EDSA resurfacing must be worth our sacrifices

If the plan to resurface the entire length of EDSA would push through, it would indeed help hasten the turning of the wheels of trade and commerce as the transport of people, goods and services would be faster, more economical and more convenient.

I remember how the flow of traffic at the at-grade level of the South Expressway from Alabang to Nichols immensely improved with its resurfacing. The slow flow was greatly due to the potholes and cracks of the road where any sensible driver, who knows how damaging these can be to the vehicle’s suspension and its well being, would inevitably slowdown.

EDSA, in its entire length, has a generous share of these surface imperfections, not to mention portions where motorists experience "roller coaster" rides. Resurfacing it would undoubtedly make traffic flow tremendously improve.

However, my only apprehension is the way it would be done. I understand the DPWH is using asphalt for an overlay. Considering the type and number of vehicles that traverse EDSA, the resurfacing must conform to international standards that can withstand weight, weather and time factors. Maybe this is when the private sector, through the close monitoring of NGOs, can help ensure that it’s not going to be another graft-ridden construction. Random inspections could be arranged between the government and the private sector (maybe through the AAP) to make sure that the contractors are indeed following the specs of the road-building project.

A lot of sacrifice from the metro’s motorists and the public would come with this project as huge traffic jams can be expected to go with it. We might as well help ensure that it would be worth all the hassles.

The institution lives on

Most of the local motoring media were at the Sidebar Café at the El Pueblo in Ortigas Center last Thursday for the awarding ceremonies of the 5th Honda Media Challenge where the Honda City was subjected to a grueling "time trials event" in its just concluded 2002 season. The attendance that evening was not limited to those who participated this year but also included the "veterans" or those who have participated in the past stagings of this yearly motor sport event.

The season’s awarded Team Champion was Team Satin Silver, composed of The STAR’s very own Kap Aguila, Ferdie Baja (dzEC), Lester Dizon (The STAR and Gadgets Magazine) and Jay Taruc (GMA-7) while the Best Driver Award went to Dodjie Aguila (Today). Winners were given cash prizes, trophies, medals and all participants were given certificates of participation.

Honda Cars Philippines, the founding major sponsor of the event, had its new President and General Manager Mitsunari Takano on hand to welcome the guests and congratulate the winners. He was joined by Jun Masilang, Paul Familiara and Jet Vicencio of Caltex, the cooperating sponsor, in handing out the awards.

In a short chat over red wine and beer with Takano-san, who’s more of a basketball enthusiast, the young and friendly Honda top executive said that he was already slowly taking up golf, as most of his executives and many in the media are in the sport. I failed to ask him though if I would ever see him don a racing suit to participate in the Honda Media Challenge, like his predecessors gamely did.

After the awards many stayed on as the event’s organizers, ADBM Resources, headed by Belle Alba made sure everybody present went home with a prize, like tires, tire gauges, racing jackets, t-shirts, etc., generously given away by the event’s generous sponsors during the fun filled raffle.

In the midst of all the excitement I was having a talk with Honda’s Deputy Head for Marketing, my good friend Arnel Doria, and we were discussing the future staging of the event and how the veterans would have the chance to run again, this time together with this year’s present participants who are now no longer neophytes. We also discussed the possibility of bringing back competition between the different media outfits and the fun and excitement of the jeering and the "kantiawan" that went with it during the past years.

Whatever, we can all expect the Honda Media Challenge, the institution, to live on and on to further promote the camaraderie among motoring journalists and undisputedly prove the roadworthiness of Honda vehicles.

From our bulging electronic mailbag

Mr. Aldrin U. Uy, who has a 2000 Toyota Corolla GLi wants to know how often he should change oil.

I’m a stickler to rules when it comes to my vehicles. Considering that they are of different makes and brands I just determine what the particular vehicle’s manufacturer recommends and follow it.

Mr. Neil Padrelanan recently bought a 1995, ex-taxi Mazda 323 and he’s not satisfied with its speed. He wants to have it improved.

Being an ex-taxi your car needs a good "look-over" by a qualified mechanic. But being only concerned about its speed, focus on the engine and everything that has something to do with its power plant. What you may find out can range from a need to overhaul to just a change of spark plugs.

Our good friend Bobby Carpio, GM of Century Park Hotel wants us to know how well and how fast his concerns with his BMW Z3 were addressed by BMW Philippines and PGA Cars.

We have Ricky Sto. Domingo, Warranty Officer of BMW Philippines and our good friend Lito Jose, GM of PGA Cars, two of the most efficient guys I have met in the industry, to thank for ensuring prompt and effective customer service.

Andy T. of California, USA wrote to ask when the mandatory testing for all vehicles before registration shall start.

Sorry for the much delayed answer, but as they say, "It’s better late, than later." Anyway, the mandatory testing for all vehicles started about two months ago. However, testing for public utility vehicles was suspended for some reason only the government can understand. Privately owned ones are now required to take the emission tests.

Mr. Norberto Sison wrote his second letter about his concerns regarding the potential dangers of the air bags. He suggests that more information should be passed on to all car owners about its perils.

My apologies, sir for this delayed reaction to your letters. But just to let you know, I immediately reacted to your first letter by researching on it and indeed I found out that the issue requires some looking into. I’m still gathering enough inputs to be able to present it on my TV shows and also here on this column. I beg for more patience.

Ms. Elaine Andoque of California, USA, a long-lost friend, wrote to say hello and pass on the info that BMW sports cars have been recently launched in their area with price tags like $39,000.00 for the Z4 and $132,000.00 for the Z8.

Thanks for the inputs and I am very sorry to inform you that our common friend you mentioned have passed away in 1991. Thank you also to you and the other Pinoys who read our column through the Internet via the Star’s website. News about our Pinoy motoring enthusiasts in the US of A shall always be welcome and will always find space in this column. My warmest to you.

Happy Motoring!!!

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