THE Tokyo Motor Show fever is on. Next week, delegations of motoring journalists will troop to the Japanese capital—batch by batch as usual—to see for themselves the latest in vehicle technology. In general, the trip will include immersing the wordsmiths into fresh insight in industry trends and, in particular, tinkering with the concept cars.

It’s the wish of every car buff from both print and broadcast networks worth his salt to be there. In fact, it is almost a must that presence is required. Thus, an invite to the bash is as precious as a diamond-laced engagement ring given by Sean Lennon to his dream girl. Right, Sir John (a.k.a. Danny Isla)?

As in past Tokyo Motor Shows, too, the nation’s car companies, particularly the big players led by Toyota, will likewise dispatch compact contingents composed of their dealers and other suppliers that have done good business with them not only for the year about to end but also during the many years that their partnerships had been tangoing it together—harmoniously, or otherwise.

Always, the Tokyo Motor Show is one vehicle for the industry leaders, as well as the up-and-coming players, to renew warm ties with their friends, allies and other partners and, in the case of the veterans in the business, also cement a relationship forged through years of companionship.

Held once in two years, the Tokyo Motor Show began decades ago to unravel the latest in the motoring business. It intends to educate the public not only on the vagaries of car production but the latest projections and speculations in the business as well.

I have my own subjective reasons why I wish to be in the Tokyo Motor Show again.

One, I will see anew in the flesh the newest vehicle technology from virtually around the world as the Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) is only one of at least five major Motor Shows involving the globe’s major car manufacturers.

Two, I can rub elbows again with some of the top guns of the world motoring industry (since 1999, I’ve had the pleasure of talking-interviewing the ones who crafted the direction of Toyota the last 10 years or so).

Three, me and my fellow Beatlemaniacs, led by Sir John, will experience again listening to nothing but Beatles music at The Cavern in Roppongi.   Sir John and I can only pray though that the Silver Beats are still there, with the virtual look-alike of John Lennon as the group’s lead vocalist.  Even if I’d be there every night for a week, I won’t mind it all.

Four, there’s also the John Lennon Museum at Saitama City. Sir John and I had been there several times already, but the thrill never dies in us each time we visit the place—which is the only John Lennon museum of its kind in the world (built by John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono).

Five, the TMS affords me the luxury to have generous servings of the real McCoy: genuine sushi and sashimi, washed down by hot sake. Just one night of it and I’m done. Well, Kobe beef would surely be a bonus—with Suntory to boot!

Of course, it pays that, most of the time during the TMS, I also see such great guys like Vince Socco popping out from nowhere.  It was Vince, now one of Toyota’s top decision-makers in the Asia-Pacific region, who set the benchmark on how the industry should properly coexist with media people.  Without Vince, I have no idea where the media-industry relations would be right now.

Stubborn, stupid expressway drivers

I AGREE with Ray Butch “Elvis” Gamboa, the face of motoring television in the country.

In his column, Motoring Today this week, he said drivers occupying the innermost lane should give way when a car directly behind wants to overtake.

Often, we encounter people refusing to move out of the fast lane, using the stupid line: “Why should I give way when I’m following the speed limit anyway?”

Heeding the speed limit is one thing, but knowing how to read is another.  While you may be correct in the “speed limit” thing, there’s also a sign that reads, “Left Lane is For Overtaking Only.”

Now, if you don’t understand English, my advice is, yes, to quote Elvis, “Use your common sense.”

Obviously, the one honking behind you, flashing his lights behind you, wants to overtake you.  It’s elementary courtesy that you should give way and not stick to your stupid line that “I’m within the speed limit, so why should I move over?”

Moving out of the fast lane is as normal as breathing, if not as easy as combing your hair.  Why not do it for the sake of logic, if not in the name of safety itself?

Mayor’s call from Baguio

Peter Rey Bautista, the youthful, SUV-driving mayor of Baguio City, has expressed his gratitude to all those who had sent help, material or otherwise, to victims of typhoon Pepeng.

“Through you, I wish to express my thanks for highlighting Baguio on national papers and in international news. It has helped bring needed relief goods and help from all over the world.  However, many organizers for conventions have called in to cancel their reservations.  It will further adversely affect livelihood of our people and our economy. Hope we can now highlight more positive news about Baguio and let the people know that major city and tourism structures have not been affected.  Together, let us help Baguio.  Together, we shall overcome.  By God’s grace and by His power.”

As I write this, two of the zigzags going up Baguio have been opened to the public: Naguilian Highway and the Marcos Zigzag.  Kennon Road is said to also open shortly.

Being rushed for repairs is the Bued Bridge, the main artery connecting Pangasinan and La Union that also serves as the gateway to Baguio coming from Central-Southern Luzon.

But until the bridge is finally fully operational, one can go to Baguio via Mangatarem, Pangasinan, by turning left in Tarlac en route to Camiling.  From Mangatarem, you go straight to Lingayen, Pangasinan, then to Dagupan all the way to the town of San Fabian and, from there, make a right to McArthur Highway in Damortis, La Union.  From Damortis to Rosario, La Union, it will not take you 30 minutes to get to the Marcos Zigzag.  It should be easy from there going up to Baguio.

One can also make a left in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, going to the famed Manaoag town.  After Manaoag, you pass San Jacinto town and, before hitting Mangaldan, turn right going to San Fabian.  And that would bring you to Damortis all the way to Rosario for the Marcos Zigzag.

Baguio is such a lovely city, a landmark in the beautiful Philippine landscape, that we shouldn’t just abandon it for one nasty typhoon.

In fact, I’ve done my own checking.  And I have yet to hear one participating team canceling its reservation for the Fil-Am Golf Championship.

Touted at one time by the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest golf tournament in the world for its sheer number of participants, the Fil-Am, began in 1949, is scheduled at both Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club from November 24 to December 12. It’s been such a long time for me to be working in the tournament as a rules man, together with my good neighbor, Jake P. Ayson.

But then, come to think of it, if it’s Baguio we are talking about here, do we have the luxury of entertaining second thoughts about not pursuing plans originally planned?

Not me.

A car that doubles as a boat

THIS one would have been perfect for the monstrous floods that hit the metropolis recently.  It’s a story about a car that doubles as a boat. I read it at Yahoo. Here:

“A California company has combined a Corvette with a luxury speedboat and thrown in some jet ski to create a holy trinity of awesomeness it calls the WaterCar Python.

“For around $170,000, you can pick up a Python rolling chassis and install a General Motors LS series engine of your choosing—from a used LS1 to the same mind-bendingly powerful LS9 found in the Corvette ZR1. Choose that level of insanity and WaterCar estimates the engine and transaxle installation should run an additional $30 to $50K.

“Once installed, the Python will make short work of your trip to the boat launch with an average zero to 60 time of 4.5 seconds. Once you get to the yacht club, stun your high-society friends by driving the Python straight into the water, pressing one button to retract the wheels and another to start the jet. You’ll be gliding on a bright blue highway in seconds. Far from a glorified Amphicar, this baby can do 60 mph on the water.

“On paper, the Python appears to be twice as fast on the water than its closest competitor, the Gibbs Aquada. We wonder how long it will be before someone smashes Sir Richard Branson’s record of crossing the English Channel in an amphibious automobile that he set in his Aquada back in 2004.”

Gibo should order a dozen of it now?

PEE STOP. Congratulations to Volvo, whose XC60 continues to rake it in!  From 60 units sold as of June since its introduction in the country, it has now registered staggering sales records.  Kudos to Albert Arcilla, the Viking Cars’ top honcho…Tonight is the night as the Auto Focus Awards will be finally unraveled.  I can see Ray Butch “Elvis” Gamboa grinning from ear to ear this early as he sees another smashingly successful event for his babe of many years now…Hugs, too, to Mary Ann Reyes, the Philippine Star columnist, who scored her first hole-in-one during the BIAP Golf Cup at Southwoods Legends. Although there was no prize allotted for the feat (usually a car), BIAP president JB Baylon gave Mary Ann an instant P100,000!  Gleng mo rin, JB!