Although some automobile companies have followed suit in exerting laudable efforts to help promote local tourism by inviting motoring journalists to test drive their vehicles in exotic places in the country, which they may not have the time to visit and appreciate and a chance to write about and promote, in fairness, it was Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) that started the commendable concept—promote local tourism as you promote the vehicle.
I remember when a whole slew of broadcast and print journalists driving and riding in their full line up of vehicles, which then included the Fuego, Crosswind and the Trooper, were brought to far-flung Kalinga, Apayao in 2002. And from then on the long list of exotic destinations that the Philippines had to offer went on and on—Isuzu Philippines refused to stop.
To keep on with the tradition, despite a very recent media adventure trip to Palawan where the now very famous Underground River was the center stage together with the other tourist sites the remarkable province has to offer, IPC still made some last ditch efforts to make use of this year’s few remaining days of summer by bringing 14 motoring journalists to the Island Province of Siquijor for a test drive of their fast-selling Isuzu D-MAX.
As always, the Isuzu media relations team led by corporate communications head, Timmy de Leon with Yvonne Linchangco ably assisting and under the watchful guidance of high-ranking IPC Filipino executive, senior vice president, Art Balmadrid, made sure it was going to be a laid-back trip with their invited guests’ comfort and convenience paramount. And this is why IPC counts among the short list of automotive companies that senior journalists have a hard time turning down invitations for trips whether out of the country or just to the countryside. IPC concedes and realizes that an invitation accepted is work-time away from the workplace, time taken out of the regular work routine that would eventually need time to make out for—it’s not merely a picnic or a junket that some people in the industry think that journalists should forever be thankful for, instead of being appreciative that an invitation is accepted.
The 3-day (June 13–15) mid-week trip included a tour of Dumaguete City with a drive through the Siliman University and Dumaguete Bell Tower and visits to the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao, Lake Danao and a RORO ride together with the 6 units of 2012 D-Max 4x4 and 4x2 Special Edition (SE) models to Siquijor Island where we stayed at the Coco Grove Beach Resort.
While in Siquijor, we paid a visit to what’s considered Asia’s biggest convent, the Lazi Convent, where Spanish priests with proven misdemeanors were supposedly exiled. And where Joseph Bautista, IPC executive, who is supposed to have a “third eye” felt the presence of “wayward spirits” within the old convent.
It was also in Siquijor Island where the 6 units of the 2012 Isuzu D-Max proved its mettle for reliability, durability, maneuverability and riding comfort after a 72-kilometer loop drive and ride around the intriguing island province that used to be associated with witchcraft and aswangs and mananangals. None of which is still interesting talk as the province continues to grow and develop and increase its population’s buying power in the past several years.
The ride around the province was a test-driver’s dream in bringing out the best or the worst of the vehicle being test-driven. But the Isuzu D-Max passed the test with flying colors as it was subjected to various road surfaces—from hard concrete roads to smooth asphalt-laden and to stretches of rough unpaved roads to “no roads”—and still looking like ready for more right after.
The latest model D-Max has quite a few added features to give pick-up enthusiasts and those who require hard working pick-ups for their daily grind. The upgrades include; (description of upgrades).
I had a wonderful all throughout the test drive riding with Motoring Review producer/host Ron delos Reyes, Bulletin’s motoring editor Pinky “sweetheart” Colmenares and IPC executive vice president Takashi Tomita, who proved to be a very good listener and conversationalist throughout the trip.
Being new in IPC, I had the pleasure of being together with Tomita-san for a long trip only for the first time. The wholesome experience was also shared by Pinky and Ron. Although mostly quite during the trip except for some comments, which we all tried to draw from him, Tomita-san’s “party-animal” character showed in the final evening’s party. Tomita-san is also a Japanese auto executive who “rocks” with Beatle hits. That’ll give other Japanese auto executive “rockers” a run for their money.
Hear that Sugata-san?
Happy Motoring!!!
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