A lone voice in the midst of the political turmoil

A motorist, with his barely audible howl almost muffled by the loud cries of varied agenda in the streets, on top of his lung was shouting that this may be the right time for the present government to show political will, and very visibly at that, by taking out all the dilapidated buses from the metro and just impose the law on obsolesce.

The valid observation stands that EDSA, on non-peak hours, is filled with half-empty or half-filled buses (whichever way, it means the same — no full utilization) that are burning precious fuel, bullying other smaller vehicles and worst clogging the metro’s main thoroughfare. Take out the dilapidated buses and you’ll ease the traffic tremendously.

The country’s bus transport business is not being run as a business for convenient and comfortable public utility — it’s being run as a livelihood by a few, earning just enough money to make both ends meet, but would definitely close shop should all the required maintenance to keep the bus safe and comfortable be followed. Now, that’s protecting a few to the detriment of the whole populace — that’s not good governance.

Let’s not miss the boat again, let’s do it now!

On Its 7th — Still Counting

If you think that the media usually comes an hour late for a presscon, you better think again if you’re inviting for a golf tournament — they will be on time.

And this, Honda Cars Philippines know for a fact, after seven straight years of staging the Honda Media Golf Challenge the most recent of which was held last Monday, July 18 at its usual venue, the Manila Golf Club within the posh Forbes Park.

When I asked Takahashi Sekiguchi why he decided to continue the tradition despite the fact that he’s more known to be a badminton player, the soft-spoken and very young-looking Honda Cars Philippines president said, "Being with our friends from the media for a day of golf is a refreshing experience for all of us. Besides this is only my 6th time to play golf and I’m beginning to really enjoy it."

Arben Santos, the sponsoring Manila Golf Club member for the tourney romped off with the Class A trophy with The STAR’s sports editor, Lito Tacujan coming in second. My brother Rey, also a columnist of The Philippine STAR, snatched the Class B championship with Nilo Paurom of Inquirer as runner up. In Class C, Gani Oro of NBN-4 topped the group with Badong Hilario of Bulletin, second.

There were gas coupons galore from Total Philippines as well as Michelin Tires for tournament and raffle winners. Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Cebu Pacific and Malayan Insurance also joined in to give prizes to make sure the event was a success.

"Today, we at Honda Cars Philippines and our friends from the media refused to talk about the industry and its concerns. We all just wanted to enjoy a day of golf. And we have been doing this for seven years and we are looking forward to many, many more years to come." This was the closing statement of Arnel Doria, deputy head for marketing of HCPI at the end of the well-attended awards ceremonies that proceeded immediately after the tourney.

"No Boundaries" Experience

The Fort in Taguig was the staging area last Saturday, July 16, of the Ford All American Freedom Fest Media Test Drive where the various Ford SUVs were subjected to grueling tests by the motoring media for dry and wet traction on a gravel stretch and mud pit, structural integrity and chassis agility on the twister mound and their suspension and handling on a rock mound.

All the excitement in making these Ford SUVs go through all these thrilling "no boundaries" off-road exercises was made further exciting by having some sort of a competition among the motoring journalists joining the "fun" fray.

The public had all the fun watching the friendly competition, which they themselves got to experience "hands-on" as Ford Group Philippines gave everyone a chance to test drive all their vehicle including all the Mazda models available in the market presently.

Innova Public Test Drive Goes Back To The Fort

After successful crowd drawing stints at the Fort Bonifacio Global City and then in Filinvest Alabang, Toyota Motor Philippines shall bring back the Innova this weekend, July 23 and 24 to the Fort for the public to see really up close, to ride on and to drive.

Toyota promises that the affair will not end with just the exciting experience of knowing better the unique attributes of the Innova, there will also be activities like "drive in /trade in", free car wash and a lot of freebees for the auto enthusiasts who would come by.

Confusing — To Say The Least

The "tug-of-war" between PGA Cars and Auto Prominence Corp. as to where an Audi buyer or an Audi owner should go for their requirements gets more intense after every newspaper ad, that’s run by both sides, that you see spread in the motoring sections of the big dailies.

In that presscon called by Auto Prominence, which vaguely said whether they were "coming or going", the litany of charges against the German automakers centering on bridge of contract and unsound business practices were proceeded by efforts to present to the motoring journalists a "newer and more advanced Audi" that they are still selling and bruited to be newer and more advanced than what’s being sold by PGA Cars in the market. A day after came a barrage of newspaper ads saying that PGA Cars is the sole distributor of Audi cars. But then the next day, Auto Prominence came out with their own ads to the contrary.

Ano ba talaga, Kuya? The saga continues without closure?

Pit Lane Notes

Perennial Ferrari second fiddle Rubens Barrichello is sending out feelers that he may be leaving the team at the end of the year although his contract expires at the end of the 2006 season. He is reportedly keeping a very close watch on two teams: Toyota, and BAR Honda. He says the potential of those two squads are definitely there, and they top the list of his prospects. Rumor has it that he is very good friends with Honda’s Gil de Ferran, so it’s looking more and more like that’s where he’ll be ending up. According to reports, Rubens doesn’t feel like he is getting the respect he deserves from his team.

If you ask me, he should have made this decision a couple of years ago when the team forced him to slow down and let Michael Schumacher win the grand prix instead. I definitely agree with him. He is an extremely talented driver, and he isn’t getting nearly as much respect as he has earned both on and off the track. The Brazilian is as talented and pleasant as they come. Moving to a different team will be a magnificent career move for him! With his skill, he definitely deserves to be a number one driver.

With Ruben’s news, the rumor about Jenson Button soon driving for Ferrari is looking more and more plausible. Although Button has remained mum on the topic, pit-lane gossip has it that he is being courted by the Italian team.

Motoring Tip Of The Week

I must admit that when I was a lot younger and didn’t know any better, I enjoyed immensely making "jack rabbit" starts, especially whenever I find myself first in line in intersections. Leaving most everyone behind "eating my dust" and sniffing burnt rubber from my wheels was one of my "highs" during those days of wanton disregard for safety and the value of money.

Well, you won’t catch me doing that anymore, not even in motor sports competitions where a quick start would prove advantageous.

To begin with having a "jack rabbit" start with all the tire spin and tire burn means that you actually didn’t leave where you started right away. Popping the clutch at "too high" rpm just made your wheels spin but the car actually stayed put for a few seconds. If your wheels didn’t spin you could have left your starting point a few, but very precious, seconds earlier.

Now, do you know how much rubber you take out from your tires every time you make them spin in place?

So, forget about "jack rabbit" starts and make "pa-cry, cry the gulong". It’s all a waste of money and a lot of screeching noise that gets you nowhere.

Happy Motoring!!!

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