Are they getting our minds off colorums again?

In order to solve the perennial traffic problem in the metro, we should ban private vehicles from traversing EDSA! Come on, you must be kidding?

So whatever happened to the studies that show that we have an oversupply of buses that ply EDSA? So whatever happened to the findings that showed that most of the buses that cause the transport oversupply are illegal or “colorums” or out of line public vehicles? 

So whatever happened to the promise of a relentless campaign against these colorum vehicles until only legitimate buses can traverse EDSA and end the sight of “half-filled” or “half-empty” buses spewing deadly emissions while dangerously jockeying for position to get more passengers that number a lot less than the buses that are suppose to transport them?

Is there some muddling of issues here again?

These were the questions that were repeatedly thrown my way from stunned regular readers of this column as soon as word of such a suggestion of banning private vehicles from using EDSA saw print and took a hunk of airtime in the evening news. 

I’m sorry but I myself do not have any answers to these questions. I may have speculations but I would rather not see them printed here.

I can just say that perhaps we require more time to come up with a more acceptable solution to the metro’s debilitating traffic problem than just plainly and simply banning private vehicles from using EDSA.

I still maintain that there are too many buses and most of them do not even have any legal right to be in EDSA. Get rid of them and you’ll see the great difference. I travel through EDSA almost every darn day and I have had my fair share of traveling in other countries keenly observing their traffic system and I can only come up with a very firm observation—most but not all of our public utility vehicle drivers are not only undisciplined they do not have any business driving. Let’s get rid of them!

Cebu opens its gates to Volkswagen

The ceremonies were simple, not really reflective of the importance of the event, which is the opening of only the second dealership of the iconic Volkswagen brand in the Philippines, with many in line aspiring to have the distinction of representing such globally-respected marquee.

Iconic Dealership, Inc. formally opened Volkswagen Cebu located at A. Soriano Avenue, North Reclamation Area, the heart of Cebu City’s rising commercial district, with its ceremonial inauguration led by Mr. John Philip “JP” S. Orbeta, president and CEO of Automotive Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI), the country’s exclusive importers and distributors of the remarkable world-renowned Volkswagen automobiles.

“Cebu has always been cosmopolitan and at the forefront of innovation. Hence, it only makes sense that we open our second dealership at the automotive row of Cebu City; not only will it cater to discerning Cebuanos, but it will also serve as the hub for the entire Visayas region. In doing so, I wish to highlight the importance of Cebu to Volkswagen and I want to emphasize our commitment to the growth of our brand,” proclaimed “JP”, the dynamic top executive of ACEI in his inauguration remarks.

Volkswagen Cebu has 4,000 sqm of constructed area, enough space to showcase 8 vehicle displays, a delivery handover, parts and accessories shop, Customer Lounge, together with negotiation and reception offices. Like its mother dealership and showroom at the Bonifacio Global City, it also boasts of using the latest Volkswagen Interactive Showroom application—the unique platform that was developed by Linked Tech Solutions of Hong Kong making Volkswagen showrooms the most innovative and digitalized facilities in the country. Four multipurpose tables that will allow customers to browse the latest automobile models, features and specifications, download e-brochures, watch videos about various technologies and learn more about Volkswagen as a company using RFID technology. Through the touch-screen display, one can have e-brochure and quotation sent via e-mail.    

All the best to Volkswagen Cebu!

E-Trikebayan—goodbye to noise and toxic emissions

Can you imagine a Metro Manila devoid of the ear drum-shattering noise of tricycles and the toxic emissions that go with their operation?  

With the launch of the E-Trikebayan, the first commercial battery-powered tricycle, that sort of a Shangri-La is no longer a dream, hopefully ending the reign of the noisy, fuel-hungry and air-polluting tricycles. 

Last September 29^th, EVWealth Inc., a subsidiary of Guevent Investments Development Corporation (GIDC) launched its first fleet of electric-powered tricycles, known as E-Trikebayan to the people of Mandaluyong City lead by its Mayor, the Honorable Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr., the pilot city for its commercial run, with corporate leaders, green advocates and the media in earnest attendance with a formal unveiling at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

Ricardo S. Guevara, GIDC chairman and president shares how E-Trikebayans will change what the commuting public and tricycle drivers are used to. “This is clearly a new movement in “green” public transportation and we are immensely proud to present a sustainable alternative, and at the same time, real entrepreneurial opportunities for driver-owners.” He adds, “With the initial lunch of E-Trikebayans, the people of Mandaluyong can expect comfortable and quieter rides around town. Even the driver-owners can look forward to acquiring their very own E-Trikebayan units via affordable plans.” 

EVWealth, Inc. introduced the concept of “entrikepreneurs” or being your own boss. With a daily amortization fee of 275 pesos for three and a half years, drivers are on their way to owning an E-Trikebayan unit. No more boundaries and no more leasing that have no end timeframes in sight.      Now, start-up owners or long-time drivers who want a personal source of income can easily avail of affordable financing plans that EVWealth is offering in partnership with Radiowealth Finance Company, another GIDC subsidiary.

Guevara sums up that, “The reasonable amortization will surely boost one’s daily take-home pay. Add to that the expected savings from battery instead of fuel expenses, lower maintenance costs and increased carrying capacity of 6 passengers versus 3 of regular tricycles. E-Trikebayan is clearly the more profitable choice.”

E-Trikebayans could spell a Metro Manila with quieter streets and cleaner air—and entrepreneurial tricycle drivers and operators—way to go!

Happy Motoring!!!

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