Adulterated or dirty fuel in the metro?

If all allegations would prove to be true, one of the country’s fuel suppliers would soon have a PR nightmare in their hands. This oil firm would have to hire specialists and experts on crisis management in order to turn around a possibly irreparable tarnished image.

Here’s the case. A motorist, in preparation for an out-of-town trip had a tank full of fuel for his well-maintained van from one of the oil firm’s premier service stations. The next day, the relatively new, year-old vehicle, which is sparingly used, being reserved for Sunday family trips, started acting up, stalling after a few meters’ run or the engine ceasing after a short while of idling.

After having been immediately towed to its dealer for diagnosis, it was learned that its tank was filled by either adulterated or dirty fuel, causing damage to its fuel system, catalytic converter, etc. — cost of repair would run to more than a hundred thousand pesos.

So, what’s the oil firm going to do about the damage to the car and all the inconvenience and aggravations to the car-owner caused by their dirty or adulterated fuel?

If all are proven true and documented, I shall see this case through to the end. It would be grossly unfair for the car-owner to suffer such consequences just because the oil firm cannot assure their consumers of clean, unadulterated fuel despite the millions upon millions of pesos of profits that they rake in year after year.

The veterans showed the way

After a two-year absence to give way to other journalists who are also interested to be part of the institution known as the Honda Media Challenge, a yearly motor sport event conceived and sponsored by Honda Cars Philippines exclusive for motoring journalists and other members of the media, the veterans once again showed the way to the podium of victory.

Anjo Perez, registered the best time of the day of 1:14.32, when the 2003 Civic Media Challenge kicked-off with its first leg of "Dirt Trials" at the CCP grounds in front of the World Trade Center in Roxas Blvd., Manila.

Combining Anjo’s sterling performance with teammate and fellow veteran Aris Ilagan’s 4th best time of the day, the two-time champion Bulletin Team, with Bernard de Lara and motoring editor Pinky Concha-Colmenares completing the formidable line up, lead in the team standings.

Coming in as a very close second and similarly steered by veterans Brian Afuang, Manny delos Reyes and Andy Leuterio with Lester Dizon completing the strong line up is the Philippine Star Team.

The Motoring Today Team composed of Media Challenge veterans top-notched STV cameramen Raul Promeda and Matt Mallari, STV host and racing sophomore Arlene de Guzman and STV editor and novice racer Ulysses Casiano came up with a notable performance, completing the event’s top 5-teams line-up.

The excitement of motor sports has lured no less than the basketball fanatic president of HCPI, Mitsunari Takano, to the 6th staging of this much-awaited event. Takano-san was excited about coming up with a better time than founding veteran Arnel Doria. Of course my good friend Arnel-san, who celebrated his birthday (40th? in the business?) last May 1st, whispered that it was all a show of respect for seniority. He wouldn’t be the highest-ranking Filipino executive of Honda Cars Philippines for nothing?

The next leg, which is set on tarmac in front of the Luneta Grandstand, may prove to be very challenging, especially to those who have always been racing on dirt or loose gravel tracks.

How long would you last?

Despite the comfort offered by the new Ford Ranger’s cabin in terms of size and amenities, how long do you think could you stay inside it with three other people? And mind you, the confinement is not without stringent rules like, only three 15-minute breaks per day, you cannot open the windows on your own accord, you cannot recline your seats, no reading materials, cell phone or communication device, only one change of clothing, to name some.

Ford’s "Live in it to win it" was launched to the media last May 1st at the Rockwell Plant outside parking area where three men and one woman — a food supplement distributor, a pre-school teacher, an NGO worker and a public school teacher — have been selected to take that one-of-a-kind ride to determine who among them will endure the formidable task of outstaying each other inside the Ford Ranger and drive home the same vehicle as a prize.

Despite being in itself already an exciting event to follow, Henry Co, Ford Group Philippines president and Dave Macasadia, the American carmaker’s top marketing honcho in the country, conspired to make it more thrilling for the media by initiating a friendly wager among all those in the pre-launch lunch at the Dish, as to who would be able to predict who would eventually take home the much sought-after pick-up — a winner or winners "take all" contest. But no Ford Ranger for a prize this time, despite the egging from the journalists, just the pot put together by those who wish to join the instantly thought of fun.

Ford Group’s AVP for advertising and communications, Maricar Cristobal-Parco said that this promo is part of the numerous other exciting events and celebrations lined up for Ford customers and friends to commemorate its centennial.

Formula One notes

Fernando Alonso’s countrymen came in full force in Barcelona to cheer him on. Unfortunately, Michael Schumacher had other plans. His itinerary stated that he was to refuse to let the Spaniard, or anyone else for that matter, anywhere near him throughout the entire duration of the race. Also on his agenda was to pick up his 66th career grand prix victory, and to inch closer and closer to Kimi Raikkonen in the Driver’s Championships.

Michael won his 2nd straight race this season in front of slightly disappointed Spaniards at the Circuit de Catalunya who were all obviously dying to see Fernando cross the finish line ahead of everyone else. However, 21-year old’s 2nd place victory still sent them into a delightful frenzy, especially after seeing their fellow Castilian pump both his fists in the air after finishing the grueling 65 lap race. He set a record of sorts for himself, as this was his first ever 2nd place finish in his short career. In fact, so new is Fernando to the podium scene that he found his eyes rather watery as he was walking off the steps, and I’m not talking about tears of joy. A couple of drops of champagne found their way into his eyes and some of us know how much that could sting. Ouch. Rubens and Schumi looked like they were used to the sensation though, as both jubilantly splashed each other with the bubbly liquid. Williams-BMW drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher wound up in 4th and 5th place respectively, Christiano De Matta of Toyota came in 6th, Mark Webber of Jaguar was 7th, and Ralf Firman salvaged 8th place. This turnout gave both Toyota and Jaguar their first championship points of the season.

After McLaren-Mercedes’ glorious run in the first few races of the season, their luck is seemingly starting to wane as neither driver finished the race. Kimi found himself in an unfortunate accident with Antonio Pizzonia barely a couple of seconds after the race begun when the Brazilian’s racecar refused to budge at the grid. He was hoping that the red flag would be raised to signal a re-start and was very disappointed at the sight of the yellow flag. David Coulthard likewise found himself in an accident several laps later that also resulted to the abrupt end to his race.

On a side note, the FIA conducted a drug test to 6 random drivers before the race began. The drivers were Raikkonen, Alonso, Firman, Webber, Pizzonia and da Matta. The gentlemen passed with flying colors. In light of the looming senate probe, some of our own athletes, namely some PBA players, could probably take some advice from them don’t you think?

Welcome new motoring Ed

We have a new man at the helm of The STAR’s motoring section, Mr. Dong Magsajo. No neophyte to the journalism profession or the exciting and exacting world of motoring, we look forward to the continued success of this page. Welcome Dong!

Happy Motoring!!!

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