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Ancajas leaving no stone unturned in latest title fight

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation junior bantamweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas will make his sixth title defense next week in California and as has been the case in the past he is approaching his preparation for it with dogged determination and focus.
Set to take on Mexican Alejandro Santiago Barrios on Sept. 29 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, for his IBF belt, Mr. Ancajas said he is leaving no stone unturned and not treating it as another day at the office and just going through the motions.
“It’s not that I’m already used to it (defending the title) but I recognize that as the champion a lot of fighters are out to get what I have, which is the belt. Which is why me and my team we don’t allow ourselves to have any slip-up in our preparation, especially in training,” said Mr. Ancajas (30-1-1, 20 knockouts) in the vernacular in an interview with BusinessWorld on Saturday at their Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite.
“For this particular fight, we really focused on training and limited our appearance commitments and I can say we are ready,” he added.
Davao native Ancajas is coming off a successful defense over compatriot Jonas Sultan in May, which was the first All-Filipino world title fight in nearly a century.
Mr. Ancajas won convincingly by way of a unanimous decision but still saw himself taken to task by some fans and observers who thought he could have performed better and had a fiery result in the process.
It is something the 26-year-old champion has taken note of and said he would address if the conditions permit.
“I know some fans did not like the performance I had last time around but for this fight we’ll try to make up for it. I want to bring back that exciting fight that people are accustomed to seeing from me,” he said.
Focusing on opponent Barrios (16-2-4), Mr. Ancajas said he is an able challenger who can spring up surprises if allowed to have his way.
“Barrios is a tough fighter and it doesn’t matter whether he is fighting at home or away. He will bring it on. He is an intelligent fighter and reads his opponent well. I’m excited for the challenge he presents because we’re the same fighter in that way,” he said.
Mr. Ancajas and his team are set to leave today for California to continue training there before the title fight.
He said everything is on track and that he is happy how things are progressing.
“I’m happy with the progress of our preparation for this fight. In previous fights when we leave to fight my weight was 10 pounds over, but this time it’s just six pounds over and the conditioning has not left me not too fatigue. The weight is really being managed well,” Mr. Ancajas said.
The Barrios fight is the third in 2018 for Mr. Ancajas, who won the IBF junior bantamweight title in 2016 over Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

UST coach Ayo to take helm of Cagers in MPBL

ALDIN Ayo has yet to coach in the pro league nor has ever been part of the national squad as coach, but he has become one of the most sought after coaches in the local basketball scene today. The Muntinlupa Cagers-Angelis Resort, the only unbeaten team in the MPBL Datu Cup, announced the appointment of Ayo.
In a statement released to BusinessWorld, management of the Cagers reiterated the contribution of coach Aldrin Morante, who led the team to the championship round in the inaugural Rajah Cup and has led the team to seven straight wins in the ongoing Datu Cup.
The management, however, believes they cannot pass up such a talented coach in Ayo, who led the La Salle Green Archers to a championship two years ago, and is now calling the shots for the UST Tigers in the UAAP.
“Aldrin Morante laid the ground work for the past and current achievements of the team and will continue to be a valuable asset to the Muntinlupa Cagers as consultant and will still be on the bench to help coach Ayo,” wrote the management.
The fiery mentor already started running the practices of the squad last Monday and will coach his first official game on Sept. 27 when the Cagers battle the Basilan Steel at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium. — Rey Joble

Pradera starts title-retention bid in PAL Ladies Interclub

DAVAO CITY — — Asian Games champion Yuka Saso kicks off Pradera Verde’s title-retention bid Wednesday at the start of the 13th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Ladies Interclub golf team championships at the Palos Rancho Verdes Golf and Country Club.
The 17-year-old Fil-Japanese will play her first tournament since collecting two gold medals in the recent Asiad in Jakarta, Indonesia. “Mag-e-enjoy lang ako. Tingin ko maganda naman ang tsansa namin,” said Saso who set a record 59 points, five-under in stroke play, last year.
Pradera Verde made a smashing debut last year in Cebu City, clobbering the field with a record 638 points, 43 points clear of five-time champion Manila Southwoods.
Only two members of that team remain, Saso and Annyka Pineda-Cayabyab, 14-year-old daughter of Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda Cayabyab.
Reinforcing the squad are four Malaysian juniors, a Korean teen based in Angeles City and Rianne Malixi, the youngest at 11 years old.
Pradera Verde captain Norman Sto. Domingo said Saso and Korean Luna Shin will definitely see action in the first round with either Cayabyab or Malixi and one of the Malaysians backing them up.
Except for the Malaysians who were set to arrive later in the day, the rest of the squad played their first practice round Wednesday.
The Malaysians making their debut in the country’s premier ladies’ team event are Ika Nasser, 16; Charlayne Chong, 16; Vinisha Gunaseelan, 16; and Eliza Mae Kho, 17.
Manila Southwoods is coming to the event with a re-tooled team, infusing new blood in its desire to restore its dominance in the annual event.
Led by internationalist Sofia Chabon and Sunshine Baraquiel, the Carmona-based squad is tapping Annika Guangko, Mafy Singson, Laurea Duque, Mariel Tee, Samantha Dizon, and Tin Torralba, who played for Pradera last year.
“Our players have been together for more than a month now and are playing fairly well,” Southwoods captain Claire Ong said. “The players are in high spirits.”
With Southwoods opting not to defend its Founders division title, Alabang and Del Monte are expected to fight for the second-tier championship.
Returning to defend their crowns are Sportswriters champion Eagleridge and Friendship titlist Wack Wack.
On Tuesday, PAL president Jaime Bautista led the ceremonial tee-off ushering in the four-day tournament. Joining him were PAL officials Bong Velasquez and Vic Suarez.
The Molave scoring system will be used in the four-to-play, three-to-count team event. An even par score is worth 54 points.

Trubisky, Chicago Bears defense outmuscle Seahawks

CHICAGO — Mitchell Trubisky threw for two touchdowns as the Chicago Bears’ defense ransacked Russell Wilson in a 24-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on Monday.
Bears quarterback Trubisky made 25 of 34 passes for 200 yards as the Seahawks slid to their second loss of the season.
Receiver Trey Burton opened the scoring for the Bears midway through the first quarter, darting through a gap in the Seattle defensive line after a clever three-yard shovel pass from Trubisky.
A 25-yard Cody Parkey field goal stretched the Bears lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter before Seattle got their first points on the board with a monster 56-yard field goal from 40-year-old veteran Sebastian Janikowski on the stroke of half-time.
It was a miserable first half for Wilson, who was sacked five times in the opening two quarters by a rampant Bears defense.
Newly acquired Bears defensive star Khalil Mack was in the thick of the action, recording one of his team’s six sacks on the night.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bears bagged their second touchdown when Trubisky rolled out left before picking out Anthony Miller in space in the end zone from 19 yards to make it 17-3.
Seattle responded swiftly, however, with Wilson marshalling an 11-play 75-yard drive that culminated with Tyler Lockett collecting the Seahawks quarterback’s perfectly floated 19-yard pass for a touchdown.
But just as Seattle looked poised to stage a fightback, a miserable night for Wilson took a turn for the worse when the Seahawks quarterback was picked off by cornerback Prince Amukamara, who raced over from 49 yards for the score to put Chicago 24-10 ahead.
Wilson’s problems continued on the next possession. The Bears defense again proved too much for Seattle, swarming through to allow Danny Trevathan to record his second sack of the night, forcing a fumble.
Wilson later connected with tight end Will Dissly from two yards for a consolation touchdown — but it was too little, too late. — AFP

Closed-door game

On Monday night, this writer got a rare opportunity to cover a “high stakes” basketball game played behind closed doors.
While I must admit there was this sense of “pride” of being one of only few people to watch the contest live, still there was this feeling of weirdness to it all.
I am talking, of course, of the match between Team Pilipinas and Qatar in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers that took place on Sept. 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The closed-door setting was part of the sanctions meted by world basketball governing body FIBA on the Philippines for its involvement in the infamous brawl that took place against Australia on July 2 in Bulacan.
The Philippines defeated Qatar, 91-82, but not after having made to sweat by the visiting side for much of the contest.
The win improved the standing of the Filipinos in the ongoing tournament to 5-3, still on track to move on to the next phase if they get to sustain such.
Seeing all those empty seats at the Big Dome for a Gilas/Team Pilipinas was truly “surreal.”
As per the local organizers, there were only 220 of us inside the venue who got to witness the game unfold.
Eighty of those were members of media, 30 each from the Philippine and Qatar basketball teams, 30 FIBA delegates and 50 VIPs.
Such number was in stark contrast from the thousands of people who usually trek to the venues to watch the Philippine national men’s basketball team play.
A collective feeling among those at the Big Dome on Monday night was that of strangeness.
National team coach Yeng Guiao joked postgame that before he could not hear his instructions to his players with all the noise but that night he could even hear the instructions of the coach of the other team.
The Filipino players, too, felt the absence of the crowd, saying they missed the cheering of the hometown fans especially when they were struggling early in the game.
True, the whole closed-door game experience has some “aura” to it but I hope nothing of that would take place anytime soon because it is just not right, more so involving games of the national teams.
Such should be a platform to express and celebrate a nation’s pride, win or lose, and without the support of the people right there it just does not add up.
Of course, the rationale surrounding it was not without basis, but still one cannot help but rue such circumstances.
It remains to be seen if home games of Team Pilipinas in the fifth window of the tournament slated for Nov. 30 and Dec. 3 would still be played closed doors but here is hoping that they would not be.
Bring the celebration back and allow us to rally behind our team.
 
Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.
msmurillo@bworldonline.com

NBA offseason

It’s a reflection of the vibrancy of the National Basketball Association that the offseason next year is already being discussed at length even though the 2018-19 campaign has yet to begin. In part, it’s because players enjoy extreme mobility; all other things being equal, they’re able to choose where they want to strut their stuff in. And in particular, the upcoming crop of free agents boasts of considerable talent and star power. Outside of any scenario involving undisputed top dog LeBron James, those of other would-be difference makers figure to hog headlines.
To be sure, prevailing sets of circumstances have served to fuel what-if discussions this early. For instance, eyes are on whether the Raptors can disabuse new king Kawhi Leonard of his intent to take his talents to south Los Angeles in the year that they have him — on the assumption, of course, that he’s finally able to show his Top Five form after 18 months’ worth of injuries. Meanwhile, speculation is rife that the Warriors will have to cut ties with Core Four stalwart Klay Thompson in light of their tightening belt and prioritization of two-time Finals Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant.
Parenthetically, the Celtics are already fretting over the futures of their one-two tandem of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, especially with the Knicks possessing the salary cap space and the gravitas to lure either or both next year. The apprehension exists even though they’re well positioned to take advantage of James’ transfer to the Lakers and claim the Eastern Conference.
At this point, all the ruminating that is best justified involves Jimmy Butler and his tenure with the Timberwolves. Despite having just led the latter to their first playoff appearance in 13 seasons, he continues to angle for a situation that can place him closer to a title. Which is why he asked for, and got, a meeting with head coach Tom Thibodeau yesterday. He has a relationship with the concurrent president of hoops operations grounded on a mutually productive stint with the Bulls, but the goodwill doesn’t seem to extend to fellow All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. And with his supporting cast led by 2014 first overall pick Andrew Wiggins not quite living up to expectations, he could well bolt for finer digs as soon as practicable, putting a trade to a contender on the table.
In other words, the fluidity of the NBA’s employment structure ensures that there is no end to the percolating. It hardly ever pans out, but when it does, all the back and forth is proven worthwhile.
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

New Lexus UX driven in Sweden

Text and photos by Kap Maceda Aguila

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. The worldwide predilection for crossovers has undoubtedly reached epic proportions, and there’s no sign of it abating. Even the most of rarefied of brands and those known primarily for heightened performance (i.e., sports cars) have seen the wisdom in developing corresponding entries in the genre. Indeed, studies show that one in every vehicle purchased is a crossover/SUV, and marques which shun the format do so at their peril.
Premium automaker Lexus, truly one of the early entrants to the game, is leveraging its considerable experience and flexes its muscles anew with the addition of a crossover product — growing its portfolio of sport-utes to five.
First revealed to the public in March at the Geneva International Motor Show, the Lexus UX takes its place as the smallest SUV in the lineup — offering the “the brand’s innovative design, luxury features, and advanced safety in a package that combines charismatic new styling elements and ultra-efficient new power trains.” The UX name is derived from the design team’s guiding concept describing the vehicle’s “mission” — hence “Urban plus X-over (crossover).”
The choice of this Scandinavian city for the first drive event for the UX was made carefully. “The reason we selected Stockholm… is because the energy and creativity that this city has is world-class,” said Lexus Asia Pacific vice president David Nordstrom, at the product presentation held at the Delight Studios in Nacka. “It’s often referred to as the world’s biggest small town. It’s lot smaller in size when compared to other European cities like London, Paris, Berlin and Rome. So it gives you a small-town feel with world-class amenities.”
The parallelisms with the UX value propositions are clear. Despite its size, the new crossover is undoubtedly a Lexus — a premium vehicle bestowed commensurate levels of luxuries, features and technologies. Like Stockholm, the UX is comparatively diminutive yet pleasantly surprising. And just as the city is a proven cauldron of bright ideas and worldwide hits like Abba, Ikea, and Spotify, the new Lexus crossover is a product of putting good imagination, industry, and choice materials to full and good effect.
And because it is the newest in the Lexus pantheon, the UX benefits from what Mr. Nordstrom described as a “journey of product and brand transformation” over the last few years.
SPEAKING OF DESIGN
From the air and rapidly getting larger as our plane descends, Stockholm is a lush green with swirls of glistening water. The Swedish capital, comprised of 14 islands sitting on the majestic Lake Malaren, is an inspiring, sparsely populated Scandinavian city accessed mainly by foreign tourists through its modest-sized Arlanda Airport.
“Over the last few years, Lexus has been on a journey of product and brand transformation. You have seen our design language change to become bolder and more distinctive, and hopefully you have experienced a significant change in our driving dynamics that pairs our world-renowned comfort with Lexus’ unique sense of dynamic handling,” continued the executive. “The all-new UX showcases the Lexus design language and highlights our ability to craft luxury interiors. Although the UX will be a gateway vehicle for our lineup, it will soon become one of our core models.”
This vehicle is significant for many reasons. One of them is that the UX design team was headed by the first female chief engineer in the Lexus organization — who is also its first female managing officer. “In developing this vehicle, I drew heavily from my prior experience in Europe,” says Chika Kako in her presentation. “While on overseas assignment at our R&D division there, I got a fresh perspective of the varied philosophies behind luxury and wealth.” The intangibles of time, experience, and beauty appear significantly on the “aspirational” radar, and these are values UX strive to address. Kako and her design team wanted to evoke an “emotional connection with the driver” in this vehicle that is more than merely the sum of its highly detailed parts.
A lot is riding on the UX for the Lexus business in Asia. “We’re confident that the UX will provide a highly attractive alternative to existing products in the market,” declared Mr. Nordstrom, who added that the UX is projected to comprise “23% of Lexus sales” in Asia Pacific. “Including the impact of the all-new ES, overall Lexus sales in Asia Pacific will increase 60% between 2018 and 2019… The UX is going to increase our opportunity to bring new customers to the Lexus brand.”
Lexus could have chosen a sedan for its gateway model, but the UX as crossover expresses the virtues and tenets that Ms. Kako envisioned. “We understand completely that there is a large base of customers who enjoys sedans. But here was a chance to create something new and exciting that we’ve never seen before. So think about something having the driving performance of a sporty coupe, but with crossover looks… That was something I really wanted to achieve. That’s why I went for this body type.”
Muscular in form and brandishing a lot of new technology and features, the UX bears the iconic spindle grille of the brand and expresses a taut, consistent design that is exciting and bold. A sleek sheet-metal execution doesn’t only give it heft and beauty, but serves to lower the crossover’s coefficient of drag.
Inside, accoutrements defy its “entry-level” label. Getting behind the wheel gives you an impression of a luxury sedan — albeit with a higher seating position. “Designers created a feeling of seamless continuity inside the UX. From the driver’s seat, the upper plane of the instrument panel appears to extend out beyond the windshield into the hood and fenders giving the driver an excellent field of vision and a clear sense of the vehicle’s dimensions and tire placement. When viewed from outside the vehicle, the hood appears to connect directly to the instrument panel through the windshield, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior,” reports the company in a statement. The field of vision is something personally noticed and lauded by Toyota head Akio Toyoda himself, said Ms. Kako in response to a question from BusinessWorld.
The UX highlights a so-called “seat-in-control” concept where critical vehicle functions are collected in the driver’s side of the cabin, and the seatback shape allows the driver to operate them while maintaining a comfortable, natural posture. A three-spoke steering wheel and analog clock are exclusive touches previously seen in the Lexus LS flagship. The UX also receives the Lexus Climate Concierge which used to be confined to more premium models. This “automatically links heating and cooling airflow with the heated and ventilated seats to optimize interior temperature comfort.”
PHILIPPINE ARRIVAL
The UX is expected to be launched in the Philippines within the year, with final local specifications still pending. But the test units made available boast two main power plants. Powering the UX 200 variant is a 2.0-liter, inline-four engine delivering 168 hp and 205 Nm — mated to a new Direct-Shift CVT which “combines the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a continuously variable transmission with a more direct driving feel.” The UX 250h, armed with a “new new-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive power train with 175 total system horsepower… the UX 250h is not only the fuel efficiency leader in the UX family, but also the performance leader. This hybrid provides exhilarating driving with high-speed responsiveness and a feeling of smooth, natural acceleration. The UX 250h is available with either front-wheel drive or E Four electric all-wheel drive.”
Driving the F-Sport-specification variant on a pre-programmed short loop here past suburban sections and pristine highways, the UX yielded healthy power on demand — with the Direct-Shift CVT providing motivation without the deadened feel common to some conventional CVT systems. Key controls are indeed within reach of the driver, and one will not be overwhelmed with an assortment of controls. Rather, the UX rewards enthusiasm and sense of discovery with intuitive controls — such as the new scroll wheels just at the tip of the central driver armrest.
Mr. Nordstrom revealed that Lexus envisions the UX as appealing to “loyal Lexus owner looking for a crossover alternative to their sedan,” those who want to “downsize their SUV, upgrade from mass-market brand, or [simply] change their luxury brand.” It’s also generally a younger set — an “even mix of male and female customers in their 30s, with an average household income of $110,000.” These “urban explorers” are “stylish, tech savvy and seeking experiences [as] they make the most of their time and opportunities.”

Lexus makes yachts, too

TOYOTA’S luxury brand Lexus has followed the lead of its parent company by venturing into watercraft manufacturing. After teasing its one-off, 42-foot Sport Yacht Concept in 2017, Lexus has now committed to launching the LY 650 in 2019. Photos of the LY 650 released by Lexus shows the yacht adheres to the brand’s “L-finesse” design language, which the company confirmed is “applied beyond the world of automobiles.”
Measuring 65 feet long, with a 19-foot beam, the LY 650 has a pronounced bow, curved deck accents and imposing aft hips. Its rising and falling roofline, which flows into the rear, recalls that on Lexus cars. The yacht will have three staterooms, three heads (or toilets), and sleeping for six. Two engines are available; the standard Volvo IPS 200, and the optional Volvo IPS 1360.
Lexus is relying on the Marquis-Larson Boat Group, which built the Sport Yacht Concept, to produce, sell and service the LY 650. The car maker said the Wisconsin-based Marquis-Larson Boat Group boasts “extensive experience with bespoke boat building,” and has been known to mix artisanal craftsmanship with modern technology and inspired designs. The first LY 650 is expected to be finished in the second half of 2019, and will make its global debut soon after.
Toyota has operated its Marine Business Department since 1997, which develops premium yachts using advanced technology and quality control methods perfected in making Lexus cars. Toyota Marine’s Ponam line has included 26-foot and 28-foot sport-fishing boats, and luxury cabin cruisers sized 31 feet, 35 feet, 37 feet and 45 feet. Ponam models are powered by turbocharged diesel engines based on those used in the Lexus GX 300d and LX 450d.

Driving high, driving low: The new Honda HR-V shows off firm handling in Taal and Cavite’s back roads.

Text and photos by Aries B. Espinosa

WHAT do you do with a compact SUV with a big engine? Make it play harder, of course.
For the updated version of Honda’s compact crossover SUV, the 2018 HR-V and its RS variant with upgraded exterior touches, no less than the challenging rolling roads of the Maragondon mountain range in Cavite, and the punishing, stomach-churning climb from Talisay town in Batangas to the Tagaytay Ridge in Cavite, would do to prove the power and handling of the new HR-V.
A group of drivers started the 300-kilometer “Southern Getaway” drive from Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on Sept. 12. On board the two variants of the HR-V — the 1.8 E CVT and the new 1.8 RS Navi CVT — the group tried out the cruising characteristics and fuel efficiency of the SUV on the South Luzon Expressway, then the acceleration and the characteristics of its engine and its CVT on the provincial roads of Cavite, before going to work in Sport drive mode — while using the paddle shifters — on the rolling roads of the Maragondon mountains and the 12-kilometer killer ascent from Talisay to Tagaytay ridge. It was also on this narrow pass, featuring 15 hairpin turns, where the HR-V revealed its advantage in handling compared to bigger, heavier SUVs.
No doubt, the HR-V’s vehicle stability assist (VSA) helped immensely in keeping the HR-V’s 17-inch wheels firmly gripping the road. The VSA enhanced the new HR-V’s handling, preventing it from over-steering and under-steering. The hill-start assist, on the other hand, prevented the car from rolling back during inclined stops.
By the time the drive concluded on the first day, with about 220 kilometers logged in and the group ready to call it a night, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. president and general manager Noriyuki Takakura summed up the purpose of the drive: “This event gave us the opportunity to highlight the refreshed exterior styling, and the new RS variant, as an ideal urban road trip vehicle. The 2018 HR-V has been further refreshed and enhanced starting with the updated front fascia, with its new front grille and distinctive LED headlights, and new 17-inch sport black alloy wheels to complement the new look. Together with all these, the 2018 HR-V retains its sophisticated interior feel, spacious interior, advanced safety and technological features, and fuel-efficient drive train.”
The new HR-V certainly still holds true to the original intent of its engineering and design: The “Hi-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle,” as it was called when it first rolled out in 1998, the HR-V catered to those who wanted the brute force, generous cargo space, and the general can-do attitude of the SUV squeezed with the maneuverability and fuel efficiency of a small car. In the Philippines, the HR-V could be the suitable city ride that could double as the getaway car to a nearby provincial retreat.
“The new HR-V is the perfect compact SUV for Filipinos with an active lifestyle and require the convenience of everyday driving needs,” Takakura said.
And did Georges Ramirez and his team choose the ideal route within 100 kilometers of Metro Manila to exemplify that. What were, in decades past, dirt roads for intrepid rally racers have become well-paved inner provincial roads. The HR-V sure did make driving on them feel exhilarating again. Minus the dust, the bumps, and the drifting, of course.
The new HR-V 1.8 E CVT goes for P1.295 million, while the RS Navi CVT variant is priced at P1.495 million.

Dashboard (09/19/18)

Isuzu gives discounts to OFW customers

ISUZU Philippines Corporation (IPC) said it has launched a promotion in which it is giving cash discounts to OFWs buying an Isuzu Mu-X or an Isuzu D-Max (the D-Max Flexiqube variant is not included in the promo). The offer is valid on purchases made between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31.
IPC explained all qualified OFW buyers will be given a P20,000 cash discount. An P10,000 will be deducted on the price of the vehicle if the OFW already owns an Isuzu. The cash discounts are given on top of other existing promos.
To qualify for the discounts, the OFW (or an immediate family member of one) must present a photocopy of his or her passport, or POEA and seafarer’s book, as well as one government ID card. Registration documents of a buyer’s current Isuzu vehicle are required in order for him or her to avail of the additional P10,000 discount.
IPC said buyers can choose to convert the discounts into an outright cash discount, or to avail themselves of Isuzu genuine accessories priced identically.

Toyota Vios Cup final race set this weekend

THE third and final race of the Toyota Vios Cup Season 5 is scheduled on Sept. 22 at Clark International Speedway in Pampanga — also the venue of the first race. The event’s second race was held in July in Alabang.
Expected to compete in the final race are 53 drivers, including seven who will be competing in the Rota Celebrity Class.
Leading this category after the first two rounds is model Fabio Ide, with 100 points.
The next class up, Rota Promotional, is topped by Vincent Courcol of Team AP Corse/Toyota Makati, with 82.5 points. Further up the skills ladder is the Bridgestone Sporting Class, which is led by Red Diwa of Team JBT Racing/Toyota Isabela at 85.5 points.
At the front of the points classification in the top Super Sporting category is Keith Bryan Haw of Toyota North EDSA/Obengers with 62 points.
The final race of the Toyota Vios Cup, organized by Tuason Racing, will award double the number of points for the winners, meaning the championship may yet see a different set of leaders.
The Clark International Speedway gates will open at 9 a.m.

Shell to hold last leg of Bike Fair on Sept. 22

THE Shell Bike Fair 2018 will hold its last staging on Sept. 22 at the Philippine International Convention Center. The first leg of the event was held in Baguio in July, which saw nearly 3,000 motorcyclists joining the fair.
Shell said a highlight of this motorcycle gathering is the search for the Shell Outriders Best Bike Club, a nationwide competition for groups that exemplify the values of a responsible riding community. A club from Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be voted as winner for each of the regions. The grand prize is P100,000 and P50,000 worth of fuel vouchers.
“Shell Bike Fair 2018 is our way of solidifying our commitment to the Filipino bikers. Through this event, we hope to recognize the bike clubs’ positive contributions to the community,” said Lorrie Ramirez, Shell Advance Brand Manager.
The company’s manager for its V-Power brand, Mark Malabanan, added; “At Shell [we] continue to develop products designed to be [riders’] reliable companion on the road. Right alongside Shell Advance, we have the Shell V-Power fuels line designed to deliver both performance and efficiency for our customers to ride well.”
The Shell Bike Fair is now on its fourth year.

While we’re squabbling over traffic congestion, Vietnam has launched its own car brand

I’ve been to Vietnam once — about a decade ago, to be exact. At the time, I was pleased that the Philippines still had a more advanced state of transportation, judging by the Vietnamese’s preferred means of getting around. I’m referring to the motorcycle, which ruled the streets of Ho Chi Minh City during my visit like plunderers rule politics. It was my first time to be in a place where motorbikes far outnumbered cars. The ratio was like 50 to 1 (at least that’s what it appeared to me). Two-wheelers looked like ants that came from all directions and swarmed a bar of chocolate.
In fact, even the automotive manufacturer that hosted the trip had brought me and my colleagues to Vietnam not for a passenger car but for a commercial vehicle. In my mind, Vietnam was the equivalent of a Philippine province in terms of motorized mobility. In other words, in a bet between the two countries as to which one would be able to produce an original (read: homegrown) car brand first, I would put my last peso on the Philippines.
Well, news alert: I just lost that last peso.
Vietnam, believe it or not, has announced a local auto company called VinFast (no relation to Vin Diesel or the Fast & Furious movie franchise). The firm is a subsidiary of the Vingroup conglomerate, which has interests in other industries like real estate, medical care and farming. The new brand has already come up with a pair of production models — a sedan and an SUV — which it is expected to show off at the Paris Motor Show next month. Designed by Pininfarina, the two vehicles are reportedly based on BMW’s previous-generation 5-Series and X5.
If you think this is just some hype-generating publicity stunt meant to promote Vietnam’s car industry, then you have to know that VinFast already has a 500,000-square-meter manufacturing facility located at the Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone in Hai Phong City. These guys are as serious as Rodrigo Duterte at the faintest mention of Antonio Trillanes’s name.
And it looks like VinFast might actually succeed in this ambitious venture, as no less than the likes of Bosch, Magna and Siemens are said to have agreed to serve as suppliers. The company is apparently even already entertaining the possibility of exporting its cars to other markets. We’ll soon see whether these products are any good.
But even if the cars turn out to be mediocre, it’s still pretty impressive that a Vietnamese group has been able to roll out two domestic production vehicles. Ahead of the Philippines, just in case I’m not making my point clear enough. Think about it: While we’re debating endlessly about idiotic traffic rules, Vietnam has put up its very own automaker. While we’re cussing at each other on social media over Grab and other transport network companies, Vietnam is already set to flaunt its first cars at an international motor show. And while we’re struggling with the status of our so-called Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program, Vietnam is now getting the attention of the global car community.
Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from this. The only way a respectable local car company can ever be a reality is if a huge business organization like Vingroup funds its establishment. And if you’re catching my drift, I’m saying the Philippines needs the likes of San Miguel Corporation to get the ball rolling.
Which isn’t really a far-fetched idea. Ramon S. Ang, lest you forget, loves his cars like I love my rice. Anything is possible, guys. Anything. Time to start concocting a nice-sounding Filipino auto brand, then?

Shares slump as Ompong triggers inflation fears

By Arra B. Francia, Reporter
LOCAL EQUITIES plunged on Tuesday on fears of more inflationary pressures following the onslaught of typhoon Ompong last weekend.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went down 1.71% or 127.22 points to close at 7,286.34 yesterday, sinking to its lowest level since July’s close of 7,233.29. The broader all-shares index also dropped 1.34% or 61.29 points to 4,488.71.
“The market softened up due to the recent typhoon that is causing concern over the possibility that inflation may not come down in the coming months because of the dislocated farmlands, that’s the concern of a lot of investors that this typhoon might cause a delay in addressing inflation,” Summit Securities, Inc. President Harry G. Liu said in a phone interview on Tuesday.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut) caused at least P9.3 billion worth of agricultural damage in Northern Luzon. Close to 900,000 people in Luzon have also been affected, with around 61,00 families in evacuation centers. The Philippine National Police reported that the casualty count has reached 74 as of Tuesday.
“Our political situation and these crises have caused inflation to move up, bringing us to a medium-term bearish environment. Until economic managers start to address what should be done and solve the rice problem in the next six months or before the year ends, then we can see the correction,” Mr. Liu said.
Meanwhile, Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis A. Limlingan attributed the negative sentiment to the tariff dispute between the United States and China, after US President Donald J. Trump slapped new tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. The new levies will be imposed starting Sept. 24.
Following the announcement, Mr. Trump warned China against retaliating, saying the US will pursue additional measures should they counter his move.
“The news will dampen sentiment across Asia this morning with Philippine shares trading much lower as a result,” Mr. Limlingan said in a mobile message.
All sectoral indices ended in the red, led by financials which lost 2.79% or 46.15 points to 1,603.07. Mining and oil shed 2.09% or 200.63 points to 9,356.64; property dropped 2.04% or 76.10 points to 3,651.27; holding firms slumped 1.42% or 102.95 points to 7,101.53; industrials dipped 1.14% or 126.89 points to 10,944.64; and services went down 0.49% or 7.55 points to 1,509.19.
Value turnover recovered to P6.59 billion after some 1.23 billion issues switched hands, compared to the previous session’s P3.94 billion worth.
Decliners were triple the total advancers, 155 to 50, while 35 stocks closed flat. Foreign investors remained sellers, dumping a net P294.33 million worth of funds, higher than Monday’s net sales of P250.88 million.

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