This needs a lot of re-thinking!
Many BF Homes Paranaque residents have ventilated loud howls of protest against a newly implemented measure that many surmise as another ploy of its umbrella homeowners’ association to raise revenues from the sale of vehicle stickers under the guise of promoting heightened security in the subdivision that has the distinction of being one of the biggest in this part of the world.
Suddenly last week homeowners were surprised to see an outpost right in the middle of Elizalde street, between Aguirre Avenue and Concha Cruz street with guards checking on every vehicle and advising those without stickers that entry to BF Homes shall be limited only to those that have.
On the side of the road is a big sign that announces the rule but does not have information as from whose authority the rule is emanating—the announcement is unsigned—stupid or scheming?
Because the newly put up checkpoint is situated right at the middle of a narrow two-lane street both motorists with and without stickers are inconvenienced with the queue of vehicles as the guards stop those that do not have the stickers, making many wonder what’s between the ears of those who thought of putting it there.
And to think that while the MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino is contemplating the prospect of mandating access through gated subdivisions to help alleviate the present debilitating traffic in the metro, here in BF Homes we have bright guys thinking of schemes to produce traffic gridlocks right in the middle of a subdivision—and all in the name of heightened security (spelled raising funds?).
These newly put up outposts (I heard there are two with the other along equally narrow Tropical Avenue) are powder kegs of violence between homeowners and guards, especially for long-time residents who would be harassed or worse denied entry to their places of abode just because they refuse to put stickers in their windshields for security purposes, as it is a virtual give-away for the criminal minds as to where one resides.
I suggest those behind this bright idea spend more time re-thinking this new measure before it explodes in their faces.
Mitsubishi’s dual media launch
Due to a previously committed out of town trip I missed the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) dual launch for the media of the 2015 Mitsubishi ASX and the 2015 model of their long-time flagship vehicle—the Mitsubishi Pajero.
However, I was thoroughly apprised about these new market offerings by our good friends from MMPC, VP for marketing services Froy Dytianquin and Arlan Reyes who’s the top honcho for advertising and promotions.
The Mitsubishi ASX, for “active sport crossover” is adequately equipped with a 2.0 liter, 16-valve DOHC gasoline engine with MIVEC or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control system that generates 150 Ps of power with matching torque of 197 N-m, which is mated to a 6-speed Sportronic transmission.
The ASX comes in two variants. The GSR with an SRP (suggested retail price) of P1,248,000 and the GLS with P1,148,000, but with similar introductory discounts of P50,000.
On the other hand the Mitsubishi Pajero, which for the longest time used to be the generic name of an SUV in the country, also comes in two variants that are both equipped with “all-wheel control” and Super Select 4WD and the Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control—the 3.8 MIVEC gasoline engine with an SRP of P2.5M pesos and the 3.2 DI-Diesel which goes for P2.7 million.
The public would have the opportunity to test drive these new offerings from Mitsubishi Philippines and other automobile manufacturers and importers for free during the Auto Focus Pre Christmas Test Drive Festival from November 6 to 9 at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.
Motoring journalists cast their votes
Members of the motoring media gathered together last Saturday to cast their votes for this year’s Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards. More than 20 journalists keyed in their choices in an electronic voting. Those who couldn’t make it have opted to cast their votes online on a dedicated site.
The awards at stake include; Best Engine Performance, Best Design, Best Safety Features and Best Value for Money.
The awards are most sought-after considering that professionals who are adept with what they are judging, as most have had hands-on experience test-driving the automobile models being considered, make the choices. Furthermore, the final results are not purely based on plurality of votes as certain percentage of total votes cast are required before a winner is finally declared.
The voting turned out to be a bonding experience for the industry and the media as some top auto industry executives from competing manufacturers and importers took the opportunity for a friendly get together.
The winners of the Media’s Choice Awards shall be announced together with the winners of the 2014-2015 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards, which determines the most popular automobile models through a public online voting combined with actual sales registered for each model, with separate awards for Standard and Luxury models.
Five years of Chevrolet with TCCCI in the Philippines
The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) marked its five years of exclusively handling the importation and distribution of Chevrolet vehicles in the country by way of the 5th successful staging of the Chevrolet Motorama at the SM Mall of Asia last October 9 to 12.
The opening ceremonies of the annual event that showcase the iconic “bowtie” brand’s heritage were graced by top executives of General Motors Southeast Asia Operations led by Tim Zimmerman, president of GM Southeast Asia Operations, Tadashi Wakamatsu, General Director and Chee Sing Cheong, Director for Export and Distributors Operations and joined by TCCCI president and managing director Atty. Albert Arcilla and Ms. Lyn Buena senior vp for marketing services.
One of the highlights of the 4-day event is the unveiling of the first ever Transform Your Ride: Chevrolet Dealer Build-off competition showcasing Chevrolet customization at its finest where an array of 16 customized Chevy entries from 14 Chevy dealerships from all over the country participated.
Of course worthy of note is the unprecedented 41 percent average growth registered of TCCCI since it started its remarkable operations that started in 2009.
Congratulations to Chevrolet Philippines for another smashingly successful staging of the Chevrolet Motorama.
Best for the outdoor type
If you’re the type that was born for the outdoors, you are missing a lot if you have not paid the Outdoors Club a visit. It’s located at the ground floor of the Banco de Oro Bldg. in Ortigas Avenue, West Greenhills, San Juan.
Outdoor automobile enthusiasts have found it exhilarating to view and discover different products that prove to be useful in transporting gear and surplus cargo aboard any kind of SUV or MPV like the Rhino Racks line of Steel Mesh and aluminum roof baskets.
We share a safety tip for all those who are fond of driving long distances with a lot of things inside the cabin. Each of these can be very dangerous when they are left loose as they turn to wayward missiles when you suddenly need to stand on your brakes. None should be left unsecured for a safe journey.
Ten years of outstanding automotive journalism
Our best greetings to the very talented men and women of Top Gear Magazine (Philippines) lead by its editor-in-chief, Vernon Sarne on their 10th anniversary.
The milestone was marked with a thanksgiving party attended by the who’s who in the local automotive industry and the top names in the motoring media.
Keep it up, guys!
Happy Motoring!!!
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
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