Editor’s Blog

Having been doing a string of successful driving events for their new cars, Mitsubishi once again invited a select group of the motoring media to a driving event for their new 4×2 Montero Sport. Dubbed “The Montero Sport Challenge”, the event was patterned after popular reality show “The Amazing Race”, with a different twist, as we had to arrive at our checkpoints at exactly the given time (no more, no less).

A total of eight teams composed of 3-4 members took part in the challenge. We were briefed the night before over dinner at Kabisera ni Dencio’s restaurant at the Bonifacio High Street where we were introduced to our teammates and drew our team numbers which determined departure times. I was assigned to draw our number and got Team number 1 which departs at 8am.

Our team of four was composed of Dino Directo from the Manila Standard, Lester Dizon from the Philippine Star, Al Mendoza from the Business Mirror and yours truly. As you can see, Dino tried to sabotage everyone else by taking the food with him.

We assembled at Mitsubishi Motors Balintawak before 8am to take our green Montero Sport to our first checkpoint, which was to arrive at Shell NLEX at exactly 20 minutes. Where we were given our next challenge to buy grocery items at the convenience store with the exact total amount of 1000 pesos which will serve as our snacks for the challenge.

Next stop was Mitsubishi Pampanga where we had to perform our physical challenge. We got challenge #3 which was to mount the correct four wheels from the eight choices onto a car. We finished the 20-minute task in a breezy 4 minutes.

The next task was to get to Everybody’s Cafe which we didn’t reach in time because we got caught in traffic due to a funeral. It was a pseudo Fear Factor challenge as we had to finish two exotic Kapampangan dishes along with a sumptuous lunch. Betute (stuffed frog) and Camaru (fried cricket adobo) were the two dishes.

The last task for the day was to get to Holiday Inn Clark where we arrived in just about the exact time. We then checked in to our villas to while the time away until dinner. Many of us got bored and decided to do some shopping for some US surplus gear. We got hungry looking around and decided to visit the famous Sisig Queen Aling Lucing’s in Angeles.

Beer, Sisig and the new Montero Sport – what more could you ask for?

We also tested the full seating capacity of the Montero Sport as we were seven bored journalists who boarded the vehicle. The third row surprisingly had a decent amount of legroom and the adjustable headrest really made the ride comfortable. My only gripe is that the seating position is too low. But overall it was a nice ride.

We finished off the day with a Brazilian BBQ dinner and drinks at the Rodizio Grill in the top floor of the Holiday Inn. The points standings of the teams were also given and our team ended being tied for third place. Most signed off to an early night for the surprise challenge the next day.

The mystery challenge which we all thought to be a physical challenge turned out to be flying on Ultralite Planes at the Angeles City Flying Club in Magalang, Pampanga. The challenge was to drop flourbombs on a target with corresponding points which decided the winners of the competition. After all the teams completed their bombing raids, we were all given a chance to ride on the Ultralites.

At the end of the event, our team managed to stay in third place giving each of us 5000 pesos in Rustan’s Gift Certificates as our prizes. Not a bad deal for a fun experience.

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