Buckle up for Turbo Zone

MANILA, Philippines - Here’s one TV show that will benefit both high-end motorists and everyday drivers every Saturday — Turbo Zone. Buckle up for its pilot episode today at 9 a.m. on GMA News TV.

Hosted by comedian and film professor Ramon Bautista and Top Gear Philippines editor-in-chief Vernon Sarne, Turbo Zone is a 30-minute glossy motoring show that tackles everything about cars — from owning one to taking care of your favorite drive.

The show is produced by Marnie Manicad Productions International (MMPI), the same team behind the National Geographic Channel’s Inside Malacañang (for global airing on February 2102).

“We will feature motoring from the point of view of car owners: from high-end motorists and their sports cars to everyday drivers behind the wheel of public utility vehicles and parents rallying their choice cars for the family,” says Marnie Manicad, MMPI producer and director.

The show, Marnie says, intends to help the public with the many segments it will present.

In the segment Buyers’ Guide (Pabili nga ng Kotse), an actual prospective buyer gets help in choosing a vehicle that fits his budget, whether it be a brand-new or secondhand car, or a utility vehicle.

Expert Eyes lets the experts talk: Viewers will be let in on the latest cars in the market as well as developments in motoring technology, all from the point of view of motoring magazine editors.

Usapang Drayber, on the other hand, lets the viewers talk. This segment will air feedback, questions, comments and suggestions on just about every motoring issue and topic, from just about anyone with an opinion — from jeepney drivers, traffic enforcers to family drivers.

My Ride puts the spotlight on a famous person or icon and his or her favorite ride. 

In Me and My Car (Kotse Ko ‘To), the segment shows an average car owner and his car of choice. He shares his car story, from the what, why, when, where and how of buying his car to the reality check of today: Is he happy with his choice?

Accessorize (Pampagara!) features gadgets, accessories and innovative products for any car and car owner.

Car-Craft features different motoring-related trades, services or skills, such as airbrush painting for cars and jeepneys, manufacturing bullet-resistant vehicular windows and body, manufacturing armored cars, and using car gadgets and accessories such as burglar alarms.

In Motor-Over, the Turbo Zone team helps out a car owner who is looking to give his car a make-over.

“These segments will alternate every week,” says Marnie, whose inspiration for the show are her two loved ones who are both car enthusiasts — her father Nemencio Pulumbarit and her husband GMA 7 reporter Jiggy Manicad.

Marnie adds Turbo Zone does not only target car enthusiasts but also the general public as well.

“Filipinos can relate to this show because we all aspire to have cars, that’s if we don’t own one yet. Most of us would dream of owning a car someday. This show will bring us closer to that dream. If we can’t own those supercars or SUV’s, allow Turbo Zone to feed your drive, and make you feel how it is to ride these cars. And maybe someday, if we dream a bit bigger, we can own it,” says Marnie.

Turbo Zone airs every Saturday.