Let's Do The News! (October 1, 2024)

       

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos urged the PH Department of Energy and the government committee for Marawi rehabilitation.

- House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has filed a certificate of candidacy as a re-electionist in the first district of Leyte.

- The National Security Council is carefully studying the revelation of Alice Guo being a spy for China.

- Cancellation of registration and removal from the list as party list and the coalition of 42 groups, ordered by COMELEC.

- Loud blasts were heard in Beirut after Israel's military told residents to evacuate three areas "immediately". Recently, Israel told the US it plans to launch a limited ground incursion into Lebanon, according to a US official.

- Netflix's NASCAR Full Speed docuseries gets a second season this 2025.

- Hyundai reportedly scrapped plans for the production version of the N Vision 74 Concept, a month after being mentioned in Hyundai's plans to launch 21 new EVs by 2030.

- Assetto Corsa EVO will be launched via early access on PC via Steam this January 16, 2025.

- The D4DJ franchise announced that Sae Otsuka will no longer play the role of RONDO member Nagisa Tsukimiyama.

- Wizards of the Coast steps in following Magic: The Gathering's controversial rule change involving the ban on Commander cards.

- Chungha steps down as DJ of radio show Volume Up.

- MLB legend Pete Rose passed away at the age of 83.

- NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer at age 58.

- The BBC has apologized to Amanda Abbington over Strictly Come Dancing verbal bullying by Giovanni Pernice, but he is cleared of physical aggression.

TTFN.

Doko ni Itemo Kimi wa Kimi

Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Kanketsu-hen Chapter 1, the first of the Nijigasaki movie trilogy, saw Ayumu Uehara, Kasumi Nakasu, Shizuku Osaka, Kanata Konoe, Emma Verde, and Zhong Lanzhu taking part at the School Idol GPX in Okinawa to determine who is "the most popular school idol right now".

Having enjoyed the first chapter of the Nijigasaki movie trilogy, the movie's theme song has arrived, giving you plenty of reasons why you became part of the recent Nijigasaki adventure.

Doko ni Itemo Kimi wa Kimi

"Doko ni Itemo Kimi wa Kimi" is the theme song of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Kanketsu-hen Chapter 1 and this mini album not only features the movie's theme song but also songs heard from the movie as performed by the Nijigasaki girls who took part in the School Idol GPX such as Ayumu Uehara, Kasumi Nakasu, Shizuku Osaka, Kanata Konoe, Emma Verde, and Zhong Lanzhu, as demonstrated by the alternate covers also available.

Shizuku performs "Rise Up High!", 

Kanata performs "Daydream Mermaid", 

Emma performs "Cara Tesoro", 

Lanzhu performs "PHOENIX", 

and Ayumu performs "Stellar Stream". 

You get the idea.

This mini album is a way of saying thanks for taking part in the first Nijigasaki movie adventure. As said before, don't expect anything in return, but be prepared for what comes next!

BMW X2 U10 and iX2

The BMW X2 is now in its second generation and it gained its all-electric iX2 equivalent. So, what's it all about the all-new X2 and the first-ever iX2? Come here and let's explain.

2025 BMW X2

2025 BMW iX2

The BMW X2 U10, starting at 47,500 Euros plus additional costs, and the first-ever BMW iX2, starting at 49,900 Euros plus additional costs, showcased something that the predecessor failed to be, a proper coupe-crossover sized to X1 proportions.

While the coupe-crossover is something the all-new X2 wanted to be, there's something about its new looks. It looks like a mini-me XM, especially the crazy XM-styled front face. At the back, BMW borrowed something from Mazda's design department for the taillights.

2025 BMW X2 interior

Like its X1 equivalent, the all-new BMW X2 has an interior similar to the latest 2-Series Active Tourer. It has the new BMW Curved Display, which takes center stage on the driver's side. The display runs on the latest BMW Operating System 9, which has noticeable features, including voice control that works like Alexa. Unfortunately, the new model has a floating center console that removes the storage space under the armrest, making it more difficult to store your stuff. On the plus side, the X2 has more interior space than the previous model.

2025 BMW iX2

Because it runs on the improved FF platform just like its X1 equivalent, the X2 U10 feels slightly improved compared to the previous model, although unhappy about it.

Under the hood, the X2 is offered with the choice of a 1.5L petrol with 48V mild hybrid system, a 1.5L diesel, and exclusive to the M35i xDrive variant, a 2.0L turbo engine with 300PS of power. Mated to a seven-speed DCT, it does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

The iX2, with its 64.8kWh lithium battery pack, is offered with a choice from a 150kW eDrive20 with 459km of driving range up to the 230kW xDrive30 variant that propels this SUV to a 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of a Japanesey 180kph. If the iX2 is good enough on the streets of Tokyo, it's good enough on the streets of Berlin.

Both the new X2 and the iX2 are armed with the most advanced safety features offered. These include the Driving Assistant package with AEB, passive cruise control, and Parking Assistant, among others.

The X2 is the coupe-crossover equivalent of the X1 and this new version is literal indeed, although the XM-styled nose is something the neighborhood should look out for. Still, with its slightly improved packaging and the addition of the iX2 made the all-new X2 worth noticeable from top to bottom. In the end, this is the new normal, after all.

Photo: BMW AG 

Let's Do The News! (September 30, 2024)

      

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The National Food Authority has raised the selling price of the NFA rice, which serves as the Philippines' buffer stock and is mainly used during calamities for the government's series of relief operations.

- Typhoon Julian grew stronger as it moved through the Balintang Channel. According to PAGASA's 8AM Tropical Cyclone Bulletin, 'Julian' was spotted in the waters of Balintang Islands, Calayan, Cagayan and moving west-northwest at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour.

- Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa strongly denies that he was involved in the alleged "courtesy call" and meeting of police officers with former President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City that is linked to the death of three Chinese drug lords inside the Davao Penal Farm and Prison in August 2016.

- House Appropriations Committee Chairman and Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co is confident that the Senate will pass the 2025 budget as soon as possible to continue important government programs and improve the lives of every Filipino.

- Projections suggest Austria's far-right Freedom Party heading for unprecedented general election victory.

- Israeli forces continue attacking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon even after the death of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah. Smoke rises over Hezbollah's Beirut stronghold after recent Israeli strikes.

- Grand Blue Dreaming TV anime renewed for its second season.

- DXMON member Jo has officially left the group.

- Actress Park Jia passed away after her battle with cerebral infarction.

- Actress Joo Sae Byeok confirms marriage to a non-showbiz boyfriend.

- Team USA wins the Presidents Cup for the 10th consecutive time.

- Hollywood actor-singer Kris Kristoffersson died at the age of 88.

TTFN.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Hollywood Casino 400

With 12 playoff contenders remaining, the fight for the final 8 is now on as the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continue with Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet in Kansas Speedway.

As the green flag waved, the fight for the final 8 is officially on. The first stage saw Kyle Larson blow a right rear tire and crash on Lap 20. As William Byron won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Erik Jones spinning on Lap 99 followed by Daniel Hemric's Lap 145 disaster, a Lap 149 trouble for both John Hunter Nemechek and Justin Haley, and a Lap 158 disaster when Austin Cindric got spun following his clash with Kyle Busch. As Alex Bowman won Stage 2, the final stage saw Kyle Busch spinning on Lap 237 following his clash with Chase Briscoe followed by Todd Gilliand sent Carson Hocevar spinning on Lap 244.

Screengrab from NASCAR

Sadly, another non-playoff driver spoiled the playoff fight as Ross Chastain won the Hollywood Casino 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series.

The fight for the final 8 continues in Talladega Superspeedway for the YellaWood 500 this October 6th, 2024.

WRC 2024 - Rally Chile Bio Bío

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the Rally Chile Bio Bio. As September ends, the rally is heating up as drivers fight through Latin America's worsts.

Screengrab from WRC

As Esapekka Lappi showcased his promising results in the shakedown, the opening stages saw an upper hand for Elfyn Evans following a COC decision for the rally's opening stages. However, in the Saturday stages, his domination got lost in the fog, allowing Kalle Rovanpera to snatch his lead and soldier on to the end of this rally event.

Kalle Rovanpera won the Rally Chile Bio Bio, beating out Evans by 23.4 seconds. Hyundai driver Ott Tanak finished third.

After Chile, Thierry Neuville remains in the lead with 192 points. Ott Tanak is in 2nd with 158 points and Sebastien Ogier is in 3rd with 154 points.

The next event is the Central European Rally which stretches across Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, from October 17 to 20, 2024.

DTM 2024: Red Bull Ring

With September finally finished, the DTM 2024 season continues at the Red Bull Ring, home of the Austrian Grand Prix of Formula 1. Although the GT3 machines don't deliver the same intensity as the Formula 1 racers that raced there, they still pack the action and the drama fans expect as DTM's 40th-anniversary celebration nears its climax.

Screengrab from DTM

In the first part, SSR Performance's Mirko Bortolotti fended Winward's Maro Engel for the win. At the same time, Arjun Maini, an Indian driver representing Mercedes-AMG Team HRT, completed the podium with his third-place finish. The same goes for the final part of DTM's Spielberg campaign, where Schubert Motorsport's Rene Rast won ahead of Manthey EMA's Thomas Preinning.

DTM's 40th-anniversary celebration is coming to an end. The season finale will be held at Hockenheimring from October 17 to 20, 2024. Mirko Bortolotti currently leads the driver standings. Will he be crowned champion? Don't miss it!