In the Philippines, thoughts of eco-friendly travel may have been pushed aside by the increasing cost of petroleum products. Fortunately, in the drive to come up with a solution for the price of petroleum products, Petron and other gasoline companies have come up with a way to also make vehicles run on cleaner fuel.

Petron, one of the largest gas companies in the country announced that they would be selling unleaded gasoline mixed with ethanol. That alone makes it a good alternative as ethanol is not mined from under the earth and is a renewable source of energy. Apart from that though, Filipinos, especially car owners would love the fact that this kind of fuel is priced two pesos lower than the usual unleaded gas.

In the United States and some European countries, the use of ethanol as fuel is not new. In fact, they have the so-called E-10 and E-85. E-10 is fuel composed of ten percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. This is the same fuel which will be sold in the Philippines by Petron.

Apart from the E-10, there is also the E-85 which is composed of 85 percent ethanol. Understandably, this is "greener" than the E-10. But for vehicles to run on E-85, its engine and other parts should be modified. Since E85 is more corrosive than gasoline, metallic parts inside the engine and the fuel tank should be strengthened so that it will not succumb to the corrosiveness of the fuel. Thus, E85 I think will still have a long way to go before it reaches the Philippines in terms of mass usage.

The 2007 Cebu Auto Show was a fusion with the Cebu Auto Kraze featuring some of the best modified and restored cars from the queen city of the South. The event is a localized version of the Manila International Auto Show organized by Worldbex International. The show carries an interesting twist as the city is known as one of the gateways for imported cars. It is here where some of these cars are displayed side-by-side with the new vehicles of major auto dealers.

 

And now, the Philippines biggest auto show visits Cebu! The Cebu Auto Show at Cebu International Convention Center on May 22-25, 2008 is the Visayas and Mindanao's premiere exhibition for car buyers and enthusiasts who wants to see the latest models and accessories and everything automotive. The exhibit will be open daily from 10am to 7pm. Exhibitors from all over the country will be present and will include dealers of brand new cars, auto parts accessories, electronic gadgets, OEM supplies and other related products.

 

Cebu International Convention Center will be transformed into a haven for motoring enthusiasts, indoor and outdoor exhibitions, celebrity appearance and concert performance will be among the many show highlights! Lucky visitors will get chances to win fabulous prices simply by visiting the various exhibitors. Special deals await those who place a reservation for their chosen vehicle during the show.

 

The CICC will be transformed into a haven for motoring enthusiasts, indoor and outdoor exhibitions, celebrity appearance and concert performance will be among the many show highlights! Lucky visitors will get chances to win fabulous prices simply by visiting the various exhibitors. Special deals await those who place a reservation for their chosen vehicle during the show.

Today, the Philippines are facing a major crisis in the food industry, the rice supply to be specific. There has been a shortage of rice production for the last two years due to the series of typhoons that hit the country, and of course, the controversial issues that involved government officials. Anyhow, along with these concerns, plus the continuing price hike of several of our basic needs, there is also good news that we should all be happy about, at least. And it’s Toyota, amplifying their investment here in the Philippines.

Tsikot.com reported that Toyota Group has increased its over P20 billion investment in the country as one of its Asian associate, Tokai Rika Philippines Inc. (TRP). The group is planning to expand its production facility and doubled its venture for the benefit of Toyota and the country as well.

“As we increase our production, our suppliers will naturally follow suit,” stated TMP vice president Rommel Gutierrez in an interview with The STAR.

TRP’s investment is likely to arrive at P1.2 billion as the company announced it will expand its production facility at its plant inside the Toyota Industrial Complex located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, according to Gutierrez. TRP’s latest investment will call for a total of 5,600 square meters of plant facilities extension. The projected finishing date of the new building is by November 2008.

“This new investment is part of TRP Inc.’s commitment to contribute to the development of the Philippine automotive industry, as well as the regional economy through parts production and exports,” added Gutierrez.

Source: Tsikot.com

Filipinos are known for a lot of things.  We send text messages or SMS a lot.  We are known for a positive outlook in life.  We are also known for the colorful jeepneys, some of which are equipped with Acura strut assembly.

Unfortunately, we are also known for corrupt government officials.  But then, we are also known for having the guts to stick together and kick someone out of the Malacanang Palace whenever we see it fit.  That is what Filipinos are commemorating today, the People Power.

Back in 1986, people gathered and peacefully ousted then President Ferdinand Marcos. Today, 22 years later, the Filipino people look to be moving towards another People Power.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's name has been dragged around talks about corruption along with her husband's name as well as other high-ranking government officials.  This caused a lot of Filipinos calling for the president's resignation.

The president though warns that a "People Power" will greatly damage the reputation of the country.  According to the International Herald Tribune, Arroyo was quoted to have said that the first People Power was "embraced" by the world and the second, "tolerated".

"We all know I am not perfect," said Arroyo.  "But I have worked hard every day to achieve positive and lasting change for the nation," she added.  The president might be referring to the fact that she talked with a Commission on Elections official during the counting of votes after the last presidential election.

Bayan's Secretary-General Renato Reyes though said:  "The greatest irony is that the person who benefited from 'people power' is the first one to condemn it now."

With the Philippines and the government embroiled in this corruption discussion, I just wish these corrupt persons would just go poof!  That way, honest Filipinos will have better lives.

Current Location: EDSA
Current Mood: angry
Current Music: buklod & joey ayala's songs

All of us can be heroes, in our own little way. Even hardworking jeepney, taxi and truck drivers can be everyone’s simple heroes. Goodyear Philippines, Inc., believes that these dedicated drivers with sincere hearts deserve further recognition. Two exceptional noble acts of two jeepney drivers, a truck driver and a taxi driver, were honored recently and were named 2008 Bayani ng Kalsada by Goodyear Philippines Inc. According to AutoIndustriya.com, Bayani ng Kalsada campaign is a yearly search for extraordinary drivers who have performed exceptional service that further accentuates the safety on the road value.

After searching and assessing every nominee on the list, Goodyear finally came up with the winners starting off with Glenn Mesa, a public utility jeepney driver, and Venecio Atillo. Both drivers returned their particular passengers’ valuables. On the other hand, Monico Cuadillera, a truck driver who bravely rescued a bunch of commuters from a burning vehicle with a collapsing cargo liner on the road, was honored as well. Last but not the least is Ronnie Balbido, a jeepney driver who helped save his neighbors’ lives by using his own vehicle.

“Every day, drivers like them make an enormous contribution to our local roads, and we are privileged to recognize them for their brave and selfless efforts. These four men accurately represent what we, as a company, continuously promote - safety,” Goodyear President and Managing Director Dave Morin said.

“I’m slaving away to put food on our table and to send our kids to school. That money would have made a lot of difference,” he said. “But I chose to stand by a simple rule which I’ve followed all my life - do not take what is not yours,” says Mesa who confessed that since he started driving for their association in 2001, Mesa has continually been acknowledged by his colleagues for his truthfulness.

“I used to think heroes only exist in history books and museums. I never imagined I would receive such a great honor. I hope my experience will inspire others to be heroes in their own way,” says Atillo.

“Our profession makes us the public’s eyes and ears on the road, and we strive to become heroes in our own little ways,” Monico Cuadillera explained.

“Goodyear’s project is outstanding for bringing to light the positive things that we are doing. But beyond that, it inspires us and, hopefully the others too, to become more responsible drivers. It also reminds us of our common responsibility to make our roads safe and in order,” says Ronnie Balbido.

Tags: goodyear
Current Location: office
Current Mood: bouncy

Young lovers, married couples and dating friends of all ages will definitely swarm every romantic restaurant and go-to-places this coming Valentine's Day. Oh yeah, it’s going to be a love-sweet-love for every pair who has been struck by Cupid’s little arrow. The season of love is in the air… can you feel it too? I guess everyone does, except for those bitter-hearted people who despise love at all. What a shame. Anyway, all opinions are respected, so let’s just leave them alone.

Have you come up with something very unique to surprise your loved one this coming Hearts Day? Well, definitely some of you are all set before the big day. A candlelit dinner for two, or watch the latest flick playing on the big screen, an out of town vacation etc. Whichever idea you have in mind, the bottom-line is, make sure that you and your partner will have a great and memorable time together; not only on Valentine's Day, but every minute you share together, the rest of your lives! Now that’s true love!

A friend of mine asked me a mind-bugging question yesterday. The question goes a little bit something like this: how can we have a great and enjoyable date this 14th? And he wants it to be simple, yet unique. After a few minutes of further brainstorming, I came up with a simple answer in a form of a question too! “Why not try a kalesa ride at Baywalk before the sun starts to rest? You can also bring along a couple of burgers, soft dinks, pizza or whatever stuff you might need when your stomachs starts to demand for some chow.” Without any questions or further deliberations, he said “That’s a great idea… thank you buddy!” And then, right after Dr. Hitch (that would be me) gave his final briefing, he hung up the phone.

Why did I refer a Kalesa ride without a wheel hub assembly during sundown? It’s simple. From our day-to-day observations, the ancient romantic way of celebrating love and life has faded out right our very eyes without even noticing. I guess it’s about time to bring back the sentimental and the “mushy” side of dating. You may say it’s a corny classic, but the impact and the impression it offers explains the rest.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

Tags: kalesa
Current Mood: cheerful
Current Music: classics

 
The launching of the professed alternative vehicle, the electric jeepney, generated a brand new phase in Philippine’s public transportation. Jeepneys are said to be the king of Philippine roads, and in fact they are! This type of vehicle has the most numbers when it comes to public used vehicles. This time, jeepneys have gone hybrid with an electric-propelled engine that emits zero carbon dioxide emission which is just perfect for our situation nowadays.

However, according to Manila Standards Today, things are going a lot slower in the development of these alternative vehicles. The electric jeepneys, have to do their rounds on the streets of Makati regardless of last month’s booming test run.

“It’s taking [the Land Transportation Office] a long time to process [the vehicles’] registration,” says Athena Ballesteros, chairman of the group Green Renewable Independent Power Producers Inc.

“Up to now they are saying that there are no available license plates,” she said. "We immediately installed the items when we were told about the deficiencies, and hopefully, by the end of August, we could start operations.”

They were also requesting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to let them ply with “developmental routes,” or routes that are not being employed by public utility vehicles in Makati which includes the Washington-Ayala Avenue segment, says the inventor.

“But we might as well buy existing franchises from local jeepney operators since the [board] has not been granting new ones,” he said.

“The e-jeepneys are a clear example of our project that calls upon Filipino citizens and institutions to adopt simple yet effective measures to help avert catastrophic climate change,” says Von Hernandez, Greenpeace’s director for Southeast Asia. Ferdinand Fabella.

Tags: jeepney
Current Location: office
Current Mood: annoyed
Current Music: retro classics

One summer a couple of years back, I went on a vacation with a couple of my cousins in this one province. I remember the fun times we had going from one place to another in search for something fun. We would go to beaches and mountains and just plain soak up the sun until we were all burnt.

When we were in the city, we would go to bars and restaurants and just live it up. We were young then and we just had to live life the way we wanted to.

One of the things I wanted to do was drive in this old GMC truck I saw traveling through the province’s roads on shiny wheels. It was sky blue in color and I had quite a hard time figuring out what the model was. It may look old but I noticed that it was well kept. I wanted to know who the owner was so maybe I could work up the nerve to ask the owner if I could take it for a couple of rounds in the city.

The summer passed and I was not able to find out who the owner was. The closest I was to the vehicle was when I passed by it near this popular resto. I’m planning to go back to that province and see if the truck’s still there. This must be an obsession already.

Good news. Everyone is seeking for good news in the Philippines. That made me recall one school scenario I've never learned to forget. One day, while standing outside our university's Administration Building, a local radio reporter approached our school administrator asking, "What's the good news, Sir?” The latter answered, "Oh, in the Bible there are lots of good news, go and check for yourself!"

What do you expect? The seemingly endless disputes among the administration and the opposition? Two rival TV networks frenzying over TV ratings? The politicians' preparation for the upcoming 2010 elections? What else is new? Maybe nothing more than the Acura Legend alternator on my car.

Last night, I happened to sit beside the jeepney driver on my way from work that was about an hour's worth of travel plus the time consumed by road traffic that's really developed my patience. Read my lips: PATIENCE.

And as I was sitting uncomfortably at the narrow seat, I accidentally caught "Manong Driver" glance at me. To be honest, his glance pierced my heart. Reflected in his eyes was nothing else but weariness after the day's hard work.

I asked him, "Manong, how much do you earn everyday?"

He answered, "About P2,000."

"Ows…" I said, thinking about shifting careers if that's the case.

He continued, "But I only take home P300 out of that, the rest goes to the owner of this jeep and on oil purchase."

I rejected my previous, silly idea as I wondered about "Manong's" future with that system.

According to ibon.org, an independent think-tank in the Philippines, removing the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on oil products will give relief to many Filipinos especially through reduced prices for petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

"Removing the 12 percent VAT on oil is especially urgent because of record joblessness in the country, falling incomes of Filipino families amid ironically diminishing social services, and worsening economic outlook intensified by the global economic slowdown," said Sonny Africa, the IBON research head.

In IBON's report, it was disclosed that by doing such, consumers can save on their fuel bills because without the 12 percent VAT, oil pump prices would decrease by P4 per liter and LPG by P60 per 11-kg cylinder.

Also, Africa disputed the government's claims that it will cause an annual P52 billion revenue loss quoting the study conducted by the National Tax Research Center that measures addressing graft and corruption as well as smuggling costs the government about P64 billion up to P174 billion revenue loss.

"Revenues generated from these measures are more than enough to cover the supposed P52-billion revenue loss from the removal of VAT on oil," Africa added.

Furthermore, Africa stressed the point that adopting this scheme would be for the welfare of the country's poor consumers and the transport sectors that would benefit from reduced prices and additional incomes - for millions of Filipinos like "Manong Driver" who though tired and fed up just keep continuing the struggle with the hope of a better future.

*"Manong" is the Filipino term used to address an older person