I have a confession to make: I’m not a tourist.  For that matter, I can actually count the places I’ve been to with just one hand.  For all of our government’s efforts to jolt tourism, I’ve never felt the urge to see the sights except on The Discovery Channel.  That is, until Isuzu came along.

With its fine and capable fleets of Crosswind, D-Max and Trooper vehicles; they’ve opened my eyes to the beauty of the Philippines.  You see, I enjoy driving and going places is just an added bonus. I once ended up at the southernmost tip of Luzon behind the wheel of a Crosswind, and I absolutely loved it.  So when Isuzu invited me to explore Bohol in the D-Max, I quickly jumped at the opportunity.

From Manila, our group landed in Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran, where six Isuzu D-Max pick-ups waited for us.  With no dealership in Bohol, the 4x4 and 4x2 units were shipped to Cebu via Sulpicio Lines (the official partner) and then to Bohol.

Though now a regular on our roads (it is after all the best-selling pick-up), the D-Max is still a looker.  The simplistic lines and angular features give it a no nonsense on-road presence, while the squared fender flares and 16-inch alloys give it muscle.  Exterior aesthetics aside, the D-Max is a modern road warrior with its tough chassis and powerful direct-injection diesel engine.  The cabin is equally impressive with great ergonomics, excellent materials and usable space.

For the first day, I rode shotgun in the lead D-Max.  As we left for Loboc, it was clear why Isuzu chose this to host its third “D-Maximum Drive”.  The rough roads, overloaded buses and ambivalent tricycles are tough challenges; but it was no match for the D-Max.

Upon our arrival, we were treated to a wonderful lunch while cruising down the Loboc River.  Animal lovers also had the chance to see the Philippine Tarsiers up close in a nearby sanctuary.

After satisfying our belly and curiosity, we headed to Bohol Tropics Resort for some water sports and a much needed rest.  That night, the mayor of Tagbilaran, Hon. Dan Neri Lim was the guest of honor.

more >>>