Saturday, March 15, 2025

Guinness Men's Six Nations 2025 FINAL

The 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations finale pits Italy v Ireland, Wales v England, and France v Scotland. With France and England tied in the lead, which team will deserve to be this season's champions? Time to find out.

Screengrab from Six Nations

The finale saw Ireland defeat Italy at the score of 22-17 while England humiliated Wales at the score of 68-14 and France beat Scotland at the score of 35-16.

Congratulations to France Rugby on their 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations championship! They raked four out of five wins this season with a total of 125 points, which is impressive!

This concludes the 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations season but the Six Nations action continues with the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations season beginning Saturday, March 22nd.

Friday, March 14, 2025

Let's Do The News! (March 14, 2025)

                

                                        

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

- Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte called out Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil, AFP Chief Romeo Brawner Jr., and CIDG Chief Nicolas Torre III, as well as all those who arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte. On his Facebook account, Rep. Duterte asked the aforementioned individuals where his father was because he said he was not in the International Criminal Court.

- Former President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as his counsel ahead of his appearance before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber.

- The European Union is sending one of its delegates to the Philippines to monitor the May 2025 midterm elections.

- NLEX will undergo various maintenance projects throughout 2025.

- Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees that the war in Ukraine must end but says the plan has to "lead to long-term peace" and "remove root causes of crisis".

- The Ligier JS F4 Series was renamed as Ligier Junior Formula Championship.

- The all-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA was unveiled.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

- Silent Hill f video game is coming soon to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

TTFN.

Toyota Crown Estate (H38W/H39W)

The introduction of the all-new Toyota Crown Estate completes the quartet of Crown models, which includes the Crown Crossover, the Crown sedan, the Crown Sport, and this one. Now, let's get to know the last addition to this lineup.

2025 Toyota Crown Estate
2025 Toyota Crown Estate

The all-new Toyota Crown Estate starts at 6,350,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs. The final entry of the Crown quartet of models is obviously the most spacious even though it isn't really an Estate, it's a posh crossover that's about as big as the Harrier.

2025 Toyota Crown Estate
2025 Toyota Crown Estate

Let's start with the exterior styling. The Crown Estate is a luxury crossover comparable in size to the current-generation Harrier. It features the latest Crown logo, similar to the rest of the lineup, but it showcases the signature Toyota design that has been inspired by Ferrari. From the rear, the vehicle's appearance could easily be mistaken for an RAV4, a Harrier, or a Corolla Cross. As they say, it's all part of the family.

2025 Toyota Crown Estate
2025 Toyota Crown Estate interior


2025 Toyota Crown Estate
2025 Toyota Crown Estate interior

Similar to the entire quartet, the Crown Estate's interior embraces a minimalist approach. The driver's side features advanced technologies such as T-Connect, smartphone connectivity, voice control, a heated steering wheel, and a digital rearview mirror, among others.

The Estate, being the most spacious option among the Crown quartet, offers 570 liters of luggage space with the rear seats in use and 1,470 liters when they are folded down. It also features a brand-new luggage space extension board mechanism, which allows for a completely flat space of two meters in length when the rear seats are retracted—a first for Toyota vehicles.

2025 Toyota Crown Estate
2025 Toyota Crown Estate

The Crown Estate is available with two electrified drivetrains. The hybrid Z variant features a 2.5L A25A-FXS Dynamic Force petrol engine paired with two electric motors, producing a total power output of 243 PS. It comes equipped with a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery and an e-CVT gearbox, promising a fuel economy of 20.3 km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid RS variant utilizes the same 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol hybrid engine as the standard hybrid. However, it is enhanced with powerful electric motor generators, a new lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery mounted under the floor, and an improved heat pump HVAC system, delivering a total power output of 306 PS. This variant also features a CVT gearbox and achieves a combined fuel economy of 20 km/L according to WLTC Mode standards, along with an electric-only driving range of 89 km. That's more efficient than what you get from one of its main rivals, the Mazda CX-60 with e-SKYACTIV PHEV.

Similar to the other Crown SUVs in the lineup, the Crown Estate is built on the TNGA-K platform. Although it is only available with four-wheel drive, its driving experience can be somewhat comparable to that of the Audi Q5. This platform makes the ride less sporty, but it does provide a relaxed driving feel, reminiscent of a leisurely Sunday afternoon, thanks to its front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension.

With an emphasis on safety as a key priority, the Crown Estate comes equipped with advanced safety features, including the latest Toyota Safety Sense. This system includes up to 12 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features. Additionally, it offers the innovative Toyota Teammate advanced driving system, which includes Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist. These technologies enable the crossover to perform semi-autonomous driving, allowing it to navigate busy roads like the Shutokou with ease.

Although the Crown Estate is a treason to the Crown heritage, like the Crossover and Sport variants, it is all about space, luxury, and efficiency in the name of common sense. With the Crown lineup of models officially complete, it's hard to decide which variant is the wisest, but if you're interested in space, the Estate is the best bet. It's misleading by name, but it's a serious, posh crossover fit for all walks of life.

Available Colors: Precious White Pearl, Massive Grey, Black, Emotional Red III, Precious Bronze, Black x Precious White Pearl, Precious Metal x Massive Grey, Black x Massive Grey, Black x Emotional Red III, and Black x Precious Bronze.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Let's Do The News! (March 13, 2025)

               

                                        

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

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte thanked her supporters as she joined alongside her embattled father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is en route to The Netherlands facing trial with the ICC for his alleged crimes against humanity.

- Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa will speak with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to seek protection from the PH Senate amid his possible arrest by the International Criminal Court. According to Dela Rosa, one of his options is to seek protection from the Senate to prevent the possibility of his arrest.

- Pope Francis's health remains stable and his recent chest scan shows improvement.

- The Pakistan army says it has freed over 300 hostages from a passenger train seized by the militant group in Balochistan province.

- The vessel's owner says the captain of the cargo ship that crashed in the North Sea is a Russian national.

- The Mitsuoka Himiko is ending production this year and a one-of-ten Final Himiko special model will feature one exterior color in each unit.

2025 Mitsuoka Final Himiko

- BMW previews its Neue Klasse era sedan.

- All You Need Is Kill is getting an anime adaptation.

- Saudi-based mobile publisher Scopely will take over Niantic's game business. Niantic will sell Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now for US$3.85 billion.

- Kim Soo Hyun faces backlash for his alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron.

- Boxer Carl Jammes Martin is making his US debut in his Las Vegas fight against Colombian boxer Jose Sanmartin in their 10-round fight in Las Vegas this March 22nd.

- Comedian Vice Ganda warns against fake posts about former president Rodrigo Duterte.

TTFN.

My FM Log: Heroes

The Toyota GR Yaris and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N are prize cars in Forza Motorsport's Daily Racers update. Having got my hands on these two everyday heroes on the road and track, let's get to know them two.


I acquired the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N by completing the Open Class Tour update or finishing 10 races in the Open Class Featured Multiplayer until the March 12, 2025 deadline. 

The IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance variant of the IONIQ 5 crossover and signifies that Hyundai N is embracing electrification.

Equipped with an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors that power both the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 5 N delivers a default output of 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. When the N Grin Boost feature is activated for ten seconds, the power increases to 650 PS. Additionally, with N Launch Control engaged, it can achieve a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h.

Hyundai has truly excelled with the IONIQ 5 N, which has won the 2024 World Performance Car award as well as Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year. This high-performance electric crossover not only boasts an impressive design but also the power and speed to match. Its recent achievement of setting a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes further underscores its performance capabilities.


Moving to the Toyota GR Yaris that I acquired by completing the Daily Racers Tour or finishing 10 races in the Daily Racers featured multiplayer until the March 26, 2025 deadline.

Known as the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era, the GR Yaris served as the template for Toyota's next rally car. Take the fourth-generation Yaris, strip the two extra doors off, make it wider, jam it with the G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, and lodge it with the GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system. The result is a road-legal rally car akin to the legendary Toyota Celica GT-FOUR.

In addition to the 1.6L turbocharged variant, there is a cheaper and much slower RS variant with the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine mated to a CVT.



Having acquired these two high-performance Asian superheroes, let's drive these two around Brands Hatch to prove just how "super" these everyday superheroes are.



They both know how to use their superpowers effectively. As the saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility." That's why I admire them both.

Anyway, enjoy your new rides.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

The Sweetest Time

The Nijigasaki High School Idol Club has introduced the Monthly Songs project, similar to Aqours' monthly birthday song singles. Each month, one of your favorite members will get a chance to shine. For the March edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project, Ayumu Uehara takes over.

The Sweetest Time
The Sweetest Time

Ayumu Uehara, voiced by Aguri Onishi, takes over the March edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project with her featured song "The Sweetest Time". This third installment includes this featured track and the additional song titled "Secret".

Next month...Kasumi Nakasu.

TRACK LISTINGS:

01. The Sweetest Time

02. Secret

03. The Sweetest Time (Off Vocal)

04. Secret (Off Vocal)

Let's Do The News! (March 12, 2025)

              

                                        

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

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos says they have a document that will explain the basis for the arrest of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. President Marcos insists there is no politics involved in the arrest of his predecessor.

- A holy mass was held at the EDSA Shrine attended by individuals who support the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. According to the Clergy for Good Governance, the mass is being offered to the victims of extrajudicial killings that occurred during the previous administration.

- Senator Bong Go shared a photo of former president Rodrigo Duterte, reportedly in Dubai with former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.

- Atty. Salvador Panelo, along with his son Atty. Salvador Paolo Jr., filed a writ of habeas corpus with the PH Supreme Court to challenge the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

- The Trump administration's 25% tariff on all imports of steel and aluminum takes effect. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump halts plan to double steel and aluminum tariffs for Canadian imports, according to senior officials.

- Ukraine says it is ready to accept the 30-day ceasefire, as the US says the "ball now in Russia's court". Meanwhile, the US says it will resume intel sharing and security assistance to Ukraine immediately.

- The Lexus RZ was updated for the 2026 model year with the inclusion of a steer-by-wire yoke. In addition to the front-wheel-drive 224PS RZ350e and the 381PS 4WD RZ500e, it features the range-topper RZ550e F Sport with twin-motor setup generating 408PS of power and Interactive Manual Drive feature.

- The Morgan Supersport was unveiled. The new model is powered by the 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine with 335bhp of power while mated to a BMW-sourced 8-speed AT.

2026 Morgan Supersport


- The Longbow Roadster and Speedster were unveiled.

- Nissan names Ivan Espinosa as the company's new CEO.

- The Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines has been suspended by the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sport. As a result, the Philippine Olympic Committee has been asked to manage the affairs of billiards in the country for the next three months. The Philippine sports body cited several reasons for this suspension, including conflicts of interest, the failure to hold elections for an extended period, organizing international tournaments without the necessary approvals from either the Asian or world governing bodies and a lack of proper care for Filipino billiard athletes.

TTFN.