Maniolas

A large patch of perfectly manicured asphalt, a couple of cult classics from both East and West, and more rubber than a Rolling Stones after-party, was all that Bridgestone brought to its launch of the new Potenza Adrenalin RE003. But boy, was it enough to wake up the neighbors. On the menu was a 2015 WRX and the Golf GTi wearing a mixed collection of RE002s, RE003s, and some of the competitor’s tires that they had the class to file off the markings on the sidewalk to avoid embarrassment. They staged it all at the Performance Driving Center in sunny Gold Coast in Australia and had just one simple brief: drive. Sure there were some parameters, like suggested speeds, etc. but, in essence, it was quite simply designed to feel everything for yourself. Let me just say before I numb your brain with technical quotes from the PDF files we received on a thumb drive that this is the way to launch a performance tire. Period. Anything more is like trying to explain dance with algebra. A good tire can be felt, and that doesn’t happen in powerpoint. Needless to say there’s a ton of new technology in the RE003, but I run the risk of us both losing all feeling in our left side and slipping into a silica-based coma if I tried to explain it. Unless of course you’re a competitor. So to put it as simply as possible, the RE003 promises three key improvements: responsive and precise Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – Members of local motorcycle clubs belonging to the National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. (NFMCP) will converge in Tagaytay City from April 6 to 12, 2015 for the 21st National Motorcycle Convention. An estimated 5,000 motorcyclists from more than 120 member motorcycle clubs and guest clubs are said to be gearing up for the grand event dubbed as the “Gran Vientiuno Convencion Nacional.” Hosted by the Law Enforcer Riders’ Association of the Philippines (LERAP), this year’s convention promises to be the grandest one ever with concerts, motorcycle displays, stunt shows, bike features and competitions. Bazaars and bike shows will be held from April 6 onwards at the Tagaytay Convention Center grounds while a track day will be held on April 9 at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC). The convention proper will commence on April 10 with the arrival of delegates from all over the Philippines and some guest delegates from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, Australia, and more. Motorcycles for rent will be available for delegates who want to ride around the Tagaytay and Batangas venues to enjoy the scenery and the camaraderie among bikers. A brand-new 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S will be raffled off as the grand prize. One of the highlights of the event is the simultaneous motorcycle tire burnout activity which will attempt to top the Guinness Book of World Records that currently stands at 213 motorcycles achieved by Team Harleystunts and Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson in Maryville, Tennessee, USA in August Read More …

CHEVROLET Philippines – The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) celebrates the expansion of its dealer network with the inauguration of Chevrolet Batangas. Dubbed as an industrial center with its growing population of 2,377,395 residents, the city of Batangas is expected to be another significant market for Chevrolet in southern Luzon. Chevrolet Batangas marks the 24th full sales and service outlet that Chevrolet operates in the Philippines—a testament to the growing strength of the brand as more and more Filipinos are beginning to trust, patronize, and Love this Chevy. True to its #BeChevyStrong campaign, Chevrolet has doubled the business network that the company assumed in 2009 and expects to close the year with 29 strong dealers in full operation. Spearheaded by its president Felix K. Limcaoco III, the new dealership is managed by Juno Cars Inc. –the same company that managed other Chevrolet outlets, including Chevrolet Alabang, Chevrolet Carmona, Chevrolet Pasig and Chevrolet Shaw, and mastered anything and everything Chevy. As a matter of fact, Juno Cars Inc. emerged victorious in the recently concluded 2014 Chevrolet Grandmasters Awards night with Chevrolet Alabang winning the Best in Sales award and Chevrolet Pasig winning the Best in Parts award. Showcasing their Bowtie expertise, the company signed their 5th partnership with TCCCI. “We are very pleased with our new venture with Chevrolet. The city of Batangas holds a special place in my heart as it is my maternal family’s hometown. We are thankful to TCCCI for giving us the chance to offer excellent cars Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – American-based Feld Motor Sports has announced that monster truck juggernaut Monster Jam is headed to Manila for the first time ever, debuting at Mall of Asia Arena on the 20th and the 21st of June for three exciting shows, with ticket prices starting at P850. For decades, Monster Jam has been one of the biggest and most successful touring family shows in the United States.  Monster Jam is one of the most exciting forms of family entertainment, featuring four-meter tall, five-ton beasts. The stars of the show are the biggest performers on four wheels: the Monster Jam trucks. These amazing machines bring fans to their feet while racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over – or smash through. Monster Jam is a family-friendly event that will appeal to the young and young at heart, as well as lovers of motor and adventure sports, and will be sure to have Filipino hearts racing. Monster Jam is a huge day out for all the family kicking off with the world famous Party in the Pits. Before the 2pm shows on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday June 21, fans will have the opportunity to meet the Monster Jam superstars, get their autographs and take pictures with the trucks. This unequalled access allows fans to really get amongst the Monster Jam action. “We are thrilled to be bringing Monster Jam to our fans in Manila for the first time!” said Feld Motor Sports’ International Vice Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – While it is a legitimate, indulging occupation in itself, gawking at Porsches can get frustrating very quick—for the simple reason that the temptation proves overwhelming. At some point, you will want to get your hands on the Stuttgart supercar maker’s beautiful vehicles. You need a tactile experience—hands on the wheel, foot on the gas pedal, and butt on the driver’s seat. This makes the recent Porsche World Roadshow (PWRS) at the Clark International Speedway a most rewarding fix – and eye opener for people who hadn’t driven (or driven lately) any of the growing number of stallions in the Porsche stable. Conceived as a marketing strategy to present its lineup to “prospects and existing customers,” the PWRS invitation is extended to members of the motoring media wherever it is held. Facilitated by Porsche-certified instructors specifically flown in for the event, PWRS allowed drivers to not only get up close and personal to the range of Porsche vehicles, but to experience what makes them stand out as among the most coveted cars in the world. Before getting into the cars, participants were walked through a sundry of Porsche features, as well as the kind of workmanship and technology that goes into each vehicle. Distinct, too, is the vastly increased option of customization that allows owners to realize a new breadth of options for their own vehicle. First and foremost, however, Porsche is a vehicle built to go fast. “Porsche is synonymous to racing,” said instructor Dario Garcia. “Everything Read More …