Three long routes to Boracay

It took a select group of motoring journalists, who were split into three groups aboard Isuzu’s fleet of three outstanding vehicle models, a total of 863 kilometers between them while taking three separate routes all over the island of Panay before converging at Caticlan for a less than 30-minute speed boat ride to the world-famous island of Boracay for a vehicle launch and some R&R.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) assembled a total of 11 vehicles – five D-MAX units, three Alterras and three Crosswinds – and shipped them via Negros Navigation to the island of Panay. Nine of these (three of each model) were assigned to the 17 print and broadcast journalists while the other two units (one 4x4 and one 4x2 D-MAX) were brought to Boracay Island. All of these efforts were for a media launch of the 2010 Isuzu D-MAX.

It was technically a launch alright but many of the journalists felt that the “gracious gesture” was more like a “thank you junket” from IPC to the media for its support. How else can one describe the gesture other than “gracious” with a two-night stay at the very new and very expensive Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa?

The launch of the 2010 Isuzu D-MAX looked more of an excuse to get us journalists together for some well-deserved relaxation from our regular stressful deadline-beating chores and for some fellowship. After all, the D-MAX, which was first launched in 2003, has been registering a very strong sales performance with a commanding 19 percent of the country’s pickup market despite the entry of newer models.

But IPC refuses to “rest on its laurels” and has always committed to consistently improve with the 2010 D-MAX as proof and as testified by its very friendly and always-present president Mr. Keiji Takeda, “It doesn’t matter if our vehicles, like the very popular D-MAX, are still selling well. We will continue to add new features so that our customers get the best value for their money. Of course, these new exterior and interior items are merely gravy on what is already an excellent vehicle, one that boasts of a world-class diesel engine, unparalleled fuel economy, commendable environment-friendliness and dependable performance.”

Aside from giving the journalists a sight-seeing tour of the island of Panay from three different routes it was also an opportunity for IPC to show their vehicles’ performance in different road conditions.

Right upon landing at the Iloilo airport after an early Thursday morning flight, the group of 17 journalists was immediately whisked to Isuzu Iloilo. Run by branch manager Rene Tagamolila, the 20th and latest addition to the Isuzu nationwide dealership network that formally commenced its operations in January of 2007 presently serves the islands of Panay and Guimaras.

After an early delicious and filling “brunch” hosted by the dealership, the journalists boarded their assigned vehicles with the D-MAX group taking a 277-kilometer west coast route that took them to visit the Miagao Church, observed patadyong weavers in Bugasong and passed by Mt. Madia-as in Culasi before going on the Bugang River Eco-Cruise.

The Crosswind group took the 221-kilometer central route taking them to the Sampaguita Gardens in New Washington, Aklan for lunch and then to the Ati-Atihan and Pina Villages.

The Alterra group, where I assigned sharing the same vehicle with Business-Mirror motoring editor and now ARESCOM Lt. Col. Arsenio “Popong” Andolong and IPC senior vice president Art Balmadrid took the longest 365-kilometer east coast route that gave us an opportunity to visit the Sta. Monica Church.

Located at Calle Revolucion, Pob. Ilaya, Panay, Capiz beside the Municipal Hall, the church is the town’s landmark and tourists’ attraction. Completed in 1774, the Sta. Monica Church has been declared as a National Landmark by the National Historical Institute of the Philippines since 1997.

Aside from its priceless historical value, the church also holds the distinction of having the biggest bell in Asia and the third biggest in the world. Cast in the 19th century from 70 sacks of coins donated by the townsfolk, the historical bell is about 7 feet in height and 5 feet in diameter and when rang can be heard from 8 kilometers away.

Getting to know and appreciate these historical facts and having the opportunity of seeing our very beautiful Philippines has always been part and parcel of many of the Isuzu-sponsored trips – whether for a test drive, a launch or just to give the media some R&R.

Having the longest route, lunch for the Alterra group had to settle for a very late lunch, which was well worth all the waiting, what with an array of the best of seafood dishes and other local gastronomical delights served at a restaurant named Yuki’s.

All three groups finally converged at the Mabuhay Lounge of the Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, the jump-off area for all the guests of the newly-opened luxury resort (start of operation was March, 2009) in Caticlan before boarding speedboats to bring them safely and in such speed to the resort Island of Boracay.

The activities for the test drive and launch of the 2010 D-MAX were all limited to Thursday with Friday and Saturday devoted to doing nothing but leisure for all the invited journalists.

Aside from sincere words of appreciation from the very gracious IPC president Takeda-san and those from IPC senior vice president Art Balmadrid and the marked improvements and upgrades of the 2010 D-MAX described in detail by IPC’s product development head, Joseph Bautista, the other highlight of the launch was the “fire dance” artistically performed for the guests and of course the delectable buffet dinner and flowing Cabernet wine.

But as you know by now the weather wasn’t as cooperative and as eager to please us as our gracious IPC hosts. The only time I was able to get near the beach was Friday morning only to find a staff with a red flag firmly planted indicating that swimming was a taboo due to the strong waves. It was STV’s vp for production, Jenny Bleza who braved the cold winds for a relaxing swim and a Jacuzzi water-massage at the pool. But then our group had to dash for the hotel when it started to rain – end of the beach experience.

But then when we came back to the hotel, news about the flooding in the Metro and adjoining areas came in and everybody started to worry about what’s going on in our respective homes. Although I was “less two people” to worry about as my daughter Tin and son Ray Louis were in Singapore to watch the Formula One race, I still had to burn the wires. The most worried was Manila Times motoring editor, Brian Afuang, who resides in Provident Village in Marikina, one of the worst to be hit. Add to all these anxiety this was the prospect of not being able to leave Boracay the next day, Saturday as scheduled. Word reached us that the Coast Guard would not allow anyone leaving the island with such high waves. Besides, at that time the NAIA operations were also put to a halt.

Well, we were finally able to leave Boracay on Sunday morning and Brian’s family had been safely evacuated, although his house was completely submerged together with his two automobiles and my poker game originally scheduled Saturday night pushed through Sunday afternoon and thank God it could have been a lot worse.

But the task ahead for all of us who were least affected is to help those that are suffering. Let’s all take a short break and think hard as to how we can share and help those that are in need.

To Isuzu Philippines – thank you so much for the very gracious gesture.

Last day to vote

Today is your last chance to cast your vote online and via SMS for the 2009 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards – brought to you in cooperation with Goodyear Philippines and Caltex.

The electronic polling officially closes at midnight while votes from ballots from The Philippine STAR and Top Gear and Speed magazines will be received up to Friday, October 2nd.

You can check on the voting website (www.autofocus.com.ph) for the un-audited results starting Monday, October 5 with the final results to be announced during the Awards Night scheduled on October 16, 2009 at the Valle Verde Country Club.

We shall soon be announcing the winners on the Grand Raffle for all those who cast their votes on the same day of the awards Night.

Happy Motoring!!!

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