Photo by Dino Ray V. Directo III
With El Nino inducing the heat factor to rise to record highs , Isuzu Philippines Corporation sent a select group of motoring mediamen to cool their heels by organizing an out-of-town ride and drive.
The scenic island of Coron, Palawan gave the Isuzu executives a perfect excuse to test the mettle of their refreshed SUV, the mu-X.
Coron, also known as the largest in the Calamian group of islands, is fast developing into a destination of choice for both local and foreign tourists due to its lush tropical feel, clear blue waters and pristine beaches.
With IPC’s energetic top honcho Hajime Koso leading the 24-man contingent of pen pushers and Isuzu executives, the adventure began upon arrival at the Busuanga Airport.
With a convoy of six mu-Xs, our group drove through Coron’s dirt road, which put the suspension system, driving and riding capabilities of the mu-X to the test. First day of our Coron experience was a visit to the island wildlife sanctuary of Calauit.
Built by the late President Ferdinand Marcos as a game reserve and sanctuary, Calauit was created by way of a foreign grant from former Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta to bring in eight species of protected wildlife such as: 12 bushbucks, 11 elands, 11 gazelles, 15 giraffes, 18 impalas, 12 waterbucks, 10 topis, and 15 zebras.
According to Calauit island park officers, the island fell into disrepair and only five of the original species survived to this day. “We are trying our best to survive and it is hard to keep up with the day to day operations since no funding has been allocated for the upkeep of the island,” says a park ranger.
After a sumptuous lunch at the island sanctuary, our convoy proceeded with the drive to a hotel, which was a two hour drive from the port of Calauit. Despite the punishing terrain, the mighty 4JJI-TC 3.0 liter VGS engine of the MU-X powered through the off-road terrain without any hitch. The climate control system also never faltered despite the searing heat of the summer sun.
On the second day, while wearing their sporty summer shirts provided by Reebok, the participants experienced the serene and placid waters of Palawan, took an Island tour on Banul Beach, Barracuda Lake, and feasted on barbeques at Atwayan Beach, just before visiting Kayangan Lake and Siete Picados.
“This event, mainly complemented by the 2016 Isuzu mu-X 3.0LVGS and this province, has proven the point: that the vehicle is eyed to be close to the heart of every traveler and that its power would keep one’s heart beating fast,” Koso said. “We are proud that this vehicle was brought along this side of the world so that many can enjoy its perks and abilities,” he added.
Truck attack
Back in Manila, Isuzu staged a three-day Truck Fest at the SMX Convention Hall of the SM Mall of Asia. Themed as “Trucks for Life,” IPC showcased its truck lineup and demonstrated Isuzu’s heritage and core competency at truck manufacturing, but also strengthen the company’s ties with consumers.
“One of the key ingredients in our partnership with our clients is the trust that has been forged through time, and which is emblazoned in every Isuzu vehicle,” said Koso. “Isuzu trucks are not merely figures in the company’s sales report, but are testaments to the security and assurance that they provide to customers. Isuzu is a responsible partner for life.”
Leading the 19-vehicle lineup at this year’s Truck Fest are Isuzu’s heavy-duty models, which have long served as benchmarks both globally and locally for their quality, durability and reliability. Prominently displayed at the Truck Fest were Isuzu’s C-Series and E-Series models, most prominent among which are the CYH51S (GVW 9.74 tons) , a 20-cubic-meter dump truck, and the similarly configured CYZ51M (GVW 10.225 tons), a 15-cubic-meter version. Another CYZ51M, equipped with a control lever and is designed as a concrete mixer, complete the full-size C-Series range.
Along with the heavy-duty models, Isuzu put on display light-duty N-Series trucks, which have been the Philippines’ best-selling light-duty commercial vehicles for more than 15 consecutive years. “There is nothing more valuable than the trust that our customers have put into our hands, and for this reason, we are continuously working hard to provide excellent products and services best suited to the demands of the Filipino market,” Koso said.