AVT "Trade-In" promo at 2012 PIMS




Trade in your old, working or non-working navigation devices and get a brand new AVT Navigator for as low as P3,500 at the 2012 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), to be held from August 16-19, 2012, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

While many smartphones and tablets now offer mapping and navigation services, these usually require an internet connection (whether Wi-Fi or broadband) and can drain your device's battery quickly. Thus, for car buffs who enjoy being on the road, a portable navigation device is still a must-have gadget.

And to make it easier to own a brand new AVT Navigator, 2012 PIMS visitors may trade in old units to avail of hefty discounts on AVT PN models, some going for more than 50% off. In fact, the most affordable model will be priced at P3,500.

For those interested in additional security, the AVT iSTAR portable tracking device will be offered at a very affordable P6,000. This comes with a free android app, while iPhone/iPad owners can view vehicle tracking on a mobile site.

Rounding out the exclusive promotional offers is the 30% discount being given for customized vehicle multi-media systems for various car brands/models. The AVT multimedia head units include navigation, a tv tuner, and other features. Custom head units are available for the Honda CRV and Civic; Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Tucson; Subaru Forester and Legacy; Toyota Camry and Prado; and others. 

All purchases are eligible for 0-interest installment payments using any major credit card.

AVT (which stands for Audio-Video Technology) specializes in premium audio-visual entertainment systems for mobile applications.  In addition to navigation systems, the company also carries a range of mobile tracking devices for vehicle and personal security.  AVT offers a wide range of in-car mobile electronics, including display monitors, DVD players, digital and analog terrestrial receivers, sound processor/high-power amplifiers, specialist speakers, and AV controllers and accessories to suit all types of in-vehicle installations.  Aside from consumer products that retail in car dealer accessories shops, AVT is also an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many of the country’s leading car brands.   iNAV is a subsidiary company dedicated to providing mapping support exclusively for AVT navigation devices.  

Generika accredited as BPI Family franchise brand


Generika Drugstore was chosen as a BPI Family Ka-Negosyo Accredited Franchise Brand for 2012-2013, in simple ceremonies held last 24 July 2012, at the Bayanihan Center in Mandaluyong City.

This accreditation is part of the Ka-Negosyo Best List program of BPI Family Savings Bank, which chooses and supports the franchise brands that have excellent growth potential. According to BPI Family Ka-Negosyo, it "grants the seal of approval to franchise brands that observe superior financial soundness, strong technical and marketing support for its franchisees, and transparency in business practice."

The Ka-Negosyo plaque, received by Generika Drugstore president Teodoro L. Ferrer, is a recommendation from BPI Family Savings Bank  that Generika Drugstore is deemed worthy to be included in the bank's guide to the best recommended, most established, profitable and franchisee-friendly brands in the country.

With this endorsement, entrepreneurs who are interested in opening a Generika Drugstore franchise can easily avail of the bank's Ka-Negosyo Franchising Loan to help them get started and to keep the business growing. As an accredited franchise partner, Generika Drugstore franchisees enjoys exclusive privileges such as no-collateral franchising loan, short processing time. and preferential exposure for bank marketing initiatives.

During the upcoming Franchise Asia Philippines 2012 held at the SMX Convention Center last July 25-29, 2012, Generika Drugstore, the 2011 Most Promising Filipino Franchise awardee, offered Filipino entrepreneurs the opportunity to invest on a proven business model that guarantees excellent returns.

With franchising as its main growth strategy, Generika Drugstore aims to establish a total of 400 outlets nationwide by early next year with a significant presence in the Visayas and Mindanao. This is in line with its vision to become the leading drugstore chain in the country.

Franchisees who sign up with Generika will have the assurance of an award-winning business model recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Franchising Association (PFA) when it was named the Most Promising Filipino Franchise in 2011. The award was based on a set of carefully criteria, including the franchise concept, sales and marketing, franchise operating system, corporate social responsibility, ethical practices and reputation, growth and financial performance, and profitability.

Those who are interested in becoming part of the Generika family may visit www.generika.com.ph, or call the dedicated franchising desk at 828-1818 loc 106 for more information. 

Expanded Petron Lakbay Alalay takes on environmental and health projects


In line with Petron Corporation's mission to be the leading provider of total customer solutions in the energy sector, the company is expanding its trademark Lakbay Alalay program into a full-blown, year-round campaign.

Now billed as Lakbay Alalay, Kasama Mo Sa Biyahe, the expanded program includes a slate of activities reaching far beyond the traditional motorist assistance services. Through this program, Petron hopes to strengthen the bond of companionship and unity with Filipinos everywhere, in all aspects of their daily lives.

Petron Lakbay Alalay Biyahe Para Sa Kalikasan. Gassing up at a Petron station gives you the privilege of having a tree planted in your name.  Under the Petron Lakbay Alalay Para Sa Kalikasan, motorists who fuel up at any Petron station can join the "Stick it Free, Plant-a-tree" activity, wherein you can avail of a single sticker, equivalent to one tree seedling named after you during Petron's tree-planting activities. In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Army, volunteers from Petron and other groups joined together to plant trees in Cebu, Davao and Metro Manila.  Some of the tree seedlings planted were hardwood (molave and narra) and fruit trees (langka and mango). In Cebu, 3,000 trees were planted last 01 June 2012 at Barangay Busay, Cebu City. This was followed on 02 June 2012 at the Davao International Airport, where 700 seedlings were planted. Finally, at the Kaliwa Watershed Forest Reserve in Sto. Niño, Tanay, Rizal, two thousand seedlings were planted last 22 June 2012.

Petron Lakbay Alalay Para Sa Kalusugan. Petron also hosted a fun run last 17 June 2012, as part of its health-oriented activities, with 1,812  running enthusiasts competing in the 3k, 5k and 10k categories.  Winners in the 3k category were Vernon Jude and Perlita Ruben, who each took home P5,000 Petron e-Fuel Card; in the 5k category, Richard Solano and Cindy Lorenzo were each awarded P7,000 Petron eFuel Card; while Willy Rotich and Jackine Nzivo earned P10,000 Petron e-Fuel Card for winning the 10k category.  All winners also received P3,000 Suriya Spa gift certificates, and gift packs from Magnolia Ice Cream and San Miguel Properties.

The Petron Lakbay Alalay Fun Run was held for the benefit of the Tulong Aral ng Petron project, a long-term and strategic initiative that helps send poor children to school. Tulong Aral scholars are enrolled from Grades 1 to 6 in partner schools in the National Capitol Region (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Manila, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Parañaque, Taguig, Pateros, Pasig and Las Piñas) and in the Mindanao region (Davao, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Iligan, Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga). 

Partners in the Petron Lakbay Alalay Fun Run included ROX, Travel Club, Chris Sports, Magnolia Water, Zen Health, Business Mirror, Net 25, TxtFire, San Mig Coffee Pro Health, Magnolia Ice Cream, Fitness First, Multi-Sport Magazine, Hungry Juan, Smokey's, Dole, Wi-Tribe, Bank of Commerce, Pinoy Fitness, Suriya Spa, San Mig Strong Ice, San Miguel Properties, and San Miguel Purefoods.


Safe T Ryders Goes to Tayuman


Alberto Suansing surrounded by participants of 4th Club Meet Up at the Rasak Covered Gym, Tayuman, Manila
Alberto Suansing, the former LTO Chief and now Secretary General of Phil Global Road Safety Partnership, hosted the 4th Bikers Club Meet Up held last June 30 at the Rasak Covered Gym in Tayuman, Manila.  Several motorcycle clubs from Tondo, Kalookan, Navotas, Malabon, Makati and Valenzuela responded to Mr. Suansing’s invitation and spent the whole afternoon exchanging views on the current affairs of motorcycle riding.

“Motorcycles are designed for two passengers.  With affordable monthly payment, many couples find the motorcycle as an economical alternative to using crowded public transport,” said Suansing on the topic of tandem riding.

When asked comment on the ban on “open pipes” Suansing says, “As LTO Chief I issued memorandum order banning loud and noisy exhaust pipes, as they are nuisance to the community and residents where motorcycle riders pass.”

Members of Underbone Fury Riders (Malabon), Burlington Riders (Makati), Brad Riders (Kalookan), Bagwis Riders (Tondo), Bright Lights (Valenzuela) and NMPC (Navotas) gamely exchanged comments and shared their insights on other topics like backriding of children, checkpoints and arguing with traffic enforcers.

The number of motorcycle users is growing in double digits.   Consequently, the cases of road crashes involving motorcycles are also growing in double digits.  While we are alarmed by everyday accounts of bloody bike crashes, little is being done to mitigate them. 

Safe-T-Ryders is conducting a series of Bikers Club Meet-Ups to promote greater awareness among public in general, and motorcycle riders in particular.  The goal is to engage organized bikers to take active part in the promotion of road safety and reduction of road mishaps.
A motorcycle rider walking along a straight line to test the effect of simulated alcohol intoxication, under the guidance of instructor Sul Guiabel of Safe T Ryders.






















Sul Guiabel, instructor from Safe T Ryders conducted a short discussion on the effects of alcohol when riding.  This was followed by a lively demonstration of mild and strong intoxication using the “Fatal Vision” goggles.  Club members took turns trying out the goggles and doing several exercises to test their ability to carry out simple tasks like walking along a straight line and catching a ball.

The goggles simulate the loss of eye-and-muscle coordination due to  high BAC (blood alcohol concentration) to emphasize the very damaging effects of riding under the influence of alcohol, and its severe consequences resulting in serious injuries and even death.  With the growing number of road crashes resulting from riding under the influence of alcohol, Safe-T-Ryders is mounting a campaign against riding motorbikes after taking alcohol.

According to Safe T Ryders founder Arnel Doria who was the head of marketing for a leading car brand, "The Club Meet-Up program is part of our advocacy to engage bikers club members in the active campaign to multiply the number of responsible and disciplined bikers.  This will be a continuing program for Safe-T-Ryders Training Center and we invite corporate partners to join us in this road safety advocacy."

Club Meet Up is regularly supported by Gadgets Magazine, PGRSP and Independent Realty Corporation, together with the official media partners: Motoring Today (Solar Sports), Stoplight TV, Auto Review (PTV4) and Inside Motoring (DZRJ).  The Manila leg is sponsored by Prestone brake fluid which gave away one bottle each to the participants, and the Manila City government of Mayor Alfredo Lim. 

Safe-T-Ryders Training Center believes that a sound knowledge base as well as strong riding skills result in safer road users and enhance the enjoyment of motorcycle riders. The training center is manned by Julius Ballesteros, a TESDA-certified instructor who has just completed a two-year stint as a safety driving instructor of a large Saudi Arabian company, and Sulfikar Guiabel, an experienced LTO-accredited riding/driving instructor.

The Club Meet-Up is open to bike club members as well as individual riders. Attendance is free of charge to qualified participants.   For interested parties and/or riders clubs who would like to host the meet up, please contact Safe T Ryders (Tel No. 208-8035 / Mobile: 0932-872-3389).  Check for updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/safetryders). 
Brad Riders Club officers and members of Kalookan City