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IT was
very alarming to see that recent news of another vehicle
that came tumbling down from one of the elevated
highways.
It was
the second such incident in the last five to six months
and those who survived the accident will find it
difficult to recover from the traumatic experience.
I think
it’s about time the authorities ordered an inspection of
those railings that line those elevated highways. It’s a
no-brainer to see that the main reason why those
vehicles broke through the cemented railings is that
they have weak foundations.
Those
railings should be strong enough to withstand even a
raging or wayward truck or even a battle tank. Their
purpose is to stop any vehicle from falling below and
hurting innocent victims.
The way
we see it, those railings are made of flimsy materials
that even a wayward tricycle can breach. That should not
be the case. An investigation or an inspection of those
railings must be ordered now before another accident
happens again.
***
THAT
recent Petron Xtra Mile Challenge Media Edition, which
we participated in, taught us several lessons.
One is
the importance of how you step on the accelerator or gas
pedal. When you are economizing (something that we
should all be doing considering that the price of
gasoline is very high) is to check on the way you apply
your foot on the accelerator.
In order
to accomplish our assignment of getting to Sorsogon in
the south from Pagudpud in the north on just one full
tank of unleaded gasoline, we were given several options
on how to conserve on precious gasoline.
One is
to cruise and maintain an rpm of at least 1,500 at 40
kph in seventh gear (the cars that we used were 1.3
Honda Jazz and Honda City). One school of thought is
that you can still increase the revs provided you don’t
go over 2,000 rpm.
Another
one, which was offered by Tito Pocholo Ramirez himself,
the legendary motorsport guy who established the
1,114-km record on just one full tank of gasoline from
Pagudpud to Sorsogon, was to have a steady cruising
speed of 2,000 rpm at 80 kph, also in seventh gear.
But
those driving techniques mentioned above are just two of
those that can be included in your bagful of tricks. In
fact, Team Zayco Hermanos relied on several driving
techniques that enabled them to set a new record of
1,440 km before their one full tank of gas ran out.
In our
everyday driving, it is very seldom that we can apply
those tricks because of the heavy traffic. But, you can
still apply a tip or two if you really care about saving
some gasoline money.
Sudden
acceleration must be avoided because this is the No. 1
cause of increased fuel consumption. You should be
gentle on the gas pedal every time since there’s always
the possibility that you might need to stop immediately
when you reach the next corner.
If you
are driving one of the latest cars, you can move ahead
slowly and precisely if you just push your automatic
gear lever to DRIVE or go to first gear and your car
would start rolling on its own. Try these things on your
own and you should see the difference when you go and
fill up again at your favorite gas station.
***
BY the
way, Petron has come out with a new promo which should
be of interest to all the vehicle owners.
Yes,
Petron, in a tie-up with the Bank of the Philippine
Islands, came up with a new and innovative idea wherein
vehicle owners can really squeeze more from their
precious pesos.
In a
special promotion that runs up to March 31, Petron-BPI
Mastercard holders can enjoy a 3-percent rebate on fuel
purchases at participating Petron service stations. This
means that each time a cardholder loads up on either
Petron Blaze, XCS Plus, Xtra Unleaded or the new
generation Diesel Max, he is credited back 3 percent of
the purchase amount in his next monthly statement.
You
better read this further in order to enjoy the perks:
“New cardholders receive a P200 free fuel certificate as
a welcome gift from Petron, which can be redeemed at any
participating station. Cardholders also enjoy an
outright 10-percent discount on automotive services such
as car wash, vacuum, labor on tune-up or oil change by
just showing the card at participating Petron service
stations. In addition, lubricants and other Petron
products are also offered to cardholders at discounted
prices.
Not only
that, Petron-BPI Mastercard holders get the 24-Hour
Price Shield which allows them to purchase up to 40
liters of fuel at the old price when refueling within
24-hours of a price increase. In case of emergencies,
they can call on Ibero Asistencia for 24-hour towing
service and roadside assistance nationwide. Petron-BPI
Mastercard holders also receive special discounts and
privileges from premium partners including Honda Cars
Makati, Goodyear Servitek and Tyrepro, Rapidé, Blade
Auto Center, Nissan-Car & Recreation Vehicles Inc.,
Wheel Gallery, Days Hotel, Microtel Inn & Suites and
Pancake House. Cardholders can also get comprehensive
motor vehicle insurance from Standard Insurance at zero
interest for 12 months. To apply, call 89-100 for
details. Annual fees are waived for the first year!”
Now, if
those ain’t perks to you, what is?
***
IF you
are just a plain vehicle owner and you want to know how
it feels to drive the latest cars in the country today,
there are several car shows and test drives that are
being held almost on a weekly basis.
Honda
Cars Philippines Inc., led by its president Takeshi
Sekiguchi and top marketing man Arnel Doria, held the
Honda Fun Days from February 2 to 4 at the back of the
NBC Tent at the
Fort Global City.
Among the cars that were put on show and lent to those
who wanted to test drive them were Honda’s executive
car—the Accord, the popular and brand-new CRV, the
bestselling Civic and the compact and economic Jazz.
The
Honda Fun Days also highlighted different forms of
entertainment for the families who participated in the
games and won premium and exclusive Honda gear. Amusing
contests such as “Draw your Honda Dream” certainly
enhanced one’s creative skills. Live bands rocked the
stage, while glitter tattoos pleased the kids who also
watched the magic show, puppet show, and balloon
twisting.
***
THE City
Kart Racing 2nd Media Blowout was held on January 30 at
the City Kart in Sucat, Parañaque with various media
personalities participating in a two-hour enduro kart
race.
Nine
teams of four media personalities each joined the
exciting two-hour racefest as the venue opened its
facilities once again in celebration of its fun day with
the various media entities.
The Team
Whatever composed of Jeff Reyes, Vince Pornelos and
Crystal Rebucas placed first, while the Team Heavy Duty
of Chris van Hoven, Kit Joaquin, Maita de Jesus and Peps
San Debas and the Pata Team of Carmela Ortiz, Noel
Allego and Paolo Gilego placed second and third,
respectively. |
