Pink signs indeed cause confusion

The lawmakers have joined the fray in pressuring the MMDA to let go of the pink-colored traffic signs that abound in Metro Manila.

It has been reported that a house resolution has been filed to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation regarding how these unconventional pink-colored traffic signs have been allowed to confuse the populace especially the foreigners and tourists that find the presence of directional signs in the country wanting although they find in abundance odd-colored signs that do not follow international standards and which they cannot understand or make anything of.

However, in defense of the existence of these pink-colored signs in the metro an MMDA official was quoted as saying, “These are unique to our country. There are no signs like these in other countries.”

We can only say, “You can bet your life on it - only in the Philippines.”

Two birds with one stone

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) recently addressed two current major concerns with just one event - Isuzu Challenge 2009 National Championship.

Despite remarkable present fuel price plummets, the concern for fuel-efficient vehicles and fuel-efficient driving remains a high priority among motorists. Citing very recent history, many say that if the price of oil can rise almost seemingly uncontrollable and dive with the same awesome rate like what we experienced not so many months ago, one thing is definite – oil price is indeed volatile and can change at the blink of an eye. Therefore, faced with such uncertainty, fuel-efficient measures and practices should become a way of life.

Now, the graphic effects of “Global Warming” are in our midst. Like how can you account for the heavy rains that we have been experiencing lately when we would only expect May showers not so many years in the past? We don’t need to watch documentaries and films that presently dwell on this chilling concern to be aware that Global Warming is not just around the corner – it has arrived.

In light of the above, our friends from IPC designed their recently held event to be in tune with the times - “Isuzu Challenge goes environmental.”

What used to be an annual competition that just concentrated on fuel efficient driving has become an Amazing Race-kind of event with teams going through several stages that are each punctuated with challenging tasks that espouse the importance of caring for the environment.

This year’s event saw the participation of the winning teams of the Isuzu Family Challenge 2008, the best of last year’s participants from 17 dealerships of Isuzu nationwide plus the best that the motoring media can offer – “a tournament of champions”, IPC projects it to be.

Starting out from Isuzu Manila at 6:00 a.m., 17 customer teams and 6 media teams negotiated a north-of-manila route, going through portions of EDSA and NLEX before stopping at the Paradise Ranch in Clark, Pampanga. They then headed thru SCTex to a fuel station in Subic for the first fuel efficiency measurement (1st Leg). This was followed by more activities done inside Subic.

At the Paradise Ranch, each team was tasked to plant two trees to increase the population of trees at this environmental education center located on the banks of the Sacobia River.

Next the teams were taught how to transplant delicate tree wildlings at SBMA Ecology Center Tree Nursery. The cultivated tree wildlings will be used for SBMA’s Sta. Rita Reforestation Program this coming June. These mahogany wildlings were transferred from the forest to the nursery where they will have better chances of survival. The process involves extreme care as the wildlings may die if not handled properly.

The most daunting task was at the Wildlife in Need (WIN) located in Subic. WIN organization helps wild animals survive back into the wild or simply nurse animals back to good health. This task got the participants involved in feeding rehabilitating animals with fruits and worms. Yes, worms. Each team must handle these fruits and worms with care so as to avoid incurring time penalties.

Sunshine Television’s vp for production, Jenny Bleza, who was in tandem with Andy Sevilla of the Business Mirror went home “luhaan” after incurring a heart-breaking loss in the Isuzu Alterra category to the pair of Brian Afuang of the Manila Times and Charles Buban of the Inquirer in the media group. The Sevilla-Bleza Team led in the pit stop challenges by two points but was also down by two points in the fuel efficiency department, which unfortunately counted more. But the tear-jerker was that they lost by a mere half a point in fuel efficiency.

Other winners in the media category include Anjo Perez and Aris Ilagan both from the Bulletin aboard a D-MAX 4x4 AT (21.68 km/l).

While in the customer category Walter Saguitan/Michel Butac won in an Alterra 2x2 MT (28.53 km/l) and Federico Crus/Eduardo Magno, Jr top the list aboard a D-MAX 4x2 MT (35.15 km/l).

Notable off-road tires and vehicles hit the dirt

Nitto Tires and Range Rover both showed their distinctive yet complementing wares in a recently-held off-road event in Sapang Bato near Mt. Pinatubo.

In non-existing roads with a mixture of gravel, sand, various-sized rocks and lahar, the combined off-road qualities of the Range Rover and more so the Nitto Tires were put into acid test in a grueling event organized by no less than the “wheel authority” – Wheel Gallery.

Wheel Gallery’s off road tire series include the Dune Grappler, Dura Grappler, Mud Grappler and Tera Grappler.

A Land Rover was equipped with 20 inch Nitto Dune Grapplers. This tire has a unique tread pattern that was engineered for both on road and off road performance. The sidewall lugs and 3-ply polyester sidewall construction add protection to help sidewall punctures. The tread block arrangement reduces tire pattern noise commonly associated with aggressive tires, while still providing a traction oriented tread pattern for off-road use. The contact patch and moderate void ratio offer balanced traction in varying terrain. Select sizes are available in higher load ratings to meet heavy weight truck demands. The Dune Grappler is engineered to be tough both on and off the road.

While a Land Rover Defender and a Discovery 3 were fitted with Nitto Terra Grapplers series. This kind of tire offers year round all terrain performance. This tire series was rated number one by a leading consumer magazine for its balance of exceptional wet and dry performance, while providing comfort with minimal road noise. Deep sipes and lateral voids were carefully arranged to effectively channel away water. The tread features coupling blocks for improved dry traction and handling. The Terra Grappler All Terrain tire provides balanced performance in all weather conditions over various terrain.

Of course the drive was as rough as you can imagine with such extreme road conditions but Wheel Gallery’s Sammy Liuson, the country’s aftermarket mafia’s “wheel guru” was more than satisfied with his Nitto’s performance and looking forward to more rigorous tests and more non-roads to conquer.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments: (e-mail) [email protected].