Motoring Today Column

Dec 15, 2021

Tollway Updates

Motorists heading out of Metro Manila, especially those heading to parts northward, are experiencing the benefits of efficient linked tollways.

Yes, the toll can be daunting but on the whole, the fees are worth it. Travel times are cut by more than half. And if you've got the proper and loaded RFIDs, getting through entry and exit gates is a breeze.

Tollway operators, both north and south, or within the metro itself, have made expressways quite safe and enjoyable for motorists.

And they seem to continue to improve services, going about it with sustainable development in mind.

CALAX Biodiversity

Take for example, Metro Pacific Tollways South Management Corporation (MPT South) , a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), that operates the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

MPT-South has entered into a partnership with the United States Agency for International Development-Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes (USAID-SIBOL) project to further efforts at turning the CALAX into a "green highway."

The goal of the USAID-SIBOL project is to promote environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resiliency in the Philippines by working with government agencies, the academe, local communities, and the private sector on activities that positively impact the environment.

MPT South president and general manager Roberto V. Bontia said the partnership with USAID-SIBOL "allows us to tap into their pool of knowledge and expertise so that we can make science-based and nature-centered decisions as we move towards our goal of turning CALAX into a green highway."

The CALAX, a 45-kilometer high-speed road network connecting the two provinces of Cavite and Laguna, serves as a showcase of MPTC's commitment to climate action.

MPTC said "toll plazas of the operational sections of CALAX are equipped with solar panels that can power its own operations."

"Lightings and roadway lightings are installed with LED fixtures, thereby improving the company's energy efficiency measures," it added.

NLEX Safety Certified

Tollways are also safer with operators working hard to reduce accidents and fatalities on expressways.

One good example is NLEX Corporation which has just become the first tollway company in the country to be certified forISO 39001 by certifying body DQS Holdings GmbH.

In a press statement announcing the milestone, NLEX Corporation president and general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista said: "We are elated and proud to have achieved another milestone in the company's history. This validates and solidifies our firm commitment to make NLEX-SCTEX safe for our road users. We will make sure to uphold these principles, processes, and practices as we consistently adhere to the ISO 39001 standards."

Bautista said that road safety is one of the customer value propositions that NLEX Corporation brings to motorists, and the company strives to continuously improve its infrastructure, promote safe operations, and develop programs that will increase safety awareness and responsiveness.

NLEX passed rigorous audits for ISO 39001:2012 Road Traffic Safety Management System (RTSMS) .

Phoenix at NLEX

Also making travelling inside tollways enjoyable and convenient are the many rest areas and gasoline stations inside expressway.

Phoenix is the latest to open a 24-hour station for fuel in the southbound lane of the NLEX.

It is found at the NLEX Drive&Dine compound with other shopping and dining establishments in Valenzuela City.

"We are glad to be part of even more journeys as we address the refueling needs of motorists, and make economical and high-performance fuel more accessible in the North," said Phoenix president Henry Albert "Bong'' Fadullon in a press statement announcing it newest station.

"In line with our vision to be an indispensable partner to Filipinos, this is only one of the new outlets that we plan to open to support easier mobility and safer transport as more travel and economic activities are being allowed."

The NLEX Drive&Dine is a 15,500 square-meter commercial space on the southbound lane of NLEX between the Meycauayan and Valenzuela exits.

New GAC GS4

Those looking for SUVs this Yuletide have just been given more options. Some of which can even give them reason to rethink choices already made but yet to be purchased.

Among the new options is one compelling SUV fromGAC Motor Philippines which has just launched the All New GS4, its entry into the compact SUV segment.

Compelling for its sleek exterior, nicely appointed interior, up-to-date tech for safety, convenience, driver assist, infotainment and smart connectivity.

But perhaps the most compelling attraction for this compact SUV with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is the SRP of P1.098 million .

Nissan Patrol

Another SUV that should make buyers rethink choices is the New Nissan Patrol.

Nissan Philippines claims the latest generation Patrol is a cut above the rest of full-sized SUVs in the market, combining power, capabilities, technology, and luxury.

Said Nissan Philippines president and managing director Atsushi Najima in announcing the coming of the Patrol: "Built on 70-years of SUV heritage, the Nissan Patrol continues its legacy here in the Philippines. It is now smarter than ever, and leads its class in innovation, luxury, and performance. We are offering the latest in the Patrol legacy here in the Philippines to leaders who recognize its capability, versatility, stylishness, comforts, and innovations."

But the Nissan Patrol will only be available at dealerships in February of 2022 at prices starting at P4.58 million.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries:

(email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com

(website) www.motoringtoday.ph

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ray Butch Gamboa graduated from the College of Arts and Letters of the University of Sto. Tomas. It was a course that should have been preparatory to a law degree, but the call of broadcasting aborted his plans.

At the age of 16, while still a student, Butch tried his hand at disc jockeying, landing a job at Mareco Broadcasting Network’s AM stations DZBM and DZLM. From there, Butch moved on with his illustrious career as a popular disc jockey, riding the airwaves of Bob Stewart’s middle-of-the-road music at DZXX, and ending his disc jockeying career at ABS-CBN’s DZYL and DZQL.

From there, he stayed on with ABS-CBN, covering live the proceedings at the Manila Stock Exchange and eventually entered into the world of television sales as an account manager for the premier channel of ABS-CBN Channel 2.

In the early 70’s, at the outbreak of Martial Law, Butch was one of the thousands of professionals who woke up jobless when then President Marcos declared the new status of the nation. With the closure of ABS-CBN, Butch ventured into different fields outside of broadcast. He tried his hand and with ease and success at export (Costume jewelry), real estate (brokerage), and restaurants (fast food).

In 1987, after the revolution, with the broadcast industry back to its free state, and with its irresistible call ringing in his ears, Butch made his inevitable comeback and pioneered in a local motoring show, producing Motoring Today on Channel 4 and co-hosting with local motor sports’ living legend Pocholo Ramirez.

After 4 years, he ventured into another pioneering format by producing and hosting Business & Leisure, which was originally aired on ABS-CBN’s Channel 2. The format eventually espoused similar ones in other different channels. But the clones in due course faded away leaving the original staying on airing on Channel 4 and eventually on Shop TV on Sky Cable’s Channel 13.

The following year, the pioneering spirit in Butch spurred him to produce another TV show, Race Weekend, also on Channel 4, covering circuit racing at the Subic International Raceway after the motor sport’s hiatus of 17 years. But when similar shows with duplicated formats sprouted, he decided to give way and ended the program after a year, although still enjoying unparalleled viewership.

In 1998, when the local automotive industry was in a slump, Butch contributed his share to help the ailing industry by producing another popular motoring-related show, this time exclusive to the automobile and its industry—Auto Focus, which became a vehicle for local automotive assemblers and importers to showcase their products and dwell on the industry’s latest technological developments.

In 2003, Butch teamed up with his brother, Rey Gamboa who was a former Shell executive and presently one Philippine Star’s business columnist to co-produce and co-host the TV show Breaking Barriers on Channel 13. It is a talk show that features guests who are in the news and in the middle of controversies. The program ventures to draw deeper insights into current issues to learn how they impact to our daily lives.

Today, Motoring Today on its 28th year of service to the general motoring public still enjoys its unprecedented loyal vierwership nationwide while Auto Focus, after 16 years has firmly established its niche viewership among automobile enthusiasts and on the other hand Business & Leisure is on its 24th year dishing out current business issues and lifestyle features.

Today, aside from writing weekly columns for the Philippine Star (Motoring Today on Wednesdays and Business & Leisure on Saturdays) and executive producer / host of weekly TV shows (Motoring Today, airs Sundays on Solar Sports Channel 70, Business & Leisure, airs Tuesdays on Shop TV, Sky Cable Channel 13 and Auto Focus airs Thursdays on Shop TV, Sky Cable Channel 13, Ray Butch Gamboa is currently the Chairman and CEO of Sunshine Television Production and Marketing Services Corp., President of Gamcor Management and Development Corp., Chairman of Asia-Pacific Realty Corporation, President and Chairman of Socio-Communication Foundation for Asia and Founding Chairman of the Society of Phil. Motoring Journalists (SPMJ)

 

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