Maniolas

MANILA, Philippines – The birth of a third child usually signifies the end to owning any car that’s remotely stylish. The dream of owning something that’s out-of-this-world fun is replaced by something much more down-to-earth. Adjectives such as “sporty” and “dynamic” are replaced with “comfortable” and “practical.” Thankfully, modern day moms and dads are blessed with a player out there; one that manages to blend practicality with some French flair. Meet the Peugeot 5008—a sexy MPV that’s also quite sensible. The Peugeot 5008 looks nothing like a typical MPV. In fact, the styling is more wagon than family hauler. Upfront, it has the modern Peugeot family face with the triangular headlights, split grille work, and the large lion emblem set upon a shield-like opening. The 5008 equally impresses in the detailing as well. It uses subtle curves, creating a delicate play of light, especially in the front quarter. At the side, the 5008’s wheelbase has been clearly stretched out, endowing it with a 2,727mm wheelbase despite the compact 4,530mm overall length. The nice detail work continues with the rising chrome beltline, front fender flare, and the parallel front-back crease line. Even the wheels, fitted with Michelin Primacy HP 215/50R-17 tires look perfect. The rear is perhaps the only view on the 5008 that looks like an MPV. And yet, there’re still some things left to talk about such as the rectangular taillights that seem to wrap around the rear fenders and the rear glass that dips to fit the Peugeot Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – Michelin has always believed that the best test bed for its tires is motorsports. For more than a century, Michelin has been committed to bring exceptional performance through tires in every racing principle it participates in from Formula One to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the World Rally Championship. Through the spirit of competition, the French tire brand has developed ‘Michelin Total Performance’, a philosophy that combines seemingly conflicting virtues into one cohesive ideology that dictates each and every tire that they produce. Through its research and development, including grueling tests on the world’s most demanding race tracks, Michelin has managed to combine exceptional grip without compromises to longevity and fuel economy. This ‘track to street’ approach is very much evident at the Michelin Pilot Sport Experience, a one-of-a-kind experience where regular people (like motoring journalists) get to experience the adrenaline rush of piloting some of the most competitive racing cars in the world all wearing various ultra-high performance tires from Michelin. Now on its ninth year, the 2014 edition of the Michelin Pilot Sport Experience sees more than 500 customers, journalists, and social media commentators from 16 countries at the legendary Sepang International F1 Circuit in Malaysia. Under the careful watch of professional instructors and renowned race car drivers, everyone got to try various racing disciplines in one unforgettable afternoon. This year, the line-up of cars included: a Citroen C2 rally car, a race-prepped Toyota 86, a Renault Clio Cup Car, and finally, a Read More …

Staying outdoors exposes our bodies to the harmful elements, and the same holds true even within the protective shell of a vehicle. Vulnerable parts of our physique such as our skin, hair, and eyes may remain exposed to harsh sunlight, wind, and pollution; and although we may not immediately feel its ill effects, these stresses pose cumulative damage to our bodies over time. Having said that, I would like to touch a subject that is seldom discussed when it comes to driving and commuting—hair damage. As vain as it may sound, it is a reality that for many people, further hair quality deterioration results as collateral damage from the daily commute. Of course some situations are more damaging than others—such as, say, driving your car with the top down; being part of the top-load of a jeepney (a regular occurrence in the provinces); hanging out at the upper level of an open-top tourist bus; or even just driving with only a glass moonroof over your head. But simple daily bad habits are already enough to pose collective damage to your hair…and so I decided to go get us some expert hair advice from a long-time top stylist and friend, Chastine Fitcher Isidro. Chastine has had a lengthy and remarkable career in hairstyling—he has gathered acclaim and highly specialized knowledge with regards to hair after pursuing studies in the United Kingdom. He studied in institutions such as the Toni&Guy Academy (UK), the Alan D Education Academy, and the Mahogany Hair Dressing Read More …