Let's Do The News! (April 11, 2025)

                                 

                                        

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

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the public that it will comply with the Civil Service Commission's order prohibiting government employees from engaging in any partisan political activities, particularly as the 2025 midterm elections draw near. PNP Chief P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil stated that the entire PNP is committed to maintaining professionalism and integrity during the election period.

- Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the PBBM administration's decision to veto the bill for the naturalization of the Chinese national named Li Duan Wang.

- The Department of Migrant Workers says that OFWs facing criminal charges will be given legal assistance.

- The PH Department of Health says that motorists need more emergency routes and hotlines before visiting tourist spots in the Cordillera.

- The Philippines' bilateral relations with Malta for the welfare of OFWs, strengthened following talks on Bilateral Labor Agreement.

- Pope Francis visited St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican wearing black pants and a white top, not his traditional white papal attire.

- McLaren announced its intention to join the Hypercar class of the 2027 WEC season.

- Lola Cars extended its technical partnership with Yamaha in Formula E.

- Robert Reid, the deputy president for sport at the FIA, has resigned due to a "governance crisis." Reid played a significant role in FIA president Ben Sulayem's election campaign in 2021 and has served in his position since then. However, following a series of controversies and resignations within the governing body—many citing a lack of transparency under Sulayem—Reid has become the most prominent figure to step down, marking a significant departure among the senior sporting members associated with the president.

- The Hasunosora Girls High School Idol Club from Link! Like! Love Live! project adds new members; Amane Shindo as Izumi Katsuragi and Miu Miyake as Ceras Yanagida Lilienfeld.

- The Netflix animated series "Devil May Cry" has been renewed for its second season.

- MOMOLAND has signed with a new agency and is resuming its activities. The members—Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy—recently entered into an exclusive contract with Inyeon Entertainment. This contract focuses solely on group promotions, with plans for all six members to reunite and return to the stage together.

- MAMAMOO member Hwasa postponed the European leg of her Twits tour.

- Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino finals saw CREAMLINE's win against Petro Gazz 3-2 forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 match.

TTFN.

Genesis GV60 (2026MY Minor Change)

The Genesis GV60, the most luxurious of the E-GMP crossover trio—comprising the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6—has undergone a minor update for the 2026 model year. While its arrival may be considered somewhat delayed, it's worth exploring the details of this recent facelift.

2026 Genesis GV60

2026 Genesis GV60 interior

The Genesis GV60 has undergone a minor update, with a starting price of 68,360,000 Korean Won (approximately $70,000), in addition to any extra costs. This facelift serves as a reminder of what makes the Genesis original EV crossover an excellent blend of style and performance.

Beginning with the styling, the GV60 minor change features a revised front face that looks like it's feeling under the weather but it's made to make it more city-oriented because the arches, the front chin, side skirts, and the rear skid plate are now in body color. The headlamps were revised to feature Micro Lens Array and 14 LEDs per side. The rear view is slightly revised and it now features new 21-inch alloy wheels.

While retaining the GV60's signature Crystal Sphere that hides the rotary gear selector, the revised interior features a new steering wheel design as well as a new 27-inch panoramic screen that combines both the virtual instrumental panel and the infotainment touch screen on the dashboard.

As told from the day it was launched, the GV60 is almost as spacious as a Tesla Model Y in terms of passenger comfort and boot space, and although it is small for electric crossover standards, it's still sensible enough to accommodate up to five people and carry heaps of stuff for work or for another courtesy visit to the relatives.

The GV60 is offered with a choice of a Standard RWD, Standard AWD, and Performance AWD. Both are armed with the 4th-generation high-voltage battery with 84kWh capacity. In the lesser variant, it has a range of 481km in one full charge and can take up to 18 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% while charging at a public charging station.

Opted for the Performance AWD powertrain, it comes with the Boost Mode located at the steering wheel. Push it on and you'll have 360kW of power and 700Nm of torque at your disposal. You can also engage the secret Drift Mode to give the GV60 the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive car you can't get enough of.

The GV60 incorporates several advanced technologies, including the e-LSD, Active Road Noise Control, Regenerative Braking Control Paddle Shift, and Preview Electronically Controlled Suspension. These features help the vehicle adapt to the changing road conditions of today. While the rear-wheel-drive model offers a satisfying driving experience on urban streets, the all-wheel-drive variant excels in various environments, particularly when equipped with Drift Mode on the track—though some might find that a bit over the top.

In terms of safety, the GV60 includes the Digital Side Mirror and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. Key features include Highway Driving Assist 2 with Lane Change Assist Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear-Side Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear-Side Monitor, a Multiple Anti-Collision Automatic Braking System, Reverse Guide Lamp, Intelligent Headlamp, Safe Exit Assist, Advanced Rear Seat Passenger Notification, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The updated GV60 has undergone a facelift, refreshing the E-GMP crossover lineup. However, until the launch of the more powerful version inspired by the GV60 Magma Concept, the current model is the more expensive and less powerful option compared to today's Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. Still, whether you like it or not, for tech or for performance, for ecology or for pleasure, the GV60 is all about being the best of both worlds.

Available Colors: Uyuni White, Seville Silver, Makalu Gray, Beak Black, Stor Green, Capri Blue, Ceres Blue, Tromso Green, Matterhorn White, Makalu Gray Matte, Stor Green Matte, and Ceres Blue Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Itsudemo, Itsumademo

The 104th Final Term Fes x LIVE in Link! Like! Love Live! marked the final performance of Kozue Otomune, Megumi Fujishima, and Tsuzuri Yugiri as part of the group. After winning in Love Live against the Edel Note duo, it is time to say goodbye to Hasunosora's beloved senpais. This latest single serves as a parting gift from the trio.

Itsudemo, Itsumademo

The Hasunosora Girls High School Idol Club's sixth single is titled "Itsudemo, Itsumademo". This song made its world premiere at the 104th Final Term Fes x LIVE virtual event as seen in the "Link! Like! Love Live!" app and it's their way to bid farewell to the group's beloved senpais Kozue Otomune, Megumi Fujishima, and Tsuzuri Yugiri.

Not only the titular song is featured but it also has an additional song titled "いったん".

As Kozue, Megumi, and Tsuzuri served their purpose, what comes next for Kaho Hinoshita and the rest of the club as the series approaches the "105th Term"?

Let's Do The News! (April 10, 2025)

                                

                                        

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

- Fifty-eight barangays in six local governments in Negros Occidental were affected by ash from the Kanlaon Volcano, which erupted on Tuesday morning, April 8, according to Raul Fernandez, the regional director of the Office of Civil Defense for Region VI.

- P/BGen. Elmer Ragay has been removed from his position as chief of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) following the kidnapping and murder of businessman Anson Que and his driver, as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a warning to foreigners against participating in political activities.

- Approximately 2.5 million passengers are expected to travel to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) during the Holy Week.

- The Department of Social Welfare and Development advises individuals affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano to follow evacuation protocols.

- The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has confirmed the attendance of several cabinet members in the hearing on the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Based on the official guest list released by Senator Imee Marcos' committee, Justice Secretary Boying Remulla, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac are confirmed to appear later in the investigation.

- A Philippine Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Tokyo's Haneda Airport following smoke pouring into the plane's cabin. Along with this confirmation, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon assured that all passengers and crew of PAL PR102 are safe. The plane's doors were reportedly opened for ventilation and it is currently undergoing inspection.

- Four-time Le Mans winner Yannick Dalmas is named Grand Marshal for the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race this June.

- A new My Happy Marriage anime was announced after the end of the Season 2 finale.

- The Netflix reality game show, The Devil's Plan, returns this May 6 for its second season.

- ADOR announced strong legal action against the infringement of NJZ's rights.

- The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics added 50m Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly, & Backstroke to its program. The women's Water Polo team quota is now bumped to 12 for the sake of gender parity for the first time in the sport's history.

- In Game 1 of the PVL All-Filipino finals, Petro Gazz beats Creamline.

TTFN.

My FM Log: Stowing at High Velocity

The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 and the Lotus Evora GT430 are the time-limited prize cars of Forza Motorsport's Velocity Tour update. Having obtained these prize cars, let's get to know them before stowing them at High Velocity. Get it?

Stowing at Low Velocity is the Lotus Evora GT430, obtained from clearing the update's Open Class Tour until the April 9, 2025 deadline. 

Unveiled in the summer of 2017, the Lotus Evora GT430 is top-billed as the most powerful V6-powered Lotus road car ever made.

Apart from the aerodynamic upgrades compared to the previous Evora GT410, the Toyota-sourced 3.5L V6 supercharged engine is recalibrated to produce 430HP of power and 325lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, it sprints from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and has 190mph of top speed.

The GT430 is offered also with the road-oriented Sport variant, which ditches its large wing and front splitter, resulting in 10kg weight loss and an improved top speed of 196mph, making it the fastest Lotus road car at the time of its release.

Stowing at High Velocity is the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, obtained from clearing the Velocity Tour until the April 30, 2025 deadline.

From its 1971 debut to 1990, when it was replaced by the Diablo, the Countach is no doubt The Greatest Lamborghini of All Time. Because of its crowning glory, Lamborghini decided to create a 21st-century remake of the icon using bits and bobs from the Sian.

The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, unveiled in the summer of 2021, is a modern take on the legendary Lamborghini Countach that made headlines at its 1971 Geneva Motor Show debut. 

The reborn Countach uses components from the already sold-out Sian, and its 6.5L V12 engine is armed with an electric motor and a supercapacitor, generating a total output of 808hp. It can go from 0-100kph in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 355kph. 

All 112 units were sold out before its world premiere.

With their quick introductions done, let's drive these two around Bathurst before stowing them at High Velocity. Yeah, I know.

Stow & Go. When they ask you to stow them at high velocity, the only way to go is, you guessed it, high. Welcome to the High Mile.

Enjoy your new rides!

Let's Do The News! (April 9, 2025)

                                 

                                        

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

- The reciprocal tariffs announced last week by US President Donald Trump, targeting US-bound foreign imports, came into immediate effect recently. Experts warn of price hikes aplenty as countries worldwide, especially those from the European Union, are taking drastic measures to counter the US reciprocal tariff situation.

- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is calling for volunteers to help repack family food packs (FFPs) for distribution to families affected by the Kanlaon Volcano.

- The LTFRB has approved over 1,000 special permits for passenger buses to operate during Holy Week.

- The PH Department of Health allays fears of an aggressive bacterial infection.

- PH Vice-President Sara Duterte joined in commemorating the Day of Valor today, April 9. It also commemorates the bravery of Filipinos during World War II in the Battle of Bataan which carved an important page in the country's history.

- The Qatar Government assures the return to normal life of Filipinos released after arrest for illegal protests.

- Audi will reveal the sedan version of the A6 C9 next week.

- The smart #5 Brabus was unveiled. It will be armed with a 100kWh battery, capable of producing 646PS of power and a 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds. It will have up to 540km of driving range.

2026 smart # Brabus

- Girl group (G)I-DLE confirmed for their May comeback.

- Actor Manuel Masalva is in a medical coma after his Philippine visit.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 8, 2025)

                                

                                        

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

- The Kanlaon Volcano had an explosive eruption, according to PHIVOLCS. The volcano erupted around 0551 hours Manila Time.

- According to Salvador Panelo, the camp of Kitty Duterte, one of former PH President Rodrigo Duterte's daughters, is pleading to the Philippine Supreme Court regarding a petition for habeas corpus for the former president.

- The COMELEC released its recent show cause order against Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia regarding his utterance during a campaign activity.

- A BJMP vehicle carrying a Chinese PDL got ambushed in Cavitex with one jail officer hurt.

- University of Manila's law school ordered closure over Bar Exam failures.

- Colossal Biosciences announced it has revived the dire wolf, an animal popularized by the Game of Thrones franchise.

- The United Kingdom has relaxed the rules on electrified car sales for the 2030 deadline.

- General Motors showcased a Corvette UK concept penned by designers from the car company's new UK design studio.

Corvette UK Concept

- Park Bo Young announces her first physical fan meeting in seven years.

- ABS-CBN Studios' TV drama anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya returns as a limited series this April 24th on iWantTFC and two days later, on A2Z, Kapamilya Online, and Kapamilya Channel.

TTFN.