On a Land Rover Mission

The name’s Angel Rivero. Commonwealth driving experience: Plenty.  

Off-road driving experience: Zero.

Desire for unique adventure: Abundant.

Mission: Experience the Land Rover Club of the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines - The story I am about to tell you is about how I discovered the not-so-secret world of Land Rover enthusiasts. Sure, we already know that the brand is a legend – it is the second-oldest four-wheel-drive automobile brand in the world, and practically an icon of authenticity – but I never really understood the big fuss until I experienced it myself. And frankly, the Land Rover life it seems, it is not limited to the machine-works and exceptionally monstrous capabilities of the vehicle... No, that would be too shallow. It practically extends to the camaraderie of its enthusiasts, the endless learning, the journey into the roads less traveled, the discovery of mother earth’s secret places, and more. It is in fact, a lifestyle.

My little immersion started when the Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors, Inc. and The Land Rover Club of the Philippines (LRCP) decided to extend The Philippine STAR an exclusive invitation to join them in the third day and last leg of their event entitled, “Land Rover Festival 2011 – Mt. Pinatubo”.

It was the first-ever gathering of members from various international Land Rover Clubs, in the Philippines – with enthusiasts originating from a total of nine countries, namely: Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, UK, Australia, Canada, USA and the Philippines. Held last May 27-29, 2011, the festival was a 3-day event that focused on an off-road drive in the area around the crater of Mt. Pinatubo in Pampanga. The international convoy consisted of the following lineup: a Range Rover Sport, Defender 110, Defender 90, Range Rover Classic, Discovery, Series II, Series IIa and Series III. A visual orgasm to the Land-Rover-hungry eye.

Although I was unable to join the convoy on days 1 and 2, (Day 1 was when the group traveled to the peak of Mt. Pinatubo, and Day 2 was when the group drove to Brgy. Salasa in Palauig, Zambales where they hit the beach and continued up the rocky trail to reach High Peak on Mt. Tapulao) because these were the more advanced drives; Day 3’s relatively more-tamed expedition did not fail to fascinate me! And I am not one who is easily fascinated, mind you.

That gloomy Sunday morning, our Land Rover group braved through the lahar canyons along Delta 5 in Angeles City to pay a visit to Puning Hot Springs, a Korean-owned Spa resort in the middle of nowhere that could not be accessed any other way than off-road driving. I was riding a Land Rover Defender 110 with Sito Senn of C! Magazine, my only media partner there, who I had persuaded to be our designated driver that day, in my cowardly attempt to elude the intimidating task of driving through the wet volcanic cream, small streams and daunting cliffs of ash and dirt that I would otherwise think are impossible to traverse, unless you were riding one of those monster machines they send to the moon!

Inexperience on our side, Sito and I immediately got ourselves stuck in the volcanic cream at the early part of Delta 5... It was not such a big deal however, as the international cast of our convoy began to snappily come to our rescue, and almost compete amongst themselves, as to who had the best solution to pull us out of our troubles! Several shovels, platforms and winches later, we were again above the treacherous creamy layer... But this time, we had none other than LRPhils Executive Director Marc Soong to take over and do the dirty driving for us! Talk about Royal treatment!

While Soong easily got us through the most challenging part of the volcanic canyon, I had the chance to tell him how I envied his superb off-roading skills, and asked why he even liked off-road driving in the first place. “I’m a frustrated tour guide,” he said in between laughs. “And I love bringing people to new places! Nowhere else can you see so much volcanic rock around you... And in the Philippines, 80% of our roads are unpaved, so andaming napupuntahan!” Then it made sense to me. Off-road driving is like riding an airship or riding a magic carpet – it brings you to a whole new world of secret places that you would never experience otherwise!

Now, before I could say Abra Cadabra, Soong also took it upon himself to make sure that I could not escape experiencing to drive at least one of their Land Rovers first-hand, during this trip... And so I did. After completing all my superstitious rituals, summoning my pseudo-self-confidence and most importantly, being guided by one of their trusty instructors, I too had been able to drive up and down the nasty cliffs and through the rocky streams of this volcanic jungle... And it was amazing! No, empowering and amazing!

Now, while I would love to brag about being such a fast-learner, I would have to admit that it was just really the car, doing its job! It was pretty effortless. You just had to know the technique of getting the right angles and applying power at the right time. My next thought immediately was – When could I get my own Land Rover!?

Meanwhile, Rob Consuji, who spearheads the LRCP, tells me that the best part about off-roading for him, is “knowing that we’re working with the guys with the best skills”. He also adds that, “In the Philippines, we have everything we need – bad terrain, skilled drivers and Land Rovers! What more can you ask for?” I couldn’t help but reply with a snappy “Tama”!

Lastly, I would like to end this article with a quote from retired lawyer and Land Rover enthusiast Leo Domingo, who I had the pleasure to meet during this event. While sharing happy moments with the LRCP, he profoundly explained, “Land Rover is like glue. It keeps us together, and punctuates life’s positive experiences.” And frankly, that must be some sticky glue!

So yes, the name’s Angel Rivero.

Off-road driving experience: A little.

New Land Rover Fan? Absolutely!