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Riding with team Suzuki in Mindanao

AUTOBAM

By Bam Santiago Olivares

07/10/2007

Suzuki Philippines Inc. is a highly recognized Japanese multinational firm specializing in producing and distributing motorcycles and compact vehicles. Suzuki has created a heritage of trust and reliability, earning a reputation for quality and versatility not only here in the Philippines but also worldwide.

The Suzuki Nationwide Endurance Run, now on its 4th year, started last April 28, 2007. The goal of the event which coincides with the World Safety Month Celebration, is to achieve a “non-casualty status” for riders and to send a positive message that motorcycle riding is safe with proper riding gear and knowledge for proper riding. Benedict Martin Arreola, senior marketing manager for Motorcycle, Suzuki Philippines Inc. said “it is about time that motorcycle riders be accorded the same respect that are given to four-wheeled drivers on the street.” The Suzuki Nationwide Endurance Run kicked off from Hobbies of Asia, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City. Kiyoshi Kawahara, president of Suzuki Philippines Inc. welcomed the 20-man rider contingent from various motorcycle riding clubs in Luzon. All the Suzuki motorcycles available in the market were tested, namely: Raider R150 (150cc), Raider J (110cc), Shogun Pro (125cc), Shogun R (125cc), Step 125 (125cc), Smash Revo (110cc), Mola 125 (125cc), and the Mola 150 (150cc).

The run lasted for 43 days, starting in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija and ended in Davao City in Mindanao, for a total of more than 40 cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao covering 7000+ kilometers of motorcycle riding. On day 37, several motoring journalists mostly from print were invited to ride with the 20man riding contingent. The journalists namely Dino Directo (Manila Standard Today), Charles Buban (PDI), Ira Panganiban (BusinessMirror), Anjo Perez and Aries Ilagan (Manila Bulletin), and this writer, flew in from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City and joined the run at Butuan City. The journalists were given motorcycle safety gear: Spyder full-faced helmet, Komine riding jacket, Kamekaze riding pants and World Balance shoes. A briefing was held by Team Leader #1 Mel Aquino and #2 Noel Villapando where formation, different hand signals, average speed and other safety rules were discussed. Christine Grace Castro Sarmiento of Suzuki Philippines did a good job as press liaison. The 20-man contingent which includes the 2 team leaders are as follows: Goku Ortiz, Aji Fernando, Chris Newman Castorico, Donnie Aquino, Angelito Amoguis, Joel Vana, Jeric Guevarra, Norman Sta. Ana, Felino Carino, Arturo Borja, Roldan Geneta, Davis Uy, Jimmy Francisco, Fernando San Pascual, Remelito Calderon, Dario Lualhati, Christian Reyes, Allan Victor, Wencie Monakil, Clifford Chavez and DJ Javier.