Sunday, August 12, 2007

PBRC HPI Plant visit 08-11-07

Photobucket Album

PBRC Honda Philippines Plant Visit Ride

First of all, I want to thank all those who have joined the PBRC ride yesterday to Honda Plant in Tanauan, Batangas. I'm very glad for those who have joined the ride for giving time. Thank you every one. RIDE SAFE everyday.

Now for some accounts on what happened yesterday.

My day yesterday started early by waking up as early as 5:30 am, even if our call time for those coming from Las Pinas and Muntinlupa is still 7:30am. I checked my Bravo for the last time in preparation for the ride. At 6am, my wife asked me if I can still accompany her to the market to buy some stocks for our sari-sari store, I agree immediately ( hehehehe, baka magbago ang isip at di ako pasamahin ). We returned by 6:45 am at home. Then...I returned to check my things again and at exactly 7am I leaved our house. The meeeting place for my group is at Alabang-Zapote flyover which is very near my house (it's just 5-10 minutes walk), so I went straight to a gasoline station and filled my tank then went around zapote to look for any store where I can load my cellphone, I almost consumed 15 minutes just looking for a store that is opened and have my cellphone loaded. I know that in a matter of minutes my cellphone will be flooded with texted messages coming from other members who will be joining the ride and as expected, after I loaded my cellphone, text messages comes in.

So...after answering some text I went straight to our waiting area (below the Alabang-Zapote flyover). I parked my Bravo where it can be easily seen by those members coming from Muntinlupa and at exactly 7:30am Jian, Ryan and Joel arrived in our meeting place. At that moment, I'm already texting Joyce who coordinates with me for those members coming from the North and I also text Major asking him how many are they in McDo, Kabihasnan.

By almost 8:30am, the merge party of North boys and South boys arrived in Alabang-Zapote flyover. After a short introduction of the members from Muntinlupa. We decided to start the ride to Batangas. At that moment, Sir Jules of Honda Philippines called me and asked how many riders are going to the plant, their plate number and if there are any back riders, we have 3 backriders (Jian backride, Nayf wife and the gf of Michael - whom I invited to join the ride but rides on a Wave 125), he also informed us that FPIP (First Philippine Industrial Plant) doesn't allow anybody wearing sandals to enter the compound; so we had a problem with our backrides since all of them are wearing sandals. Setting aside the problems of our backride we started with the ride and opted to stop in a gasoline shell along Aguinaldo Highway to have all riders fill up their tank so we won't be stop anymore going to Batangas (as what we thought).

The ride from Alabang-Zapote flyover to the gasoline station is smooth but with few traffic. After reaching Caltex, some riders have their Bravo filled up while other members went to the restroom. After a few minutes of rest we started the ride again. Traversing Aguinaldo highway, we passed Imus, Cavite with no problem but in between Imus and Dasmarinas, Cavite we encounter a minor problem; no problem with our Bravo but a traffic enforcer got irked when the group didn't stop when we were stop because of that the last 4 riders (Jian, Ryan, Michael and Me) were the one who was stop, Jian, was able to pass through, avoiding the elbow of the enforcer but Ryan was not lucky because he was hit by the elbow of the enforcer and was shaken by the blow. Fortunately, he didn't crashed and was able to gain control of his Bravo. We stop a few meters from the enforcer and confront him but he was angry that we didn't stop when he asked us to stop. That time, Major and the other riders came back to check on us after realizing that we were not on the convoy. We then told Major on what happened and he returned to the enforcer and confront him. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see the confrontation since I'm waiting for some of the members to go back. What I saw is that, the enforcer stop a pick up with red plate and inform him what happened. We, thought that it's already finished since Major led us again and continue our ride. After travelling for 15-30 minutes, we thought what happened was already finished but when we reached Salitrans, Dasmarinas, Cavite, the whole group where stop by a bunch of traffic enforcer, I thought that all motorcycle will be stopped but only our group was stopped. There, we found out that the traffice enforcer who we confronted radioed the traffice enforcers who blocked us. Major, was irked by the action and told the enforcers what happened. We were told to wait for their superior and the traffic enforcer. We waited for almost 10-15mins and when they arrived both Major and the traffic enforcer is in a not so good mood. Other traffic enforcer pacify the two but some PBRC members who was also irked by what happened started giving comments which just added flame.

Not satisfied with what's going on and knowing that we have already lost some precious minutes, I intervene and talked with the enforcer in a calm voice. After several minutes talking with him, telling him of the mistake of the group but also telling him of his mistake, he simply requested that he wanted to talk with Major so I talked with Major and asked him to have cool heads when they talked. At last, both parties end up by shaking the hands of each other. We left, Salitrans with no hard feeling and hopefully the traffic enforcer felt the same.

We continue our ride to Tanauan immediately, but it seems that we are travelling slow since our speed is only 60Kph, so I catch up with Major and informed him if we have the chance, we need to speed up our pace so we can reached FPIP on time, it's already 10:30am. After passing SM and Robinson Dasma, we speed up our pace and at this time we are now travelling 70-80Kph. In no time, we reached Tagaytay, Rotonda, we didn't stop anymore but proceed immediately to Talisay.

Reaching the rode to Talisay, almost all the members were amazed with the road (except I guess fo Major since I don't think it's his first time to pass that route). The road is a downhill twisties (sarap!!!!), even the view is amazing. For those other members who haven't gone through that rode, be sure that your break is in good condition. Steven, Nayf and Me was able to save some gasoline (hehehehe) because we turn of our engine and let the road drag us (kuripot ba? Hahahahaha). The downhill road can make your MC reached upto 80Kph but please, please, please be carefull, it's a twisty road and if your not careful you'll end up down. The road downhill almost consume more than 30 minutes I guess but you won't be frustrated cause you'll be amazed with the scenery.

Reaching the bottom of the road, we still travel an additional 1 hour to FPIP. We reached FPIP at around 12am. We immediately sign in to the guard and waited for Jun who comes from Calamba. After 5 minutes, he was able to join us. We are disappointed that we didn't met some of the members from Batangas and Laguna for some reason. I immediately texted Sir Jules and was informed that they are already waiting for us. We immediately saddle up and proceed to the plant. There, we already saw that Sir Jules and the Honda Phil. President/General Manager Mr. Izekoe is already waiting for us. We were asked to ride around while they took picture of us. We again asked to go around the second time and this time parked in front of their reception area where we got the chance to have our picture taken with their president.

After the picture taken, we were instructed to park our Bravo in the visitor parking area. There we proceed immediately to their reception area where we were met by Honda Philippines National Sales Manager, he gave us a brief view of the whole Honda Philippines plant which occupies 23 hectares (wow!!! ang laki). In the reception area we also saw the modified Honda Bravo in the "metal" (di in the flesh kasi puro bakal at plastic. hehehehe). Then we were instructed to proceed to their Welcome hall were snacks is prepared and there we were asked to introduced ourselves. We then proceed to the question and answer portion regarding Bravo, they asked us to eat the snacks while the forum is on going. I'm glad that members didn't shy away from asking question and we were satisfied with their answers. Honda Philippines president had to leave the group for another engagement in the afternoon so before he leaves we had another picture taking (dami naming picture....). The visit proceed with a film showing of Honda Philippines history and an info about engine oil (we'll discuss the engine oil in the forum or in Yahoo group).

Before the end of the visit, all members were given a Honda paper bag that contains a jacket, t-shirt, cap and a ballpen, we were all happy because the jacket cost already 650 and the t-shirt is 250, so we receive a 1000 worth of give away from honda. We then are invited to visit their shop and asked if we want to buy any other Honda apparel at discounted price. True enough, its discounted; Michael was able to buy a utility bag for only 310, knowing the SRP of the bag is 560.

At almost 3pm, we bid goodbye to Honda officials carrying with us a good and memorable experience in their plant.

To all Honda Philippines executives, thank you very much for a warm welcome and a nice experience that you have given to our group. We hope that yesterday is the start of a good relationship of our club and your company.

Honda Number 1!!!!!!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Partial profile of PBRC members

Members Profile as of August 6, 2007

jet_zoooooms is Jethro Lim or Jake to his friends. He is a 34-year old AB-History/BS Public Safety graduate and currently employed as a Police officer from Merville, Parañaque City. Presently the President of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Jake rides a red Honda Bravo motorcycle among his line of Honda motorcycles (CB750, XR200 and Dio1) and has been riding motorcycle for almost 2 years now. He preferred the Bravo over other motorcycles because according to him, the Bravo is “unique in design, unbelievably durable, exceedingly fuel efficient, and of course….it is made by Honda!”

archer22 is Norvin Cruz Tabije or Vin to his friends. Residing in Sucat, Parañaque, he is a 32-year old BSBA major in Marketing graduate of La Salle, Dasmariñas and currently running a motorcycle shop business. Presently the Vice-President of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Vin rides a green 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for almost 9 years already. When asked why he preferred the Bravo over other motorcycles, he answered, “Simple lang ang sagot ko…Konti lang kasi ang may lakas ng loob na bumili ng ganitong motor!”

coolworld is Arlan Tiu or Arlan to his friends. He is a 34-year old College graduate and currently employed as a Teacher from Longos, Bacoor, Cavite. Presently the Vice-President for External Affairs of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Arlan rides a green 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 17 years already. He describes his Bravo compared with other motorcycles as, “fits my budget and want a mc that is different from the other.”

sir_talipandaz is Whally Tan in real life. His "barkadas" usually tease him by calling him Waldo. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1978, Whally studied B.S. Architecture for 3 years at FEU and decided to shift his course after realizing that he hates LINES but loves the CURVES. He went on to graduate Marketing at FEU and currently employed as a Transcriptionist for an International Teleservices Company in Makati. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), he has been riding motorcycle for approximately 12 years already. His first motorbike was a red Honda 70cc which he said was bribe to him by his father for him to come home after he flunk his C.A.T. subject in High School and ran away to avoid the impending castigation of his parents. He said, the reason why he brought "britney", the name he calls his green Bravo, was “kasi unique, sleek yung design (specially the fairings), eye-catching talaga specially sa mga girls at tsaka syempre HONDA!!! And after using it for 2months, doon ko lalo na-appreciate ang motor ko dahil despite of all the negative feedbacks na naririnig ko tungkol sa Bravo, worth it pala talaga yung pagpili ko sa Bravo. Kasi bukod sa matipid na sa gasolina…matibay at madaling makahanap ng spare parts. In other words…USER FRIENDLY.”

majongero is Marc Ayende or Marc to his friends. He considered himself as a young-at-heart, Marc is an AB/BSE English graduate and currently employed as an Accent and Coversational English Trainer from Novaliches, Quezon City. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Zoom Riders and Novaliches Motorcycle Riders Club, Marc rides an orange 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been a cager all his life and has started riding motorcycle late last year. His Bravo is his first and only motorcycle. He compares his Bravo from other motorcycles as, “it looks really nice. It’s something different, comparing from Wave and XRM. I didn’t really care much about the specs. I knew nothing about motorcycles when I bought my bike.”

ldz_bungo is Dennis A. Hernandez or Dennis to his friends. He is a 41-year old B.S.B.A. Marketing graduate and currently self employed from Novaliches, Quezon City. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC) and Novaliches Motorcycle Riders Club, Dennis rides a black 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 25 years already. He compares his Bravo from other motorcycles as, “I chose the honda bravo 100 cc because it’s the newest honda underbone in the market. Many already have the honda xrm and the honda wave. I like the simpleness of the Bravo since it was designed to be modified by its owner based on his on personality that’s why I decided to make the honda Bravo my ride.”

Steven_Andrei is Erminildo G. Baliong Jr or Jon-jon to his friends. He is a 28-year old B.S. ComSci undergraduate and currently employed as a Data Encoder from Bago Bantay, Quezon City. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Jon rides a blue 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 8 months already. He describes his Bravo from other motorcycles as, “unique (combination of wave & xrm) cheap and yet durable unlike other motorcycle brand, easy to maintain, economical. No kick starter which I think it’s not necessary for an underbone motorcycle with a reliable electric starter like bravo.”

kulas_piro is Edlar M. Rebong, also known as Egay. At 32 years old residing in La Loma Quezon City, he is a graduate of AB Political Science and currently employed as Outbound customer service agent.. A member of Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), this bright young man rides a very gorgeous green 100cc Honda Bravo and has been riding motorcycle for 6 years already. When asked how did he came out buying his green Bravo, Egay simply said, “it was Love at First Sight.”

sir_black is Ruel Rocamora or Ruel to his friends. A 37-year old BFAD Advertising & Fine Arts graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas, Ruel is a freelance photographer-artist and currently manages a house and lot rental. He lives in Merville Subdivision Paranaque City. A member of Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), he rides a black Honda Bravo which he considers as his best friend, because according to him, everywhere he goes, his Bravo never let him down. When asked why he chose the Bravo than other motorcycle, he said “because I LOVE IT… The name HONDA speaks for itself. Stylish, Simple and Affordable. For me… Black is Beautiful.”

eddy_gordo is Wilfredo A. Estrella or Willy to his friends. A 47-year old from Project 4, Quezon City, he is a College graduate and currently a government employee. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC) and RING (Riders In the Name of God), Willy rides a black 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 4 years already. When asked for the reason why he chose the Bravo than other motorcycles, he said “to own a newer model of Honda and the thrill of modifying it.”

CrazyRazky is Charlie Razo or Charlz to his friends. A 29-year old from Cabiao, Nueva Ecija who graduated the course of Agriculture, Charlz is currently employed as a Librarian/Researcher at PRRM. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC) and PRRriders club, he rides a blue 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle, he has been riding motorcycle for almost year now. When asked why he preferred the Bravo over other motorcycles, he answered, “affordability, efficiency, endurance and a uniqueness of design are the qualities that encourages me to chose this kind of MC. And of course, most of all it’s HONDA!”

bradc73 is Ralp Del Carmen or Ralp to his friends. He is a 33-year old College graduate and currently employed as a System Analyst / Programmer from Project 8, Q.C. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Ralp rides a black 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 3 months only. According to him, he preferred his Bravo with other motorcycles, “due to its uniqueness amongst other UB (underbone) MCs, very affordable and most importantly, TIPID sa gas.”

thunder is Jason Penuliar . A 32-year old from Pasig City, he is a College graduate and currently connected with a Trading/Import company. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Jason rides a red 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for a year already. When asked why he chose the Bravo than other motorcycle, he said “its the most affordable Honda motorbike in the market.”

mikecute is Michael Apo or Mike to his friends. A 27-year old from Hulo Bliss Subdivision in Mandaluyong City, he is a College graduate and currently employed as a Technical Manager. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC) and PEREY Bikers Club of Mandaluyong City, Mike rides a silver 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 7 years already. His reason why he chose Bravo than other motorcycles is, “because bravo is cheaper than other MCs. Gusto ko din po kasi ibang motor naman kasi ung Bravo po kakaiba. E puro na lng wave and xrm makikita mo sa daan. Pero ung bravo po bukod sa iba ung style, maganda din po ung takbo at maganda din po itong i set up…mas pogi sa iba. Iba kasi pag kakaiba ung motor mo diba?”

turmoil is Glenn G. Reginaldo. This 32-year old from Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Glenn is a Computer Engineering undergrad and currently owns an Internet Cafe. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Glenn rides a silver 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 4 month only. He describes his Bravo compared with other motorcycles as, “new model of Honda, new look, not a common one you see in the streets.”

lordmalong99 is Kristoffer David Malong or Kris to his friends. He is a 16-year old High School graduate and currently employed as an Internet Cafe Administrator from Lagundi, Mexico, Pampanga. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Kris rides a green 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 2 months only. He proudly describes his Bravo compared with other motorcycles as, “Safe, Stylish, Elegant and Versatile.”

alamus is Randolph B. Avaricio or Doods to his friends. He is 36 years old from Tarlac City and currently employed as a Transmitter Technician. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), Doods got a red 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle since then. His reason in choosing Bravo over other motorcycles is because it’s “affordable.”

percival_degz is Percival de Guzman or Val to his friends. A 29-year old College undergrad from Marilao, Bulacan, Val is currently employed as a Technical Manager. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), he rides a green 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle and has been riding motorcycle for 4 months only. He describes his Bravo compared with other motorcycles as, “affordable and great for upgrades.”

lancedeluxe is Allan de Guzman or Allan to his friends. This 22-year old from Ibaan, Batangas, he is presently residing at San Juaquin, Pasig City. A Computer System Design and Programming Technology graduate, Allan is currently employed as a web developer/programmer in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. A member of the Philippine Bravo Riders Club (PBRC), he rides a red 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle, his first and only bike, and has been riding motorcycle since last year. When asked why he preferred the Bravo over other motorcycles, he answered, “because the Bravo has uniqueness among other MCs (wave, xrm, etc), has a thousand critics (I love critics, hehehe!), and most of all, it is made by Honda and AFFORDABLE...”

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