the last dance for this ride? Let's dance.





That was the best night the Camaro ZL1 ever had. As long as there are drivers like you are around, this hyper Camaro will be more than happy to face challenges ahead. Who knows, when it comes back to Daytona sometime, it wants to enjoy the competition against the opposition as long as it won't fall victim to the big one. Here's for the ZL1 stock car in future NASCAR races this year.

PyeongChang 2018: February 22, 2018

Thursday's PyeongChang games put the spotlight on Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Nordic Combined, Short Track Speed Skating, and Snowboard. So, who are the winners of the day?

Men's Slalom sees Andre Myhrer of Sweden as the winner while Michelle Gisin of Switzerland dominated the Ladies' Alpine Combined. Then, Belarus won the Women's 4x6km Relay, a 1-2 finish for Team USA at the Men's Ski Halfpipe as David Wise and Alex Ferreira won gold and silver, USA beats Canada in the Women's ice hockey match, Germany dominated the Team Gundersen LH/4x5km, Wu Dajing of China won the Men's 500m, Suzanne Schulting of Holland won the Ladies' 1,000km, and Hungary for the Men's 5,000 Relay.

URL: https://www.olympic.org/pyeongchang-2018/results/en/general/daily-schedule-date=2018-02-22.htm

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PHOTOKATSU CHRONICLE 01

PHOTOKATSU CHRONICLE 01

If you are one of the many Aikatsu fans who are wistfully willing to say farewell to the STAR☆ANIS and AIKATSU☆STARS! groups who are responsible for the songs that bring life throughout the Aikatsu franchise for five years, here's a little something for your nostalgic pleasure, as if you're one of the many who got hooked to the Photokatsu app game.

This is the first batch of the greatest hits selection of songs as heard from the Aikatsu! Photo on Stage!! app game. It's called the Photokatsu Chronicle and the folks from Lantis compiled up the first batch of best songs to reminisce all day long. From songs like GLAMOUROUS BLUE, ♡Powa×PuRi×Power♡, Star Heart, including the bonus track never before heard, this first batch of Photokatsu's greatest hits are performed by theirs truly, the STAR☆ANIS and AIKATSU☆STARS! groups, and here's hoping that with this first batch, your love for Aikatsu will have a special place on your heart. Oh wait, the Photokatsu game has been around for two years now but what the hey, this first batch of Photokatsu's greatest hits makes a decent souvenir for your love of all things Aikatsu!

Don't miss the last concert of STAR☆ANIS and AIKATSU☆STARS! at the end of February and be sure to keep playing Aikatsu! Photo on Stage!!

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 カメレオントーク★
02 センチメンタルベリー
03 ドラマチックガール
04 お願いビーナス
05 ドリームバルーン
06 青い苺
07 夏色バタフライ
08 GLAMOUROUS BLUE
09 きらめきメッセンジャー
10 ゴシック・ロックン・ローズ
11 ♡Powa×PuRi×Power♡
12 クリスマス☆スターライト
13 夢のレセプション
14 ときめきマタドール∞
15 Star Heart 4:14
16 マジックスマイル (BONUS TRACK)

Let's Do The News! (February 22, 2018)

- Brigadier General Bienvenido Datuin is named as the new spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, replacing Gen. Edgard Arevalo, who will focus on his duties as Assistant AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations.

- Yesterday, the Philippines welcomed the Kuwaiti government's decision to grant their request to extend its amnesty program. Through the extended amnesty program, Kuwait said it would allow several thousands more of undocumented Filipinos to return home.

- On a related note, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration states that for the past two years, almost 200 Filipinos have died in Kuwait. OWWA on Wednesday’s Senate inquiry on the death of Joanna Demafelis revealed that 196 Filipinos died in Kuwait; 155 of these deaths were due to medical reasons, 14 from accidents, 22 committed suicide, and five were due to unknown reasons.

- As US President Donald Trump mulls arming the school's teachers, students galvanised by the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school confronted lawmakers on Wednesday with demands to restrict sales of assault rifles. The unprecedented lobbying effort by groups of teenagers and parents at the White House and at the Florida statehouse in Tallahassee played out as fellow students staged classroom walkouts and rallies in cities across the country.

- Actress Jennifer Lawrence rejects critics over her "sexist" dress remark. Lawrence on Tuesday posed for photos in London with “Red Sparrow” director Francis Lawrence and her co-stars, including Jeremy Irons. The Oscar-winning actress wore an eye-catching black dress with a plunging neckline and hip-high slit, while the men wore coats.

- Singer Ed Sheeran scored the most awards in the recent Brit Awards.

- The second-generation Peugeot 508 was unveiled, featuring a fastback styling, new interior, new tech, and new choice of engines.

2019 Peugeot 508

- Volvo unveiled the all-new V60 estate ahead of its Geneva Motor Show premiere next month.

2019 Volvo V60

- Kunos Simulazioni unveiled Assetto Corsa Competizione, the official video game of the Blancpain GT Series, set to arrive this summer.

- Actor Ren Osugi passed away at the age of 66. Osugi appeared in numerous Takeshi Kitano, Takashi Miike films; starred in Final Fantasy XIV Dad of Light series.

- The Cardcaptor Sakura madness continues with a special festival happening at Chiyoda from late March to early April.

- Netizens slammed Eat Bulaga presenter Joey de Leon for issuing an "offensive" joke to a prostitute-turned-born-again-Christian.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 7: The Chiron takes flight!

Molsheim's newest force without master is now under the command of every Forza Motorsport 7 player because due to inconsistent public demand, the newest Bugatti hypercar, the Chiron is now secured by the game's Dell Gaming Car Pack and now, it's time for its key to release its power and grace under my command.





Before getting my dibs on Bugatti's newest hypercar, let's take a quick explanation about the Chiron, okay? Okay, when the Veyron's reign is finished, Bugatti's prepared for its new heir to the predecessor's throne. Enter the Chiron, the most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car in the world. Premiered at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Chiron is the latest generation of the ultimate sports car and it's all new from the ground up.

The Chiron's new 8.0L W16 quad-turbo engine with two-stage turbocharging produces 1,500HP of power, a first for a road car, and 1,600Nm of torque, mated to a specifically-developed seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox featuring the largest, highest-performance clutch fitted to a passenger car. It is capable of accelerating from standstill to 400kph to none in 41.96 seconds and in its top speed mode, the Chiron is capable of 420kph (261mph) of top speed limited for road use.

Apart from its feral performance, the Chiron features an extremely high rigidity monocoque, an adaptive chassis for significantly greater agility and driving comfort, new high-performance tyres, new F1-inspired high-performance brakes, an intelligent air intake management for better aerodynamics, and heat shield for the best brake cooling, among many others all rolled up into one handcrafted masterpiece.

The Chiron is produced at Bugatti's Molsheim HQ and up to 500 units to be made, each costing 2.4 million euros.

In a Series 24 episode of Top Gear, Chris Harris checks out the Bugatti Chiron and engaged on an epic race across the Middle East against Matt LeBlanc taking all sorts of vehicles from a Stig-driven limo, a HondaJet, and a motorbike to the finish line. In the end, the Chiron lost the epic duel.





I can't believe it. Even though this game is slowly becoming "the ultimate racing game of your generation" in the same way an all-oldies AM radio station DWWW called themselves "the ultimate station of your generation playing the music of your life", judging the fact that they keep adding older cars of the past century in-game or DLC, they still remember those guys. They still remember the Top Gear episode where Chris Harris drives the Chiron on an epic Middle East race as well as The Grand Tour episode where Jeremy Clarkson drives the Chiron from Saint Tropez to Turin for a date with his contessa. See what I mean? Yes, I know they're long overdue to feature the Chiron because that car came out two years ago and we are desperate as heck to see the Forza franchise feature it for our driving pleasure. Now that it's here, it's time to see what's what about the Chiron.





Of course the Chiron is the fastest car in the world but obviously, it isn't the fastest car in the world right now because some boutique supercar companies, namely Koenigsegg, managed to smash the Chiron's records, especially its predecessor, which remains the benchmark for hypercars everywhere. Still, the Chiron is engineered to the highest magnitude and then some, resulting to a hypercar that not only roars with its ferocious speed but also comes with the velvety smoothness of the jet set lifestyle. It really is the Concorde of the road like the Veyron.

What are the Chiron's highlights? First, it can accelerate from 0-186mph faster than your average city car doing 0 to 60. At high speeds, it will empty its fuel tank in less than nine minutes, the equivalent of seven shot glasses per second. For cooling, the Chiron has ten radiators and a water pump which sends 200 gallons of water a minute round the engine. The news just keeps on going but in the end, it's about the speed itself that makes it the Chiron's party piece. I know, I tried but I won't tell you how fast I drove the Chiron on the straight but all that rumble and the crispy exhaust note makes me want to chew an industrial sized packet full of pork rinds. So, what about on the track? To find out, I went to the Top Gear track.





You might imagine that just because it's a mid-engined supercar does it mean that it can handle round a corner as usual but just like it's predecessor, the Chiron is downright heavy and it's not cumbersome by the feeling of it but it tackles corners in unpredictable patterns. It's about as scary to drive as listening to Vice Ganda's ramblings just to tick other people off. It's My Little Heart with a dab of Royal Sword on it and that makes for a very challenging statement.

Question? Is the Chiron better than the Veyron? To find out, I attempt to be the real-world record set by The Stig round the track in the Veyron Super Sport at the time of 1:16.8 and all I have to do that is beat that without crashing.



The time? I did it in 1:15.545, which means I've beat the predecessor's real time record by a considerable gap but for me, that wasn't fast enough. Still, this is the best I could for Bugatti's newest heir to its throne.



The Chiron may have lost its iron throne to the others, especially to the likes of Koenigsegg, but it really is a force without master that is now under the strength of the select privy by the power of its key. At first, it's all about going itself into Siege mode but it goes all the way into Flight mode to see how far can the Chiron go at such naked speeds in double time. With the Chiron now secured in the world of Forza, cars like this will make players happy to come back playing some more. Speaking of which, here's a little end note to conclude my dibs with the Chiron...







Speaking of "siege" and "flight", it does make a nice statement, although unsure about my special treatment. It makes me wanna yell "HOEEEEEEEE!!!"

PyeongChang 2018: February 21, 2018

Alpine Skiing, Bobsleigh, Cross-Country Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, and Speed Skating are the highlights of Wednesday's PyeongChang games and let's take a look at the winners of the day.

At the Ladies Downhill, winner goes to Sofia Goggia of Italy, at the Women's Bobsleigh, the Germans are bringing home the gold, USA for the Ladies' Team Sprint Free, another gold for Norway after winning the Men's Team Sprint Free, Brady Leman of Canada for the Men's Ski Cross, The Netherlands beats Japan at the Ladies' Team Pursuit, and South Korea beats Norway at the Men's Team Pursuit.

URL: https://www.olympic.org/pyeongchang-2018/results/en/general/daily-schedule-date=2018-02-21.htm

The action continues...