Vanishing Boy's Adventures

SOPA & PIPA Are Destroying the Free Web!!!

2012-01-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

^ I just want to share my distaste regarding on this issue...and don't worry Pipa Middleton is not affected.

-> This will happen if this stupid bill passes...

-> Please see Google, Wikipedia, and other notable websites who support this crusade!

Exhaust: Why Pac-Man Faltered After 4th Round

2011-11-13T01:53:00.001-08:00

-> Ever wondered on why Manny Pacquiao struggled after the 4th round on the recent Pacquiao-Marquez III fight?

-> I was one of the entourage of Manny's closest friends at he ring and his sources say that evidently, Pac-Man had a leg cramp on one of his legs that contributed his lackluster performance last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here in Las Vegas.

-> As the rounds progressed, despite the pain he endured throughout the fight and his opponent Juan Manuel Marquez along with his camp thinking he was winning the fight. It was a different story when the CompuBox and the Judges tallied the overall fight.

-> After this fight, will we see the next Super-Fight in May next year? Manny said "Its on!"

-> Now rumors surround about Manny's conditioning coach Alex Ariza immediate future within the camp.

-> For the next few weeks, we will know...

Missing GT Tracks: Another Batch of Secret/Hidden Tracks in GT2!

2011-10-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

-> What do you think about these videos? I somehow stumbled these videos last week!

******ANOTHER SECRET & HIDDEN TRACKS!!!!! And this time its from GT2!!!*******

-> Don't worry about the 1st one, its already on the list as [B]Secret Stage Laguna Ring[/B]. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU4_mosu7eQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-Ar8K0AIgo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLzluV37wR0

^ Credits from SonicX55 from Youtube!!

Updated my Gran Turismo's neglected tracks/circuits

2011-10-24T00:07:00.000-07:00

-> Hooray! I've finally updated my track list on the next section of my blog! Check it out!

Is Honda losing its touch?

2011-10-16T02:24:00.000-07:00

The Legendary CR-X & The So-So CR-z

Note -> I will try to explain my opinions carefully since I've been branded as 'The Anti-Honda Troll' at Autoblog (USA) [link: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/opinion-has-honda-lost-its-footing/7#c32739423].

Honda's (Accord) Crosstour

-> I agree to the statment that Sir Paul wrote. Honda/Acura has been misteping themselves ever since they converted the Civic's front suspension from the highly-fun double wishbones to the cost-effective McPherson strunts.

Acura's somewhat replacement to the RSX, the ZDX

-> And not only just that, they seem to lost their touch as an engineering company and becoming more of a 'me-too' car company. Back in the late '80s up to early '00s, Honda seems to have that certain passion of taking risks of bringing great cars. The CR-X, S2000, Prelude, Integra, Del Sol, the Type-Rs, and of course the NSX; all these cars are of which risk taking cars.

Three of the Honda's Greats: NSX, S2000, & CR-X

-> Sure, Honda's trucks back in the same period have been re-badged Isuzu's (and a Land Rover {see here:http://www.autofiends.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/hondacrossroad-1.jpg}). But its their cars that sparked the brand.

Honda's Land Rover Discovery-based 1st-gen Crossroad

-> Now, Honda is trying to follow Toyota's footsteps by offering sterile cars and sub-par hybrid technologies (CR-Z, Insight, Accord hybrid, & Civic Hybrid). And in my opinion, that is the wrong way. I can compare the interiors of the 8th gen Civic and the 6th gen Civic. Come to a fact that there is no comparison, there was an effort on building the 6th gen compared to the 8th. And now most Hondaphiles think that the 9th gen is a re-hashed 8th gen!

Is the Accord turning into Honda's Camry?

-> And here comes Acura, since they changed their entire lineup from their highly recognizable names like the Integra, Vigor, & Legend to the annonymous TSX, TL, & RL.

The car that made Acura a household name, The Integra

-> And also, Honda is getting too dependent to its Accord/Inspire archtecture:

- small Accord/TSX
- big Accord/Inspire
- TL
- RL
- Pilot*
- Odyssey*
- Ridgeline*
- ZDX*
- MDX*

^ See what I mean? Honda should rethink their philosophy and think back.

My Manga Project Ramblings Part 2

2011-10-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

-> Somehow I managed to write more chapters on my existing stories. But alas! A new Driving Supreme side story that appeared, its called "Age of Benedict". Its a story about a man who lost almost everything and 'tries' to kill himself thru racing few of my existing characters in Driving Supreme. Its mostly a story about despair, regret, and the notion of not caring anymore.

-> At the same time, I'm currently adding more characters within my manga universe and shuffling then from here and there.

-> But my problem now is trying to continue my Main Story in order to make these side stories a reality, since all these side stories are interwind with one another!

-> These stories in my head are a daunting task. But at the same time, I'm happy they're with me. It helps me to calm down one way or another...

Random Video: My friends Toyota MR-2 Spyder

2011-10-05T01:36:00.000-07:00

-> I just did a random video take on my friends Toyota MR-2 Spyder. I held my camera with only one hand! Just testing my waters in videography. Sorry for being away for a while.

Driving Taste Test: 1999 Izuzu Trooper 3.0L 16V Diesel {4WD, 5M/T} [1999 Manila International Autoshow, Manila, Philippines]

2011-09-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

-> When you mention the word "Isuzu", most Filipino’s will think the lamented name "Elf" (a light commercial-duty truck, more on that later also known as the NPR to the rest of the world), "Hi-Lander" AUV, "Crosswind/Alterra" AUV, and most of all its venerable "Diesel Engines" for Jeepneys. Here in the US, well...lets say mainly by their SUV's like the hot selling but now discontinued Rodeo, same goes with its hip Amigo/Rodeo Sport, its GM-made Acender, its bland Hombre pickup and most of all, its popular NPR commercial truck. Isuzu and Mitsubishi have their stranglehold on Diesels back in Asia, It's just like Camry and Accord here in the US. Its a never ending battle of crude fuel, but alas! Isuzu has a lot more popular fan base globally including in the U.S., on which the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD w/ DuraMax Turbocharged Diesel series of engines are made by a collaboration between Isuzu and General Motors.

-> Well, enough about the company as a whole here; we are talking this particular SUV. Personally, I’m not keen towards SUVs and Crossovers much, especially the big ones that most Americans drive. These big, bulky, and thirsty SUVs that most American prefer are stupid! SUVs for me are the Toyota Land Cruiser series, Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero/Shogun series, Nissan Patrol/Safari series, Toyota 4Runner/HiLux Surf, Nissan Pathfinder/Terrano series, and last but not the least the Isuzu Trooper/Big Horn. The Trooper is one of the iconic tall-box SUV that came out on JDMLand, this SUV was born back in the mid-’80s in response to the Pajero, Safari, and the Land Cruiser 70 series. Although due to its size and price, its mainly toe-in against the legendary Pajero, in which its a good thing, its basically cheaper than the Land Cruiser and the Patrol/Safari.

-> As I look around at the Isuzu Trooper (then new), I always see it as a runner-up compared to the Pajero. Sure they’re basically the same; both have side hinged rear doors, both have spare tire hanging on the same rear door, both are tall and big (for Philippine standards), both are roomy in some point, and both are highly capable of going off-road. I do like these two SUV’s, they have the purpose of doing their job, not messing around with the likes of...lets say the Ford Expedition or Chevy’s own Tahoe. But the Trooper doesn’t have the same charm as the Pajero, nor it didn’t win as much trophies, and the Mitsu sells a lot more globally.

-> When I got acquainted with the Trooper; I do like its conservative styling (it was just revised back then with a new front facia) and its "just right" size quotient. I’m beginning to like it as a whole. As I enter the Trooper’s generous cockpit, I like its seating position, although it has that tall commanding feeling that I wasn’t accustomed to back then. On the other hand its more comfortable than any newer (and fatter) SUVs here in the US.

-> The dashboard buttons are simple and in a logical location within reach, no clustercrap of a mess of modern CUVs/SUVs now possesses. The cloth fabric seats were comfortable as well, it delivers sufficient comfort levels for long trips across provinces or counties for that matter, the leather seats that were featured on the US version at the 2001 LA Auto Show are somewhat slippery and it loses that side support that I longed for from the Pinoy-spec version.

-> But unlike the US versions two-row seating configuration on on later models which it can seat five, the Pinoy-spec seats at a amazing nine passengers! The first two rows have adequate room but the rear two-in-each-side bench seats are only reserved for four mini-me sizes which it was like a carry-over item from its equally cramped Hi-Lander AUV. But originally, older models of the Trooper featured a three-row seven seat configuration like the rest of the world has.

-> The Trooper was powered by a then-all new Isuzu’s 4JX1-TC 3.0L 4-cylinder 16 valve direct injection turbocharged with intercooled diesel engine (on which later on as of this writing, this particular engine is the least reliable engine made by Isuzu). When I hit the accelerator and wow, for the moment there it feels like it had more power than most Philippine-market sedans at that time (a Ford Lynx 1.6 for example, more on that soon). The powerband is broad, smooth, and very undiesel-like demeanor on which its amazing in my book.

-> This SUV is well mannered on the concrete surfaces at the CCP complex in Manila, many SUVs similar to this are like pogo-sticks in comparison. When we were directed towards the dirt spot (on which a vacant back lot with certain amounts of rough gravel and mud); I was delighted on the capabilities of the Trooper, it will drift on command at the dirt as long as you engage the high-range 4 wheel drive mode (you can engage it from 2WD to 4H 4WD up to 100km/h or 62 mph).

-> Adding to all this delightfulness is the availability of a proper gearbox. Thats right, a 5-speed manual transmission with three pedals on the drivers floor. Take note that 5-speed manual trannys are on a endangered species list in the SUV world these days especially here in the US of A, on which can be very disappointing in my opinion. Although its gears are a bit long and notchy, but its a huge relief than driving any slush-boxes that are now common in todays vehicles.

-> Some minor gripes that I noticed on its spectacularly engineered SUV, was getting into this vehicle was a chore even for my 6’1 in. stature (when I was 17). The step-in height can be a little too high for average Filipino, especially with the lack of those handy grab handles that the Pajero offer. Luckily, the side step boards are a standard issue on vehicles like this in PI. Plus the twin bench seats at the far back are completely useless when you’re taller than 5’2 in. In addition, the excellent Pioneer 6-disc CD changer in the back by the side facing twin bench is endangered of being stepped on! That very CD changer is exposed in plain sight right where its bolted on the cargo floorboard! The steering lacks on-center feel and slow to respond during transitions at the parking lot. And lastly (I know I can be nitpick here but I can’t help it), what’s up with the rear-end design of this particular Trooper!? I already like the old rear-end that was adapted from the US-spec version, but how come Isuzu Philippines screwed up by changing the rear-end design to the Euro-spec version, it looks very awkward and somewhat ruins the clean slate styling of the Trooper. Plus it omits the standard rear step board integrated on the bumper. Here are couple of examples comparing different specs.

US/Japan-version:

Euro/Global-version:

^ As I left the country in 2000, Isuzu revised its rear-end back to the US-style rear-end. The difference compared to the old model are its turn signal are clear compared to pure amber's:

-> But this SUV has the benefits that outweighs the gripes. Its a marvelous machine, it automatically ranks one of top 10 of my list as the one of the best SUVs I’ve ever driven.

Highs
- Excellent diesel engine (when new)
- Purpose built, no BS
- Definitely a good used-SUV alternative to the Pajero

Lows
- Engine reliability issues
- Whoever installed that CD changer should be smacked!
- Euro-style rear-end

Verdict
- Diesel + M/T + SUV = Pure Fun!!!

Random Chick of the Week

2011-09-24T00:48:00.000-07:00

Rachael Leigh Cook

Random or Rare Car Pic of the Week

2011-09-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

Straman Company's Honda Civic CR-X Roadster

Random Anime Chick of the Week

2011-09-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

Sheryl Nome (Macross Frontier)

Random Chick of the Week

2011-09-17T00:58:00.000-07:00

MC Barao

Anime Antics: The Facination of Hell Girl

2011-09-16T00:55:00.000-07:00

-> This begs me to wonder, how twisted and vengeful people really are? Many people might deny it whole-heatedly, but in reality there's no boundaries whether if its beliefs, race, culture, or even different individuals. As I watch this particular anime Jigoko Shoujo or in its English title Hell Girl, it deepens its psychological plot each episode comes by.

-> Each episode of the three series foretell different stories of each 'clienteles' situation and its reason to act vengeful to his/her potential victims. The story gets deeper within the cast on the later episodes.

-> People have various reasons to get vengeful, angry, or pissed no matter how insignificant or stupid it was as long these people wish for that person to 'disappear'. Similar to another manga/anime series Death Note, it involves on making people 'disappear'. But on Hell Girl, you have a choice to back out of the potential contract to be made by the mysterious Ai Enma (Enma Ai). I won't go into details, but you have to watch the series as I'm about to finish the third season as I post.

Random or Rare Car Pic of the Week

2011-09-15T00:26:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi Lancer GSR EX 2000 Turbo

My Manga Story Ramblings

2011-09-14T00:32:00.000-07:00

-> Each and every day! Fragments of scenes keeps on popping up in my head like crazy! And worst (or best) of all, they're all NOT on the same series!!

-> With so many series to do (and draw), my brain is lightspeed faster than my 40wpm of suckness. I think its better if I buy the Nuance Dragon software...

...and I got to learn how to 'Chop too. Woe is me!

Random Anime Chick of the Week

2011-09-13T00:40:00.000-07:00

Wang Liu Mei (Gundam 00)

Gran Turismo's MISSING & ALTERED Tracks

2011-09-12T00:08:00.000-07:00

-> Few months ago, out of my own fustrations while playing Gran Turismo 5. I've opened a thread in GTPlanet.net Forums in regards to many tracks/circuits/road courses/rally courses/etc. that were omitted over the course of time since Gran Turismo 1.

-> With much success of the thread being praised by many; I've decided to share it here, on my own blog! Go to my other section to find out which tracks went M.I.A. in GT5!

-> In addition, some of the boys from GTPlanet.net often speculate the possiblities of some existing tracks that can be added on future GT titles!

-> I hope young minds are educated!

Reflection: My Favorite Twin Towers

2011-09-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

-> The World Trade Center in New York is sure is something. Back in grade school, I've always drew these iconic towers to pass time at school. I didn't even know back then how significant these towers really are!

-> As time goes on, I finally realized the importance of these two towers as I learn the meaning and admire New York's The World Trade Center specifically Tower 1 and Tower 2. Personally, I was inspired by its basic architectural wonder of these modern wonders. And back in high school, I promised myself that if I ever go to New York the first place I want to to was the World Trade Center.

How the 'Dub Twins' stack up

-> A little history lesson, The World Trade Center was built in 1973, these buildings were the tallest in the world for the first couple years up until the Willis Tower (formally known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago Illinois. It was not its spectacular prominence that made it important, it was a global economic zone strategically within the reaches of the New York Stock Exchange its core financial district in the Lower Manhattan.

-> Ten years ago as I'm about to get ready to work at the airport (coincidence? yea I know), my roommates stared at the TV screen as they gawked on whats happening. Unknowingly, I didn't had a single clue on whats going on until I turned my head towards the TV. I was entangled in many forms of emotion that is hard for me to describe through words. The utter sadness I felt during that tragic day was tremendous & heart-wrenching! Since that day, the whole world was in total standstill, and not just because all flights were grounded or all economic transactions were in total halt. Its way more than that, it affects to each and every individuals hearts, friends, family, relatives, significant loved ones.

-> As we remember a decade of remorse of that tragic day. Let us unite as we pray to those who fell and still falling on that tragic day.

Random Chick of the Week

2011-09-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

Karla Bermudez

Random or Rare Car Pic of the Week

2011-09-08T03:17:00.000-07:00

Mugen's NSX Prototype

What if I create my very own video game?

2011-08-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

-> Hmm, I was thinking that if I have the (LOTS OF) money...I might as well create my own driving game...the first would be based on my current job (mission-based RPG, but not like FF or GTA, but more on driving and steering wheel compatible)...the second would be a driving sim that has a very different flavor...not racing or driving sim, but a vehicle sim!

Long time no see!!!

2011-08-28T01:52:00.001-07:00

-> Hello everyone! Sorry that its been a while that I haven't done anything here at my blog! I've been very busy as of late. So stay tuned for future posts!!!

Online Mayhem: The Infamous GT5 Vehicle Wish List Vers. 5.5

2008-11-25T22:54:00.000-08:00

-> Hi everyone, today I will be discussing regarding on a hobby that is a money saver. Although it eats up most of my time (besides work and school), in the long run it is quite educational (in a way).

-> This is what I call Wish Listing. On the forum called GTPlanet.net, I Started participating on the thread called Car Wishlist Version 3.0 back in 2005. Most of the time I contributed the most cars that I want to be on the popular driving simulator Gran Turismo 5. By then, over time; I decided to take over the wish list after with many glitches in Car Wishlist Version 4.0, and renaming it to Car Wish List Ver. 4.5.

-> The V4.5 became controversial on the internet world! And it was the day that I was offline the whole day! On July 31, 2007, a site named Gran Turismo Center spilled the beans naming the wish list as the 'official car list for GT5'. Then the whole world was baffled with the news. At the end, GTC apologized that this was really a wish list.

-> As time goes on, I noticed many errors on the carry-over Wishlists on the past that was carried over at V4.5 since the Wishlists started. So I try to revise it on the next version called, GT5 Vehicle Wish List Version 5.0, this was focused on deleting many falacies and duplicates on any cars. But there was another growing problem arises, Race Cars.

-> My lack of knowledge regarding on Race Cars and its Liveries definitely took me a beating on V5.0. And therefore, I made a crucial desision of splitting the Wish List in two. Thus, creating the Vehicle Wish List V.5.5; I assigned the Race Car Wish List to someone else who specializes that field lifting much of the burden off.

-> And on top of that, the V5.5 is completely revamped. All the cars have been cleared off except its parent companies. So its more like a 'back to zero' approach, the wish list right now os a lot more consistent, in order, and backed with facts (by clicking on the link of that link). Up until now the new wish list is growing in a slow but steady state. And hopefully it will be as successful as before.

-> Here is the link: GT5 Vehicle Wish List Version 5.5

Driving Taste Test: 2005 Pontiac Vibe GT {FWD, 6-speed} [Autoshow in Motion 2005, Las Vegas]

2008-11-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

-> When you see a car that looks promising at a local autoshow joint, you'd be curious enough to check that certain vehicle beyond the autoshow floor. That was the way I used to feel when the Pontiac Vibe GT or Toyota Matrix XRS twins at the L.A. Autoshow few years back (both of these cars are built at the GM-Toyota NUMMI Plant in California). Just because look at these features: Plastic-coated cargo floorplan; two-tier rear hatch openings; 120V Socket; an AWD option; and most of all, an available 1.8L 2ZZ-GE VVTi engine on which was based on the last generation Toyota Celica GT-S and the current Lotus' dynamic duo, the Elise and Exige (you may include the 2-Eleven track car).
-> The car was based on one of many Toyota Corolla family of platforms and this particular Pontiac is being marketed in Japan as the Toyota Voltz (which this car was featured in Gran Turismo 4 driving simulation game on Playstation 2). The interior was roomy overall. Although, as I sat on the driver seat, I noticed the awkward driving position with my knees folded and my arm extended to uncomfortable levels. And the seats lacked support as I adjusted my seating position with disappointing results. As I engage the car, the clutch is tricky to use, and it takes some getting used to. The long but precise throw of its shifter neglects its sporty nature of this wagon. As I engage the Vibe GT; the engine is on a dead spot until it reaches around 6 grand or more rpms. The engine responds well for a Toyota, but it gets buzzy at limit. As handling goes, I've never seen a car plow into into the world of understeer like that! In fact the 2000-05 Hyundai Accent GS has better roll stability despite it was equipped with skinny tires. Moderate understeer was in effect. There was evidence of the kill-joy traction control ruins spirited driving, you may have the option of switching it off.
-> Hauling stuff from point A to point B needs a routine procedure to follow. Mainly tying your precious cargo down, because cargo bay is prone to sliding stuff all over the place (see above), so it needs to be secured before leaving. Since the plastic surfaced cargo area is neat for medium duty cargo (better than carpet). And its front passenger seat fold forward for longer cargo or a portable table for your laptop along with that convenient socket, a very handy feature.
-> As what Toyota fans here in the US claims that this is the Corolla wagon, since the real Corolla wagon was being marketed in Euro-land. Despite with its demerits, this Pontiac is the most reliable GM vehicle in the whole corporate fleet (Suby-based Saab 9-2X comes a close second). That is not a bad claim.

Highs
- Great feature-per-dollar ratio
- Cool 120V socket on the dashboard
- Toyota's history on reliability

Lows
- Awkward driving position
- Roly-poly Handling
- Cargo area is an ice rink

Verdict
- This is the result when Toyota and GM builds its cars together for US consumption.

Welcome to my 1st blog!

2008-11-24T19:24:00.000-08:00

-> Hi everyone! I'm so excited of making my very own blog. There will be many things I would like to share to all the readers on my blog. Many of which of sharing of my interests on various of things like automotive in particular. I have a compilation of my test drive adventures in both places (the United States and the Philippines), which I had gathered since 1998 to current.

-> I will also share my interests on Japanese animation and graphic novels (aka. Anime and Manga), on which I will personally review each of the series based on my personal opinions.

-> Here too, I will also share some of my own personal works and drawings like my own manga series that has been bugging me inside my head for the past 10 to 12 years.

-> My blog won't be limited to any of these categories, whatever comes up, that is worthy of sharing; I will eventually post it up. Happy Reading! ;)