A stop-and-go scheme that started on October 6 at the Nichols Toll Plaza to ease traffic in the skyway-laden area is on its impeccably seamless operation to the delight of motorists regularly traversing the iconic Pasay arteries there.
The new system, in force from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at C-5 grade level and the Skyway from Magallanes to Bicutan, will last up to November 15. As you might have already realized, the arrangement was forged under the initiative of SMC Tollways, the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) infrastructure unit in-charge of closely working with the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) on infrastructure projects.
“We have offered assistance to MPTC to make sure the project gets delivered on time to minimize inconvenience and provide the full benefits of C-5 South Link to our motorists in the soonest possible time,” said SMC President and COO Ramon S. Ang.
The Cavite Infrastructure Corp., a subsidiary of MPTC, is the concession-holder for the 7.7-kilometers six-lane C-5 South Link Expressway that will connect C-5 to the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex).
Even before the Cavitex could start work on girders that will cross the at-grade portion of SMC’s Skyway and Slex, SMC said it expects higher traffic buildup on its expressways servicing mostly Bicol-bound motorists.
Be that as it may, SMC said it is taking things in stride if only to throw its full support behind the government’s “Build, Build, Build” platform that is designed to link the entire islands-laden archipelago through massive construction of roads, bridges and seaports.
“We recognize and support the government’s objective to develop a more expansive network of roads of which this new construction is part of,” Ang said of the MPTC project.
As a result of this round-the-clock infra work, it is imperative for motorists to plan their travels well, with the end in view of avoiding traffic hassles during the period when the project is in progress.
Anyway, no pain no gain, right?
Tivoli club adventure
THE following is a report by Cherry Villaester, the ever reliable chief lieutenant of Dave “Big Mac” Macasadia, SsangYong’s top gun in Manila.
“SsangYong Tivoli owners recently joined a short drive to down South with their stylish crossovers for their initial meetup as a newly formed car club. SsangYong Berjaya Motors Philippines, the exclusive distributor of SsangYong vehicles and parts in the country, joined the group to show solidarity and support for its loyal customers.
“The group gathered initially at the Shell Muntinlupa station along the South Luzon Expressway. The assembly of fun and colorful Tivolis transformed the parking lot into a small funky Korean town. They then enjoyed the drive up to Tagaytay and shared a hearty Korean lunch with SBMP executives.
“At the gathering, SBMP President David Macasadia shared good news to the passionate Tivoli owners. Macasadia announced that Tivoli Club Philippines members are entitled to an exclusive offer for the newly introduced spare tire package. In addition, he revealed that SsangYong shall be adding more accredited service centers for its customers’ after-sales needs.
“In addition to our unique three-year free PMS and five-year warranty,” said Macasadia, “we are also introducing more accredited service centers affiliated with the SBMP dealer network to provide easier access to quality SsangYong service.”
“SsangYong owners are advised to coordinate with their respective dealers for PMS arrangements at the newly accredited service centers.
“Mark Castro, Tivoli Club Philippines founder, was instrumental in convening the group.
“We really wanted to meet more unique individuals who chose to ride different like us Tivoli owners,” said Mark. “I am personally eager to learn more about the car and the SsangYong brand. We reached out to SBMP to join us members in this meetup so we can share our notes and inputs on the Tivoli. We are glad that SBMP listens to us and is open to customer feedback on how to make the Tivoli ownership experience standout from the rest.”
“SBMP recently introduced new variants for its Tivoli and XLV models. With a fresh product line up for 2018, SsangYong Philippines is looking forward to the strong support not only from the Tivoli Club of the Philippines but also from customers who are looking for a fun, practical and stylish vehicles for their daily driving adventures.”
Very touching. Very educational. Very global.
PEE STOP I was so exceedingly happy and greatly relieved to learn that my dear friend Boyet Lim, the humble owner of multiple Toyota dealerships in Davao, survived a scuba accident off the waters of Davao last week. He was rescued by chopper-flown coast guards floating alone at sea after he was reported missing. I first got the scary news about Boyet gone missing from Danny “Sir John” Isla, who vibered me about it from his base in Auckland, New Zealand. Then came the viber from Vince Socco from TMAP Singapore. And then thank God came Jing Atienza’s viber that Boyet was found—ALIVE! The reports are sketchy as to how the accident happened. Initial reports say Boyet, who loves spear-fishing, dived alone—a dreadful habit as being alone underwater is a no-no bigtime. He reportedly left his “buddyguard” in his boat to go fishing alone in the depths. When he didn’t resurface at the appointed time, his buddyguard called the coast guards. Boyet buddy, Dear God still needs you to do more chores.