Southern Exposure: The rocky road (and other sweet things in life) via Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X

MANILA, Philippines - It was a fine day to witness the geologic beauty that is Mayon Volcano. The near-perfect cone (not so perfect now, since its recent eruptions) loomed in the distance and encouraged us to push forward as we trekked through the overwhelming ocean of sharp igneous rocks that are the mighty Lava Front of Mayon. It was the newest hiking trail that had just been opened to the public then; and we had the privilege of being the first tourist party to trek it, as media participants of Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s latest domestic travel adventure: the rediscovery of Bicol aboard the Isuzu’s newest flagship, the 2013 Alterra Urban Cruiser X. (The event was also supported by Caltex diesel and Reebok apparel.)

Boasting of generous cabin space and ride comfort imperative for long drives, the Alterra Urban Cruiser X is a good example of the type of reliable transportation you would like to have for your long road trips.

“Because of its sophisticated looks and features, the 2013 Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X appeals to young executives who lead dynamic and active lifestyles,” explained IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “The fact that this premium SUV is highly capable of taking on the urban jungle as much as it could the scenic countryside makes it quite ideal for people who are always on the go,” he added.

And an active and dynamic trip was indeed what was in store for us, as we primarily established headquarters at the luxuriously isolated Misibis Bay Resort in Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay—yes, that wonderful resort where Zac Efron stayed—and took off for Lava Front aboard our respective Alterras, the day of our ambitious hike. We took five 4x2 units and one 4x4 on this trip, and the Alterras were very much in their element as we had to drive through several areas of rough road en route from Misibis Bay, and some hardcore volcanic terrain with abounding dust and loose rocks as we drew close to the starting point of the hike.

Powered by its tried-and-tested 4JJ1-TC-iTEQ 3.0-liter CRDi turbodiesel engine, each Alterra did not fail to provide the much-needed torque (maximized through the use of Caltex Diesel with Techron D) to get us quickly through the changing landscapes. It was not a battering ride however, thanks to the Alterra’s independent double-wishbone (with torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar) front suspension, combined with Isuzu’s patented Flex Ride MOVE rear suspension (with semi-elliptical leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers). But perhaps most delightful for long drives in the Urban Cruiser X is its topnotch entertainment system from Kenwood, which features a DNX7380BT audio/video head unit with a built-in 7-inch-wide touch panel monitor, an iPod direct connector, integrated Bluetooth connectivity, MPEG capability, and an SD card reader. New, black headrest-mounted high-definition LCD monitors are also available for viewing entertainment in the back.

Upon our arrival at the basecamp of Lava Front, we were welcomed by representatives from the DOT, who taught us how to make some native Bicolano delicacies and also asked us to each plant a tree, as a form of goodwill to nature. After a quick briefing of the exotic trail ahead, and a little Mt. Mayon trivia, we were then appointed our ‘buddies’—local mountaineers who were there to help us out and make sure we didn’t get hurt—and led to the starting point of the hike. I have to admit that the view of the seemingly endless sea of sharp, volcanic rocks separating us from the pink-flagged finish line was quite intimidating—enough to convince some of the other less cheeky media to opt for a land tour of the different tourist spots in the area aboard the Alterra (utilizing its handy, dual-zone navigation system) instead. Of course, the ‘cooler’ people did not back out from the hike (myself included), and accepted the challenge that would forever become an awesome memory. Case in point: One does not every day get the chance to tread over hardened lava, spat out from the mantle of the earth!

Oh and yes – of course we made it! Perhaps with a few scratches and bruises here and there—but these were proud battle scars (and nothing really permanent).

Furthermore, I was told that we were indeed very lucky to have seen Mayon Volcano in its entire, cone-shaped glory. Apparently, the full-bodied-view is not a common sight, as parts of the volcano would often be shrouded by clouds or fog. Legend has it though, that only in the presence of a beautiful virgin would Mayon completely flaunt itself. And all I could say is thank God I was there—to take pictures of the full display, of course! And thank heavens for the Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X—getting us there was like a walk in the park!