It was Vette who thought of her baby brothers name after my wife Shawie found out we were expecting a boy. Vette got the name "Chevy" from my Camaro ("Dad, whats the name of your vroom-vroom car?") and "Martin" from her favorite Disney Channel cartoon series "Martin Mystery". My mom approved of the name only when I reassured her that Martin also stands for the patron saint of Santo Domingo church, St. Martin de Porres and that I vowed to drive my newborn son to Santo Domingo church before we go home from the hospital, as I did when Vette was born. So, that explains the picture, too.
It was likewise my good fortune that my friend and former colleague from my car dealership days, Dante Reyes, has joined General Motors Automobiles Philippines as their Sales and Marketing Manager. I told Dante about my sons name and, being the creative guy that he is, lent me a Chevy to take my Chevy home. He also chose to lend me the Lumina, which means "light" since the new baby would light up my familys life. Life really couldnt get any sweeter, or more illuminating than that.
The 2005 Chevrolet Lumina, now fitted with more aggressive 16-inch wheels and 60-series tires (as opposed to the 15-inch/70-series wheel/tire combo it used to have), provided a safe, luxurious and tranquil cocoon to transport my baby and my family from the hospital to the church then to our house in Project 8, all in Quezon City. Baby Chevy was never stirred while we were in the Chevy Lumina because it glided smoothly on the road aided by its compliant and comfortable suspension system and luxurious and soft leather interior. The Luminas automatic climate control system kept the interior cool while its 2.5-liter V6 engine purred quietly and efficiently.
If my baby Chevy got spoiled in this Chevy, I think I got spoiled, too. The Lumina altered my initial misconceptions about its power, fuel efficiency (nearly 8 kilometers per liter with a V6 is, in my opinion, exceptional in our type of roads and traffic condition, especially during these times) and its overall image when compared to competing 3.0-liter V6 sedans Honda Accord, Nissan Cefiro and Toyota Camry. That its suggested retail price is also competitively lower than these Japanese top-of-the-line executive rockets is another factor that works in the Luminas favor.
When we got home, it looked like baby Chevy let out a small sigh when we got out of the Chevy Lumina. Perhaps, he still wanted to take a longer ride in the car or perhaps it was only my imagination since I was beginning to fall for the car myself. But whatever the reason, Chevy was home and it was great that he got there in a Chevy.
The magazine will feature motorcycles new and old, test drives, articles on individual riders, bike clubs, celebrity riders, motorcycle tours and destinations, tech tips, safety riding tips, industry news and basically everything related to motorcycle riding in the country and will be written by writers who actually ride. MotorCycle Magazine aims to promote safety riding, responsible motorcycling, road safety, riders rights and local tourism as well as unite the more than two million motorcyclists around the Philippines, especially now that solo riders are no longer the minority.
MotorCycle Magazine will (hopefully) be out by the first or second week of December and will be sold through an innovative marketing system that will benefit its readers, who are targeted to be motorcycle riders as well.
The motorcycle company executive blurted out in the same show that he thinks that 100cc bikes cannot reach 100kph; effectively saying that his products, including a popular model which is now the market leader, are unsafe and inadequate. His prejudiced statement on the show, as well as those of his riding school consultant and supposed riding buddy, gave motorcyclists a black-eye. A lot of riders have complained that they should have been more accurate with their statements since they were representing the entire riding community in that show. Tsk, tsk loose lips sinks ships, so they say in the navy.
Nissan Motor Philippines, through Product and Marketing manager Raymond Tribdino and National Service manager Jon Gutierrez sent some parts I needed for the B13-771 Sentra and will also work on some needed mechanical repairs. The car will be tricked out by the After-market Mafia with Concept One wheels from Wheel Gallery, a subtle exterior enhancement from A-Toy Body Kits and Thule/EGR Philippines, improved lighting from Xenon bulbs, a killer Sony Xplod sound system to be installed by G Audio, a Momo steering wheel from Perfect Circle and if my wife permits, a lowered H&R or Nismo suspension system. Watch out for my complete report on the finished "pimped" Sentra in these pages in about a few weeks from now.
What do you know? In lest weeks Backseat Driver inbox, there were more complaints than any other comment. Sign of the times? Here are some of them.
What is your opinion on Khaos Super Gas Saver? 09277166641 (As we have yet to try the product out ourselves, we cannot give an assessment. Our apologies.)
I hope that the MMDA and the DPWH will widen the road in front of Iglesia ni Kristo along Commonweath Avenue in Quezon City. 09176956248
RCGG buses use the Ortigas side of Robinsons Galleria as a terminal and it seems to be okay with the MMDA. 09158349133
Please ask the police to apprehend travelling PUJs without headlights at night! Theyre very dangerous! 09209079919
The pedestrian crossing under the flyover along Katipunan Avenue and Aurora Boulevard is a cause of traffic along the area. PUVs eat up the middle of the road just waiting for passengers! 09198341297
Can someone explain to me why roads go rocky and damaged six months after being "repaired"? Its a waste of taxpayers money! 09195239992 (Sorry, no one can explain. But, yes, we agree, it is a waste of taxpayers money.)
Road 4 Project 6, in Quezon City ginagawang parking terminal ng jeepney drivers, perwisyo! 09228150066
Is it legal to tow a vehicle park in a sidestreet in Parañaque without a single no parking sign posted? Who and where can we file a complaint? 09192381091 (It would be best to take your case to the traffic management group of the City Government. Its bound to be a long process, though.)
Speak out, be heard and keep those text messages coming in. To say your piece and become a "Backseat Driver", text PHILSTAR<space>FB<space>MOTORING<space>YOUR MESSAGE and send to 2333 if youre a Globe or Touch Mobile subscriber or 334 if youre a Smart or Talk n Text subscriber or 2840 if youre a Sun Cellular subscriber. Please keep your messages down to a manageable 160 characters. You may send a series of comments using the same parameters.