They’ve had numerous challenges, adventures, and specials since the mind of man runneth not to the contrary. They’ve been to neighbouring European countries, Japan, USA, Africa, the North Pole, and Vietnam. And now… it’s time for the Philippines!

I don’t really care what they would do, but I want them to try the Jeepney and eat exotic foods. I watched the Vietnam episode and I feel that the Philippines has more to offer.

Top Gear is incomplete without challenges. I imagine a traditional “Point A to Point B” Top Gear race coupled with some classic “How Hard Can It Be?” challenges. Something like, each presenter must build/customize his own Jeepney or owner-type Jeep (with a very limited budget) and must drive it from Cavite to Ilocos without breaking down or crashing. During their journey, they will encounter (no pun intended) tons of crazy drivers, tough roads, unpredictable weather, flood, pollution, heavy traffic, etc. Also on the way, they must clock the lap times of their respective Jeepneys ’round the Subic International Raceway — driven by the Stig or by themselves.

Here’s another one, an ambitious one… travel all the way from Sagada to Boracay and each presenter must use various types of transportation except Taxicabs, Car Rentals, Airplanes and Cruise Liners.

That means they can use Carabao, Kalesa, Kuliglig, Pedicab, Traysikel, Jeepney, Bus, Train, and the compulsory Bangka or Ferry and RoRo to Boracay. There could be an optional side challenge such us each presenter can only use each once. So they have to plan their trips very well. And the hard part is, they don’t know how to commute in the Philippines. They would rely on maps, information boards, help desks, and by asking questions to townspeople.

We can also combine both concepts and let Jezza drive his Jeepney while Captain Slow and Hamster will go on their own.

A little history, the country was colonized by the Spaniards, Imperial Japan, and the Americans. Plus the diverse immigrants and traders from India, China, South East Asia, Korea, and the Middle East. The more interesting part? — the Philippines has about every pinch of tone the world has to offer. 7,107 islands, 298,170 sq km land area, 1,830 sq km waters, and 36,289 km coastline with 96,061,680 people and approximately $61.78 billion external debt; it is indeed a very colourful country.

This is my invitation… my dearest Top Gear, I know you guys are always in the look for fresh stuff and interesting spots — Jezza, Hamster, Captain Slow, and the anonymous “tame racing driver” should go to the Philippines, ASAP.

Posted by Tofu on Thu 01/01/2009 at 06:27:14 UTC+10 under Lounge, Motoring.

Post URL: http://www.zai3p.com/blog/top-gear-should-go-to-manila-asap/

Tagged: James May, Jeremy Clarkson, Manila, Philippines, Richard Hammond, The Stig, Top Gear