Conquering Mt. Pulag

MANILA, Philippines - It was an exhilarating and adrenaline-packed weekend last April 27 to May 1 as Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) hosted a media climb of the famous Mt. Pulag – the second highest peak in the country rising at 2,922 meters above sea level. Located within the powerful mountain ranges of Benguet, it was a challenging drive to the ranger station of the Ambangeg Trail, also known as the Executive Trail – the starting point of our adventurous hike.

It seemed like an endless continuum of rough terrain, intimidating cliffs and very steep dirt roads, on our way up to that ranger station. To be honest, it would take quite a skilled driver to safely take you all the way up there... A skilled driver, and a hardy, ultra-reliable 4x4 vehicle, that is!

Frankly, this was the only time I fully understood why IPC had decided to pursue such a media activity. There is absolutely no better way to demonstrate the remarkable power and utility of the new Isuzu D-MAX 2011 than to apply it to an extreme, real-life situation.

A total of 16 Isuzu staff, media-men and women rode in their respective D-MAX 4x4 vehicles, loaded with camp-gear, foodstuffs and all necessary equipment for the hike. It was a long, bumpy ride up to our trail’s starting point, and we had crossed paths with nothing but specialized 4x4 jeepneys along the way. It was one of those road conditions wherein only heavy-duty vehicles could make it through, and I was more than happy to be reassured that I was in safe hands.

The new 2011 Isuzu D-MAX boasts of a Euro-3 compliant I-TEQ engine with the power of 146 ps and 30 kg-m of torque. Its grade logic system served particularly useful in our drive, maximizing engine braking during our frequent encounters with uneven terrain, and thus providing very good vehicle control. I also appreciated its flex-ride suspension system, which helped decrease the impact of the bumpy ride, which frankly felt like an unwanted, full-body massage that I could not wait to end! But of course, its phenomenal four wheel drive function was the main highlight of it all (with its shift-on-the-fly and limited-slip differential) – it was imperative to our safe and successful arrival at the distant ranger station.

However, the 2011 Isuzu D-MAX could only do so much in transporting us up to Mt.Pulag... the rest of the way had to be conquered by foot, and it had from then on become a test of physical endurance and should I say... fitness? It is too bad that we are not androids and capable of attaching Isuzu power trains into our bodies – that would have made things so much easier!

Then again, such is the elation of conquering physical challenges! The entire media team successfully made it to Mt. Pulag’s campsite 3 by foot, with yours truly arriving ahead of the pack, alongside IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. The following morning, everyone proceeded to hike to the summit, only to be greeted by a beautiful sunrise and a spectacular sea of clouds, like you were literally above the heavens.

Our Mt. Pulag expedition was truly a humbling experience. It was a sweet reminder of how absolutely small and weak we are against nature and the elements. It is thus fundamental that we remain in harmony with and respectful of, dear mother nature... But for making life a bit easier, there’s always the Isuzu D-MAX.