AS I write this, there was a deadlock between Nlex and Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian on the lifting or not of Nlex-owned RFID barriers installed at the Ilocandia-bound expressway.
Gatchalian had earlier suspended Nlex’s RFID operations as a remedy to the kilometric-long traffic woes plaguing Valenzuela City for weeks caused mainly by technology glitches at the toll booths.
The no-nonsense mayor said the granting of Nlex’s business permit to operate toll plazas in his city was but a privilege and it could be revoked anytime on grounds of poor service affecting the public.
In their face-to-face meeting on December 14, Luigi Bautista, the Nlex president, told Gatchalian that safety is their reason to return the RFID barriers being raised at all times “as unauthorized vehicles without lights are able to go through the toll plazas…We cannot assure the safety of motorists.”
Bautista added that free passage for motorists may be granted during “rush hours only.”
In her Inquirer story, Meg Adonis quoted Gatchalian as telling Bautista: “So is safety not a problem during rush hours? You only like it when it’s convenient for you, but you don’t like it when it’s convenient for motorists.”
Really, the mayor doesn’t mince words.
Gatchalian also informed Bautista about reports that Easytrip accounts were charged after the Valenzuela government declared a “toll holiday” (no toll payments) starting December 7.
Some motorists complained that their accounts were also charged even though they did not pass through toll plazas while the “toll holiday” was on.
NLEX has promised to solve the RFID glitches by January 30, 2021.
That long?
BMW R18 launch
THE digital launch on December 12 of the BMW R18 was a smashing success for its being very imaginative, innovative and well thought-out in terms of content, form and awareness in the two-wheel segment.
Kudos to Spencer “ASY” Yu, the energetic president of SMC-BMW Philippines. His singular move to have Miss World 2019 Michelle Dee and San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua as models for the big bike bash put a superb dash of fresh breeze to an occasion that is usually bathed in run-of-the-mill drudgery.
I liked it, loved it, when Michelle and my Tocayo Al each drove the R18 on real roads of the metropolis, their dramatic ride giving the presentation a huge lift in terms of breathing life into an iconic brand having its first fling with graphic glory. And did Tocayo Al, so smitten by the 1800-cc cruiser, really buy one right after the ride?
Oh, well, at P1.9 M, that’s a steal, Tocayo! Cheers!
By the way, here’s ASY’s closing remarks to the glitzy show, hatched with big help from Gil Balderas, Thea Geronimo, Nico Ylanan and Winda Payade.
“You have just witnessed the Philippine reveal of the all-new BMW R18.
“This is definitely the highlight of our 2020.
“The all-new BMW R18 marks BMW Motorrad’s return to the cruiser segment.
“Backed by almost 100 years of motorcycle heritage, and technology, the all-new BMW R18 is set to forge “a new path.
“This amazing motorcycle captures the beautiful details of BMW’s Heritage bikes from decades ago, and seamlessly combines them with the advantages of modern technology.
“From our largest ever 1,800cc boxer engine, the exposed drive shaft and classic lines that harken back to the 1936 BMW R5, and the simple instrumentation and suite of riding technologies, the all-new BMW R18 is a cruiser that pays tribute to its predecessors while ensuring it stays true to the values of BMW Motorrad.
“This perfect blend of style, comfort, and safety is set to not just capture the hearts of purists, but also tug at the heart strings of those looking for a thoroughly modern cruiser.
“This BMW R18 is what everybody will expect from a BMW motorcycle. A perfectly engineered machine with design as its leading factor.
“The all-new BMW R18 further strengthens our product presence in the Philippine market. It ensures that we have the most comprehensive motorcycle offerings in the premium segment.
“Despite these challenging times, BMW remains dedicated to providing new and exciting riding and ownership experiences.
“It is thanks to our loyal BMW customers and fans that we have remained dedicated to bringing in the latest models to Philippine shores.
“With that, I’d like to personally thank each of you for joining us, and we look forward to seeing you at any of one of our dealerships nationwide.
“Please stay safe and healthy, and remember to always ‘Make Life a Ride.’”
Raffles galore
PETRON is raffling off 50-percent discount sales today (December 18) for a minimum of 1-liter purchase at any station nationwide from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To be raffled off December 19 is a Nintendo switch game, December 20 GoPro Hero 8 Action Camera, Dec. 21 Mountain Bike, Dec. 22 100 PVC points, December 23 Apple Ipad, December 24 GC P12K worth of groceries, December 25 one year of free fuel (P88K).
Draw is on December 28.
This promotion is exclusively for both Petron Value Card (PVC) and Super Driver Card (SDC) holders that can be bought for P50 each at any Petron station.
PEE STOP Happy birthday to Abel Manliclic, a fellow Pilgrim to the Holy Land last year, whose Tiong Baruh restaurants near MOA and at Commons Pasig serve one of the best Hainanese chickens in the land. Cheers! Hic!