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Single-occupancy vehicle BAN on EDSA
The brilliant minds at the MMDA are at it again.  They have concocted another ingenious remedy to our already well managed traffic situation.  It’s called the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) traffic scheme.  The title alone will have people like Einstein in awe as they marvel this shrewd display of innovation.  Under this masterly crafted policy, motorists who traverse EDSA alone are banned from using the thoroughfare.  SIMPLE. BOLD. DARING.  Words can’t begin to describe how clever this idea is.  It’s mind boggling how no-one has ever thought of it in the past.  Then again, genius like this is a rare commodity.  
Through careful fact-based analysis, the MMDA humbly claim that we can expect a 40% reduction in traffic because 70% of motor vehicles along EDSA have single occupants.  The connection between those two numbers is beyond my meager brain’s comprehension.  How foolish of me to even try to absorb the science behind this.  The MMDA’s impeccable reputation in coming up with solutions and implementing road rules should be enough to put me well at ease.  
The said policy is scheduled to be in full swing by August 23rd where violators will be fined 1,000 pesos.  That’s a small price to pay for violating such a sensible strategy to make everyone’s lives easier.  It’s a mystery why motorists still opt to drive alone and turn a blind eye to the vast array of public transportation that’s at their disposal.  How can they resist the safety, comfort and convenience of the MRT and public buses?  It’s a crying shame that our public transportation systems aren’t being utilized enough.  There seems to be a scarcity of passengers.  Hopefully, the HOV scheme will address that too.  The HOV scheme may have also been derived under the premise that the vehicles with lone occupants don’t necessarily have to use EDSA.  Motorists are just being plain stubborn by not using the widely available, free flowing alternative routes. Or perhaps they insist on using EDSA as it is the perfect setting for a leisurely drive.  You can really stretch your car’s legs while enjoying the majestic scenery the highway has to offer.   This may also be a reason why motorists refuse to car pool, as driving along EDSA is the place to achieve a state of euphoria. There’s just no better way to start and end your work day.  
Despite how orderly our streets are, there are still skeptics out there who refuse to buy in to this bright idea.  It’s an enigma of biblical proportions how some people refuse to believe in the MMDA’s ability to implement and enforce such a policy.  Our systematic traffic and the high level of discipline exuded by motorists are true testaments to what the boys in blue are capable of achieving.  This is exactly why the MMDA had to resort to new, innovative means to enhance our almost flawless traffic situation.  Implementing existing road rules geared to promote efficiency is antiquated because there’s no point in improving on perfection.  It would be an utter waste of time for the MMDA to dwell on keeping intersections open, buses confined to yellow lanes and our roads free from obstruction, as these rules are hardly violated;  hence the need to up the ante.
Now if you’re still not sold on the idea, if you’re still not overcome with sheer joy and excitement in anticipation of this intellectual gem of a plan, then I suggest you try to mollify yourself with sarcasm.  Sarcasm should help provide some reprieve and the bonus is it’s harmless; the witty will have fun while the stupid won’t get it.  
DISCLAIMER:  There are members of the MMDA who have showcased commendable efforts in implementing existing rules and regulations.  This agency would undoubtedly make a more significant mark if they utilize their resources to target more pragmatic solutions that are already in place but need more enforcement.  It also doesn’t help that the sheer number of violators severely exceeds the enforcers.  
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They definitely don't make 'em like they used to. And these cars are FAST becoming a rarity.
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This Bimmer is secretly an M car
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GRACE, SPACE & PACE. What more could you ask for?
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A shooting incident in Binondo Manila involving a business man and security guard is currently making rounds on social media. This senseless event has left one man dead, another incarcerated, and a nation divided on whether or not the victim deserved it. Countless similar incidents of road rage have preceded this, together with endless discussions on who was right and wrong. The fact of the matter is, both parties now have to suffer irreparable consequences; so no one wins. Rage and violence are key ingredients to infinite sadness.
Keeping calm is easier said than done in certain situations. Anyone can lose their sh!t in the heat of the moment. Our thresholds may vary, but I think it is safe to say that we all have our limits. As scary as it may seem, we are all grenades just waiting for someone to pull the pin. How well that pin is fastened depends a great deal on us. No matter how petty the issue may be, things tend to escalate rather quickly when our emotions get the best of us.
There's a fine line between being assertive and aggressive. But even if that line was as clear as day, you can never guarantee a diplomatic reaction from someone you call out, even if it is done so subtly. Any reaction we deem as uncivil can trigger the devil inside us. So how do we keep that devil at bay in the battlefield known as our roads? Given how disorderly our roads and the people who use them are, it's not that surprising to see shots fired (literally and figuratively speaking) anywhere we go. Our motives for assertion may range from something as superficial as a bruised ego to something more purpose driven, such as the plight to right the wrong. But regardless of our motives, it is important to consider that the consequences remain the same.
For those of us who feel that we are doing the world a favor by publicly correcting a behavior, it might be worth considering that any vigilante has the same mindset. Any attempt to implement law and order means bypassing authorities that are entrusted to do so. Taking out your frustration on members of the public due to your frustration on the inaction of authorities, only means you're barking up the wrong tree. Whenever you openly and strongly criticize someone in authority because you feel you can do a better job, the first thing you should ask yourself is "Why isn't it me in that position?" So if you're so disappointed with authorities and insist on doing your part in implementing the law, then put on a uniform.
And if that uniform also comes with the privilege of carrying a weapon, always know that you have the upperhand if ever you're threatened by someone who is unarmed. Carrying a gun doesn't give you the right to go all gangsta and start emptying clips just because you were provoked. There's a lot you can do with a weapon to protect yourself, without having to take a life.
Being in authority to correct behaviors is a huge undertaking. But there are also a few folks out there who become confrontational simply because their egos are threatened. This is definitely the most pitiful reason to engage in conflict. Not only is it shallow, but it also tells the world how demented and insecure egoistic people are. We can only hope that one day, people like this manage to remove the stick from their a$$.
It would be remiss to think that it's easy not to go apesh!t whenever someone presses your buttons. We are all vulnerable to conflict and what makes it worse is the fact that we are emotionally driven beings. So if we use our emotions as an excuse to do things we may regret, it is crucial for us to build emotions around the consequences of such actions. The fear of being harmful should always outweigh the anger that may cause us to do so. Strong emotions also need to be built around who we want to be. There are already far too many examples of violent behavior, triggered by the most trivial conflicts. Our repulsiveness towards ever becoming such an example should linger if ever we get caught in a heated situation. But most importantly, we should know that our greatest ammunition when faced with conflict is love and compassion. If we arm ourselves with enough of this, it will undoubtedly shield us and make us stronger. Transforming someone through compassion is always more rewarding than controlling someone through fear.
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Automotive Firsts... from airconditioning to the MP3 player.
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We sometimes forget that there was a time when AMG tuned cars for other manufacturers. Back in the day, they took a stab at tuning the Mitsubishi Galant. AMG did their magic on the 4G-63 engine and managed to squeeze 170 horsepower from the motor without using any form of forced induction. Aside from the mods under the hood, other AMG touches included a subtle body kit, signature rims and real wood trim on the interior panels. There were only around 500 Galants with the AMG badge ever made; making these cars extremely rare. This is definitely NO Merc wannabe; it’s as legit as any other AMG out there.
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FOR AUDIOPHILES
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To prove that not all station wagons had to be grocery getters, Volvo released the 850R. It came with goodies such as a 2.3 liter turbo engine, traction control, re-tuned suspension and a 200 watt stereo system. This Scandinavian box had 250 horsepower and 350 newton meters of torque. It could hit the century mark in just over 6 seconds and was capable of reaching speeds in excess of 250. For more of BearingPhMotoring visit us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/bearingphmotoring/posts/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAUzE_eJR94v33boYtY74Q
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The Delta had a humble start as a stylish hatchback in 1979 and evolved into what many consider to be its pinnacle; the 1993 Integrale Evoluzione II. This version packed 215 horsepower and 310nm of torque, catapulting it to 100kph in just 5.7 seconds. During its evolution the Delta scored 46 WRC (World Rally Championship) victories and set a record by winning the constructor's championship 6 times in a row. Though the Delta's rally days are over, this hot hatch will be treasured eternally. For more of BearingPhMotoring visit us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/bearingphmotoring/posts/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAUzE_eJR94v33boYtY74Q
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Hand built by Karmann and styled by Ghia in Italy, the type 34 was the successor to the more commonly known Type 14. It was the fastest, most luxurious production car made by VW in the 60s. Also worth noting is the fact that the Type 34 is the second car to feature an electronic sun-roof. This came with a premium as the Type 34 sold for twice as much as a Beetle in some markets. As a result, fewer units were sold, making the Type 34 a lot harder to come by compared to its more popular predecessor. For more of BearingPhMotoring visit us on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/bearingphmotoring/posts/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAUzE_eJR94v33boYtY74Q
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A lot of us spend at least twenty-five percent of our time awake, traversing our roads.  We're literally brought together by a web of asphalt, spread throughout a concrete jungle, where we're forced to travel cheek by jowl to reach our individual destinations. 
Anyone with an iota of comprehension should know that the road is a shared resource.   Unfortunately, this doesn't click for some people; particularly the douches in their SUVs with rent-a-cops, forcing other motorists out of their way.  Sharing usually entails kindness, generosity and altruism.  Our roads, being something we share, should set the stage for us to showcase such traits.  Regretably, this can also be a battleground where we see fatal outcomes. 
So what determines the way we collectively behave?  Why does decency seem to be such a rare commodity on Philippine streets?  Aren't we known to be one of the friendliest nations in world?  Why then, does it sometimes feel like we're sharing our roads with a bunch of neanderthals?
How we behave on the road is emblematic of our culture.  Our behaviors are influenced by our culture, while our culture may also be shaped by our behaviors.  Quite the paradox.  As complex as this may seem, it becomes all too apparent on our roads.  Surprisingly, a lot of negative behaviors out there may actually stem from what many consider to be positive Filipino traits. 
We pride ourselves in being hospitable and adaptable.  This generally makes us patient and forgiving - yet driving in Metro Manila is like making your way through a war zone.  I hate to say it, but we may possess these traits to a fault.  Or worse, these may be traits in disguise, similar to how 'annoying' can be camouflaged as 'persistent.'
Visit any Filipino home uninvited, and be assured that your host will welcome you with open arms, while feeling an extreme sense of obligation to feed you.  Without a doubt, your host will move mountains to make you feel at home.  As Filipinos, we have an innate ability to be hospitable.  This trait dates as far back to the days of trade and barter between natives and Malays.  It most probably stems from our virtue of maintaining close ties with our friends and family, thereby making us extremely accommodating.  The fact that most of us build our homes so close to each other and live with our parents way beyond adulthood are testaments of this.  And as heartening as this may seem, this breeds a sense of misplaced dependency towards figures of authority, and a propensity to disregard the need for personal space.  Hence we're plagued with a bunch of motorists who could care less about road rules, as long as they don't get caught; grown men and women who won't bat an eyelash even if they're dashing inches away from each other.
The Philippines has also endured centuries of being colonized by different countries.  This has exposed us to different hardships and has made us extremely adaptable.  In recent years, we have been free from colonization but continue to see countless invasions in the form of typhoons and storms.  Again, we take that in stride by playing in the rain and swimming in the floods.  Adaptability usually works as an advantage, that is until it becomes a coping mechanism which hinders us from progress.  ACCEPTING change should NEVER serve as a hindrance to DRIVING change.  Sadly, we embrace adaptability so much, to the point we tend to settle for less.  At times, we even bend the rules just to cope with our challenges.  Yes, WE FIND WAYS.  Indeed, we do.  We find ways to cross highways with fences in the middle.  We find ways to use gas stations as short-cuts.  We find ways to take remedial action when vital car parts need replacement.  We find ways to squeeze through the tightest spaces, like thread going through a needle.  The list goes on and on.  There's no problem with finding solutions as long as we avoid making consequential compromises in the process.  Case in point, the Jeepney.  The fact that we continue to patronize this sub-standard machine, which has not evolved in the last five decades, is an indication that we choose to settle for less.  Our  coping mechanism may also be responsible for passiveness towards intolerable behaviors that abundantly surround us.  Adaptability has led us to collectively become subdued to abuse and immune to  imperfection.  Being patient and forgiving may be considered virtues, but like Einstein said "The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything."  This does not mean that we should lose our sh!t each time someone cuts us off.  All it means is that we should make a stand whenever the need arises.
We all long for change, but the sad truth is that the behaviors we despise actually stem from cultural traits.  What's worse is that our current tolerance for these behaviors may lead to cultural attributes we'd rather not be known for.  It would be a shame to have traits such as being late and submissive, replace being hospitable and friendly.  Filipinos have great qualities.  We just need to exude them while keeping ourselves and those around us at bay.  Let's not allow our endurance to get the best of us.  Our ultimate guiding principle should be righteousness.  Afterall, people who choose to do the right thing for  the sake of reward, and refrain from doing the wrong thing because of punitive consequences are just as unpleasant as those who choose to do the wrong thing.  Hopefully, keeping these things in mind will make our roads a better place.
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"If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot"
- Albert Einstein
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Designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, this iconic 3-door hatchback first made waves when Isuzu unveiled it in 1979. This was no surprise since Giugiaro is the same genius that brought us the VW Golf, Ferrari 250 GT and Lotus Esprit. But Isuzu had to make sure this car wasn’t ALL SHOW - NO GO, so they also reached out to Lotus to beef up its handling. To further nourish road performance, it became available with a potent 180ps, turbo-charged motor. Despite ticking all the boxes, this car faded into obscurity the moment Isuzu turned their attention to making more utilitarian, diesel fed vehicles.
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Since making its debut in 1989, the Miata has become one of the most loved and best selling sports cars ever made. With a meager 110 horsepower, it still managed to hit the sweet spot in the hearts of thousands of driving enthusiasts. Having an almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution, bundled with a perky engine and rear wheel drive, it became the epitome of driving pleasure in its purist form.
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