My future car better be equipped with a car gps, that’s what I think! So I can use Google Maps! Because I’m the worst with directions…

Anyway, I was checking out some inexpensive cars, and hey look, there’s Foton in the Philippines! Foton is a Chinese brand of cars. They manufacture pick-ups and sedans that don’t even go beyond the Php1million mark. Thank God for China.

Foton Blizzard 2.8L 4×2 5speed MT

Engine: 4JB1
Type: 4cyl. In-line (OHV-Diesel, Direct Injection)
Disp: 2.8L
Max Torque: 172Nm/2200rpm
Front Suspension: Independent w/ Telescopic shocks
Rear Suspension: Semi elliptic leaf spring w/ two-way telescopic shocks
Dimensions LWH: 5160 x 1690 x 1615
Gross Vehicle Weight: 2370kg
Payload: 1000
Curb Weight: 1570

Foton Blizzard 2008-2009

Classification: Pick-Up
Engine: 2.8 OHV 8V I4
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: 5-speed MT
Body Type: 4-door pick-up
Seating Capacity: 5
Airbags: none
Front Suspension: Independent, Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension: Rigid Axle, Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
Front Brakes: Vented Disc
Rear Brakes: Drum

Price: Php 625,000

Foton Midi Crossover

Changping District, Beijing–Foton Motor’s presence in the Philippine market will further expand as the local distributor of the Chinese car brand plans to launch the Midi in the second half of the year.

The Midi–which is essentially a crossover vehicle with the characteristics of an MPV and a sedan–comes in standard and lengthened versions. It is aimed at motorists who are looking for an affordable multipurpose vehicle, Foton Motor Philippines president Rommel Sytin told Manila-based journalists.

The standard version (4,288mm in length) can accommodate five passengers, while the lengthened variant (4,338mm in length) can seat seven. Both versions are 1,725mm wide and 1,768mm tall.

Foton Motor Philippines has not specified the variants that will be brought to the Philippines, but the current Midi lineup has 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter engine options.

The 1.3-liter variant produces a maximum output of 97.2hp and a torque of 108Nm, while the 1.6-liter variant registers 99.5hp and 134Nm. Foton said the Midi’s fuel consumption is 7.2 liters for every 100km.

The Midi’s basic features include sliding doors for passengers, double front airbags, ABS and EBD, and aluminum alloy wheel rims.

Foton Beiqi can be found in EDSA-Munoz.

See more of Foton Philippines cars!

My employer could take a few office decorating ideas from The Fort. Look at it, it’s so interesting! Yet at the same time, office-ish. Yes.

I took Gim there last November, and we did a lot of date-y things. Like roam around Bonifacio High Street taking pictures. Okay, I was actually the one taking pics and Gim the one doing all the posing. Tch. He said, because it was his first time, and the sun was going down, we should not waste time on me. LOL. Joke. He didn’t really say that. He just meant it, secretly, but I know everything he is thinking!!!

Good thing he is so cutesy I just let him.

The reason we actually went there was to pick up our tickets to watch Manny Pacquiao for his latest fight. Not not up close and personal. Up close and personal with THE BIG SCREEN! Hehe. We watched it at Cuneta Astrodome the following day. Thanks to Nuffnang! :)

Here are all HIS other pictures. Cutie Gim!

Guys, be careful of your laptops!

Watch this video of a laptop thief caught on CCTV at some fast-food joint in the Philippines. The victim left his laptop bag carelessly on the floor beside him and had no idea when a stranger sat near him and started pulling the bag away from the victim.

I personally know two friends who had their laptops stolen this way. And it was really devastating for both of them, good thing that their companies replaced their laptops free of charge. But what’s really sad is the years of data lost on the laptops.

So be extra careful. If at all possible, do NOT bring your laptops with you when you go out. And if you do, keep them close to you at all times. I always keep my laptop bag on my lap or on my back when I’m sitting down somewhere public. Hopefully I will never become a victim to such thievery!

The Philippine taxi rate is going up this year. The Philippine National Taxi Operators Association has long been petitioning for an adjustment in the taxi rates, and it has finally been approved by the LTFRB.

So the new flagdown rate is P40 pesos, an increase of ten pesos. And for every extra 250 meters, you pay P3 pesos (it used to be P2.50). BUT – note that this is only applicable if your taxi can issue out a receipt. If it doesn’t have a receipt printer, you should still be charged the old rate. Good news for people who can reimburse taxi expenses!

My daily taxi rate to the office is P50. P30 flagdown, and P20 for an extra 2 kilometers. Now I guess I’ll be paying about P70. :( Time to take the jeepney!

In the building where I live, you get someone to do it for you.

Coming home from work today, it was so frustrating. I realized upon reaching my condo unit that I had forgotten my keys inside! I called my roommate Christian, who always came home early to go to the gym, except he informed me he was currently out of town! (What a great roommate that makes me, huh.)

I called Jose, my other roommate, but I knew he often came home late, and alas, he said he’d be home by 8:30. It was only 6pm. Rare moment that I got to come home so early. (Normally, I finish work around 9 to 10pm.)

I didn’t want to wait around so I went and visited the admin office and asked if they could open my door. I had visions of a brawny security guard smashing down my door with his boots, or forcibly breaking open the doorknob. Something entertainingly disastrous and violent.

The secretary picked up the phone and called someone, after she heard my problem. She told me to talk to the person on the end of the line, to negotiate the cost. We haggled. Five hundred per lock was the first offer. I had two and simply could not spend that much. He relented and said five hundred for both locks. Relieved I had slashed 50% off the price, I agreed and put down the receiver. Then the secretary gave me this flat look like she thought I was a stupid, stupid tenant — then called the guy back and haggled it down to 400.

“Will he destroy my locks?” I asked sadly, thinking of how much it would cost me to replace all my locks. Waiting two hours for my roommate to arrive was starting to get a lot more attractive.

“No. We have the master lock,” she declared with a bland look on her face, like she had done this many times over. “He’ll be here in 10 minutes. Don’t fret, he has got a motorcycle.” How efficient, I thought, though a bit puzzled why they had to hire a third party. Must be a specialist.

And then a stupid bit later, miffed that they had a master key. So anybody could just come into my condo??? Although I was wont to say this publicly, as I was there asking them to break in. Wouldn’t I sound just so uppity.

The guy finally arrived, and we were escorted by security to my door. Whereupon he bent down on the floor, took out some pieces of wire and tin… and picked both my locks with ease, in under 10 minutes. Master lock, indeed. Dumbly, I handed him my money, he grinned widely and was escorted out by security.

Somehow I think I will have trouble sleeping tonight…