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Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) held its fifth Media Roadtrek last May 21-23, 2009 throughout western Negros Island. Through visiting various locations around the country and getting closer nature’s wonders, the annual event aims to promote environmental awareness, local tourism, and sustainable mobility. Since its first run in 2005, the Roadtrek has seen various regions across the country including Panay Island, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dumaguete, Rizal, and Palawan.

The Toyota Roadtrek’s fifth run this year included 24 media participants who experienced a comprehensive test drive of the locally-produced and Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Innova and Vios.

Media attendees represented major print and broadcast outfits including Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Times, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard-Today, FHM, TopGear, C! Magazine, Motoring Today, Auto Extreme, Auto Review, Stoplight TV, and Magic 89.9. Participants were divided into 6 groups with 4 members and 1 vehicle each. The Vios and Innova traversed roughly 500 kilometers from Sipalay in Negros Occidental to Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental.

Toyota’s Bacolod dealership, represented by its Assistant General Manager Mr. Roque Jarillo, welcomed the participants, “Holding the Roadtrek in Negros Island is very befitting of this year’s Environmental Theme. Bacolod is famous for its eco-treasures as recognized with our hall-of-fame award as the country’s cleanest, greenest and most livable city. The Vios and Innova will prove worthy companions as you enjoy the extensive road network matched with the greatest view of the South China Sea and the famous Mt. Kanlaon.”

From there on, activities took place in the diverse areas of Negros including the up-hill winding roads of DS Benedicto, Sugarcane-hauling and Crab-catching challenges in Kabankalan, the hilly rough roads of Cauayan and Balanan Lake in Siaton, and the city traffic of Dumaguete. Driving through various road conditions and terrains, and performing environmental conservation challenges demonstrated the vehicles’ versatility, performance, toughness and fuel-efficiency. “Toyota vehicles are capable of traveling various road conditions of the Philippines, and at the same time able to cater to diverse lifestyles of customers, regardless of the province or region they come from,” reaffirmed Raymond Rodriguez, TMP’s First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations.

Efforts of teams who played their best were recognized with cash prizes during the Culminating Night. These were awarded by Toyota’s Marketing Officers, Mr. Daniel Isla, First Vice President, Mr. Raymond Rodriguez, First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations (VSO), Mr. Jing Atienza, Vice President for VSO, and Mr. Sherwin Chua-Lim, Assistant Vice President for Sales Distribution Department.

The 2nd Runners Up were Allan Madrilejos of FHM, Boom Gonzalez of Magic 89.9, Jaykee Evanglista and Dinzo Tabamo of TopGear. The 1st Runner Up was composed of Vernon Sarne of TopGear, Brian Afuang of Manila Times, Dong Magsajo and Jeff Reyes of Philippine Star. The members of the winning team who scored the most points were Butch Gamboa, Jenny Bleza, and Matt Mallari of Auto Focus and Charles Buban of Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The positive response of the participating media and their willingness to participate in the Roadtrek inspires Toyota to continue the tradition. In line with moving forward, this is only one of Toyota’s efforts to work towards sustainable mobility.

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