Monitoring Page

Petron Lakbay Alalay, the country's longest running motorist assistance program, is once again ensuring that Filipino travelers will have a worry-free trip during the upcoming "undas" holidays from 28 October to 01 November 2011.  Through the Free Safety Checks offered at participating Petron stations in major highways, those planning road-trips during the long Halloween weekend can prepare for the trip by ensuring that their vehicles are in roadworthy condition.

The extensive Free Safety Check routine covers 38 inspection points, including: (a) TIRES—tire pressure, tire wear, and spare tire; (b) ENGINE—air filter element, fan belt, power steering belt, alternator belt, air conditioner belt, upper and lower radiator hose; (c) FLUIDS—engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, clutch fluid, gear oil, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and window washer; (d) BATTERY—battery fluid and battery terminals; (e) LIGHTS—headlights, signal lights, brake lights, hazard, fog lights, third brake light and light gauges; (f) UNDERCHASSIS—tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints, cross joints, shock absorbers and axle boots; and (g) ACCESSORIES—wiper blades, horn, basic tools, jack and early warning device. Just look for the Free Safety Check sign to avail of this service.

Free Safety Motorcycle check-ups will be offered at Petron stations in Libis, Marquinton (Marikina), Sucat, La Loma, and Makati.  There will be also be a doctor and nurse on duty at these stations to offer free medical assistance.  Free towing of Class 1 vehicles will be available at the South Luzon Expressway, while free medical assistance with an ambulance, doctor and nurse will be on call at Petron stations in NLEX Marilao, NLEX Balagtas, NLEX Lakeshore, SLEX San Pedro, Star Toll Batangas, Subic and Tagaytay.  These activities are being undertaken in partnership with Chevrolet Philippines.

Motorists who gas up at participating stations in North and South Luzon, Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao are also in for a special treat with the Free Coffee promo.  Every P500 single or accumulated receipt purchase of Petron Xtra, XCS, Blaze, Diesel Max and Turbo Diesel entitles the customer to a free SanMig Coffee sachet.  This Free Coffee promo will run from 28 October to 3 November 2011, and will be available at Petron service stations displaying the Free Coffee signages.

Now on its 25th year, Petron Lakbay Alalay is the longest-running motorist assistance program in the country.  Run by Petron employee-volunteers as part of the company’s “volunteerism in action” philosophy, the pioneering public service activity has been replicated by other automotive and oil companies.  The term Lakbay Alalay has, in fact, entered daily terminology as a generic term for various motorist assistance activities offering free mechanical help, communications support, medical services, clean restrooms and other services.  Lakbay Alalay is a registered trademark of Petron Corporation.

Quit racing on the streets as Speedlab, with Kotse.com and Gadgets Magazine, takes the high-revving action to the track. Sign up now for Speedlab's Grand EB and Trackday at the 2011 Outdoor Autofest happening onOctober 29 to 30, 2011 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS). 

The 2011 Outdoor Autofest is also host to Ridexhibit and Swapmeet, which will showcase the hottest rides, latest products, and best services all in one big event. For the latest updates, visit the official 2011 Outdoor Autofest Facebook Page.

Grand Prix Weekend

The two-day event gives speed junkies the full-on experience of a grand prix weekend forhalf the price of a regular trackday. Running on the track's short course, Saturday's whole-day open practice session allows drivers to get enough track time to hone in their skill and lets the teams adjust the car's suspension and engine set-up to squeeze out the fastest lap. Each run will consist of a 15-minute session where cars will be released on track in groups of 10. Free practice will begin promptly at 8:00 am and end by 5:00 pm. This lets everyone drive to their heart's content, so we’re all hyped up for racing on Sunday!

On race day, drivers race against the clock in timed solo runs. Competing in different classes according to time brackets, each competitor only gets three laps to put down the fastest lap time, so Saturday's practice and car set-up will surely come into play. Time to put the pedal to the metal as the quickest time in each class wins. 

Big prizes await the winners, with Dynapack Dyno GC's from Speedlab, Kooltec GC's, and Speedlab T-shirts at stake! First 15 registrants will also get Bosch SuperBright Bulbs and Bosch Platinum Fusion Spark Plugs, while all participants get a FREE pair of Kotse.com stickers.

Registration

To join, simply submit the registration form, deposit the corresponding entry fees, and e-mail the deposit slip to outdoor.autofest@gmail.com. Car clubs can avail of a special group rates for up to 15 drivers.

Download the registration form by clicking on the link:

Speedlab Grand EB and Trackday Registration Form

All participants must carry a valid driver's license, and bring with them a copy of registration form and entry fee payment. All competing vehicles must also go through technical inspection for safety and classification. 

Trackday Guidelines

Trackday Schedule

Trackday Entry Fees

Original post can be found >HERE<

Cartridge World Philippines has signed up to support the 2011-2012 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-PH). 

The global ink and toner experts, Cartridge World Philippines counts car dealers and manufacturers among its client base.  According to its chair & CEO Babylyn Decena-Newfield, an avowed car enthusiast: "We want to be part of the industry in our own little way by partnering with CAGI.  Our products and services may not be aligned with the industry, but complements the idea behind the value of approved and quality products."  

By offering remanufactured and refilled ink and laser toner cartridges, Cartridge World Philippines also believes it is reducing waste and helping protect the environment. 

Now considered the world leader in inkjet and cartridge refilling, Cartridge World started in Australia in 1997 and currently has about 1,800 branches in 53 countries.  In the Philippines, the franchise has 7 outlets—Pasay Road, Shaw Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Acropolis, Sucat,  Biñan—and one in Cebu opening very soon.

The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) is an award-giving body composed of motoring journalists.  Every year since 2004, CAGI invites automotive manufacturers and distributors to submit their new vehicle models for technical and qualitative testing.  Test results are summarized and subjected to external audit.  Awards are given in various categories, with the most prestigious award being the Car of the Year Award.

Boracay residents and tourists joined hands to form a seven-kilometer human chain along its world-renowned white sand beach to celebrate the first anniversary of the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) last 23 September 2011. BBMP is a multi-sectoral initiative for the protection, sustainability and enhancement of the island's coastal and marine resources.  

The anniversary program, led by Malay Mayor John P. Yap, was attended by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje, Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta, and Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Rico Puno.

DENR Sec. Paje noted that with proper planning and development, Boracay could further evolve to accommodate more tourists while maintaining environmental sustainability. He also lauded the initiative of Mayor Yap in leading the dynamic private-public partnership that has successfully achieved significant improvements in coastal resources management, water and waste water management, solid waste management, watershed protection, hazard prevention, local governance, and information, education and communication.

Aside from the human chain, the anniversary program also included the launch of the Adopt-a-Tree program in Boracay, which aims to plant 30,000 seedlings in the island within one year. To jumpstart it, nearly 2,000 seedlings were distributed to Boracay high school students and foresters who pledeged to plant these trees in their backyards and school grounds. This was followed by a clean-up drive to highlight Boracay's anti-smoking and anti-littering campaign.

One of BBMP's convenors, Petron Corporation, contributed to the environmental protection drive by providing free emission testing for public utility vehicles at the Petron service station. As witnessed by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Juan Miguel Cuna, Petron's Carbon Flush product demonstration resulted in a dramatic reduction in smoke emission values from 3.753 to 0.399, or an improvement of almost 90%. Key members of the champion Petron Blaze Booster team, including most valuable player Arwind Santos, were on hand to add star power to this activity and the rest of the anniversary festivities.

Malu Erni, general manager of Petron Foundation, which introduced the globally-recognized Integrated Coastal Management to the BBMP, reaffirmed their organization's commitment to provide resources and expertise for long-term sustainability.  

To encourage the youth sector to strengthen its support for BBMP, San Miguel Corporation (SMC), another staunch supporter, introduced a star-shaped mascot to embody the slogan "Sali Ako Dyan!", paving the way for the next stage of BBMP's advocacy.

Petron and SMC, in partnership with the Province of Aklan, the Municipality of Malay, and the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) launched the BBMP and the "Para Sa Boracay Ako! For Boracay I Will" advocacy in 2010 to engage the island's various stakeholders in an integrated program that would ensure the island's environmental sustainability.

Like their Facebook page here.

Generika Drugstore was named the Most Promising Filipino Franchise by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) during the 11th Franchise Excellence Awards Night held last 22 September 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Since it started franchising operations three years ago, Generika has successfully expanded nationwide with over 200 outlets offering quality generic medicines.  It plans to add at least 180 stores annually.  According to Mr. Teodoro Ferrer, president of Erikagen Inc., the company behind the Generika Drugstore trademark:  “Being recognized as the Most Promising Filipino Franchise is an affirmation of our mission to bring affordable yet quality medicines to Filipino consumers.  I believe that our strong sense of social purpose gives Generika that extra edge over competition, resulting in a successful business model.”

Earlier this year, Generika announced plans to expand its franchising operations nationwide, particularly to key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, as well as untapped areas of Luzon to augment its strong presence in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.  By joining the Generika family, budding entrepreneurs can have their own business—minus the trial and error of most start-ups—for an overall initial investment of around P1.2-million, inclusive of the P150,000 franchise fee.  This makes it an ideal venture for overseas Filipinos, retirees, and young professionals looking for a secure income stream.

Generika Drugstore outlets stand out in the generics industry as all stores are air-conditioned to preserve the therapeutic value of medicines while offering customer comfort and convenience.  Store personnel are carefully selected during recruitment and well-trained to offer value-added services such as patient counseling, free blood pressure monitoring and affordable blood sugar testing.

Community services are part and parcel of a Generika Drugstore's operation.  An excellent example was the well-atttended medical mission conducted on 24 September 2011, to celebrate its 8th anniversary.  A total of 2,841 adults and chilcren were given free medical consultations and medicines at the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Elementary School at Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

The Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA) is a joint partnership of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI), and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).  Franchise Excellence awardees are judged on a set of carefully-crafted criteria, including: the franchise concept’s franchise program, sales and marketing program, franchise operating system, corporate social responsibility, ethical pracices and reputation, growth and financial performance, and profitability.

The Most Promising Filipino Franchise awarded to Generika Drugstore is the latest recognition for this very dynamic company. In 2010, its president Teodoro Ferrer, was acclaimed as a Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award administered by SGV Foundation. In 2009, Generika was named by Entrepreneur Magazine for the Best in Franchise Support and Most Promising Franchise awards.  In 2008, Generika Drugstore was proclaimed the national winner in the drugstore chain category by the Drugstore Association of the Philippines (DSAP).  

How do you top a successful debut?  You gear up for a repeat!

On October 7, 2011 the PANA Foundation will stage the 2nd PANAF IMC Youth Congress where fresh young minds from the top universities will gather at the Irwin Theater of the Ateneo de Manila University.

On just its second year, the IMC Youth Congress packs a stage-full of the country’s young, best and brightest.  Carrying all the pop-techno-gadgetry of a digital century in their genes, the 2nd PANAF IMC Youth Congress presents Gen F! - Find, Follow, Friend, Fashion, Fun, and Facebook.

A crafty and cool event, the PANAF IMC Youth Congress features a multi-panel collection of relevant speakers of carefully chosen young achievers.  To reveal precious knowledge and insights from their own success stories, these young creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders speak in a shared language with the young.

Award-winners of international competitions, young representatives from multi-national companies, original thinkers and skilled craftsmen, speakers include media personalities, brand managers, animators, comics writers and graphic designers, to name a few.

Moderators include Tessa Prieto-Valdes, McDonald’s Margot Torres, Petron’s Charmaine Canillas, ABS-CBN’s March Ventosa and SM’s Rudy Villar.  Keynote Speaker is Tim Yap.

Join PANAF and friends as we bring the best practitioners of the trade the country has to offer on one stage in Gen F. Ticket cost is P500.00 for students and faculty.

This event is co-presented by PANA and The Philippine Star.

Major sponsors: Manila Broadcasting Company, Kickers, High Sierra. Minor sponsors are McDonald’s, Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog and Tupperware Brands Philippines.

For more information, contact Aileen Lucero at +63 2 894 0475 and 894 0013. Or email@pana.com.ph.

The New Audience

Moderator: Tessa Prieto-Valdes – Columnist/Host/Fashion Icon

Christopher “Toff” de Venecia

Tricia Gosingtian

Carlo Ople

Shawn Yao

The New Shapers

Moderator:  Charmaine Canillas – Head of Corporate Affairs, Petron

Brandie Tan and Tin Sanchez

Vic Icasas

Dave Buenviaje and Mei Marasigan-Brantzeg

The New Broadcast Media – ABS-CBN

Moderator:  Rudy Villar - AVP, SM Development

Ernie Lopez - Publishing

Cookie Bartolome – Branded Entertainment

Miguel Mercado – Digital TV

The New Shakers

Moderator: March Ventosa – Managing Director, ABS-CBN

I. Directors + Animators + Gamers

Sid Maderazo

Angelo Sta. Catalina

John Paul Peña

Events Managers/Designers + Publishers

Vernon Go

Budjette Tan

Team Manila: Mon Punzalan and Jowee Alviar

The New CSR

Moderator:  Margot Torres – VP for Marketing, McDonald’s Philippines

John Chua

Ayala Foundation: John Anthony Quesada

Ivan Henares

An arts and culture program for the youth, Vision Petron is an exhibition and competition for young and budding artists.   Themed Lakbay Pinoy —Journeys to Remember, Pathways to Rediscover, this year’s competition focused on life journeys expressed symbolically by roads, highways and byways.  

The winners of this year's Vision Petron student art competition were honored in awarding ceremonies held at the Petron Mega Plaza in Makati City last 31 August 2011.

The student art competition drew a record field of almost 2,000 submissions from student artists nationwide, the highest-ever in eleven years.   Out of almost 700 entries in the painting category, a distinguished board of judges headed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva picked the following grand prize winners:

Painting - Oil/Acrylic:  Lakbaying Walang Katapusan by Dale M. Erispe, Technological University of the Philippines Manila;  The Path of Life by Michael V. Froilan, Eulogio 'Amang' Rodriguez Institute of Science & Technology;  San Juanico Bridge: The Golden Bridge by Erick E. Salon, Kurit Bicol.

Painting - Water-Based Media:  Living on a Prayer by Karl P. Albais, Mapua Institute of Technology; Lakbay Aral by Mark Kelvin M. Benitez, Polytechnic University of the Philippines; and Dugtungan ng Lahi by Arnold D. Lalongisip, PUP Lakandayang Cultural Association. 

Almost 900 entries were received for the Photography category, with the following awarded the grand prize:  Ride Under the Rain by Kirk Gideon S. Buenconsejo, Cheers Review Center; Gareta by Gib Sam G. Salak, Adventist University of the Philippines;  Success Begins Here by Alexis G. Gapal, University of the East Caloocan; Little Help for Mom by Lydel S. Buenconsejo, University of Cebu; Blur by Marc Henrich W. Go, University of Santo Tomas; and Joyride by Eden Joy L. Cruz, Philippine Women's University Davao.

Out of close to 300 submissions for the T-Shirt Design category, the grand prize winners were:  Lakbay Pinoy! Patungo sa Pag-unlad by Emil Aldrine B. Alarcon, PUP Landayang Cultural Association;  Juan Ride by Katleen Joy F. Gonzales, Bulacan State University; and Trip to Happiness by Renz Marrione D.R. Bautista, Bulacan State University.

Grand prize winners each received a cash prize and a trophy designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva.  Their schools were also awarded desktop computers. 

Petron believes that everyone has his/her own unique perspective on things and that this uniqueness can be expressed in so many different ways. This is the inspiration behind Vision Petron — the belief that free artistic expression remains intrinsic to nation-building.  Support of the different Philippine art forms and the Filipino talents are the main thrusts of this advocacy.

The annual student art competition program of Vision Petron is open to all talented students enrolled in a regular university or college course, or in tutorial and photography classes.