RP’s Land Rover team finishes 2nd in Malaysia challenge

December 17, 2010

Team Land Rover Philippines has tallied its highest finish ever in the recently concluded Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia 2010.

The father and son tandem of Larry and Hirryan Mendiola, with the support of mechanic Dennis Javier and photographer Igor Maminta, scored a total of 2109 points to finish 2nd overall in the RFC competition held in Johor Baru.

They are 239 points shy of tying overall champion Sarawak of host Malaysia, which was among the 34 nations that competed with the Philippines.

“It shows that we’re among the best in the world already, extreme supremacy na,” said an elated Marc Soong, executive director of Land Rover Philippines Motors, Inc.

Soong accompanied Team Philippines to the 2010 edition of the Rainforest Challenge that ran from December 4 to 13. From Johor Baru, the competition led 35 teams through Segamat, Labis, Kelaung, Jemaluang and back to Johor Baru.

By day 4 in Camp 2 at Labis Forest Reserve, only 20 teams were left including Team Land Rover Philippines.

The second place finish is Team Philippines’ highest achievement since joining Rainforest competitions.

In 2005, the Philippine team wound up in 5th place. In 2006, it took 6th overall. Three years later, the team slid down to 8th place before nailing their best outing in 2010.

Unmodified car

Team Philippines utilized a Defender 90 stock model of Land Rover.

Soong took pride of the fact that his team was able to get a very high placing in the competition despite using an unmodified car.

“Kami iyong hindi pinaka-modified ang car. ‘Yong iba, makina ng Toyota, makina ng Roadster then they put it into a Land Cruiser chassis… Kami lang ‘yong almost 100 percent na stock car,” he said.

Through the shrewd maneuvering of Larry and Hirryan, the Defender 90 was able to go through 25 stages in the 10-day event.

Soong cited that there were cases wherein the cars used by other teams broke down midway in the event because of the anxiousness of their drivers.

This was not the case with Larry and his son.

“The trick is having to preserve your car. Minsan may mga nanggigigil. First stage, first try, nasisira na ‘yong kotse, said Soong.

Father and son team

Soong attributed the success to the father and son team.

He said the familiarity between Larry and his son, who are Angeles, Pampanga natives, has played a great role in their team’s victory.

“It’s nice to see the father and son team because the local dialect comes into play. Nagkakatinginan pa lang nagkakaintidihan na agad sila,” Soong said.

Larry is a veteran of 6 Rainforest Challenges and this is the first time he has teamed up with his son in the international level.

“Nagkakaintindihan kami. Pag sinabi kong ganito ang gagawin, ganito ang gagawin niya. Team work naman kami at ginagawa naman niya ang best niya para manalo,” said the 44-year-old Larry.

For the 22-year-old Hirryan, participating in such a tournament does not only require driving skills but physical stamina as well.

“Talagang ‘yong stamina natin pinagtatrabahauhan. Kelangang malakas ang resistance,” he said.

Soong cited an event stage where Hirryan’s physical strength was tested.

“I was scared nga for Hirryan. He’s a small guy,” said Soong. “There was a stage where a water pit was involved. You have to get two logs and you drive over the logs to get over the water. Hindi niya mabuhat ang logs. What he did is he jumped into the neck-high water then lifted the log from there.”

Soong said he hopes the team’s placing is a step towards eventually getting the overall championship.

“I have always said—unlike other motorsports, off-roading is a sport in which the Filipino can dominate.”

Source: http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=13637

Although wines are widely available in most Asian countries, especially in Hong Kong which has eliminated import tariff on wines altogether, the availability of fine vintage wines is still very scarce.  Most wine merchants offer big names, young vintages and cheaper wines for everyday consumption.  Wine lovers and connoisseurs looking for something special often travel to Clark Pampanga Philippines to do their shopping at this Wine Shop in Manila.

At Yats Wine Cellars we believe that a little bit of knowledge in wine goes a long way to developing expectations in the wines we choose to buy or drink.  Without expectation, it is difficult to really enjoy wine to its fullest.  With this in mind, efforts are made by Yats Wine Cellars to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for our clients to learn more about wine.

Birthday wine gifts is one of the most popular birthday gifts to give someone living in the Philippines.  Fine Vintage wine from Yats Wine Cellars is a sure winner and it does not have to cost a great deal to send someone a bottle in Philippines

To avail of wine catering service of Yats Wine Cellars, just contact this wine supplier in Manila or Angeles Clark Philippines for a meeting to design a theme for the event.  The venue for a wine event can be in the privacy of a home, the convenience of an office in Manila for example or in a clubhouse of a subdivision.   Wine glasses and accessories necessary for wine service are included in the wine catering service.  Moreover, interesting wine notes accompany the wine to help participants enjoy the event even more by learning a little bit about wine while enjoying the party.  A wine steward will be present to serve the wine.

There is also an exciting collection of white wine from Burgundy at this wine shop in Clark Pampanga such as Meursault, Chablis, Chassagne Montrachet, Puligny Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne and St. Aubin.  Red wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhone are also available with a good depth of back vintages too.  Visitors buy wine in Manila and Pampanga should not miss stopping at this wine shop for a few bottles of fine vintage wines to bring home.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila

Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple:  after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave.  From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City.  From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Clark Wine Center

Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building

Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,

Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023

0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars

Manila Sales Office

3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,

Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605

(632) 637-5019   0917-520-4393  ask for Rea or Chay

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.