for motorists, by motorists drive january february 2010 · passport plus photocopies of pages...

Drive January – February 2010

FOR MOTORISTS, BY MOTORISTS

AAPlakbay introduces “Drive Tourism” by Eddie M. Nuque, AAPlakbay President

I still remember the sweet scent of suman (rice cake) dipped in batirol (hot choco) melting in my mouth. And the ladies in their healthy post-50 years dancing to strings of kundiman music offering me a swig of the coconut alcohol, lambanog, in the traditional Tagalog welcome of visitors. It was the Tagala Heritage Tour ( s p o n s o r e d b y I s u z u Philippines) through the towns of Laguna and Quezon past colonial churches, ancestral houses and local culinary delights.

In my long experience in

tourism, the tour would have been just another packaged experience if not for one difference: we drove to the attractions using our own cars and fuel, but aided with how-to-get-there junction directions. While we had stuck to a convoy, each car was free to explore provided that it arrived at the sites at the assigned time.

Compared to a seat-in-coach tour, where your group joins other groups in a coach or van, driving on our own gave my companions a little more space, without losing the excitement of a larger group when we converged at the attractions. Not the least, using our own car and fuel meant booking this tour at a lower price. Welcome to Drive Tourism, an innovative tour program of the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). A to B and in-between

AAP feels the time is ripe to venture into tourism with motorists and their families in mind. In 2008, the national auto club created AAPlakbay, Inc. in partnership with Lakbay, Inc. to launch its drive tourism program c a l l e d “ j u s t G O ! D r i v e Philippines” or simply justGO!, which you can visit at www.justgo.ph.

A first in the country, the

program targets car owners, led by AAP members, by developing travel planners and joint drive tours. But instead of driving from point A to B, the justGO! Travel Planner arranges the attractions into thematic itineraries or routes to give motorists more focused and value-for-money trips. For example, did you know there is an impressive Span ish -e ra co lon ia l watchtower in Luna, La Union that sits by the pebble beach or, nearby, an imposing centuries-old acacia tree that served as the resting and meeting place for Katipuneros? I will not go to La Union for these sites alone; but if I am going to surf there, I can drop by and check these sites for added travel experience. Likewise,

instead of driving for 11 hours straight from Manila to Pagudpud, you can break your trip into several legs to enjoy the natural heritage and historical sites in Ilocos Sur and La Union.

Northwestern Luzon

Last June, we developed a justGO! Travel Planner (check www.justgo.ph) with the Department of Tourism Region One. Regional Director Martin Valera liked the idea of creating itineraries from Manila and Baguio—we call it radial mapping—to the interesting sites in the Ilocos region or the northwestern area of Luzon. For easy driving, we grouped the attractions along a common road grid, and arranged them into three themes: heritage, adventure and beach breaks.

Each theme has suggested

itineraries and, given our predilection for weekend holidays, we threw in the number of days (one, two, three and more days) in which to follow the itineraries. You can check the justGO! Tourism Highway-Northwestern Luzon T r a v e l P l a n n e r a t

www.justgo.ph. Furthermore, download the how-to-get-there junction directions to find your way to the attractions.

Isuzu Family Day

The justGO! travel planners develop the how-to-get-there junction directions and GPS files to help motorists locate the interesting sites. However, we also organize scheduled drive tours, whereby families and friends are invited to bring their car and join our tour. The obvious benefit of joining a scheduled drive tour is the guarantee that the sites are open (imagine driving for hours to check an attraction only to find the gate is closed because the caretaker has taken a holiday). What’s more, the joint drive tour guarantees that special menus are prepared which otherwise the restaurant owner would not sell on any given day. Take the justGO! Isuzu Family Day Tour.

Currently, we have two Isuzu

Family Day Tours: the Tagala Heritage and a kayaking weekend clinic in Ternate, Cavite. I joined the first Tagala

A traditional welcome in Quezon for visitors is the “tagay” [toast]. The Gala Ancestral House demonstrates this ritual in our drive tours.

The first batch of tourists of the Isuzu Family Day Tagala Heritage Tour. Visit www.justgo.ph on how to book this tour.

continued on page 3

AAP Membership Services Update

will apply.

Other costs incurred in service and cancellation of ERS request

Call the AAP hotline 723 0808 to cancel your Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) booking if you are able to start your vehicle before the arrival of the ERS team. ERS requests that are not cancelled will be deducted against the ERS intervention entitlements. In addition, toll fees, village fees and other costs incurred during the service will be shouldered by the member.

Rates for AAP membership renewal and reinstatement

Renew your AAP membership on time to continue experiencing the worldwide benefits that only the national auto club can give. Membership renewal applies to expired membership which is within the two months grace period. After the two months grace period, the membership will lapse, hence, if you intend to apply again for AAP membership it will be considered as reinstatement of membership which means that you will be considered as a new member and will have to pay the new rates including the P300 one-

time joining fee. Starting on January 1, 2010, there

are two kinds of membership renewal rates. For active AAP members as of December 2008, old renewal rates will apply. Moreover, reinstatement of membership or lapsed membership will follow the new rates of 2009 that was announced in the Nov.-Dec. 2008 Drive newsletter. For active AAP members as of January 2009 onwards, the new rates will apply.

New and reinstated members can avail of ERS only after seven days from date of approval of membership. Otherwise, a service charge of P 600

(Members as of Dec. 2008 backwards) (Members as of Jan. 20098 onwards) Types of

Membership Renewal Reinstatement New Renewal Reinstatement

Regular 1-yr. 800 1,500 1,500 1,200 1,500

Regular 3-yrs. 2,000 3,300 3,300 3,000 3,300

Associate 1-yr. 500 1,200 1,200 900 1,200

Associate 3-yr. 1,250 2,500 2,500 2,200 2,500

Beware of fake Philippine International Driving Permits

The Philippine International

Driving Permit (PIDP) is issued only

by the Automobile Association

Philippines (AAP). A PIDP issued

elsewhere is fake and using it can get

the one holding it into serious trouble

abroad.

Do not trust persons claiming to

know a more convenient, faster and

supposedly cheaper way of getting a

PIDP. Take for example the case of

four overseas Filipino workers who

paid the staggering amount of P40,000

to someone who promised to get four

PIDPs for them. Do not be fooled by

scammers. Contact the AAP directly

when applying for a PDIP.

The PIDP application process and

releasing only takes a day at the AAP

main office in Quezon City. AAP

satellite offices in Alabang, Makati

and San Fernando, Pampanga also

accept PIDP applications and release

the PIDP for pick-up on the day after

the requirements are submitted while

PIDP applications filed at AAP

satellite offices in Cebu and Davao are

released after three to five working

days.

PIPD requirements:

1. Original and photocopy of

Philippine driver’s license valid

for at least one year

2. Two copies of your latest 2x2

color ID photo with white

background.

(While the personal appearance of

the applicant is not required to

get a PIDP, the applicant’s

representative must present an

authorization letter and any valid

ID and submit its photocopy along

with requirements no. 1 and 2.)

3. Foreign nationals in the

Philippines have to present their

passport plus photocopies of

pages showing identification and

date of last arrival. If you are a

permanent resident, present your

passport and/or Alien Certificate

Registration along with

requirements no. 1 and 2.

For more information on PIDP

applications, visit the AAP office or

apply online at www.aap.org.ph.

AAP CONTACT INFORMATION

Main Office 683 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City

1112 Philippines Hotline: (632) 723 0808

Fax: (632) 726 5878

Alabang Satellite Office Store 1-A, MotorTown 2, Alabang Town

Center, Muntinlupa City Tel: (632) 850 9831 Fax: (632) 850 6903

Cebu Satellite Office 105 CRM Bldg., Escario cor.

Molave Sts., Cebu City Tel: (6332) 232 6406 or (6332) 233 9971

Davao Satellite Office G/F Abiva Bldg., McArthur Highway,

Matina, Davao City Tel: (6382) 299.4961 or (6382) 286 2191

Makati Satellite Office C-6 Arcadia Bldg., JP Rizal Ext., Guadalupe Cembo, Makati City

Tel : (632) 882 6039 Telefax : (632) 882 5985

Pampanga Satellite Office Unit 11 Northwalk Land 2, Jose Abad

Santos Ave., San Fernando City

Tel: (6345) 436 1816

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.aap.org.ph

continued on page 3

New AAP Discount Partner

Card-carrying AAP members can now avail of discounts from this new AAP discount partner: Payless Parts and Car Care Center (FEDERAL TIRES DISTRIBUTOR) G/F PPC Tradenology Center, 1008 Quezon Ave. Paligsahan D4, QC Tel: 376-5764 Telefax: 376-5769-71 Website: www.ppcbizgroup.com Email: [email protected] Branches: Payless Libis - Blk 11 Lot 35 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Libis , Q.C. (Infront of Shopwise) Tel: 437-0265; Payless Fairview - Blk 22, Lot 6 Regalado Ave., North FV Q.C. Tel: 930-3082 35% discount on at least 2 pcs. of tire purchase plus FREE value added service as follows: FREE Lifetime Vehicle Safety Inspection Check-up. Any member whose vehicle has at least one Federal tire mounted on it is entitled to a complete preventive maintenance check-up which includes brakes, ride and handling, steering, starting and charging, aircon, belts, wipers, cooling, filters, fuel and engine management, exhaust emission, powertrain and transmission systems; FREE Tire Rotation (1 Time). An AAP member can bring his/her vehicle back to any Payless branch to avail of this privilege provided it is within one (1) year from date of purchase of 4 tires. FREE wheel mounting, balancing (exclusive of wheel weights) and alignment when 4 tires are purchased.

Visit www.aap.org.ph for a complete list of AAP discount partners.

THE AAP PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Interested parties may contact the AAP Marketing Dept. at (632) 814 0584 or email [email protected].

Free Windshield Glass

Etching Schedule

January

22 & 23 Makati Satellite Office

29 & 30 Alabang Satellite Office

February



March



April



May



June



Heritage last August and it gave me the experience for the opening paragraph of this article. I have yet to join the kayaking clinic which teaches families recreational kayaking and the actual exploration of coves, inlets or rivers in one Saturday. For details, again, check www.justgo.ph under the Isuzu Family Day section.

Check our website regularly. We expect to roll out more travel planners of other regions and organize more joint tours next year, not only for AAP members, but also for those who long to travel around in the freedom of their own car.

(AAP members enjoy special discount when booking justGO! tours. For updates, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter. Email [email protected] and indicate “subscribe” on the subject line.)

AAPlakbay introduces

“Drive Tourism” from page 1

Emergency car kit checklist

http://www.survival-supply.com

Aside from basic car repair tools, be prepared for any

emergency on the road with an emergency car kit. Here

are the contents; include them in your checklist before

you hit the road.

First aid kit You can buy a first aid kit or assemble your

own with the following supplies stored in a clean and dry container:

Sterile adhesive and roller bandages

Gauze pads

Hypoallergenic adhesive tape

Scissors, tweezers, needle, safety pins

Antiseptics

Thermometer

Petroleum jelly

Cleansing soap

Betadine and ointments

Latex gloves

Variety of non-prescription medicines Food Pack protein-rich foods such as energy bars,

ready-to-eat canned goods or fruits with long shelf life. Always bring bottled water whenever you travel.

Flashlight and matches Get a flashlight that is waterproof and bright

with flexible mounting system or stand that will enable you to do other tasks. Bring extra batteries. If you get stranded in a remote area and need to camp, matches or lighters can provide instant fire for a torch or to heat food..

Cash Keep emergency cash in your car. In case

you use the emergency cash, replace it with the same amount as soon as possible afterwards. Coins will come in handy when using payphones in case your cell phone has low signal or no battery.

Battery-operated radio When stuck on the road, stay updated on the

latest news and weather forecast through a battery-operated radio. Use the battery-operated radio instead of the car’s radio to conserve the car’s power.

Fire extinguisher Keep a small fire extinguisher in your car to

put out fire that can be caused by an overheated engine, worn out wire, fuel leaks, etc.

Map and compass The latest electronic maps or guides may not

be fully reliable during a power outage. Better carry road maps and a compass in case you need to search for refuge and possible routes in remote areas.

Ropes and tapes Ropes secure a car for towing and hold other

heavy items together. Use a rope to strap yourself and valuables to a tree or concrete post should there be flashfloods and other emergencies. Toss a roll of duct or electrical tape in your kit. It can provide temporary solution to your car’s simple glitches by binding a leaking radiator hose, patching holes, covering an exposed electrical connection, etc.

Put the emergency car kit in a convenient place such as underneath the passenger’s seat, or glove compartment. Remember to keep your supplies fresh and updated by replacing them every six months. Review and replace the contents of your emergency car kit depending on your family’s needs. It is best to be prepared for emergencies and other calamities, so plan ahead to minimize your stress and maximize your safety.

Free windshield glass etching at AAP satellite offices

Glass etching serves as a deterrent against car theft by inscribing the car’s windshield or side view mirrors with identifying marks such as the vehicle's plate number. If your vehicle gets stolen, the etching will help the police in tracing you as the owner. You will have an easier time identifying your car even if it has been repainted a different color or its license plates have been changed.

AAP Regular and Associate Individual Members are entitled to two (2) free windshield glass etchings. For more than two glass etchings, members will be charged an additional P100 each. Bring your AAP-registered car to AAP satellite offices during the schedules shown for glass etching.

For more information, visit or contact the AAP Alabang and Makati Satellite Offices.

AAP Alabang pilot project raffle winners Armado A.Tanchauco Carlos De leon Verden Mark C.De Roma Wilfredo H. Morales

mailto:[email protected]

24/7 EMERGENCY ROADSIDE SERVICE

HOTLINES:

723-0808 726-0191

0917.848.0191 0922.860.1603

When you call the Emergency Roadside Service (ERS), remember to give the operator the following information:

Your name

AAP Membership Number

Model, color and make of vehicle

The license plate number of your vehicle

Exact location where the car is stalled (landmark)

Location where the car is to be towed

Describe what you think is the problem of your vehicle Always appoint a representative to ride with the ERS team while the vehicle is being towed. If

you are able to start your vehicle before the arrival of the ERS team, please call to cancel your service booking.

Better Roads, Better Rides, Better Lives.

Report Road Hazards Immediately!

Assisting You 24/7

Landline: 414-2288 723-0625 Mobile: 0917-504 22 88 Email: [email protected]

Types of AAP Membership

Benefits and Services Regular Member Associate Member

Individual Corporate/Group

Joining Fee P300 P300 No

Annual Fee P1,200 P900 P700 each

Three-Year Fee (optional) P3,000 P2,200 No

Registered cars 2 1 10 minimum

ERS interventions per year 4 interventions or

100km tow distance whichever comes first

3 interventions or 60km tow distance

whichever comes first

2 interventions or 40km tow distance

whichever comes first

24/7 Ambulance Service * Yes Yes Yes

Free Battery Delivery * Yes Yes Yes

LTO Registration Assistance

AAP registered vehicles only



Glass Etching Service (2 free etching)



No

Car Insurance Discount (CTPL/Comprehensive)

Yes Yes Yes

Personal Accident Insurance (18 to 70 years old only)

P300,000 P200,000 P200,000

Service Vehicle to Members

Yes Yes No

Discounts from business partners

Yes Yes Yes

International Driving Permit

Yes Need to convert to

regular membership Need to convert to

regular membership

International Reciprocity Yes Need to convert to


regular membership

Competition Licenses Yes Need to convert to


regular membership

Discounts

1st immediate |family member

(Joining fee is waived)

Succeeding immediate family member

(Joining fee is waived

1st immediate family member

(Joining fee is waived)

Succeeding immediate family member

(Joining fee is waived plus 20% discount)

10% discount for 50 and more cars



Voting Rights Yes No No

* Metro Manila only

Paste member’s name and address here

Entered as third-class mail at the Cubao Post Office by the Automobile Association Philippines under Permit no. 594, March 25, 1995. Postage paid.

IT’S TIME TO RENEW YOUR VEHICLE’S REGISTRATION

If you own a vehicle with license plate number ending in 1, you should renew your vehicle registration this January. If it ends in 2, you should renew your vehicle registration this February.

The scheduled week of registration shall follow the middle number of your plate:

1, 2 & 3 : 1st week 4, 5 & 6 : 2nd week 7 & 8 : 3rd week 9 & 0 : 4th week

Keep in mind the schedules above to avoid penalties.

IT’S TIME TO RENEW YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE

If your driver’s license is expiring and you are celebrating your birthday this January or February, you should renew your license a week before the date of your birth. Penalties are now imposed on late renewals even if you do it on the same month

DON’T FORGET!

R E M I N D E R S

for motorists, by motorists drive january february 2010 · passport plus photocopies of pages...

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