Let's Do The News! (March 5, 2025)

        

                                        

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

- The National Food Authority (NFA) continues to mill rice in the country to decongest warehouses this summer. In Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said that space in warehouses will increase once all the rice is milled.

- Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that the three Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) bosses deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) did not make it to China. During the Senate hearing, Hontiveros identified POGO bosses Lyu Xun, Kong Xiangrui, and Wang Shangle as among the first to be deported by the agency.

- PhilHealth launched its Outpatient Benefits Package for Mental Health to help Filipinos with mental health problems. The new package covers services such as assessments, follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and psychosocial support for those who have depression, psychosis, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental disorders, dementia, and self-harm or suicide tendencies.

- Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says "We will not back down from a fight" and slams the Trump administration's tariff imposition on Canadian goods as a "dumb thing to do".

- "Time to make things right" - Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses regret over the White House row and says Ukraine is ready to "work fast to end the war". A few moments ago, in the aftermath of the failed talks between the two presidents, US President Donald Trump paused aid for Ukraine while European leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer, backed Zelensky.

- Brendon Hartley will replace Alex Lynn at Wayne Taylor Racing for next week's 12 Hours of Sebring race. Meanwhile, Juan Manuel Correa is making his IMSA debut with United Autosports in the Sebring bout.

- Ferrari blocked Enrico Cardile's role in Aston Martin after winning a legal case against its former technical director. 

- A first in Audi's rollback in its naming scheme, the sixth-generation A6 was unveiled and for the first time, it's offered only in Avant. It will be powered by a choice of 2.0L petrol and 2.0L diesel with MHEV, all mated to a seven-speed DSG.

2026 Audi A6 Avant

- The Lotus Emira range was updated for the 2026 model year with the introduction of the Emira Turbo SE model with its AMG 2.0L turbo engine boosted to 400HP, matching the performance of the Emira V6 variant with its supercharged 3.5L V6 engine, but with 44 more torque. Mated to an 8-speed DCT, it has a 182mph top speed.

2026 Lotus Emira Turbo SE

- Seiyuu Himari Hazuki will retire at the end of March 2025, her agency announced. As a result of the announcement, she will step down from her role as Merm4id member Saori Hidaka from the D4DJ franchise.

- PlayStation launches its new beta program for testing its upcoming games and PS5/PS App features. Players can register for free to express interest in beta access to games and new features.

- KBS denies reports that the TV network blocked Xiumin's appearance in the variety show Music Bank due to the SM dispute.

- The Netflix original K-drama, Karma, arrives this April 4th.

- Lamont Roach's lawyer has sent a letter to the NYSAC, demanding the majority draw with Gervonta Davis to be overturned.

- Taiwanese actor Darren Wang is under investigation for his alleged attempted murder.

TTFN.

Hyundai IONIQ 9

The first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUV completes the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars and it's the flagship EV SUV of the Hyundai lineup. Let's get to know more about the top of Hyundai's electric food chain.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

With prices starting at 67,150,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 9 can be rudely called the Palisade of Hyundai EVs. While identically sized to the Palisade, the IONIQ 9 is a zero-emission business class on all four wheels that takes a different approach to "touring."

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Like its IONIQ siblings, which draw inspiration from their respective concept vehicles—the IONIQ 5 from the 45 Concept and the IONIQ 6 from the Prophecy Concept—the IONIQ 9 takes cues from the Seven Concept. While the design, inspired by the concept, is a standout feature of the IONIQ 9, the rear view is somewhat puzzling, as it may evoke memories of various Volvo wagons from the past.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 interior

Inside, the IONIQ 9 is everything you expect for a flagship EV SUV. From the driver's side, you'll be greeted by the braille-written steering wheel that became a signature for today's Hyundai models, a panoramic curved display that features a 12.3-inch instrumental display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment purposes, buttons and knobs for the aircon and radio, ambient lighting, and a glove compartment underneath the center console, among others. 

On the passenger side, the IONIQ 9 offers a choice between a 6-seater and a 7-seater. The cargo space accommodates from 620L (with rear seats up) to 2,462L (with all passenger seats folded down), while the frunk provides from 52L (for 4WD models) to 88L (for 2WD models). Notably, the six-seater variant features a unique asset that no luxury people mover possesses, not even today's Toyota Alphard: swiveling second-row seats.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Armed with the E-GMP platform and a 110kWh li-ion battery, rear-wheel-drive variants of the IONIQ 9 have 160kW of power and 532km of driving range while the range-topping variant with H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system has 315kW of power and 501km of driving range.

Despite being somewhat bulky, the IONIQ 9 offers a luxurious experience comparable to any premium SUV you can think of. It serves as a well-organized cruiser, perfect for touring South Korea's upscale destinations, including the stunning location dubbed "Paradise" by Singles' Inferno. Equipped with H-TRAC, it features an Auto Terrain Mode that automatically adjusts its capabilities for various surfaces, whether tarmac, gravel, or snow. While it may not match the quality of a Range Rover, it is still quite impressive.

In terms of safety, the IONIQ 9 comes loaded with the latest Hyundai SmartSense technologies. These include 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, among others.

The arrival of the first-ever IONIQ 9 completes the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars. With its SUV ruggedness, luxury sedan-riding comfort, award-winning EV powertrain, and premium features that can upset European imports, this is Hyundai's opulent expression of zero-emission touring. This is common-sense business class the Hyundai way. Any questions?

Available Colors: Ionosphere Green, Sunset Brown, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Celadon Grey Metallic, Bio Phillic Blue Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Matte, Celadon Grey Matte, and Gravity Gold Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Let's Do The News! (March 4, 2025)

       

                                        

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

- Presidential Communications Office ad interim Secretary Jay Ruiz accepted the courtesy resignation of Toby Nebrida as general manager of the state-run television network People's Television Network (PTV).

- One of the Philippine Air Force's FA-50 fighter jets went missing early this morning. The said fighter jet disappeared while conducting tactical night operations before reaching Mactan, Cebu.

- COMELEC dismissed the disqualification case against the Tulfo family.

- The Commission on Appointments (CA) has received the documents related to the appointment of Transportation Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jaybee Ruiz.

- US President Donald Trump criticizes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for saying peace with Russia is very far away. Days after failed talks with Zelensky, the US halted aid to Ukraine while European leaders expressed concern that the Ukraine war would not end without US support.

- One person was killed when a car drove into a crowd in the German city of Mannheim.

- Painter Jack Vettriano, best known for his painting "The Singing Butler", passed away at the age of 73.

- Nissan officially ended sales of the GT-R after 18 years.

- A fully autonomous Maserati MC20 set a new autonomous driving world speed record at the Kennedy Space Center at 197.7mph.

- Mattias Ekstrom and Max McRae have been forced to withdraw from this weekend’s Race of Champions event in Sydney, Australia.

- Katherine Legge will make her NASCAR Cup Series debut at this Sunday's race in Phoenix.

- Joanne Ciconte completes MP Motorsport's 2025 F1 Academy lineup.

- An anime adaptation of the Genso Suikoden franchise was announced, including a new mobile game, manga, stage play, and concert.

- Oleksandr Gvozdyk wants a "dream fight" against Callum Smith when he returns for his April 19th fight.

TTFN.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix

A different kind of COTA awakens as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series takes on its first road course action of the season, the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, featuring a new layout of the Circuit of the Americas, the sacred ground of the F1 US Grand Prix.

As the green flag waves, NASCAR in COTA is on. Stage 1 saw a multitude of incidents from Ty Dillon's spin on Lap 4 to Cody Wave's spin-and-save on Lap 17. As Bubba Wallace wins Stage 1, his first stage win on a road course, Stage 2 saw Kyle Larson slapped with a penalty for shortcutting Turn 3 while running in 8th followed by Denny Hamlin for shortcutting Turn 5, and John Hunter Nemechek for a commitment line violation, not to mention Larson lost his right front wheel on Lap 44. As Ryan Preece wins Stage 2, the final stage saw Daniel Suarez get hit by Connor Zilsch on Lap 50, Alex Bowman spin on Lap 56, Denny Hamlin sends Austin Dillon into the gravel on Lap 78, and Chase Briscoe sends Ty Gibbs spinning on Lap 83.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense road course action in COTA, Christopher Bell wins the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Phoenix Raceway for the Shriners Children's 500 this March 9, 2025.

NTT IndyCar Series 2025 - Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The NTT IndyCar Series is entering an exciting new season. For the first time, the 2025 season will be simulcast on FOX TV networks. This change in network coverage has generated considerable discussion, but new and returning IndyCar drivers are ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The season kicks off with a street race at the Firestone Grand Prix in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As the green flag waved, the first race of the 2025 IndyCar season kicked off with Nolan Siegel, Will Power, and Louis Foster wrecked on the opening lap, triggering the first caution of the season. As the race restarts on Lap 7, Felix Rosenqvist has race leader Scott McLaughlin in his sights.

Quarters of this race and crucial pitstops later, Lap 74 saw Josef Newgarden make an impressive offense through Scott Dixon, and as the climax drew near, it became a three-way clash between Alex Palou, Josef Newgarden, and Scott Dixon.

Screengrab from IndyCar

After a dramatic start of the season, Alex Palou drew first blood by beating Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden to win the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

The next race is The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix this March 23, 2025.

Let's Do The News! (March 3, 2025)

      

                                        

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

- EDSA Busway operations to continue even as EDSA rehabilitation begins in March, says PH Department of Transportation Sec. Vince Dizon.

- The number of areas of concern for the upcoming elections, may change, says Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia.

- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for a "whole-of-government approach" to completely dismantle the syndicates that are still behind the proliferation of illegal POGOs in the Philippines.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have recorded 29 validated election-related incidents. In an ambush interview at Kampo Krame earlier today, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said that aside from the 29 ERIs, the National Police is still investigating 12 to 15 incidents, most of which are from the BARMM.

- Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelsnky says he is "ready to sign" the US minerals deal days after failed talks with US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveils a plan to help Ukraine after hosting the European summit.

- Toyota's Yaris and Yaris Cross lineup were updated for the 2025 Model Year with the introduction of the special Urbano variant.

2025 Toyota Yaris Urbano

2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Urbano

- MG teases its upcoming new EV, the MGS5 EV, coming this Spring 2025.

- The Iron Lynx team confirms the line-up for their third Le Mans entry.

- A new Haikyu!! movie, titled Where Monsters Go, is announced and this movie centers on the Fukurodani-Mujinazaka match.

- Zo In Sung has officially parted ways with his longtime agency NS ENM after 13 years.

- BBC's Doctor Who TV series 2nd season casts Rylan as the Interstellar Stong Contest host. The 2nd season airs this April 12th.

- Anora wins Best Picture and others at the 2025 Academy Awards.

Let's Do The News! (March 1, 2025)

     

                                        

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

- US and Ukrainian Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky clash over ending the Ukraine war during their meeting in the White House. Zelensky abruptly left the White House as Trump told him to "come back when he's ready to peace" while accusing Zelensky of "gambling with World War III". UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer retains "unwavering support" for Ukraine and has spoken to Trump and Zelensky. In the aftermath of the extraordinary tirade, the minerals deal between the US and Ukraine was not signed.

- Skype is shutting down this May, according to Microsoft.

- The F1 Academy series reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its future talent pipeline by announcing an inaugural rookie test and a continued collaboration with the Champions of the Future Academy Program.

- A Prime Video docuseries centering on the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup will stream this March 25th.

- The Grand Theft Auto Online game will feature the Oscar Guzman Flies Again update coming March 4th.

- The first part of the Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle movie arrives in cinemas this July 18th.

- The TV anime Princession Orchestra premieres this April 6th on TV Tokyo at 0900 Japan Time.

- The Hell Teacher Nube TV anime reboot premieres this July 2025.

- The next KING OF PRISM movie will be titled Prism Tours and will show in theaters this June 27. This movie features guest characters from PriPara, Kiratto PriChan, and Waccha PriMagi.

- The Netflix original series Weak Hero's first part premieres this March 25 while the second part coming this 2nd quarter of 2025.

- Actor Kim Seon Ho signs with Fantagio.

- Actress Kang Myung Joo passes away at 54.

- Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and is expected to make a full recovery after doctors detected the disease in its early stages.

- GMA-7 wins TV station of the year and 20 citations at the 2025 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards.

TTFN.