Write-up by: Ronald Allan Ricardo, Director of Internal Affairs
Last August 28, 2011, Pajero Club Philippines, Inc. has successfully completed it’s third Grip the Ground fun run (GTG2011). In spite of Typhoon Nanmadol (Mina) still looming in the skies, the club still pushed through with its run at Daranak, Tanay, Rizal.
The first activity was meeting up at Shell, Marcos Highway, where some members ate breakfast while waiting for the other members to arrive. Some of the club members also had the opportunity to talk with members of the Suzuki Off-Road Club who were also meeting up at the said place. After breakfast and chit chatting, at around 9 AM, the club then proceeded to Daranak, with its convoy of generation 1, 2 and 3 pajeros presenting an awesome sight on the road.
At a certain leg of the trip, the pajeros passed through an unpaved shortcut road on a mountain. And, yes, it was raining. Despite that, our pajeros was up to the task without much of an effort as the vehicles rolled up and down that path. We even did not have to engage our 4x4s on that leg.
The club arrived at Gem’s farm (a member of PCP who hosted this fun run) at around 1030 AM. There were a few slips here and there for our pajeros since the ground on Gem’s farm was slippery due to the mud and rain. This is the part where some engaged their 4x4s for greater traction on the ground. After parking our rides and settling down from the trip, came the ever present chit chat, where members enthusiastically talked about how exciting the drive was. We also got to know more about our new members who joined the run, Alvin and OD. And of course, there is still the talk about our rides.
While talking our hearts out, our Executive Director, James Dimaguila, prepared 2 brand new grills, charcoal and an outdoor gel burner which brought amazement to some of us. Gem then started to grill his beef steak (marinated with his own mix overnight) along with some hotdogs. After that, with the rice also ready, the club then heartily ate lunch while praising how delicious Gem’s steak is.
After a stomach filling lunch, Gem then brought us to the famous Daranak caves. Feeling adventurous, the members, accompanied by a tour guide, explored the caves. It was a sight to behold inside, with some unable not to take photos inside, although it was encouraged by the guide for memorabilia. After some sweat, we finally arrived at the exit with satisfaction and joy filling our hearts.
Having a quick break and saying thank you and goodbyes to the tour guide and locals, Gem then brought us to Daranak falls. It was a magnificent sight to see the strong water flowing through the falls, partly due to the downpour of rain. Club members OE and Norman then took the opportunity to hit the water. Although dripping wet, there were smiles on OE’s and Norman’s faces as they enthusiastically say how cold and soothing the water was. Other members also took photos of the falls and chat again about anything while waiting for those who were soaking to dry up. We then headed back to Gem’s farm for some rest and more chat.
With the hours passing by so fast and us having a grand time, we then prepared dinner, grilling hotdogs, liempos and some beef steak. We then ate dinner while talking about the adventures we have just experienced and plans that we have in the future for the club.
Having our stomachs filled again, it was time to head back to the metro. On the trip back, we again passed through the shortcut, now being very dark and slippery. It was good to know that our pajeros are reliable and sturdy while traversing that path in the dark. We then arrived at Katipunan road where we had coffee, again chatting and expressing our appreciation to Gem. Then we said goodbyes to each other as we made our way to our respective homes, feeling happy, satisfied and looking forward to the next fun run.
The Grip the Ground 2011 was a success. As OE have stated, it was literally gripping the ground. Each member who participated in the run went home with joyful memories. And we all appreciated how reliable our pajeros are, going through trails where cars and other crossovers would have some difficulty passing. This is without even the slightest effort on our pajeros. We all look forward to the next fun run. To the Pajero Club Philippines, GET SOME!!!
