- The 90-day campaign period of senatorial candidates and party-list groups for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections has begun today. Composed of 66 senatorial candidates and 156 party-list groups, they will campaign until May 10, 2025.
- Government officials or employees illegally passing through EDSA Busway, increasing, according to the PHn Department of Transportation.
- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will once again launch another job fair focused on internet gambling licensee (IGL) workers who were affected by the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
- The Philippine Navy confirms the passage of a Chinese research vessel near Palawan.
- Labour MP Oliver Ryan was suspended from the party over messages on WhatsApp.
- Hamas says it will postpone the release of the next set of hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire deal.
- The trial of a man accused of stabbing and partially blinding author Salman Rushdie in New York has begun.
- Renault unveiled the all-new Trafic as well as reviving the Estafette and Goelette for its line of E-Tech electric commercial vehicles coming 2026. All three are running on the SDV architecture developed by Ampere.
- Singer-actor T.O.P. denies reports speculating his return to BIGBANG.
- Over 126 million have watched Super Bowl LIX according to projections.
- Tiger Woods announced he will not play at the Genesis Invitational following his mother's death.
- TV presenter Willie Revillame and media tycoon Manny V. Pangilingan joined forces for the establishment of the new six-billion-peso building next to the TV5 Media Center.
- The commander of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, visited the troops who were hurt during the Basilan ambush.
- The National Food Authority is releasing rice stocks next week, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil asked the Department of Transportation-Special Action and Intelligence Committee on Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) to stop their operation on the EDSA Busway on Friday, February 7. This was after a PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) convoy passing through the EDSA Busway was intercepted.
- PAGCOR recently inaugurated two socio-civic centers in the mountainside towns of Maragusan and New Bataan which are frequently hit by natural disasters.
- Parents who sued TikTok over children's deaths said it "has no compassion".
- T-Mobile opens Starlink beta to all until July 2025.
- Football Manager 2025 has been canceled. The team is shifting focus to the 2026 version.
- Box Canyon Productions acquired Rooster Teeth from Warner Bros. Discovery.
- A performer in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show was detained on the field after displaying a flag combination representing Sudan and Palestine, with the words "Sudan" and "Gaza" written on it.
- The live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie hits cinemas this June 13th.
- Disney's live-action Lilo and Stitch movie hit cinemas this May 23, 2025.
- Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning hits theaters May 23, 2025.
- The Jurassic World Rebirth movie hits theaters on July 2, 2025.
The Philadelphia Eagles may have been crowned champions of Super Bowl LIX, but do you know who the real champions of the Big Game are? That's right! The commercials!
Whether it's bears, dragons, wild golden girls, the HATE word, grocery mascots, aliens, cowboy heads, the origin of football, flying mustaches, or flying eyebrows,—this year's Big Game ads were uniquely entertaining. The same applies to the car-related Game Day ads!
Anyway, with the Super Bowl well and truly over, it's time for a Super Bowl-inspired addition to your Driving Music playlist to raise some eyebrows, or mustaches for that matter. Still not saying this is the best but let's get over it.
1) Call Me the Breeze by Lynyrd Skynyrd - from the Nissan USA Armada "Adventure Bigger" commercial
2) Panama by Van Halen - from the Ram Trucks' "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" commercial
3) Wake Up by Young Franco & Master Peace - from the Mazda USA CX-50 Hybrid commercial
Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment that solves every car enthusiast's questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.
New Orleans, devastated by Hurricane Katrina two decades ago and known for the New Year's Day massacre, came alive as the host city for Super Bowl LIX.
In this matchup, the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, aimed to make NFL history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls, facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles, however, were determined to prevent this historical achievement in front of the packed crowd at Caesars Superdome.
The first half of the Super Bowl saw the Eagles surging ahead with 24 points, but the Chiefs were left scoreless. The Chiefs pulled out all the stops in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to bring the Eagles down.
Image: NFL
At the final score of 40-22, the Philadelphia Eagles prevented the Kansas City Chiefs' 3-peat and named Super Bowl LIX Champions with Jalen Hurts named MVP.
Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles for becoming Super Bowl LIX champions!
It may be Super Bowl weekend but the 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations Championship is still kicking things up with the second round featuring Italy v Wales, England v France, and Scotland v Ireland.
Screengrab from Six Nations
The Welsh winless curse continues. Italy triumphed over Wales at Stadio Olimpico in a match that ended 22-15. Italy's blitz play was too much for Wales. Ange Capuozzo and Tommaso Allan shone for the winning side.
Meanwhile, England beats France 26-25 while Ireland beats Scotland 32-18.
The action continues for Round 3 this February 22-23 with Wales v Ireland, England v Scotland, and Italy v France.
As we both say goodbye to the Forza series and the Subaru Legacy this year, it's time for one last drive with the first-generation Subaru Legacy sedan and see how much it can learn from the last surviving Subaru sedan, the Subaru WRX S4 VBH.
Subaru has an impressive resume of 4WD saloons that boldly go where no sedan has gone before, such as the Leone, Legacy, Impreza, and WRX. Sadly, the signs of the times favored the crossover market and as the once-dominant sedan race is diminishing rapidly to the point of extinction, Subaru's not spared from it, leaving the VB-spec Subaru WRX S4 the last remaining sedan in the range.
To review, the second-generation Subaru WRX S4 was unveiled in 2021, marking the first use of the Subaru Global Platform in its two-decade history. This new platform enhances safety, improves handling dynamics, and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness. The same platform is also used in the second-generation Levorg, the estate version of the WRX.
The updated model features a flat-four boxer turbo engine that has increased in size from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L. It produces 275 PS and 375 Nm of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with the newly developed Subaru Performance Transmission, a sport-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) that offers an 8-speed manual mode. It provides 30% faster upshifts and 50% faster downshifts compared to the previous WRX S4's Sport Lineartronic CVT. The one featured in Forza Horizon 5 is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, which is offered only in overseas markets.
A race-spec WRX S4 achieved a significant milestone by winning the SP4T class at the 2024 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, marking the first victory for this VB model in its second appearance at the Nürburgring.
The first-generation Subaru Legacy, meanwhile, achieved significant success in rallying, including Patrik Njiru's victory in the Group N class at the 1990 Safari Rally. In 1993, it secured a one-two finish at the first leg of the Acropolis Rally, and it won the eighth round of Rally New Zealand with the late Colin McRae at the wheel.
The first generation Subaru Legacy was launched in Japan in February 1989 and was offered in several variants, including the 220 PS (162 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter turbocharged "RS" model, which was available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission.
So, how much does Subaru's current Nurburgring hero learn from the grand old dad of JDM rally legends? Using the top of the caldera as our arena, the two Subaru sedans from distant generations will dish each other with a one-lap time attack. These cars aren't afraid to get dirty. Would you? Anyway, let's roll the tape.
And now, the results...
Legacy (BC) - 1m06.333s
WRX (VB) - 58.876s
I guess Subaru's rallying heritage still remained even in this mediocre S4. Drivers like Travis Pastrana and Lia Block gave the WRX S4 a fighting chance in the ARA while others used the WRX S4 for track purposes from the Nurburgring to Super Taikyu. I can't blame them.
The Subaru Legacy's story is finished and this first-generation Legacy is a clear reminder of progression not just for the Legacy nameplate but also for Subaru. It helped Subaru cement its status in the world of rallying and became the cornerstone of grand touring pleasure. Some of the attributes have been carried over to today's WRX, although it's not fully developed to do things its ancestors have done. Too soon, junior. You have a lot to learn from the best.
EPILOGUE
The Subaru WRX S4 VB may have been an average 4WD saloon that ended up becoming the last remaining Subie saloon, but because this is Forza Horizon 5, I have interesting opportunities for the WRX S4 to discover.
The car is perhaps not as famous as something like the Aston Martin Vantage, but the WRX S4 can still do its job well in this game, and I'm interested to see how far I can take it. The WRX S4's ability to go off-road makes me curious about how it will fare in the mountains, which should be a fun place to drive. Perhaps this car may be interested in this, too?
Sigh. I gave the S4 a choice, and it went for the other. It wants to be that Liella girl, Kinako Sakurakoji. Fine, have it your way. I shall now call you Kinako.
But hey, on the plus side, I’ve managed to make some revisions underneath so that now this car behaves as if the Subaru Performance Transmission is set to its 8-speed manual mode. I even gave it the looks to imitate the STi S210 in my mind, a special version of the WRX S4 that’s a road-going version of the race car that won the Nurburgring 24-hour race in its class. It has a 30-PS power hike, but it’s only mated with the Subaru Performance Transmission.
With the looks of the STi S210 and the mentality of Kinako Sakurakoji, my WRX S4 is battling against two racers in their juiced-up cars in an EventLab scenario in an industrial district. Typical street racing vibes but is the WRX S4 up for this challenge? Let's find out.
Although battered and bent after that "grand slam", it managed to survive and win this EventLab situation. Well done, Kinako-chan. You know what they say "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog". Man, I'm going to miss playing those cool EventLab scenarios.
The Subaru WRX S4 may be the last remaining Subaru sedan on sale today but rest assured that its legacy of creating all-weather, all-capable, 4WD saloons will never be forgotten.
From the WRC to the Nürburgring, on or off the road, tarmac, gravel, or snow, this represents world-class quality done right. This is... SUBARU 4WD.
After over three and a half decades on the road, Subaru will bid goodbye to the Legacy at the end of March 2025. Although it's a painful thing to do, the Legacy has served its purpose after seven generations not just in Japan but across the globe.
2025 Subaru Legacy Outback Black Selection
As the world braces for the end of the Subaru Legacy, it's time for a quick history with Subaru's grand touring sensation from the BC/BF first-generation model to the final-generation BT5.
First Generation (1989-1993) - The first generation of the Subaru Legacy was launched in Japan in February 1989 and was offered in several variants. These included the 220 PS (162 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter turbocharged "RS" model, which was available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Additionally, there were the "VZ" sedan and wagon, as well as the "TZ" sedan and wagon, both equipped with a 150 PS (110 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter engine. A smaller 102 PS (75 kW) SOHC 1.8-liter engine powered the "Vi" sedan and wagon, which were front-wheel drive only, along with the "Ti" sedan and wagon, the "Mi," and the entry-level "Ei" sedans and wagons.
In terms of motorsport involvement, the Subaru Legacy achieved significant success, including Patrik Njiru's victory in the Group N class at the 1990 Safari Rally. In 1993, it secured a one-two finish at the first leg of the Acropolis Rally, and it won the eighth round of Rally New Zealand with the late Colin McRae at the wheel.
Second Generation (1993-1998) - The second-generation Subaru Legacy featured a rounder shape compared to its predecessor, courtesy of styling by Oliver Boulay. It was offered with the choice of the Touring Wagon, the 4-door Touring Sports, and the SUV-oriented Grand Wagon. The 1996 facelift features a much cleaner design and sports a powerful new variant with the EJ20R turbo engine producing 280PS of power. The Grand Wagon was renamed Lancaster in the 1997 model.
Third Generation (1998-2003) - Launched in 1998, the third-generation Legacy features a much squarish design compared to the previous model while donning similar taillights from its predecessor. It's available in a choice of a Touring Wagon, the Lancaster, and the B4 sedan. In addition to the selection of a 2.0L or 2.5L boxer petrol engine, the Lancaster is the first Japanese car to be powered by a 3.0L boxer-six engine. This engine became so popular, that it was even added to the Touring Wagon and the B4 after the 2001 minor change.
Fourth Generation (2003-2009) - The fourth-generation Legacy sports a sharper exterior design in contrast to its predecessors. It is available in a choice of a Touring Wagon or B4, powered by a choice of a 2.0L boxer-4 (with available turbo) and a 3.0L boxer-6 engine. The Lancaster model was replaced by the Outback, marking the marque's Japan debut having been applied to foreign-model predecessors since the second and third generations. The 2005 facelift marked the debut of Subaru's SI-DRIVE while later updates feature the first-generation Subaru Eyesight system with front cameras detecting moving objects.
Fifth Generation (2009-2014) - The fifth-generation Legacy was launched in 2009 to commemorate the Legacy range's 20th anniversary. With styling inspired by the concept car from the 2009 NAIAS, the fifth-generation Legacy is offered with the choice of the Touring Wagon, the B4, and the Outback. All models are fitted with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT for better fuel economy while the 2.5GT models are mated to either a 5-speed AT or a 6-speed MT. The Outback still uses the EZ36 3.6L boxer-six engine.
The 2013 Subaru Legacy's minor model change comes with the new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo (DIT) engine. Sadly, the 6-speed manual is gone for this model year. The Touring Wagon (BR9), Legacy B4 (BM9), and Outback have engine choices of the FA20 DIT, the old EJ25, or a new FB25. The Outback also has the option of the old EZ36 engine. Depending on the model, there are a couple of transmission options. Touring Wagon, Outback, and B4 models equipped with the FB25 are mated with the second-generation Lineartronic CVT that comes with a 6-speed manual mode. Outback models with the EZ36, and models with the old EJ25, have a 5-speed automatic transmission. Touring Wagon and B4 models equipped with the new FA20 DIT engine have a new Lineartronic CVT with a 6-speed manual mode.
Sixth Generation (2014-2021) - 2014 marked the Legacy's 25th anniversary and the arrival of the sixth generation. Only the B4 sedan and the Outback were available for purchase. The Touring Wagon was no longer available, as it had been replaced by the Levorg. The only engine choice was the updated version of the FB25 Boxer, which came with Lineartronic CVT. Both models featured EyeSight ver. 3, which had adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision warning/prevention.
Seventh Generation (2021-2025) - The seventh and final generation of the Subaru Legacy is the Outback. With styling that is similar to its predecessor, it's no wonder that some enthusiasts find this new model to be the successor to their beloved legacy, or at least an appropriate follow-up to its six previous generations. In keeping with the model's tradition, this final generation offers many tech-savvy features on the interior, as well as under the hood. The previous 2.5L boxer-four petrol engine has been replaced with a CB18 1.8L DOHC DIT engine. This setup features a LINEARTRONIC CVT with an 8-speed manual mode, achieving modest fuel economy for the power it generates. This engine also boosts both the horsepower and torque in comparison to the Legacy's sixth-generation model. Perhaps the Outback's best feature is that it was redesigned and rebuilt using the Subaru Global Platform, improving the car's handling and making it stiffer.
Subaru announced that it will end production of the Legacy at the end of March 2025. To commemorate this, Subaru has unveiled a send-off limited edition model called the Subaru Legacy Outback Black Selection. This special model commemorates not only the 30th anniversary of the Subaru Outback but also the end of the Subaru Legacy. It features a blackened front grille, badges, 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and bumpers.
For seven generations, the Subaru Legacy has been the epitome of grand touring for all walks of life. Whether it's on tarmac, gravel, or snow, the Legacy is every journeyman's responsible partner that allows them to chart through uncharted paths. Now that the Legacy's story is finished, its memories will live on forever. As they said, legacy runs deep.
