EXPERIENCING surprises every once in a while is good for relationships, just like the one Isuzu recently hatched for the motoring media.

It has almost been a year since this writer and her husband had spent time with friends from the motoring media and Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC). Popong was invited by IPC to the 2010 Isuzu D-Max Conquers Panay Island event on September 24 to 26, but he didn’t know that I was invited, too. IPC public relations manager Timmy Naval, public relations supervisor Ronald Baladad of IPC and this writer kept it a secret until the last minute at the airport. Anjo Perez of Manila Bulletin was also in on the plan as he picked up this writer’s unsuspecting spouse at around 5:10 a.m. while my sister waited to drive me to the airport several minutes later. After discovering the “conspiracy,” the wide smile on my husband’s face was absolutely priceless.

The adventure truly began when the group flew to Iloilo where we were taken to Isuzu’s 20th and latest addition to its dealership network, where Isuzu Iloilo general manager Rene Tagamolila welcomed the media guests who were accompanied by IPC president Keiji Takeda, executive vice president Yuki Kato, senior vice president Art Balmadrid and product development head Joseph Bautista.

After a sumptuous breakfast, the journalists split into three groups, which took off on different routes to Caticlan—a first in the experience of the motoring media. (Several examples of Isuzu’s vaunted line—the 2010 D-Max, 2010 Crosswind and 2009 Alterra—were shipped to Iloilo courtesy of Negros Navigation for the event.)  The D-Max group took the 277-kilometer west coast route, which visited Miag-ao Church, observed patadyong weavers in Bugasong and passed by Mount Madia-as in Culasi before going on the Bugang River Eco-cruise.

The 2010 Isuzu D-Max, which was formally presented to the press later in the evening, not only looked good but also seemed ready for the toughest road conditions. It now sports a new face that gives it an even tougher image, thanks to an upgraded radiator grille and hood ornament.

To keep things more exciting for this writer and her husband, Isuzu assigned us to different routes. I went with the Crosswind group that took the 221-kilometer central route, which took us to Sampaguita Gardens in New Washington in Aklan for a hearty lunch. We then proceeded to the Ati-Atihan and Piña Villages where we had so much fun examining the handicrafts and costumes made from pineapple fiber. On this trip, the 2010 Isuzu Crosswind proved to be an excellent vehicle for breaking free from all inhibitions and boundaries.  It’s a practical set of wheels for groups of people who love to go on long drives with frequent stops to take in the sights and sounds along the way.  The Crosswind has been redesigned with a six-hole chromed radiator grille, which is fully embossed; halogen projector-type headlamps; chromed power folding side view mirrors with amber lens; ultrawide touch-screen LCD audio unit; console box with integrated dual cup holders; 7" high-resolution LCD monitor; second-row seat convenient tray with dual cup holders; fog lamp with chromed garnish and redesigned front bumper with silver under spoiler.

This writer’s husband joined the Alterra group that took the 365-kilometer east coast route. They visited the rebuilt Pan-ay Church in Capiz. Although the route was long and arduous, no one from their group complained as the Alterra is the sleekest, most refined, efficient and exquisitely comfortable among the lot. It has a multipurpose and convenient A/V console, which connects gadgets to the entertainment system, which kept boredom away during the entire drive.

It was almost dark by the time all three groups arrived at Caticlan. Everyone was tired after the daylong trip from Iloilo but when we reached our destination in Boracay Island, the world-class facilities and services of the Shangri-La Resort and Spa caused our collective fatigue to vanish in a second, especially after checking into our cozy suites.

In his welcome remarks, Takeda-san thanked all the media guests and said that being in Boracay is a celebration of the arrival of the bestselling and award-winning pickup that has won the loyalty of many customers by virtue of being an excellent product. “The D-Max success has a fixed formula: powerful but fuel-efficient and environment-friendly diesel engine; value-for-money features; and durability and dependability. We merely build upon this foundation, always adding new elements that never fail to appeal to the Filipino market,” he stated.

After the remarks of the IPC executives, a special number by fire dancers and drumbeaters was rendered where the two Isuzu D-Max were displayed. Some journalists participated in the fire dance, including this writer.

Balmadrid recalled the test-drive activities that were done in the past for the D-Max since its launch in 2003. “We’re doing this just to reminisce a bit and to remind you of all the happy memories we’ve shared together through the years.”

As if to underscore his point, Isuzu booked a special suite with a matrimonial bed for me and my husband, which we found embarrassing at first but the people from IPC explained that they wanted the event to serve as our second honeymoon. It was quite apt really since our first was also in Boracay. They say it is sweeter the second time around.  We can’t agree with them more as the memories just keep getting better. Thank you, Isuzu. n