I MOTORED to Baguio from Quezon City on January 1. Know what? From the usual almost seven-hour trip to cover the 230-kilometers-plus distance, this time, it took me only about four-and-one-fourth hours to do it. It would have been faster, if not for the usual three stops that I need to do for reasons that are self-explanatory—one full meal and at least two “pee stops”.
So, why did it take Senate President Franklin Drilon 11-1/2 hours to cover the same distance last December? And the many others who claimed they had it negotiated in 12 hours or more?
Well, my Pareng Franklin (as I was saying, he and I had recently stood as principal sponsors in the Uy-Velayo wedding) and many others, including my Pareng Rico Agcaoili, had suffered that much because they fell victim to a toll-collection system that wasn’t customer-friendly.
Okay, okay, the expressway snarls were also caused by the sheer volume of Northbound vehicles loaded with holiday revelers as is customarily seen during the Yuletide. The twin troubles triggered traffic jams, especially at toll booths, which weren’t enough to service the thousands of travelers.
Well, I must admit that there was a huge reduction of motorists on January 1 going up North, as the New Year’s Eve celebration simply knocked out most of the revellers the next morning. But, still, I must say there was a marked improvement in toll collection at the booths. I saw many additions of makeshift toll booths on both entry-exit points, ensuring a continuous flow of traffic.
So that I raise a glass to the top brass at both North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) and Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (Sctex) freeways, led no less by Rodrigo E. Franco and Ramon Fernandez, whose speedy response to the gripes of our motoring public had immediately produced post-Christmas wonders. Even on my trip back home from Baguio on January 4, a Sunday, it was as smooth as silk. Because it was downhill at Baguio’s Kennon Road, I think I had the trip negotiated in less than four hours! A world record, I must say!
Oh, well, one of the major factors in the shortened trip was the Tarlac-Pangasinan La Union Expressway (TPLEx) extending all the way now to Urdaneta City in Pangasinan, another magical project of San Miguel Corp. that will, hold your breath, soon extend up to Rosario, La Union, hopefully to be finished middle of this year. And the best thing was that stretch was toll-free! Thank you, Sir RSA!
And, if that last obstacle to speeding up travel along the Terrific Trio that is the Nlex-SCTEx-TPLEx is finally settled—the imminent integration of toll collection in the near future—Baguio, the still enchanting summer capital that it really is, will just merely a breeze away from Mega Manila.
Also, in closing, let’s listen to this yet another out-of-the-box idea from Vice Chairman Bobby Y. Rosales, a topnotch brain from Asian Carmakers Corp., on our expressways:
“Why do not all motorists buy e-Tag/ePass, which can speed up the flow entering/exiting? A couple of reasons: First, they don’t trust the system in accounting for deposits they make in the EPass loads. They think the toll operators will cheat them. One way to address this is to allow the banks to get involved in the loading/payment/reporting system of the accounts. Second, make the device affordable but not free.”
I say, why not?
Letter from Tokyo
I have this habit of responding, as much as I can and wherever I am, to requests for comments on hotel services, amenities and the like.
It’s a good habit, I believe, as it gives me the feeling of being generous and helpful while I am at it. It, sure, also lifts not only my spirit but also that of the recipient’s. Every act of kindness (ahem!) rubs, you know.
And so, just a while back, during a trip to Tokyo on the invite anew of Mitsubishi Motors Corp., I did it again: Respond to a request for comments, dropping the filled-up questionnaire in a box at the hotel lobby while on my way to check out.
Days later, I got this letter:
“SHIODOME
Tokyo
Royal Park Hotel
9th of December, 2014
Dear Mr. Alfonso Soriano Mendoza,
Thank you very much for your recent stay with us at Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo and it was indeed a great pleasure to learn that you have enjoyed your stay with us.
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your wonderful compliments towards our housekeeping staff, as well as our room and the services, which will be definitely a great motivator for our staff to provide the excellent services continuously, at all times.
As far as the body lotion, English TV programs and Sushi at the restaurant are concerned, please kindly be advised that I will forward and discuss with our housekeeping/restaurant manager on how we can improve our room amenities and the menus in the future. In the meantime, please be noted that we do provide the CNN and BBC English programs. However, your suggestions for more of the English channels are welcome to improve our service standards.
Again, we sincerely thank you for your time to leave a feedback and choosing Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo. We are looking forward to have another opportunity of welcoming you back here, in the near future.
Yours sincerely,
(SGD.) Takashi Ogi
General Manager
Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo”
PEE STOP. Aim to be wealthy, yes, but first, strive to be healthy. Always. Hangover and all, Happy New Year once again! Cheers!