OhMG!

With rising fuel prices and horrid traffic on the road in Metro Manila, is there room for another car brand?

Lawyer Albert Arcilla, the engine of the remarkable growth of The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) and Viking Cars in the Philippines, believes so.

He believes a new choice is always a new opportunity for the consumer.

“We feel that now more than ever, the motoring public is very discerning with their decisions on what brand, model or variant to purchase. We are excited to offer to the market MG vehicles as a top option when they deliberate. MG will offer a wide array of models in all segments, with top-notch features at a very aggressive price offer.”

MG stands for Morris Garages, an iconic British brand established in 1924.

(From left) Angcore Motor Company Inc. general sales manager Louie Padilla and VP and COO Tobi Ang, TCCCI chairman Jose Cuisia, Angcore Motor Company Inc. president and CEO Edgar Ang, TCCCI chairman emeritus Richard Lee and Albert Arcilla. Photo by Joanne Rae M. Ramirez

“Independent mobility is still a key requirement for a growing economy to thrive and accelerate. We are placed in a good position to provide options and solutions to still alleviate the present situation with a vehicle that can make the driving and ownership experience pleasant, economical and worry free,” adds Albert, president and managing director of TCCCI.

According to Albert, exciting times are ahead with six new models to be introduced to the market.

MG is the embodiment of a truly global brand. With the financial and technical backing of SAIC Motor, a top-ranked Fortune 500 company, which also happens to be China’s largest auto manufacturer and exporter, and utilizing its newly inaugurated Advanced London Design Studio in Central London, MG is well-primed to take the international stage.

With new options like MG cars, the road ahead shouldn’t be the one less travelled.

Just like old times

Birthday celebrator Sonjie Hernandez (fifth from left) with (from left) Rey Sanchez, Tony Mesina, Raul Lugtu, Freddie Uy, Resty Recto, Charlie Serapio and Bong Tongco.

When Sonjie Borja-Hernandez celebrated her birthday recently, she brought together the Class of ‘66 of St. James Academy in Malabon, which used to be run by the Maryknoll nuns.

The Rizal Park Hotel (formerly Army and Navy Club) was the venue for the birthday-party-cum-high-school class reunion.

Most of Sonjie’s guests were classmates from kindergarten to high school.

Koni Singson, Bong Tongco, Clary Maano, Charit Quintos, Raul Lugtu, Tony Mesina, Linda Santos, Freddie Uy, Rey Sanchez, Jing Mable, Cynthia de Jesus, Pinkee Concepcion, Evelyn Camus, Sonjie Hernandez, Resty Recto and Charlie Serapio.

“I’m glad we were able to nurture our ties, even in our twilight years,” says one of her former classmates Raul Lugtu, who is married to my second cousin Ching.

Sonjie says the setting of her party — Rizal Park Hotel, with its blend of elegance, old charm and  modernity — reflects the qualities of SJA class ‘66. *

(You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)