Let's Do The News! (February 18, 2025)

    

                                        

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

- Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel has sent a letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero so that the Senate can take action on the impeachment case of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte. Pimentel emphasized that based on Article 11, Section 3, Paragraph 4, of the 1987 Constitution, the Senate has a constitutional mandate to act "forthwith" or immediately on Duterte's articles of impeachment.

- The National Bureau of Investigation will conduct an investigation once senators file a complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte's statement.

- More than 400 areas of concern are now being monitored by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

- Pre-voting enrollment of Filipinos abroad who will use internet voting will begin on May 12. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said in its advisory that overseas Filipino voters of Philippine Posts who will use internet voting in the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections must register or enroll in the Overseas Voting and Counting System (OVCS) from March 10, 2025 to May 7, 2025.

- Europe must step up to meet "generational" security challenge, UK PM Keir Starmer says as he heads to emergency Ukraine summit. Starmer says "there must be a US backstop" for any Ukraine peace agreement to deter Russia from attacking again.

- Three people were seriously injured when a Delta flight flipped over on landing in Toronto. All 80 people on board the Delta flight from Minnesota have been evacuated according to the US Federal Aviation Administration.

- The LTO suspends Angkas CEO George Royeca’s driver’s license for 90 days.

- MF GHOST's third season will air this 2026.

- To Aru Kagaku no Railgun anime returns for its 4th season.

- Kadokawa acquired the animation studio Chiptune.

- Actress Kim Sae Ron's cause of death was revealed.

- Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil adds the Miss Universe Thailand franchise to its portfolio for five years.

TTFN.

Kia EV9 GT

Kia has been releasing some exciting new vehicles lately, and none is more noteworthy than the EV9 GT. This SUV doesn't need much introduction because it truly speaks for itself. As the most powerful three-row Kia SUV ever made, the EV9 GT sets a high standard for the brand. So, what makes Kia's latest heavyweight champion so remarkable?

2026 Kia EV9 GT

With prices starting at an ultra-expensive 88,490,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the Kia EV9 GT is the most powerful three-row Kia SUV ever made, a statement that can rattle the Western establishment with style and power in this brave new world.

2026 Kia EV9 GT

2026 Kia EV9 GT interior

At first glance, it looks identical to the lesser and basic EV9 GT-Line judging by its sporty exterior credentials that add some macho flair to this flagship EV SUV. Still, to make sure that this is the GT variant, it's been given proper GT badges, GT-signature lime brake calipers, and unique 21-inch wheels. 

Inside, the EV9 GT adds a GT button on the steering wheel, GT-specific instrumentals, an exclusive performance timer, lime stitching, on all seats, 2-row premium relaxation seats, and front Alcantara premium sports seats, among others. This six-seater EV SUV is all about keeping its luxury status while going balls out on a track day in Inje or Yongin.

2026 Kia EV9 GT

Powering the EV9 GT is a 99.8kWh battery pack powering its dual-motor setup. It unleashes 509PS of power output and 740Nm of torque, sprinting from a 0-100kph time of less than four and a half seconds and a top speed of 220kph. That sounds fast for a heavyweight EV SUV that can last for over 400km on one full charge and it gets even more interesting because for show-off purposes, the EV9 GT is armed with its signature Virtual Gear Shift and electric Active Sound Design. It even comes with the same e-LSD from the EV6 GT, which helps with cornering stability by limiting wheelspin to the tires with less grip while torque is electronically routed to the tires with more traction.

The EV9 GT comes with a driver-selectable electronic control system (ECS). Accessed via the Drive Mode button on the steering wheel, the driver can select three different driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. There's even a My Drive mode where drivers can personalize the EV9 GT's driving style judging by the shock damping, steering, and brake feel.

As expected, the Kia EV9 GT offers a wide array of safety features, including high beam assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.

Being the most powerful three-row Kia SUV takes guts to be one and this new heavyweight fighter is Ssireum on all four wheels. Trying to wrestle with this EV SUV on a track day is a challenging feat but for cruising, it feels like a normal EV9. Love it or hate it, the EV9 GT is the beast of Kia's SUV lineup and although silent, it demands respect.

Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Marble Grey, Pantera Metal, Aurora Black Pearl, Flare Red, and Pantera Matte Metal.

Photo: Kia

Let's Do The News! (February 17, 2025)

   

                                        

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

- The National Food Authority (NFA) clarifies that tons of rice that have been sitting in their warehouse in Occidental Mindoro for two years is "subject to milling".

- A one-peso reward per every mosquito and its larva eliminated will be offered to a barangay in Mandaluyong to fight dengue. Meanwhile, a Taguig LGU is laying out plans to combat dengue.

- UK PM Sir Keir Starmer says the country is "ready and willing" to put troops on the ground in Ukraine to help guarantee its security as part of a peace deal.

- Kia previewed its first-ever EV4 compact EV saloon ahead of next week's KIA EV DAY presentation.

2026 Kia EV4

- BMW showcased its Vision Driving Experience, an all-electric test mule previewing BMW's Neue Klasse era. Its electric powertrain generates a whopping 13,269lb of torque.

- Actress Kim Sae-Ron dies at the age of 24.

- LeBron James sat out the NBA All-Star Game, his first time missing the game in his career, because of lingering discomfort in his left foot and ankle.

- Mikayla Blakes scored an NCAA Division I women's freshman record of 55 points during Vanderbilt's 98-88 overtime win against Auburn.

- The Netflix TV series XO, Kitty renewed for a third season.

TTFN.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Daytona 500

The new NASCAR Cup Series season has officially begun with the DAYTONA 500, known as The Great American Race. 

The pre-race ceremony featured some unexpected guests, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who made his second visit to Daytona since 2020 to kick off the rolling start. Actor Anthony Mackie, known for his role as Captain America, served as this year's Grand Marshal. Additionally, the Chevrolet Blazer EV.R NASCAR Concept made its first public appearance in Daytona. It truly is a "brave new world" for this season opener.

As the green flag waved, the first 200 laps of the season commenced until Lap 11, the race came to a halt due to rainy weather, only to resume and then halted again on Lap 20. After a lengthy wait, the race is back on with Lap 24 with Joey Logano leading the restart. Lap 63 saw an accident between Denny Hamlin and Zane Smith.

Joey Logano won Stage 1 of the race, but Stage 2 brought disaster when Helio Castroneves triggered a multi-car accident on Lap 71. Ryan Blaney claimed victory in Stage 2. 

The final stage escalated into chaos on Lap 196 when Christopher Bell spun on the backstretch after being pushed by Cole Custer. Bell's car then collided with the field, resulting in a chain reaction. Ryan Preece's car went airborne, landing on top of Erik Jones' vehicle before flipping over as they entered Turn 3. The incident also involved several other drivers, including Brad Keselowski, Daniel Suarez, Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, Justin Allgaier, and Chase Elliott.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After a lengthy weather delay and chaotic moments at the season opener, William Byron wins the Daytona 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The Great American Race is over, but the NASCAR Cup Series has officially begun. The next race is the Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta on February 23rd.

WRC 2025: Rally Sweden

The 2025 World Rally Championship continues with Rally Sweden. With the championship underway and the heat on, the drivers are going all-out to survive the sub-zero temperatures and tough driving conditions.

Screengrab from WRC

Elfyn Evans dominated Rally Sweden from start to finish with a time of 2:33:39.2, finishing 3.8 seconds ahead of fellow Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Takamoto Katsuta. Hyundai N driver Thierry Neuville secured the final podium position.

The next event is the Safari Rally Kenya this March 19-23, 2025.

Driving Music Vol. 130

Road-tripping to Daytona to witness the start of the new NASCAR season? While on the move, enjoy the latest batch of my Driving Music playlist to enjoy.

1) La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf - from the Toyota Taiwan Tercel commercial

2) Just Might Fall in Love by Eria Fachin, Caron Nightingale, & Lou Bartolomucci - from the Ford Taiwan Escape commercial

3) Instant Crush by Daft Punk & Julian Casablancas - from the Renault 5 E-TECH commercial

4) Major Tom (Coming Home) by Peter Schilling -from the Peugeot e-5008 commercial

5) Esperar Prá Ver by Evinha - from the Dacia Jogger commercial

6) Leave You Far Behind by Lunatic Calm - from the Subaru New Age Impreza commercial

7) Tue Love by Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly - from the Philippine Rabbit Bus Co. "God Bless The Newlyweds" commercial

8) Stars by Simply Red - from the Subaru Impreza Sport Wagon 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.

ABB FIA Formula E S11 - Jeddah ePrix

The two-part Jeddah ePrix, held during the 11th ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season, celebrated the series' 100th race. To honor this milestone, the race weekend featured some of the fastest-rising racing drivers participating in rookie testing, showcasing the capabilities of the GEN3 EVO racing machines at the official venue of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

After landmark Free Practice sessions with the fastest-rising rookie racers, the action in Jeddah begins with accidents, clashes, and suspense galore.

Screengrab from Formula E

The first race saw Maximilian Guenther nailed his first win as a DS driver. In contrast, Nissan driver Oliver Rowland finished 2nd to maintain his title fight and McLaren newcomer Taylor Barnard completed the podium with his third-place finish. In the incident-packed second race, meanwhile, it's an all-British podium with Rowland the winner, Barnard the second placer, and Maserati's Jake Hughes the third placer.

Rowland is leading the championship fight ahead of Barnard but it's too early to tell. The next event is the Miami ePrix this April 12th.