Honda’s northern exposure

MANILA, Philippines - Welcome to the north, Luzon, that is—where you get more than your fair share of sunshine and blue skies; a utopian venue for driving—with pristine roads that cut across scenic towns and zigzag through verdant mountains.

Long, unencumbered stretches are largely devoid of EDSA’s swerving buses. Instead, they are replaced by an occasional crossing dog, an overloaded tricycle or a jeepney. All told, this is definitely a place to rediscover the joy of getting behind the wheel. Our jaded group of writers must think so, even if we not readily admit to it.

We have been conscripted for two days’ worth of putting asphalt—some 460 kilometers of it—in our rearview mirror. Our gracious host, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), led by its president and general manager Tatsuya Natsume, brings along for media use a total complement of 1,583 horsepower and 32 wheels (excluding support vehicles).

Dubbed “Experience Anew,” the Honda portfolio of vehicles is well represented. Meet the cast of characters: a Pilot 3.5 V6; an Accord 3.5 V6; an Odyssey 3.5 V6; a CR-V 2.4 EX; a Civic 2.0 EL with Modulo aero kit; a City 1.5 E with Modulo aero kit; a Jazz 1.5 V; an Insight 1.3; and a CR-Z 1.5 with Mugen aero kit, suspension, and exhaust system.

In case you’re wondering, HCPI isn’t bringing in its hybrid Insight and CR-Z just yet. They’re conditional foretastes that will be sold in earnest if and when House Bill 5460 becomes law. The so-called Hybrid Law will extend tax breaks to manufacturers, which can translate to as much as 30 percent off the price tag.

From Tuguegarao City, we drive to the beautiful Callao Cave in Barangays Magdalo and Quibal. The cave does not readily yield its secrets. We have to clamber up (pant, pant) 183 steps before reaching its mouth. Unfortunately, the whole cave is slicked in mud, on account of recent rain. We persist, getting our shoes muddy and nearly slipping despite careful steps to see the chapel within, and the picturesque chambers just beyond.

After cleaning up, we hit the road again. I get behind the wheel of the Insight, alternating duties with veteran motoring scribe Ron de los Reyes, and motor some 160 kilometers to the Northeastern most tip of the Philippines, Sta. Ana. The car radio loses all local stations and picks up a gamut of Chinese-language ones. (One would imagine this would happen if China decides to annex the Philippines—in addition to the fictitious, fantasy map on the new passports of its citizens.) Still, we slumber and rest most peacefully at the Cagayan Holiday and Leisure Resort.

The next day, we depart for an even longer drive—300 kilometers—this time aboard an extremely capable and comfortable Odyssey minivan. Its 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 delivers 250 horses and 35 kg-m of torque. Smooth sailing is complemented by fuel economy through its Variable Cylinder Management technology. Put through the paces on serpentine roads in high speed, the Odyssey excels with a firm yet forgiving suspension system—insulating passengers within from jarring elements.

Why did the chicken attempt to cross the road? Perhaps to get to the other side or to get a closer look at the Odyssey. At any rate, no amount of braking or swerving (the latter dangerous at any speed) could save it from a terrific whacking from the front bumper of the minivan. I spot a tangle of white feathers flailing on the sideview mirror, and just shake my head. Later, a colleague presents me with a souvenir from said fowl—a lone white feather from the front grill. Sorry.

Following lunch is our last vehicle change. The new CR-V proves spacious and suited to its 2.4 i-VTEC heart (controlled via a five-speed auto tranny). It has a sedan feel, save for the elevated driving position. I try to hurl it at speed through turns, and the CR-V’s shoes remain planted, save for almost imperceptible rubber squeaks. Well done.

The highlights of our trip before reaching our last stop in Laoag are driving through the scenic Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud, and getting up close to the so-called Bangui Wind Farm.

More than 100 feet above the Pasaleng Bay, the 1.3-kilometer viaduct has the distinction of being the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines. We disembark from our Hondas and take in the view and some pictures as well.

Meanwhile, Bangui Wind Farm’s 20 awe-inspiring Vestas tower more than 200 feet into the Ilocos Norte sky. These white structures are V82 1.65-MW wind turbines that greet the incoming wind in a nine-kilometer stretch of shoreline off Bangui Bay, fronting the West Philippine Sea.

We reach Laoag City and its airport weary from our adventure and road trip, but with spirits invigorated by the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the north. Not to forget, the Hondas at our disposal proved to be willing and capable chariots to escort us on our great northern adventure.