A crime to have a flat?

If some newspaper accounts regarding recent MMDA rulings were indeed accurate, it would be a crime to have a flat tire in Metro Manila. Reports say that the clearing of stalled vehicles that obstruct the flow of traffic would become so strict that everything, including having a flat tire, would be considered a violation.

I would support any move that would penalize irresponsible drivers and owners who do not keep their vehicles in good running condition, stalling on the road and causing traffic jams and unwanted delays and those who make the streets either their private garages or those who commandeer the roads for their business operations, but to include in the list those whose vehicles suffer flat tires, I think, is stretching it a bit too far.

Maybe yes, if Metro Manila streets are decently clean of unwanted garbage and debris, either thrown by inconsiderate drivers and pedestrians or left unattended by the inadequately numbered street sweepers. Maybe yes, if there is no known practice of unscrupulous people who deliberately place spikes and nails on the road to cause these flats for the purpose of increasing their market of those who seek vulcanizing services.

But no, the streets of Metro Manila are not decently clean and void of debris on the road and we do not have enough street sweepers to keep them tidy and no, the police have not put to a stop this malpractice of devious people who deliberately cause flat tires on the road.

This means that even if you have just placed a brand new tire on your vehicle, it is no guarantee that you will not have a flat tire considering the present scenario in our metro streets.

I would even think that it’s the metro government that should be held accountable in such cases.

Beyond boundaries of business

Many businessmen and executives usually regard their homes open only to relatives, close friends and very close business associates. Mr. Danny Isla, first vice president of Toyota Motor Philippines, is one of those who consider his dwelling only for those who are close to his heart.

Last January 3, I was one of those privileged motoring journalists who was invited to have a post holiday get-together in his well-appointed but more importantly warm abode, together with Pinky Colmenares, Motoring Editor of the Bulletin, Jenny Bleza, vice-president for production/writer of STV, Sunshine Television Ventures, Ron delos Reyes, producer/host of Auto Review, Popong Andolong, Motoring Editor of Today, Vernon Sarne, Editor of Rev Magazine, Erle Sebastian, columnist of Today/writer of STV, Brian Afuang motoring writer of The Star, Anjo Perez, photo-journalist and Aris Ilagan, both of the Bulletin. Of course, when these journalists are together, Toyota’s Ariel de Jesus cannot be far from the scene.

Danny and very charming wife Joy were very cordial hosts all through the evening in their very gracious Alabang Hills residence, even up to the point of making sure that none of their guests would have to stand up to reach for anything they needed. Food was superb and wine, scotch and "XO" were flowing. It made all us quip that the affair might be mistaken as Toyota’s yearly "Thanksgiving Party" usually scheduled in January.

But Danny, in his most candid was saying that business had nothing to do with the affair, it was a gathering of close friends, a get-together beyond the boundaries of business. And we believe you, Danny.

The ladies, Pinky and Jen had to leave "early", and that was past midnight, as their homes are located on the other side of the metropolis, while most of the boys stayed on till the wee hours of the morning singing mostly hits of the 60s and songs of the Beatles—Danny is a "Beatlemaniac".

I learned my good friend and former Marlboro top honcho and ‘Tour of Luzon’ expert, Quito Da Roza was a next house neighbor and I just hoped he didn’t mind all the singing and merrymaking. We were just enjoying the tail end of the holidays, Quito as we were squirming at the thought of inevitably going back to the salt mines.

Cheers to you Danny and to your "better half"!

‘Outdoor Isuzu’ is at it again!

I have a sneaking suspicion that the January 18 activity that Isuzu Philippines has lined up is a precursor to the kind of activities that we can again expect for 2003—outdoor fun and excitement.

I say again because I remember the litany of activities that Isuzu had last year for the media, their executives, dealers and clients ranged from a trek to Mayon Volcano, white water rafting and kayaking at the Chico River and a visit to the world renowned Banawe Rice Terraces, only to mention a few.

Timmy Naval, Isuzu’s PR manager has made mention of scuba diving and island hopping as the major concerns as the Fuego, their top selling pick up is placed on the spotlight during this Batangas sojourn. Indeed a trip worth looking forward to.

Isuzu will undoubtedly maintain its marketing stance of promoting its vehicles along the lines of "outdoor activities" and the "good life" while balancing it with corporate citizenship concerns like medical missions and other socially relevant projects through its "Trooper Club".

Speaking of Isuzu, I would like to take this opportunity to express our condolences to newly promoted Isuzu executive, Myrna Gonzales, who recently lost her father, Mr. Reynaldo Valle. Rey had been a very good friend in the good old days of my short but memorable stint with KBS. I understand his internment is scheduled for today in Valenzuela, Bulacan.

More inputs for the automobile buffs

We hope to give more useful inputs for the out-and-out car freaks on Auto Focus (Tuesday, 11:00 p.m., Channel 4 Manila and nationwide via satellite on NBN, National Broadcasting Network), our TV show that sets focus on the automobile and its industry, a spin-off from our flagship TV program, Motoring Today (11:30 a.m., Sunday, Channel 4 Manila and nationwide on NBN dealing on all the facets of motoring to include motor sports and public affairs) as we face the new year.

As we have judged from the letters we received on the show’s Q&A segment, where we acknowledge letters and answer questions from viewers, one of the major concerns of car owners is vehicle modification. Due to this, we have decided to open a new window on the program centering on all possible car modifications and where to have them. Rev Magazine Editor Vernon Sarne has volunteered to share his knowledge on this and we’ll hopefully have the new segment anytime during the second quarter or maybe even earlier.

And speaking of the Q&A segment, very soon we shall have as guest resource persons some of the top motoring journalists to help out our viewers on their queries about the automobile. We envision to have the country’s top "pen pushers" on motoring to share their knowledge and views on the various automobile concerns that are raised on the show by our loyal viewers.

Happy Motoring!!!

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