Pedestrians can also be so stubborn

The plan of the MMDA or the Metro Manila Development Authority to install barriers in order to discourage and prevent undisciplined pedestrians and commuters from jaywalking and ignoring the MMDA’s screaming signs on where to get off and ride public vehicles needs all the support it can get from the public.

It’s a pity that the local authorities would have to resort to all these antics just to make sure our traffic laws are followed but if it’s the only way, so be it — even to the embarrassment of the entire nation and its populace.

I know barricades can make most animals, like cows and sheep go where we want them to but their need as an effective way to ensure our citizenry’s orderly demeanor in our streets only shows that we are already in the pits when it comes to road discipline.

Be that as it may, let’s get those barriers up and keep the pedestrians where they should be and let’s not go easy on those who would try to take these barriers out. There’s a law against destruction of government or public property, isn’t it? And for those who would still break the law despite all these — throw the book on them and fine them through their teeth.

Political will, political will, political will.

There are also suggestions that have been volunteered to us that some areas or roads be declared as "no man’s land" where no one, with the possible exception of police authorities assigned in the area or in extreme emergencies, is allowed to be at anytime. It would be illegal to be in "no man’s land".

No accident to pedestrians on "no man’s land" should be blamed on any motorist, as it would be illegal for anyone to be in the area in the first place. Of course it goes without saying that more than ample signs declaring such areas and informing the public of such areas should be found all over the area and even in its surroundings.

It’s a thought, why don’t you think about it too.

Zero Honda Fake Parts

If plans do not miscarry and schedules do not go awry, at 10 o’clock this morning a whole slew of imitation parts and accessories supposedly for Honda cars and motorcycles will have their ceremonial destruction in plain sight of invited dealers, customers, the local media and plus other friends and top executives of this huge car and motorcycle manufacturing concern in the country.

Without much fanfare, the Honda Group in the Philippines (Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. and Honda Philippines, Inc.), in coordination with the local authorities have initiated and conducted several raids in Banawe Street, what is now known as the central district of automotive parts, accessories and supplies in Quezon City and the unofficial "accessories strip" in the country, to seize and confiscate fake motorcycle and car spare parts of various brands.

The ceremonial destruction is being conducted to highlight and underscore Honda’s commitment and its stern and aggressive efforts in combating importation and sale of these fake parts and accessories, which compromise the safety not only of Honda owners but of other brands as well. The site of the ceremonies is at Km. 17, East Service Road, South Super Highway, Paranaque City, the office and plant of Honda Philippines, Inc.

Fake motorcycle and car parts now join the ranks of fake DVDs, CDs and pornographic materials that all need to be wiped off the face of the planet. Some people can understand some tears shed for the much, much cheaper DVDs and CDs but fake car and motorcycle parts can cause the loss of lives — blast them.

Isuzu Philippines Learns From Thailand

Some select members of IPC, Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s formidable Marketing Communications Department composed of its hands-on hard-working head, Myrna Gonzales, public relations manager, Timmy Naval and advertising and promotions manager, Vanessa Torres together with dealer development supervisor Buddy Burgos recently came back from Thailand as part of IPC’s policy to continuously update its marketing research and development program.

Their hosts, Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd. (TIS), sole distributor for almost 50 years of Isuzu vehicles in Thailand and the unprecedented market leader in the pick up category and commercial vehicle segment for 21 years, shared with the Pinoy group their successful experiences in the 10 years that they have been conducting "Isuzu Family Day" — their special way of getting closer to the families of Isuzu vehicle owners, a successful program that greatly helped TIS achieve its market supremacy. Part of the TIS market leadership is its phenomenal sales of the Isuzu D-Max — over 100,000 units in a year in Thailand, the best selling vehicle ever, a feat not even reached by passenger cars.

Recently, the Isuzu Family Day has expanded overseas and is now being enjoyed at 20 dealerships in the Philippines nationwide.

Expressways Turning To Petrol Row

Judging by the number of site clearings and construction going on at the SLEX or the South Luzon Expressway being done by the big oil companies, there would soon be a proliferation of Service Stations along the toll-ways. Of course this would be for the ultimate benefit of all motorists who will soon have a wider band of options as to where to have a fuel tank filled or stop to have tires inflation checked together with their vehicles’ water level in their radiators and oil in their engines and in the process have a quick stop for food or beverages.

And for a wider array of choices for these quick stops for motorists, TOTAL (Philippines) Corporation has been given the distinction by the PNCC to be the first oil company outside the "Big 3" to put up a service station along the SLEX.

TOTAL aims to put up a state-of-the-art refueling facility — an oasis for motorists where they can fuel up, eat, relax and freshen up. And for this ambitious project TOTAL president Jeff Attwood is reported to be presently on the lookout for a discerning business partner who would share his vision of coming up with the ultimate convenient one-stop shop for travelers and to operate the 21,000 sq. meter development that is expected to energize business in the area — a French-Pinoy connection?

Pit Lane Notes

He’s the first Asian, in more than a decade since F1 Racer Suzuki won in Japan, to go up the podium in the World Formula One Series. BAR-Honda’s Takuma Sato is undoubtedly the current toast of Japan’s racing circle and the darling of its motoring media after coming in 3rd in the US Grand Prix in Indianapolis, Indiana and in his usual gutsy fashion going side-by-side with Renault’s Jarno Trulli in the final stages of the DNF-marred race before holding on to the position up to the checkered flag.

Now both drivers of BAR-Honda, namely Sato and Brit Jenson Button, are really worth watching in contrast to the boring Schumy-Prancing Horse domination of the series.

Amoy na amoy mo na ba talaga ang Shanghai, Mr. Arnel Doria?

Motoring Tip Of The Week

We can never be repetitive in reminding the drivers and even car owners to instruct their chauffeurs that in a multi lane highway, the innermost or the leftmost lane is only used for passing or overtaking.

While cruising, stay on the middle lane to allow faster vehicles that wish to pass you do this undeterred. Now when you feel that you wish to overtake a slower vehicle in front, then take the innermost lane to do so and return to the middle lane to resume your cruising speed and to allow faster cars to also pass you unhampered.

Remember — use the innermost lane only for passing and don’t hug it!

You missed us last Sunday?

Well, as the National Broadcasting Network made way to broadcast the vital proceedings in the Electoral Canvass, last Sunday’s edition of Motoring Today, your 17-year old Sunday viewing habit, which is now on its anniversary month, run out of airing time. We were aired last Monday at around 5 o’clock though, but for those who still missed the telecast we’ll have it again this Sunday. Don’t miss it!

Happy Motoring!!!

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