Luzon, Here We Come!

LEGAZPI CITY – Crossing to the largest land mass in the Philippine archipelago from the Eastern Visayas region is a feat that most people outside the Southern Luzon—Northern Samar area still do not believe is possible. But as the CR-V Philippine Tour now verifies, there are ferry crossings between the ports of Allen, Samar and Matnog, Sorsogon almost every hour on the hour.

With eight vehicles — 3 of the all-new 2002 Honda CRVs, 4 Honda Civics and 1 Honda City Type Z – and with close to 30 people in the group, the trip has so far been a challenge for everyone involved both logistically and physically. But all agree that the Department of Tourism’s WOW Philippines campaign is really a great idea. Most of the participants, who have never been to Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, admit that they now appreciate the country’s wealth of wonders — a virtual cornucopia of sights, sounds and tastes.

This installment of the group’s adventure through the highways of the Philippines, takes the convoy once again on the long road northward. Leaving Tacloban early this morning, the caravan crossed San Juanico Bridge, the longest and, some say, the most beautiful bridge in the country.

The first Samareño town the group passed through was Calbiga, followed by the scenic towns of Hinabangan, Paranas, Motiong, Jiabong, Catbalogan, and Santa Margarita. Although the roads were a bit rough with large cracks in the cemented highways, the rear double-wishbone and front toe-control link strut suspensions of the all-new 2002 Honda CRVs took the difficult conditions well in stride. The group only had time to stop at Calbayog for a quick lunch as the caravan intended to cross over to mainland Luzon later in the day.

From Calbayog the motorcade drove through San Isidro and Victoria, to reach Allen where the cars embarked for the one hour ferry crossing to Matnog in the province of Sorsogon. Disembarking with the sun starting to set, the convoy continued driving through the laid-back towns of Irosin, Juban, Casiguran, and Sorsogon. Moving northwards at dusk, the motorcade crossed over to the province of Albay, finally arriving in Legazpi City at around 8 p.m.

Despite the very long haul of the day, both drivers and passengers on the soon-to-be-launched 2002 Honda CR-V traveled in style and comfort. The drivers enjoyed its maneuverability and power, while the passengers benefitted from its roomy interior. The CR-V Philippine Tour proves that if a caravan of eight vehicles could do it, a family using just one CR-V could have a very enjoyable time bonding with both nature and among themselves.

The CR-V Philippine Tour is powered by Petron Blaze, the highest octane fuel in the country. Experience the excitement of the CR-V Philippine Tour by pointing your browsers to www.hondaphil.com or its mirror site www.vast.com.ph. Join the trivia contest for a chance to win a Honda gift pack consisting of a jacket, shirt and cap. You can also keep track of daily updates twice daily at DZRH, the official radio station of the CR-V Philippine Tour.