#FullThrottlePH 1st CARavan at Market, Market

Today was the start of the first Full Throttle Caravan at Market, Market in Bonifacio Global City.  It is a showcase of your favorite car brands that runs from August 28 to August 30.  Participating brands include:  Chevrolet, Ford, Foton, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mahindra, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota.  Sam YG and Rhian Ramos, hosts of Full Throttle, were there for the ribbon-cutting and to get the ball rolling :)

Cars: Launch of Full Throttle at House Manila

In a previous post, I uploaded a press release for the launch of the new TV show, Full Throttle, on the History Channel.   Last July 16, Thursday, that event became a milestone in our family life, especially for Patrick who had to leave Top Gear Philippines as a full-time writer to concentrate on this endeavor.  As mentioned, the launch was held at House Manila in Resorts World and it was a resounding success having many car manufacturers, advertisers and press people in attendance.

Cars: Full Throttle on the Road to History (press release)

Full Throttle on the road to History

Full Throttle is the pioneering local TV show to air on History Channel Philippines, bringing with it a fresh and vibrant take on the motoring industry both here and abroad.

“Local motoring TV programs are too formulaic and staid, with some retaining the same format they’ve had for decades,” said Rommel Dizon, the show’s program manager and one of the founders of the production company behind the show, Beyond Wheels Production. “Full Throttle promises to change all that.”

Car: Annual car registration renewal made easy with AAP

January 07, 2015

The season of spending is not yet done and often extends into the New Year especially when you have a car with a license plate ending with "1".  That's because come January you're expected to renew your vehicle's annual registration.  Well, Stanley does have a license plate ending in "1" so here we go.  The good thing is that we have an AAP (Automobile Association Philippines) membership which means we are eligible to benefit from their LTO Registration Assistance service for a minimum fee (P300).





Just a brief guide though for car owners, you can't just renew your car's registration anytime you want.  There is a proper schedule that you should follow.  You need to know the week and the month of your scheduled renewal.  The middle number of your license plate reflects the week while your last number reflects the month.  Below is a guide depending on your license plate numbers.

For example, Stanley's license numbers are "791" so that means with a middle number of "9", his corresponding week is on the 4th week.  With a last number of "1", his corresponding month is January.  That means, ideally, we have to register him on the 4th week of January.

So now that we got that out of the way, let's get on with the car registration renewal through AAP.

Step 1.  Pass a smoking emission test.  This is a a requirement.  You need to bring the result with you to the AAP.

Every year, we go to the Smog Check Smoke Emission Testing Center along Aurora Boulevard because it's accredited by the AAP.  It's behind the LTO in San Juan, just before you cross the bridge along Aurora Boulevard.   It's a very simple process, you just park your car, they test it, they take a picture of the process as proof, you pay for the procedure, receive the results and OR, and you're done.  The total cost was P480 but we only paid P430 because we got an AAP discount.

Step 2. Bring the following documents to the AAP Office in Aurora Boulevard.  They're located at 682 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City, after Broadway Centrum, before the Gilmore computer shops and Robinsons Magnolia.


• Smoke Emission Test with passing results with the original receipt of payment
• Photocopy of Certificate of Registration
• Original copy of the previous year’s LTO Registration O.R.
• Original and photocopy of TPL Insurance Certificate of Cover (alternatively, you may get these from AAP)

They have a small but comfortable office.  Dylan and I just relaxed on their couch and we were offered our choice of coffee and chocolate from their dispenser. :) Patrick just brought the documents over to one of the staff and they just processed everything.  After, they gave us a computation of the total fees which amounted to P6,014.50, including the service fee and the fees for the new license plates to be issued this year.  

Facing the Office

The Cashier

After all that, we went downstairs to where Stanley was parked for the stenciling of the engine and chassis numbers, if I'm not mistaken.  

The whole process took less than 30 minutes.  From previous experience, we also received text notices from them regarding the status of the registration with LTO.  Before (in 2014), it took about 2 weeks for the registration stickers to be available.  Now, we'll see how long it will take.  The new license plates are to be expected 2 months after, that's what they said.

I hope you find this information useful.  If you want more information about the AAP LTO Registration Assistance, please visit their site here.  If you want to know more about being a member of the AAP, click here.

Meeting the Hyundai Zombie Car at SM MOA

October 12, 2013

Sometimes, Patrick just tells us to get dressed and we do without even knowing where we're going.  That was the case today when we went to the SM Mall of Asia.

Apparently, it was because of this car - the Hyundai Tucson turned Hyundai Zombie Car which was on display at the SM MOA.

Traveling to Tarlac in the Hyundai Sante Fe

May 18-20, 2013

Last April, we had the privilege of meeting up with Uncle Bebot and his family in Tarlac.  This time, we took them up on their offer to stay a while at their home.  Patrick had another test unit to drive - this time it was the Hyundai Sante Fe so it was perfect timing for a long road trip.  Kids were comfortable at the back and enjoying the "arm rest".  They kept asking for drinks so they can use the cup holders haha  We had lunch at Zapata's in Clark (though I think it's called Iguana now).

The sky from the sunroof

When we arrived, we took some time to get settled but the kids wanted to swim immediately.  So here we are!

 When everyone got tired of swimming, it was probably evening by that time.  We had dinner with the family and then it was sleepy time! We were given our own room and the kids shared a bed.

The next day dawned bright and early and I took the opportunity to take pictures of our ride, the luxurious Hyundai Sante Fe.  The pictures look foggy because the camera was cold haha

When everyone had breakfast, we took a trip to the family's rice mill where Kuya George gave us a tour around the place.  The kids were content at the back of the Sante Fe while the adults were talking.

Naturally, when you have a pool at your disposal, you'll take advantage of it and that's what we did hahaha
Dylan kept swimming with his floatie while Dana found out that she liked to dive from the edge of the pool.

That's Dylan's version of diving ! haha

Meanwhile, Patrick and I were relishing the soothing calm of the place :)

But eventually, all vacations must end and we have to go back to reality.  It seemed like a short trip and they didn't want us to go too haha With the promise to return, we left the Tadeo abode and went on our way towards Manila.  Since it was nearing dinner time, we stopped at Victor's Barbecue and Lechon Manok which had the reputation of being the best barbecued dishes this side of the North.  It really was good! 

Even with that full dinner, the kids got hungry again and we stopped for snacks.  Now, the kids were happy they were able to use the cupholders in the Hyundai Santa Fe.  :)