Old Meets New: The Isuzu Crosswind Evolution in Palawan

Isuzu Philippines has been doing the country a very good favor by doing a great deal of exploring what the islands have to offer. If one followed Isuzu’s journeys quite religiously, one notices they’re virtually all over the country. In Luzon, they’ve traveled as far as Isabela, Baguio and Kalinga, whereas southbound journeys were in Bicol and Batangas. Their trip itineraries also included a number of selected Visayas and Mindanao provinces. For 2004, Isuzu opted to start the year by staging their first event on the country’s last ecological frontier: Palawan.

Courtesy of six Manila-based Crosswinds ferried to the island by Sulpicio Lines, Inc. and fueled by Caltex Power Diesel, the group composed of Isuzu officials and motoring media personalities were to experience everything Palawan had to offer.

From the road to the scenery, Palawan is a perfect example of a distinct fusion of old and new sights. From the modern city of Puerto Princesa and its smooth roads, to the dirt roads lining up the Palawan coastline towards the old capital of Taytay, one is definitely in a retroactive trip.

Complementing this unique journey to turn back time was the impressive convoy of Crosswinds, which starts with a white Crosswind XTO, the 2002 Sonic Yellow XUV (which is a veteran of Isuzu events, with over 50,000 km at its trip meter), the 2003 Caribbean Gold XUVi (personal vehicle of Ms. Timmy Naval, PR Manager of Isuzu Phils.), to the myriad of colors that the 2004 Crosswinds possess, particularly the XTRM, XUV and XUVi variants. The 2004 Crosswinds carried a lot of new features, such as front seat back massager, new design polished mag wheels, turn-activated fog lamps, 3rd brake lamps, chrome exhaust finisher, and so much more.

After partaking a hearty early lunch at Badjao Seafood Restaurant upon arrival at the Puerto Princesa airport, the group was off to their main destination, which was Taytay, situated at the northeastern part of Palawan. They were to arrive there after five hours of mixed driving conditions, including the "Palawan Rally" stage, which are basically unpaved road sections. Prior to the trip, it was quite evident and obvious that these Isuzu Crosswinds would survive these conditions unscathed, but some group members decided to inject fun factor by doing controlled drift stints, which the Crosswinds performed confidently. One cannot do this sans the great power the 4JA1 engines have lots of. Even in loose gravel, one could easily take off and let the aggrieved rear party eat dust. Indispensable in these situations are the raised ride height of the Crosswinds and the 235/70/15 tires. The 2004 Crosswinds, on the other hand, exuded more solidity and confidence, as braking and steering responses were greatly improved, thereby giving its pilot more confidence in tackling the most demanding road conditions. Little was needed to do for the Crosswind to be the perfect road companion. A four wheel drive system perhaps?

Upon arrival of the group in Fort Isabelle in Taytay town, they were able to personally witness what the Crosswinds got for themselves as an award for their flawless execution in the entire trip: Palawan dust. Indeed, that dust was just the remainder of what’s left behind on the journey towards Taytay. Mechanical problems were an unheard term, at least for this time. After the break, the group then proceeded to ride a boat en route to Club Noah Isabelle, a really posh and exclusive resort located in nearby Apulit Island.

The next day saw the group participating in the different activities Club Noah Isabelle could offer. Some went scuba diving, while the less courageous ones like this writer went snorkeling, others just basked in the sun for some skin tanning, while just enjoyed the scenery the island and the resort could offer. By just participating in water activities, one could really see and enjoy what this country has to offer, especially in eco-tourism. Just seeing coral reefs and rare fishes underneath those jade green and turquoise blue waters makes one think that Paradise is here in the Philippines!

After lunch at the beach, the group proceeded back to Taytay town, where they were to stay until the return trip to Puerto Princesa. Again, safe rally-style driving was the norm, as the dusty, unfinished roads demanded it. Even though the fuel levels screamed low, the innate economical fuel consumption of Isuzu direct-injection engines enabled them to return to the new capital, just in time for the next fuel feed by Caltex. The group was to stay at the new Barcelo Asturias hotel for the night being, together with Hon. Lucilo "Cecil" Bayron, the vice-mayor of Puerto Princesa, and city Councilor Dr. Rudolph "Pogi" Baladad.

Province to province, island to island, it’s just interesting how one becomes witness to the diverse road conditions Isuzu tasted and conquered one by one. Well, it’s just natural for the undisputed diesel king and truck manufacturer to conquer them, and to conquer them in style.