Team Land Rover Philippines chases glory anew

MANILA, Philippines - They say that the strongest typhoons hit the country towards the end of every year. This time, more than from just a meteorological perspective, the Philippines is sending over its very own “typhoon” to China – personified by “Typhoon” Larry Mendiola, and his son and partner, Hirryan “Harry” Mendiola: both representing “Team AirAsia – Land Rover Philippines”, our country’s strong bet in the 2011 Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia to be held in Terengganu, Malaysia this December.

The Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia is a 10-day RFC (rainforest challenge) that is considered to be one of the world’s longest and toughest 4x4 off-road competitions. The event’s founder, Luis J.A. Wee, gives us a tip-of-the iceberg description of this extreme motorsport event when he says, “The sweat, the mud, the rain-soaked jungle, the humidity, the insects, the creatures of the night, the fellowship of men/women, the teamwork, the camaraderie, swollen, muddy rivers and monsoon... are all there for you to experience...” Indeed, this event is slated for only the serious and seasoned 4x4 enthusiasts who are willing to push the limits of their vehicles and their driving skills.

Marc Soong, executive director of LRPhils Motors Inc. – the only importer-distributor in the country that continually supports Philippine motorsports – proudly said, “Time and again, the Filipino has proven his dominance in the international 4x4 arena, and in no less than the Malaysian RFC... the longest and arguably, hardest and most unpredictable rainforest challenge.” He also announced that AirAsia has also gone on-board to become their official partner in this venture. “We are fortunate to have a partner who equally believes in Philippine motorsports and Land Rover,” he added.

Meanwhile, I also had the opportunity to chat with the modest father-son duo, who mind you, already won the 1rst runner-up title in the 2010 Rainforest Challenge Malaysia, and who, as mentioned, is to again represent our country in the upcoming Malaysian Rainforest Challenge this December 3-12, 2011. I asked them what their gameplan this year would be, and they simply replied, “Mahalagang-mahalaga ang communication naming dalawa. At bawal ang magkamali... Bawal ang init ng ulo! Iiwasan din namin ang magmadali, dahil once may nasira sa pagmamadali namin, ito’y magiging mas malaking kawalan.”

Larry Mendiola told me that he first started getting into 4x4 driving right after the legendary explosion of Mt. Pinatubo. He explained that right after the calamity, he started helping out in distributing relief goods to the affected areas. He clearly remembers that during the crisis, only trusty 4x4 vehicles could enter the affected barrios. And being a resident of Villa Sol in Clark, Pampanga, he felt the need to help his suffering kababayans. And this would become the beginning of a life-long passion for 4x4 driving.

I asked the tandem who they felt their toughest nemesis was, and they were quick to point to the teams from Johor, Malaysia and Sabah, Malaysia! When asked why, they asserted that, “Pag dating kasi sa technology ng 4x4, advanced sila dun by 3 years...” And not to mention that Team AirAsia – Land Rover Philippines strictly sticks to a stock Land Rover, with a semi-modified body at the most, but with all-original parts. Such is their faith in the monstrous capabilities that can only be Land Rover’s. However, Larry explains – Driving a 3.9L V8 gas engine and pitting it against a fully-modified 4.6L Buggy with no body, plus a suicidal driver... makes the playing ground a little tougher... or should I say, “partida”.

Nevertheless, this disparity has never stopped the duo from bagging several awards in different competitions – among them, the 5th place in the overall official results of the China-Sanya International Off-Road 4x4 Rainforest Challenge 2010; 12th place in the China International Rainforest Challenge 2011; and 1rst-runner-up in the Rainforest Challenge Malaysia 2010.

I queried what it felt like, to bring home the 1rst-runner-up title last year, and Larry was quick to reply, “Doon namin naranasan kung gaano kasarap ilaban ang bandila natin... Parang kinikilabutan ako eh, I can’t explain it!”.

When I asked them what they felt were important elements in winning an RFC, Larry’s son and winchman Harry answered, “Mahalagang-mahalaga na mayroon kayong parental consent, at syempre you have to stay focused and be physically fit!” Meanwhile, father Larry emphasized that jogging is important to maintain one’s stamina. “So kailangan mag-jogging ng konti,” he shared with a smirk. “At uminom din ng konti! Yan ang seremonyas nya...” remarked a nearby lady who was quick to throw a wink.

So good luck to our very own Team AirAsia – Land Rover Philippines! You make our country proud. Go ahead and break a... winch?