It's more fun in Palawan (with the Isuzu Crosswind)

MANILA, Philippines - I’ve always had a soft spot for Palawan. I consider it to be one of the most beautiful provinces of our already beautiful country—practically among the cream of the crop when it comes to wildlife, primary forest and natural wonders. Coincidentally, it was also earlier this year that the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park a.k.a. Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) was officially awarded the title of being one of the World’s 7 Wonders of Nature. There could not have been a more fitting destination then, for Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) to present one of its freshest products—the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind Special Edition.

In an event that was dubbed as “It’s More Fun with the Isuzu Crosswind in Palawan,” selected members of the motoring media were taken on an amazing tour around Puerto Princesa, Palawan, with the highlight being a special visit to the now world-renowned PPUR, which has since also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“By taking the 2012 Isuzu Crosswind Special Edition on an exciting road trip across a truly special place like Palawan, we are able to show not only the best traits of the vehicle, which make it perfect for journeys, but also promote the wonderful tourist spots in the country,” explained IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki at a welcome dinner during the trip. “That the Crosswind and Palawan’s natural beauty complement one another only makes the experience more fun,” he added.

IPC has always been a zealous supporter of Philippine domestic travel. And to make the experience of driving the 2012 Special Edition Crosswind in Palawan possible, five units were shipped to the province via 2GO Freight. Hence, our Crosswinds were ready and waiting as soon as we touched down at Puerto Princesa airport. After fueling-up at a nearby Caltex station, our first stop was the city’s popular Crocodile Farm. Here we acquired a better understanding of the endemic crocodile species in Palawan, the unfortunate threats to their existence, and access to witness the different growth stages of the reptile—not to mention the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the young crocs.

Another stop was at the Iwahig Penal Colony, where over a thousand prisoners continue to live and work around a central village square. It was originally set up by the Americans in 1902, and is now a low-security work-farm. Here, the prisoners are self-sustaining and sell crafts and domestic products to visitors. They even presented a special dance performance for us!

Finally we proceeded to the Sheridan Resort and Spa in Sabang, which is a beautiful resort sandwiched between a backdrop of lush mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. It took us two hours to get there, giving us an excellent experience driving and riding the new Special Edition Crosswind.

Still equipped with its tried-and-tested 4JA1-L turbo-diesel engine and its famous, hardy suspension and chassis, the new Crosswinds can be differentiated from previous models via new rear spoiler design (for Sportivo and XUV), a new two-tone sporty spare tire cover (for Sportivo and XUV), a more aerodynamic design of the roof rail (for Sportivo, XUV and XT), a new fin-type antenna, a new audio system integrated with a camera for backing up (for Sportivo), new 15-inch alloy wheels (for Sportivo, XUV and XT), a new entry-level variant in the Crosswind XS (no 3rd row seats, comes in Glacial White only), and an available new Satin Silver color.

Later the next afternoon, we familiarized ourselves with the delicate ecosystem that has long been preserved in Palawan via guided mangrove tour on a paddle boat, rowing through a river where freshwater meets saltwater, amidst the towering trees where you could spot curled-up snakes sleeping in the branches, the random monitor lizard, and squirrels (yes, squirrels!) running up and down some of the trees in the forest.

The author with IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki at the Crocodile Farm

Certainly the highlight of the entire event was our trip into the fantastic caverns of the Puerto Princesa Underground River! No words could do justice to describe the splendor that has taken millions and millions of years to form. From the tens of thousands of fruit bats vibrating in chorus while hanging upside down the cave, to the unbelievable rock formations that almost appear to have been artistically sculpted, to the eerie river creatures that move in the dark waters and keep you guessing where and what they are—they cumulatively define what makes this subterranean masterpiece truly a wonder of nature!

Our “It’s More Fun with the Isuzu Crosswind in Palawan” event was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure which I think every Filipino should experience. Hats off to Isuzu for allowing us to participate in such activities that help us discover more wonders in the Philippines and for providing us vehicles that we could drive with confidence.

Isuzu prices the 2012 Crosswind Special Edition models at P750,000 for the XS; P794,000 for the XL; P883,000 for the XT; P1,042,000 for the XUV MT; P1,102,000 for the XUV AT; P1,160,000 for the Sportivo MT; and P1,225,000 for the Sportivo AT.