Maniolas

McLaren 675LT SpiderThe fastest open top McLaren in history©McLaren Automotive (Relaxnews) – There have been whispers that it might well be on the way, but even with a top speed of 203mph (326km/h) no one was expecting the McLaren 675LT Spider to arrive so quickly. Yet here, it is. And, even if it hadn’t broken cover until this time next year, it would have been worth the wait. With companies that produce automotive fare as specific, specialized and exotic as McLaren, it’s almost a disservice to talk about standard or ‘stock’ models. Nevertheless, the ‘stock’ 675LT coupé on which this new car is based was itself launched as a very limited, seriously track-focused car in February. Called LT because of its Long Tail for better aerodynamics, and 675 because of the 675PS (that’s 666bhp) on tap from its twin-turbo V8, it sold out completely within weeks of being announced. The Spider, which will also be capped at the same 500 examples, offers almost identical levels of performance, meaning that it is the fastest convertible McLaren has ever made. Weight, rigidity and aerodynamics mean that convertibles are very rarely, if ever, as good as their hardtop counterparts. However, the carbon fiber tub MonCell chassis that underpins both variants of the LT is so strong that McLaren hasn’t had to add any bracings or supports (which add weight and drain speed) to make up for the roof’s removal. In fact, the Spider is only 40kg heavier and all of that is down Read More …

— President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Sheriff Abas after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The national government is taking all the necessary measures to ensure next year’s national and local elections will be orderly, peaceful and credible, Malacañang assured the public on Sunday. “Lahat po ay isinasagawa para matiyak ang seguridad, kaayusan at katahimikan sa pagdaraos ng eleksyon sa darating na taon, kasama na rin po ‘yung seguridad ng bansa all throughout the campaign period,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said. Secretary Coloma said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are closely coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for a peaceful and orderly election. “Batid po natin na ang Armed Forces of the Philippines at Philippine National Police ay deputized ng Commission on Elections bilang mga pangunahing pwersa sa pagtitiyak ng seguridad, katahimikan at kaayusan sa pagdaraos ng pambansang halalan sa Mayo 2016,” he said over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Secretary Coloma said the AFP and the PNP met with Comelec officials last week to discuss security preparations for the 2016 elections, one of which is the strict implementation of a gun ban. “Sa kanila pong pagpupulong noong nakaraang linggo ay tinalakay po nila ang mga kinakailangang hakbang. Isa pong aspeto dito ay tungkol sa pagpapatupad ng gun ban,” the secretary said. “Napatunayan na po na ang pagkontrol Read More …

Comelec Commissioner Athrur Lim take his biometric registration as overseas voters of Hongkong at DFA Aseana voting field registration center in Macapagal Ave. Pasay City on Wednesday. (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker scored Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista Monday for warning of a possible delay in the May 9, 2016 elections if the Supreme Court failed to lift the temporary restraining order on its “No Bio, No Boto” policy. Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, the lead petitioner in the case questioning the constitutionality of the Comelec’s initiative, said the upcoming national and local elections is not an event that could be arbitrarily moved to suit the poll body’s convenience. “The right to suffrage is a fundamental right. Why threaten to postpone the elections just because the Supreme Court granted a well-meaning petition that will benefit about three million voters? The Comelec should have instituted a way to cleanse the voter records of so-called flying voters without infringing upon the rights of active voters to continue exercising their right to vote,” he said. Ridon said he and other petitioners questioned the constitutionality of the “No Bio, No Boto” scheme to defend the right to suffrage of over 3 million voters who failed to have their biometrics taken. “Instead of threatening to postpone the elections just to force the SC to lift the TRO, the Comelec should focus on the much-needed adjustments to allow people covered by this TRO to vote,” he said. On Sunday, Bautista raised the Read More …

Gabby Concepcion (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – GABBY Concepcion said it still surprises him when he is paired with younger female stars. The seasoned actor topbills “Because of You” with leading lady Carla Abellana. It started last Monday, November 30. Concepcion recalled that when the project was first offered to him, he was so excited because it is something different from his past teleseryes. He said this is light and timely for the Christmas season. But he did not expect to be paired with Abellana, who is a year younger than his 30-year-old daughter KC Concepcion. “Masayang kasama si Carla at naaalala ko yung daddy niya pag nakikita ko siya,” he said, remembering the actress’ father and also their co-star in the series, Rey “PJ” Abellana. Carla Abellana (MNS Photo) Concepcion added: “Ang tingin ko kasi sa kanila once nag work na ako ay trabaho na talaga kaya hindi ko na tinitingnan yung edad nila. Of course they are young and they look very youthful pero kung iisipin ko na kasing edad nya lang si KC, medyo nasho-shock lang ako konti kasi ibang generation na ito e.” Concepcion, 51, said as much as it surprises him, he does not want to think of the big age gap. He is focused on positive things such as working with the new breed of talents. “I’m very grateful and thankful kasi nothing to complain about sa kanila. These are a new breed of stars. It’s a new generation and I don’t belong to this Read More …

Donna Cruz (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — After 15 years, Donna Cruz is returning to her first love — singing. Cruz said she consulted her husband as she considered joining the music industry once more. “Na-miss ko kasi talaga namang first love ko naman ‘yong singing. Even my husband knows that. So sa ngayon na kinausap ko nga siya, sabi ko, ‘Honey, I think okay na — malalaki na rin naman ‘yong kids natin — kung bibigyan ko naman ng panahon ‘yong sarili ko and ‘yong kaligayahan ko rin sa pagkanta.’ So I think wala namang problema sa kanya,” she recalled. She denied speculations that her husband is against her decision. “It’s a mutual decision naman eh. Kasi ako talaga ‘yong tipong mommy na talagang pag nag-focus ako sa mga anak ko, nasa kanila talaga. Sabi ko nga, gusto kong ma-build ‘yong mommy and kids na samahan. Gusto ko talaga malapit ako sa mga anak ko,” she said. The 38-year-old actress is married to Yong Larrazabal, an ophthalmologist from Cebu. According to Cruz, her children’s support inspired her the most to return to recording. “Sobrang hindi talaga mawawala sa akin ‘yong love ko sa singing so gusto ko talaga even before pa. Kaya lang ayokong pumasok sa paggawa ng album or whatever kung hindi pa handa yung pakiramdam ko na iwan ‘yong mga anak ko maliliit pa eh. Ngayon, okay na silang iwan — kumbaga sobrang nakatatak na ako sa kanila,” she said. Cruz went on to assure her fans Read More …